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!

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.

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 :)

Zao Organic Make Up Review

Hi Lovelies,


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

Zao Organic Make Up - all photos copyrighted to Green Life In Dublin

What do you say when offered a chance to try organic make up that you had your eye on for ages?? You say: “Yes Please! Come This Way!” Right? Right??

Well, joking aside, I am very grateful for a chance to review Zao make up, and what's even better, there might be a chance that they are coming to Dublin soon! How exciting would that be?! Now we would have a chance to buy certified organic make up right here in our own city, no trying to match yourself to the right shade online, and no more unwanted custom charges! Do we want that? Yes we do, very much so! And can we just take a moment to appreciate gorgeous bamboo packaging? Totally adorable! And did I mention that it is certified organic and has fabulous refill system? Or that they are gluten free, cruelty fee and mostly vegan products? I think I just heard angels singing!

Here's what Zao have to say:

Many women tell us that they would like to use organic cosmetics, but texture and performance are often issues for them. zao Organic Makeup represents the breakthrough women have been waiting for luxury, quality and performance, which are only enhanced by the zao approach to using the most perfectly natural and organic ingredients. We don’t provide just a color cover-up. Our makeup is good for your skin, as it is full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that nourish, renew and regenerate your skin. You can read their story on how it all started and how it all started here.


Zao first contacted me to see if I could help them conquer Dublin, I had a few ideas for them, but sadly I couldn't put them through with the right people as I’ve no connections in the biz, I am just a regular consumer like you and I. So we ended up collaborating for a blog review instead. So if you want to read what I think about the products, please keep on reading! And maybe grab a snack and tea or coffee, whichever one you prefer :)

Compact Foundation (cream)
 

There were a lot of testing around to find my correct shade in this foundation. At first I was sent 728, 729 and 730. All of them ended up being too light for me, 728 had too much yellow, 729 too much pink of the undertone, and while 730 looked just about right in undertone, but it was waaay too light for me. When I emailed them this with photos to boot, they sent the next foundation sample in the hopes to find the right shade for me, 733, because I am a neutral gal and 731 and 732 wouldn't have worked for me in terms of undertones. Well, I know what you are thinking, and I do understand that it looks scary dark in the pan, but the truth is that this shade ended up working for me! Crazy, I know, I haven't come across anything like it before, but it is like this foundation is almost un-oxidising when it hits your skin, so my advice would be go at least a shade darker than you think you are, or try to secure a sample before investing in a full size to avoid disappointment. 100%Pure Healthy Skin Foundation is similar in terms that it also goes lighter when it's on the skin, but not that much lighter.

Now, about the foundation itself. It goes on smoothly and it is very easy to blend. A bit less coverage than Kjear Weis, but it is very buildable. And I find it easier to work with than Kjaer Weis. It does not cling to any dry patches on the skin, nor it does highlight fine lines or anything like that. Once on, it holds pretty well in its own, the very first day I wore it I didn't set it on purpose, to see how well it would last on its own, and it didn't disappoint! My skin is dry and sensitive though, so if you are oily, setting it is a must, otherwise it would move on the face I am afraid. I am really impressed with it I have to say.
It comes in the gorgeous bamboo case that you only buy once, and from then on you can purchase refills, I just love that! No throwing away a plastic case when you are done, and then getting another one. As I try to reduce waste in our household, this refill system is just a music to my ears!
Below you can see the swatches of the shades as well as their concealer.

Ingredients:
728-741: Oleyl Oleate, Squalane, Silica, Polyglyceryl-10 Apricot Kernelate, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Rhizome Extract*, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil (Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil)*, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Lauryl Olivate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera (Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax)*, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil)*, Tocopherol, Fragance( Natural Vanilla Extract), Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder,Ci 77820(Silver). May Contain +/-: Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77742 (Manganese Violet). *Ingredients From Organic Farming ** Made Using Organic Ingredients.

100%​ Natural ingredients. 20% Minimum of organic ingredient.

 Now, a bit more info about their ingredients, taken from their page:

Bambusa arundinacea stem powder (micronised bamboo stem powder) : Regenerates epidermis
A white substance extracted from the nodes of the bamboo. It is mainly composed of pure silica and has been widely used in oriental medicine. Organic silica, which is a component of connective tissue, is present throughout the human body and regenerates the epidermis as it is involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Over time, our capital silica diminishes causing demineralisation and loss of skin elasticity. It is therefore necessary to regularly replenish the skin with transcutaneous supplies.

