Talk About Body Care - Island Deodorant

Don't judge me for what I'm about to tell you, okay? I stopped wearing deodorant.

I found that I, somehow, smelled better and stayed fresher longer when I skipped it than I did when I applied it. I even tested my theory dozens of times and came to the same conclusion each time. I have no clue why this is but so many of you have been e-mailing me about a certain deodorant, wanting my thoughts on it, that I just knew I had to give it a try.

Let's face it Green Beauties, natural deodorant is tough. Finding a healthy, clean, non-toxic deodorant that does everything we want and/or need it to do is like finding a conflict-free diamond in the rough. It's really hard. It can also be frustrating, so I'm here to help make things a bit easier for you.

I've been testing out the Original Stick Deodorant with Probiotics from Island Deodorant. This deodorant is organic, cruelty-free, vegan, paraben free, alcohol-free, aluminum free, gluten free, BPA free, and free from added fragrance or color. This stick deodorant is made with Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Corn Starch, Baking Soda (naturally aluminum-free), Wild Crafted Candelilla Wax, Organic Jojoba Oil, and Shelf Stable Probiotics.

I'm super impressed with this deodorant. It's hands down the absolute best natural deodorant I have ever tried. I've tried a lot. The list is embarrassing and ridiculously long.

I've been sensitive to deodorant formulated with baking soda in the past but this one is somehow incredibly gentle. It hasn't left my underarms bumpy or irritated at all. It's smooth and feels wonderful on the skin. It has almost zero scent so it's not of those "unscented" products that still smells and you guys know how ridiculously sensitive I am. I really like the formula and how easy it is to apply and go.

Since it does have oil it can stain your clothes but a thin layer gets the job done and I haven't had any issues with yellowing or staining. I typically try to avoid deodorant with coconut oil for that reason oil but we're good to go here.

And then let's talk about the addition of probiotics. It's kind of genius. Probiotics are awesome. They're basically good bacteria that work to get rid of bad bacteria. Whether they're in your tummy or in your armpits they go to war to keep you balanced. Again, they're awesome.

I apply a swipe under each arm after my morning shower and I'm good for the entire day and night with no breakthrough stink. I said I'm impressed with this stuff above but it goes beyond impressed. I'm really pleased. It works as well as its toxic counterparts.

If you've never used natural deodorant before be aware if you give this a try you might have a detox period where you will smell awful for a bit while your body gets rid of the toxins and chemicals it has accumulated. Also, this formula is not an antiperspirant so you will still sweat. Don't be bothered by that, though, because contrary to popular opinion sweat is good. Toxins leave our bodies through sweat. If you plug your pores with chemicals that are designed to keep you dry you're not releasing toxins from your body that need to get out of your system. Wet does not mean bad. Smelly isn't great but wet is.

They offer an Original Stick Deodorant, Sensitive Stick Deodorant, and Original Cream Deodorant. As for their other offerings, they recently launched a lip balm and a few moisturizers.

The Organic Cocoa Butter Lip Balm is made with Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Wild Crafted Candelilla Wax, Organic Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. It's simple but it's beautifully formulated. It's thick and rich. It's also soothing, protective, and hydrating. It lasts a long time once it's on and feels really good. It also smells great since it's made with cocoa butter. It's got that yummy real chocolate scent and taste.

The recently launched body moisturizers are the Organic Body Lotion, Organic Body Cream, and Organic Body Butter. I was sent the Body Cream, which is made only with Unrefined Shea butter, Organic Unrefined Jojoba Oil, and Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil. It is quite heavy and a tiny bit greasy, as can be expected from the ingredients list alone, but it ends up absorbing really well and leaves skin feeling hydrated and softer than soft. It can be used for face and/or body. It can really be used for anything you want. It's been nice for my eczema, on my cuticles, under my eyes, around my mouth, and everywhere else that I struggle with dryness. A little goes a long way!

I can't recommend this deodorant enough, seriously. The entire line is great. To learn more about Island Deodorant you can check out their website by clicking here. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

(FTC: These products were sent to me for free for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated for this post. None of the links above are affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Spring Mini Reviews

I want to keep things simple today and talk about several things I've been using that I haven't talked about and would probably never give an entire post to. Some things are good but don't need a dedicated review, you know? Let's get to it!

First up is HURRAW! and their lip balm. I've purchased several of these for my Mom in the past but never tried it myself. I'm really picky when it comes to lip balm but I've really been enjoying these balms. I have both the unscented and the mint but HURRAW! makes so many different scents you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Mint is my favorite scent and this one, in particular, is a true mint scent/flavor. It's really fresh, slightly sweet, and really beautiful. The unscented has the tiniest bit of a cocoa butter vibe but has no other scent or flavor going on besides that, which is impressive.

The impossibly smooth balm is soothing, gentle, hydrating and rich. I have really sensitive lips and these have never caused any irritation. It's a glossier formula than I normally go for, as I usually prefer dry balms that look a bit matte once on, but these both look really pretty on the lips. It provides long-lasting hydration and works perfectly alone or under or on top of any lipstick. I love the safe, healthy ingredients and the fact that they're vegan, cruelty-free, raw, non-GMO, gluten-free and totally safe.

Continuing on with lip balm, I recently purchased a couple more tubes of Portland Bee Balm. In Oregon Mint and Unscented. Have you noticed I stick to what I like? Always mint and always unscented. Anyway, I reviewed these lip balms a long time ago and ended up giving a lot of them away to you ladies and even gentlemen. I still like the formula. Unlike HURRAW! These balms are quite dry and very matte once on.

