DIY Beauty - Sweet Coffee Body Scrub

Beautiful Basics originally started as a page dedicated to simple DIY beauty and even though the blog changed a bit somewhere along the way I still love and appreciate a good kitchen cabinet beauty recipe. If you’re a fan of body scrubs and the full-bodied scent of coffee then look no further than this super easy to make at home scrub.

What you’ll need:

¼ cup of coffee grounds - fresh or used will work fine

1 cup of sugar

2/3 cup of your favorite skin friendly oil - I used sweet almond but you can use whatever you like most!

10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil – peppermint is my favorite essential oil and the scent is perfect for perking up tired skin

A few drops of vanilla extract – this adds a sweet and delicious scent (this part is optional)

Combine all of the ingredients and mix well to make sure everything is blended together. Store in a jar and use in the shower or tub. This scrub is exfoliating but also hydrating.

Be aware that using oils in products in the shower or bathtub can leave behind a slick film, so be sure to be careful after using. It might even be a good idea to clean your shower after using, that’s what I always do!

Enjoy! 

January Goodbeing

Oh Goodbeing, how I love thee. Let me count the ways.

Okay, that was a bit Shakespearean for my tastes, but I really do love receiving subscription box Goodbeing in my mailbox every month. There is something really special about going out to receive your mail and discovering a box full of healthy, non-toxic beauty, wellness and lifestyle products. And since I am a Goodbeing Ambassador I get to share the experience with you, the Beautiful Basics family, every month.

If you’re not familiar with Goodbeing all you need to know is that it is a customizable subscription service with several different plans to choose from. You can purchase a subscription or a single box for yourself or as a gift for someone else. Depending on which plan you purchase you can pay as little as $18 for a subscription or $21 per box if you would prefer to pay as you go. Each month you will receive 4-5 trial-sized (and sometimes even full sized) products that have been selected for you based on your member profile. You get to tell Goodbeing exactly what you like and dislike in the in depth survey you are asked to fill out when you sign up. You can specify scents you like and dislike, particular shades of cosmetics you’re interested in, and what your skin is like.

If you want to see what I received in my December Goodbeing Box before we move on the January Box you can click here to check out my review by clicking here.

 

What was in my January Goodbeing Box:

Curandera Kapalabati Cold & Sinus Herbal Oil

Graydon Clinical All Over Face & Body Lotion

Balanced Guru Face it Off Cleansing Oil

Balanced Guru Tone it Smoothly Toner

Balanced Guru Nourish Me Facial Serum (Full Size!)

I think this box featured an interesting assortment of products. I’m not a big fan of Graydon Clinical Luxury and the Cold & Sinus Oil is way too strong smelling for me to use (even if I were sick) but I like the fact that an entire skincare regimen was included. The cleansing oil is good, gentle but effective, and the serum is also really nice.

Overall, I’m happy with the box because I was introduced to some new skincare products that I may not have tried otherwise and I’m looking forward to my next box!

If you're interested in signing up for a Goodbeing subscription you can use this link and you'll get a bonus item in your first box!

(FTC: This box was provided to me free of charge from the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.) 

Lina Hanson Global Baby Serum

Have you heard of celebrity makeup artist and natural beauty expert Lina Hanson and her luxe line consisting of three totally natural and glorious oils (one for face, one for body, and another for baby) and perfume oil? If you haven’t you should click here to check out their website because their products are pure, simple, beautiful, and highly effective.

I gave my Mom the Global Body Serum for Mother’s Day and she constantly made comments about how much she enjoyed the dreamy oil. She loved everything about it from the delicious creamy orangesicle scent to the intensely moisturizing, but not greasy hydration it provided her skin and the way it left her skin looking and feeling.

Her bottle has, however, very sadly run out, but she knew that I’ve been lusting over the Global Baby Serum, which is just as luxurious as it’s older sister but without any scent whatsoever, so she gave me a bottle for Christmas. Yes, the product has the word “baby” in the name but it would be suitable for anyone and I’m now a huge fan.

