Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Natural & Organic Products For My Little Princess - And Yours!



Hello Lovelies,


Welcome back! And welcome, if you are new here 💕💕💕

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Natural Products for my little princess

Before we start, please be mindful that Google uses cookies and collects data while You are browsing my blog, and I am obliged to let you know.

So, to be honest the idea for this post never crossed my mind until a few days ago, when I got my blogger package from Love Lula (love You guys) and my little princess squirreled away a product to her school bag quicker than I could take a decent photo of it :) She used her eagle vision to spot some colorful packaging in between my products, even though I never told her I ordered a product specifically for her. Next thing I knew some little hands were in my package and off she went to put it away. The product I am talking about is Hello Barumi Soothing Essence from Chobs, a Korean brand new(ish) to Love Lula. She inquired what is it, compared it to the sweet she has had ages ago (it is in a rollerball format, like a deodorant) and was quick to tell me all about her bruises, and put it on them. Next she announced "I am going to put it into my school bag!" and was quite displeased when I told her I need to photograph it first (blogger's problems, much?). Unlike her sister, she is interested in my products, and I have had to give her some products to keep her off my stash (more of it later) - otherwise she was taking a great pleasure in "testing" aka destroying my products. It was the best decision I ever made, because we are like this now - "Do you want this lip gloss?" "Nah, I have my own!". My stash is finally safe! :)

Now, about her stash, shall we see what products she uses? It is not much, mind you, and that's exactly why the idea for this kind of blog post never crossed my mind. Up until now, that's it.

I have to say it won't be a post on products specifically designed for kids, once we moved out of the toddler-hood phase, I never bothered to get her kids everything, because one, I didn't see the need, and secondly we never used kids or baby lotions for example, coconut oil can replace a thousand and one product in this case.  Besides, the products I use myself are safe, so I am confident in using them on her. 

I am not sure where to start, so let's start with the products we would use in the bath, shall we? I use any shampoo I am using myself on her, and at the moment it happens to be Tabitha James Kraan Golden Citrus one, because I am testing the line for upcoming review, if you want my two cents on it, here it is - the shampoo is gorgeous, and I'll want more when I'll run out. It might seem extravagant to use pricy shampoo on your kid, but oh well, the products are meant to be used, right? Calia line is a firm favourite, and we have used Earth Friendly Baby, Child's Farm or Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash for years - you can find all of them at Boots. The last one is Mr Green Life In Dublin approved, you can find the products he uses here. Just like myself, I don't use conditioner on her, just leave in conditioner by Acure Organics and hair oils for me. I have bought her a kiddies leave in conditioner by Child's Farm for her, but she didn't like it, and in order not to have too many products I gave it away. To be honest, I kind of understand where she was coming from - while the shampoos smell of strawberries and some things equally nice, the leave in conditioner is scented with grapefruit and tea tree oil! I mean, what? Why?? And why no other scents than this horrible one? Oh well, let's just leave it. For washing, all of us use Dudu Osun African Black Soap (review) and I am happy to report I get no more moaning about not having bottles of shower gel at all times. Odd time she has a bubble bath, I use Neal's Yard Remedies Aromatic Foaming Bath. We use no products once out of the shower, no oils, lotions etc. 
Some other product that's part of her daily routine is Living Libations Everybody Loves Sunshine with Zinc Beach Balm (SPF balm stick, review) & Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Organic Facial Moisturiser SPF30 - that's what I use too, for the last three years, actually. This is fine for the city SPF, if we are ever on sun holidays (it's been years since we could afford one), I make sure to protect her with Green People Organic Children Sun Cream.  I also got her EQ EVOA lip stick SPF30 so she would have it in her school bag, with the plans to get their purple stick next, but seeing how white it goes on (think chalk white), I quickly changed my mind and went on to get Coola Sports Stick - this came only yesterday, I have say the first impressions of it aren't too great - not only it is three times smaller than I expected it to be, but it is hard to use too - it crumbled rather than glided on once we tried it on the back of our hands. So we will see. I would appreciate your recommendations for kids SPF product! Oh, I forgot, last year we used 100%Pure SPF, the one in the spray can, and although the formula was good, the spray pump broke on me after a couple of days of use. 