I recently picked up their latest offering which is the Solar Eclipse Unscented balm. This tube is basically their regular unscented balm with 8% non-nano zinc oxide added to provide mineral-based SPF 15. The weather has been insane here, with snow one minute and sunshine the next, but I've been preparing for summer since before my birthday. I'm ready and this lip SPF is a perfect warm weather companion. It does have a white cast and it can make your lips look a little dead if you apply too much but I've found that I can apply a very thin layer for protection and only a little dulling of my natural lip color, which I'm all for. I don't need super pigmented lips while I'm spending time outdoors.

Next up on the agenda is the Honest Beauty Invisible Blurring Powder. Ever since Honest Beauty first launched I've been curious about the line but I just haven't made a purchase until I dropped this powder into my Target.com cart around the first of the year. I needed a new powder and this one sounded simple but packed a list of claims that made me want it.

This powder is made with Corn Starch, Silica, Rice Starch, Zinc Stearate, Magnesium Stearate, and Iron Oxides. It's meant to even out the complexion, blur imperfections and soften the appearance of fine lines and pores. It sounds like the perfect powder, doesn't it? It feels silky and smooth and does a great job of setting my makeup. It's very finely milled and the container is rather large. I also love the fact that it has a way to close the inside so you don't make a mess. I like to sprinkle out a small amount of powder into the lid and close it up so I don't get too much that will inevitably end up everywhere. It's a bit expensive but should last a long time.

I don't much about the brand found (all lowercase on purpose) besides the fact that I started seeing photos of their line in my feed from bloggers I follow earlier this year. I also know they can be found only at Walmart (or on their website I just discovered). Let me tell you something, I'm not an elitist, I promise, but I dislike Walmart with a deep passion. I don't use the word hate but I'm close to hating Walmart. I just don't like it. I actually have a Walmart in my town, not much else, but I refuse to go there. I end up there once or twice a year but refuse any other time. I always get a terrible migraine from the lighting (or a seizure if I'm really unlucky), get nausea from all the outgassing smells, and end up with a panic attack because people there tend to have no space boundaries. Okay, enough complaining. I had to stop in for something about 2 months ago and saw that they had a whole display for found setup.

It was pretty picked over but since I love concealer I decided to grab this Full Coverage Concealer (in the shade Light). I told you recently that I tend to judge makeup lines on how much I like or dislike their concealer. Well, I don't like this one at all. It's one of those stick concealers so I probably should have known before I got it home, seeing as how I don't typically like stick formulas. Found describes it as creamy but I don't find it be creamy, whatsoever, It is SO incredibly dry. It makes me look crepey and Sahara-desert level dry. I'm not a fan of this as a concealer, although I've been playing around with it as an eye primer and since it's so dry it seems to work well.

Are there products you've purchased lately that you love or hate or aren't sure about yet? Leave me a comment about it!

(FTC: I purchased all of these items with my own money. I am not being compensated for this post.)

Talk About Cosmetics - MyChelle Sheer Lip Hint Conditioning Lip Balm

I’ve been keeping a secret product under wraps since it arrived at my doorstep but I can now officially talk about the latest launch from MyChelle and I’m excited because they’re so good.



The brand recently launched their Sheer Lip Hint Conditioning Lip Balm but now they’re set to release three more shades. There’s the original Sheer as well as Nude, Berry, and Plum. These potted beauties are described as a 4-in-1 lip treatment that nourishes, soothes, deeply hydrates, and primes lips. One of the nicest things about this product is that they can be worn on their own for just a little something on the lips or layered with other products.

They add a tiny but still noticeable touch of color, a beautiful shine, and so much rich moisture to the lips. They also have a fresh spearmint scent (and flavor) which I’m totally into. The formula is so well done. They never feel sticky, heavy, or too thick and instead feel supremely comfortable while also being super luxe.



The Nude has the most intense color payoff and does a fantastic job of toning down my natural lip tone and looks moist like an actual lip color. It looks like a pigmented lip gloss. On me, the Berry is the most like my natural lip color so it just adds a little hint of brightness and shine. The Plum adds just a smidgen of rich color perfect for the cooler weather.  Plum and Berry seem to have some pretty shimmer in them but I don’t notice it once applied. All four add such a wonderful luminosity to the lips and liven up my complexion, regardless of which one I apply. I’ve never been a fan of the completely matte and dry looking lip trend that’s been so popular so it’s really nice to see a product like this come out, and it’s especially nice that it’s such a treat to wear.

I'll be posting some photos of me actually wearing them soon (I'm still not well enough for makeup and photo shoots) but for now here are some heavy arm swatches. Keep in mind, they sheer out on the lips, although they can be built up a bit.

From left to right: Nude, Berry, Plum. 

My biggest complaint is that they come in a pot. The pot itself is quite nice and looks great on any vanity thanks to the heavy, frosted glass containers but I’m a major germaphobe and don’t typically like dipping my finger into potted products. I originally tried using a lip brush to apply these but they really do need the heat and warmth from your skin to melt into something useable. After the balm has warmed up a bit it becomes so creamy and buttery that it’s just an absolute dream to apply to the lips.

They are surprisingly long-lasting once they’re on and continue to provide color, shine, and hydrating throughout the day. I’m such a fan. Even after you remove it you’re left with a protective layer that continues hydrating.

Don’t ask me to pick a favorite, because I can’t. Every day calls for a different shade. The Sheer is my favorite for simple conditioning, though, and since it’s translucent it’s the easiest to just slap on when my lips are looking a little dry and dehydrated. I also love putting it on at the start of my makeup routine because then my lips are plumped and ready for whatever I put on next. They’re great on their own but I’ve also found that they look gorgeous on top of just a simple lipliner.

