Wish List 2018

Hi Lovelies,




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




Truth to be told I am mulling over this post since the middle of Autumn of last year, I've done and re-done (and lost it) multiple times, talked myself out of posting it quite a number of times too. Not sure if anybody's interested, but I figured it, the time is now or never! Ever since last year or so, I got into journaling, or writing down the thoughts that are pouring out of me faster than I can track them. As I looked back on my journals, I noticed many wishes scribbled here and there, so I took time to categorize them and write them down, because this way the thought holds more weight than just floating around your head. You might have noticed I have done a couple of these type of posts already, and when I looked back at them, I noticed half of the wishes I had came true. I believe that it is important to send your wishes "out there" - call it whatever you like, Cosmic Ordering, wishes to God, Angels or simply Universe, I find it works. And if you believe in it, it multiplies the chances of getting what you want! So, cosmic ordering it is once again :)

Natural Beauty Wishlist

(a bit excessive, I know. I am not the one to half a** things :)

Living Libations Sun Dew Trandermal Vitamin D Creme

I am looking into vitD topical usage at the moment, and I am into this Living Libations cream! Along with optimal vitamin D intake, topical vitamin D application can create a rejuvenating and quenching effect on skin. Sun+dew is a unique formula that delivers pure botanicals, potent vitamin D (2000 IU per application on face and over 100,000 IU per jar) to revitalize, hydrate and sustain your skin. Sounds good or what? I really loved all the Living Libations products I have tried to date and I want like all of them asap!



Living Libations Poetic Pits In Sandalwood or Musk

This has been on my wishlist for ages. It seems to be a pure essential oil to be used instead of deodorant, and I not sure how or if it would work, but I want to try it. There are a few scents to choose from, and Sandalwood is calling my name. If it fails, I can always fall back onto my DIY deodorant, can't I?



Living Libations Seabuckthorn Shampoo

I have bought a sample size of it and fell in love! Quite possibly the best green beauty shampoo. Their True Blue Spirulina shampoo is also very nice, see my review here if you missed it. I also reviewed their dental products in my Holistic Dental Care Routine post here, and I feel Living Libations obsession coming on - I loved everything I have tried to date. Pricy, yes, and although I can't afford much of them, I am determined to make my way through them one by one. The best quality you can get, and it feels like it.

Living Libations Best Skin Ever in Sandalwood or Sea Buckthorn

Iconic products by LL and I am determined to try them one day, as soon as I will finish off some of my current facial oils.



Living Libations Mint Condition Mineral Tooth Powder

Snippet from the official blurb - It is a gentle exfoliating elixir that polishes teeth with the pure ingredients of kaolin clay, coconut MCT powder, baking soda, magnesium, calcium, sea salt, probiotics, vitamin D, peppermint, and spearmint to harmonize optimal oral ecology. This gentle botanical brightener nourishes enamel with bio-available minerals. As you polish, tiny mineral particulates are delivered to the teeth and saliva.

All I can say is yes please :)

I think we can all understand I am well under Living Libations spell at the moment, I could go on for hours, but I think I will stop here. I have had a chance to try a few of their fantastic products, and I self gifted Renegade Beauty book for Christmas, which I can not get enough of. Oh, wait, that was Santa! Pardon moi.



Herbivore Moonstone Balm




Jane Iredale Circle Delete and Brightening concealer




Jane Iredale Lash Conditioner



Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm



Leahlani - pretty much the whole line



AnnMarie Skincare Mineral Foundation & Love & Grounded perfume oils



Esse Plus Ageless Probiotics Serum

Amly Mists - all of them



Bella Aura 

(update a couple of years later - not only I got a chance to try it, I am now fortunate enough to be their Ambassador. Life moves in mysterious ways, huh? See review here and if you want to try it, you can save whopping 15% off with my code "Renata15")



Lotus Wei Healing Sleep Anointing Oil




Beauty Heroes yearly subscription



Boxwalla yearly subscription

Natural Lifestyle Wishlist 2018

Natural Lifestyle Wishlist 2018

  
Berkeley Water Filter
 
Do I need to say more?


Bioptron


Vitamix or Blendtec blender

I have to be honest, this is almost-permanent on my wishlist, as is Thermomix, but as my budget is lemonade, not champagne money, any of those will remain on my wishlist for longer (unless any of you want to sponsor me, haha!). The thing is, my trusty oldie juicer broke last year, so I replaced that bulky and heavy thing with Ninja, and it is close enough to what I want. No complains here.




Living Libations Immune Illume or Immune Illume in Hotberry

These appear to be essential oils for internal use if I am not mistaken? As someone with a compromised immune system stemming from food allergies, I want to try this to see if it will make a difference. Official blurb: for the glee of strong immunity, a deep warm embrace of schizandra berry, seabuckthorn berry, ginger, clove, cinnamon, turmeric and grapefruit. A medicine muse of potent antibacterial antifungal plants, a drop or two with chocolate, tea or honey!
Potent drops; fortifying antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents groom a resistant immune.