Another product that's part of her days daily routine is Moisturising Hand Sanitizer by Bentley Organic - affordable, alcohol free and 93% organic - why, yes please! It actually took us a bit of a time to find it, and we are on our first bottle right now. I should probably explain that she didn't want one to begin with, as she, like all her friends, was using a conventional nasty hand sanitizer at school - try to convince a 5yr old to not touch it! Teacher said it is good because it kills germs, she would argue. Long story short I could talk some sense into her once she saw herself how dry her hands have become from using it, to the point of cracking and peeling - and she would not use any hand cream or a balm I offered. Needless to say I searched high and low for a natural option that would suit both of our needs, she finds it very hard to use spray bottles, and I was looking for one that would not have lavender and preferably tea tree in it - most of the ones I could find were with tea tree oil, and although I understand that tea tree oil is very good at killing germs, I didn't want my child to be the odd one out smelling of it at all times - we all know how cruel kids can be. This ticks all the right boxes, so I am very happy we've found it - and it will probably stay for a long haul with us! Fingers crossed the company never stops making it, because it seems to be my life story - once I find something I like, next thing I know it is gone for good. I should also add that we use the same African Black Soap for washing hands too. 

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I think that's all for this post, I can't think of any other product she uses, although if you are interested, I can tell you her "make up bag" consists of PHB eye shadow, 100%Pure Chiffon blush and lip caramel - and a few 100%Pure brushes as well. I had no intention of giving her those products or her having make up at this young age, but she was gifted a few of those nasty kids make up kits for Christmas and her Birthday, and I was livid with my friends and family for doing so - they knew full well I use only natural products on her, and yet they went on against my will with this. "It was cheap and a good present" was the excuse I got. Gee, thanks guys! It took me weeks of pleading and bribing to finally get her to part with it, and although I can perfectly understand her, what little princess will want to part with such treasures, especially her first ones? So, yeah, judge me all you want - my kid has a "make up bag" but it is natural and non toxic make up. Plus she never leaves the house with it on! I am doing the best I can with resources I have. Did you see those photos of one little girl burned by girl's make up? And I am sure all of us heard horror stories about Claire's Accessories make up contaminated with asbestos! Please never buy those kits for girls, I am begging you!

The only supplements she is taking on the daily basis are KIKI Health Body Biotics For Children 650mg Chewable Tablets - phew, that's a mouthful! Say that three times fast :) We have tried a few different varieties and this is what we've settled on, they taste like glucose, so she takes them without any objections. She also takes Solgar Vitamin C and multivitamins but only on Sickness Season, aka Fall & Winter, as well as Sambucol from time to time, especially if she seems to be going down with cold or flu. If she does get sick, it is taken care in natural ways, you can check out my old post on my natural ways to treat colds and flu here - the remedies and homeopathic medicine remains the same. Plus the post has delightfully bad pictures for you to look at :) I must do an updated version - here.




Oh my, seven to nine products used daily, it turns out my little princess does use more products that I thought she does - but I am very glad none of them will harm her in the long run. By the way, You probably have noticed I didn't include ingredients of each and every product, or it would have turned into two mile post. If You want me to review any of the products in depth, let me know!

So that's all for today, see you here very shortly. Let me know your kiddos favourite products too, I would love to know!

P.s. Please make my day and follow me on my new blog www.greenlifeindublin.com & share this or any of my blog posts on social media - it helps to get the green beauty word out and for that I Thank You!

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Lots of Love,
Renata.


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Thursday, June 14, 2018

Two Natural Fabulous Toothpastes from Dutch Health Store



Hello Lovelies,


Welcome back! And welcome, if you are new here 💕💕💕




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Living Libations Wintergreen + Green Toothpaste review

I hope You are all well?
As You might or might not know, I jumped for joy when I discovered that Dutch Health Store carries widest selection of Living Libation products, not only Best Skin Ever like other EU retailers. You see, while I want to try their beauty products too, the main pull to Living Libations were their dental products as well as Poetic Pits deodorants. I have had a chance to sample a few products from the dental care line (I have placed an order as soon as I discovered this, see my Holistic Dental Care post here. If you want to, of course) and haircare (see my review of True Blue Spirulina Shampoo here, which might be one of the best shampoos in the green beauty world here), and the rest of the products, hear this - I am coming for ya!

