review // Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara

Mascara is probably (in my opinion) one of the harder types of makeup to find in a natural form.  Don't get me wrong there are quite a bit out there, but since giving up by Maybelline Great Lash, I hadn't had the best luck... until this one from Pacifica.  As you might know, I've tried 100% Pure's Fruit Pigmented Mascara, which was pretty good, but I've also tried Honeybee Gardens Mascara, which was terrible (in my opinion).  When you're used to commercial mascaras performing like a dream because of the inclusion of chemicals that make them more fluid, permanent, plumping, non-clumping, etc. it's hard to find a natural version that performs just as well (and one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...and a foot).  I'm okay with sacrificing a little in order to use a better-for-you product, but I do have my limits.

I've been a fan of Pacifica products for a while now, especially their perfumes and body products.  So during one of my [frequent] outings to Target when I saw Pacifica started a makeup line, I had to give it a try. I actually picked up several items including their Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara. And yes, I got it in both brown and black.  

PACKAGING

These mascaras come in some super cute packaging. They have white metal/plastic tubes with a fun blue and gold swirly design on the outside and the wand is a plush 100% vegan brush (which I generally prefer over plastic molded wands). I will mention that the little black stopper that the brush pulls through when opening the mascara popped out in one of them, but I pushed it back in and it hasn't done that again. This is also a shorter wand than other mascaras I have tried and I actually like it.  I feel like I have better control when applying to my lashes. Even though I am a fan, I have a feeling that some people may not like this feature, especially if you are used to a longer wand.

PRODUCT

Pacifica's Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mineral Mascara is "infused with coconut oil and vitamin B to hydrate each lash as it lengthens, strengthens and adds volume." It is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and formulated without FD & C color, parabens, talc and mineral oil. 

Yay, yay and more yay! These additives can be major irritants, especially to people with sensitive skin or allergies.  Some have also been linked to major health issues, so avoiding these kind of ingredients is a top priority for me. 

Supernova is the black color and stardust is the brown.  I will say that the black is more dramatic on the lashes, especially if you have brown lashes to start with.  For me both show up, but I save the brown for casual days when I run errands, etc.  Supernova is my go-to for work and going out.  I usually apply two coats of whichever I am using.  The formula is the same for both colors, smooth and creamy, and coats my lashes without clumping.  In combo with the brush, the formula separates and lengthens my lashes nicely.  After the second coat (and sometimes a third) they look a bit more voluminous as well.  Check out the images below - top to bottom - bare lashes, Stardust (2 coats) and Supernova (2 coats) .

I don't get any fallout or smudging from this mascara.  If I have it on when I work out or in the rain I might see a bit of transfer since it is not waterproof, but day to day normal wear does not cause this. I also love how my lashes don't get that crunchy feeling as with other mascaras, they feel natural and soft.  I assume this is from the moisturizing addition of the coconut oil. 

It has a slight scent that does not linger after application, a bit like clay or minerals (if you've ever used mineral makeup then you know what I'm talking about).  And my eyes never itch while wearing this mascara like with some others.
 

I have no problem removing this mascara at the end of the day.  I still use the oil cleansing method to do so and it washes off cleanly leaving no residue.

Ingredients: Aqua, glycerin (vegetable), glyceryl stearate se, jojoba esters, tapioca starch, stearic acid ( vegetable), copernicia cerfera (carnauba) wax, euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, arabic/acacia gum, acrylates, crosspolymer, potassium cetyl phosphate, microcrystalline cellulse (plant), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, panthenol (vitamin b), cellulose gum, gluconolactone, macrocystis pyifera (brown kelp) extract, hydrolyzed oryza sativa (rice) protein, sodium benzoate, iron oxides c1 77499.

PRICING 
 
$ out of $$$
You get .30 fl oz for $14.00.  This is a low to mid-range price for a natural mascara.  There are some [that I'd love to try] that are $23 (.23 fl oz) and $42 (.20 fl oz).  So comparatively, this is a steal.  This might be a good one to try if you're just starting to transition from mainstream to natural cosmetics.

PURCHASING

You can purchase this mascara on Pacifica.com, target.com, beauty.com, vitacost.com, Amazon and iherb.com and more.

