Talk About Skincare - Prāz

Masks are sort of my thing. Some people are obsessed with facial oils while others might adore body lotions or even eye creams but masks are my favorite beauty product. I love them and I've been lucky enough to love a lot of different masks in my lifetime, many of which I have shared with you here on Beautiful Basics in the past 9 years and today let's add another one to that list.

The Vitamin C Vitality Mask from Prāz is my latest addiction. I'm going to throw the word favorite out there because this Bentonite Clay and Vitamin C mask does incredible things to my skin. I've actually never had great luck with Vitamin C containing products before. I don't know why but my skin just usually hates it but for some reason I can use this mask and my skin doesn't react poorly. In fact, when I mix up this powdered mask, apply it to my face, let it sit until it's almost dry, and remove it I end up with an unbelievable glow. I'm left seriously glowy, plumped, smooth, clean and clear. When I use it before bed I also wake up and notice how amazing my skin looks. I love this stuff!

Besides the Bentonite Clay and Vitamin C Powder, this mask is also made of Organic Echinacea Powder, Organic Rosehip Fruit Powder, and Organic Avocado Oil. All organic and perfectly safe and natural.

The husband and wife duo behind Prāz "promise to treat animals and the planet with the same kindness and care we show your skin." This Leaping Bunny certified company uses only healthy, safe, and organic ingredients to create their line of naturally luxurious skincare products. From the formulas to the gorgeous packaging they have really thought of everything to give the users a special product and an experience well worth your time and money. They also give a percentage of every purchase to humanitarian efforts and organizations who work to help others and protect our planet.

They have several other products besides the Vitamin C Vitality Mask including another facial mask called Cranberry Detox. I didn't try it but it sounds awesome. The brand's roster also includes their Muscle Conditioner soak, serum, and 2 oils.

I got to try the Face Revive Oil as well as the All in One Oil and I enjoyed both of them a lot but I did prefer the Face Revive Oil. Made with (all organic) Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Rice Bran Oil and Sea Buckthorn Oil it is beyond nourishing for dry skin like mine. My skin drank this golden oil right up and never broke up or became irritated which can sometimes happen to me with oils. I like to use it as the last step in my skincare routine and lock in my serum and moisturizer with it. The only thing that I've noticed that I don't really care for is that it can tint white towels and robes because of the orange tint of the Sea Buckthorn Oil but that's an easy thing to work around if you're aware of it. Besides that, this oil leaves my thirty-something skin looking younger, healthier, and much more hydrated. It's meant to be anti-aging and I fully believe those claims. You need a tiny bit of product so I imagine this bottle will last quite some time.

The other oil, the All in One oil is also really nice but not my preferred oil. It's made with (again, all organic) Pure Rice Bran Oil, Sunflower Oil, Avocado Oil, Black Cumin Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Lemon Extract, Eucalyptus Extract, and Purple Coneflower Extract. This one feels a lot lighter so if you have skin that leans towards the oily side this one would be perfect for you! This product is meant to help with scarring, restore dry and thinning hair, and control oil production. Between the 2 oils Prāz has you're bound to find one that works for you and your needs.

As you can tell, I have really been loving this brand, their mission, their beliefs, and what they have to offer. If you're interested in learning more about Prāz you can check out their website by clicking here. You can also visit them on Instagram and Twitter.

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

Talk About Skin Care - Earth Science Maximum Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum

As I’m getting older my skin is getting more and more dry. It’s also somehow dehydrated even though I drink plenty of water and then some. I’m also pretty sensitive, my skin and nose both. About a month ago, I stumbled across the Earth Science Maximum Hydration Hyaluranic Acid Serum on the iHerb website and immediately added it to my cart and checked out. Two days later (iHerb has incredible shipping) I added it to my daily routine, using it after cleansing and before moisturizing in the morning and the evenings, and I don’t think I’ve ever had a product change my skin so much and so noticeably.

My skin is so much better and I’m so thankful for this little glass bottle full of magical serum that hydrates, plumps, and soothes my finicky skin. I have been receiving so many compliments about my skin since I started using this, and I’m comfortable enough to say that this product is now an absolute staple, a total must-have, in my routine now and I won’t let my bottle run out before ordering another because I can’t stand the thought of being without it.

