Talk About Cosmetics - Red Apple Lipstick Eyeshadow Review

Way back in October of 2012, I posted a review of a couple of gluten free and glam cosmetics from a company called Red Apple Lipstick. Jay Harper, the man behind the brand, had a dream to create a line of safe, healthy, and gorgeous products made from high quality ingredients and in 2007, the dream became a reality. The brand is constantly growing and expanding to include more and more gluten free, paraben free, lead free, soy free, vegan and cruelty free healthy cosmetics that are made in the US.

While the company does include the word Lipstick in their name it doesn't mean lipstick is all they do. Their product offering includes: lipsticks, glosses, lip pencils, eyeshadows, a newly launched mascara, eyeliner, an exfoliating stick and a lip balm called Rallye Balm. They have an awesome selection of shades so everyone can find colored cosmetics that set their heart aflutter.



When I did my first review of Red Apple Lipstick in 2012 I fell hard for their eyeshadow in Twinkle Taupe. The color payoff, texture, and wear absolutely stole my heart and I'm so excited to be able to share my review of their City Starter Palette today. The company offers individual shadows that you can purchase, (they come in pan form so you can put them into a magnetic palette, which is also available for purchase on the website), or pre-designed palettes that come complete with a special Red Apple Lipstick Z-Palette.



For under $70 The City Starter Palette comes with 3 mattes and a shimmer in wearable shades; Porcelain, Iced Mocha, Brownie Points, and Espresso. This palette is great for makeup beginners, or cosmetic addicts looking for the perfect collection of shadows that can be worn every day.



Here is a breakdown of the shades included in the City Starter Palette:
Porcelain is a matte creamy off-white color
Iced Mocha is a shimmery taupe that leans a little on the purple/lilac side
Brownie Points is a matte medium brown that is described as a red based brown but looks neutral on me
Espresso is a matte dark brown

The formula of these shadows is divine. They are beyond creamy and superbly soft. If you're looking for powdery, chalky, dry eyeshadows you might want to look somewhere else because you'll be disappointed in these ones. They feel like silk or cashmere or any other luxurious material you can think of. They apply evenly and blend seamlessly. They wear incredibly well throughout the day, with or without primer. The color payoff is absolutely stunning. These shadows pack a serious punch. Fall out? What's fall out?



I also want to quickly talk about their Professional Angled Eye Brush and Wet/Dry Eye Shadow Brush. I don't know if you know this about me but I'm a big time makeup brush junkie, seriously. I love brushes but I'm actually pretty picky so I'm happy to be able to tell you that I really like these vegan brushes! The synthetic fibers are soft and gentle but firm and effective. I really like the handles as well. The Wet/Dry Brush is great for packing on color with the Angled Eye Brush makes a fantastic liner brush.

Talk About Skin Care - Sel Terre Spa Collection Review

I'm a big fan of all things natural and all things created in my beautiful home state of Oregon so Sel Terre and their line of pure, handcrafted products are a big homerun for my beauty routine. Their products, made in Eugene – a city I frequent often thanks to family who live there, are simple and affordable while still being luxurious. You won't find any toxic or unhealthy ingredients in their cruelty free and earth friendly products so they're perfect for anyone looking for safe products.




The Spa Collection retails for $50 and is comprised of the Deep Cleansing Emulsion, Balm Riche, Bar of Soap of Choice, and a Facial Masque of Choice. I received the Dead Sea Clay & Irish Moss Seaweed Facial Masque and Red Alaea Salt & Rose Kaolin Clay Soap.




Oil cleansing is not something new to me but I know that a lot of you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with it but the Pecan & Peach Kernel Deep Cleansing Emulsion is so smooth and absolutely dreamy to use. I use 2-3 pumps, rub my hands together, and massage the oil onto my dry face. It quickly, and seemingly magically, removes every last trace of makeup and rinses off completely. It doesn't sting my eyes or leave a film behind. It makes my complexion glow and leaves my skin smooth and hydrated. When it first arrived the plastic packaging was hot and smelled terrible but the oil itself doesn't have much of a scent. My only complaint would be that I wish it came in a glass bottle, but then again, I always wish things were packaged in glass.




The Red Alaea Salt & Rose Kaolin Clay Soap is gorgeous, gentle, and rich. My sensitive sniffer can't pick up a discernable scent from this bar of soap, which is always a plus for me. It's great for cleansing the body but also works well on the face. It leaves my skin feeling so soft, and not at all stripped or dry. I also really like to use it for shaving!




