Firmoo Glasses Review and Makeup Tips

When I was younger and first needed vision correction I was so appalled by the idea of wearing glasses. I got a pair, but then convinced my parents to let me get contacts. After 3 hours, seriously, of trying to put the flimsy little lenses in my eyeball I finally got the hang of it and wore contacts only for the next 8 or 9 years. Over the past several years I have fallen more and more in love with glasses. Contacts leave my eyes dry, itchy, and irritated but glasses are really comfortable, easy to wear, and stylish. I wear contacts maybe once a month and glasses every other day. I like to have a few pairs to switch between to match my moods and outfits.

I was contacted by Firmoo about a month ago and asked if I wanted to try a pair of their glasses. I, of course, said yes and was so excited to have a pair of their glasses in my arsenal. I chose these frames and I'm so happy with them! I'm a fan of frames that are on the bigger side but not overly massive and these ones are just right for me. They fit me, without needing any adjustments, perfectly and are beyond comfortable. They don't rub anywhere they shouldn't and they're not heavy or bulky or irritating. The lenses are crisp and allow me to see flawlessly. They're also very sturdy and well made.

I love the color of these glasses too. I normally go for black or purple frames so I was a bit worried I wouldn't love the tortoiseshell but I really do! The only thing I don't like is the print on the case they came in but that doesn't really matter in the end, does it? In addition to the case they also come with a pouch, cleaning cloth, and tiny screwdriver.

Shipping was delightfully quick and the whole process of ordering was seamless and easy. I will definitely be ordering from Firmoo.com again and even have my eye on a pair of their sunglasses. I have one pair of RX sunglasses and it's so nice to be able to see and have protection from the sun at the same time.

Makeup can be a little tricky, I find, when wearing glasses. I tend to like to create a smooth and even base with a focus on my brows, cheeks, and lips instead of creating bold or bright eye looks.

Since I have dry skin that has a tendency to look a bit flaky, I like to start of with a primer that hydrates and brightens. My favorite is the 100% Pure Luminous Primer. It makes my skin look so smooth and healthy. I also like to even out my skin tone and make everything look natural but flawless. Lately I've been loving using concealer where needed instead of using foundation on a day to day basis to keep things looking light and fresh. I used the Pacifica Transcendent Concentrated Correcting Concealer in Light on the areas that needed coverage.

When wearing glasses it's important to get rid of any darkness and make the area look brighter. To do this I use Pacifica's Dreamlit Illuminating Under Eye Brightener in Dreamlight, which is one of my absolute favorite products of all-time, under my eyes to cover up my dark circles. I use it under my eyes but I also blend it on to the lid to even the skin there out and since the inner corners of our eyes tend to look very dark I also apply it there to lighten the area. If you have fine lines or wrinkles under your eyes it's also a good idea to moisturize the area because everything will be magnified beneath your lenses and makeup can gather in those areas.

If you have an issue with creasing on the bridge of your nose where your glasses rest you can use an eye primer in that area to keep it from creasing. It makes a huge difference!

I also used the Minimalist Illuminating Serum from Gressa on the tops of my cheekbones and underneath my brow for a healthy highlight. I want my skin to look healthy so adding a touch of this magical elixir makes skin glow.

When wearing glasses it's really crucial that you set your makeup with your favorite setting powder. Setting your makeup will make sure it doesn't slip and slide or go anywhere. Once it's set it's there until you decide to take it off.


Since glasses are very prominent on the face I like to structure my face with a little contouring. I feel like glasses take up so much space that the rest of the face can get a little lost. I used the Alima Pure Sombra Contour Powder to define my cheekbones, nose, and around my temples and forehead. I also blended it into the creases of my eyes to define my lids a bit.

Feel free to play around with different eye looks to figure out what suits your frames. I don't like to wear much eye shadow underneath my glasses, but I wanted a little something extra. If I do wear any eyeshadow while wearing glasses I like to keep it all matte and neutral, although that's just my personal preference. My Mom, who also wears glasses, can totally rock shimmery shades on her eyes beneath her glasses and also wears fun colored liner. I think I look really weird in liner so I skip it more often than not BUT if you like the look of liner you can totally rock it with any pair of frames. Thick frames? Try playing around with thick, graphic liner. Thin frames? Try thin lines of color. Have fun! You can even go for a cat eye liner depending on your frame.

Wearing glasses can cause the face to look a bit washed out; especially if frames are dark or thick rimmed so a bit of color on the cheeks can make a huge difference. I used a light hand and a duo fiber stippling brush to add just a hint of blush on my apples to keep my skin looking naturally flushed and healthy (there's that word again!). I used Jane Iredale's PurePressed Blush in Barely Rose. Feel free to bronzer and blush your skin as you see fit!

