Talk About Skin Care - SanRe Organic Skinfood

Mother and daughter duo, Sandra and Regina, are the masterminds behind SanRe Organic Skinfood, a company dedicated to creating truly healthy and organic handcrafted beauty products. Each product is personally crafted, tested, improved, finalized and produced by them in small batches to guarantee freshness and quality. They use only USDA Certified Organic ingredients when possible and are firmly committed to staying away from animal based ingredients (besides honey and beeswax) and being completely cruelty-free. Their line features products with healthy ingredients and an ethical stance about animals and the environment so you never have to worry about what you’re slathering on your skin or anything else, for that matter.

My absolute favorite product I’ve tried from SanRe is their Siesta Sunset Avocado and Sea Buckthorn Cream. This stuff is SO good! I mean it, SO good! I can’t tell you how good it is without capitalizing the SO and even then I’m not sure I can explain how good it is. It might just be the richest and luxurious cream I have ever tried before. It’s very heavy and feels thick, and a little greasy, on the skin but that’s not a problem for me. I wake up in the morning after applying it with the most supple, silky skin ever. It plumps up any fine lines, gets rid of any dry spots, and provides my skin with much-needed moisture that goes beyond the surface of my skin. It is so nourishing and is an absolute dream for my dry skin. I can’t say enough good things about this! The ingredients list is wonderful, the texture and scent are great, and the effect it has on my skin is awe-inspiring.

The Like a Baby stick is a really easy to use skin balm in a convenient tube. It also comes in a jar but I love the ease of application with the almost deodorant-like stick. This balm is made with Organic Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Tamanu Oil, Organic Carnauba Wax, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Calendula Oil & Organic Neem Oil. It’s deeply soothing and works great on any dry bits of skin or irritation; I especially love it on my cuticles! My Dad likes this a lot, too. He gets really dry hands and spots on his arms so it’s perfect for him!

To learn more about SanRe Organic Skinfood you can visit their website 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. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Talk About Skin Care - NAYELLE

Today I would like to introduce you to a company whose core values are “honesty, integrity, and quality”. Canadian based NAYELLE offers a complete Rejuvenating Skincare Regime made with bioactive ingredients. Their line is completely cruelty-free and formulated without gluten, parabens, propylene glycol or other yucky stuff. Instead, you’ll find ingredients like Probiotic Goat Milk Kefir, Sea Kelp, Glacial Organic Clay and Snow Mushroom.

Image from nayelle.com/

NAYELLE is a four-step process scientifically designed by Peter Jurkemilk, CEO and Chief Biochemist, to help rejuvenate and repair the cells at the cellular level and make skin healthier and more radiant. Peter said, ” It’s the difference between eating processed canned, shelf food — versus — organic, live fresh food!” I adore that philosophy.

You can learn more about the company, their philosophy, and their ingredients by clicking here.

First up is their facial cleanser, aptly called CLEANSE. I need to get this out of the way and tell you that this is my least favorite part of the regime. This cleanser is a cream formulated with exfoliating bamboo and glacial oceanic clay. It’s designed to be gentle enough for all skin types but my dry, sensitive skin just didn’t love this particular cleanser. It’s a bit too much for me to use regularly but I do like it for days when I need a deep clean. I think anyone with oily, congested skin would be a huge fan.

My favorite product, hands down, is the PURIFY Clay Face Mask. This mask has become my ultimate go to when my skin needs a little something special. I’ve been using it once, sometimes even twice, a week since it arrived and I think it does something really wonderful and magical to my skin. It somehow purifies and hydrates, which is an uncommon combination. It’s like the Unicorn of my skincare routine! This magic mask is made with mineral rich clay composed of 60 rare minerals and ions that detoxifies impurities, restore the skin’s pH balance, helps restore damaged skin cells and hydrates, tightens and tones. Every time I use this mask I’m left with vibrant, clearer, healthier, softer skin that seems to glow from within. I’m always impressed after I rinse it off, as it makes an immediate and noticeable difference.