The Balm Riche, made of Mangosteen Butter and Peach Kernel Oil, as well as other natural and hydrating oils, is an intensely powerful moisturizer that can be used on any part of the body. I really love it as a lip balm, eye cream, cuticle and hand moisturizer, and on my chest at night. I don't love the smell but it gets the job done.




The Dead Sea Clay & Irish Moss Seaweed Facial Masque is not a product that has made my Love List, but only due to its odor. My family and I went to the beach once where a lot of seaweed had washed up on the shore and began to decompose. The smell of this mask takes me right back to that beach every single time I unscrew the lid. But before I go on please remember that my nose is akin to that of a bloodhound and I am easily offended; also, the smell of this mask makes total sense since it is made with Seaweed. I have used this mask several times, trying my best to ignore the smell, and the results are fantastic. It's a gentle mask that is easy to apply and rinse off. It makes my skin look supple, glowing from the inside out, and ridiculously soft. My Mom compliments my skin each time I use this mask so I'll continue using it, hating the smell, and loving what it does to my skin.

To learn more about Sel Terre or their products you can visit their website by clicking here.

Talk About Skin Care - Laurel Whole Plant Organics

In May, Laurel Whole Plant Organics, formerly known as Sequoia Beauty, contacted me asking if I would be interested in testing out any of their products. I had never tried Sequoia Beauty but had heard a lot about their products from other green beauty bloggers so I was intrigued and eager to try their re-branded and reformulated products. I got to try out samples of their Eye Balm, Healing Balm, Nightly Balm, and Detox Mask as well as a full size bottle of their Ant-inflammatory Serum. My favorites out of the group are the Serum and Eye Balm.



I tried writing a brief background on the company but I couldn't do a better job than they did on their website so click here to learn more about Laurel Whole Plant Organics.

After just a few short days of using the Anti-Inflammatory Facial Serum twice daily my Mom started complimenting me on my skin, and how clear and glowy I looked. Despite the fact that this serum induces compliments I have a love/hate relationship with this oil. I love the oil itself, a lot, but I absolutely hate the smell of it.

This Serum is made with 26 whole, organic, active ingredients (like Chinese Skullcap, Licorice, Chamomile, and Astragalus, just to name a few), and is best for those with sensitive and/or reactive skin, cystic acne, rosacea and anyone showing signs of inflammation (which can include dry patches, redness, uneven skin tone, breakouts, eczema, collagen loss, and/or broken capillaries). This particular serum appealed to me because I struggle with many of these problems so I knew it would be perfect for my skin!



It's pricey coming in at $72 for 30ml (or just over 1 oz) but a small amount of this serum goes a very long way so you're actually getting a good amount of product for your money. It comes in a lovely, simple glass bottle with an efficient dropper that makes dispensing the right amount of product easy.

I love the formulation of this serum. It is easily absorbed into the skin and provides long lasting hydration without residual greasiness. After absorption it actually leaves my skin looking slightly matte instead of making me look shiny faced and oily. It is a pretty serious hydrator that isn't heavy or pore suffocating. My skin drinks this stuff up and is left feeling calm and balanced while looking fresh and healthy.

As you can probably tell I love this liquid magic, but like I mentioned above, I can't stand the smell. I've mentioned in previous blog posts that a lot of products, both natural and not, smell really weird on me. I'm not sure if I have a weird pH that interacts with ingredients or what but this product smells horrendous to me (and to people around me who are within sniffing distance). It doesn't smell offensive in the bottle, and actually smells kind of sweet, but once applied to my skin it has a really strong fishy odor that doesn't go away. It lingers for hours after hours and it's such a bummer because I love this oil and the way it makes me skin feel. I still use the serum and I enjoy the results but I wish desperately that it had no scent.

The Eye Balm starts as a solid and transforms into a luxurious liquid that goes on as smoothly as butter. I have ridiculously sensitive eyes and this balm doesn't irritate them at all. It's not too heavy but it is highly moisturizing and helps hydrate and plump up the fine, delicate skin under the eyes. It also has no scent, which is a really nice bonus!

The Healing Balm is an excellent multi-tasking balm that can be used anywhere on the face or body. It's great for serious dry patches and irritated skin. The Detox Mask didn't make much of an impression on me. I don't like or dislike it. I think it would be worth a try for those of who mask addicts who like mixing your own powdered masks. While I like the formula of the Night Balm I'm not a big fan of the scent.