Brows are really important when wearing glasses. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul so the brows are kind of like the frame and it's a great idea to define them when wearing frames. I personally like to fill them in a bit more than I would normally when I'm wearing my glasses, but you can do whatever makes you feel comfortable. I used my trusty Zuzu Luxe Russet Cream Brow Pencil.

Lashes are always important and curling them and then following up with a coat or two of your favorite mascara can make eyes with or without glasses look bright, big, and wide awake. Some people don't like curling before wearing glasses because if lashes are long enough they can touch the insides of the lenses. My lashes aren't long enough so when I curl them it just makes them look more defined and fluttery. In this photo I used my new favorite Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara from Pacifica. It keeps my lashes upright and looks natural but really highlights my eyes. I love this stuff.

Any color lipstick or gloss can complete your look when wearing glasses. I truly feel like wearing lip color helps balance out the look of any pair of frames. You can go natural or bold or anywhere in between. Today I went for my favorite lip product of all time, which is Ilia's Shell Shock Tinted Lip Conditioner.

I recommend that you put on your glasses and sit in front of mirror and play with makeup until you figure out what suits you and your glasses best. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to makeup. These are just the things I do and you certainly don't have to do what I do! Makeup is meant to be fun and you can do whatever you want. You can always wash it off if you don't like it.

If you're interested in Firmoo you can learn more about the company and check out their selection of glasses by visiting their website. New customers can also get a discount on frames sitewide. Click here to learn more!

(FTC: These glasses were sent to me free of charge for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. None of the links above are affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Makeup Bag Collection (+CLOSED GIVEAWAY!)

Are you any of you obsessed with makeup bags? I am and I think it's some kind of weird addiction because let's get serious for a second and ask how many makeup bags a person actually needs? 1 or 2, right? I'm one of those hyper organized people so in addition to using makeup bags for cosmetics and toiletries when I travel I also like to pack everything else in little bags, like chords and accessories so I have a few more than that. Anyway, I've recently watched a few YouTube videos and read a few blog posts where people have shared their bag collections and I thought it would be really fun to do!

I did, however, leave out some bags because I really do have quite a few and I figured I didn't need to share them all. The bags included in this post are my favorite and the two travel bags from Target were birthday presents from my parents and haven't been used yet. I actually forgot to take the stuffing out before I took the photos so please just ignore that snafu. I'm also doing a giveaway so read through to the bottom and be sure to enter for your chance to win a really cute makeup bag with some fun goodies inside!

Contents Pleased as Punch Weekender Bag

Contents Pleased as Punch Cosmetic Valet

I'll start with the two I mentioned above. They came from Target and are from the brand Contents by Allegro. I've always wanted hanging travel bags so my parents got me these ones and I'm planning on using the bigger one (Weekender Bag) for toiletries and the smaller one (Valet) for cosmetics. I really like all of their pouches, the print, and the fact that they're really nicely made.



How cute is this Catesye London Rooftop Cat Small Bag? I seriously love the print. I love it so much I actually also bought the Coin Purse. It's made of PVC so it's really easy to keep clean and also holds its shape perfectly. It's a great size and it's beyond adorable. They make a ton of other bags with awesome designs so I think these would make fantastic gifts.



I bought this bag from Orla Kiely at Target a year or two ago. It was on clearance but this bag is quite similar. I used it on 3 trips last year and I like it but it's not the biggest bag so it's best for short trips. I especially liked it camping because I put all of my shower stuff in the big pocket and my skin care stuff in the small zippered pouch and it ended up working perfectly.



This is actually a personalized pencil pouch and I won it a few years ago. I actually cannot for the life of me remember what website it came from. This is the bag I use for keeping things that I want on my nightstand when I travel like my sleeping pills, lip balm, eye mask, and earplugs. I don't really know why I like it for that purpose but it's perfect for it!



I originally forgot to take a picture of this next one, which is so wrong because it has been my go-to for the past 8 or 9 years. This train case was part of an Estee Lauder GWP that my parents gave me for Christmas when I was 19. I was away at college at the time so I used it every time I came home and on every trip I took for the next almost decade. I don't know how much use it will get since I have the two new hanging organizers but this bag is sticking around. My Mom and I used to be absolutely obsessed with Estee Lauder and even though I wouldn't ever dream of using their animal tested and chemical laden products again I think I will forever love this red train case.



This is a little bag that I got years and years ago at my local Fred Meyer. It's the perfect purse size and I keep my purse makeup essentials in it. I absolutely love it. It even says, "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" on it so it's kind of perfect for me.