CONCLUSION 
 
While this is not the most "natural" mascara out there, overall, this has been the best one I have tried in terms of both performance and price.  I'm still on the search for one that might be better while still at a decent price, but I'd definitely purchase this Pacifica mascara again (Supernova).  And actually, they have now come out with a water-resistant mascara that I may have to try as well!

Let me know if you've tried Pacifica's mascara and what you think, or if you have any other natural mascara suggestions.  I'd love to hear your feedback!

review // SheaMoisture Olive & Green Tea Body Products

I've been using these products for quite some time now, about the same time I started using the SheaMoisture Facial Moisturizers (about 9 months ago), and I've wanted to share them with you all after the first use.  For one reason or another I kept putting it off, but no more... my review is here!  ;)

PACKAGING

All of SheaMoisture's body products come in recyclable plastic containers.  The body lotion and wash comes in squeeze bottles with flip top lids and the body butter comes in a squeeze tube.  They are very substantial and sturdy.  I've been using them for months (even leaving one in the shower) and I've noticed no leaking or cracking of the plastic.  The labels are also very resilient and do not peel or tear, even with a lot of use.  I think the packaging is great except for one thing.  The squeeze top on the lotion bottle is pointless... unless you have robot hands.  After about the second use, you have to REALLY squeeze the bottle to get any product out.  For one, the bottle alone isn't easy to squeeze and the lotion is a thicker consistency and so it doesn't move fluidly in the bottle to get out.  I hope that makes sense..lol.  To fix the issue, I put a pump on the bottle instead of the flip top lid.  BUT... that only worked a couple of times until the pump couldn't handle the lotion's thickness.  After that, I gave up and now I just use the pump's dip (the piece that goes down into the product) to get lotion out.  Honestly, that's my only qualm, but it's not a deal-beaker.

 PRODUCT

"Blended with certified organic Shea Butter, this collection deeply moisturizes and repairs dry skin, while helping prevent early signs of aging."

+ Olive Oil is high in vitamin E and fatty acids, which helps to hydrate, repair and heal skin.  
+ Avocado Oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, lecithin and potassium, helping to regenerate skin cells and deeply moisturize skin. 
+ Antioxidant Green Tea Extract helps protect skin from free radical damage. 

Overall, this collection promises to leave skin soft and youthful looking.   And don't we all want that!?

Olive & Green Tea BODY WASH w/ Avocado - 13 oz. - $8.99

 The body wash is a translucent green and has a loose gel-like consistency.  This wash is super concentrated and lathers very well, so you only need a tiny bit to wash your whole body.  I use a bath loofah and it works great.  It has a very light, and somewhat sweet, citrusy/herbal scent.  I find it really nice and non-offensive.  The BEST part of this body wash is that it doesn't leave my skin squeaky or stripped feeling after I rinse.  It actually moisturizes so effectively that in the summer I don't really need to apply lotion when I get out of the shower.  That's pretty amazing for my dry sensitive skin.

This wash does NOT contain parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance or color, DEA, or sulfates, plus it isn't tested on animals, which is awesome.  They do use cocamidopropyl betaine as their soap component, which is naturally derived from coconut.  It's still synthesized, so it's not the most natural option, but I think it is a better option than the fully-synthesized, skin irritating sulfates.  So in that regard, I'll take it.   

Olive & Green Tea BODY LOTION w/ Avocado - 13 oz. - $8.99

The body lotion is an opaque off-white and has a medium thick consistency (it actually melts and thins when on skin).  Becasue of this, it sinks in quickly and fully absorbs in just a couple minutes.  This is important to me becasue I hate the sticky lotion feel, especially when it's time to get dressed... yuck!  Like the body wash, the lotion has the same light, and somewhat sweet, citrusy/herbal scent.  This lotion is great all over and the scent fades nicely, so it won't overpower my natural perfumes. 

The lotion also does NOT contain parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance or color, DEA, or sulfates, and isn't tested on animals.