I haven’t been using it very long but I absolutely love the stuff! If you’re new to Beautiful Basics you might not know how sensitive I am to scent and fragrance, artificial or pure and natural. I’m pleased to be able to tell you that this rich and magically light oil is completely free from any scent at all. I apply it to damp skin when I step out of the shower and it is easy to apply and absorbs quickly into my skin leaving behind the slight sheen of healthy, happy, and hydrated skin.

It is 100% natural, vegan, cruelty free and free from essential oils, tree nut oil, parabens, artificial fragrance, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or any other chemical ingredient. It’s a powerhouse of a product  that managed to be extremely gentle while doing a super job of nourishing, healing, softening and hydrating. I tend to get quite itchy and have eczema on my hands but this serum has helped my skin heal quite dramatically.

Here is a list of the ingredients that make this product such a superstar:

Watermelon Seed Oil, Safflower Seed Oil*, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Camellia Seed Oil*, Apricot Kernel Oil, Grape Seed Oil, and Non-GMO Tocopherol. *Certified Organic

Thanks Mom for getting me this wonderful serum!

I really love it and can’t recommend it enough. If you’re sensitive to scent like I am, or you’re a Mother with a baby (or even an older child) you might want to check this product out. If you’re more like my Mom and love beautifully scented products you can check out the Global Body Serum instead. Both are absolutely lovely products to add into your beauty arsenal!

(FTC: This product was a Christmas gift from my wonderful parents. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.) 

San Francisco Salt Company Sherpa Pink Himalayan Salt

I really love taking baths and I especially love taking salty baths, with a particular fondness for Pink Himalayan Salt. As someone who is ill and often in pain I can really appreciate a good bottle, bag, box, or jar of bath salts. However, anyone can benefit from a good soak because your body will absorb the nutrients and minerals from the water and soften skin and soothe muscle aches and pains. To keep this post short and sweet you should head over to Google and search the benefits of soaking in a Himalayan Salt Bath, the list is long.

Anyway, my parents gave me a big bag of San Francisco Salt Company’s Sherpa Pink Himalayan Bath Salts as a Christmas Gift and it’s probably the best bath salt I have ever used. My parents got me the medium grains so they take a little more time than your average fine bath salt to dissolve but they do so thoroughly. These granules turn the water slightly pink and makes a noticeable and almost immediate difference in my skin and the way my body feels in the tub as well as when I get out. I always feel better after bathing in these ancient and very beautiful pink grains of salt that have been dissolved in a tub of blissfully warm water.

They leave me feeling more balanced, do a great job of decreasing my aches, and leave my skin feeling detoxified and super soft. The company has a long list of other types of salts, some unscented and some with scent, so there should be something for everyone. I really love my bag of Pink Himalayan Bath Salts so I’m a big fan of the company even though I’ve only tried one of their product offerings. You can visit their website by clicking here.

Do you have a favorite salt or bath soak? 

Leave me a comment and let me know!

(FTC: This product was a Christmas gift from my wonderful parents. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.)

My Green Truth

I think it’s important that I always stay completely true and honest with you all. I never had the intention of creating a false vision of myself on Beautiful Basics but I think that’s exactly what I have done. I try to live my life as cleanly and as greenly (is that a word) as possible but sometimes I use products that aren’t totally pure or I decide I have to have a piece of candy that's not very healthy or organic.

Don’t get me wrong, I always read levels and I always make sure products that I use have not been tested on animals but I do, in fact, use some products that are not totally natural and/or organic and I’m okay with that. I started out using only products that were certified organic and natural but have been branching out as of late. I think there is a lot of pressure in this community to be perfectly, 100% green and I believe in reading labels and finding products that work for you whether the product is branded as a totally green product or not.

