Green Life in Dublin: Urban Veda

Showing posts with label Urban Veda. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Love Lula Beauty Box February 2018

Hi Lovelies,

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

Love Lula Beauty Box 2018

I am excited to share with you my second Love Lula beauty box this year from the same online green beauty store. They ship worldwide, and the price is 13.95£ monthly recurring for UK customers, and for us international gals there are two options of three months (52.50£) or a year (210£) including post and packaging. Green beauty boxes are a great way to discover new items you might have missed otherwise, and I love that anything coming from LoveLula is cruelty free and guaranteed not to have any toxic ingredients - they have very strict criteria for any product they accept, and that is taking the guesswork off your shoulders.

So let's see what's in our second 2018 box? By the way, don't forget to check out my interview with the owner and co-founder Sonia White as a part of my Natural Beauties segment here. I still can't believe Sonia said yes!

Psst, I will tell you one secret - after a couple of weeks of releasing their Beauty Boxes, Love Lula is giving them away for free with any orders above £60, so keep your eyes peeled! Also know that you can buy their previous month's boxes at a very reasonable prices - you will see them under "Special Offers" tab on the website. But I am getting a little ahead of myself here :)

So, shall we take a look at what's in this month's box? I thought you would never ask!

Madara Efoliating Scrub

One of the three full sized products for this month, and this product alone retails for over 24£ - so the box is well worth getting, isn't it? We are getting a lot of Madara products in the beauty boxes, and as someone who is always excited to test new green beauty brands and products, I am glad. I have collected quite a number of Madara products, both via beauty box and bought with my own money, so expect a review coming your way soon. Fingers crossed everything will suit me, I would be happy to support this Latvian brand.

Ingredients:

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin***, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Aqua, Sucrose Laurate Esters, Sucrose Palmitate, Ethano, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Aroma, Tocopherol (VitaminE), Talc, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oïl*, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil*, CI77019 (Mica)****, CI77499. CI77491,CI77492 (Iron Oxides)****, CI77891 (Titanium Dioxide)****, Linalool**, Limonene** * Ingredients from organic farming ** Natural Essential Oils *** Made using organic ingredients **** Pure mineral pigments

Urban Veda Reviving Hydrating Toner

That's second full sized product in this box. I've got Reviving one, but I know some other people got Radiance, Soothing, Purifying ones. I have had this in the past, and unfortunately it was too harsh on my sensitive skin. I have tried four full sized products from this brand before, and none suited my sensitive skin. I passed them all to my daughter, who has normal skin, and she didn't like any of the products too, saying they dried out her skin too much. I think the products have too much alcohol for us to handle, so for that reason I will pass on this brand. Be my guest if your skin is different, but be mindful if you are sensitive like me. I know many people who love and enjoy Urban Veda, but I am not one of them, so this toner is going into "pass it on" basket. It does not mean it's a bad product, it simply means it's not for me.

Ingredients:

Aqua, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Terminalia Arjuna Bark Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Lycium Chinense (Goji berry) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Pogostemom Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Seed Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark (Cedar) Oil, Tagetes Minuta Flower (Marigold) Oil, Parfum, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Phytate, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Linalool, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Alpha-isomethyl Ionone.

Ooh Avocado facial oil

Ingredients: 100% Persea Gratissima Oil. Duh!

Ooh brand came out with this brand new oil and the beauty box subscribers get to try it first! And we goet full size of it. This retails for 19£ on it's own, so you are doubling and tripling the value you paid for this box. Cool, or what? What's makes it different from other oils is that it is pressed from cold pressed from the Avocado pulp. Organic Avocado oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D and E and can thus provide your skin with deep hydration and protection. And it is organic too! I have used and loved avocado oil in the past, so I know this will be put to good use, if not for my face, then for my hair and body too, diluted in some other oils.

Pure & Light Essential Face cream

This was on my Love Lula wishlist, so I am really happy to get a chance to try this, as this deluxe sample size will provide enough product to see if it's for me. The official blurb: containing a ground-breaking 27 active certified organic ingredients and naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Pure & Light Organic's Essential Face Cream deeply penetrates the skin to enhance blood circulation, support oxygenation and collagen production and promote supple younger looking skin.

Rich in anti-oxidants, flavonoids and Vitamins A, B, C and E, Pure & Light Organic's Essential Face Cream works to harmonise oil production, calm redness and irritation, improve skin's moisture retention, regenerate skin damage by harsh UV rays and actively counter fine lines, wrinkles and the early signs of ageing.