All joking aside, let me tell you about these natural toothpastes I have had pleasure to use! Both are very good in their own ways, and I recommend both for different reasons. You are getting two reviews in one post here :)


Living Libations Wintergreen + Clean Toothpaste

My love for Living Libations knows no bounds, because despite the high price tag, you are getting truly natural and the best quality products there is. No cheap fillers or cutting corners here. I have loved every single item I tried from their dental line, which were Happy Gums Drops, Ozonated Gum Gel and Frankincense Fresh Truth Toothpaste, and now this Wintergreen one. The first thing You will notice once You will put it into your mouth will be like "Wowzers, this is powerful!" Let's look at the ingredients, shall we?


Activated Charcoal  

This cleansing carbon acts like a magnet to remove toxins from the mouth and to clear surface stains from teeth. This black powder unearths your pearly whites as it purifies pathogens and erases surface stains.



Virgin Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Oil 

This is a diverse carrier oil and botanicalbiotic coconspirator that balances oral ecology. This optimal oil soothes the oral tissue and gently removes bacteria that cause bad breath.



Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) 
Teeth thrive when they are bathed in a sea of sweet saliva, and baking soda buffers and neutralizes food acids. In addition to being an effective cleaning polish, baking soda is gentle. It has significantly lower abrasiveness than the cleaning agents of chalk and silica that are used in commercial toothpastes, and the baking soda’s natural alkalinity neutralizes bacterial acidity.

Saponified Olive Oil (Olea europaea) 
Organic saponified olive oil captures all of the nourishing, moisturizing properties of olive oil while enhancing the oil’s ability to help remove plaque from the teeth. Saponification is a chemical reaction that occurs when the oil is treated with a highly alkaline solution.


Rose Petals (Rosa centifolia) 

Ravishing rose petals are harvested from our distiller’s organic rose otto fields in Bulgaria’s Valley of Roses and pressed into a pink powder of petals. This fantastically fragrant and toning powder gives nourishing flower-power to our toothpaste.



Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Super-Critical Extract 

Rousing rosemary is an herbaceous revive-alive-verve tonic with a refreshing, penetrating aroma. Think of rosemary as the feisty friend that stimulates sluggishness out of its stagnancy. Rosemary supercritical extract is a super-powered distillation that is highly concentrated and filled with bioactive compounds including carnosic acid, camphor, and rosmaridiphenol. It serves as a natural preservative while providing all of the benefits of rosemary for optimal oral environments.



Wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima) Essential Oil
Wondrous wintergreen essence awakens the senses with a burst of cooling mint and snow-capped freshness. Steam-distilled from the bright red berries and leaves of wild wintergreen, thriving even in the coldest of temperatures, this oil blesses with an essence of longevity and fortitude.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata) Essential Oil 
Sprightly spearmint is peppermint’s softer, more understated, cousin. Fresh, fragrant spearmint soothes the senses with whispers of minty magnificence! The ancient Greeks chose spearmint to scent their bath water, while medieval populations used the herb to freshen breath and clean teeth. Like its cousin, spearmint also inhibits the bacteria that cause bad breath.

As you can see, this is coconut and olive oil based toothpaste with activated charcoal and some powerful essential oils. Does it whiten? You bet it does! You don't need very much of it, which is why it will go a long way for you, even if you will go for a small jar. And you don't need to use it every day either - twice a week will maintain a beautiful white smile. 
After I am done writing this post I am placing another order, and this time round I'll be getting a Yogi Tooth Serum, Ozonated Happy Gum Gel and Neem Enamelizer Liquid. As well as stainless steel tongue scraper - because I take my oral health seriously. Why not all the same products I've had, you will ask? Because I want to try them all before settling on my favourites. 



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Revitin Prebiotic Toothpaste review


Want natural toothpaste that will support your mouth's natural flora? You are on the right track here! Developed by Dr. Gerry Curatola is a celebrity dentist with over 30 years experience Revitin supports strong white teeth, healthy gums, and fresher breath. What’s more, Revitin tastes great! Revitin is fluoride-free, without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS free), and you won’t find Triclosan either! Nutrient fortified natural toothpaste is now considered a “must have” product by health-conscious people committed to achieving the highest level of overall health and wellness. So if you are like me and are mindful what you put on your body and in your mouth, this is a good choice for you! Revitin® toothpaste reduces plaque (46%), gum bleeding (72.5%), and gingival inflammation (42%) over the leading standard toothpaste brands. Revitin fosters a balanced, healthy oral ecology that supports strong white teeth and healthy clean gums. I have to be honest and say I haven't noticed much of the whitening effect (Wintergreen is much more powerful in the whitening department) but is very good as your everyday toothpaste. I am very happy with the ingredients, with a little exception of glycerine (although from natural origin, I believe it coats the teeth and prevents them from remineralizing themselves. You do your boo and do your own research before deciding if you are ok with it or not) Other than that, it is packed full with good-for-you-ingredients, lets see here:

Ingredients:
Non-GMO Vegetable Glycerin (Toothpaste base)
Calcium Carbonate (Remineralization)
Hydrated Dental Silica (Mild mechanical abrasive)
Water (Toothpaste base)
Tangerine Oil (Healthy microbial substrate / flavor)
Organic Lemon Oil (Healthy microbial substrate / flavor)
Xanthan Gum (Healthy microbial substrate / flavor)
Cranberry Seed Oil (Prebiotic)
Vitamins, C, D3, E and K2 (Antioxidants /remineralization)
CoQ10 (Anti-inflammatory for gum health)
Organic Quillaja Saponaria Extract (Lifting agent  to break up thick biofilm)
Dicalcium Phosphate, ionic (Remineralization)
MSM (Anti-inflammatory for gum health)
Chondus Crispus seaweed (Prebiotic / provides “mouth feel”)
Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf Extract (Natural herbal sweetener)

As I said, I am happy with the performance and the ingredients of it, and the way I get around the glycerine issue is I used it with other products, not as a sole product. I suggest you do your own research about products and individual ingredients, and if you will decide these are good enough for you, you know where to find them in the heart of Europe - yay for no custom charges or what? Dutch Health Store is waiting for you.

(ha, I sound like a salesperson! I promise, I am not)

Let's finish this post with my wishlist from Dutch Health Store, because why not? I love compiling wishlists :)

Living Libations Wishlist:
💕 Poetic Pits in Copal Musk
💕 Everybody Loves The Sunshine With Zinc
💕 Rose Quartz Roller
💕 Breast Massage Oil
💕 Bliss Tonic
💕 And essential oils of:
         ðŸ’• Sacred Sage Smudge Chrism
         ðŸ’• St John's Worth
         ðŸ’• Digest The Best
         ðŸ’• Illume Hotberry


(and I could go on! Very into essential oils right now, I want them all)


Delizioso Wishlist:
💕 Carrots - Buriti Facial Toner
💕 Watermellon & CoQ10 Facial Toner
💕 Camouflage mouse (not sure of my color)
          



I hope You enjoyed this post and found it helpful? Then please make my day and share this or any of my blog posts on social media - it helps to get the green beauty word out and for that I Thank You!




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What I Bought in May - Natural & Organic Beauty



Hello Lovelies!



Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕



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100%Pure haul - make up

green life in dublin
100%Pure haul - masks


*Before we start, I am obliged to let You know that Google collects data while You are browsing my blog. If You are not OK with it, please feel free to exit right now, no hard feelings, promise!

Ok, in this post I will share with You what I've bought in May - I've been planning this post for a while now, at first I thought it was going to be one of those minimalistic no-buy type of post, so I've been snapping food and lifestyle pictures all May, but... And that's a big BUT - in the last two days of May I've managed to spend nearly 200€ on green beauty! Umm, my finger slipped 😄
So I will scrape the food/ lifestyle haul pictures and focus on green beauty instead. They weren't that exciting, honestly, and I will list the stuff anyway. Isn't natural beauty products everybody's favourite thing? I think so!

So, in no particular order, here's what I bought in May and my initial impressions of everything:


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Hynt Beauty Pinkibelle Lipstick - say hello to my new signature lipstick!


