Talk About Skin Care - Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator

It's not always love upon first application with products but I like to give some products second, and even third chances to change my mind. The first time I tried the Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator I was really offended by the scent, the texture, and the way the product itself looked but I continued to massage it onto my skin, left it on my face for the recommended time, and rinsed it off.

I wasn't very impressed until the next day when my Mom asked me why my skin looked so amazing. I, personally, couldn't really see any difference in my skin but she was adamant about how fantastic my face looked. I tried it a couple of more times with the same results so I put it in my facial drawer and sort of forgot about it.



I picked up the jar again last week and have suddenly discovered the appeal and value of this awesome stuff. Don't get me wrong about how I feel about the scent, I think it absolutely stinks - like a combination of curry and my favorite Tazo Zen Green Tea, it's just plain weird but I'm most decidedly not offended by it anymore for whatever reason.

I like to wash my face using my Spa Sonic and then gently massage the goopy green stuff all over my face, moving in small circular motions for around 4 or 5 minutes. I then leave it on for about 45 minutes before removing with a warm, damp washcloth. My skin is left feeling ridiculously smooth and even. It doesn't look particularly good immediately afterwards but the next day I wake up with clear, glowing skin. Even though I prefer instant gratification I can certainly sit tight to wait for these awesome results to show up.



It also somehow makes my pores look smaller and my skin looks more refined in general. I don't know why I didn't instantly adore this stuff but my dull winter skin is thoroughly enjoying it! Even though it's pretty pricey at $60 for 1.5 oz I would definitely recommend it if you have the available funds and the desire for ridiculously radiant skin.

You can learn more about the ingredients in this exfoliator by clicking here. You can also learn more about Josh Rosebrook and his other product offerings by visiting his website here.

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

Talk About Skin Care - Natralia

It's that cold time of year again when our skin needs a lot of extra help to be healthy and hydrated and I have become totally obsessed with Australian based Natralia and their line of moisturizing products. I was fortunate enough to try out several of their body care products and have really enjoyed them all, as have the other members of my family.

My entire family is particularly in love with their Dry Skin Lotion; in fact, a second bottle has been purchased and we will be picking up a third very soon. I'm pleased to say that it is my new all-time favorite lotion. I think I've told you all how picky I am when it comes to body lotion and this one meets and exceeds all of my requirements.



I am very dry, scaly, and itchy and once I smooth this lotion across my skin these problems are immediately fixed! This product is a miracle in a bottle and makes my skin feel so healthy and good! I'm so thankful for the fact that it works so hard to get rid of the itch because I can't stand it! It is not greasy, sticky, heavy, tacky, or heavily scented. It absorbs super quickly but leaves a very light protective layer behind. It leaves me feeling hydrated all day and all night and I can't say enough good things about this stuff!

My only real issue with this lotion is the bottle and the pump. Once the lotion starts migrating towards the bottom of the bottle the pump seems to stop dispensing the lotion. This, however, is a problem easily solved by taking off the pump and pouring directly into the hand from the bottle, which isn't that big of an issue.



As for the Dry Skin Wash – I don't love it and I don't hate it. I feel like it is fairly average as far as body washes go. I don't notice a huge difference in the dryness or itchiness of my skin after using it but it does get me clean so it still gets thumbs up from me!



Finally, on to the Heel Balm – this product has become one of my Moms absolute favorite products of all time. She might not want me to tell you this but her feet are always dryer than the Sahara Desert; however, this lotion has really helped her heal! She applies it every night and I have seen a hugely enormous change in the texture of her heels and toes. Natralia hit it out of the park with another miracle in a bottle with this one!

You can learn more about Natralia and their products by visiting their website by clicking here.

Spa Sonic Giveaway

In May, I posted a review of the Spa Sonic Face and Body Polisher, which you can read here, and I am still very much a fan and avid user of the system. I use the brush several times a week and notice a huge difference in my skin!

Tools like this make the perfect holiday gift and this year there are several awesome deals going on that make the Spa Sonic even more affordable. Check them out!

Spa Sonic Holiday Deals

● Visit www.target.com on Black Friday to purchase the Spa Sonic system for $33 and Cyber Monday through Cyber Week for $32.

● Now through December 30th, www.walmart.com is offering the Spa Sonic system for $39.99.

● The new DermaLight will be on sale for $119.99 and the Spa Sonic system $35.99 at www.drugstore.com. Offer valid November 24th through December 7th.

