Talk About It - NOW Solutions

Whether you're new to natural beauty or you've been enjoying the spoils of the natural beauty aisles for a while now, you're probably somewhat familiar with NOW Solutions. I was contacted by the company and offered the chance to feature them on Beautiful Basics. NOW Solutions is a family owned company that has been creating and selling cruelty free personal care products made with only pure ingredients since 1968. Their products are high quality, affordable, and accessible! They have a fantastic selection of products you can use to stock your beauty pantry with, like essential oils and carrier oils, or ready to use formulas, like cleansers and moisturizers.

I think the products from their line that stand out most for someone like me, who likes DIY beauty, is what I like to call the beauty pantry staples. These are the products that you can use to produce your own beauty creations that every green goddess needs in her arsenal.



They have so many essential oils, organic and not, to choose from. Peppermint is my absolute all-time favorite essential so I obviously had to try the NOW version and I also selected 3 more of my favorites to test out. I went for the Certified Organic Essential Oils and I'm so pleased with them, with the exception of the Lavender – more on that in a sec. The Peppermint is such a beautiful and true essential oil. I'm in love with it. I'm a migraineur so I'm always appreciative of a good peppermint and this one is pleasant, perfect, and refreshing. The Tea Tree is your typical Tea Tree and the Orange is light and fresh, my Mom's favorite! I'm not really sure why I don't like the Lavender but it smells like artificial lavender to my oversensitive sniffer. Maybe I just don't like Lavender Essential Oil? I've always used another well-known brands essentials oils but these are far superior and I highly recommend them. I also love the bottles and simple but pretty labels.

Next on the agenda is the rest of the DIY lineup including a humectant, carrier oils, and clay. You can mix and match these oils to your hearts content to come up with the perfect ration for you and your skin type. I've been experimenting with Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, and Organic Argan Oil. All of NOW's oils that I just mentioned, with the exception of the Organic Argan Oil which comes in a dark glass bottle with a dropper, are housed in clear bottles that contains UV light protection. They are all expeller-pressed and Hexane free.



Each oil has wonderful hydrating properties and can be used for different things. I love to add a few drops of Castor Oil to my hair conditioner and I love to use the Coconut Oil as a base for scrub recipes while the Almond and Argan Oils make great skin moisturizers. I think the Avocado Oil is my favorite because it's so rich and deeply hydrating which is perfect for us dry skinned gals.



Vegetable Glycerin is a must have humectant that helps bind water to the skin and is great to add into almost any DIY beauty recipe. You can add a few drops it to your shampoo, conditioner, facial moisturizer, or serum for an extra boost of hydration. The Moroccan Red Clay Powder has become one of my favorite go to products for an easy mask that is gentle on my sensitive skin but helps purify, brighten, and make my skin look better. I love the stuff! It's messy but that's part of the fun. I simply mix some of the powder with water, adding honey sometimes for an extra something special, and apply the paste to my skin and let dry. I can feel it tightening my pores as it dries but it's not one of those masks that hurts or feels really uncomfortable. My skin loves it and I love the result once I rinse it off.

Now let's move on to my thoughts on their personal care products that I've been testing out.



I've been alternating between the Vitamin C & Oryza Sativa Gentle Scrub and Nature's Microderm when my skin needs a little exfoliation. Both are surprisingly gentle but pack quite the brightening punch. My skin has a tendency to get a bit irritated but these two scrubs are mild and leave my skin looking renewed and healthy without the redness that sometimes goes along with exfoliation.



I was also sent the Vitamin C & Sea Buckthorn Moisturizer for face and the Vitamin C & Sea Buckthorn Lotion for body. I absolutely love the Moisturizer and the way it makes my face feel. It's the perfect day cream and wears beautifully under makeup and doesn't cause any meltdown. The body lotion is nice but nothing special. Both have a very nice scent and leave behind a lovely amount of moisture without feeling tacky, sticky, or greasy.



Finally, let's discuss the Citrus Moisture Shampoo and Citrus Moisture Conditioner. I really like the way these smell, very light and clean. They are both fairly basic but they're nice and leave my hair feeling manageable and soft. The shampoo lathers really well and the conditioner is very moisturizing without being heavy and it never leaves my hair looking limp or greasy.

To learn more about NOW you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Summer Thanks Giveaway! (CLOSED)

My posting has been a little sparse this summer because I've got a lot going on in my life. My Dad has a fairly rare type of blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma and he is currently in the hospital 5 hours away from home. He just received a bone marrow transplant and is on his way to kicking cancers butt! And you might also know that I am also chronically ill and I've been feeling quite under the weather as of lately. As you can imagine the whole situation is making for a very different kind of summer.

I'm trying to write as much as possible but I wanted to take a minute to thank you all for your patience and support. Beautiful Basics means so much to and I absolutely love being able to share my thoughts on natural products with you all. I test products and write about them for each and every one of you. Thank you for liking my blog and sharing posts and leaving comments. Each time I get to interact with you I am so appreciative of the support.

I've got two of my popular beauty grab bags to give to two lucky Beautiful Basics readers. This giveaway is open internationally, because so many of you come from places in the world that I've only ever dreamed of going. Give this post a like and use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. There are a lot of options but only two that are mandatory. You can do as many or a few entry options as you would like. All entries will be verified. The first randomly selected winner will be able to pick which bag he or she would like. Good luck!