💕 Hynt Beauty Pinkibelle Lipstick 

Haven't stop reaching for this lipstick for the second month straight - hello, new obsession! And my signature lipstick too - see it in my IG feed. Second Holy Grail item from the same brand, not bad at all, huh? If You follow me for any length of the time, you will know that their Duet Perfecting Concealer is my fave for years and years! I have not one, but two reviews on it, please see them here and here. Coming back to the lipstick, I have to say it is love from the first swipe, and it is definitely going straight to my Summer Faves!
(See the brand in GlowOrganicBrighton too) 30€


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Deep Steep Argan Oil Hand Wash
💕 Deep Steep Argan Oil Hand Wash

 Natural and a bargain at 6 or 7euros, what more could you want? Sometimes found at TKMaxx, so be sure to check my post out about TKMaxx beauty section here - it is one of my worst kept secrets to where to find clean products in Ireland & Dublin - and I worked hard on that post! 80+ photos prove it :)



💕 TheraNeem Neem Mouthwash & Toothpowder

Mouthwash is a repeat purchase, and toothpaste I think I have tried before too? Mouthwash cost over 15€ and the toothpowder around 7€, but I am taking my dental hygiene very seriously, so I am swallowing the costs. And I am oil pulling with sesame oil by Fushi while I type this too! I am about to order some Living Libations dental care too, as I really miss what I had from them - they work amazingly well. See my holistic dental routine post here. Need to save up a bit first, mind You.


💕 Organic Neem Oil

Bought to treat a persistent rash, and it worked amazingly well! I think I will use the rest up in my weekly scalp masks, it is amazing for hair, as well as being good all rounder too. Just the smell issue! Some brands are better than the others. 


💕 A.Vogel Pollinosan Nasal Spray

This I bought in the hopes to manage seasonal allergies too - I really loved the look of the natural ingredients, but I have to say I struggle with it - the packaging is so bad imo, my 5yr old is refusing to use it point blank, so I am left on my own here. It is housed in a plastic bottle with a manual spray pump, but it does not disperse fine mist into your nose - think more of a garden hose. You are left with pools of liquid up your nose, and of course you have to blow your nose asap, and then you are left with no product. Packaging fail if You ask me, and I don't think I will repurchase it because of it. If You happen to know a better nasal spray product, please let me know! I am looking for one with herbal extracts, not simple saline solution, just wanted to be clear.

Around 10 or 12€. All of this was purchased in The Health Store in Dublin. As well as my regular supply of Rice Dream organic rice milk (love the taste, minimal ingredients with no added sugar or carageenan and reasonable price), Koko margarine (love the yogurts, but not this spread) - again, if You happen to know dairy free butter alternative that would taste nice, or close to real butter, please do me a favour and comment below! Most of them taste horrible, and the only one I liked was discontinued like a month later, I was ready to cry! It was rapeseed and coconut spread from Aldi, fleeting visit around a few months ago - and like I said, it was discontinued just a few weeks later. It was in orange packaging and cost around 1€ only - I am so mad at myself for not taking photograph of it or even remembering the brand name! Insert every sad fave emoji you can think of here. And I wasn't able to find it ever since. I also bought a bunch of yummy healthy Japanese food after discovering our new fave restaurant Yamamori and Asian Market nearby!


💕 Rosewood massager thingy

I find it soothing and relaxing, and I haven't put it down since :) 


💕 "Oud"
Umm, I guess I should have done a research (aka guick Google) before buying it off the stall holder in George's Arcade - the oud turned out to be fake. She had frankincense resin with jasmine and other things I was eyeing to buy next, but I ain't coming back now. The loss was a mere fiver.


💕 Frankincense resin, charcoal tablets, matrioshka doll, Palo Santo sticks, soy candle and Nag Champa incense sticks. The haul came over at just over 30€ at Pagoda in Ilac Shopping Center. I also buy my soap nuts there.


Umm, so this is where my post (and the haul) was supposed to end in my head, buuuut I managed to drop nearly two hundred quid in the last two days, and I can't wing my way out if it :) In my defense, both were pretty awesome deals and I am glad I bought them. I am sure I will be singing a different song when my credit card bill hits next month though!

So, my first haul was from 100%Pure - and it was discovered by pure accident. I was browsing the IG one day (as you do) and I saw the awesome GWP or gift with purchase in other words on Ashley's aaquino22 page, and it pulled a massive trigger in me I dropped whatever I was doing and I was browsing 100%Pure page immediately! I;ve kind of been ignoring the brand for the last year or year and a half due to them increasing the shipping to EU to 25€ instead of previous 7, and free shipping limit to 125€ instead of previous 45. As you can imagine, I was not happy with them! A few things from them hold a Holy Grail status for me (I am looking at you Peacock Ore Lip gloss, Caffeine Masks and Maracuja oil mascara) but the other things didn't quite work out for me, namely skincare, so I never ordered from them since the increase in shipping.. until now. 
I must also say that Naturisimo and Ecco Verde also carry the brand, but they never have deals on them. I never knew Ecco Verde carry my beloved Gemmed Lipgloss - why has no one told me that before?! I've been crying crocodile tears ever since I ran out of it a year ago! These are perfect natural dupe for Juicy Tubes, and I have a whole post dedicated to it here.
Oh, Renata, will you ever list the damn products without massive de-tours?
Here's what I got and my first impressions of things:



💕 Gemmed Lip Gloss in Peacock Ore

One of my Holy Grails from the brand, and one thing I will be repurchasing as long as they will make it. I hope that never happens, because 100%Pure are known for discontinuing things at random, like Dandelion lipstick I wanted to get. Perfect natural Juicy Tubes by Lancome dupe if you ask me, and see my post on them here.


💕 Maracuja Oil Mascara

Another hit, it is amazing imo, just one thing to let you know - I find they are very inconsistent with the freshness of them. If your mascara smells in any way of alcohol and not the fresh blueberries/ chocolate it is supposed to smell off, complain and ask for replacement. If you get a fresh one, it lasts for ages, well over 6months with daily use (I know I should be parroting the 3months rule as a blogger, but let's be real here), if it smells of alcohol, it is already off and it is time to chuck it. See my full review and comparison to their original mascara here.


💕 Lipstick in Peach Bellini

The one in silver sleek bullet, my favourite formula from them all. Sadly this does not show up on me one bit! I have had one of these like 3-4yrs ago and it was lovely, I remember using that with pleasure, when I am normally not even a lipstick person. Sadly in a hurry I didn't check what shade I had, and just chose the one I like the look of. Oh well, I guess I will layer it up with some other products, I tend to do that a lot. 


💕 Caffeine Masks x5 pack

These masks are amazing, even for my uber sensitive skin! I try to save them for special occasions as they are not that cheap and I am not happy with the plastic waste I create using them, but they take care of everything I need to take care of - brightness, skin evenness, my skin is left hydrated, plump and even dermatitis is temporarily gone. I have a full review of it here. I have had a love-hate relationship with the brand, all these reviews are from the love period. Don't forget to check out my post on how to make these masks (or any sheet mask) go further, I am revealing the trick that will save you so much money, you will be glad you read my post! And no, I am not suggesting you reuse the same mask over and over again, honey! Find the post here.


💕 Eye Hydrogel masks x5 pack

These are a cult favourite in the green beauty community, thus influencing me to get them. Well, I tried it once, and I have to say the first impressions aren't great - after 5 mins or so, my under eyes get very hot and itchy, how odd! I had no visible irritation once I removed them, so not too sure if that's how they work or what, but I had the same reaction once I reused them two days later. Not too sure what I will do with the rest of the pack. I should have gone for one pair, not bulk pack.


💕 Collagen Sheet Mask

I wish I have gotten five of these instead, this was amazing! I really hope these will reach EU distributors sooner rather than later!

💕 And now for the gift with purchase that came with my order. It all came in gorgeous cork baggie, which I immediately repurposed as my work bag - let me know if you would love to see a post on my desktop essentials? I tend to use 100%Pure baggies, as unlike many others, these tend to have a zip and not drawstring, so I find uses for them around the house.


💕 Water foundation in Sand

I haven't had luck with their foundations, and the last time I ordered one was before they even had Sand as a shade, ages ago. So I was very nervous about getting this. First impressions after one use - it collected into my pores within minutes, the coverage is more on the medium rather on the full side, and it lasted about half a day only without setting. Also, be sure to blend quickly or you will be left with streaky face. The shade is too dark and very orange on me, so I am not even sure if I will be able to wear it or not. See, no luck with their foundations. Powder products (blushes and shadows, not face powders) I find good though.


💕 Multiple in Pink Grapefruit

I have had that before and it wasn't my fave product, I found it too natural on my cheeks (also quite wrong in shade for me, I can't wear anything with the blue undertone) and quite-ok-but-not-moisturising on the lips, so I planned to put this aside for a giveaway or something like that, but it took all of 0.25 seconds for 5yr old to unwrap it, the plastic seals and all! So I guess I either have a multiple for the summer, or I'll swap it? (it's not used, just opened)


💕 Flat top kabuki style foundation brush

Funny thing is, I was thinking of getting one of these brushes only a day or two ago - I was looking at all of these mini-bukis I've collected over the years, and thinking I'd like to have one like that, just with a proper handle. There you go, now I have one!