One lucky Beautiful Basics reader will win their very own Spa Sonic Skin Care System in their choice of color (white, pink, or lavender).

To enter all you have to do is use the Rafflecopter form below. Don't forget to "like" this post. It may take a moment or two to load so please be patient. Also, if you leave a comment and it doesn't show up right away, don't worry because I can see it. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Scent-tacular Holiday Giveaway

It's time for the perfect holiday giveaway! I'm giving away one bottle (1.7 fl oz) of Pure Vanilla fragrance from Lavanila Laboratories. This perfume has a retail value of $58 and will make the perfect give for you or someone you love!

This fragrance is made without petrochemicals, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, silicone, synthethic dyes, sulfates, and parabens. Lavanila is also cruelty free!



To enter all you have to do is use the Rafflecopter form below. Don't forget to "like" this post. It may take a moment or two to load so please be patient. Also, if you leave a comment and it doesn't show up right away don't worry because I can see it. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fall Sampler GIVEAWAY

Fall is here and I'm already in love with the gorgeous colors of autumn, the cool breeze, warm and comfy clothing, and curling up with a good book and a cup of tea underneath a fuzzy blanket. I haven't always been a fan of fall but I have been converted and it is now my favorite season, or one of them anyway. I like 3 out of 4; guess which one I don't like! I'll give you a second…… did you guess winter? If you did, you're right! I'm not a snow loving gal.

Okay, let's get to the point of this post. It's GIVEAWAY time!

Here is what you can win:
Giovanni Wellness System Shampoo and Conditioner (both 2 fl oz)
.5 oz Lavender-Sage Shmidts Deodorant
Acure Dark Chocolate and Mint Lip Balm
13 natural beauty foil samples from Juice Beauty, Borage Therapy, Hugo Naturals, MyChelle, etc.



To enter all you have to do is use the Rafflecopter form below. Don't forget to "like" this post. It may take a moment or two to load so please be patient. Also, if you leave a comment and it doesn't show up right away don't worry because I can see it. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Papaya Glow

One of my favorite foods in the entire world is a fresh, ripe papaya. I could eat a million papayas and not get sick of them! I find them so delicious I just can't get enough! I don't only enjoy eating them though. Whenever I finish eating a papaya, I take the peel into the shower with me and rub it directly onto my face, chest, and neck.



Papaya is rich in antioxidants and has a special enzyme called papain that acts as a natural exfoliator. The natural alpha hydroxy acids in the fruit help break down dead skin cells leaving skin looking smoother, brighter, more even in tone and texture, and overall healthier looking and feeling.

Lately I have been leaving a little extra papaya meat behind to mix with honey to use as a facial mask. I take a fork and just mash the papaya until its mostly broken down and then add a spoonful of raw honey. After washing my face with a gentle cleanser I apply the mixture to my face and neck and let it sit for 20-30 minutes.

Since there are natural acids in the fruit it can burn a little but it is nothing to worry about. Rinse off with lukewarm water and a wash cloth and apply your favorite serum and/or moisturizer. With continued use, this mask should help with uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes. It will also leave your skin looking more radiant and glowing!

Remember, it is important try a small amount on your arm to check if you're allergic. If it feels more intense than very minor stinging you may be allergic or too sensitive to use this mask so rinse off right away.

Talk About Cosmetics - Painted Earth Mineral Sheer Matte Bronzer

Hellllllooooo Beautiful! I hope you are having a fantastic day!

I can freely and openly admit to the world that I am a bronzer junkie. I like to think of myself as an expert on all things bronze so I decree that from this moment on you should refer to me only as THE Bronzer Queen… just kidding! That would be super weird if I did that, but in reality, I do love bronzer! I love makeup in general but if I absolutely had to pick a favorite type of product I would no doubt choose bronzer. I can even go as far as to select a favorite bronzing product, which I have been using fanatically since it made its home in my makeup collection in May.

I am talking about Painted Earth's Mineral Sheer Matte Bronzer in Sunkissed. Never have I worn a bronzer that convinces those around me that I have a natural sunkissed glow about me as well as this one does. When I use this bronzer it's frankly like I am applying hours of basking in the sun directly to my face with a brush, instead of harmful UV rays. The color is perfect and never looks orange, muddy, or dirty and the texture of the powder is so fine and silky soft it seems to blend into the skin.