Benefits: •Deeply penetrating •Enhances micro-blood circulation which promotes the skins natural collagen production •Promotes skin cell renewal •Naturalises free radicals •Promotes skin moisture retention •Softens and nourishes the skin •Balances oil production of the skin •Rich in anti-oxidants, flavonoids and Vitamins A, B, C and E •Reduces sunlight photo-ageing effects on the skin •Promotes firmer, smoother, more youthful skin •Prevents fine lines and wrinkles •Rich in natural, plant minerals •Rich in essential fatty acids, Omega 3 and 6 •Deeply penetrating anti-inflammatory and soothing properties

Skin types and concerns: Dry and Flaky Skin, Early lines and wrinkles, Sensitive skin, Oily and Problem skin, Mixed skin, Dull skin, Dehydrated skin, Irritation and Redness, Oxygenation and collagen production enhancement.

Ingredients:

Spring water (Aqua), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)*, Glyceryl Monostearate, Vegetable Gyceryne*, Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdalus)*, Apricot-Kernel (Prunus armeniaca)*, Cetyl Alcohol, Olive (Olea europea)*, Shea Butter (Butyrospernum Parkii)*, Cocoa butter (Cocos nucifera)*, Vitamin E*, Phenoxyethanol-ethylhexyglycerin, Distillates of Orange Blossom (Citrus Aurantium Fleur)*, Rose Damask (Rosa Damascena)*, Geranium (Pelargonium Asperum)*, Ylang-Ylang (Canaga Odara Extra)*, Palmorosa (Cymbopogon Martinii)*. Frankincense (Bosweilia Carterii)*, Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)*, Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)*, Evening primrose (Oenothora biennis)*, Avocado (Persea gratissima)*, Macadamia (Macadamia tetraphylla)*, Argan (Argania Spinosa)*, Borage (Borago officinalis)*, GrapeSeed (Vitis Vini)*, Carrot Seed (Daucus Carota) Extract, Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum)*, Rosehip (Rosa Rubiginosa)*, Orange Blossom (Citrus Aurantium Fleur)*, Rose Damask (Rosa damascena)* *certified organic ingredients.

I have to say I am excited for this! As I mentioned, this was on my wishlist anyway, so I was chuffed to see it in this box. For now it is going into my fridge, as I am testing Bella Aura products (working on a review), and my skin protests wildly if I mix too many products at once. I want to give this my undivided attention when the time comes, not to mix it in too many products at once. A lot of other products from this line are on my wishlist, so I will keep you posted. I plan to do a brand overview and a few products review some time in the future.

So, all in all I am happy with this month's box - this provided us with three full size products, so you are more than tripling your money here - this box is worth whopping 65£! Even if I can't use one of the products myself, I'll take that. One of my girlfriends surely will be up for it. Let's not forget there is always 20% off coupon for the brands featured that month, so that gives you substantial additional savings too.

I think this is a great way to switch your products to clean products without spending a fortune if you are only starting out your green beauty journey. Even if you are advanced in it, it is always fun to discover something new, isn't it? I know I still love getting new products, nearly ten years in into my green beauty journey I still get excited getting boxes in the mail. What about you?

If you are interested, you can sign up here.

Can't wait, won't wait? Shop here!

My Love Lula Must Haves

So that is all for now, see you here shortly! Please make my day and subscribe and share this or any of my blog posts on social media. Thank You! It really helps to get the green beauty word out.

Follow me on my new blog Greenlifeindublin.com, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube.

Ta ta & Lots of Love,
Renata.

Green beauty blog

Love Lula related posts You might enjoy:

Disclaimer I: You can't use any part of my content, text or pictures, without my permission first.

Disclaimer II: the beauty box is part of LLABP program, and the thoughts are always my own. I treat every products equally, no matter what way it came to me.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Love Lula Beauty Box December 2017

Hello Lovelies,

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

Love Lula Beauty Box December 2017

How are all of you? I hope you are calm and collected with all your shopping done, and other preparations well on their way too? Me, I am a total opposite, a total stressball, with a never-ending-to-do-list in one hand and phone in another to constantly check the time, as I find I have too little time for everything.
Hmm, maybe some wine (hey, we are all adults here) and some pampering is in order?
Luckily Love Lula Beauty Box came in today and I was delighted to see something I could use for pampering night!
Let's see what we got in December 2017 box? Let's dive in! Ok, this doesn't contain any tea or natural candles I imagined it would have for Christmas, but it contains three full sized items and a few samples, well worth the price you pay for the box! Any box containing natural make up is a favourite of mine, and in this box we get two, so big yay! Oh, by the way, the total value of this box is 58£ - woohoo or what? -and I believe this time round UK and international boxes were the same. Also, each box contains the code for 20% off for all the brands featured in the box, for this month it's Madara, PHB, Mossa, Urban Veda and DrHauschka.
So let's see the individual products and my first impressions on them?