NAYELLE has two moisturizing products, HYDRATE, a moisturizing cream, and REJUVENATE, an anti-aging night cream.

HYDRATE is formulated with a very high concentration of Snow Mushroom which is said to be 3x more hydrating than hyaluronic acid and has the highest source of Vitamin D found in nature. It’s instantly hydrating and makes the skin feel really velvety and smooth. It’s not too heavy to wear under makeup so it’s perfect for daily use.

REJUVENATE is my favorite of the two creams, however, because it is so delightfully thick and rich. My dry skin adores it! It was created with all for of their core ingredients I mentioned above and is rich in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It leaves my skin with such a gorgeous glow and makes my skin feel so plump and fresh. I love applying this before bed and when I wake up I’ve got a super healthy, happy, hydrated complexion. Love the stuff!

All of the products come in fairly simple but lovely packages. The two creams are in airless jars and the other two products are in squeeze tubes. Each of the four products has a slight citrus scent, which is light and fresh.

I think many people with different skin types can easily fall in love with this line and their products. You can learn more about NAYELLE by visiting their website by clicking here. You can also find the brand 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.) 

Phenomé SOOTHING anti-redness base Review

Phenomé, a brand from the European Union comprised of natural and healthy skincare products, believes that nature, beauty, and well-being go hand and hand. If you're wondering about the name of the company it is pronounced FEH-NOM-EH. In their luxurious lineup of cruelty free and vegan products for face, body, and hands (as well as a men's line) you will find only pure, sustainable, and healthy ingredients in award winning eco-friendly packaging (it is both recycled and recyclable).

Another cool point I want to mention is that instead of using regular old water in their products they use pure plant water instead. That, to me, makes it feel so much fancier! You never have to be curious about what ingredients are in the product you're using because the company believes in total transparency. Their website and the packaging of each product features the "Phenomé Transparency Chart" which details exactly what you're using on your skin.



To start off with the obvious, Phenomé products are packaged in lovely glass containers. The SOOTHING anti-redness base comes in a 1.0 fl. oz amber colored frosted glass bottle with a metal pump. It looks so nice sitting on my vanity. It's visually pleasing and I love it!

I also happen to love the contents of the glass bottle. The packaging lists this product as a "daily miracle" and while I can't go as far as to say this lotion moves mountains I can say that it is a really special treat for my super sensitive skin. It has a lotion-like consistency but is a little richer than the average lotion. It's extremely gentle on my skin but really effective when it comes to soothing (just like the name suggests), hydrating, and reducing redness. I love it as a daily moisturizer, on its own or under makeup.

It is really easy to apply and absorbs quickly into the skin. It feels fresh and clean while still providing moisture. It seems to create a barrier that helps to protect skin from the elements. It has a very soft, matte texture once it dries. It leaves my skin looking shine free but healthy. I love the way it leaves my skin looking and how comfortable it leaves my skin feeling.

The only negative thing I have to say is that I really don't like the scent, but if you've been around Beautiful Basics for a while you know that I rarely like anything that has any scent at all. My nose is a snob. I can't help it. The scent of this product is very strong at first but it goes away quickly and doesn't bother me in the long run.



To learn more about Phenomé, their product offerings, and their ingredients you can visit their website by clicking here.


(FTC: The company provided me with the SOOTHING anti-redness base for review consideration at no charge. They also provided me with the opportunity to host a giveaway. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Mom Talks - My Berry Organics Wild Blueberry Face Creme

I am so lucky that I get to try some of the fantastic products that Kassie receives. She thought it was time that I start reviewing some of them so here we go!