I swirl the colors together with a big, fluffy Kabuki brush and apply to the points of my face where the sun would naturally hit (forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose) and get a lovely wash of bronze glow from it. I have also used this bronzer on my eyelids as well. I could go on and on about this stuff but I'll leave it at this – I'm in love with it! It's a little pricey at $33 but since a little goes a long way I think it is totally worth the investment.

You can visit Painted Earth online by clicking here to be taken to their website. You can also visit Painted Earth on Facebook and Twitter.

(FTC : This bronzer was given to me free of charge for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated for this review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own and honest. Being given this product for free has not changed my opinion about it. )

Talk About Cosmetics - Mineral Hygienics

Lets talk minerals… mineral makeup that is! I first started experimenting with mineral foundation way back in 2006 during my college days. I discovered that applying a light dusting of the stuff was much easier and more time efficient than liquids and creams when I was running late to class. I also discovered that I preferred the feel and finish of mineral powder.



These days I have been using Mineral Hygienics and their cruelty free, 100% natural formulas. I have really been enjoying the look and feel of the products I got to try. In addition to being pure, animal friendly, and fabulous, the products actually come in fairly large jars so you're getting a good amount of product for your dollar!



The company has 15 shades of their Sheer Mineral Foundation with both cool and warm undertones, from the fairest of the fair to deep shades, so everyone should be able to find their perfect shade. I was sent Light, Medium Light, and Medium. Light and Medium are perfect for me since they have a slightly more yellow undertone (Medium Light is a little pink and is perfect for my Mom!) and I actually wear both at the same time. What I do is use Light in the center of my face and Medium around the outer parts of my face, which helps add dimension. However, they are very similar in color and both work well for my skin tone.



The ingredients list of Mineral Hygienics foundation is comprised of Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Mica and may also contain Iron Oxides and Ultra Marines. The formula is very fine in texture and blends into the skin really easily. It almost melts into the skin once applied and looks flawless, but not in an artificial way. It never looks flat, nor does it have shimmer that makes it look overly luminous. The formula has a very natural looking finish that can be applied in a sheer layer or built up for more coverage. It also doesn't irritate my skin like some other mineral foundations can.



In addition to the Sheer Mineral Foundation I have also been using the Sheer Perfection Mineral Finish in Transluscent. It seems a little strange to set powder with powder but this particular product can be used as a powder primer that evens out the tone and texture of the skin or as a finishing touch on top of foundation. I find that I don't use this every day but I do, however, like to use this to touch up when I start to get a little shiny in the afternoon or evening.



The final Mineral Hygienics product that I have been using is the Cool Kiss Mineral Bronzer. This product is a shimmery, cool-toned Mineral Enhancer that doesn't look great on my skin. I have found that it is just a touch too shimmery for my tastes for me to wear as a cheek product but it looks so amazing as an eye shadow! I've been rocking it on my lids and really love the effect!



I was also sent the Full Coverage Kabuki Brush and it couldn't be more perfect for buffing my minerals into the skin with. It provides such an even coverage, has super soft and fairly dense bristles, and is the perfect size and shape. I absolutely love the handle because it makes it a little easier to use than regular kabuki brushes.

You can learn more about the company and their product offerings by visiting their website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Talk About It - August 2013 Petit Vour Box

Monthly subscription boxes make me so happy and I can't get enough of them! There is nothing more exciting than discovering a box of surprise goodies in your mail and this month I got to experience Petit Vour, a service that provides subscribers with deluxe-sized (and sometimes even full-size) vegan and cruelty free beauty products each month. If you read through this entire blog post you will find the opportunity to enter to win your very own Petit Vour Box!



If you're wondering about the name Petit Vour, it is named after the small, beautifully decorated dessert called "petit four", although the F in four has been replaced with a V for vegan. Madeline Alcott, the Founder and Creative Director of the company, believes that no animal should suffer for the sake of beauty and I couldn't agree more! This belief and her desire to find animal friendly and luxurious products in one place with a risk free way to shop led to the birth of Petit Vour.

In fact, I think this sentence from the Behind the Brand section of the Petit Vour website pretty much sums it up, "Our goal at Petit Vour is to make your shopping fun and effortless and to let you sample new cruelty-free products -- hidden gems, makeup artist-approved and everything in between."

You can choose from 3 different subscription plans including a month-to-month plan that costs $15, a 3-month plan with a price tag of $45, or the $90 6-month subscription. If you're Canadian you can purchase a month-to-month box for $25. Keep in mind that if you're in Texas there is tax.