To learn more about Laurel Whole Plant Organics you can visit their website here.

Mom Talks - My Berry Organics Wild Blueberry Face Creme

I am so lucky that I get to try some of the fantastic products that Kassie receives. She thought it was time that I start reviewing some of them so here we go!

I have older, more mature skin than Kassie does, but that's because I am older and of course, more mature. In the past year, my skin has become much more sensitive and reactive. I have to be extremely careful what goes on it. I have the dreaded dry skin and over 40, (ok, closer to 50), wrinkles and fine lines. With that being said, I want to share with you my thoughts on the My Berry Organics Wild Blueberry Face Crème. This crème is wonderful. It is light and moisturizing and my face loves its texture. I also love the smell. It smells like real blueberries but with a hint of something else. Wild Blueberries are full of antioxidants, and this moisturizer includes 23 antioxidants for radiant skin. I have been using this for quite some time and Kassie has been complimenting my skin often. During the day, I wear it under my make up, but at night, I use it with a thicker serum to heal my skin while I sleep. My skin is softer and much more hydrated than before I began using this product.



When it arrived in the mail, it came wrapped in beautiful tissue paper. (Kassie's notes: I failed at taking photos when it arrived. They all came out blurry so please forgive the lack of pictures. My apologies.) The bottle is a dark blue plastic. I feel it is moderately priced at $28.00 for 2 ounces. A little goes a long way so it is definitely worth the price. My Berry Organics is all natural and organic, and vegan friendly. It does not contain any petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, or synthetics.

To read the story behind the brand, click here. While at their site, be sure to read all of the amazing ingredients in this crème. I love the label; it lists the scientific name for each ingredient, followed by the common name. The only drawback for me is that since the product uses only the freshest of ingredients, it is only good for 3 months. I love all natural though so its something I am willing to put up with. Check out the My Berry Organics line.

(FTC: This product was provided to me by the company free of charge for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review.)

Niora Naturals Acne Solutions Giveaway

I'm in love with Niora Naturals and their line of products for adult acne; If you missed my review post and declaration of love you can check it out by clicking here. George, the mastermind behind the company, kindly and generously gave me the go ahead to share the love with you all and host a giveaway for an entire Niora Acne Solutions set!



To enter to win all you have to do is use the Rafflecopter form below. It may take a moment or two to load. This giveaway is open to readers in the US and Canada. Don't forget to like this post! Good luck!

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Natural Grocers Haul

If you follow me on Facebook you probably already know that I have fallen in love with a store called Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. It's amazing! My Mom and I discovered it last week when we went to Medford to go shopping. The town I live in has ZERO shopping (besides Wal-mart and Fred Meyer) so we have to drive 1 1/2 hours to go to the mall or get some good food. We saw this store a few trips ago but had yet to go in until last week and have now visited twice. I was SO surprised to see an entire section devoted to natural beauty and personal care products. It was seriously AMAZING, and that's an understatement. I was so excited and overwhelmed.



I got a few things and I asked on Facebook if you wanted to see what I got and several of you said yes, so here we go!

• Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (have you ever tried this? I have used it once so far and I'm undecided on it... do you like it?)
• Hugo Naturals Effervecenst Bath Salts in Sweet Orange and Vanilla (these are for my Mom!)
• Puremedy Acne Relief
• Travel Size Shikai Yuzu Shower Gel (I'm going on a trip next week so this is the perfect size!)
• Badger SPF15 Sunscreen Lip Balm
• Portland Bee Balm in Oregon Mint
• Derma E Refining Vitamin A Oil
• ZUZU luxe Cream Brow Pencil in Russet
• Acure Organics Sensitive Facial Cleanser
• The Seaweed Bath Co Unscented Powder Bath
• Travel Size Dead SSea Warehouse Amazing Minerals Mud Mask
• Glass Spray Bottle (to make my natural makeup setting spray)
• 9 ounce LifeFactory bottle (it's the perfect purse size and it matches my biggest one!)

Have you ever been to a Natural Grocers? You can find one near you by clicking here. Or have you tried any of these products? Let me know what you think of them OR leave me a comment telling me what beauty products you have purchased lately! I'd love to know what you have picked up!

(FTC: I bought these products with my own money. This post is not sponsored.)