This is my travel brush set from BH Cosmetics. It's not a makeup bag, obviously, but I thought I should share anyway. This was a special last October for Breast Cancer Awareness. It was $5 and 100% of the proceeds went to charity. They're really great brushes!

I'll post a photo of all of my purse organizing bags on Instagram and Facebook. Do you have a makeup bag collection or just a favorite one? I'd love it if you shared a photo with my on my Facebook page.




To enter simply use the Rafflecopter form below. You can choose to do as many or as few options as you would like. All entries will be verified! That little flat iron is worth $50 alone!
This giveaway is open Internationally.
Give this post a "like" and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(FTC: I purchased these items myself. None of the links above are affiliate links)

Current Cosmetic Favorites

A lot of bloggers and vloggers share monthly favorites, but I'm not someone who is capable of doing that kind of a post. As a beauty lover/junkie I'm constantly trying new things. Sometimes I find products that I really love and sometimes I don't. Sometimes I stick to using the same products for months and others times I switch up products on a daily basis. The beauty routine of a blogger can be a bit erratic at times.

I also have this weird thing where I sometimes find products that I absolutely love but when I go to sit down to write about them I can't find words to say about them. This post is going to be about some of my newly discovered cosmetic items that I haven't talked about on the blog at all that I've been loving and thoroughly enjoying but don't necessarily have a lot to say about.

Studio 78's We Breathe Eyeshadow in 05 Coffee Break is a really stunning color that is easy to wear. It's an earthy milk chocolate shade that packs a pretty, but subtle, shimmery punch. It's perfect for brown shadow lovers like me! The natural and nontoxic formula is delightfully rich and smooth. It blends beautifully and wears well throughout the day with or without primer. Their line is pricey and this buttery shadow is no exception at $30 but you get quite a large pan of product, 2.5 g, for that price. I like everything about this product and they have 7 other gorgeous shadows as well. This is the first product I've tried from Studio 78 and it definitely makes me curious about the rest of their line.


I have eyes that are incredibly sensitive to mascara. I have to be very picky about which mascaras I use. I have to find one that won't irritate my eyes but I also want a formula that will make my lashes look long, defined, dark, and help them keep from loosing their curl and drooping throughout the day. I decided to pick up a tube of the Aquarian Glaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara in Abyss from Pacifica on my last trip to Target and I'm so glad I did! I really, really like this stuff. The color is deep and does everything for my lashes that I desire while keeping my eyes from becoming red and itchy. I can't really tell you how water-resistant it actually is but it doesn't transfer or flake on me at all and it washes off easily at the end of the day. I really like the plastic applicator brush as well.


Check out this gorgeous nail polish from RGB in the shade Fuchsia, which is part of their Metallic line. It's even prettier in person. I tend to lean more towards coral shades in the warmer months but I think this color is so dazzling I've been reaching for it quite a lot. RGB polishes are 5-free, vegan, and cruelty free.


I've mentioned my Bite Beauty Luminous Crème Lipstick Duo in Fig/Date on the blog before (in this post) but I recently picked up Tangerine/Lingonberry and it's got such fun shades for sunny days. I was a little nervous about trying such bright colors (orange and magenta) but I actually really like them! It's nice to have both duos because they take up so little room and give me such a wide range of shades to choose from.




What cosmetics are you currently loving and reaching for?

Talk About Cosmetics - Kari Gran Marsala Lip Whip

If you're in the market for a bold and classic shade that packs a pretty punch and delivers moisture and shine then look no further than the newly launched limited edition Lip Whip from Kari Gran. I am pleased to introduce you to Marsala, a rich and shimmery wine color inspired by PANTONE's Color of the Year.

This lush tinted lip balm is extremely hydrating and makes lips feel plush, healthy, and beautiful. It feels so smooth and comfortable on the lips. The formula is so luxurious and the color adds something special to any look. It's a gorgeous brown-based wine color. It's deep but wearable and absolutely stunning. I love the color and the gorgeous shine it gives. It makes my pout look perfectly plump.

This Lip Whip is made up of Organic Castor Seed Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Camellia Seed Oil, Organic Olive, Sunflower & Calendula Oil, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Carmine, Tocopherol (Non GMO Vitamin E From Sunflower) and Organic Peppermint Oil.
To purchase your own pot of Marsala you can click here to be taken to the Kari Gran website.

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

Talk About Body Care - Mamma Oceania

Raise your hand if you love handmade bar soap that's made with healthy, all-natural ingredients and is never tested on animals? By the way, my hand is in the air, as high up as it can go! If yours is too you'll love what I'm talking about today!