Living Libations Sacred Sage Smudge Chrism

Sacred Sage Smudge clears senses, sanctifies sacred spaces and purifies places with a reverent blend of cedar bark, vetiver roots, sandalwood, silver fir, Douglas fir setting a fragrant foundation for a gathering of sages from many nations: Kenyan Leleshwa, South African Blue Mountain Sage, Spanish Sage, Desert Sage and Canadian White Sage.
I intend to use this for air purifying purposes, I am afraid I don't do any magical rituals :)


Stainless steel lunchboxes

As I want to move away from plastic lunchboxes I currently have (BPA free, but still), stainless steel is what I want over glass. Lunch Bots and Tiffin lunch boxes seem to be the cutest around. Come this way please!



Fermenting Pot

Another useful thing I don't have, but also don't want to spend my money on, so I am throwing this wish out there in the open and well shall see what happens. You see, I often make my own sauerkraut (see recipe post here) but it can go moldy if I am not careful, so special pot would be useful. But oh my goodness, parting with 40€ for it? I don't think I can justify it. As well as spending 25+ for stainless steel bottles and luchboxes. Weren't they around 6 to 8 euros before everything eco and sustainable came into fashion? Since when we came to think it's OK to spend 25€ for a glass bottle? Yes, it is sustainable, eco and reusable, but why we can't buy water in a glass bottle for less than five quid and reuse that? I myself am reusing bottle from Treevitalise birch water, and I don't see a problem with it. There's also fabulously elegant Voss water bottle, I keep my eye on for a good while now, but I am yet to acquire it - I haven't seen those around. 
Whoops, sorry for a mini rant! I noticed significant price spikes for everything that comes into fashion, from all kinds of reusable stuff to grains (quinoa, farro, anyone?) and it drives me crazy, that's all.




Chi Machine



 
Pro mini rebounder




Shungite pyramids

(let's just say the electromagnetic pollution is off the roof where I live)

Books Wishlist 2018

Book Wishlist 2018

 I couldn't help but raise a little smile when uploading this - just like with Natural Beauty wishlist, some of the wishes were granted already! Some of the books were found in my local library, Renegade Beauty I self gifted for Christmas, and 2018 started in the best possible way when I was offered Medical Medium books by a fabulous couple from the US, and I will share more when I will get the package. You know who you are, and I want to let you know that you are too good to be true and I appreciate you so much! 
I won't go into details of all the books here, if you get it, you get it! I like educating myself on many levels on an ongoing basis, and it is such a pity I have less and less time for it. I really ought to spend less time on Instagram and get back into reading. I am waaay behind my 10-books-a-month habit I used to sport. My real time reading lists can be seen here (don't forget to slide) and here. If you have any recommendations for me, please leave them down below - many thanks in advance!

Fashion Wishlist

Fashion wishlist 2018

I apologise in advance for this eye sore! When you look closely at the individual pieces, they are all fabulous, but when you put them together like that, it is a right jumble, I get it. I am someone who does not buy new clothes every month, or even season, so I can dream, right? I used to roll on the floor laughing at a cost-per-wear concept I'd seen in InStyle or similar fashion glossy mags, but now I see it makes sense. I could go on and on for hours, but let's leave it at this note - if I ever will be able to afford any designer pieces, I would like any of the Missoni garment and one Balenciaga bag. Amen.

Thanks of you are still with me, if you made it to the end, you are a total rock star and should pat yourself on the back! 

What is on your wishlist, I would love to know. Please share with me either in the comments or on any of my social media?

Tata for now, see you here very shortly.

Lots of Love,

Renata.

Green Life In Dublin. Green beauty blog

 P.s. Please make my day and subscribe & 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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That's all for today.


Lots of Love,
Renata.

Enjoy my content? Any contribution to my PayPal Tip Jar -  will get You my eternal gratitude and more awesome green beauty reviews Your way! I weed out all the greenwashing products so You won't have to :)

Natural & Organic Empties - August 2017

Hi Lovelies,

 

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

Natural & Organic Wellness & Lifestyle Empties - Summer 2107

Natural & Organic Make Up, Skincare & Bodycare Empties - Summer 2017

Well, the name of the post is self explanatory, and we all know what these kind of posts are all about, so let's just dive right in. Make up products review links can be found at the end of this post for those of you interested :) Shall we see what I've finished and/or decluttering?


First let's see what I've actually finished:


Layla London Charcoal Toothpowder

I bought this in Boots for around 13€, so the price is not too bad, and the ingredients are really natural too - yay for it, because Boots does not carry that much of truly natural brands/products, mostly greenwashing ones. Anyways, back to the toothpowder - it does whiten your teeth indeed, but only one or two shades lighter than your normal colour. That's ok with me, I didn't expect miracles from it, so I am likely to repurchase it soon. The only thing is the texture feels a bit powdery/chalky, and it stains everything, I have to clean the sink after every use.