For example, I love First Aid Beauty. Their basic line (with the blue label) features a 1 rating on EWG Skin Deep, meaning the products are totally safe. First Aid Beauty isn’t marketed as a natural beauty brand but a lot of their products are healthy and clean. I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but I am really sensitive to fragrance, natural or otherwise, and sometimes natural skin care companies are too strong for me. First Aid Beauty’s Cleanser and Ultra Repair Cream have no scent, are suitable for my super sensitive skin, and make me skin look and feel great.

Lately I’ve been using an eyeshadow palette from IT Cosmetics, another not natural company. If you check out the ingredients list on the back of the package, though, the palette is safe and healthy. The same goes for one of my favorite brands of all time, The Balm. TheBalm is a great company who makes beautiful blushes, highlighters, and eyeshadows that are safe for those of us who are concerned with what we put in and on our bodies. 

Other companies that I like include: Too Faced, Essence, PUR and Butter London. Tarte is a brand that is technically marketed as a natural beauty company but their products aren’t totally green like you might think. They are, however, a really great company that makes some products that are more healthy than others. 

Remember, always read the packaging. Some products might have parabens and other toxic sludge so be careful but also know that you don’t have to shop for only organic beauty to find products that are healthy. Not all products from these Clean but not Green companies are perfect for people trying to live a clean life but if you read the ingredients you’ll be able to find many products that are.

As for food, that’s a whole other story but I think that living a balanced life is the best option. I’m a vegetarian who eats 95% natural, as much organic as I can get, but sometimes gives in to cravings because life would be boring otherwise.

So, tell me in the comments how green you are? Are you, like me, and interested more in ingredients lists than green marketing? Would you be interested in a Clean but not Green series where I feature healthy products from brands that aren’t truly natural? 

New Year, New Giveaway

Can you believe that it's 2016? It feels like we were just beginning 2015 and somehow the year flew by and here we are. It's a fresh year with new opportunities, people to meet, sights to see, things to accomplish, and blog posts to write (or read!).

As a small thank you I want to give away this gorgeous gold wishbone necklace to one of you. I really wish I could give each and every one of you something because you have no idea how much I appreciate you and your support of Beautiful Basics. I started this blog for myself when I became ill but I have continued it for you. Every like, each comment you leave, and every time you interact with my heart is filled with so much joy and inspiration. Your continued support lets me do something that I love.

The wishbone is a symbol of luck and I want to give away something meaningful to start the year off right so I'll be giving one of you  this beautiful 18k gold plated over sterling silver wishbone necklace with a rose gold chain.

So, here's to 2016 and all of the wishes you'll make and the dreams you will have. 

I hope they all come true and that the year ahead of you is truly wonderful.

To enter simply use the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to all of you, wherever you may live in the world. There is only one madatory option and after that you may do as many or as few of the entry options as you would like. All entries will be verified. Thank you again for your support and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Merry Christmas!

It’s almost Christmas and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a holiday season filled with love and laughter. Even if you don’t celebrate, I hope you have a beautiful week. I also wish you all health and happiness now and in the New Year.

I also wanted to take a moment to say thank you so much for all of your love and support in 2015. I started Beautiful Basics when I first became ill because I needed something that I could do and call my own. I could have never imagined what this little hobby of mine would eventually turn in to, and it’s because of you, my dear readers, that Beautiful Basics has grown into something I am immensely proud of. Thank you for reading my blog and commenting and sharing. I can’t even explain how much your interaction means to me and I look forward to seeing our community grow even more in 2016.

And also a big thank you to the companies I have worked with in the past year. My readers love learning about new companies and products and your belief in me has been so generous. I look forward to continuing our working relationships.

Thank you. See you all in the New Year!

December Goodbeing Review

I think it’s a safe bet to say that most of us enjoy subscription boxes and the surprise that arrives in our mailboxes or on our doorsteps each month. I’ve been a huge fan of Goodebox since they launched and now they have rebranded as a Beauty, Wellness, and Lifestyle Subscription Box called Goodbeing. They’re still an awesome subscription service (from my beloved state, Oregon) but they’re bigger and better than ever before!