I have older, more mature skin than Kassie does, but that's because I am older and of course, more mature. In the past year, my skin has become much more sensitive and reactive. I have to be extremely careful what goes on it. I have the dreaded dry skin and over 40, (ok, closer to 50), wrinkles and fine lines. With that being said, I want to share with you my thoughts on the My Berry Organics Wild Blueberry Face Crème. This crème is wonderful. It is light and moisturizing and my face loves its texture. I also love the smell. It smells like real blueberries but with a hint of something else. Wild Blueberries are full of antioxidants, and this moisturizer includes 23 antioxidants for radiant skin. I have been using this for quite some time and Kassie has been complimenting my skin often. During the day, I wear it under my make up, but at night, I use it with a thicker serum to heal my skin while I sleep. My skin is softer and much more hydrated than before I began using this product.



When it arrived in the mail, it came wrapped in beautiful tissue paper. (Kassie's notes: I failed at taking photos when it arrived. They all came out blurry so please forgive the lack of pictures. My apologies.) The bottle is a dark blue plastic. I feel it is moderately priced at $28.00 for 2 ounces. A little goes a long way so it is definitely worth the price. My Berry Organics is all natural and organic, and vegan friendly. It does not contain any petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, or synthetics.

To read the story behind the brand, click here. While at their site, be sure to read all of the amazing ingredients in this crème. I love the label; it lists the scientific name for each ingredient, followed by the common name. The only drawback for me is that since the product uses only the freshest of ingredients, it is only good for 3 months. I love all natural though so its something I am willing to put up with. Check out the My Berry Organics line.

(FTC: This product was provided to me by the company free of charge for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review.)

Talk About Skin Care - Niora Naturals

I, like many of you, am no longer a teenager or even a young adult (I think 27 just counts as a regular old adult, right?) but I still struggle with acne and breakouts while having to be more conscious about hydrating and protecting my skin to help keep signs of aging at bay. I don't have wrinkles yet, but I do have some fine lines and thinning skin. Most acne products, even natural ones, can be a little harsh for skin belonging to an adult. I tend to stay away from anything with the word "acne" in the title for that very reason but I have been using the Niora Naturals Acne Solutions line since the beginning of April and it has become an absolute staple in my beauty routine.

Niora is a cruety free and vegan Portland, OR (you all know how much I love to support companies from my home state!) based company that started in 1992 when chemist George Tindall began creating a line of natural anti-aging products. Two years later he met his future wife who suffered with adult acne that left her feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable with her skin and appearance. When he saw her frustration with the harsh and irritating acne products she used he set out to create an anti-acne product for her. After extensive research he developed a natural and organic product that exfoliated and cleansed pores with balancing the skin. His wife, Cindy, no longer has acne and now the rest of us can experience the joys of Alpha Clear.

The Alpha Clear Adult Acne Treatment is a pair of products designed to be used twice daily to clear adult acne, reduce the skin conditions that cause acne, and fight wrinkles. The duo is comprised of the Alpha Clear Cleanser and Alpha Clear Exfoliant. They are both made with natural alpha hydroxy fruit acids and other natural ingredients that help hydrate and exfoliate.



The cleanser is a thin milky lotion type of cleanser that needs to be applied onto skin that is only slightly damp, massaged in, and rinsed off (which it does beautifully). It has a scent, but it is light and really pleasant! I love the entire line but I'm especially obsessed with the cleanser! It's gentle and does a really great job cleansing my face and cleaning out my pores. The Exfoliant is a spray that you spritz onto your skin once your face is cleansed. It has no scent and is very easy to use and apply. I tend to only use the Exfoliant at night even though it can be used twice daily. I just find that my skin prefers it only once a day. I let it dry completely and then move on to the Alpha C Serum.



The Alpha C Serum is a serum that provides intense hydration without leaving skin feeling greasy, sticky, heavy, or overloaded with moisturizer. It feels super silky and lightweight on the skin. I can see results almost immediately after application - It brightens my complexion and gives me a radiant look. It makes my skin look and feel balanced and healthy!



The difference in my skin while using these products is very obvious and is even noticeable to those around me. I stopped using the Alpha Clear Cleanser, Exfoliant, and Alpha C Serum for about 2 weeks and my skin got really congested and awful. I am now back to using them religiously and will be ordering a new set very soon. These products are also affordable, which is a fact that I really, really appreciate!