I have seen such a difference in my skin. It is now balanced and hydrated. I don’t have any dry bits or any spots of irritation. It makes my skin look and feel so incredibly healthy. I’ve skipped it once or twice since it arrived and I won’t be making that mistake again. I’ve seriously been so impressed with this product and the effect it has on my skin. It’s not heavy or sticky, but it doesn’t feel like water either. It feels a bit like a gel that sinks in immediately and provides the skin with much needed moisture. It doesn’t clog my pores or cause me to get greasy later on in the day. It works perfectly under my moisturizer and works under makeup as well.

It doesn’t have a fragrance, but there is an extremely light and fresh scent that is hardly detectable. It’s vegan and cruelty-free. I also love the bottle and the dropper.

Here are the ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomile Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Algae Extract, Sodium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, and Ethylhexylglycerin.

Like I mentioned above I purchased mine on iHerb.com and if you want to give it a try you can click here. You can also use the code ZJL956 to get $5 off your first purchase (no minimum) from iHerb.

Talk About Skin Care - SeabuckWonders

You have probably heard a lot about Sea Buckthorn as an ingredient in personal care products, and with good reason. Sea Buckthorn is a superfruit that is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9. This means it's good for you, really good, inside and out. SeabuckWonders has been making products from sea buckthorn oils from the Tibetan Plateau since 1994. Their line of products is USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified as well as vegan, dairy and gluten free and Leaping Bunny Certified, meaning they are cruelty free.



I think the Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion is absolutely fantastic. The lotion comes in a tube and the lotion is the perfect consistency to easily squeeze out the desired amount. I keep it on the nightstand next to my bed and I really love the simple design and functionality of the packaging. The lotion itself has a very slight and gentle citrus scent and goes on smoothly and effortlessly to leave skin feeling ridiculously soft and silky. It is very rich but not even a little bit greasy. I especially love applying to my skin at night because I wake up with hydrated and healthy skin in the morning.



The Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is a gentle cleanser with jojoba beads that cleanses and refreshes the complexion. It seems like a fairly basic facial cleanser with the added benefit of exfoliating beads. I don't use it every single time I wash because I don't like to over exfoliate but I do tend to use it most mornings so the citrus scent is refreshing and invigorating. It leaves my skin looking visibly brighter and more radiant, which is awesome!



I always follow the Exfoliating Facial Cleanser with a healthy dose of the Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream. It is a fairly thick facial cream that is easily absorbed and leaves my face feeling soft, supple, and healthy. It calms my sometimes unfriendly skin and I really, really love this stuff! I also really love the airless packaging. It dispenses the perfect amount of moisturizer every single time! It feels quite nice once it dries and doesn't leave my face feeling sticky or overloaded at all. It leaves my skin feeling comfortable for a really long time. It also doesn't look at all shiny and instead leaves my skin feeling semi-matte but still glowing. I'm not really sure how I can look both matte and glowing at the same time but I'm really digging the results! Did I just say digging? I wish I had a bigger bottle!



Please remember that I might love things that you don't and you might fall head over heels for something that I didn't like very much. With that being said, I love serums but I'm just not a fan of the Sea Buckthorn Deep Hydrating Serum. I've tried it on its own after cleansing and before applying moisturizer and I even mixed it in with the cream but I really don't like the texture, and I can't move past it. It's sticky, and I mean it's REALLY sticky. Beyond sticky. Besides being sticky it doesn't do much for my skin at all and leaves me feeling sort of itchy and dry.



So, all in all, SeabuckWonders and their line of products are great with 3 out of 4 being a hit at Beautiful Basics. You can learn more about the company and their product line by visiting their website. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

Talk About It - Eminence Organic Skin Care

I've been testing out the Bright Skin Cleanser by Eminence Organic Skin Care and I have to say that I'm fairly impressed. The company has been making organic skin care since 1958 and I can see why they have earned so many awards and accolades in the past 55 years. My skin was going through a dry spell and was patchy and flaky when I started using this cleanser and noticed an immediate different in the texture of my skin. I was totally surprised by how soft my skin felt after using it for the first time.