Madara SOS Instant Moisture + Radiance Hydra Mask

This is the first of three full sized products. Worth 35£, this is almost the triple the price of the box alone. Right on time too, as I think all of us could do with some masking and soothing our skin. Full of all kinds of nourishing and soothing ingredients, I am excited to dive into this! It is a vegan product, I thought it is worth noting.

Ingredients:
Aqua Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Alcohol Rosa Damascena (Rosa) Flower Water Cetearyl Alcohol Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Dicaprylyl Carbonate Arachidyl Alcohol Behenyl Alcohol Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit Butter Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea-buckthorn) Fruit Extract Sodium PCA Glycerin Stearic Acid Palmitic acid Aroma Arachidyl Glucoside Betaine Linum Usitatissimum (Flax/Linseed) Seed Extract Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract Paeonia Lactiflora (Peonia) Root Extract Coco Glucoside Xanthan Gum Sodium Hyaluronate Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Hydrolysed Glycosaminoglycans Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) Tocopherol Xylitol Iron oxide CI77492 Citronellol Geraniol Benzyl Salicylate Eugenol

PHB natural & organic lip crayon in peach

PHB Natural & Organic Lip Crayon in Peach

Another full sized product, this retails for £8.95 for 4ml of product. Unfortunately I already own this, bought it before summer. I didn't particularly liked the way it looked on my lips, it was more orange than I imagined, so it is just sitting in my make up stash, unused and unloved. Perhaps it is time I dug it out and tried again, to see if it looks better in winter?
The new one from the box will either go into the stocking for my mother or I will set this aside for giveaway with Love Lula's permission. On the side note, have you seen my Love Lula Christmas Gift Guide? I have recommendations for everyone, from men to vegans in your life, as well as tea lovers and recs for someone who has everything. I've got you covered for those last minute gifts!

Ingredients:
Octydodecyl Srearoyl Stearate,C10-18 Triglycerides, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Olus Oil, Candelilla Cera, Mica, Sesamum Indicum Oil, Polyglycceryl-3 Diisostearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbic Acid, C.I. 77891, C.I. 77491

PHB Ethical Beauty Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Yet another full size product that retails for 12.95£ - and I am excited to try it! At the moment I have other green beauty brand's liquid eyeliner, so it would be interesting to compare the two. I am the "perfect test bunny" as in my eyes are hooded, and the corners of my eyes go down, so if an eyeliner holds up on my eye, that means it's a good one. First impressions are good, it is easy to use and dries down quick. I touched my eyes on purpose and very little of it came off. Not super black though, I needed a couple of layers of it. Now let's see how it will wears throughout the day. I will keep you posted on this.
PHB were super generous with their make up in the Love Lula boxes in the last half a year, we got their mascara, eye shadow and blending brush, and now a lip liner and liquid eye liner.

Ingredients:
Ingredients: Aqua, *Hydrolyzed Zee Mays (Organic Corn Starch), Sorbitan Olivate, Iron oxides (CI 77499 CI77491), Mica, Leuconostoc /Radish Root Ferment Filtrate.

Next we have a few of the sachet samples, and out of five of them, I am excited to try only two, and those are Dr.Hauschka Hydrating Cream Mask and Mossa Skin Perfector, a BB cream from a brand that's new to Love Lula. Mossa caught my eye straight after they launched in Love Lula, all of the products seems to have an affordable price point, and I might try a couple of their products soon.
As for Dr.Hauschka, I am only venturing into this brand, but their Rose Day Cream is my Holy Grail face cream at the moment that is surely be featured in my Best Products of 2017 post (coming very soon) and repurchased at least five times by now.

Next are some samples from Urban Veda, their Purifying Protecting Night Cream, Reviving Facial Oil and Reviving Day Cream, but I am sad to report I won't be trying these and will be passing those on - I have had at least four full sized products from this brand and they haven't worked out for my sensitive skin, even their soothing range aimed at my skin type. Then again, not everyone is as sensitive as me, so, everybody else, be my guest.

So, all in all, I am happy with this box, masks and make up, two of my favourite things! And I am glad that these are the full size products. So I will leave you here and I am off to play with the products :) Err, test the products, the correct term is testing :)

Love Lula Beauty Box

I have to say I have been very happy to be receiving these Love Lula Beauty Boxes as part of LLABP program for the last half a year, and it quickly became one of my favourite things! I soon started looking forward receiving them, it feels like a Christmas coming soon each month, I am telling you. There are a few different options when it comes to your budget, slightly different for UK and international customers, and Love Lula is still running a promotion on them, up to 20% off. So it is a perfect time to get this as a present for yourself or for your loved one (gentlemen, are you listening?) - it is the gift that keeps on giving! And it is truly worth the price you are paying, as boxes come with a value of more than 50£ more often than not. I am yet to come across the box I would be disappointed in. I know I want to receive them as long as Love Lula makes them!