With pure plant oils and waxes and 100% mineral pigments you can feel good about what you’re putting on your lips. These are also completely vegetarian and cruelty-free. You can visit MyChelle Dermaceuticals’ website and learn more by clicking here. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

(FTC: These products were sent to me for free for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Marin Bee Review and GIVEAWAY

Marin Bee is a fairly new company hitting the green beauty scene with bee-loving and environmentally friendly personal care products. This company, founded by backyard beekeepers Debra and Bill Tomaszewski, has a mission to help spread the word about the worldwide die-off of the honey bee due to Colony Collapse Disorder and other environmental factors.

The pair also started a nonprofit called the Planet Bee Foundation, with a goal of empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. “Planet Bee offers free and low-cost backyard beekeeping workshops and hands-on bee education lessons to schools, nonprofits, community gardens, environmental centers, businesses, and communities.”

A portion of the profits from Marin Bee products purchased goes directly to the Planet Bee Foundation. So when you click that checkout button to pick up a product or two you’re not only getting a natural, non-toxic and cruelty-free product but you’re also helping to save the planet in a small, but meaningful way.

I can’t tell you that I’m an avid shaving cream user because I lean towards the lazy side and just use whatever shampoo, conditioner or soap is already in my shower. I mean it. I’m super lazy when it comes to removing hair so I usually just give myself the quickest pass of a razor ever but Honey Shave is such a rich and luxurious cream that gives you a taste of an ultra luxurious spa treatment right in your very own shower or tub.

Made with luxe hydrating and conditioning ingredients you need only a small amount of this concentrated cream to coat the surface of the skin. The formula allows your razorblade to glide effortlessly along your soon to be super smooth and silky skin protecting the skin from any nicks or cuts and making sure you get as close a shave as possible. Without any artificial fragrances or chemicals this cream smells a bit herbal, a bit citrusy and very spa like. It’s very gentle and I find that it leaves my legs feeling soft afterward, as well, without feeling like there is a thick coat of anything left behind. They just feel naturally moisturized and supple.

 Marin Bee’s Lip Repair is an uber glossy, smooth and soothing lip balm with a touch of light pinkish color and some shimmer. It’s thick and hydrating but not sticky so it’s a perfect winter balm for day to day. They even suggest you can use it before bed but I’m not someone who likes to put on shimmer to go to sleep. The formula would allow you to wake up with ridiculously plump and juicy lips, though!

And now for some extra exciting news (although, you may have already guessed it from the heading of this post)… it’s time for a giveaway! With Valentine’s Day coming up now is the perfect time for soft lips and smooth legs so one of you Beauties will win this pretty pair for yourself. If you want to enter to win Honey Shave and Lip Repair just follow the Rafflecopter prompts below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Talk About Lip Care - Kari Gran WonderWhip

Kari Gran is one of the beauty brands of my life. I love this line and their lovely roster of pure skincare and cosmetics. I also love what the company stands for and especially what they’re doing with their later Lip Whip launch, WonderWhip.

WonderWhip is the classic Naked Lip Whip, but with a little something special added to the mix, a hint of sparkle. Not only is this rich, luxurious, and shiny lip balm absolutely beautiful and nourishing on the lips on a daily basis it’s also helping to change lives and make the world a little brighter. 50% of all proceeds from the sale of WonderWhip will be donated to WonderWork, a non-profit organization that provides free, life-changing surgeries for blindness, clubfoot, and burns to children and adults in more than 58 developing countries.

This kind-hearted organization takes local surgeons in the poorest countries in the world and provides them with free training, equipment and financial support to help children, and adults, who need a miracle.

Like all Kari Gran Lip Whips, WonderWhip is intensely hydrating, nourishing, and soothing without being sticky or heavy. It’s perfect alone for a bit of shiny moisture or layered with other lip products. It is housed in the standard beautiful glass pot that all Lip Whips come in and is made with only healthy, organic ingredients (*Castor Seed Oil, *Beeswax, *Avocado Oil, *Camellia Seed Oil, *Olive Oil, *Sunflower Oil, *Calendula Oil, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, non-GMO Vitamin E, and *Peppermint Oil. *Organic)

You can learn more about WonderWork by clicking here. If you want to know more about Kari Gran and their products you can click here. You can also find Kari Gran on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

(FTC: This product was provided to me for free by the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Talk About Lip Care - Favorite Lip Products

For the second post in my Lip Lovers 2016 series I’m talking about all of the lip products I’m loving (besides the lipsticks I talked about on Tuesday, because obviously those got their own post!). Keep in mind that I try a lot of products and like a lot of them, but these are just the ones I’m constantly reaching for at the moment.

Let’s start with lip balm. This one from Eco Lips that I kind of created myself is one of my all-time favorite balms. I say kind of created because they give you a list of things you can choose from so you make it but it’s still really just an Eco Lips balm if that makes any sense. I kept it simple and selected Sunflower Oil, Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Vitamin E. It’s minimal but it’s great and I really like using it. My ridiculous and over the top lips really drink this stuff in and I love that I made the tube purple and named it after my blog. It has a nice slip but isn’t shiny or tacky. It’s got a really lovely formula that lasts all day. I’ll have to make some more of these for you guys in the future. Maybe I’ll even make a tinted one!

Another favorite from Eco Lips is the Medicated Lip Balm. I use this every single night before going to bed. It keeps my lips looking and feeling so healthy and nourished. It’s a bit medicinal (it is called Medicated, after all) and I really adore this stuff. It keeps my lips happy and I can’t live without it. I’ve gone through 3 tubes and I’m currently halfway through my 4th. 

I also really like the Unscented Portland Bee Balm, which I’ve talked about a lot, and the Booda Butter Naked Lip Balm, which has also been talked about a lot of Beautiful Basics.