Phyllostachis Bambusoides Rhizome Extract* (organic bamboo rhizome oil): Regenerates epidermis
As bamboo powder or bamboo leaves hydrosol, this material is extremely rich in organic silica which external input is needed to maintain the elasticity of our tissues and our skin. In the case of this oil, the advantage over powder or hydrosol is its ability to further penetrate the superficial part of the epidermis.

Silver (CI77820 micronised silver powder) : Natural preservative
These micro-particles of pure silver are antiseptic (especially on skin and mucous membranes) and Antibacterial as well, thereby preserving the product and protecting the skin. Microsilver is often used in creams to treat burns. Almost all products in the ZAO range (except the two lipbalms) contain micro-particles of pure silver (a natural preservative).

Silica (organic silica) : Toning and moisturising
The human body contains about seven grams of silica, far more than any other mineral including iron (and silica is the second component of the earth's crust with a 28% share after oxygen with 47%). An essential quality of silica is that it allows the body to efficiently absorb and assimilate minerals and vitamins. The connective tissue of the human body (cell wall) is composed of collagen and elastin. These molecules need silica, which, however, is no longer synthesised from an age of about twenty. An external supply is needed especially for the skin. For this reason, most of the products in the ZAO range contain organic silica.

Orbignya oleifera (babassu) seed oil* (organic babassu seed oil) : Antioxidant and anti-aging
Very rich in lauric acid, this oil has exceptional penetrating properties and is noted as non-comedogenic. It is sweet, very moisturising and Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Its high concentration oftocotrienols provides antioxidant and anti-aging values.

Zao Correcting Concealer, in a tube above testers. That's how your refill looks like.

 Correcting Concealer

I got it in the shade 492 which is correct shade for me, as I like my undereye concealers in a lighter shade to create that brightening effect. Now, let me start off with the good news, it Does Not Crease!! Amazing! I couldn't wait to tell you all about it. Concealer is a very important tool in my green beauty arsenal, because my hereditary dark circles are so bad, that you would immediately would ask me if I am tired or sick if you ever saw me without make up, they are that bad, and no amount of sleep/green smoothies/ relaxation/products help, so I might just as well make my peace with it and make concealer my best friend. Even on my no make up days (which is most days to be honest) I will put some concealer, mascara and eyebrows. I don't want to scare people, okay?

So, let's get back to the concealer, shall we? The ingredients are just as impressive as their foundation, and I am impressed at how this works, I mean I've never met a green and clean concealer that would not crease, even my beloved Hynt Beauty concealer creases if I put on a little more than a pinprick dot. This holds up beautifully on it's own, and I don't even have to set it! I have to admit that my daily make up looks very natural, and I use very little concealer too, nothing like you see some of the Youtubers use in their videos. So if you are that girl who puts on those "triangles" of concealer under your eyes, I would recommend setting it just in case, but for me it does not crease, and I am very impressed, definitely an unexpected star!

Ingredients (INCI/CTFA): Ingredients (INCI/CTFA): Oleyl Oleate, Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Persea Gratissima Oil [Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil]*, Silica, Copernicia Cerifera Cera [Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax]*, Cera Alba [Beeswax]*, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil [Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil]*, Squalene,Tocopherol, Natural Vanilla Extract As Fragrance ,Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Ci 77820 [Silver], Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil [Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil]*, Aqua [Water], Aloe Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Alcohol. May Contain +/-: Ci 77891 [Titanium Dioxide], Ci 77491 [Iron Oxides], Ci 77492 [Iron Oxides], Ci 77499 [Iron Oxides], Ci 77288 [Chromium Oxide Green] *. May Contain +/-: Ci 77891 [Titanium Dioxide], Ci 77491 [Iron Oxides], Ci 77492 [Iron Oxides], Ci 77499 [Iron Oxides], Ci 77288 [Chromium Oxide Green] *: Ingredients From Organic Farming

Percentage of natural ingredients: 100%. Percentage of organic ingredients: 20% minimum.

 Organic Mineral Silk Foundation (loose powder)

It comes in a gorgeous bamboo pot with a magnetic lid. All of their make up comes in cotton pouches too, which is a cute touch.