Click here to get 3 months UK subscription

(39.76£ instead of 41.85£, 5% savings)

⛄ Click here to get 6 months UK subscription

(75.33£ instead of 83.70£, a 10% saving)

⛄ Click here to get 12 months UK subscription

(133.92£ instead of 168.40£, 20% savings)

⛄ Click here to get 3 months international subscription

(49.88£ instead of 52.50£, saving you 5%)

⛄ Click here to get your 12 months international subscription

(168£ instead of 210£, whopping 20% savings)

So that is it for today. I will have two more blog posts for this year, a Yearly Overview and my Best Products for 2017, so please keep your eyes peeled for those. After that I will see you in 2018, and I will have a LOT of reviews coming your way then. I hope we will continue our green beauty journey together! I truly and deeply appreciate all of you who read my blog posts and take time to leave comments. Big hugs and kisses all round!

P.s. Please make my day and subscribe and share this or any of my blog posts on social media. Thank You! It really helps to get the green beauty word out.
Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube.

Ta ta for now,
Lots of Love
Renata.

Disclaimer: You can't use my content without my permission first. That includes both pictures and any parts of the text. The beauty box came as a part of LLABP programme and it features affiliate links. That is no additional cost to you, and I thank you for using them.

Love Lula related posts You might enjoy:

Love Lula Green Beauty Christmas Gift Guide

Black Friday Love Lula Picks

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Love Lula Beauty Box November 2017

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Love Lula Beauty Box October 2017
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Love Lula Beauty Box September 2017
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Love Lula Beauty Box August 2017
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Love Lula Beauty Box June 2017
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Love Lula Beauty Box May 2017
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Living Nature Thickening Mascara Review

Living Nature Illuminating Foundation Review

Walden Natural Perfumes Review
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Dudu Osun Black Soap Review

Rahua Voluminous Shampoo Review

Ere Perez Natural Cosmetics Review

Dr.Hauschka Rose Day Cream Review

Greenfrog Botanic Review

Organii Review
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Shopping My Green Beauty Stash #1
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Shopping My Green Beauty Stash #2

Shopping My Green Beauty Stash #3

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Lots of Love,

Renata.

Enjoy my content? A  tip into 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.

Friday, October 6, 2017

Natural & Organic Empties September 2017

Hi Lovelies,

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

Natural & Organic September 2017 Empties

Blogger's Empties - Green Beauty Edition

This is take two of this post, yesterday I lost a post that was around 2k words long, so it made me kinda mad, but I promised on Instagram I'd do it, so here it is. A promise is a promise!
We all know how empties post work, I pull out stuff in a random order and give my feedback on them, so let's dive in, shall we?

Sambucol for kids x2

Two, because we opened sickness season early this year. Insert a hand palm emoji here!
A repurchase? Yes, on a constant rotation! I have two backups and an adult one too. It helps us not to get sick, and if we are already sick, it speeds up the recovery.

Jack 'N' Jill kids toothpaste x2

Two again, not sure how it happened? We have repurchased it already, that's the only toothpaste my 5yr old princess will use.

Flying Wild Foot Balm

I have review of this and some other Flying Wild products if you want to search for it, and I also talked about it in my Mr Green Life In Dublin products post. Sadly this appears to be discontinued and I have to say I will miss it.

Organii Almond Cream soap

Again, I have a review of nearly all company's products - but I doubt if I will repurchase this soap, I have to be honest. PH is a bit high, the soap is too plain, and it ran out quickly. I like African Black Soap far more.

Blue Iron Nordic Vitality

The only iron supplement my kid would take - the blueberries add so much to it. Another repurchase, this costs a bit more than I was used to, but well worth it.

Isun Soothing Relief Balm

Wonderful product from a truly natural company I fell in love hard! I have a review in my last months post (I think). I would absolutely love to get it again sometime, but as part of my minimizing plan, I have to halt a repurchasing for now - I have five other balms to go through. I am keeping luxe dark glass jar though.

Higher Nature Citridal

This I tried as a cheaper alternative to my beloved OreganolP73, but it didn't work that well, so I pushed it aside and sadly found it expired. I tried to use it as a mouthwash but it tastes really bad by now, so I am tossing it. I will probably get it again to try at some point, as I know I it can be used in a few more ways not just as a natural antibiotic. Not at the moment though, as I just dropped a wad of cash at the health store preparing for winter, aka cold and flu season.