I have talked about Kari Gran on the blog a lot and for good reason. I love the company and their amazing products as a whole. I’m not going to talk about these too much since they’ve gotten individual reviews here, here and here but I couldn’t make a lip post without sharing my love for my favorite Lip Whips; Cinnamon Pimenta Berry Naked, Marsala, and Jolene.

Ilia Shell Shock Tinted Lip Conditioner is my signature lip product. I love the shade with all of my heart and the way it makes me look and feel. I always look so healthy and vibrant when I’m wearing it. The formula is also dreamy and hydrating.

I’ve been really into Bite Beauty and while some of these shades were limited edition I still wanted to mention them. I love the shade range of the line and the formula. They’re made using pure pigment and food grade ingredients. The Matte Crème Lip Crayons are so fun and easy to use and provide such a pretty pop of color. These 4 were part of a limited edition set but they have so many awesome shades and I highly recommend the formula. I also love the Luminous Crème Lipstick, which I have a cute little duo of in Fig and Date (not pictured). 

What lip products and/or brands do you love? Do you have a favorite lip balm? A signature shade? Tell me about your lip product love down below.

Talk About Lip Care - Henné Organics Luxury Lip Balm

I'm a believer in spoiling yourself and taking good care of your skin with luxurious and healthy products and lip care is no exception. If you've been reading Beautiful Basics for a while you already know how sensitive my lips are but if you're new around here all you need to know is that my lips are incredibly finicky and temperamental, so I have to be extremely careful with what I apply to my pout and lately I've been loving Henné Organics and their Luxury Lip Balm.

Beautifully formulated with a simple list of 99% certified organic ingredients (Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Vitamin E) this rich and buttery balm is a powerhouse that soothes, hydrates, and protects. This American made and cruelty free product is housed in a beautiful MIRON violet glass jar that looks great sitting on your vanity/desk/night stand and also protects the balm from harmful UV rays that can potentially change the product and helps extends its shelf life. This lip balm is beautiful inside and out.


With a mission to bring the world something high-end but simple this company brings something special to the green beauty market and I think you'll love Henné Organics' luxe lip balm. If you want to learn more about the company or the product you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also connect with Henné Organics on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

(FTC: This product was generously provided by the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Talk About Skin Care - Kari Gran

Kari Gran is a self admitted beauty junkie who started looking at exactly what ingredients she was putting on her skin when she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder in her late twenties. She began searching for natural alternatives and was left wanting more. It wasn't until her forties when she started thinking about developing healthy, simple, and elegant products to meet basic skin needs and nourish a healthy complexion.

Kari, who creates the products, teamed up with her friend Lisa Strain, who runs the business side, to create Kari Gran. Kari Gran is a line of all-natural, cruelty free skin care and cosmetics that are made from natural, wild harvested and non-GMO ingredients that are good for the body and the world. You'll never find any toxic ingredients inside any Kari Gran products. You won't find water either, only natural plant ingredients and essential oils. The line is designed to be gentle and safe for all ages and skin types.

I've heard a lot about Kari Gran in the past and was so excited to be able to try some of their products. I was sent their Starter Kit and two of their popular Lip Whips.

I know that not everyone is a fan of oil based products, but I am and I am so in love with the Kari Gran Cleansing Oil. It's my favorite product of theirs that I have tried and I know a lot of you would like it as well. This cleansing oil is made from Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Castor Seed Oil, Organic Lavender Oil, and Non-GMO Vitamin E from Sunflower. This cleansing oil is simple but so luxurious. The formula is deliciously rich and leaves my skin feeling superbly hydrated and supple. My skin absolutely loves it!

The Hydrating Tonic in Rose (which also comes in Lavender) is also really lovely. It adds the perfect touch of extra moisture to my skin and smells divine. I use it as toner but also as a hydration spray over my makeup to get red of any dry patches and make my skin looks fresh and dewy. The texture is perfect and beautifully fine. It does not leave any stickiness or tackiness behind. The bottle is also perfect!

The Essential Serum feels really great on my skin but I really don't like the smell. The scent is so strong but the actual serum leaves my skin looking and feeling so smooth and luminous. I use it at night and love the results when I can get past the smell.

Their Lip Whips, which comes in 4 colored versions and 1 clear, are extremely popular. I've heard so much about these products from other green beauty bloggers so I was excited to get to try them. I received Naked, their original clean lip balm, and Tinted, a perfectly wearable and adorable sheer pink. Their Lip Whips come in two scents, Peppermint and Cinnamon-Pimenta Berry. I really like both scents and both the tinted and untinted balms. I don't really love potted lip balm because I don't like taking them out into the world with me (I'm a germaphobe) but I don't mind using them at home. They work great alone of layered under other lip products.

Have you tried Kari Gran or do you have any of their products on your beauty wish list? I think their line is definitely worth a look because simple and luxurious products are always worth a try in my book. To learn more about the company or their products you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find Kari Gran on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

(FTC: These products were sent to me for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Lip Lovers Series - Lip Balm

Lip balm is something that is an absolute must have in my life. I get such dry lips and I can't stand the feeling that accompanies flakes and chapped skin. I'm extremely picky when it comes to lip balm and I try so many that don't work for me. It's always a nice surprise when I find a lip balm that I really love and today I want to share my top 5 lip balms with you.

Keep in mind that I have liked a lot of lip balms in the past but these 5 are my current favorites.



EcoLips has an awesome selection of lip balm and I got the chance to work with them a few years ago. You can check out my review by clicking here. I was in my favorite grocery store a couple of months ago and saw a box of Medicinal Lip Balm and the simple packaging caught my eye. This particular balm is marketed for cold sores but I have taken to using it every single night before bed. It has an earthy tea tree scent but no noticeable taste. It feels incredibly soothing and nourishing on my lips and makes an immediate difference. It has been a miracle worker this winter and I'm so glad I have it in my arsenal. I will be purchasing another tube soon.