Once you have decided on a plan you will be sent cruelty-free products from around the world. You will be able to try new products and then take surveys that will allow you to earn points, which you can use to score free boxes. In addition to being able to test out fun new products you will also receive exclusive discounts that you can use to purchase your favorites in full-size.

Okay, okay! Let's get to the good stuff – the contents of the August Petit Vour box! This box was themed around products that will fit perfectly into your travel makeup bag with Labor Day in mind. The card that came inside the box says, "In the box, we focus on lightweight, nutrient-dense items that do our bodies good, from head to toe."

Here we go:

Kroma Makeup Botanical Lipgloss/Lipstick ($29)

Bodyography Veil Foundation Primer (.53 oz with a value of $10)

Enfusia Dead Sea Bath Salts ($2.99)

Shorganics Lavendar Lip Balm and Unscented Body Lotion ($4)

Kelapo 100% Virgin Coconut Oil ($0.42)

I'm not going to go into depth about each product since it would make this post ridiculously long (but if you're curious about any of the products please let me know and I can review it/them separately) but overall I'm very impressed. The Kroma Makeup Botanical Lipgloss/Lipstick is gorgeous and has a value of $29 alone, which makes this box worth a lot more than its $15 price tag.

The only thing that frustrates me a little bit is the Enfusia Dead Sea Bath Salts. I received the Rose scented version and it smells so strong that I could smell it in my mailbox.The scent has coated all of the products in the box as well and since I'm so sensitive to fragrance it is slightly bothersome. I am, however, letting the products air out and I gave the bath salts to my Mom. She really loves the scent so all is well!

To learn more about Petit Vour you can visit their website by clicking here.



(FTC : Petit Vour generously sent me a box for free for review consideration. This is not a sponsered post and I am not being compensated for writing it. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

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 It - JustNeem Clay Mask

One of my favorite things to do is treat myself to a facial mask so of course I said yes when JustNeem contacted me asking if I would be interested in trying their Neem Clay Mask. It has become one of my all time favorite facial masks so keep reading to find out more!



I like to use this mask once or twice a week for 15 minutes and it makes a humungous difference it the texture, brightness, cleanliness, and quality of my skin. It leaves my skin looking great and feeling even better. If I feel a pimple coming on I just pop a little of this on the area and it seems to stop it dead in its tracks.

Upon first opening the jar the mask itself has a very strong scent of eucalyptus and once applied to the skin it is very cooling, slightly tingly, and has a refreshing feel to it. It is a little thick but spreads across the skin very easily. The mask rinses off without difficulty and leaves my face feeling so silky soft, smooth, and clean. It also makes my skin look much more radiant! It's one of those masks where I just can't stop touching my skin after using it.



All JustNeem products are sustainable, Fair Trade, and cruelty free. The ingredients in this mask are: Aqua, French Clay, Sunflower Oil, Neem Leaves, Cetearyl Alcohol & Ceteareth 20, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Essential Oils, Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol.

The jar is filled with 7 ounces of this wonderful purifying facial treatment and costs less than $30 so it's a really great deal. I would buy this mask again and again! This mask is so popular that even Dr. Oz featured it on his show in February! If you're interested in learning more about this mask or purchasing your own jar you can click here. You can also visit the JustNeem website to learn more about the company.

July Sampler GIVEAWAY

I am thoroughly enjoying my summer and I hope all of you are as well. The sunshine, warm air, pool time, and impromptu road trips have been perfect and to celebrate this amazing summer it's time for another giveaway.



I have two fun grab bags to give away. One of you Beauties will win the grand prize that includes: a full size Beecology My Big Fat Greek Yogurt and Honey Soap with Revitalizing Juniper, a full size Lavanila Rollerball perfume in Pure Vanilla, an Acure Dark Chocolate and Mint Lip Balm, a deluxe sized sample of Beurre Shea Butter Body Cream in Sage, and a dozen foil samples.



The second place winner will receive a smaller bag with several skin care sample, two tea bags, and an Acure Dark Chocolate and Mint Lip Balm. 



All you have to do to enter to win is use the Rafflecopter form below. It may take a moment or two to load. Good luck Beautiful!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be selected randomly from all entrants. I will e-mail the winners after they are selected as well as post their names on the Beautiful Basics Facebook page. US and Canada only.