Talk About Kari Gran - Bath Soak & Essential Balm

It’s November, which means the holidays are rapidly approaching. This is my favorite time of the year for a million and one reasons. I love the holiday season so much! And even though I’m more about the memory-making than the material things, one little fun part of this time of year, in my opinion, is all of the incredible beauty launches. There are so many awesome new products being released and wonderfully priced value sets and kits, and it gets me really excited!

And one of the most beautiful sets I’ve seen, maybe ever, comes from Kari Gran and features two brand new products. Bath Soak would be a perfect gift, for yourself or someone you love, because I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy taking some time out of their day to pamper their skin and relax. I mean, I love baths and I love adding something special to the water to make my self-care session even better.

This lovely set comes in the signature Kari Gran jute makeup bag and is tied with a beautiful black satin bow. The products within the bag are gorgeous, as well, because both the Bath Soak Crystals and the Bath Soak Oil come in the classic Kari Gran dark violet MIRON glass that is recyclable but also repurpose-able.

The Bath Soak Crystals are made of Himalayan Pink Salts and Magnesium Flakes (from the Dead Sea), while the Bath Soak Oil is comprised of Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Bulgarian Lavender Oil and Non-GMO Vitamin E from Sunflower. Like the rest of the Kari Gran line, these products are simply formulated but incredibly rich and luxurious.  I adore how they have separated the dry ingredients from the oils because this allows them to stay fresh for a much longer amount of time and allows room for customization.

The suggested ritual is to “add 2 capfuls of Bath Soak crystals followed by 5 dropperfuls (not drops) of Bath Oil under running bath water and enjoy. Customize your experience by varying the amounts of each or using them on their own.”

I’ve been following this suggestion and I am so impressed with this Bath Soak. It makes for an incredible bathing experience and ends up leaving my skin so unbelievably soft and silky when I get out. It does a great job of helping me relax and detox from the day and helps give me a nice, relaxing spa-like atmosphere. The scent is perfect, neither too heavy or too light, and the formula is dreamy.

This set is gorgeous and luxurious and thoughtful. With a lovely presentation, the soothing set of products (that also look gorgeous on any bathroom counter or vanity), and a price of $58, you really can’t go wrong. You can check out the product by clicking here.

I have another newly launched product to briefly mention, as well, and that is their Essential Balm. This thick, eco-luxe balm is their beloved Essential Serum in a much more velvety form. If you’re already a fan of the Essential Serum than this multi-tasking, luxurious, golden-hued balm is for you. You can use it on your face, neck, eye area, décolleté, hands, dry spots on your body and even your lips. The glass jar is impressive and comes with so much product that it will last you a long time since a little goes a long way. This will be perfect to combat any winter-weather skin woes!

If you’re interested in learning more about Kari Gran you can click here to visit their website. Kari Gran is also on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Oh! They also recently just commissioned their Third Annual Green Barometer Survey among American Women, which has some really interesting facts about the demand and growth of green beauty. You can check that out by clicking here.

(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.) 

Talk About Skin Care - Seventh Generation Boosts

Hey Beautiful! In today's post I'm delighted to be able to introduce you to the Seventh Generation Boosts, a healthy and affordable line of natural skin boosting serums. With 6 versions to choose from there is something for everyone, regardless of skin type. I have been using the Soothing Boost for several weeks now and have really fallen in love with it, for good reason. If you're interested in learning more about this product or finding out how you can enter to win a bottle of the Boost of your choice, then keep reading!



My family and I have been long time fans of Seventh Generation and their line of household cleaning products (especially their Free and Clear All Purpose Cleanser, Free and Clear Natural Dish Liquid, and Hand Soap) so when the company reached out to tell me about their new skin care serums and present me with the opportunity to try it I naturally said yes, please!

Step one involved selecting the right formula for me. The company has 6 different Boosts you can choose from, all waterless and made from pure, plant-based ingredients. In these cruelty free skin serums you won't find any parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or color, or animal ingredients or byproducts.

The 6 varieties are:
Hydrating: Restores Moisture Balance with Jojoba Oil
Soothing: Calms and Relieves with Oat Extract
Clearing: Reduces Impurities with Tea Tree Oil
Firming: Strengthens and Tones with Baobob
Revitalizing: Smooths Fine Lines with Rosehip
Protecting: Defends Against the Elements with Prickly Pear

I selected the Soothing Boost because it sounded super simple (in a good way!) and gentle. The instructions for use say you can add the serum to your regular cleanser and/or moisturizer or use directly on your skin as a treatment, which is my preferred way of using it. I have also used it in conjunction with my nighttime moisturizer and it works well as an added layer of protection and hydration.

I have actually been using it as my daily moisturizer after washing my face in the morning. It absorbs easily and quickly so I don't get shiny or greasy throughout the day. It works well alone or under mineral makeup. It's extremely light but also superbly hydrating and makes a huge difference in my skin. My skin has been so dehydrated and this soothing oil makes my face and neck so much better, I can't even fully describe it! I feel like it hydrates deep down and plumps up my dry skin. It doesn't clog my pores or cause any irritation either!

You can learn more about Seventh Generation Boosts by clicking here, where you can also print out a $3 off coupon. This serum is already affordable so the coupon is an awesome bonus! You can also follow Seventh Generation on Facebook or Twitter.