I'd like to introduce you to my new soap love Mamma Oceania, a lovely company created by a beauty product and soap lover from Canada. Anna Mattiuzzo started making soap in 2012 for her own use and also for some of her friends. She began giving them as gifts to her friends and family who in turn asked for her to make more so they could gift them to their friends and family members as well, which is how Mamma Oceania was born.

Mamma Oceania soaps are simple in the best way possible and made with healthy, premium, USDA certified organic Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Canadian Sea Kelp and other ingredients like Banana Extract, Collodial Oatmeal, filtered water, and Sodium Lactate (salt milk). You'll never find anything toxic like dyes, fragrances, or preservatives in these beautifully made bars. Anna has a mission and a strong belief that we need to help create a healthier planet, "Even as a child, I constantly dreamed about harm-free soap, sea-foam, and a cleaner planet for everything that lives – especially mermaids."

Anna contacted me in March and sent me all 8 bars of her wonderful soap to try. I've been using them, and only them, since they arrived. I'm absolutely in love. The 8 different soaps that Anna makes are:

Baby Clean Soap

Chamomile, Banana, Kelp, Oatmeal
Skin Smoothing Soap

Cucumber, Banana, Kelp, Oatmeal

Antioxidant Soap

Guava, Green Tea, Banana, Kelp

Pore Saver Facial Soap

Mango, Banana, Kelp, Oatmeal

Brightening Facial Soap

Pineapple, Banana, Kelp, Oatmeal

Gentle Exfoliating Soap

Pomegranate, Coconut, Kelp, Oatmeal

Skin Nourishing Soap

Rosehip, Banana, Kelp

Moisturizing Soap

Sea Buckthorn, Banana, Kelp

Each bar has a similar almost fragrance free scent. They just smell very light and fresh, like soap should. There is no fruity, floral, or fragrant scent to them making them the perfect soap for anyone who, like me, are sensitive to fragrances (natural or not) and prefers things to not have much of a smell. They are all extremely gentle but do a great job of leaving skin feeling clean and hydrated at the same time. I have super sensitive skin and these bars are incredible. My skin loves them! Each bar is 4 oz and seems to last quite a while, when kept out of direct water.

Picking a single favorite is nearly impossible but I can say that I'm currently using and loving the Gentle Exfoliating Soap and the Pore Saver Facial Soap, which I'm using on my body, while my Mom is using the Moisturizing Soap and really enjoying it. She's a big fan of anything with Sea Buckthorn in it!

To learn more about Mamma Oceania you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find them on Facebook.

Talk About Cosmetics - Gressa MINIMALIST Glamour

If you're looking for a foundation that glides on like butter, blends seamlessly into your skin, feels weightless but hydrating, and makes your skin look like you just got a really expensive facial then you should look no further than Gressa and their MINIMALIST Corrective Serum Foundation. You might as well add the Contouring Serum Bronzer and Illuminating Serum to your cart as well because this trio is magical. These products never ever make you look like you're wearing a face full of makeup and instead make your complexion look beautifully flawless and healthy. The radiant and dewy finish is something that is absolutely stunning and jaw-dropping.

Okay, before we continue on I'm fully aware that these products are a little pricier than the average cosmetics, but trust me when I tell you they're totally worth it. A single drop of each of these magical elixirs goes a very long way so you won't be using too much too quickly. I fully believe in investing in skincare and these products are skin care with an added cosmetic bonus.

The MINIMALIST Corrective Serum Foundation currently comes in 8 colors and comes in a lovely .5 oz dark glass bottle with a dropper. I would say that this is a light to medium coverage foundation that can be built up. It does a wonderful job evening out skin tone and even conceals blemishes and dark spots. I'm using shade 03 and it's a great match for me. On days when I want more coverage I use 4 drops to cover my entire face but I can get by with 2 on lighter days. Gressa has their own Immaculate Buffing Brush they recommend but I'm currently using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to apply this foundation. I actually drop the foundation directly onto my brush, although they recommend starting on your hand, and apply to the center of my face blending out.


You know that feeling when you put on foundation but you can't stand how heavy or tacky it feels and you can't wait to be able to wash it off? Well, that doesn't happen with this stuff. After I apply it I forget I'm even wearing it. I have dry skin and this serum to powder foundation glides on easily and doesn't cling to any dry patches. It adds a nice amount of hydration so I never look cakey or dehydrated. I do have to set this with a powder or I've noticed that it transfers fairly easily. I've been using the Pacifica Perfect Lotus Universal Powder in Light to set it (after applying the Contouring Serum and Illuminating Serum) and the combination is really nice.