Olive & Green Tea BODY BUTTER w/ Avocado - 6 oz. - $9.79

The body butter is VERY similar to the lotion but just a bit thicker.  It's also an opaque off-white color and melts and thins when applied to skin.  Even though it's a bit thicker, I still think it fully absorbs in just a few minutes.  Again, it has the same scent.  I think this butter would work all over, especially in the winter, but I really like to use it on my hands and feet before bed.  I love waking up to moisturized, soft skin.  :) 

Again, the butter does NOT contain parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance or color, DEA, or sulfates, and isn't tested on animals. I did notice that the ingredients on my tube differ slightly from the ingredients on their website... looks like in the past several months they've removed & added a few things, so if you plan to get this be aware of that.  One of the additions is Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, which I've had bad reactions to in the past (on my face).  But they've also added mango butter, which is great for skin.  I am about halfway through my current tube and if I do repurchase, I'll update this post if I notice any major difference.


SheaMoisture has over 10 different collections (scents), but the Olive & Green Tea is definitely my favorite.  I have tried the Raw Shea Lotion, which is nice, and the Super Fruits Lotion, which worked great too, but I didn't care for the scent.  If you're interested, check out all of them on their website.


PRICING

$ out of $$$

 I think the body wash and lotion are a great deal.  You get a lot of product for under $10.  The butter is a bit more expensive... I guess because it's supposed to be more luxurious and moisturizing.  Not sure if I 100% believe that, but if you want to give it a go, it definitely won't break the bank.

PURCHASING

Unfortunately, you can't purchase from the SheaMoisture website yet, but you can find their body products at Target, Ulta, your local drug stores and Drugstore.com.

 CONCLUSION

 Overall, I really love these body products and I can say with certainty that I will definitely keep repurchasing the lotion and body wash (I'm on my second one of each).  They naturally nourish my skin and I can't help but feel like they also keep my skin looking young and firm.



Let me know if you have tried any SheaMoisture products and which are your favorites!!

Empties #1 - PART 2

If you missed PART 1, check it out here.  Now on to PART 2!

BODY

12. 100% Pure Hydrating Body Wash - $16 for 17 oz. - I got this body wash a while back and reviewed it here.  My opinion hasn't really changed since then, I still really like it.  It cleaned without stripping my skin and smelled delicious, all while being completely natural.  I actually purchased another after finishing this up, but I got Cocoa Kona Coffee to try.  PREVIEW:  It smells amazing!  :)  Even Brian likes it.

13. 100% Pure French Lavender Hand Buttercream - $8 for 2 oz (or $5.50 ea. in the set) - This was another item I reviewed here.  And again, I still love it.  It was actually the first of the hand creams I used up since I kept it on my nightstand and applied it almost every night before bed.  I may repurchase just this scent in the larger body lotion for the same purpose.  It's so soothing!
14. Shea Sugar Body Scrub in Tropical Mango - $7.49 for 18 oz. - This is my favorite body scrub (to buy).  It works really well, without being too rough on sensitive skin and the Mango smells great.  It's also a great value.  I would definitely repurchase, except that I'm loving to make my homemade scrubs instead right now.  If you're interested in making your own, feel free to check out my recipes here!

15. SheaMoisture Olive & Green Tea Body Lotion - $8.99 for 13 oz. - This is my current favorite body lotion.  Period.  It has a nice light scent and it's super moisturizing without feeling greasy at all.  I've already started a new one.  My only qualm is that it's a bit too thick to come out of the pop top that comes on it, so I replaced it with a pump.  It still takes some work to get it out, but it's worth it to me.  I will probably do a better review on it and the coordinating body wash very soon.

16. Avalon Organics LEMON Hand & Body Lotion - $12 for 12 oz. - This lotion was nice too, but I'm not sure if it's repurchase worthy to me.  Even thought it's a natural product and the lemon scent is really nice, that's really the only outstanding part of this lotion.  I definitely like the SheaMoisture one better.

HAIR

17. Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo - $3.94 for 5 oz. - This is definitely not a natural product, but I used it up quite a while ago and figured I'd include it.  It works okay, but it puts out a lot of fumes and the smell is super strong.  For these reasons, I would not purchase again.

18. Dr. Bronner's Fair Trade & Organic Lavender Coconut Hair Crème - $7.99 for 6 oz. - This is supposed to be a leave in conditioner/styling product.  It is all natural and I love that, but this did not work for me.  It didn't matter how little I used, my hair always ended up slightly greasy and stringy.  BUT I ended up using the rest of it as a shaving creme and it worked great!