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Talk About Cosmetics - Antonym Cosmetics

So many of you have asked me to review Antonym Cosmetics and your wish is my desire so, here is a run down on some of their products. If you haven't heard of Antonym Cosmetics yet here is what you need to know: They are an eco-friendly cosmetics company combining technology and natural ingredients to create luxurious and healthy products that are Ecocert Certified and cruelty free. The range is made up of premium quality eye shadows, lipstick pencils, mascara, eye pencils, baked foundations and baked blushes as well as a complete collection of 20 vegan makeup brushes.

First thing is first, the packaging is amazing and ecosexy. Have you ever seen such lovely products? I don't think I have and luckily the actual products inside the pretty packaging are pretty awesome too, so this brand is a big time winner in my book.

The Baked Blush in Rose is the newest addition to the Antonym roster and it's my new favorite blush, hands down. I have been using this blush and only this blush since it arrived. There is something so magical about this blush. It's the perfect combination of brown and pink. It's been great for these warmer weather months but I think it will also transition beautifully into the colder seasons. It gives me a natural flush that adds a vibrant and healthy look to my skin. I always feel pretty when I'm wearing it. It's a flirty shade that never looks over the top and goes with any and all eye looks and lip combinations. The formula is buttery, rich, and weightless so it never looks flaky or powdery. It seems to melt into the skin and looks absolutely stunning and fresh. It lasts throughout the day and doesn't tend to fade. I also think you're getting a lot of product for your money so it's definitely worth the $36 price tag. It's perfect! I can't recommend this beautiful blush enough.


I've also been playing with the Lipstick Pencil in Pinkish. These chummy pencils are always great purse lippies because they're easy to apply. This one is a really pretty neutral shimmery pink. The color is fun and feminine! I'm impressed with the staying power! It lasts a very long time on my lips. I don't find it very hydrating but it's also not drying or irritating on my ridiculously sensitive lips.

I was also sent the Lip Brush #15 but I haven't really gotten a lot of use of it. I love the handle but I find that I do a better job of applying lip color with the actual product so I don't tend to reach for this brush often.

The final thing I got to experiment with is the Lola Lash Mascara. I really love the wand, which is curved and I also love how black the formula is. It provides my lashes with a natural but defined look and seems to do an excellent job conditioning lashes. It's a great daily mascara but I do find that I get some smudging throughout the day. It's very gentle and doesn't irritate my eyes at all.

Have you tried any of their products or do you have your eye on any? I'm coveting their Baked Foundation in Light and the Noisette Eye Shadow Quattro as well as their full range of blushes. If you couldn't tell, I really love their blush!

To learn more about Antonym Cosmetics and their product offerings you can visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Talk About Nail Polish - mint

There are a lot of nail polish brands out there with fabulous color ranges and formulas that are smooth and easy to work with but I think I may have recently discovered the polish of my dreams. If you haven't heard of mint, you need to head over to their website and add some beautiful shades to your online shopping cart. Talk about creamy, dreamy, and oh so gorgeous! If you're looking for high quality, vegan and cruelty free nail color without toxic chemicals then you're going to absolutely love this Californian brand.



Please remember that I'm not a nail polish blogger, nor am I very good at painting my nails but I have fun trying and wanted to show you all these awesome polishes even though my cuticles are a mess.



Check out this amazing and super stunning polish called Moonlit Stroll! I'm beyond in love. Do you blame me? I mean, seriously! Look at it! It's beautiful and I feel like it's really flattering with my skin tone. I think it would look great on many different skin tones. It's a whimsical and wearable shade. It's a beautiful and very feminine cross between nude and mauve with a lovely gold shimmer throughout. The formula is beautiful and so easy to work with. I think this may be my favorite polish of all time, or at least very near the top of the list.



Sweet Liberty is the perfect color to tock on tips and toes this summer. I think this particular polish was made to go hand in hand with sunshine and sandals. It's a beautiful creamy bright orange red that just screams warm weather, vacation, and lounging by the pool. I always have a really hard time using crème colors but this one has an excellent formula that is opaque with only one coat.



When I opened the box and saw Peligroso, I wasn't sure I would like it but I'm happy to say that I actually really enjoy the color and the formula. It's a bright orange with a really fun and interesting shimmer in it. The shimmer can look orange, gold, yellow and green depending on the light. The formula is like a jelly polish and is really awesome and easy to use. The color and shimmer build beautifully.



The final polish I was sent is called Tart, which is a really pretty yellow crème. I honestly could not make this one look good on me. The color didn't really work on me and I couldn't get the formula to apply smoothly onto my nail. Remember how I said I usually had a hard time with crème polish? Well, this just cemented that theory. I do think it's a really gorgeous color though!



Also worth a mention are the simple yet beautiful box and glass bottle these polishes are housed in.

If you want to check out mint's shade range or learn more about the company and their product offerings you ca visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Want to know which shades are on my nail polish wish list? Original Mint, Ming, Slumber Party, Dirty Shirley, and Bouquet Toss! Which shades are you coveting?

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!

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(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.)