It's light green in color and has a very smooth and creamy consistency. It also comes in a huge (8.4 fl oz) bottle that will last a very long time. It sells for $38 but you get a lot of product for the money.

It's extremely gentle and refreshing. This cleanser is moisturizing, but not heavy and rinses clean without stripping the skin or leaving a residue behind. I have normal to dry skin and my Mom has combination skin and we both really like this cleanser. I can't say that I have noticed a change in any dark spots or age spots, which is a technicality because I don't actually have any, so I can't comment on how well it fades discoloration. I can, however, comment on the fact that my skin appears to glow after using it.

The only negative thing I can say is that is has a very strong scent. It's not an awful scent, but it is very potent and lingers for hours after cleansing. It reminds me of Irish Spring soap for whatever reason.



I was also sent the Bamboo Firming Fluid, although the smell was too much for me, so I had to pass it on to my Mom who has been using it since it arrived. Here are her thoughts: "Although the smell is strong at first, it does dissipate in a short time. It hydrates well and is an excellent natural Retinol alternative. It firms and I believe I have seen a difference in my skin after using this product. My skin is becoming much more "mature" than I would like it to be but at 45 I guess that is to be expected."

To learn more about the company you can visit their website by clicking here. You can find Eminence in a spa near you by using this locator. You can also purchase the products online at Dermstore.com.

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 - Rand Hill Naturals

It is no secret that I love honey. I also love natural skin care and cosmetics as well as my home state – Oregon. What do you get when you combine all three things I just mentioned? You get an Oregon based natural skin care company who makes honey facial care products (in addition to other products) called Rand Hill Naturals.

Randie Hill started to develop sensitivities to traditional products in the mid 90's but couldn't afford the hefty price tags of natural products so she decided to create her own. Her goal now is "to create a line of unique and effective products that incorporate plant based ingredients in their simplest, most unrefined form." All Rand Hill Natural products are pure and safe, free from any artificial ingredients like color, fragrance and preservatives. They are also very affordable!

I was lucky enough to get to try the Complexion Essentials, which includes a cleanser, a cleansing mask and a serum. All 3 products feature raw and unfiltered honey, essential oils (including Lavender, Rose Geranium, Orange, Neroli & Grapefruit), and other natural skin beneficial ingredients.



First up is the Daily Facial Honey Wash, which is a really great cleanser for any skin types (except those allergic to honey, of course) because it's so gentle. It smells amazing; like honey with a touch of citrus mixed in. It has the exact consistency of honey so it doesn't produce foam or anything that other facial cleansers may do but it's just as efficient if not more so. It's non-sticky and spreads easily across the skin. I massage it onto my damp skin and rub gently in small circles until I'm ready to rinse. It rinses off so effortlessly and leaves skin feeling comfortable and healthy. I feel like it really keeps my skin looking clear and it also brightens. It makes my face feel fresh and fit.



Once a week I use the Honey Oatmeal Cleansing Mask, but I use it as a facial scrub instead of a mask. You all know how much of an obsession I have with scrubs and this particular one has made it onto the favorites list. It smells like floral-y citrus and makes my skin look radiant. I'm obsessed with this scrub! I particularly like to use this when I've had a long day or worn a lot of makeup because it gets deep down into each and every little pore leaving them shiny and new thanks to the exfoliating oatmeal powder. I do occasionally use it as a mask, but I prefer it as a cleansing scrub. It's very hydrating and improves the condition of my skin.



The last product were going to talk about is the Ultimate Face Quenching Serum which is made up of Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Tea Tree and Rose Geranium essential oils. A lot of people are afraid of using oil to moisturize their skin but this serum is incredibly lightweight yet conditioning. It absorbs almost instantly and leaves skin feeling softer than you could even imagine without being the least bit greasy. The smell of this is a bit strong, but it's tolerable and dissipates within about an hour. Its great for morning and evening use and really plumps up and smoothes skin.

If you're interested in checking these products (or other Rand Hill Naturals products) out for yourself you can visit their website by clicking here. You can purchase online or use the Find a Store tab to see if there are any stores near you that sell these products.

(FTC: These products were 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, and my own and honest.)