19.Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Shampoo - $20 for 8.5 oz. - I did a whole review on this line here.  I ended up buying the full sizes of all three products, but I finished the shampoo first since I use it more.  I still really like this line and feel that it does what it says.  Unfortunately, it is pretty expensive, so as you may know, I've been trying some other natural shampoo/conditioner options.  It is a great product though.

HOME

20. Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - $12 for 15 oz. -  We use coconut oil a lot in our house... and this one is not refined, deodorized or bleached, it's also made without pesticides, GMO's, or hexane.  If you use coconut oil you want to make sure yours has these qualities as well, so that you get all the benefits from it.  Right now, we have a huge tub from Costco, but it's just a good as this one.  We <3 coconut oil!

21. The Honest Co. Dryer Cloths - $6.95 for 32 cloths - I really liked these dryer cloths, esp since they don't have any nasty chemicals.  They say that the cloths can be used twice, but I find that only works if your load is cotton items only.  If there's too many synthetic fabrics they won't eliminate the static the second time around.  I honestly don't mind that though.  I'll take static over the chemicals any day.  I do have one more package to go through and then I think I'll look into making some homemade dryer sheets.

22. The Honest Co. Laundry Detergent - $12.95 for 70 oz. - We have really been enjoying this detergent.  It doesn't last quite as long as some of the commercial brands, but at least I know that it's safe and won't irritate my skin.  It seems to keep our whites white and does a good job of getting any stains out, so I'd say it's a winner for now.  Sometimes, I do like to combine it with the oxygen pods to get a deeper clean, which works really well for towels and the dogs blankets. I may try a homemade recipe soon, but I'd definitely buy this again.

Well that wraps up this Empties post.  Hopefully you were able to get something out of this sampling of products, and please let me know if you'd like a more in-depth review on anything you've seen here.  Like I mentioned in Part 1, I'll try to do this quarterly...or most likely, whenever I have a box full of things I've used up!

Thanks for reading!!

Empties #1 - PART 1

If you are a regular to the beauty blog and/or beauty YouTube world then you may be familiar with a common post/video feature called "Empties".  Since I only have time to post once a week at the moment, it's pretty hard for me to share everything that I'm using-trying-loving.  I think an "Empties" feature is a great idea because it's like several mini reviews all in one post.  Plus, it offers me a chance to use something all the way up and formulate a really good opinion so that I can tell you if I'd repurchase it or not.  When I do regular reviews, most often I'm only about halfway through the product.

Anyhow, all this to say that I've decided to add a new feature about all the products I/we use up.  It could include a mix of skincare, makeup, hair & body care and home products.  This first one is going to be a lot longer than the others because I've been thinking about doing this since the beginning of the year, so that's when I started keeping our empties.  Because of this, I've decided to divide it into 2 parts. 

Well, let's get started!

SKINCARE

1. LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant - $14 for 1.7 oz - This was the first natural deodorant I tried after quitting the commercial ones that are full of aluminum, parabens and other toxic chemicals.  I got the Lavender Vanilla one, which smelled really nice, but overall this deodorant didn't work for me.  I still sweat, which I expected since it's not an antiperspirant, but I also smelled halfway throughout the day.  It also got crumbly by the end and really hard to apply.  For all of this, I would not purchase this agian.  I've since been using a homemade version that I'm loving.  No more smelly pits!  I'll def be posting about that soon.

2. SheaMoisture Facial Moisturizers - $12 for 1.5oz. - It's safe to say that I loved these moisturizers to the very last bit... read my full review here.  The Raw Shea Butter Anti-Aging Moisturizer I loved slightly more.  I would definitely purchase it again.  However, I recently tried to pick up more of this one and when I got home it was butter yellow in color, not light beige and smelled like chemicals not Shea, Frankincense and Myrrh like the last one I had.  Now, I know that slight differences can occur between batches of products, especially natural ones, but this was like a different product.  I contacted SheaMoisture and they told me they would look into it.  In the meantime, it was so off-putting that I returned it and got the just the plain Raw Shea Butter infused with Frankincense & Myrrh, which is working nicely so far.  I'll keep you updated on that and I'll definitely be checking on the facial moisturizer to see if it's back to normal in a few months...

3. Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater - $7 for 4oz. - This was my first experience with facial sprays and it's how I fell in love with rose water.  This was amazing at moisturizing my parched skin and setting my mineral makeup.  It's not only rose water, but aloe and some great skin-loving herbs, BUT it also has propylene glycol, which I try to avoid.  In a nutshell, PG is a synthetic solvent or surfactant, a form of mineral oil.  It hasn't been linked directly to cancer, but it has been shown to cause acute toxicity when ingested in repeated small doses, plus it can cause allergic skin reactions in some people.  More so, I try to avoid synthetic chemicals in general, especially ones that are also in things like engine coolants & paint, like PG.  I've since found a new all natural rosewater spray that I love, and again, I'll definitely be sharing that soon!

4. Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste FRESH WAVE - $4.99 for 4 oz. - This was my quick "less toxic" toothpaste option, until I could find a more natural option that I liked.  It's definitely not the best, because it still contains PEG-8, Cocamidopropyl Betaine & artificial sweetener, but at least there are no parabens.  I've since been using The Honest Company's toothpaste, which has none of these and I really like it.

5. 100% Pure Red Wine Resveratrol Nourishing Cream - $38 for 1.6oz. - Both this face cream and the eye cream in #6 I received as a free gift with purchase.  I actually REALLY loved this product.  As you may know, I am an avid 100% Pure product user already, and this gem would definitely be in my top 10 favorites from 100% Pure.  It was very moisturizing, smelled great and made my skin feel super smooth.  I only had two issues... I had to cut the tube to get the last bit of product that was left after the pump wouldn't pump out any more product and the price is kind of high for the amount you get.  I can deal with the tub cutting, but becasue of the price I'm not sure I'd repurchase without a coupon code or something.  It was a very nice cream though.

6. 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream - $21 for 1oz. - This goodie is not new to me, I actually reviewed it here, and have gone through 2 since then.  Like the Red Wine Nourishing Cream, I have to cut the tube open to get the last bits of product out, but at least this one is a better value.  It's not a miracle cream but it does do a pretty good job of depuffing and smoothing my eye area, naturally.

7. Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes - $6 for 30 towelettes - Unfortunately, these facial wipes were not a win for me.  As much as I love other Pacifica products, including their perfumes, they weren't as moist as I'd like and they made my eyes sting.  They are a great natural option and smell great, but they just didn't work for me.  I won't be getting these again.

MAKEUP

8. 100% Pure Luminous Primer Vitamins + Antioxidants With Resveratrol - $28 for 1 oz. - I've been using this primer for quite some time now, you can read my review here.  And I'm sure I've gone through a couple before this one.  It's got great ingredients and makes my skin plump and glowing. I actually have another in the wings and one more coming as a free gift with purchase.  The only downside is that the glass container makes it hard to get inside and get the last bits, but I make it work.  I will still keep using this as long as they keep making it.

9. Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara - $20 - LOVE this mascara, especially the deluxe sample size... I think I prefer the shorter wand.  I talk about it more here.  Beyond that, the brush and formula are great.  It separates my lashes and is buildable so I can do natural or glam with no clumping or flaking.  It isn't 100% natural, so I may try to find a natural one that I love as much.  I'll be honest, it's going to be hard!

10. Signature Minerals Light Mint Corrector - $10-$18 - I just did a whole review on this, so if you're interested check it out here.  But basically, it's amazing and my savior against redness.  It's a staple for me.

11. Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 - $36 for 1.7 oz. - This is a product that I keep thinking about reviewing because I've been using it since last summer, but sometimes I'm still not sure what I think about it.  Weird, right?!  I don't know... Overall I really like it, even if it's not all natural, it's pretty good in the ingredient department.  It offers good coverage for a tinted moisturizer, it goes on smoothly and blends easily and gives my skin a natural even tone.  But I tend to look pretty shiny after about 5 hours, more than the other products I use and I've noticed that it breaks up a bit on my chin by the end of the day.  I can get over this by just blotting once or twice, so it's not a deal breaker.  I actually wore this for my wedding and it looked great in person and in the photos.  I think I just need to play with the amount I apply or the finishing powder I use.  Anyhow, it's a good product, but I might not repurchase because I want to explore some more natural options.