 
Bio-White 100% Natural Toothpowder With Calcium

This was purchased in Down To Earth Dublin, and it was a bargain at 6.90€ if I remember correctly. I talk about both of them in my Dental Routine post. Great ingredients, and the texture does not feel chalky at all, so I will buy it again, but I also want to try TheraNeem toothpowder I am also eyeing from the same shop, as well as Earthpaste that's new to Nourish - it does not have glycerin nor carageenan in it, two things I want to avoid in my toothpaste. The nuisance thing is, I already visited two Nourish shops looking for one, and neither of them have it, they keep telling me to visit the next branch - little note to the shop if you are reading - please make them available in all shops, so I wouldn't have to go to different places or order one in and then have to come back for it!


Pure Anada Hand and Body Lotion

This was nice, but on a runny side, so not investing in a full size just yet, as we are moving into cold season and my body will need more moisturisation in a form of body oils and butters. This came via Live in the light UK webshop, post here if you want to see it?


NYR Organic Elderberry Syrup

I just realised I don't talk about this wonderful and natural company enough and I really should! I enjoy a lot of their products for the last three years, and i intend to keep it that way. I make my annual order when some sale or the other is happening to make my euros stretch further, and apart from a couple of face products I found too strong, I really enjoy what I get from them - I should blog about them more often!

P.s. You will see a few more products I found too strong here in this post. Oh, the joys of uber sensitive skin!

Whoa, Renata, you just blabbed a whole chapter and didn't say a word about this wonderful elderberry syrup, get back on track girl! I find it great immune system booster, and I regret picking up just one bottle in my order - we kind of opened sickness season way too early this year, and it's already gone. Will be a repurchase as long as NYR will make it. If you are from Ireland, UK, Germany or France, you might want to shop my NYR page?


Allafia Coconut Strawberry Body & Hair Wash

Got if from Amazon & I also have a hair and body lotion in the same scent, which I am mainly using as a leave in conditioner and flyaway tamer.


Living Libations Spirulina Shampoo

This is one of the best if not the best shampoos in the green beauty world, and by the time I'll post this blog post the review will be either up already or coming soon after, so keep your eyes peeled for it. At the moment I am using Rahua, which is also good but does not give me that much shine as this one does. One to repurchase for sure.

 
Tea Tree Oil 30ml

A staple for more than ten years in my house, used everywhere, for stings, bug bites, spots, hair masks, cleaning, etc etc! I talk about it more in my Top Three Natural Products post, so check it out and let me tell you, you need to have this in your life. A bottle lasts for ages too. A repurchase? Always!


Vitamin D - Solgar 2500iu

I started taking it when I battled my dermatitis, and kept the habit - most people don't realize how deficient most of us are or that it is not only a vitamin, but also a hormone needed for more than 300 body functions daily - so if you don't take it yet, I would suggest you check your levels first (a blood work will show it) and start supplementing accordingly. I would say it is a must if you have any auto immune disease, but do check with your doctor and don't go for measly 10iu sold in most pharmacies - we need more than that. Do your own research and familiarize yourself with the fact that recommended daily allowance is a world away from an optimum levels - same goes for all vitamins & minerals. You can thank me later.


Dermaboost Hydration Spray

Really lovely refreshing toner spray sent to me by gorgeous Natural Beauty Vita (go check her out). Not sure if I am getting it again despite pure and minimal ingredients - I doubt it is available in EU & I moved on to Josh Rosebrook Hydration Accelerator & Amida from Wasi Sabi Botanicals - and I have a good few in my wish list too.


John Masters Organic Conditioner

This mini came in Love Lula Beauty Box May 2017  I mainly used it as a leave in conditioner. I went on to purchase a bigger mini of it, and will share my thoughts after using it up. It is good, but I need to make up my mind if it's worth a hefty price tag? If you happen to know cheaper leave in conditioner that works really well, please do let me know. At the moment I have a huge tub of Alaffia Hair & Body Lotion, which works really well for the hair, but isn't available from withing EU; Child's Farm detangler spray, which doesn't really work, plus it smells of tea tree oil and eucalyptus (I should have checked before buying, doh!) and I am mulling over of buying Calia from SoNaturalBeauty from Belgium, just don't want to pay 15€ for the shipping for it. 


Echinaforce Echinacea Tincture 

Another staple for years, and I always have it on hand in Autumn & Winter, aka The Cold And Flu Season - see my thoughts on it as well as other natural products arsenal against getting sick in my Natural Arsenal Against Cold & Flu post. It has some wonderfully bad pictures, so I am thinking of doing an updated post on it too. A repurchase? Yes. In double the size :)

Natural & Organic Products I am parting ways with - Summer 2017

and now for declutter(s) and the reasons behind it :)