Talk About Skin Care - Niora Naturals

I, like many of you, am no longer a teenager or even a young adult (I think 27 just counts as a regular old adult, right?) but I still struggle with acne and breakouts while having to be more conscious about hydrating and protecting my skin to help keep signs of aging at bay. I don't have wrinkles yet, but I do have some fine lines and thinning skin. Most acne products, even natural ones, can be a little harsh for skin belonging to an adult. I tend to stay away from anything with the word "acne" in the title for that very reason but I have been using the Niora Naturals Acne Solutions line since the beginning of April and it has become an absolute staple in my beauty routine.

Niora is a cruety free and vegan Portland, OR (you all know how much I love to support companies from my home state!) based company that started in 1992 when chemist George Tindall began creating a line of natural anti-aging products. Two years later he met his future wife who suffered with adult acne that left her feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable with her skin and appearance. When he saw her frustration with the harsh and irritating acne products she used he set out to create an anti-acne product for her. After extensive research he developed a natural and organic product that exfoliated and cleansed pores with balancing the skin. His wife, Cindy, no longer has acne and now the rest of us can experience the joys of Alpha Clear.

The Alpha Clear Adult Acne Treatment is a pair of products designed to be used twice daily to clear adult acne, reduce the skin conditions that cause acne, and fight wrinkles. The duo is comprised of the Alpha Clear Cleanser and Alpha Clear Exfoliant. They are both made with natural alpha hydroxy fruit acids and other natural ingredients that help hydrate and exfoliate.



The cleanser is a thin milky lotion type of cleanser that needs to be applied onto skin that is only slightly damp, massaged in, and rinsed off (which it does beautifully). It has a scent, but it is light and really pleasant! I love the entire line but I'm especially obsessed with the cleanser! It's gentle and does a really great job cleansing my face and cleaning out my pores. The Exfoliant is a spray that you spritz onto your skin once your face is cleansed. It has no scent and is very easy to use and apply. I tend to only use the Exfoliant at night even though it can be used twice daily. I just find that my skin prefers it only once a day. I let it dry completely and then move on to the Alpha C Serum.



The Alpha C Serum is a serum that provides intense hydration without leaving skin feeling greasy, sticky, heavy, or overloaded with moisturizer. It feels super silky and lightweight on the skin. I can see results almost immediately after application - It brightens my complexion and gives me a radiant look. It makes my skin look and feel balanced and healthy!



The difference in my skin while using these products is very obvious and is even noticeable to those around me. I stopped using the Alpha Clear Cleanser, Exfoliant, and Alpha C Serum for about 2 weeks and my skin got really congested and awful. I am now back to using them religiously and will be ordering a new set very soon. These products are also affordable, which is a fact that I really, really appreciate!

You can learn more about Niora Naturals and their other product offerings by visiting their website here. If you're not interested in a line of products for acne you might be more attracted to their anti-aging line. You can also find Niora on Facebook and Twitter.

Talk About Sun Care - Goddess Garden

Once spring and summer hit I can't wait to get outside and soak up the sun and enjoy all that nature has to offer whether that be by floating around my pool, kayaking around a lake or down a river, hiking, or simply just taking my beloved pup for a stroll around the block. Warmer weather also equates to less clothing and more skin showing and it's extra important (although it's essential in the winter as well) to stay protected with some serious SPF. Summer should be all about having fun and making memories and who has the time to worry about what harsh chemicals you are slathering, or spraying, all over your body? I sure don't and thankfully I don't have to because I use Goddess Garden Organics and their powerfully natural sun protection products.

I first reviewed Goddess Garden way back in July of 2011 and the company has grown a lot since then. All Goddess Garden products are made with natural and organic ingredients and are Biodegradable, Reef-Safe, Cruelty Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, and Non-Nano.

The Sunny Face Natural Sunscreen with SPF 30 was rated an "EWG Best Sunscreen Pick in 2013 for its Superior Effectiveness and Non-Toxic Formula" and has become a sunny day staple in my beauty routine. This facial sunscreen can be used alone or under makeup. It is sheer and doesn't cause the ghastly white tint that so many sunscreens leave behind. It's very lightweight and not greasy or sticky. It doesn't have any added fragrance but it has a strong lavender scent that is not offensive to me or my extremely sensitive sniffer. It is made with Immortelle Oil and vitamins and antioxidants to help promote skin repair. It is very moisturizing and soothing! It is Water Resistant to 40 minutes, although I haven't personally tested that claim yet since the water is still a bit cold here in Oregon.