Naobay Renew Argan Oil

Good Argan oil from organic brand from Spain (their face and eye cream didn't work out so well for me) and I enjoyed it while it lasted. Not repurchasing it in a bid to minimise my stash. I feel I've done well.

Isun Skincare UK Peptide Eye Cream

Great product from the company I love. This eye cream worked very well and I am reviewing it very soon. That's all I am going to say :)

Urban Veda Radiance Hydrating Tonic

Sadly this didn't work out for me or for daughter. A bit too strong for my uber sensitive skin, but if your skin not so reactive, the good news is it is widely available everywhere, I've seen it in Avoca, health shops and it is available from Love Lula.

Spatone Liquid Iron

This is my previous iron supplement, and I would get it again if I will not find Blue Iron in the shop at a time.

Warrior Botanicals Natural Cream Deodorant

A natural deodorant that works. I usually use my own DIY, but I find this works too, when so many natural deodorants fail! Hoping to review this Irish company and their products sometime.

John's Masters Organics Lavender Shampoo

Great natural shampoo that came in Love Lula Beauty Box. I went on to purchase a bigger sampler bottle and I am currently deciding if I want to get a full size. Really natural ingredients, but I am having a lot of more flyaways than I am used to, and I am not entirely happy with how my hair looks. It also does not work on it's own, it needs a conditioner to go with it.

Phb Natural Mascara

Came in Love Lula Beauty Box July 2017.
Gives great length and volume, I was really happy with it for a first couple of weeks, but then it started flaking and irritating my eyes. So glad I didn't rush with a review - I normally test products for around 6 weeks before publishing a review, and this product didn't stand the test of time for me. I know a lot of people love it, but I moved onto Inika's Long Lash Mascara, which I like far more.

Ere Perez Lip Bar in Love

I have a review of this and a couple of more products from the brand if you want to see my two cents on them. When it comes to this lip bar, I chose it over a lipstick because of SPF in it, but I got a wrong colour for me, so it wasn't used much, and I have to part with it now because it starts smelling bad, like a crayon. I might pick up another Lip Bar come next summer, in different shade of course, but for now I have two Hurraw Sun Balms to go through, one is a leftover from summer, one came in a Love Lula August Beauty Box. So I am set for at least 6-7 months I think? Speaking of lip products with SPF, what are your favourite ones? Please leave a comment so I could check them out?

Atlantic Aromatics - a few essential oils

All expired, mainly because I didn't do much after purchasing them, so therefore not repurchases. Lemongrass, citronella and jasmine absolute.

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30

I was kindly sent this by lovely Barbara from beautywiseshop.be but by the time it got there, it separated. I have had a generous sample of this before, and I am sad to report it made me break out. I tested it for 10days, getting a new pimple each day, so sadly I have to leave it. Pity, because I really wanted to like it, it is a beautiful natural product, just sadly not for me.

DrHauschka Rose Day Cream

I just published a review of it, and went on to repurchase it straight away, as all the other creams I tried in between didn't come up to scratch. At the moment it is my favourite face cream.

Kiss My Face Strawberry Lip Balm

Usda certified organic lip balm sent from US. Nice scent and feel, sadly this wasn't as long lasting as I liked it to be, so that coupled with the fact it is from US sadly means I won't get it again. Sorry!

100%Pure Caffeine Sheet Mask

My favourite mask of the moment, check out my review of it if you haven't already - in that post I reveal one trick I do to make this mask last three times longer, and no, it is not what you think, not wearing the same mask over and over!
What are your favourite sheet masks that are totally natural?

So that's it for today darlings, what have you finished lately?

Please subscribe 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!

Follow me on my new blog Greenlifeindublin.com, Bloglovin, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube. (someday I will start making YouTube videos, promise!)

Lots of Love,
Renata.

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 :)

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Natural Empties Winter 2017

Hello Lovelies!

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

Natural empties, Trash talk, Green Blogger's Trash, Used Up Products

Natural, organic and eco empties, green beauty empties

Third blog post in a week, I am happy to be on the roll! First of all, congratulations to all of you on a first day of Spring! We made it! I can't express myself how happy I am the winter is over, like so so happy! And speaking of winter, let me introduce my Winter 2017 Empties post to all of you :)
You see two pictures, because there's two parts to it, the second picture you see are the empties from December, and I have to say I threw these bottles away before Christmas Eve, as not to spend Holidays with any unnecesary trash in the house. And seeing the vast amount of empties I manage to go through each season I am now starting to think I will do them monthly or bi-monthtly, as it is getting a bit ridiculous to hoard that much rubbish, plus it makes for two-miles blog post, which very few people enjoy! I mean I looove long posts and Youtube videos myself, but there are minority of us like that, most people don't have the attention span for anything longer than four minutes, let's face it, the by-product of these technology times. So in order to keep you happy and entertained, I will do shorter posts a bit more frequently. Shall we get into it?