Phb Gentle Moisturiser with Shea Butter and Apricot

This I got in Love Lula May box (if I remember correctly) and was overjoyed to find out it caused zero problems to my dry and uber sensitive skin. I happily used it for around two to three months until it started smelling weird, and with my skin like that, I learned to part with the products there and then, at the first sight of them changing, be it a change in smell, texture or colour; even though my trifty side tells me to keep using the product. My mom, who is against all kinds of wastage (and is equally strict minimalist) was agast when I was about to bin the product at 50% full, so she kept it to herself. I scooped a generous layer of and left her with strict instructions to bin it soon. Even though this particular cream had short shelf life in my case (strangely enough the POA sigh says it's good for 12 months after opening) I still plan to repurchase it at some time as well as write a review on it, but only after my second jar. So glad I didn't rush with first impressions review on it. My overall opinion on it is good, apart from it changing on me after just a couple of month's usage. Maybe I got a bad batch? Please let me know your experiences with this cream if you used before? I want to know how other people who got it via Love Lula Beauty Box. Enjoyed it? Not? Please let me know in the comments!



Ogario London Styling Mist

This came in the same LL Beauty Box and while I initially was very excited to try it, unfortunately I got very limited experience with it due to losing 95% of it to spillage on the plane. S**t happens but I was very sad about it, especially as I was very careful about it. Not sure if I will shell out 18£ for it, not because the product isn't worth it, but purely for other reason - I am super low maintenance when it comes to my hair, I use virtually zero styling products.


**funny story**not**

Another funny thing happened at the same time, and I would be laughing if I weren't so sad about it - my present of OreganolP73 I’d bought to my mom, turned out to be empty sealed bottle! I’d bought it in Nourish health shop and took it to Lithuania still sealed, but to my surprise the bottle turned out to be empty! It was completely empty when I took a plastic seal off it, and I was so shell shocked,and I still don't know what to think of it to this day! I still have a receipt of it and the empty bottle, but as I was away for more than a month without Internet, I didn't go to the shop to complain about it, as I didn't think anyone would believe me. And no, it didn't leak as well as Ogario product, the bottle was well sealed and the cap was screwed on tightly. If it leaked, my whole hand luggage would reek of oregano multiplied times thousand, anyone who has used Oreganol knows it has specific and potent smell. So that's my “funny” story, I got my mom an empty sealed 13.5ml bottle for 30 quid and zero response from the shop when I eventually emailed them about it.


Pure Anada lip shine in Berry Bliss

Really nice lip gloss, but I didn't enjoy the mintiness it has to it. I have reviewed it in my old Pure Anada review post, link at the end of this post if you are interested. Their mineral foundation remains a firm favourite.


Hynt Beauty Duet Perfecting Concealer in Light

I have not one but two reviews of it (again, can be found at the end of this post) and to this day it remains a firm favourite when it comes to under eye concealers, the coverage is insane! I didn't use it up, it expired on me, as you only need a pin prick amount of it, and I am not even kidding you! Thanks goodness it is available in EU now via Glow Organics Brighton, and I will chance to buy it in medium this time, as I find light is way too light on me in summer.


Zao Cream foundation in 733

Even though this was matched to this shade by the brand, I will go a shade down if I will come down to repurchasing, I found it too dark and ashy on me - it worked in summer but not for the rest of the year. Great coverage though and I was impressed with this brand. This is still good, not expired, not finished, I sanitised it well and am passing it on. Review in the link at the end of the post for those of you interested.



Living Nature Volume mascara

I am not sure if the review of it will be published before or after this post, so look out for detailed thoughts on it. Really natural and wonderful company, thankfully available in EU too. I really love their illuminating foundation, but when it comes to this particular mascara, I am not sure if I will get it again. It didn't impress me enough. Natural, great ingredients, gave nice length to my lashes, but I haven't noticed any volume, and my lashes definitely need volume. Didn't flake for the first few weeks, so if you are in the market for a natural looking mascara, this might be the one for you?



100% Pure Lip Gloss in Rainbow Aura

This is a lovely lip gloss with real milled gems, reminds me of my previously loved Juicy Tubes (post with swatches in the link below) but I am not repurchasing this due to changed policy on international shipping by the brand themselves. Free shipping limit is now 125€, when it was 45€; and new shipping for any order below that amount is now 25€, whereas it was 7€ before. Unfortunately it equals big custom taxes for us EU customers, the new shipping cost alone exceeds tax free limit. So this is where they are losing me as a customer, and probably many of you as well. (even if you will buy from EU or UK site, they still ship from US, and they are really cagey about it). Some, but not all, of their make up is available from Naturisimo, you won't get any deals, but at least we can buy it here in EU. These lip glosses are not sold via Naturisimo, and as much as I hoped and pleaded with them to carry them, they started carrying lip caramels instead. Dear Naturisimo, if you are reading this, please add these gemmed lip glosses to your 100%Pure collection, I want to buy those! Peacock Ore is still calling my name, and it has been months and months since I  had it. Sob.


Whamisa Double Rich Lotion (30ml deluxe sample)

This did not agree with my skin, and when I used it together with their famous fermented flowers toner, my skin was really not happy with me! So I shelved them for quite some time, and took it out only recently. I am passing this product on, but giving the toner a second chance.


