DiY Umami Dip (Or Marinade) GF DF

Hi Lovelies,


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

As I published my intended post already (see my last post, "My Skincare Routine") so I have to come up with something quick, and quick and tasty it is! 
Haha, I probably should explain myself a bit more here, not losing my focus on green beauty, I plan to expand my blog a bit more and include some other type of posts, like quick and easy recipes (GF DF and mostly healthy too), outfits of the day, book reviews and stuff like that, what do you guys think of it? Would you like to see posts like that?

So today's post is a easy peasy recipe of something that definitely can be used as a dip or marinate or stir fry sauce, it will take you oooh, like 30 seconds to make and it definitely has that umami feel to it, it is bursting with goodness and flavour! I originaly came up with it by accident when making a dip for spring rolls, and started using it so much more ever since, I marinated salmon with it, I ate with rice and stir fried veggies, I used it in pad thai, I used it a thousand times as a dipping sauce, you get the idea. I do not claim it to be my original idea, as it contains only three ingredients, so I think someone is bound to be offended, but I swear I didn't copy it from anywhere, I just threw some ingredients when freestyling in the kitchen, something I do a lot, and the result was so good I thought it is worth sharing with you guys!

So without further ado, here's what you will need:

💕 half a cup of tamari sauce (or soy sauce if you don't avoid gluten)
💕 0.25 cup of sweet chilli sauce
💕some chopped scallions (spring onions)
💕 optional - water to thin it out if you are using it as a dip

It couldn't be easier - just mix all the ingredients in the bowl and ta-dah, you just made your own umami! This makes quite a lot, so store the leftovers in the fridge and use within a week.

And fiy - I don't plan to turn into a food blogger at all, in fact I think I would suck at it, as the dishes would have to be prepared at noon to get the best possible light for shooting them, and my east facing apartament is dark at the best of times. Secondly, when I prepare food, all I want is to eat it RIGHT NOW instead of style and take photos of it 😋 My family would attest I like my food pipping hot and straight when it's done, so styling and photographing it for hours in the end would be a torture for me. Respect for all the food bloggers out there.

P.S Want to know how to make super loaded sauerkraut, aka home made probiotics? Click here.


That is all for now,
Lots of Love,
Renata.

Red Apple Lipstick Review

Hi Lovelies,


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

I am way overdue for this review, as I received these products months ago and I am only writing about them now, but hey, it is better late than never, right? Let's just say I took my time testing these beautiful products, haha!

Now, I am sure all of you know about Red Apple Lipstick company (please feel free to peruse their website) as we all hear the buzz that surrounds this wonderful company for a good few years now.
Their products are all natural, gluten free and free of any harsh chemicals you can think of. Their lipsticks are what green beauty legends are made of! Don't believe me? Just google "red apple lipstick review" and you will be floored with the onslaught of positive reviews, both in written form and Youtube videos. Want to know my two cents on it? Please keep on reading!

I got advantage of their beauty blogger's program and I chose two products from their range, which are lipstick in Twist 'N Pout (don't you just love the name?) and eye shadow in Down To Earth. When I contacted them they told me they don't ship to international bloggers anymore (or was that temporarily?) but they made an exception for me, so that obviously put a smile on my face! I have to be honest upfront, while the lipstick is very well loved and used, I didn't use the eye shadow much, as it turned out to be different shade than I was expecting, and I don't have much use for it in my every day life. Let me correct myself, I wanted a "everyday neutral" colour, the one that I could use all over the lid in two minutes flat without even thinking about it and be done for the day (I love these type eye shadows) but it turned out to be much more sophisticated brown-meets-aged-gold one, and it is so pigmented, I can't do even a single sheer swipe of it without getting or looking too much (for me). But this is in no way a company's shortfall, rather my own mistake in choosing the product. I remember originally wanting another shadow but a good few (neutrals) were out of stock at a time, so I went with this one. All of you make up lovers/collectors would love it, as it is a truly gorgeous colour, and you can do so many looks with it, but when it comes down to little old moi, I don't have much use it in my every day life. The formula is gorgeous, very natural and pigmented though, but be careful when choosing the shades for the first time.

RAL Down To Earth eye shadow swatched. In real life it is even more pigmented and shimmery!

Now, lipstick is the whole lotta of other story though! I freaking love it! I wore it all day everyday all summer long, I sent carefully scraped bits of it (sanitised of course!) in a few green beauty swaps, I got compliments about it in non stop stream, and more importantly, I really love it on myself, and that is the first time ever I can say that about a lipstick! I was never a lipstick person until I came across this beauty, all the others I have tried were not quite right for me and I would often give them away come first opportunity. This is an exception and it is the only lipstick I want to keep. And I will probably cry crocodile tears once it will finish. It is my baby, you know? It is that sort of your-lips-but-better shade, truly gorgeous, and it seems to suits every skin tone. Here you can see me modelling it, what do you think? I think it is gorgeous!

Red Apple Lipstick in Twist 'N Pout

So what are my final thoughts of RAL and their products?
Now, these are absolutely gorgeous products, all natural, vegan, cruelty and gluten free, and I do truly enjoy their products, but I would not repurchase them, and let me tell you why - their shipping to EU is mind boggling 49.25$ and I wasn't given cheaper option. Admittedly it is priority mail, but still I would never pay that much for shipping, and I think they need to sort it out! Customers these days sort of expect free or low cost shipping, and I truly think Red Apple Lipstick are losing a lot of customers purely because of this. I added two items to my cart, a lipstick and an eye shadow, and together with the shipping it came to 91.50$!! And I am not even kidding or making stuff up - see screenshot of it below! Now, anybody in their right mind would see no value in that (it is only two items!) and us EU gals who shop outside EU, we are taxed 35% custom tax plus another 10€ for handling fee (what??) so that would total me 133€!!!! I won't rant here, but I do think that would be ridiculous price, don't you think? Red Apple Lipstick, you need to get EU distributor or sort out your shipping price, and you will have a loyal customer in me. Until then, I am sorry.. Ours is one income family and my play money is so small is practically non existent, so 133€ for only two products is an unthinkable amount for me. I do hope they will get an EU distributor very soon, so all my European sisters could enjoy these beautiful products too.

So that is all for today, see you again soon! I counted and turns out I have 70 drafts for blog posts, so I better dish those out, cha cha.
P.S. I hope this does not come across as me bad mouthing the brand or their great products! Far from it! I do think they are a great company that make wonderful products, and I really am grateful for a chance to try them! It is just that those damn custom charges and the postage costs ruin everything! I mean custom charges is a political thing and too broad of a subject to get into, so let's leave it at that. I mean i would happily pay for the products, but I just don't want to pay that much more extra charges, I hope you can understand that!

Lot's of Love,
Renata.

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.