The Theraneem Naturals Neem Stick Lip Therapy is a hard product for me to describe. I absolutely hate the scent and flavor. It reminds me of minty chicken bullion. I'm a vegetarian but I am familiar with the scent. It's disgusting. I actually think I don't like the natural scent of Neem because I have noticed this gross scent in a lot of products listing it in their ingredients. So, you're probably wondering why this product is being included on my favorites list when I hate the scent so much. The formula works wonders on irritated and raw lips. It does an excellent job at healing and protecting lips. I can get past the scent because the stuff in the tube is brilliant.

My old trusty MoistStic obviously had to be included in this list. If you've been following Beautiful Basics for a few years you have heard me talk about this stuff a lot. I even have an individual review for this balm. I actually don't use it as much as I used to thanks to the lip balms I talked about above but I do still really enjoy this one. Here is the link to the review.

As far as plain and simple lip balms go I really love the Booda Butter Naked Lip Balm. I always keep a tube of this in my wallet since it comes in a cool kind of flat tube. It is the perfect essential lip balm since it hydrates and moisturizes without any extra frills. It is truly unscented, flavor-free, moisture infusing, and gentle on my ultra sensitive lips. Click here to check out my review.

Portland Bee Balm is a dry lip balm meaning it does not have a very wet or slippery formula, nor does it leave lips looking shiny. I absolutely love wearing it under lipstick since it acts as a primer. It lasts a very long time and helps hydrate and protect lips. Here is the link to my full review.

Do you have a favorite lip balm? Share your must haves with me! I'd love to check them out!

Soap Cauldron Review

I'm so excited to be able to introduce you to Soap Cauldron, the home of Three Sisters Apothecary and Soapy Tails. I didn't test out their fantastic looking line of products for our furry friends, but I did get to try some awesome and truly delicious smelling body products from Three Sisters Apothecary. I wish there was a smell function on home computers because theses products are luxurious, fragrant, and amazing.

Soap Cauldron is a small natural artisan soap company located in Sonoma County. The owner, Emma Mann, started making soap after her daughter was born extremely prematurely. She started experimenting in her kitchen with plant oils, pure essential oils, and natural botanicals. For over 10 years they have been making natural herbal soaps and remedies that are healthy, gentle, and nurturing in small batches out of pure and natural ingredients. The result is a line of products that I can't wait for you to check out!

I know that a lot of people hate black licorice (I don't get it!) but I adore its scent and flavor. The Black Licorice & Vanilla Bar Soap has become my number one soap of all time. I know I usually go on and on about how much I love unscented products but this beautiful bar of soap smells beyond good. I'm actually at a loss of words to describe how good it smells. I was a bit worried that a Black Licorice scented soap would be masculine but this particular blend with Vanilla is sweet, but not overly sweet. When I use this soap it makes me smile because I enjoy the scent so much.




I also got to test out the California Mission Fig & Honey Bar Soap as well as the Harvest Pumpkin & Cinnamon Soap, whose scents I also really enjoy. These two are also visually lovely. If you want to purchase beautiful, perfectly scented soap for a gift for someone you should seriously check out their line up. The formula of all three soaps is wonderful. They cleanse my skin thoroughly but never leave me feeling dry, tight, or itchy. They actually leave my skin feeling soft and slightly moisturized. I also want to mention that the scents are strong while being used but gently fade afterwards, which is a HUGE plus in my book. I like the scents a lot but I don't want them to linger forever.

As far as extra hydration goes, I also received two tins of Body Butter in California Mission Fig & Honey and Harvest Pumpkin & Cinnamon. As a side note, I seriously need to place an order for a tub of the Black Licorice & Vanilla Body Butter. I love the scent THAT much. With ingredients like Shea Butter, Avocado Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Beeswax the formula leaves my skin feeling incredibly silky and provides moisture that lasts all day long. It's a thick balm so I find it best to apply to the skin directly after stepping out of the bath or shower. It spreads easily when I applied to warm skin.



If you're really interested in the scents of the soap and body butter you can also get a matching lip balm. I received the Harvest Pumpkin & Cinnamon Lip Soother and the Black Licorice & Vanilla Lip Shimmer and I think they are awesome! The formula of these balms is smooth, creamy, and lush. They leave lips feeling nice, although I find they don't last a super long time and need to be reapplied. They taste and smell divine! It's not very strong, but in a good way. The Soother looks slightly shiny but not glossy and the Shimmer has a very minimal shimmery look. They are both made with Grapeseed Oil, Avocado Oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil, just to name a few. The only thing I don't love is the fact that they come in a tin. I'm a bit of a germ freak so I don't like the thought of being out and about and then dipping my finger in so I use them at home.



You can find all of these products, and more in a wide range of scents, on SoapCauldron.com. They are all really beautiful. I seriously love the packaging, the logo, and the wonderful scents and formulas. Also, all of the products are really generously sized and affordable. I don't think you can go wrong with purchasing anything that strikes your fancy from them.

Talk About Lip Care - Portland Bee Balm

I'm a big fan of no frills lip balm. My lips are way too sensitive to deal with unnecessary ingredients so I'm always looking for simple and natural lip balms that nourish and promote health with no extra bells or whistles. When I was contacted by Portland Bee Balm, I hopped on the net and checked out their website and got super excited to try out their product.