You can learn more about Niora Naturals and their other product offerings by visiting their website here. If you're not interested in a line of products for acne you might be more attracted to their anti-aging line. You can also find Niora on Facebook and Twitter.

Talk About Skin Care - Primavera

In my search for the best natural health and beauty products I've discovered that those coming out of Germany are the real deal and Primavera is no exception. For the past 25 years the company, now based in a state of the art and carbon-neutral facility in the Alps of Southern Germany, has been perfecting their natural and organic face, body, home and wellness products.

The company has a fair-trade relationship with farms across the globe and the ingredients in all of their products are truly pure and certified organic by NATRUE. Here's a fun fact, Primavera is the very first company to receive NATRUE certification for our entire range of personal care products. If you're curious about NATRUE you can click here to learn more.

Primavera does not test on animals nor do they use any ingredients that have been tested on our furry friends, in fact they take a very firm stance against the practice of using animals as test subjects (which makes me love the company that much more!). Their products are also packaged in an eco-friendly and environmentally conscious manner.

I was lucky enough to get to try out a few of their facial care products, which I'll be reviewing today. I picked out a facial cleanser, facial cream, and an eye product. Both of the facial care products I chose are from the Chamomile Borage Calming Line for sensitive skin. The entire range features Organic Chamomile Essential Oil from partner farms in Italy and Borage Seed Oil.



The Calming Cream Cleanser is a really simple cream cleanser. It is extraordinarily gentle with a thin lotion like consistency. It spreads easily across damp skin and creates no lather and instead feels more like a moisturizing treatment. It cleanses the skin and rinses off easily leaving a light layer of hydration behind. It has a very light scent that is inoffensive.



Next up is the Calming Moisture Cream, a luxuriously thick facial cream that hydrates and protects. I've found that it does not with all cleansers and instead works best when preceded by the Calming Cream Cleanser. It can be a little bit hard to massage into the face because it's so thick but it's not that big of an issue. It leaves the skin a little bit sticky, which I know not many people enjoy but I personally love, and dries down to a silky smooth finish. It leaves a protective barrier behind that protects the skin from the elements. It smells just like the cleanser, very light and clean.



The final product I've been using from Primavera is the Cooling Eye Roll-On. With ingredients like Organic Neroli, Cassis Water, Eyebright, and Licorice Extract this formula was created to brighten, sooth, and depuff the under eye area. I can't say that this product works miracles but it is really nice for daytime use. It works alone or under makeup. It provides a light amount of moisture and also leaves my tired eyes feeling cooler and more refreshed. As far as puffiness goes, I have mountains under my eyes; I'm not so sure it does very much for me. It doesn't seem to help my chronic dark circles much either but I do notice a slight difference and it feels so good going on that I find this eye product to be totally worth the $44 it retails for.

Overall, Primavera is an intriguing and thoughtful company with a wide array of natural products to suit every skin type. They might cost a little more than the average product but with that cost you can be sure you're getting pure, cruelty-free, healthy, and wholesome products. You can find Primavera online by clicking here. You can also visit them on Facebook.

Talk About It - Sia Botanics Desert Aloe & Jojoba Cream

Sia Botanics is a line of skin care products based on the power of the botanicals found in the Sonoran Desert like Prickly Pear, Aloe, Jojoba, and White Sage. They have formulated 4 different collections with oils and extracts from these plants to benefit all skin types whether you have dry, aging, or oily and blemished skin. All of their products are vegan and cruelty free as well as free from gluten, parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, and synthetic colors or fragrance.

Thanks to Sia Botanics I now have a new favorite facial moisturizer. I seriously love the Desert Aloe and Jojoba Cream. This cream is formulated to nourish and renew dry and dehydrated skin and I feel that it has helped my skin so much this past month. My skin has been incredibly dehydrated and flaky this winter and when I started using this cream in January my skin immediately started to improve.