Check back for PART 2 next week!!

review // 100% Pure Kelp & Mint Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

So if you've been following me for a while then you'll know I'd been trying out the Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Shampoo & Conditioner in Drink it up Coconut Milk since February.  I purchased these after running out of my Carol's Daughter Shampoo & Conditioner (s&c).

Well, in a fit of spring cleaning a few weeks ago, I realized I had bought 100% Pure's Volumizing line in their Cyber Monday deal and stashed it away until I need it.... yeah, I know, that was back in November.  :\  Anyhow, since Brian has been using the Alba Coconut Milk s&c, I've moved on to these 100% Pure ones, using them every time I wash my hair since I (re)found them.

You may also know that I love my other 100% Pure makeup/skincare products, so naturally I was interested in trying their hair products as well.  These were actually only $10 each (originally $18) in that sale, so it was a no-brainer to give them a try.

Well, I am so glad that I did.  These volumizing s&c are all natural, smell fantastic and work great.  All things I [desperately] search for in hair products. 

PACKAGING

All of 100% Pure's shampoos & conditioners come in 8 oz. plastic squeeze tubes.  They seem substantial and sturdy.  I've been using them for weeks (leaving them in the shower) and they've been stowed away for a bit before that and I've noticed no leaking or cracking of the plastic.

 PRODUCT

 The Shampoo has a clear loose gel-like consistency and unlike a lot of other natural shampoos (without sulfates) it actually lathers fairly well, at least compared to a lot of others I've tried.  The conditioner has more of a milky gel-like consistency.  The website lists their key benefits:

+ 100% natural, 100% vegan, gluten free
+ For fortified, thicker hair
+ Gentle enough for color treated hair
+ Kelp helps to thicken and fortify hair and seaweed collagen boosts shine
+ All natural formula does not contain synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives, sulfates, detergents or any other harsh ingredients  

 I usually lather, rinse and repeat just to get rid of any hair product buildup.  After rinsing, my hair feels clean, but not straw-like or "squeaky".  Especially since using this line, I am able to go three days between washings (I still shower!), unless I vigorously workout, of course.  Then I apply the conditioner just from my ears to my ends.  After rinsing the conditioner out, my hair feels silky but not heavy.  They both smell like fresh mint, and it is wonderful... a great refreshing pick-me-up in the mornings.  I have highlights and have noticed that, so far, this combo does not strip or dull them.  And I don't know if they have made my hair actually thicker, but it definitely has more body and bounce than with other s&c I've used (even salon ones).

PRICING

$$ out of $$$

 I based this off of the original $18 price, which I think is a little high (for any s&c), so getting it at the special $10 price was great!  I hate to say it, but I would probably repurchase at the original price though, because I do love them so much.  And since I don't wash my hair every day they could likely last 5-6 months.  If that's so, it would definitely make it worth the price for me.

PURCHASING

Right now, you can only purchase 100% Pure cosmetics online or in there stores in California.  Ulta stores do carry some of their body products though.

 CONCLUSION

 There isn't anything bad I can say about this shampoo & conditioner.  I really love everything about it.... perhaps I've found a keeper?  ;)

 

review // Signature Minerals

I've been using Signature Minerals makeup for a bit over a year now. I found it at the beginning of my switch to all natural products and I really love it.  I've wanted to post about this company for some time now, but I was waiting to place a new order before I did.  Well, I have, so here it is!

Signature Minerals' makeup is...

100% natural, silky smooth mineral makeup that is nice to your skin. It contains no toxins or irritants, so even those with sensitive skin, rosacea, and other skin conditions can use it.

  Since Signature mineral makeup cannot harbor bacteria and does not clog pores, it is an excellent choice for those suffering with acne breakouts, as well.

Signature Mineral Makeup is Gluten Free, Corn Free and Vegan, and has a natural SPF of around 15.

 I thought I'd show you some of my favorites.  :)  And don't forget to check out the swatches at the end!