The masterminds behind Portland Bee Balm, Brad (a man with a beekeeping hobby and a love for honey bees) and Anika, decided to create a high quality product and a business that supports the health and well-being of the environment, community, and bees and their keepers. Their all natural three and four ingredient lip balms are hand made from local and sustainable sources in Southeast Portland and their labels are made of non-pulped wood and printed with soy based ink, so the product is good for the planet as well as the people who use it.



Portland Bee Balm comes in Unscented and Oregon Mint. Both are made of Local NW Oregon Beeswax, Organic Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, and Organic California Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The Oregon Mint lip balm has one extra ingredient – Organic Oregon Peppermint Essential Oil. That's it!

The first time I used Portland Bee Balm I was a little unsure because it seemed quite dry and it was a little difficult to apply but the product warmed up within seconds and won me over. It leaves lips feeling intensely hydrated and healthy. It also lasts an amazingly long time. It's not a very wet or slippery formula, nor does it leave lips looking shiny, which is a plus in my book. It works well alone but I love to wear it under lipstick as well.

My favorite is the Unscented, of course, but the Oregon Mint is also quite nice. It has a lovely fresh mint scent and feels slightly cool on the lips. My sensitive lips are loving Portland Bee Balm and I know you will too!

Talk About Lip Care - noya

I feel like I'm on a roll when it comes to discovering awesome (new to me) lip balms that don't irritate my ridiculously sensitive and persnickety pout and I'm having so much fun sharing them with you! Today I would like to introduce you to noya and their collection of all-natural lip balms that are simply made with only 4-6 ingredients and are highly effective, cruelty-free and certified kosher.



Noya offers a Classic, unscented balm as well as 3 other varieties – Cherry, Spearmint, and Vanilla. If you know me at all you know that I almost always go for plain, unscented balms and I do really love this one but I also, surprisingly, love the other flavors as well. The Vanilla in particular is delicious and reminiscent of a tasty cupcake or a bowl full of frosting, and I can't deny that I love baked goods and their scent. My Mom has become partial to the Spearmint while the Cherry balm has found a home with a friend.



Side note - These lip balms would make great little gifts since they come in really adorable boxes. They are also nicely priced at $3.99 each.



If you're curious about the ingredients list the Classic Balm is made with Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Organic Stevia. While this balm is not suitable for those of you who are vegan it is appropriate for anyone looking for a moisturizing, soothing, and long-lasting lip balm. This formula has a nice medium glide, meaning it goes on easily, locks in hydrating, and lasts on the lips. It is perfect alone or under a colored lip product of your choosing.

Speaking of colored lip products, I was also sent the Summertime Peach lipgloss. This gloss coats the lips with a lovely sheer and shimmery nudey peach color and feels and wears more like a balm than a typical gloss. I don't find the color to be very buildable, and instead provides a natural looking wash of color. It's not super shiny but I personally don't like the look of overly glossy looking lips on myself. I tend to reach for lipstick more often than gloss but this one feels great and looks nice. It's not sticky or goopy and my hair doesn't seem to naturally gravitate towards it and get stuck in it. It has no discernable scent or taste. Also, the packaging is quite lovely.



The company also has 3 other shades of Lipgloss as well as 4 lipsticks (one of which has especially caught my eye, hello Apricot Swirl!). Overall, I'm a huge fan! You can learn more about the company and their product offerings by clicking here to visit their website. You can purchase noya online here or you can find a reatiler near you by clicking here.

Talk About Lip Care - Yu-Be

I am extremely picky and somewhat snobby about the lip balms I use. You can call me a lip balm connoisseur if you would like because I like what I like and I know what works. There have been many lip balms that I have hated, some I have liked but only two that I have loved. I have raved about my favorite lip balm many times over the past couple of years on Beautiful Basics, but today I'm excited to share my thoughts on Yu-Be, the first lip balm to even compare to my beloved Moist Stic. For the record, I can't pick which one I love more because they're different so just know that this is a part of my top two.

If you're new to Beautiful Basics or unfamiliar with my blog and the tales of my irritable lips here is a very quick background: My lips are extremely sensitive; beyond sensitive. Most lip products irritate my lips so when I find one that I like enough to share on my blog please know that it is extremely gentle unless otherwise noted. I get these weird rashes when I try new products that my lips don't like. They become painfully inflamed, red, and start to peel and flake. It typically takes a while for them to heal. I'm not sure what causes my lips to go haywire but it happens fairly regularly. As a beauty blogger I am constantly trying new products but I am always very apprehensive to try new lip stuff. I always get very excited to discover a product that doesn't bother my sensitive lips and I become very loyal to it.



Meet Yu-Be, an all-natural lip balm from Japan made of Soybean Oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Camphor, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Stevia, and Rosemary Extract. This formula was created by pharmacist Yoshikiyo Nowatari in 1957 and has been a favorite and bestseller in Japan for over 57 years.

Days before this lip balm arrived I had a reaction to some lipsticks I was testing out. My lips were raw, dehydrated, and inflamed. I can't say that I was excited to try out another lip product but I thought that the camphor in the Yu-Be could only help my uncomfortable lips. I was right! My lips were completely healed after only using this balm for two nights in a row.

The formula is fantastic – It's undeniably healing as well as being soothing, hydrating, and protective without being greasy, heavy, or tacky. It doesn't taste or smell very good but it's so therapeutic that I don't care very much. It's very medicinal and therefore does a great job of healing. It lasts an extraordinarily long time on the lips. I apply a generous coating to my lips at bedtime and wake up with quite a bit of moisture left.

If you're interested in Yu-Be you can learn more by visiting their website. Youu can locate a retailer near you by clicking here.