I feel like this facial cream is very simple yet effective. I use it both day and night and it works well under makeup or on its own. It absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn't leave my face looking greasy or shiny. It doesn't feel tacky or sticky like some moisturizers for dry skin do. It also doesn't irritate my skin or leave a buildup behind.

This cream is made up of: Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Jojoba oil, Grapeseed Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Palm Stearic Acid, Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E, Witch Hazel, Xanthan Gum, Organic Black Willowbark Extract, Mannan, Neem Oil, Rosemary Oil, and Citric Acid. It comes in a 2 oz jar is costs less than $20 so it is very affordable.

To learn more about Sia Botanics and their products you can visit their website by clicking here.

Talk About It - Tatcha

As a beauty blogger, I get to try a lot of products that I never would have otherwise. I don't necessarily believe that a product has to cost a lot of money to work but I do get really excited when I get to test out a luxury product that I would never splurge on for myself. Being ill like I am means I have limited funds so dropping $150 on a brightening serum is out of the question, but I truly believe in investing in the health of you skin so if you have some extra money lying around, I highly recommend checking out Tatcha and their line of fabulous products.

Tatcha is a Japanese skin care company with products created after discovering a 200-year-old manuscript detailing the daily routines of geishas. "Having heard that many of the world's greatest beauty secrets originated with geisha, we explored scientific journals, unearthed historical archives and studied the ageless beauty rituals of the iconic geisha to shed light on a highly evolved approach to beauty."

Using ingredients like green tea, Okinawa red algae, and rice bran, Tatcha has formulated several products that the geishas of old would be proud to use. In addition to being made with time tested and healthy ingredients all Tatcha products are free of mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates.

I have been using several of Tatcha's products for a little over a month now and I cannot even begin to express how much I love this line. I even got my Mom hooked – she purchased a jar of the Classic Rice Enzyme Powder the day after trying out one of my samples. My skin has looked and felt so amazing, I can't even explain! My skin looks radiant, even, clear, and healthier than ever before. My pores are somehow almost non-existent now!


The company so kindly sent me The Tatcha Sampler Set and a full sized bottle of their Deep Brightening Serum. The Tatcha Sampler Set comes with 6 trial-sized essentials (including 3 packets of each POLISHED Rice Enzyme Powder for a total of 9, 0.5oz PURE Camellia One Step Cleansing Oil, 0.5oz RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum, and a 0.3oz SUPPLE Moisture Rich Silk Cream) and a full sized pack of Original Japanese Beauty Papers.
 
The Camellia One Step Cleansing Oil is the first step in the Ritual. It's a very light cleansing oil that I only use when I have makeup on since it removes makeup so easily. It's extremely hydrating and nourishing and cleanses without making skin feel tight, dry, or uncomfortable.

Next up is the exfoliating step. The Rice Enzyme Powders can be also be used as a daily cleanser if you're not wearing any makeup. This comes in 3 different formulations, Gentle, Classic, and Deep. It is a powder that turns into a cream once water is added. I love the Classic variety but I would have to say that the Gentle is my favorite. My skin cannot tolerate the Deep version. This product leaves skin feeling clean and super soft.

My favorite product from Tatcha is their Deep Brightening Serum. I use this every night, and most days. One pump is enough to cover my entire face. I look forward to applying this serum and have noticed a change in my skin already! Like I mentioned above, this serum retails for $150 but I'm not kidding when I say it is completely worth it. It feels incredibly light on the skin but also hydrates. It's ingredients list is comprised of Squalane, Rice Germ Oil, Rice Extract, Silk Protein, Algae Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin (Soy Derivative), and Green Tea Leaf Extract. This is one of my new Holy Grail products!

I always follow the serum with Tatcha's Moisture Rich Silk Cream, which is a great moisturizing cream for all skin types. It provides heavy moisture while sinking into the skin quickly. It continues to hydrate the skin all day or night and makes skin feel silky while doing it. It works alone or under makeup. A little of this cream goes a very long way.