Brands you will see in this post:
Nyr or Neal's Yard Remedies
Oreganol
100%Pure
Weleda
Andalou Naturals
Jane Iredale
Alverde
Pai
Flying Wild
Deep Steep
Urban Veda
Greenfrog Botanic
Hurraw
and more..

Oreganol
NYR Organic Thyme and Honey Cough Syrup

100%Pure Lip Butter in Peach
Well, I am falling out of love with 100%Pure because of their extremely short shelf life - only 6 months - and the fact they don’t disclose it to people, I wish I knew that before building quite a collection! Long story short, I will only buy what I can be sure to use it within six months from them, as it is very sad to see the stuff I own expiring before my very own eyes. In fact I should toss everything I own from them at this point, but I don’t want to admit to this fact and will cling to some other products for a little while longer, sanitising them from time to time of course. Tossing a palette after only six months, barely touched? Unthinkable for me, I wasn’t raised to waste money or products, coming from a hardship beginnings, this boggles my mind.

Alverde Maximum Volume Lashes mascara
This is a German brand with very cheap prices, and this mascara was sent to me in a green beauty swap. My all the time favourite mascara is by 100%Pure (as much as I am miffing about their short shelf life, I cannot also deny the fact that some of their products are very good indeed) and this Alverde one didn’t measure to it, so as cheap as it is, I won’t be switching to it. The ingredients aren’t as good obviously, but the real deal breaker for me is the flaking, I can’t stand it at all! It started flaking very soon after the opening, and I left it for a couple of weeks because of this, and when I came back to it to test some more, it seems to be dried up and gone off, which is often the case with cheap mascaras. It also does not give me that volume and length that I love and need, this is more of an “everyday” mascara. Read = not for me.

Jane Iredale liquid eyeshadows in Brown Silk and Champagne Silk (samples)
Gorgeous colours, and these are definitely the ones I’d get if I got the full size of them, as well as Peach Silk, I love the look of it. But these dried out on me in a matter of couple days, so not sure if the product in the original packaging would be the same?

Himalayan salt x2
Used for detox bath with some camomile and/or frankincense essential oils.

100%Pure sheet mask in Caffeine x2
Love this so much, makes your skin red carpet ready! Find the review here. And I suggest you check it out, because not only I review the masks, I have a tip for you on how to make these masks to last three times longer! And I don't mean wearing the same mask over and over again :)

NYR moisturiser - Purifying Palmarosa
My current almost Holy Grail moisturiser, or one of the Holy Grails - review here.

Lotus Wei Infinite Love mist (mini)
This came as a part of mini set and was my fave from the bunch - I went on and repurchased it in anointing oil form, but that didn't work out for me - in a way that the oil is way too strong and I get headaches from it, meaning I can only use it on the lower part on the body and I can't smell its gorgeous aroma. After much talk with myself, I got a full size of the mist.

100%Pure lip butter in Peach.
I am retiring it as it is around a year old, more info on it here. Not repurchasing either, as as a lip butter it is not moisturising at all, and I found not reaching for it at all. For a while I use it for a lip and cheek stain (even though it is not designed that way, I just always test a product 37 different ways, haha.

100%Pure Lip Caramel in Truffle
This came as a part of gift wirh purchase they did a while ago, and I just can't pull this colour off! Time to pass it up before it expires.

100%Pure BB Cream in 20
Wrong shade for me and not my ideal product, so time to pass it on to somebody who might enjoy it. I’ve enough products left, and I need to downsize a bit more if I am honest.

Magnesium spray
Amazing stuff! Most of us are deficient in it,and the only time I tried to be constant with it I saw tremendous results, I am much less anxious, even am able to sleep for the first time in months! Everyone needs to research it. I will try to DIY it as I have magnesium flakes as it is really easy to do. If you don't want to DIY, you can get it from LoveLula, love their free worldwide shipping!

Andalou Naturals BB Cream from Brightening Line
Didn’t suit me, made my skin really itchy. Pity as this is finally avail in Ireland. So the search continues.

Pai face cream (deluxe sample)
I really wanted to love this as I adore Pai rosehip seed oil and it is one of the brands I can easily get locally. Unfortunately it broke me out every time I used it.