The MINIMALIST Contouring Serum Bronzer is awesome. It's seriously so good I can't even put it into words. I love bronzer and I love to contour so it sort of seems like this product was created just for me, or at least for people like me. Be careful though because if you use a heavy hand you'll apply way too much, which I have done a couple of times. I've gotten the hang of it though and I now use one single drop on my Real Techniques Sculpting Brush. I dab it onto the back of my hand and then apply to my face and I get the perfect amount to shape and warm up my entire face. It's such a beautiful shade that's not at all orange or muddy. It makes me look makes me look believably bronzed and adds definition to my face. I haven't tried this yet but I bet you can even add it to lotion to make a wash off tan or apply it to foundation to make a darker, more summery shade.


The MINIMALIST Illuminating Serum is a seriously pretty luminous pearly serum that adds a subtle glow to make skin look even more radiant and alive. It's a pink pearlescent shade that adds a hint of something special to the tops of the cheekbones or anywhere else you desire a little highlight. It's not glittery or metallic, nor does it make you look like a disco ball or a little girl who got into her older sisters makeup stash. It's easy to use and I absolutely love the effect. I imagine you could also add this to lotion or foundation to get an all-over glow. My only problem with this is that my dropper seems to not work very well. The other two bottles have droppers that are in perfect working order but this particular one is very difficult to get anything out of.

I'm only wearing the Gressa MINIMALIST Corrective Serum Foundation, Contouring Serum Bronzer (on cheeks and eyes), and the Illuminating Serum in the following photo. I am also wearing mascara and lip balm, but no added concealer. I also did not retouch these at all.

All three of these products have the GRESSA Healing Complex which is a" proprietary powerhouse blend of carefully selected botanical extracts that care for your skin by providing it with overall balance, radiance, and clarity", so not only are these products absolutely beautiful they're also good for your skin. What's not to love? Nothing! I'm seriously in love with these 3 products. Thank you Gressa for making such gorgeous, luxurious, and healthy products that lend themselves to making my skin look as good as it possibly can!

Gressa has also mentioned adding eye tints and cheek colors to their collection and I am SO excited about those. I can't wait to read more about them! I also have my eye on their AUX ROUGE Lip Boost. So pretty!

If you're interested in learning more about Gressa or their products you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find Gressa on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Talk About Cosmetics - Pacifica

Pacifica is an excellent natural beauty brand for so many reasons. They are a cruelty free company who specializes in creating affordable and healthy vegan products that are highly effective and luxurious but available in stores like Target and Ulta. I can also find their products at my local Fred Meyer so I often find myself in front of their display trying to pick which products I need to add to my collection. I seem to be constantly adding products from their line into my beauty arsenal so I figured it was time to talk about Pacifica.

My first experience with Pacifica was several years ago when my Mom gave me a Hawaiian Ruby Guava candle and body butter. As many of you might know, I really love unscented things but even then I still fell really hard for the glorious, tropical, fruity fragrance. The candle was particularly awe-inspiring. Fast forward a few years and many of their cosmetics have become beloved treasures in my makeup drawers.

Their products all have a scent but the most surprising thing is that it doesn't bother me at all. If you're a regular reader of my blog than you know how very sensitive to any kind of scent I am but the Pacifica fragrance is something I actually enjoy. I think it's a bit odd to apply strongly scented makeup to my face but I don't mind it, although it is something to be cautious of if you're also very sensitive. Many of their products also pack quite a shimmery punch so if you don't like shimmer keep that in mind.

I am totally obsessed with Pacifica lip products and their Devocean Deeply Devoted Natural Lipsticks in particular. I only have two of their shades but I adore them. I have Tenderness, a lovely and creamy my lips but better shade that makes my lips look lush and full, and Rebel Sol, a bright and cheerful coral color perfect for the warmer months. My lips are incredibly sensitive so I have to be careful about what I apply on them but these lipsticks are gentle, hydrating, and comfortable to wear. The color lasts quite a long time and wears well. I also love the long tube format and how easy they are to apply. I also have one of their Color Quench Lip Tints in the color Sugared Fig. The scent is divine and while it doesn't provide much color it does add a nice touch of something special to the lips. It is a bit on the drier side so I like to layer it with a lip balm but it's a nice, easy go to product for me.

I've talked about the Dreamlit Illuminating Under Eye Brightener in Dreamlight a few times on Beautiful Basics and for good reason – it's a miracle in a tube. Seriously! It's one of my holy grail products and I have a feeling I'll always have a tube on hand. I have some dark and heavy baggage under my eyes and this creamy product leaves me looking bright-eyed, heavy, and well rested. It also never settles into my fine lines so it's a winner all around. I love the Under Eye Brightener so much that I decided to purchase their Transcendent Concentrated Correcting Concealer in Light as well. It's a bit on the drier side so I have to be careful about applying this only to well hydrated skin but it does a fantastic job of concealing and correcting my skin leaving me looking even all over. It's also the perfect color for me!