The final Tatcha product I got to take for a test drive is their Original Aburatorigami beauty papers. These are all-natural, powder and fragrance free leaflets that absorb excess oil without ruining your makeup. I have been using blotting papers since I was 13 but I have never experienced any like these. Tatcha's Original Aburatorigami papers have two ingredients - 100% abaca leaf and gold flake. Gold flake! How cool is that? These absorb more oil than any other blotting sheet I have ever tried and leave my skin looking fresh!

I'm so in love with all of these products and have nothing negative to say other than the fact that my skin can't handle the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder. Other than that, this line is a real winner and I can't recommend it more whole-heartedly. The company also has outstanding customer service and simply elegant packaging. To learn about the company, products, or to shop visit Tatcha online or on Facebook.

Talk About It - Bayberry Naturals

A few weeks ago, I asked those of you who are fans of my Facebook page what type of product you are most picky about. At that time I shared that I am rarely satisfied with shampoo but I forgot to mention my search for the perfect daily body lotion. I have the hardest time finding a good lotion and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I hate that greasy, heavy feeling that some lotions give the skin but I also can't stand super thin and watery formulas either. There is a middle ground that very few companies have mastered but Bayberry Naturals is one of them.

My quest for the perfect body lotion ended when I tried Bayberry Naturals' Sensitive Skin Hand & Body Lotion. I've been using this lotion on my entire body every single day since it arrived. I apply it right after I get out of the shower while my skin is still slightly moist and my skin has never been softer. This is a very long lasting moisturizer that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin or my even more sensitive sense of smell. I wake up the next morning with skin that still feels soft and hydrated. I tend to have some flakes on my legs but they have been MIA since using this.


Like all Bayberry Naturals products it is sulfate, paraben, phthalate, artificial fragrance and dye free as well as cruelty free. The formula is comprised of organic aloe, organic coconut oil, kosher vegetable glycerin, grapeseed oil, roman chamomile essential oil, as well as a few other ingredients. It is 89% organic and 100% vegan. The lotion is packaged in a simple 8.7 fl oz bottle.

In addition to the Sensitive Skin Hand & Body Lotion, I have also really been enjoying their Shea Buttercream which is an incredibly rich and nourishing cream. It is literally the consistency of a thick buttercream frosting and it is to die for! It is made up of over 20% Organic Shea Butter so it is extremely emollient and perfect for extra dry skin. It helps soothe any itchiness, dryness or irritation. I use it on my hands and feet before going to bed every night and I have even used it on my face. When used on my face it really helped battle the dehydration my skin was experiencing.


This particular Buttercream does not contain any essential oils so those of us with the most sensitive skin can use it without any worry although it can be used on any skin type. It is 70% organic and 100% vegan. Some of its ingredients are organic aloe, organic shea butter, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, meadowfoam seed oil, and neem oil. It comes in a jar with 2 oz of product. A little goes a very long way.

 The final product I have been using from Bayberry Naturals is their Peppermint Bar Soap. This bar soap is made using organic oils, essential oils, organic wheat grass, organic barley grass, organic alfalfa, organic parsley, and rosemary extract. It is a truly unique peppermint bar soap. It smells fresh and clean. It is very gentle and doesn't dry out the skin while cleansing it.


I was so kindly sent these 3 truly phenomenal products from Bayberry Naturals and I am so excited that I was able to share them with you. I love the products I tried and I can only imagine how great the rest of their products are. To learn more about the company or purchase the products mentioned above you can visit their website.

Talk About It - Medicine Mama's Apothecary Bee Magic Wand

It's no secret that I love beauty products and recipes that include honey and other bee ingredients. Medicine Mama's Apothecary is a company who features healthy skin creams made using pure bee and other healthy, organic ingredients. I was sent their latest offering, The Bee Magic Wand, last month to test out and review and have been enjoying it since it arrived.