With new options to customize your box you can be sure you are getting products tailored to your preferences. You might be wondering what a Goodbeing is, well the company defines it as “a human being living their best, healthiest, most vivacious life”. This means this box is perfect for all Green Goddesses and those of us trying to live a clean and green life.

If you’re looking for a perfect Holiday gift that keeps giving try gifting a subscription to a friend or family member. With several different plans to choose from you can gift (yourself or someone else) as many or as few boxes as you would like. You can pay as little as $18 for a subscription or $21 per box if you would prefer to pay as you go. 

When you sign up you are asked to fill out a quite lengthy, albeit unobtrusive, survey asking you about your tastes in beauty and lifestyle products. You can get very specific and tell them what shades you love and which ones you don’t, scents you like and dislike (or if you’re like me – that you prefer no scent at all) and other things that will help them pick out the best products to send to you to each month. This way you’re not getting perfume samples when you’re really irritated by fragrance or skin care products created for acne prone skin when you’re dry and sensitive or visa-versa. My biggest issue with subscription boxes is getting products I’ll never use because they’re not suited for me so I’m impressed with the fact that Goodbeing has engineered a way to match people with products that can work for them.

I’ll be talking about Goodeing quite a bit on Beautiful Basics in 2016 and I’m so excited to share my thoughts with you on future boxes but today we are talking about the December box.

So, what did I find inside of my December Goodbeing Box?

Gia Minerals Mineral Blush in Splendid Rose (3 grams - Value: $18)

Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defying Hand Cream (Full Size – Value: $12)

Diana Ralys Specialty Blend Oil (Full Size, 1 oz – Value $53)

Board and Batten My Softer Side Sugar Scrub with Fig & Turmeric (Value: 18)

Graydon Clinical Luxury Superfood Mask + Scrub (5 capsules – Value: $10)

Overall, I’m really happy with the contents of this box. My absolute favorite discovery is the Gia Minerals Blush, which is such a beautiful shade! I’m a big time blush lover so finding cheek products in a subscription box will always be a win for me. The Hand Cream is also really awesome and the Sugar Scrub with Fig & Turmeric is great as well.

The only thing I really wish I wouldn’t have received is the Superfood Mask + Scrub. If you follow me on Facebook you’ll know why. This mask and I do not get along, which is a bummer because I’ve heard such good things from other bloggers about it. It will be going into the giveaway pile for the next beauty bag giveaway. Maybe one of you will have better luck with it than I did.

If you're interested in signing up for a subscription you can use this link and you'll get a bonus item in your first box!

That wraps up this review. What are your thoughts on Goodbeing? I’d love to hear what you think so leave me a comment down below.

(FTC: This box was provided to me free of charge from the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.) 

Talk About Cosmetics - Kari Gran Jolene and Shimmer Lip Whip Duo

Kari Gran recently teamed up with Jolene Hart, former beauty editor turned health coach and Author of Eat Pretty, to create a gorgeous new limited edition Lip Whip aptly named after the green wellness warrior herself.

Jolene is a powerhouse of pigment that can be worn boldly or sheered out for a softer pop of pink. It’s a beautiful bright fuchsia shade that makes a lovely statement with any makeup look. I wasn’t initially sure how good this bright pink shade would look on me but after some experimentation I believe that this Lip Whip would look great on any skin tone.

You can purchase Jolene (for $20) alone or pick it up as part of a duo (for $31.50) paired with Shimmer, a gorgeous frosty champagne shade that can go over the top of any color to add a little extra sparkle and shine.

As with all Kari Gran products these two beauties are made with healthy, organic ingredients and housed in gorgeous glass pots. This pair would make the perfect gift for any green and glamorous gal you know. 

Kari Gran also has several other Lip Whips you can check out by clicking here. To learn more about the company and their product offerings you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find the company on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

(FTC: These products were provided to me free of charge by the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.)