The Ultra CC Cream Radiant Foundation with SPF 17 provides light coverage and helps even out my skin. It's lightweight, smells great, and wears beautifully all day. I can get away with wearing it on it's own but those of you who prefer heavy coverage should look elsewhere or you can layer it with another foundation.

My latest purchase is the Perfect Lotus Universal Powder in Light and it's another winner. I absolutely love the packaging and the powder itself is so soft and smooth. The Light color is perfect for me! I've been having issues with wearing powder for a few months now but there is something magical about this one because it never looks dry or heavy on the skin and instead is almost hydrating. It's the perfect setting powder!

As for the Smolder Eye Lining Gel in Anchor and the Natural Eye Pencil in Bare (not pictured) I can't say that I'm very smitten with either of them. The Eye Pencil in Bare is a creamy colored pencil that goes on smoothly but tends to irritate my eyes a bit. I chalk it up to the fact that I have extremely sensitive eyes when it comes to liner. I do like using it under my brows though. The Smolder Eye Lining Gel is beyond shimmery, which I don't love, and a bit of an odd color on me so it's not necessarily a bad product but it's not the right product for me.

As for my Pacifica wish list I really want to pick up their Power of Love Coconut Infused Mineral Eye Shadow Palette, Love 3 Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow Trio, Power of Love Natural Lipstick in Nudie Red, Coconut Kiss Creamy Lip Butter in Shell, and Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Last Mineral Mascara in Black. You read about my favorites and which products I'm coveting and now I want to know which Pacifica products you love or which ones you're interested in trying!

To learn more about Pacifica and their products you can check out their website by clicking here. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you want to find a retailer near you can use this locator.

(FTC: I purchased these products with my own money. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Talk About Hair and Body - Acure Organics

I think Acure Organics is such a great brand for affordable and healthy hair, skin, and body products and I'm also a really big fan of bar soap so I was really excited about the brands Argan Oil Bar Soaps. I was sent all 5 scents to try out and today I'll be sharing my thoughts on them as well as my reviews of a couple of their other products that I picked up myself so let's get right into it, shall we?



The Argan Oil Bar Soaps come in the 5 different versions:
Cinnamon Chai Latte
Mint Cookie + Omega 7
Oatmeal + Apple Pie
Pumpkin + Calendula
Superfruit + Citrus


The Mint Cookie + Omega 7, Oatmeal + Apple Pie, and Superfruit + Citrus are my favorites! If I had to pick only one to be declared my absolute favorite it would be the Mint Cookie… no, it would be the Oatmeal + Apple Pie. Okay, so I can't narrow it down because they're really wonderful bars of soap and they smell fantastic! I do recommend finding these near you so you can smell them before you buy them. They're very strongly scented and might not be for everyone. These soaps are made with healthy, safe, and pure organic oils. They're also vegan and cruelty free like all Acure products are and you'll never see any parabens, sulfates or other toxic ingredients listed on the back of the box. This soap is also gluten free! The Oatmeal + Apple Pie soap has the added benefit of exfoliating the skin with gentle bits of oatmeal.



I picked up the Unscented Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes on a pilgrimage to Target a couple of months ago and I'm so glad I did. Side note – I wish I had a Target near me because I love how many green and natural products they're starting to stock. The nearest one to me is an hour and a half away. Bummer, huh? Anyway, I wasn't sure what to expect with these cleansing wipes. I really like products like this but often find them to be too harsh and drying on my skin. I don't have that issue with these handy little guys. They're awesome! These are beyond gentle and very moist. I like using these before I wash my face to remove the bulk of my makeup. They don't remove every trace of makeup but they do a really good job of paving the way for a cleanser to follow. They have absolutely no scent and don't leave my skin looking irritated or red at all. I think these will be a camping staple for me this summer!



The final product I want to talk about is the Moisturizing Root Repair Argan Stem Cell + Mint Deep Conditioning Hair Mask that I received in a Goodebox. This stuff is incredible. I usually don't like deep conditioners but this one blows me away every single time I use it. It leaves my hair and scalp feeling so healthy, strong and nurtured. The scent doesn't linger but it is lovely and minty. I truly love using this product and what it does to my hair. I use it twice a week in place of my regular conditioner and I have been reaping the beautiful hair benefits of adding this to my routine. I have long, fine hair and this leaves my hair silky soft, tangle free, shiny, and strong. I have nothing but love for this gorgeous product.

You can learn more about Acure and their product offerings by visiting their website. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter. If you want to know more about what I think about their products you can check out my reviews here, here, and here. Do you have a favorite Acure product or one that you want to try?