Ingredients (Inci/Ctfa):(Ref 500) : Mica, Zea Mays Starch (Zea Mays (Corn) Starch)*, Silica, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Rhizome Extract*, Glyceryl Caprylate, Squalane, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Tocopherol, Natural Vanilla Extract (Fragrance), Ci 77820 (Silver).*: Ingredients From Organic Farming

Percentage of natural ingredients: 100% Percentage of organic ingredients: 22% minimum

Ingredients (Inci/Ctfa) (Ref 501-506): Mica, Oryza Sativa Powder (Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder)*, Zea Mays Starch (Zea Mays (Corn) Starch)*, Silica, Zinc Stearate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract (Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract), Tocopherol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil)*, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil*, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract (Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil)*, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Natural Vanilla Extract (Fragrance), Lauroyl Lysine, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Ci 77820 (Silver), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Theobroma Cacao Extract (Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract). May Contain +/-: Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77947 (Zinc Oxide), Ci 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), Ci 77007 (Ultramarines), Ci 77288 (Chromium Oxide Green), Ci 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green), Ci 77742 (Manganese Violet).*: ingredients from organic farming

Percentage of natural ingredients: 100% Percentage of organic ingredients: 32% minimum

I like this a lot too, it can be used on it's own as a light coverage foundation, or to set their cream foundation, like I did, in both cases it works very well. Nothing bad to say about this product (or any of them for that matter), great ingredients, great performance, very cute packaging!

Zao Matte Lipstick in 464

 Lipstick

Comes in two varieties, matte and pearly. The one you see here is matte in the 464 which is described as red orange on the website, but it definitely pulls more brown on me. See it swatched here and in the very last photo below. It looks the same way on the lips. I have to say I like the formula, very easy to apply, creamy but not slippery, not drying at all, lasts a decent time too, and what I really like, no weird taste on the lips either like from Red Apple Lipstick. Would I purchase more of them? Totally! I would like to see the shade selection in person though, so hurry up to Dublin, Zao!! We want/ need you here.

Ingredients (INCI/CTFA) 461-468,470: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil)*, C10-18 Triglycerides, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract (Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Extract), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters**, Glycine Soja Oil (Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil)*, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Fragance (Natural Vanilla Extract), Tocopherol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter)*, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil)*, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter (Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter)*, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Rhizome Extract*, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil)*, Elaeis Guineensis Butter (Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Butter)*, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract (Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract)*, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Ci 77820 (Silver). May Contain +/-: Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), Ci 77007 (Ultramarines), Ci 77742 (Manganese Violet), Mica. * Ingredients From Organic Farming

Percentage Of Natural Ingredients: 100%. Percentage Of Organic Ingredients: 50%

Ingredients (INCI/CTFA) 469: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil)*, C10-18 Triglycerides, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract (Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Extract), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters**, Fragance (Natural Vanilla Extract), Glycine Soja Oil (Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil)*, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Tocopherol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter)*, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter (Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter)*, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil)*, Phyllostachis Bambusoides Rhizome Extract*, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil)*, Elaeis Guineensis Butter (Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Butter)*, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract (Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract)*, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Ci 77820 (Silver). May Contain +/-: Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci77019 (Mica), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), Ci 77007 (Ultramarines), Ci 77742 (Manganese Violet). *Ingredients From Organic Farming

Percentage Of Natural Ingredients: 100%. Percentage Of Organic Ingredients: 45% minimum



So, what is my verdict? Did the products get Green Life In Dublin stamp of approval? Yes! They passed with flying colors!

Zao is stocked in 43 countries worldwide, including UK and one place in Ireland (which makes me to organize a trip to Sligo just for that purpose!) - you can find the list here.


My wishlist from the brand:

Blush in Golden Coral

All of the eye brushes and eyebrow brush

Eye shadows (pearly) in 102, 103, 105, 106 and 119 which I would also try to use as a blush

Cream eye shadow in 251

Volume mascara in black

Pearly lipstick in 402 and 403

A pencil or two (they have a lot of multipurpose ones)

Eyebrow powder (not sure of my shade, would need to get a sample or see the products in person, as from looking online, the "ash blonde" looks way warmer than "blonde", which confuses me a bit)

And I really wanted a bamboo palette as I find them gorgeous, but watching Crueltyfrecutie video opened my eyes that the palette isn't held together by hinges, but acording to her "a sticker", so again, this is something I need to see in person to decide whether to get it or not.



So that is it, my two cents aka the review on this wonderful brand and their products, which hopefully will come to Dublin sooner rather than later! I know they already have a loyal customer in me.



That is all for now,

Lots of Love,

Renata.