Here is the ingredients list:
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 19.0%
Other Ingredients: Aloe Vera*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Oil*, Iron Oxide, Lecithin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum *Certified Organic

The other product I have been using, as well as the rest of my family, is the Sunny Body Sport Spray with SPF 30. This sunscreen comes in a recyclable, non-aerosol can. I find that once sprayed onto the desired area you have to massage the product in but once you do it's sheer on the skin. I don't find that it has a very discernable scent at all so it's great for those of us with sensitive noses. It feels a little bit sticky and tacky until it dries but once it does you're good to go! I love the spray format! It's so convenient for me but I know some people are worried about inhaling sprays like this. My only word of advice would be to avoid spraying this on your face and hold your breath when applying on your body if you're truly concerned. I personally don't mind.



Here are the ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 6.0%, Titanium Dioxide 6.4%
Other Ingredients: Aloe Vera*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Oil*, Iron Oxide, Lecithin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum *Certified Organic

You can learn more about Goddess Garden and their offering of natural and organic UVA/UVB protecting products by visiting their website here. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

noya Giveaway!!

If you missed my post on noya and their fabulous lip balms (and gloss!) you should probably head over and check it out by clicking here. If you did read it and my review got you excited (which many of you expressed to me that you were!) then you're going to be thrilled with the latest giveaway! That's right, the company generously allowed me to give away 2 lip balms to 2 winners! How awesome is that!?!


2 of you will be winning 2 lip balms of your choice. All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. It may take a moment or two to load. Don't forget to "like" this post. All entries will be verified. Giveaway open only to US readers. Good luck!




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Talk About Lip Care - noya

I feel like I'm on a roll when it comes to discovering awesome (new to me) lip balms that don't irritate my ridiculously sensitive and persnickety pout and I'm having so much fun sharing them with you! Today I would like to introduce you to noya and their collection of all-natural lip balms that are simply made with only 4-6 ingredients and are highly effective, cruelty-free and certified kosher.



Noya offers a Classic, unscented balm as well as 3 other varieties – Cherry, Spearmint, and Vanilla. If you know me at all you know that I almost always go for plain, unscented balms and I do really love this one but I also, surprisingly, love the other flavors as well. The Vanilla in particular is delicious and reminiscent of a tasty cupcake or a bowl full of frosting, and I can't deny that I love baked goods and their scent. My Mom has become partial to the Spearmint while the Cherry balm has found a home with a friend.



Side note - These lip balms would make great little gifts since they come in really adorable boxes. They are also nicely priced at $3.99 each.



If you're curious about the ingredients list the Classic Balm is made with Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Organic Stevia. While this balm is not suitable for those of you who are vegan it is appropriate for anyone looking for a moisturizing, soothing, and long-lasting lip balm. This formula has a nice medium glide, meaning it goes on easily, locks in hydrating, and lasts on the lips. It is perfect alone or under a colored lip product of your choosing.

Speaking of colored lip products, I was also sent the Summertime Peach lipgloss. This gloss coats the lips with a lovely sheer and shimmery nudey peach color and feels and wears more like a balm than a typical gloss. I don't find the color to be very buildable, and instead provides a natural looking wash of color. It's not super shiny but I personally don't like the look of overly glossy looking lips on myself. I tend to reach for lipstick more often than gloss but this one feels great and looks nice. It's not sticky or goopy and my hair doesn't seem to naturally gravitate towards it and get stuck in it. It has no discernable scent or taste. Also, the packaging is quite lovely.



The company also has 3 other shades of Lipgloss as well as 4 lipsticks (one of which has especially caught my eye, hello Apricot Swirl!). Overall, I'm a huge fan! You can learn more about the company and their product offerings by clicking here to visit their website. You can purchase noya online here or you can find a reatiler near you by clicking here.

Talk About It - Alima Pure ( + CLOSED GIVEAWAY!)

I am a huge fan of Portland based natural beauty superstar, Alima Pure, and their line of lovely cosmetics. I seriously adore the brand and their vast selection of cruelty free, high quality, and eco-friendly mineral makeup. A few weeks ago I posted a Wish List Wednesday on the Beautiful Basics Facebook page featuring the Sombra Contour Powder and many of you e-mailed me asking me to review it which prompted me to write to the company. The founder of the company, Kate O'Brien, generously sent me the Contour Powder and a couple of other products I'll get to shortly.