(FTC: I purchased the Unscented Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes with my own money. The Argan Oil Bar Soaps were generously provided to me by the company for review consideration. The Deep Conditioner came out of a Goodebox. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Talk About It - Face Effects by Spa Sonic

I'm a tool kind of girl, and I don't mean hammers or drills. Skin care and cosmetic tools are some of my favorite things in the world and I know I'm not alone. If you're like me and love a good beauty tool than you're going to love Face Effects by Spa Sonic.



Several of you have asked for my thoughts on Clarisonic and their Skin Cleansing Systems but with cheaper alternatives like this, that work super well, I just can't justify the cost. The Face Effects Face Perfecting Polisher works so well I have no interest in trying any other systems.

This facial cleansing brush makes my skin smoother, clearer, cleaner, and a lot brighter. This system gets my skin really clean, deep down to each pore. It also seems to really help my serums and moisturizers absorb more easily, which I greatly appreciate.



The Spa Sonic Face Effects Face Perfecting Polisher 6 Piece Professional Kit includes:
Cleansing Unit - which comes in several designs: Zebra, Cheetah, Polka Dot and metallic Gold and Silver
Facial Brush – a super soft bristled brush that cleanses the skin
Pore Minimizer – a grooved silicone attachment perfect for deep cleaning and tightening pores
Facial Sponge – a latex head that is great for applying moisturizer
Storage Case
Battery 2-Pack



The Face Effects Polisher is water resistant so you can use it in the shower or at the sink without having to worry about ruining the unit. This tool has two speed settings so you can pick whichever speed you prefer. It also comes with batteries so once you've put it together it's all set to go!

I think one of the coolest extra bits is the hard acse in which the brush and heads comes in. It's perfect for storing in your bathroom to keep it safe and clean. I think the case is the perfect addition!

The Spa Sonic Face Effects Face Perfecting Polisher has a price tag of $59.99. You can purchase this system online here and here.

Talk About It - Weleda Toothpaste Comparison and Review

I included the Weleda Salt Toothpaste in my 14 Favorites from 2015 post because it's my absolute favorite toothpaste of all time and I've gone through so many tubes of the stuff but when I suddenly ran out I had to come up with another solution. The Salt Toothpaste isn't sold anywhere in my town so I have to order it online. One of my local grocery stores does, however, carry 2 different formulas of toothpaste from Weleda so I decided to pick them up and try them out while I was waiting for my beloved version to arrive at my doorstep.



I was so excited about finding a toothpaste I could purchase locally and also about doing a comparison review of the 3 Weleda toothpastes that I've tried but, sadly, neither of the new (to me) toothpastes were winners. In one corner of the ring we have my dear Salt Toothpaste and in the other we have the Plant Gel Toothpaste and the Ratanhia Toothpaste.

Before I get into the specifics of the aforementioned fight to be the best toothpaste winner I want to let you all know that I have extremely sensitive lips and mouth. I have to be really careful about lip products and oral care products because I tend to get easily irritated and having an irritated mouth is no fun.

Each Weleda toothpaste has a different purpose and super power. The Ratanhia Toothpaste is meant to cleanse and strengthen the gums. The Plant Gel Toothpaste was made to naturally protect sensitive gums and teeth. The Salt Toothpaste helps protect against plaque and tartar buildup as well as help clean and whiten teeth.

The Weleda Salt Toothpaste is a miracle in a tube. It has helped keep my teeth and gums healthy. It leaves my teeth feeling incredibly clean and my breath smelling fresh for a long time. It takes a little getting used to since it doesn't foam and it tastes quite salty (obviously) but I have purchased multiple tubes and always use every last drop. I'm not sure what it is that makes this formula superior to all other toothpastes I have ever used but it's a wonder product and I can't say enough good things about it.

I simply didn't like the Plant Gel because it instantly bothered my gums and lips. I'm not sure what cause my mouth to rebel against this formula but I just wasn't happy with the results and won't be trying it again. It made my teeth and mouth tingle. Weird, right? It left my breath fresh enough but didn't do enough to make my teeth feel very clean.

The Ratanhia Toothpaste isn't the best thing ever but it leaves my teeth feeling perfectly clean and my gums feeling really tight and healthy. This really does do what it says in that it strengthens my gums and that is something I really appreciate. I don't like the flavor of this toothpaste though and it leaves a bit of an odd scent behind. It's extremely weird because it's a pinkish purple clay-like formula and it takes some getting used to. It also ended up bothering my lips a bit. This is worth a try just for the effects on the gums it provides.

All in all, the Weleda Salt Toothpaste is a must have in my oral care routine and I don't think I'll be straying again. Have you tried any of these or one of their other versions?