Talk About Skin Care - Acure Organics

When I asked you Beauties what you wanted to see on the blog a large number of you asked me for my thoughts on Acure Organics and their line of products. I contacted the company and I received a box of goodies that I have been testing out for about a month now. Acure Organics is an amazing family owned and operated company who believes in providing high quality fair trade, natural and certified organic personal care products. They never test on animals or include parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or colors, or any other harmful ingredients. Their products are also really affordable!

Without further ado, here is part one of my Acure review and my thoughts on the skin care products they sent me.



As you may know, I have normal to dry skin that is fairly sensitive. I also have a very sensitive nose when it comes to fragrance so I have really been enjoying the fragrance free Sensitive Facial Cleanser Argan Oil + Probiotic. It is a fairly thick and creamy cleanser that hydrates and plumps up the skin to leave it looking healthy. This cleanser is perfect for my skin! It is extremely gentle so I can use it daily, or even twice a day. I really love how it leaves my face feeling soft and clean without irritating or stripping my skin. This has officially earned a spot on my top 5 facial cleansers list. I really like it because it's so simple, yet effective! If you're curious about the ingredients you can click here, where you can also learn more about the product.



I have also been testing out the Balancing Rose + Red Tea Facial Toner. Although this particular toner is marketed towards those with combo to oily skin I really like it and would say that it would be suitable for all skin types. It does a fantastic job of keeping my skin balanced and smooth, as well as helping my moisturizer absorb better. I use this in the morning and it seems to soothe any redness I may have and help perfect and balance my skin. I also really love the glass bottle and the fact that it comes with a spray top. This is a very refreshing toner with a gorgeous slightly rosy scent to it.



Next up is the Argan Stem Cell + CFG Cell Stimulating Facial Mask, which both my Mom and I have tried several times. As a beauty blogger I have tried dozens upon dozens of facial masks but have yet to come across a mask like this one. It seems fairly average upon first application, but once the mask is dry and the time has come to rinse off it becomes foamy. I've never used a foamy mask and I like it a lot! It's extremely gentle so even my Mom (who has highly reactive skin) can use it! There is no tight, uncomfortable sensation that goes along with this mask and is instead very refreshing and even a bit cooling. We have both noticed cleaner, brighter, softer, more hydrated skin after using this mask. Like the toner, it also seems to help with any redness.



The final facial product I've been playing around with from Acure Organics is their Marula Oil, which can also be included in the hair and body categories as well. I'm a big fan of oils so I was really excited to try this one out. Acure's Marula Oil is 100% pure, wildcrafted without pesticides, cold pressed and unrefined. It has a slight scent but it is not offensive at all. I've been using it a lot since it arrived and I really like it overall. I do have to say that it is not moisturizing enough on its own as facial oil, but I have found that it works extremely well over a moisturizing lotion or cream. I love the results that layering this oil with other products gives me. I love the dropper applicator as well!

That sums up my Acure Organics facial care review. You can check out my thoughts on the body and hair products I've been experimenting with by clicking here.

Argan Oil Benefits and Zinn Review

Argan Oil comes from the nuts of the Argan Tree, which can only be found in select areas of Morocco. Moroccan women, and even men, have been using Argan Oil for beauty, medicinal, and nutritive purposes for generations and it has recently been made available across the globe. Argan Oil has been gaining popularity in the US for a few years now, and with good reason - The oil has double the amount of Vitamin E that olive oil has, a high level of essential fatty acids, Vitamin A, and antioxidants.

Argan Oil is considered to be a miracle for skin and hair. It can be used to help balance and clear oily and acne prone skin, moisturize and nourish dry skin, heal scars, repair skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, and slow down the aging process. I especially love using Argan Oil as a facial moisturizer after doing a mask, scrub, or peel since it is so nourishing. I feel like it helps my skin regenerate and leaves it looking and feeling healthy. It also works great on dehydrated skin, cuticles, and rough feet.

When it comes to hair there are many more uses for Argan Oil. It easily penetrates hair to nourish, hydrate, and improve condition. It helps to prevent breakage since it strengthens and improves elasticity. I really like using Argan Oil as a leave in conditioner (I apply it to my ends while my hair is still damp). Doing this has really helped keep my ends from becoming damaged or split. I also love using it as a pre-cleanse scalp treatment and to tame flyaways when my hair is acting up. I don't color my hair but it is really useful for bringing health back to the hair of those who do.


Some Argan Oils can be a bit pricey but Zinn Beauty offers a certified pure and organic bottle for only $29.99. I really love the fact that it is handmade in Morocco! It comes in an absolutely gorgeous 2 FL OZ bottle, with a cute little tassel, that will last a very long time. A little bit of "liquid gold" goes a very long way. The oil itself is a clear, light golden color. It has a very slight, inoffensive scent that disappears upon application. You can purchase this Argan Oil online as well as at ULTA, Duane Reade and Ricky's.

I know many people get nervous at the thought of using oil to moisturize their skin and/or hair but trust me when I say there is nothing to worry about! Argan oil in particular is incredibly light, quick to absorb, and long lasting. It doesn't leave skin or hair looking greasy or dirty; in fact it's just the opposite. Try it out and let me know what you think!

(FTC: The Argan Oil I mentioned was so generously provided to me 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.)