Sample of DrAlkaitis Nourishing Oil

Way too herbal smelling for me, I am sure it is a great product, but sadly not for me. I invested in full size of Organic Soothing Gel, but even that is too heavy on the essential oils, so I can only use it sparingly. Bought it because it did amazing things for my dermatitis affected areas.


All Natural Face foundation samples

Sent to me by a lovely reader, who turned into Instagram buddy, to try, but as someone who loves full coverage foundations, I wasn't a fan of these - not enough coverage for my liking, plus it only lasted for about two hours on me. Really grateful for a chance to try it without having to order on my own. Now I know what not to buy.


Faerie Minerals Airbrush foundation in Fairly Light

Sent to me by the brand, but not used for the same not-pigmented-enough reasons. They have awesome eye shadows and blushes though - I've included some in my Nars Orgasm Dupes post.


Uma Oils (3 products)

Acquired when I did their IG challenge a couple of months back - the brand was drumming up quite a hype about themselves, so I was dying to try their products. Marketing victim, as my husband says. Unfortunately when receiving products I found out they are heavily scented, way too much for uber sensitive me, so I didn't even use them. Not good of an excuse really. Hmm. But if you are really sensitive to essential oils like me, have this in mind.Two of them went on to someone, and as the mask is dried up and cracked by now, it went to into the bin.


Bellapiere Antique Pink Liquid Lipstick x2

Came via Love Lula Beauty Box June 2017, and one swatch later I am also giving it away to a jobless friend with major health issues, along with some other stuff to cheer her up a bit. Since then I have had a 60£ order from Love Lula, which qualified me for another free beauty box, so I gifted the second one to my sister in law. No longer carried by Love Lula, check them out on Amazon.


Jane Iredale Multiple in Clarity

Not used up, rather drying up and slowly expiring on me, and I doubt if I will repurchase it (it was acquired online, and turned out a bit different in colour from what I expected - the joys of buying online) - this has a cool undertone, and I suit more warmer tones. If I will get one again, I need to see them in person first. Luckily there's a beauty salon not too far away from me who carry Iredale products, and I am planning a visit. This was given away.


Kathy Sue Ann’s rosehip oil with carrot seed oil with lavender

Tested this for OBL Club, so you can find my review there. Couldn't use it because of those EOs in it, I can't stand lavender in anything, not even fresh or dried petals, so it's best if I pass it on. Their body butter and eye balm are gorgeous though.


100%Pure BB Cream in 20

Not something I enjoy using, and it has left about a year in it, so it is time for it to find a new owner. I will include it in my upcoming my current foundations post though, as well as ZAO cream foundation I mentioned earlier - just purely for comparison reasons. For me it is way too shiny, I don't have oily skin, and I look plain oily when I wear it. It is way too dark on me, and if I try to build up the coverage, I turn orange. After getting the shade wrong on their foundation (it turned out to be way too light) I took a medium shade in this BB cream, and I got it wrong again - way too dark. So I am kind of done here.


Naobay Face Cream

This is a natural brand from Spain. The thing is my skin stopped liking it after a couple of months, the weirdest thing ever. I was happily using this while I had my Mahalo Vitality Elixir, and together they seemed like a match made in heaven, but as soon as I ran out of Vitality Elixir and started using this cream on it's own, my skin quickly started showing irritations. So it makes me think it worked well as a duo with that oil, but on it's own it might be not suitable for uber sensitive skin people like moi? I mentioned it in the Reviews I never Posted post a while ago. Loving Argan oil by this brand though.


A few samples from AnnMarie Skincare

Lovely natural skincare line from AnnMarie Gianni - I am following her on Youtube for ages, when she and her husband were posting about raw foods, from about 7-8 years ago. She went on to create a lovely natural skincare line, but I am sad to report that I found some products a bit too strong for me. But then again, not everyone has uber sensitive skin, so the rest of you might enjoy the products?


Leahlani Champagne Serum

Same story as with lovely previous products, I found this too strong for me, probably due to essential oils in it. Loving their Mermaid mask though and I am absolutely dying to try the rest of the line. Generous sample acquired via green beauty swap. 


So that is it for my natural empties, what have you finished lately? Sorry to turn it into a super long post - I will work on my monthly empties posts from now on.


Links galore to all my natural make up reviews can be found here.



Please like and share any of my posts on social media, it really helps to get the green beauty word out - and you will forever have my gratitude!

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Lots of Love,
Renata.

Enjoy my content? Any contribution to my PayPal Tip Jar -  will get You my eternal gratitude and more awesome green beauty reviews Your way! I weed out all the greenwashing products so You won't have to :)

 

 Want to check out my skincare reviews? Click here. Interested in make up reviews? Click here. All my body care and hair care reviews live in this post. Diy inclined? Even if not, you might enjoy my super-simple-minimal-ingredients-DIYs here. You are welcome.