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

Talk About Subscription Boxes - March and April 2015 Goodebox Review

Who here loves a good surprise? If I'm being totally honest (which, let's be real here, I always am with you on Beautiful Basics) I'm not a big fan of surprises. Maybe it's the fact that I have anxiety and I like to know exactly what to expect or maybe it's just not natural for everybody to like surprises.

I'm not sure which it is but either way there is one surprise that I do enjoy. I love getting a box of beauty products (trial sized and even some full sized goodies) delivered directly to my mailbox every single month. Even those of us who don't love surprises can appreciate Goodebox, an eco friendly beauty subscription box. My Mom and I like to share the spoils of beauty boxes and between the two of us we always find things we like. I've reviewed Goodebox in the past (you can check out those reviews by clicking here and here) but today I'll be talking about the March and April 2015 boxes. Before we get into the contents of the boxes let's get the basics out of the way.

Goodebox is a service aimed at introducing subscribers to natural, healthy, and non-toxic beauty and personal care products as well as the occasional health and wellness products. This is directly from the Goodebox FAQ section on their website, "All Goodeboxes will contain some type of skin and/or bodycare products. Most months will have a color item (make-up), and some will have hair care, fragrance, sun care, personal care, hygiene products, accessories, supplements, health & beauty related food or beverage items or sustainable living products." You will also receive special offers from some of the brands included in the box.

With several membership plans (monthly, every other month, or multi-month), the ability to fill out a profile so you're getting personalized products you're bound to like, and the promise of 4-6 trial sized products for under $20 a month green beauty lovers have nothing to lose by signing up. Here is a quick rundown on Goodebox plans and costs. For $102, or $17 per box, you can sign up for a 6-month membership. If you want a shorter membership you can sign up for 3 months with each box will cost $18 for a total of $54. If you're interested in purchasing a single box without having to make commitment you can pay monthly as you go for $19. Whichever option you go for you will receive free shipping. Please know that this subscription only ships to the US, US Territories, and APO Boxes.

Another important thing to note: Goodebox supports cruelty free beauty brands and screens each potential brand to ensure they are not testing on animals or using ingredients that are tested on animals although not all of the products or brands included are certified Cruelty Free by Leaping Bunny. If you're a vegan and mark your profile as such you will not receive any products with ingredients derived from milk, eggs, lanolin, pearl, silk, carmine, or any animal by-products. You may, however, receive products with honey and/or beeswax.


The March 2015 Goodebox is one of the most impressive subscription boxes I have ever encountered. I was ecstatic when I opened the box and discovered so many awesome products inside, including several full sized products! So, what exactly did I find?
Acure Root + Hair Deep Repair – Full size with a value of $14.99
Juice Beauty Defining Eyeliner in Black – Full size with a value of $16
3 Pack Knotted Hair Ties from Poppy and Elle
Eslor Soothing Refiner and Cleanser - .5 oz
Furlesse Lip Sticks, Crows, Rows, and Elevens

Like I said, I was majorly impressed with this box. The value of the Acure and Juice Beauty products alone were worth well over the price of the box itself. I've already used the Acure Root + Hair Deep Repair and absolutely love it. I'm actually planning on giving it its own featured review soon. I gave my Mom the Juice Beauty Eyeliner and she really likes it. The hair ties are adorable and are my favorite type of hair tie so I know I'll get a lot of use out of them. The Eslor Cleanser is a great size and I love the packaging. I'm not sure about the Furlesse though.


I also received the April 2015 Goodebox for review purposes. Here is what was inside:
Preserve Razor – Full size (1 razor and 2 blades) with a value of $8.50
Derma E Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Crème SPF 15 - .5 oz
Gressa Skin Renewing Polish
Kahina Serum
The Seaweed Bath Co, Detox Cellulite Cream

I like this box but it didn't blow me away like the March one did. I completely understand that not every box can have a huge wow factor, though, and some months will be better than others. I think I'm most excited about the Derma E Crème and the Razor. I haven't used either yet but they're both things I think I will really enjoy. My Mom has already tried the Gressa Skin Renewing Polish and couldn't stop telling me how incredible it is. I really like Gressa (and will be posting a review of their Minimalist Glamour line on the blog soon) so I'm happy to see this included in this box.

Also, Goodebox just celebrated their 3rd birthday! Join me in wishing Goodebox congratulations on 3 years of wonderful beauty boxes! Here is to many more years of healthy beauty! If you want to learn more about Goodebox you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find Goodebox on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

One last thing, I'm considering joining Goodebox in order to provide you all with monthly reviews. What do you think? Is that something you would be interested in?

Talk About Skin Care - Kari Gran

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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