I'm a firm believer in the power of contouring. It's actually my favorite part of applying makeup and it's something I always, always do. I have always used my favorite bronzer to shape my face but have often found that the color is unconvincing. Don't get me wrong, bronzing is another favorite step in my makeup routine but it tends to work better as a way to warm up the face rather than sculpt it. Alima Pure's Sombra Contour Powder has become my absolute favorite, must have makeup product.



Sombra is a dusty tan color, with no red or orange in it at all, that is very pigmented but easy to blend. It's also buildable so it's extremely versatile. It's incredibly natural looking and helps define bone structure. I apply this powder to the hollows of my cheekbones, the crease of my eyelids, and the sides of my nose to create definition and slim out my face. It mimics natural shadows and adds so much depth to my face. I don't think I will ever be without this wonderful powder.


I have also been experimenting with the Natural Definition Mascara in Black, another product that many of you have asked me about. I have very sensitive eyes and mascara can be a huge irritant for me but this formula is awesome! It goes on smoothly, wears well throughout the day, feels soft instead of crispy, and provides natural looking length and definition. I would say this works as well as any traditional mascara without the harsh and scary ingredients.


I have always been curious about Alima Pure's Lip Tints so I was excited to see that I had been sent one! I received the shade Holly Berry, which if you're a regular reader you probably know is right up my color alley. This particular shade is described as Spiced Rose and on me equates to a "My Lips but Better" color. It is surprisingly pigmented which makes me curious about the rest of the lineup! The formula is wonderfully moisturizing and gentle on my sensitive lips. It smells (and tastes a little) like a delicious, organic chocolate bar and lasts quite a long time!



I have nothing but good things to say about these products, and Alima Pure as a whole, and hopefully the lucky reader who wins the giveaway with fall in love with this trio as much as I have. If you want the chance to win these products, as well as the cute pink Alima Pure makeup bag, all you have to do is use the Rafflecopter form below. It may take a moment or two to load. Don't forget to "like" this post. All entries will be verified. Giveaway open only to US readers. Good luck!



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Talk About Lip Care - Yu-Be

I am extremely picky and somewhat snobby about the lip balms I use. You can call me a lip balm connoisseur if you would like because I like what I like and I know what works. There have been many lip balms that I have hated, some I have liked but only two that I have loved. I have raved about my favorite lip balm many times over the past couple of years on Beautiful Basics, but today I'm excited to share my thoughts on Yu-Be, the first lip balm to even compare to my beloved Moist Stic. For the record, I can't pick which one I love more because they're different so just know that this is a part of my top two.

If you're new to Beautiful Basics or unfamiliar with my blog and the tales of my irritable lips here is a very quick background: My lips are extremely sensitive; beyond sensitive. Most lip products irritate my lips so when I find one that I like enough to share on my blog please know that it is extremely gentle unless otherwise noted. I get these weird rashes when I try new products that my lips don't like. They become painfully inflamed, red, and start to peel and flake. It typically takes a while for them to heal. I'm not sure what causes my lips to go haywire but it happens fairly regularly. As a beauty blogger I am constantly trying new products but I am always very apprehensive to try new lip stuff. I always get very excited to discover a product that doesn't bother my sensitive lips and I become very loyal to it.



Meet Yu-Be, an all-natural lip balm from Japan made of Soybean Oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Camphor, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Stevia, and Rosemary Extract. This formula was created by pharmacist Yoshikiyo Nowatari in 1957 and has been a favorite and bestseller in Japan for over 57 years.

Days before this lip balm arrived I had a reaction to some lipsticks I was testing out. My lips were raw, dehydrated, and inflamed. I can't say that I was excited to try out another lip product but I thought that the camphor in the Yu-Be could only help my uncomfortable lips. I was right! My lips were completely healed after only using this balm for two nights in a row.

The formula is fantastic – It's undeniably healing as well as being soothing, hydrating, and protective without being greasy, heavy, or tacky. It doesn't taste or smell very good but it's so therapeutic that I don't care very much. It's very medicinal and therefore does a great job of healing. It lasts an extraordinarily long time on the lips. I apply a generous coating to my lips at bedtime and wake up with quite a bit of moisture left.

If you're interested in Yu-Be you can learn more by visiting their website. Youu can locate a retailer near you by clicking here.

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