Enjoy my content? Any contribution to my PayPal Tip Jar -  will get You my eternal gratitude and more awesome green beauty reviews Your way! I weed out all the greenwashing products so You won't have to :)

Natural, organic and eco empties - June 2017

Hi Lovelies,

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

Oganic and natural product empties

Well, we all know what it is all about, so let's dive in!

DrOrganic Rose Facial Scrub - decluttering

I said this time and time again, and now it is official - this brand is one of the greenwashing ones, pretending greener than they are actually are, and I am glad it is out in the open now. Check Soil Association website if you don’t want to take my word for it, that is all I am saying. I am done with this brand maybe just bar one products, because of these greenwashing claims and because none but one product worked for me. This scrub I used only once and it was way too harsh on my skin, plus it broke me out. My teen also said the same thing, plus she described it as rubbing sandpaper all over your face. I have to say I second her. Oh, this was bought by my hubby in post Christmas sale last year. Seeing at it was used only one centimetre down, I should have binned this long time ago. As you can guess, not a repurchase.

Mahalo Vitality Elixir

Oh, what a sad day was in Green Life In Dublin Casa when this ran out! Maryna, could I get more please? Pretty please? See my review here, but if you follow me for any length of time, you know I love this facial oil - it has great ingredients and my uber sensitive and dermatitis prone skin loved it. It has something to do with turmeric :) In fact I loved all the Mahalo products I have had a chance to try, and even though I am living La Vida Broka right now, I have to find ways to repurchase some of her products. Santa? Are you listening?

Miaroma Chamomile essential oil

Bought it from Holland & Barrett a while ago, and now it's sadly gone off on me, without getting proper use out of it. Not repurchasing any essential oils from this brand, I don't find them good quality. For example, this smells like old sunflower oil (you know, cooking oil). I’ve never had it with any essential oils from other brands I used to date.

Jane Iredale lash conditioner mini

I am so impressed with it, I am definitely getting a full size of it soon. Makes any mascara ten times better by adding volume and length, and that is exactly what I am looking for. I knew of this product's existence for a long time but never thought of getting it until I tried it for myself. Yes, it is 20plus euros expense on top of your mascara expense, but seeing how much it helps my lashes to look amazing, I can finally justify that extra spending on it.

Flower and Spice facial cream and scrub

I met up with a Flower and Spice founder and formulator Karmen a little while ago for a cup of green tea and green beauty chat, and she gave me samples of her upcoming collection, launching fall 2017. Lovely products. I am still using their facial oil, as oils last for quite a long time, it will end up in next month's empties.

Dublin Herbalists samples

This is a natural company local to me, they sent me samples of all their products a few months ago, and I am yet to put a review out. Will have to work on it harder.

Mii Minerals mineral foundation - decluttering

I have this for more than five years, so obviously it is time to let it go! I don’t even know if they are still around, but at that time they had two sides to their products and website too - organic products and non organic. This is too dark for me, shade !!!!!!! and thankfully my friend who is happy to take things off my hands has darker skin tone than me. I do not worry about passing this onto her - loose minerals have a long shelf life and I have done nothing to contaminate it. Otherwise I give her strict instructions of how many months she has left in one or the other product. Not a repurchase. I am loving Pure Anada mineral foundation.

Egyptian Magic Balm

This I’d bought myself, and the bugger expired on me despite the jar saying it is still good until 02/2018. But as I know I’d gotten it many months ago, I am OK with letting it go, even though it is barely used. 35€ down the drain, well done Renata! The thing is I bought this just before I won or was sent some other more luxurious balms, so needless to say I pushed this aside in order to try and use those other products. This is good basic balm, and if you are not looking for frills or bells and whistles in your balm, this is a good one to try. Especially if you have allergies or sensitivities to some ingredients. I think I will still review this eventually, but it will be a while before I will repurchase it, I now aim to have only one balm open at any given time.

Mahalo Rare Indigo balm (mini)

I actually finished two mini jars of it, and I enjoyed them tremendously! This product is amazing for troubled and inflamed skin, I can attest to that. I would go on as far as to say it is one of the very few products I would spend 100plus euros on it. I will review it or update my Mahalo review soon. I am fortunate enough to own a full size of it acquired in a green beauty swap. The jar is half full, but nonetheless, it will last me for months. Thanks beautiful soul that you are Boriana or 1988 Bori from Instagram!

Natural products trash or empties :)

Ren Evercalm Ultra Rescue mask (sample)

This is another great product at calming red and angry skin, I was amazed at how well it worked! Ren is a line I used here and there, but stopped for a while when I found out all products have phenoxyethanol in them, it is synthetic preservative that everyone's in green beauty bashing, but no one has a good alternative or solution to it. I do have some products containing it, but I try to keep those to a minimum, as researchers say it is “slightly toxic” in higher concentrations. Umm, slightly toxic??! I’ll keep it to a minimum then, thanks! But I am interested in that calming mask, goddammit! Oh, what to do? I have a sample of the calming serum from the same line.