Talk About Skin Care - Buff Her House of Exfoliation Exfoliating Food Facial Scrubs

If you believe that food ingredients make the best skin care products you are going to seriously love Buff Her House of Exfoliation and their line of Exfoliating Food Powders! These chemical free and cruelty free formulas are made using only pure and organic ingredients and are suitable for everyone regardless of age or skin type. They are also super easy to add in to your routine because you can mix the powders with water to create a paste or to your favorite cleanser or oil. They are versatile and fun to use!

Each bottle of Exfoliating Food Powder is made with a base of rice and other ingredients are added with different skin loving benefits. Their menu is made up of Apple Granola, Oatmeal Blueberry Cookie, Banana Bread Pudding, Sweet Potato Pie, Strawberry Parfait, Vanilla Bean Latte, Rice & Beans, and Milk & Honey. In addition to their regular line up they have an option where you can create your own blend as well as a blend for men called Hey Poppy. If you're looking for something that foams they also have Strawberry Lemon and Vanilla Almond Foaming Food Facial Scrubs.

I selected Sweet Potato Pie and Banana Bread Pudding to test out and I really like both. I was sent mini bottles and they might be small but you can get 50+ uses out of them, which is awesome. They have two Buff Her Mini Kits that I think would make perfect gifts or stocking stuffers.

Sweet Potato Pie’s ingredients list is made up of Rice Powder, Organic Sweet Potato, Whole Dry(Milk Powder, and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate. This particular formula contains Beta Carotene, thanks to the Sweet Potato, which is great for blemishes and blackheads and also has a brightening and soothing effect thanks to the milk.

The Banana Bread Pudding formula is made of Rice Powder, Whole Dry Milk Powder, Organic Banana Fruit, and Organic Colloidal Oat Flour. This bottle is packed full of ingredients that are great for dry skin because bananas have potassium and Vitamin A while oatmeal is cleansing and moisturizing.

Neither formula has much of a scent. They are both extremely gentle and add something extra to your regular cleansing routine. I love the bottles and the simple ingredients inside. To learn more about the company and their other products you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find Buff Her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

(FTC: These products were provided to me free of charge by the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.)

Talk About Cosmetics - Biba Lips

If you’re looking for a fantastic gift for a green beauty who also happens to be extremely glamorous look no further than Biba Lips and their beautiful Lip Crèmes.

Each luxurious Lip Crème comes housed in a beautiful and eco-friendly gold compact and also comes with a lip brush and pouch. There are three lovely colors to choose from each hand-crafted and made with 100% natural food-grade ingredients. They are also cruelty free and made in the US. 

The packaging is absolutely stunning and feels vintage and special. The Lip Crème inside the beautiful gold metal compact is also something special. The smell is incredible (think rich butterscotch and vanilla) as is the taste and the color is really nice. I received Clarity Nude and even though I am more of a pink or coral kind of girl I was pleasantly surprised to find that this shade actually suits me so much more than I ever thought it would. My Mom and I were calling it a “My Lips but Better and more Brown” shade. It’s not too nude or too brown and looks natural. It’s not too pale, either. It’s the type of shade that makes lips look supple and a lot bigger.

They also have two other shades, a pink called Inspire Pink and a red called Elegant Red. Even though the company only offers 3 shades I am confident in saying that everyone can find one that they fall in love with because the color is sheer but buildable and the formula is silky, smooth and totally dreamy. It’s moisturizing and provides long lasting hydration and doesn’t look super shiny, which I really appreciate.

This product is truly a show stopper and if you want to learn more about the company you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find Biba Lips on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

(FTC: These products were provided to me free of charge by the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.)

Talk About Cosmetics - Kari Gran

I am completely in love with Kari Gran and from the comments and messages I’ve received from you Beauties asking for my thoughts on their line you’re also really interested in the brand! I don’t think it would be an overstatement for me to say that Kari Gran is one of my absolute favorite green beauty brands and I’m so excited to be able to share my review of their cosmetics line with you today.