💕 Cassia Lipstick

Two words - matte. brown. Two more words - passing on!

All in all this was a good haul, and in a way I am glad I made this order, as you get value for your money with deals like this. Otherwise the brand is super expensive, at least for me. After years of being a stay at home mom, I finally started working, but on the weekends only (childcare system in Ireland is atrocious, way more expensive than anything else, including mortgage, long story, not for this post) so my play money is still next to nothing, which is why I have to make it stretch as far as I can. Green beauty is not exactly cheap - and this order was a steep one for one person. Thankfully I found a shopping buddy for the next time, just the question is, will the brand give us two goodie bags if we will make one order to split the costs?




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Naturisimo Healing Beauty Discover Box - May 18


💕 Naturisimo Discovery Box

I usually skip those, but I went for this one as it contained all the items I wanted to try. It cost 17.95€ if I remember correctly, and it contained nine items, one full size mascara and then samples. They value the box at 70£, which I think is kind of laughable, but still, it was more than the price I paid for, and I am hoping I will discover some future favourites from this haul.


💕  Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strengthen Mineral Mascara

This is the one full sized product in this box, and the one I was most excited to try. At first I was going to put this aside, as I use Fitglow Beauty Good Lash mascara at the moment, plus I just acquired 100%Pure one I was excited to use, but the blogger in me took over, and I opened it by now. The brush is massive, and it looks like it should deliver volume and length, but it produces results that are not as dramatic as I'd hoped, just OK lashes, nothing special. Plus I find it comes off really easily, I have to remember not to touch my lashes at all during the day. I usually don't have this problem. We will see.


💕 RMS Beauty Translucent 'Un' Powder, 0.44g

A mini of iconic RMS powder I'd always wanted to try. This is pure silica, which I know shouldn't work for me (I've read/watched enough reviews to know it is not suitable for dry skin) and I don't have a formed opinion on it yet. I only used it once, to set my under eye concealer. I haven't noticed any difference, but please bear in mind it was only one use.


💕 Bellapierre Mineral Blush Powder in Autumn Glow, 4g

I think this is full size of it. Didn't like it as a blush, too orange/muddy/sheer - I like my blushes way more pigmented and in different colour. I also have acquired their Desert Rose blush in a set I'd bought in TKMaxx just last month, and I am not a fan of that either. I will try them some more, as well as on the eyes, but I see both of them exiting my collection in the near future.


💕 REN Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist, 9ml

This was one of the main reasons I'd bought this discovery box, as this product is in my wishlist for ages and I keep going back and forth about it. I love the idea of protection from blue computer rays, but I only had to use it twice to know I won't be repurchasing this in full size. The smell is gross, and it is very drying to my skin. If You happen to know another mist that protects from the urban pollution, please let me now? All natural of course :)


💕 Dr Hauschka Lip Gloss (Raspberry), 3ml

Lovely shade, I always wanted to try DrHauschka lip glosses. This has good ingredients, but lasted like the whole five minutes on my lips - and I wasn't even eating or drinking! So probably a no from me?
Hey, I said probably :) I am interested in trying their make up.

The box also contained Odacite Black Mint cleanser and Inika lip tint in Candy, and both of these went straight to my daughter - minty! I can't handle any mint anywhere on my body. Glad I tried Inika tint via this box, and not in the full size, as I've been thinking of ordering it. Hate when the mintiness in not mentioned in the description of lip products. 
The box also had Estelle & Thild foundation and tinted moisturiser sachet samples, and I have to be honest I am not even sure when or if I will use these. Up until this year I was very diligent about using every single sample in order to try and know about as much products as possible, but the truth is my skin is protesting wildly if I do so, and you can't form a fully rounded opinion after one or two uses anyway? Plus if I am not after a full size of the product, what's the point, right? 

P.s. sorry for the late post, I fell down the Ecco Verde rabbit hole and have been compiling wishlist well into four digits by now :) Plus I am making lots of changes in my life behind the scenes. 

So that's my haul for May, what did You guys get? More or less finger slips than moi? I want to know, so please leave a comment below or on any of my social media pages?


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Lots of Love,
Renata.

green life in dublin
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