The Bee Magic Wand is an all in one natural lip and face balm in a convenient .5 oz twist up stick. The ingredient list is short and includes olive oil, avocado oil, beeswax, and Medicine Mama's Proprietary Honey and Propolis Blend. These 4 ingredients blend together to create a rich, hydrating, healing and softening balm that performs many different tasks.

Since honey and propolis are purifying, antibacterial, and antimicrobial and the beeswax is an anti-inflammatory while the oils are moisturizing and protective you can use this balm anywhere on your body! You can use it as a daily or nightly moisturizer (or both!), a lip balm, on your cuticles, for bites, burns, rashes, scars, or sun burns, to moisturize your lashes or under eye area, to tame unruly brows, and anything else you can dream up! I especially love this for my face and eye area!

It doesn't really have an odor, other than the faint scent of olive oil. It goes on heavy and makes your skin look a bit shiny but is absorbed by the skin almost immediately leaving lovely, healthy looking skin behind. It is very gentle and nonirritating while also very effective. It banishes any dry spots and makes my skin glow!

If you're interested in picking up your very own Bee Magic Wand you'll be happy to learn that it sells for $12.95 so it's very affordable. You can order online or check their retailer list to find it locally.

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

Moisture Matters

A common misconception about skin care that people with oily skin have is that since their skin is oily they don't need to moisturize. That thought could not be any further from the truth. Everyone regardless of skin type needs to moisturize. Oily skin is often oily because of a deep-seated need for hydration – oily skin is often actually very dehydrated skin that is overcompensating by creating excess sebum.

It's important to find the right moisturizer for your own skin type – which in your case oily gals is a light, water-soluble moisturizer so here is a super simple light lotion recipe that would be perfect for daytime use.

What you need :
1 ounce of Aloe Vera gel
2 teaspoons of vegetable glycerin
1 teaspoon of melted beeswax (you can skip this if you're a Vegan)
½ teaspoon of jojoba oil

Add all of the ingredients together and stir them until the beeswax starts to cool which will take about 5 minutes. Put the mixture into a jar or a bottle and voila! You have you very own facial lotion that is perfect for combating the "greasies". This will last for about 3 weeks.

Talk About It - Pomega5 Healing Cream

At the beginning of this yucky, frigid, and snowy season my skin was not happy about the lack of warmth and sunshine. It was dry, flaky, and irritable. Luckily for me, I found Pomega5's Healing Cream, an intense cream designed specifically for dry, damaged, and problematic skin. Despite its hefty price tag, ($85 for 1.7 oz) it's a lifesaver for chapped winter skin. I think it will even be great for sun-scorched skin in the summer, since it is very healing.


This cream is perfect for dry, sensitive skin because it's extremely nourishing and gentle at the same time. Once applied to the skin, it forms a protective barrier trapping much needed moisture inside and keeping free radicals, dirt, pollution and germs out. It's like wearing a suit of armor on your face. I think it is great for both day (it works really well under makeup and acts like a primer) and night, although I think it is especially excellent at repairing skin while the body is at rest. It also happens to smell really delicious.

It is formulated with a ton of good for your skin ingredients like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, calendula, carrot seed oil, aloe vera, shea butter, pomegranate seed oil, grape seed oil, vitamin e, and numerous other healthy oils and natural ingredients. All of these great things combine to make a super skin cream that heals and protects, which is why it is aptly named Healing Cream. It is deeply moisturizing but doesn't feel heavy, greasy, or sticky.

It comes in an airless pump so the product stays fresh and germ free. Keep in mind that it is very rich it might not be the best for oily skinned guys and gals. Pomega5 makes a Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer that would probably be better-suited for oily skin.

It's been wonderful on my sensitive face as well as my irritable back. I have been applying a thin layer of this cream onto my back after getting out of the shower every day to help heal and make my skin feel less itchy and sore (my illness has created some skin issues back there).