Loose Mineral Foundation ($14-$18)

 

 

Signature Minerals foundation comes in 17 shades to cover to a wide variety of skin tones.  And of course you can always mix two to get your perfect shade, if necessary.  Before you buy a full size (they come in 30g & 20g jars and a 10g refill bag) you can order almost FREE samples to find your right shade.  Yeah, FREE...it's amazing.  All you pay is the $5 in shipping.  You can choose 6 samples from all of the foundations, correctors, blushes/bronzers and veils.  My perfect shade is 4.0, and then I just add a bit of warmth in the summer with bronzer.  These foundations are finely milled and go on silky.  I've found that the secret it to apply it is in several very light layers.  That way each layer can melt into your skin and it won't end up looking cakey.  I love to use my Eco Botan Artisan Kabuki Brush from Everyday Minerals to buff it in.   

It also lasts a good 8-10 hours.  Since my skin can be dry sometimes, using powder foundations can make my face feel tight.  So if I'm having one of those days then I'll make sure I moisturize really well, prime with my 100% Pure Primer and spray rosewater and aloe on my face before applying the foundation.  Then I'll spray my face again once I finish my makeup.  That seems to really help cut any dryness I might be having and set my makeup.  On normal days, I will get a little shiny in my T zone, but not as much as with a liquid makeup.  I just use a blotting tissue and I'm good to go.  

Loose Mineral Concealer & Corrector ($10-$18)

 

These 10 powders are specifically formulated to cover and visibly correct pesky problem areas, like under-eye circles, redness & blemishes.  There are 4 skin-toned concealers and 6 color correctors.  They come in 30g, 20g & 10g jars, plus 6g & 10g refill bags.  I actually don't use any of the concealers, but I am in LOVE with the Soft Mint Corrector.  It might be my most favorite thing from SM!  Since my fair skin is prone to redness, especially around the nose, this is a life saver for me.  Instead of having to pile on a thick layer of foundation to cover the redness, this pale mint-colored powder covers/neutralizes it in one light application.  Most days I actually apply this before the mineral foundation with the same Kabuki brush, although sometimes I'll do a light dusting at the end with a EcoTools Powder Brush.  My mom loves the yellow Sunshine Corrector for dark under-eye circles and she says it works so good, that people have asked here what she's been using.  
And that's always a nice thing!

Loose Mineral Concealer & Corrector ($10-$18)

 

Signature Finishing Veils are designed to minimize pores, control oil and reduce shine.  There are 5 to choose from, 3 tinted ones, a translucent and one that adds radiance to the complexion.  Again, they come in 30g, 20g & 10g jars, plus 6g & 10g refill bags.  I personally use the Angel Veil, a pale beige powder with yellow undertones.  Now, while I'm not sure that it really minimizes my pores, the kaolin clay & serecite in this powder does help control oil in my T-zone during the day and gives me a soft overall finish.  I apply the Angel Veil, mainly to my T-zone, with my fluffy powder brush after I finish my other face makeup.  A little goes a long way so you only need to tap the tiniest bit into the lid and you're good.  I have also tried samples of the Radiance and Translucent Veils.  I've found that the Radiance is a nice check highlighter, but a little too much all over for me.  If you have dull skin, it would be a nice perker-upper.  And I can leave the Translucent, it's not great at absorbing oil since there's no koalin, so I don't really see the necessity.  Keep in mind, the Angel jar above is old... a new full size Veil (20g jar) comes with a Rotating/Click Lock Sifter, like my pic of the Foundation and Soft Mint.

Mineral Bronzer ($10-$18)

 

These bronzers give a very natural finish and will not turn orangey on your skin.  They come in 30g, 20g & 10g jars, plus 6g & 10g refill bags. The 2 lighter non-shimmery shades are fairly neutral.  One of these, Goddess is my favorite.  It gives a nice amount of warmth in the summer and a subtle contour in the winter.  I have also tried samples of the 2 darker shimmery shades that lean toward golden brown hues.  These are obviously too dark for me, unless I were to self tan, so I just like to use them as eye shadows.  If you're naturally darker or self tan often, these would be beautiful on you.  I apply this bronzer with my E.L.F. Complexion Brush all over or my Real Techniques Angled Kabuki to contour.  I like this bronzer becasue it's buildable and blendable, so it's pretty hard to mess it up.  Again, the Goddess jar above is old... a new full size Bronzer (20g jar) comes with a Rotating/Click Lock Sifter.