(FTC: This product was provided to me free of charge for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Talk About Lip Care - MoistStic Natural Lip Protection

I don't think I have ever really used up a lip balm in its entirety before I met MoistStic. I am actually on my 5th tube of this stuff, which is rare for me, and have even purchased some for members of my family. I'm not sure what exactly it is about this little magical tube of goodness but it is, without a doubt, my favorite lip balm of all time and I have tried many.

There's honestly not a lot to say about it but I figured I had to shine a spotlight on it and give it its own post on the blog because I love it so much. It is made with Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Lanolin, Peppermint Oil, Vitamin E, and Tea Tree Oil. I hate the thought of applying sheep grease (lanolin) to my lips but this formula works wonders for me. Even though it is not vegan it is cruelty free.

It smells very fresh thanks to the peppermint and tea tree and tingles slightly upon application. I use it in the day sometimes but I apply it every single night, without fail, before going to bed and I wake up every morning with soft and healthy lips. It is very long lasting and protective. It creates a barrier to the elements and goes on incredibly smooth while doing an amazing job healing. It doesn't taste great but I try not to eat my lip balm anyway so who cares?

I buy mine at my local health food store, and it's cheap, but you can also find it online. I found it in stock on Drugstore.com.

(FTC: I purchased this lip balm, many times, with my own money. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Talk About Skin Care - S.W. Basics of Brooklyn (+ closed GIVEAWAY!)

Adina Grigore originally created several products for herself and her sensitive skin but now her line of healthy and eco-friendly products are sold online and at retailers across the country. Each and every one of Adina's products are 100% pure, natural, and sustainable. S.W. Basics of Brooklyn is a "no-frills" line of skin care products made with 5 or less ingredients each that are either certified organic, Fair Trade, or sourced from small, family farms.

I've been testing out a few of their products, including all 4 of their lip balms, lately and have really been enjoying the simplicity of them. The first one being the Makeup Remover, which is made up of Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Olive Oil, and Organic Jojoba Oil. I typically make my own eye makeup remover but it's really nice having a bottle of it all ready to go. The combination of oils is great! It doesn't leave behind a film or irritate my eyes. It works really well and gets every last bit of makeup.


I have also been trying out the Toner for the past month and a half. I tend to use this toner during the day because it really helps banish any case of oily skin and prevent pesky pimples. The ingredient list is comprised of Water, Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Witch Hazel, and Organic Essential Oils of Clary Sage and Sandalwood. I don't really like the scent of this toner, at all, but it goes away really quickly. It helps to cleanse my skin and help speed up the process of blemishes so it's totally worth it!


Now let's talk about their Organic Lip Balms, because they are fantastic! All four balms (Cocoa, Peppermint, Cinnamon, and Citrus) have the same base ingredients of Organic Beeswax, Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil, and Organic Cocoa Butter. The Peppermint, Cinnamon, and Citrus all have added Organic Essential Oils. I've been totally obsessed with all 4 of these balms and reach for them more than any other lip product lately. The Cocoa Lip Balm is my favorite, but the others are lovely as well.

You can learn more about the company or purchase some products of your own by clicking here to be taken to their website. You can also visit them on Facebook or Twitter.



Adina was kind enough to offer a Complete Mini Kit as a giveaway prize for you, my lovely readers. All you have to do to enter is use the Rafflecopter form below. It may take a moment or two to load. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

(FTC: These products were so generously provided to me free of charge for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated to write this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Talk About It - Booda Organics

I want to share my newest obsession with you today, which just so happens to be a little tin of magical goodness called Booda Butter. Booda Butter is a 100% pure and natural multitasking moisturizer that can be used from head to toe; in fact, you can even check out the 50 ways the company suggests you can use this product by clicking here.

 Booda Butter is made with only a handful of healthy and organic ingredients. The all-star ingredient lineup is made up of Organic Shea Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, and Organic Olive Oil. The company promises to only use pure, organic, and vegan ingredients and never include any toxic chemicals or yucky preservatives. All of their products are cruelty free and handmade in the USA.



Booda Organics' Booda Butter has become an absolute staple in my daily routine. I use it for moisturizing my body after I get out the shower, hydrating my hands and cuticles, as an eye cream, on dry patches on my face, as a lip balm, and even to tame flyaways but I'm still in the process of discovering additional ways to use this delicious smelling solid yet soft butter.

It starts off as a solid but melts as it gets warmed up between your fingers. It is not scented with any type of fragrance but it does naturally smell of cocoa butter. It smells delicious and feels amazing on the skin. It is very thick and nourishing but is not sticky or heavy. It provides long lasting hydration that leaves skin feeling soft and healthy.

Speaking of long lasting hydration, the company also makes a Booda Butter Naked Lip Balm, which is formulated with Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Olive Oil and Candelilla Wax. It is truly unscented, flavor-free, moisture infusing, and gentle on my ultra sensitive lips.



I'm such a big fan of Booda Organics and their wonderful line of products. I even adore the packaging. I give them 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend you check them out. To learn more about the company you can visit their website by clicking here.

The Booda Butter comes in two sizes, a 2.3 oz tin and an 8.4 oz BPA-free jar. The Naked Lip Butter comes in a flat .15 oz tube. You can purchase online by clicking here or locate where you can purchase near you by clicking here.

(FTC : These products were provided to me by the company free of charge for review consideration. I am not being compensated to write this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Talk About It - Beecology (+ closed GIVEAWAY)

I feel like I haven't done a skin or hair care review in quite a while so I decided that today was the perfect day to share my thoughts and opinions on the products of Beecology. They sent me quite a few products as well as some extra lip balms, which means that if you read through to the bottom of this post there just might be a little giveaway!

If you know me personally or have been following my blog for a while then you already know of my passion for honey. I think honey is a precious beauty resource so I love anything and everything honey based, which is why I was so intrigued by Beecology and their line of products. Beccology not only produces and sells a line of natural products made with honey, beeswax, and other healthy ingredients; they also give back through their charity, Sweetyear.org.