Pai Rosehip Oil
I really loved and raved about it at the time when I was using it, but now I found something I love even more, and that is Mahalo Vitality Elixir! It is a few times more expensive too, so I am really torn now. Pai Rosehip oil is really amazing, and what it does to the skin is amazeballs. I am sure I will repurchase it at some point, just not now, as somehow I managed to acquire more than six facial oils,way too much for one person’s needs, but I will make my best shot at trying to use them all! Accumulating all these other oils was the reason Pai oil expired on me, I sort of left for a few months, and when I came back to it, it smelled like stale fish oil or something! Definitely a sign I need to let it go.

100%Pure Lenghtening Mascara
This came in recent GWP but it already smelled of alcohol when I got it, so I have to replace it after a few short weeks. This and their Maracuja Oil mascara are my holy grail mascaras, but there is one fly in the ointment, from around 6-7 times I repurchased it, three times it came already smelling off and spoiled soon after! If your mascara smells of alcohol and not chocolate or fruits, contact them immediately asking for replacement. And don't be fooled if they will try to feed you “our mascaras have that fermented smell” line, no it bloody doesn't! And that makes me uneasy now every time I have to order a new mascara, this gamble of will-it-be-fresh-or-will-it-be-off shouldn't be happening in the first place! Why they can't be consistent with it? *Update: I decided not to repurchase it for the very same reasons. It is very sad for me, but I can't deal with this anymore. I don't have the money to constantly throw at it and I am sure I am already blacklisted as a customer since I already complained a number of times.
I reviewed it here and I am very sad to let it go since it was my favourite green mascara to date.

Pure Raspberry Seed Oil
I bought it prior to summer from a small local maker that I get my pure shea butter with. Mainly I was interested in it’s natural SPF30-50 properties, but as a face oil slash sunscreen it did not work, it is definitely an oily oil, not only it slid around my face not really sinking in, but it also made me look like an oil slick, not ideal for summer at all! I managed to make it work by mixing it with Kimberley Sayer SPF30 cream, I got it in a green beauty swap around the start of the summer too, and it worked brilliantly! Might do the same come next summer. Now it smells very badly and is cloudy, so it is time to part ways. It is one of those things where I am yet to review it, whoops!

Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo
My hubs has taken upon himself to get this, as this is pretty much the only shampoo that works for his sensitive scalp, but he goes though it like nobody's business, a bottle per week! Since Burts Bees new-ish parent company isn't cruelty free, I am not repurchasing any new products once I am running out, but I am conflicted about this shampoo situation. You see, it took me “only” five or six years to convince him to go natural with his products (stubborn as hell, I would throw out his toxic products and replace with natural versions only to find the same done in reverse order) so imagine my happy dance when he finally went natural, until the Burts Bees sold out! Just like myself, his super sensitive scalp tolerates very few products, and this is the only shampoo that works for him. Oh, what to do, what to do?

Almond oil.
Plain almond oil, can be used for so many different things, my main use for it is for taking my eye make up off. I often infuse it with camomile or marigold flowers too.

Dublin Herbalists Deep Sleep Baby Oil
Gorgeous smelling oil with clean ingredients, possible purchase. A review of Dublin Herbalists products is to come.

Isun Skincare Ametyst Oil (body oil)
Review of this and a couple of more products is to come. This sample was well enjoyed as it smells gorgeous and sensual,I can't even describe the scent!

Cacay oils x2
These two went into a green beauty swap and I hope the new owner will enjoy them much more than I did. I have way too much facial oils. Cacay oil is incredibly rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It contains more Vitamin E than Argan Oil and more Retinol (a form of Vitamin A) than Rosehip Oil. If you fancy it, LoveLula carries it (and ships for free worldwide)

Jason GF and Apricot conditioners
Again, I amassed like eight conditioners, so it is time to pass some of them on, as I wouldn't be able to use them up before they expire on me.

Cecily's body cream
Could not handle the smell to get unto it properly. It smells like toasted peanuts in toffee or caramel, so not the thing I want to smell like. On the plus side, it sank in quickly. I passed it to my friend and will wait to see what she has to say.

Clove oil.
Mainly kept in the house for toothache reasons, but since I discovered it helps to fight flus and colds too, it was converted into a roll on and went quite quickly, but it helped a lot too! It sorted my kids persistent cough too. A definite repurchase. A staple from now on I should say.

Natracare cleansing make up wipes
Stung my skin, not a repurchase. Make up removal wipes aren't part of my routine I have to say.

Green Frog Botanic Handwash
Review here if you are interested, but not sure if I am repurchasing - I always have far to much stuff to test out.

Deep Steep Mango Papaya Argan Oil Body Lotion + Butter
Nice affordable body lotion I picked up in TKMaxx. 236ml or 8oz - it takes me ages to finish it on my own, as none of my family members use any lotions or butters. I liked both of them and will likely to repurchase them. €7 for a piece can't beat it, right? I also like the Sugar Plum for winters.