If you're interested in learning more about this product or other Pomega5 products you can find them online at www.pomega5.com.

Talk About It - Honey Girl Organics

Happy Talk About It Tuesday! I hope all of you beauties are doing well on this fine summer day!
I've been day dreaming a lot lately about a trip that I'm planning for next June. I'm really excited about this trip because it will be my first time on the lovely islands that make up Hawaii. I can't wait to sit on the beach and drink a virgin pina colada while digging my toes into the sand. Since it's still a year away I needed something to add into my daily routine that reminded me of what is to come on my Island getaway, which is where today's products come into the picture.

Honey Girl Organics (www.honeygirlorganics.com) is a company that is based in Haleiwa, Hawaii. They have a wide selection of natural and organic beauty products which are filled with the best ingredients they can find, with no chemicals or artificial preservatives. Each and every product they create and sell is made with only edible ingredients because they believe that you should only put on your body what you would be willing to put into your body and I couldn't agree with them more.

One of the founders of the company kept bees as a hobby which led him to create crèmes using honey and beeswax for his wife. Honey Girl Organics uses honey, beeswax, pollen and propolis in their products and combines the beehive ingredients with olive oil. Bee ingredients are great antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, collagen stimulators, as well natural humectants and emollients that provide the skin with the vitamins and minerals it needs. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids. Mix these two types of ingredients together and what you get is skincare gold.

First and foremost – the packaging is so gorgeous and of such high quality! I'm stunned by the beautiful jars they come in. Okay, let's start dishing about the actual products now.

I'm going to talk about the most interesting product I have ever tried first. I use the word interesting because I'm at an absolute loss of words when it comes to describing the facial scrub. I have never used anything that is even a little bit similar to this product. It's absolutely fantastic! It smells wonderful and it leaves my skin feeling unbelievably soft and smooth. I was actually giddy after the first time I used this scrub because it's so unique and incredible. It has only 8 ingredients including aloe, coconut butter, cane sugar, honey, diatomaceous earth, papaya and pineapple enzymes and essential oil – all of which are organic.



It has a thick, granular consistency that you massage onto a slightly damp face. You can add more water to adjust the level of exfoliation you desire. Massage in small circles all over face, but be sure to avoid the eye and mouth area since they are more delicate and sensitive. Rinse with lukewarm water, and use a washcloth to remove the extra scrub that may be remaining.

I can't even describe how much face feels when I'm done. It feels softer and more silky than ever, and that's not an over exaggeration. You have to try it for yourself because I wasn't kidding when I said I was at a loss for words. You'll just have to take my word when I say it's incredible. I use this 1-2 times a week depending on my exfoliation needs.

After I'm done exfoliating I apply the Extra Sensitive Face and Eye Crème. They have a regular version as well, but I always gravitate towards sensitive formulations. This crème is great because it allows you to combine two steps into one. I've never really understood why many companies sell separate face crèmes and an eye crème, so it's awesome that Honey Girl Organics has made a product that it both an eye and a face crème in one. This product has an all-star ingredient list including extra virgin olive oil, Hawaiian purified water, beeswax, raw pupukea wildflower honey, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly and d-alpha vitamin E.



This product really makes my skin feel hydrated and healthy without feeling heavy or greasy. I also feel like it plumps up my skin and make it look more youthful. I am only 24 but I'm starting to see myself aging and developing some very fine lines around my eyes so I feel like this is really helping my skin look younger. It doesn't irritate my skin at all and I'm really enjoying it. I think it's so luxurious! Oh, and a little bit goes a very long way!

I forgot to mention above that all of their products are cruelty-free and noncomedogenic, and their customer service is top notch. These products would suit just about anyone and everyone. I love them, especially the facial scrub if you couldn't tell by my rambling! Go check them out today because I know you'll really enjoy them as well! See you tomorrow!

 FTC: Honey Girl Organics sent me these products free of charge to test and possibly review. I am not being compensated to write this review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.