If you’re new to Beautiful Basics or you want a refresher about Kari Gran all you need to know is that this company is comprised of simple but luxurious 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. 

You can also check out my past reviews of the Kari Gran Starter Kit and the Marsala Lip Whip.

Let’s talk about the products in the order that I apply them starting with the Foundation that you can either use as a powder foundation or as a customizable liquid foundation. By mixing the Essential Serum with as much or as little as you desire of the powder foundation, which comes in 8 different shades, you can create the perfect base for your needs. The combination is a tinted, smoothing, hydrating base that evens out your skin tone while feeding the largest organ in your body essential nutrients. I typically don’t love wearing foundation, choosing to instead use concealer where needed, but this mixture feels lovely on the skin and wears evenly throughout the day.

Kari Gran’s Concealer is one of my absolute favorite products. I mentioned it briefly in my Concealer Menu post but wanted to go in to more detail in this review. I have the color Fair and it’s the perfect shade for me and the formula is divine! The coverage is impressively opaque but still lends a natural and luminous glow to the skin. Both the Mineral Concealer and Foundation have shimmer in them but neither gives the skin that teenaged disco ball look. Instead they go on to the skin and make it look effortless, healthy, and flawless. A little of this concealer goes a long way. I especially love to use it under my eyes and down the center of my face because it does a beautiful job of brightening my complexion.

Next up is the Mineral Setting Powder. This powder has a very short list of ingredients (Mica and Aloe Barbadensis Powder) and is feels absolutely heavenly on the skin. It’s like really silky air that feels so soft going on and keeps my base in place all day long. It sets the skin without building up and looking cakey or heavy. This is the best setting powder I have ever tried and that means a lot coming from someone with dry skin who tends to skip the setting powder step.

The Peony Mineral Blush is universally flattering and can be applied sheer or built up for more intensity. I have found that you can do no wrong when applying this blush because it always looks fresh and natural. The color is so stunning and absolutely beautiful on the cheeks for a pop of pink that I can’t get enough of. I’ve been reaching for it nonstop since it arrived. It’s a great “in from the cold” color but I think it will be a nice cheek topper for all 4 seasons.

I forgot to mention that the Foundation, Blush and Setting Powder each come in a huge 4.5 gram jar so you’re getting a ton of product for your money!  The Concealer comes in a 1.4 gram jar and the Eye Shadow is housed in a .85 gram jar. Each product is also very affordable.

The company describes their single Eye Shadow as Sandalwood, a perfect brown for everyone that can be applied sheer or opaque. You can use this shadow wet or dry depending on the look that you’re going for. It’s a beautiful color that makes my blue eyes pop, but it would be great on anyone. It has a very fine silver shimmer throughout but it never looks over the top or too heavily sparkly. I’m a matte kind of gal but still find that this particular eye shadow is very wearable. It blends beautifully and wears evenly throughout the day. It’s the perfect product for doing a one-shadow look because it can be applied in so many ways that it’s almost like having more than one eye shadow.

In the following look I am wearing only Kari Gran Cosmetics with the exception of my brow pencil and mascara, The color on my lips is a thin layer of the Tinted Lip Whip with another thin layer of Jolene Lip Whip on top.

I was originally going to talk about the Lip Whips in this post but I’m actually going to devote an entire review to the newest Limited Edition Lip Whip, Jolene, soon. However, the one in the photo above is the Naked Cinnamon Pimenta Berry and it’s one of my very favorite lip products… ever! We’ll talk about them more soon, though.

To learn more about Kari Gran and her lovely line up of products you can visit the website by clicking here. You can also find Kari Gran on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Leave a comment and let me know if you have tried any Kari Gran products or if you have your eye on any of them. Don’t forget to check back soon for my Lip Whip Overview. See you then!

(FTC: These products were provided to me free of charge by the company for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.)