I first became interested in the company after reading about their Natural Honey and Botanical Sulfate-Free Shampoo and All-Natural Hair Conditioner. While I really like the shampoo, I wasn't as big a fan of the conditioner.



First of all, the shampoo smells so yummy! It's slightly sweet, slightly citrus-y, and slightly herbal, which combine to make a delicious smelling shampoo. It's formula is gentle and effective while providing the hair with brilliant shine and extra softness. The conditioner isn't necessarily bad, it just has a weird after scent that I don't like. I think it reacted strangely with my pH (which happens to me a lot). The conditioner seemed to moisturize my hair well enough but I couldn't get past the smell. My mother loves both products though.



My favorite Beecology product is their Hand and Body Cream, which I got to try in both the Original Honey formula as well as the Cucumber and Green Tea version. Both versions work exactly the same and the formula is so luxurious and rich. It's a very thick cream that is easily absorbed into the skin leaving it feeling hydrated and healthy, never greasy. This formula is perfect for this time of year! My skin has been a little dry due to the cold weather and this hand and body cream soothes my itchy skin. The original scent is a light, clean scent while the Cucumber and Green Tea version smells very fresh and like real cucumbers.



If your skin is feeling a little dull and needs refreshing then look no further than the Natural Honey and Peppermint Body Wash. This body wash leaves my skin tingling in a good way. It smells great, cleans well, and invigorates the skin with each use. It's great for morning use and has become one of my favorites!



I was also sent 4 bars of their soap to try out and review, although I have only used 3 of them. The one I haven't tried is the My Big Fat Greek Yogurt and Honey Soap, which has a juniper scent to it and I'm not a big fan so I'll be talking about the other 3, which are the Honey Oatmeal Morning Peppermint Soap (perfect for perking up skin), Honey Lavender Soap (which makes the perfect bedtime bar of soap), and the Dead Sea Mud Soap (deep cleansing while moisturizing). All 3 bars of soap have proven to be really effective, are lovely to use, and smell great!



The final Beecology product I got to take for a test drive is their Buzz Balm Peppermint Lip Balm. This balm is made with Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter, Aloe Butter, Cupuaçu Butter, Olive Oil, Peppermint Oil, Acai Butter, Eucalyptus Oil, Clove Oil, and Tea Tree Oil. It's hydrating, soothing, and protective. It does smell a bit strong due to the oils but it's not offensive, only medicinal. I was experiencing very chapped and dehydrated lips before testing this balm and it really helped heal and protect my lips.

I was sent several extra lip balms so 5 of you will get the chance to win a Buzz Balm of your own! Check out the Rafflecopter below to enter to win.

To learn more about Beecology and their products, or to order some of your own you can click here to be taken to their website.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Talk About It - Eco Lips +Giveaway! (closed)

Today we are talking lip balm, which is one of my absolute favorite topics. I have said it before and will say it time and time again, the truth is I'm obsessed with lip balms. However deep my love for lip balms runs, I'm very picky. I consider myself to be a connoisseur of lip balm and love trying new ones. I recently got to pick and try several Eco Lips lip balms and have found love with all four of them. None of them irritate my super sensitive lips, are handcrafted in the USA (Cedar Rapids, Iowa to be exact), and are cruelty free, eco-friendly and made with certified organic ingredients.


The first one I tried (and one of you will actually get to win your own tube of) is the Eco Lips Gold USDA Certified Organic Lip Balm. This lip balm is Fair Trade Certified, unflavored, unscented, and highly moisturizing. Its ingredient list is made up of Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Baobab Oil, Fair Trade Certified Organic Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Organic Rosemary Extract, and Organic Calendula Extract. It's a simple lip balm but it's incredibly long lasting and hydrating. My lips adore this balm and anybody and everybody would feel the same way. This lip balm (and the one that is up for giveaway) came with an Eco-Clip, which is a handy recycled aluminum carabiner.


Up next is the Ecotints lip balm I selected. I chose Plush Red, which is a gorgeous sheer red shade that suits me and my coloring. It has a very slight vanilla scent and flavor. It is very moisturizing and provides such a lovely buildable color. I absolutely love tinted lip balms and have decided that this one is my new favorite. I want to purchase the other shades too because this tinted lip balm is excellent and worth picking up in every color. It is very natural looking and smoothing. It's ingredient list is comprised of Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Castor Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Vanilla, Organic Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, and Candelilla Wax.

I was really excited when I came across a lip balm created in mirror image of my favorite juice by Honest Kids. Despite that fact that I'm 25 years old, I still really love the Berry Berry Good Lemonade juice pouches and couldn't pass up the Honest Kids Berry Berry Good Lemonade Lip Balm. Made up of Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Berry Flavor, Organic Lemon Flavor, Organic Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, and Organic Calendula Flower Extract it is 100% edible. It smells and tastes just like the juice I love so much. It's seriously yummy!


The final lip balm I chose to take for a test drive is the ONE WORLD Relax Calming Lip Balm in Lavender Lemon. This lip balm is made with Fair Trade Cocoa Butter and Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Grapeseed Oil, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Vanilla Flavor, Vitamin E, Organic Essential Oils of Lemon, Lavender, and Sweet Orange. It comes in an oversized tube coming in at .25 ounces. It smells so good, although it doesn't have much of a flavor. It's hydrating, soothing, and the lavender helps keep you relaxed. The combination of real lavender, lemon, and vanilla is a winner!


To learn more about the company and their products please click here to be taken to their website.

To win your very own Eco Lips Gold Lip Balm with an Eco Clip click HERE.