Deep Steep Argan Oil Sugar Scrub in Snowflake
Now, this I hated! And I don't usualy throw this word around easily. This might be the worst scrub I used, and it made me miss 100%Pure sugar scrub - I can't believe I am saying this, as this company isn't in my good books right now due to the shortest expiration dates and the mascara thing.
So, back the the Deep Steep scrub, the best part of it is the smell, apart from it I don't have much positive things to say - it has too little of the scrubby bits, so it is not doing anything at all. Plus the formula is weird, it feels like shea butter, so it is kinda hard to spread and hard to wash of. Shea butter with a few scrubby bits in it, that is the best description for it. Not a repurchase for sure! Deep Steep, if you are reading this, I love you, but you need to work on this in a major way!

Flying Wild Hand, Foot and Body Balms
All finished and were enjoyed tremendously. Review here - and it is safe to say it is my fave Irish brand to date. All products I tried, I loved, and their lip balm (the green tube) with rosemary might be my fave lip balm too. The formulas are perfection and I looove the minimal ingredients the owner uses. It really proves it is possible to make safe, natural and effective products!

Flying Wild Frankincense Raw Honey May Chang Body Butter.
Again, love at first use and will definitely be a repurchase! Review here. I know Arno came out with body butter sans any essential oils, just pure natural oils and butters with raw honey. I might want to try that first?

Manuka Honey
Mostly used for masking - I am working on my Manuka Masks DIY post, promise!

Matcha x2
As with manuka, this is where my food and skincare cross over, I drank it as well as masked with it, and it will be included in the Manuka DIY Masks post.

100%Pure Honey and Virgin Coconut Restorative Shampoo
Again, I need to review this, it was one of the products I finished the whole lot before getting a chance to get the review out, Whoops!
A repurchase? Possibly yes, but not quite right away, I have around 5 new shampoos lined up.

100%Pure Aqua Boost Hydrating Mask (mini)
This came as a gift with my last order, and surprisingly they say 8ml of product is 15$ value. Didn't impress me enough to purchase the full size of it, I have many masks that work harder and give more results than this. Pass.

Urban Veda Soothing Hydrating Toner
This was nice and I have their Brightening line toner too. Not sure if it's doing anything to my skin, as I see no visible changes since introducing it into my routine, but I like that toners bring your skin's PH where it is supposed to be, and I might keep using it.

Urban Veda Turmeric Daily Radiance Facial Wash
Bought this in LoveLula for my daughter, but after a few tries she abandoned it, and as I have have my own washes, I am passing it to my friend.

Jane Iredale D2O Hydration Spray
Really proud of myself for finishing this, for a while it looked that it will never end - and that's after months of multiple daily uses! This suited my skin better than Pommist spray in a red bottle. Review here if you want to have a look? The spray nozzle is perfect, and I might keep the bottle for that reason alone, all the sprays in the glass bottles I have seems like a garden hoses compared to this! I used to think these were overpriced, but I changed my mind on them, they last for months and are definitely worth the money.

NYR Calendula Cleanser for dry and sensitive skin
This is the first cleanser ever to not dry out my skin, hallelujah or what? Again, I need to hurry up with the review. Definitely a repurchase when I am due my annual order.

NYR Geranium and Orange shower gel and foaming bath
Really impressed with both products performance wise, but repurchasing them in a different scent, this does not do anything for me.

NYR Wild Rose Beauty Balm
Really enjoyed while it lasted, but the bugger expired on me before I was able to finish it off. Not repurchasing due to the spike in price since I bought it, and discovering more amazing balms.

Terra Nova Full Spectrum Multivitamin Complex
Really impressed with quality, getting them again for sure. I get mine from LoveLula, can you tell how much I love that online store? Practically everything I get is from there, and I can't recommend them enough!

Weleda Skin Food
Review here. Great natural product, repurchasing someday, but for now I have too many similar products. Once again, available at LoveLula.

Weleda Ratanhia Mouthwash concentrate. Review in the same link above, and I haven't repurchased it yet. Apart from staining my rinsing cup dark brown I am not sure what else it did? Or maybe I needed to use it for longer to see the results?

Hurraw Lip Balms - Vanilla and Moon Balms
One of the best out there, definitely a repurchase for life. Guess where I am getting mine from? Yep, you guessed right - LoveLula! I am yet to come across the one I don't like. Should I review them? Let me know :)

DrOrganic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum
Bought in a discounted set post Christmas, and not used at all due to the smell - it stinks! Going to a friend for sure. Hope she likes it?

So that is all for now,
Lots of Love,
Renata.
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