Greenfrog Botanic hand soap

Review here if you want to check it out. This is good natural non sudsing soap made from soap berries and organic aloe vera. The texture will take a bit of time to get used it, but because of it, my family asked me not to get this hand soap and shower gels, and I have to respect their wishes. We are trying Organii brand now, also found in Love Lula.

Leahlani Champagne serum

I absolutely adore their Mermaid mask (and finally have a full size of it coming my way) but I am sad to say Champagne serum didn't work out for me, too much essential oils for my sensitive skin to handle. I still want to try everything else in the line though, everything sounds absolutely ahhmaaaaazing!

Lotus Wei Infinite Love anointing oil

I adore this line of Lotus Wei products, and at the same time am sad to say these roll ons are too strong for me, too much essential oils for me to handle - if I use it anywhere near my head or torso, I get instant headaches. And it is sad, because if I use it on my arms or wrists somewhere, I can't feel the gorgeous aroma, and that is specifically why I bought it. I went on to purchase a mist in the same line, it is more diluted and I have no problem with it.

Lotus Wei Joy Juice Elixir

Again, a product from a gorgeous brand, and I would gladly repurchase it, but they raised the prices since my last purchase in December, and I don't think I have the funds for them right now. They were not cheap to begin with, but now the aura mist costs 40£, which is way out of my price range. Wish I could have a constant supply of these, and will be sad if I couldn't get them anymore. Find my review here. But the reality is, someone close to me is seriously ill now, and I face medical expenses.

A repurchase? Not quite sure yet. I do know I want them, I surely do, I just need to find funds for them. Which is tricky, not going to lie.

Frankincense toothpaste from Living Libations

I bought this, happy tooth serum and happy tooth ozonated gum gel from Dutch Health Store - check them out for the largest Living Libations selection in Europe. There are some more online stores that carry Living Libations, but they seem to have a few selected Best Skin Ever and that's it. My initial draw to the brand was different, I wanted to try their dental products first and foremost, which is why I dropped more than a hundred bucks for three items. I will reserve my thoughs for the review post, so stay tuned! Ps. now that my dental products post is live, I can link it here.

Naobay Soft Tollerance and Eye Contour Cream

I used to use this in winter, together with Mahalo Vitality Elixir serum, and the two together worked great, but when I ran out of the said serum and started using cream on it's own, my skin got irritated. Not a downfall of the product, as it happened with the face cream I used after this as well. I don't know, my skin is really weird in that sense, I can never be guaranteed if it will be able to tolerate something at the same level two months on. That's why I never rush with skincare reviews. Naobay argan oil on the other hand is lovely, and I can use it without a bother. This might be your perfect cream, if it didn't suit me, it doesn't mean it won't suit you too.

Soley eyGLO face cream

This is the cream I am talking about, I used half of the jar without a care in the world, and was ready to write a glowing review on it, as I really liked it, but something happened halfway through the jar and my skin started showing signs of irritation in a form of redness, so I discontinued it. Try it for yourself, as it might be just the thing for you? If you have dry skin you will love it, if you are on more of the oilier side, I am afraid this isn't the product for you.

Human & Kind body oil

Unfortunately this contains wheatgerm oil, hence gluten, so I can't use it, and as no one else in my family are using body oils or creams, I am passing it on to someone else who will enjoy it. Great smell though. I used it once on my hair to try it out, and it did sink in really fast, which I loved.

100%Pure SPF30 Everywhere Stick

This is another full size product that expired on me before I could use it up or form my final opinion on it. My first impression was that is leaves a very white white cast that's hard to rub in. Not sure if repurchasing or not.

Flying Wild lip balm (and body and hand balms)

I think this is my favourite Irish company that does wonderful balms with pure honey and very few ingredients. Nothing that does not benefit the skin, isn't in their products. Reviews here and here if you want to see it? Adore. Insert every heart eyed emoji here!

Definitely a repurchase.

Kimberly Sayer Antioxidant SPF30 face cream (sample)

I am using Ultra Light SPF30 face cream as my “city” SPF product for a second year running, it is aimed at oily skin people, so naturally I wanted to try the other version aimed for dry skin. Not impressed enough to switch, I am sticking to the oily skin version - it is twice the amount for the same price, and it comes in a pump bottle whereas the dry skin version is in a pot, where you scoop it out with your fingers. Not moisturising enough to make me switch, I find little difference in them, plus it has too much lavender scent, something I don't like. Sticking with the one I have.

DrBronners Almond soap (1 litre)

Not pictured, because my daughter threw it away without thinking, but we all know what DrBronners bottle looks like :) I don't use it for washing my face, body or hair, because the ph is too high and I find it too drying. But I constantly have it in the house, because I wash clothes with it and use it for cleaning, it is excellent for that. Now I am trying soap nuts to see of they compare and if I can bring the cost down, because as you can imagine, washing clothes with DrBronners is an expensive business! For some (maddening) reason it costs twice as much in EU than in the US.

A repurchase? constant!

Solgar Vit D 2500iu (not pictured)

This is what I use daily and I recommend everyone check their levels because majority of us are deficient. Most of us think of vitD as for babies, but guess what? VitD is not only a vitamin but also a hormone needed for 300+ body functions daily, so this is something to consider if you are not taking it already. I noticed huge improvements in my SAD and keeping my skin healthy and dermatitis at bay.

Udo’s Adult Blend 17Billion Probiotics

Again, this is something I take to keep dermatitis at bay. Probiotics are hugely popular right now, and I used not to pay attention to this push a few years back, thinking it is a latest fad/something I don't need, until I learned this is exactly the key to healing your gut. Aka healing skin issues. Heal your gut = heal your life. Choose as much billions as you can afford. Not millions.

Solgar Balance Rhodiola Complex

Another key part in managing my SAD (I touched on it here and there, and you can clearly see I’m suffering from it in my Winter Faves post) - definitely a repurchase come next winter, I take this and vitD, plus magnesium and it had made a huge difference in how I feel.

Bellapierre Antique Pink liquid lipstick

This came in the latest Love Lula beauty box, and I knew straight away I wouldn't be able to pull this off, so a swatch later I am passing it onto a friend, who has no job and major health issues and is down in the dumps because of it- I hope this and something else in the care package I am preparing for her will cheer her up!

Puressential Muscles & Joints Massage gel

Found and acquired by Mr Anti Social Media Green Life In Dublin himself, I am kind of proud of this! When we, or should I say I, transitioned into green beauty years and years ago, I was met with resistance for half a decade so strong, that we used to have “his and hers” products for a while, and now I see most of the conventional products vanishing from our house for good. He seems to be a convert, if he sought this product instead of conventional heat gel he used to get. And he said it's working! Used up before I could take a pic for a blog, but that's dudes for you, they open and use products, it's only me who feels the need to photograph Every Thing before using, haha!

Repurchase? Yes, already have.

Jason toothpaste

I am on forever lookout for a natural toothpaste without carrageenan and glycerine, and this has both. Therefore not a repurchase. I am sort of killing myself finding toothpastes that wouldn't have both, but for once, they are extremely hard to find, and those few that I managed to get my paws on, either taste like swamp or don't do anything! (see my previous post of empties if interested). So in a moment of weakness and frustration I purchased this Jason one, but no more. I used this in alterations with coconut oil toothpaste by Living Libations (shown above) and natural coconut shell charcoal toothpowder. I talk more of them in my dental care post. Now back to those two offenders (in my opinion) The thing is carrageenan is shown to cause inflammation in the body if ingested (not that you would eat your toothpaste or anything, but anything with the word “inflammation” is a red flag for me. Carrageenan is used in a lot of toothpastes for texture. And for some reason, in lots of vegan /health foods and nut milks. I’ll skip those, thanks very much.

Glycerine is shown to coat the teeth and prevent them from remineralising themselves, therefore I don't want that in my toothpaste either, even though it is in practically every natural toothpaste under the sun.

If you happen to know a good toothpaste that wouldn't have carageenan and glycerine, please do me a favour and let me know! You will have my gratitude forever!

Kathy Sue Ann's body butter

I'm testing this and two more products from this line for OBL Club, so not sure if I can talk about this in my blog also, but be sure to read my thoughts on it in OBL database later on. Don't know what OBL Club is? Girl, you need to know. And join! Created by two lovely fellow green beauty bloggers Andrea from Organic Beauty Lover and Rachel from Naturlily, this program lets you try full size organic and natural products for free, they only ask for your honest thoughts on it. And everyone can join, you don't have to be a blogger! I will link it here. And I just got idea to ask Rachel for interview for my Natural Beauties blog series. Stay tuned :)

Mahalo Petal mask (sample, not pictured)

Again, acquired via green beauty swap, the sample allowed me to have two applications of it. But man, I wish I didn't do that second application! Let me tell you why. The first time I used it, I made a little collage and posted it to Instagram, and someone commented that it looks unusually dark. It should have been a warning for me. I kind of forgot about it for a couple of weeks, and when I went on to use it for a second time, my skin BURNED! Not slightly red or irritated, BURNED. My husband compared me to a acid victim, that how bad it was. It all happened during the day, and by the time he was home my skin was back to normal - thanks to manuka honey! Mahalo, I love you dearly, but I will never purchase this mask. Sensitive skin gals, be careful with this, don't leave it on for five minutes, and never use it if you have a slight suspicion it might be old. I don't want to put you off your dinner, but this is how I looked: SCARY! In real life the skin was even more red, my new camera frustratingly adds cool tones to everything. Sigh.

So that is it for now. What have you guys finished lately?

Lots of Love,

Renata.

Related posts:

May 2017 Empties

Spring 2017 Empties

Winter 2017 Empties

Disclaimer: after some recent event I decided to add that you can't use any of my photos without my permission. Not that anyone would steal empty product photo or anything, but I want people to know that any of my blog photos are my property and not public domain. I am happy to let brands or web shops use them as long as they give photo credit tracing back to me. Not asking before and not giving photo credit = not cool.