Mineral Blush ($10-$14)

 

There are 18 shades of blush to choose from... matte, satin & shimmery... in a variety of colors.  They are available in 30g & 20g jars and a 6g refill bag. These SM blushes wear light but last all day, no streaking or fading.  They are silky and super pigmented so REALLY the tiniest bit gives a nice amount of color.  I suggest starting small and build up if desired.  I haven't bought a full size blush yet, but I did get some samples to try, including a beautiful matte coral and shimmery pink.  I have also tried a few others a while ago.  The only ones I haven't loved are some of the dustier tones, like Adobe Sun, Dusty Mauve & Buff Apricot.  They come off a little chalky looking on my skin.  I think these would be best for the fairest complexions.  And Rosewood is a little too deep for me, so I know it would be great for darker skin.  But I am loving Coral, Pink Jazz and Roseberry.   I apply these blushes with the EcoTools Tapered Blush Brush.  

 

Mineral Eye Colors ($5-$10)

(Larger jar above is Athena)

Signature Minerals offers dozens of highly pigmented eye shadows in a variety of colors, textures and finishes.  For easy ordering they are divided into finish categories on their website: matte, semi-matte, pearl, shimmer & metallic.  Right away, I can tell you that the pearl finish is my favorite.  Most of these shadows are super pigmented with high color payoff.  I'd say the only ones that lack a lot of richness are some of the matte shades, like Accent. They actually notate Accent as Semi-Matte and Cream & Taupe as Matte, however I feel like they should be switched.  Accent has no sheen, while Cream & Taupe have just a hint.  I've also tried Terre Medium before (a Matte), and it really is...matte.  This is probably my only qualm...I wish it was more clear what was what.  These shadows do tend to crease a bit by the end of the day, but as I've said before, they lack the chemicals that make commerical shadows pretty much permanent.  I just use a natural cream shadow base before, and that helps them last a good 8 hours.  The shadows are available in 10g & 5g jars, but you can also try unlimited samples for $2.50 each (approx. 1g product)

SWATCHES

Remember that swatches are usually much more pigmented so you can see the coloring. Real application can start much lighter and be built up.

Foundation, Bronzer, Corrector & Veils
(Keep in mind, several of these are hard to see...becasue they are made that way...so you don't see them!)

Blush & Extra Bronzers

Coral - True Coral (Matte)
Roseberry - Dusty rose with bare hints of shimmery pale raspberry
Pink Jazz - Cool rosey pink with a pearlescent shimmer
Rosewood - Earthy rose with a luminous glow
Adobe Sun - Warm earthen Clay (Matte)

Eye Shadows

Grey Fox - Brown with pearly silver/gray highlights
Majesty - Silvery brown with purple iridescence
Taupe - Warm brown with a hint of raisin (Sheen)
Cream - True golden cream (Sheen)
Athena - Shimmering golden pink (it's much lighter than shown on the website) MY FAV :)
Accent - Eggshell white (Matte)

 Signature Minerals makeup is non-irritating and I can firmly vouch for that, because I have very sensitive skin.  It has never given me a rash or made me break out.  The fact that it only has a handful of ingredients, was one of the main reasons I tried it in the first place.

The last thing I wanted to talk about was Signature Minerals' customer service.  They really care about their products and their customers and will do what is necessary to make them satisfied.  I got locked out of my account a few months ago, emailed them in the morning and by early afternoon of the same day I got a personalized email with a solution.  Then, in my latest order, I received a Lipstick (by Honeybee gardens) that I was not happy with.  I emailed SM again with my issue and a picture, and they gladly accepted my return of the lipstick.  I chose another shade, which I hope to get next week.  I just wanted to mention this quickly because I truly feel that a company's commitment to satisfaction is just as important as their product line.   And I love dealing with companies who recognize this.

If you're interested in trying out some of their products, I'm going to share this month's 25% off code with you (25snap). It does expire May 6th, so if you want the next month's code make sure you sign yourself up for the monthly newsletter!  You can find the sign-up on their homepage down on the left.

I do know that their pricing may go up a bit next month, due to an increase in their raw ingredients, etc. so be aware.  Hence the higher discount this month... usually it's 15-20% off.  That's why I stocked up on my must haves!!

Please don't hesitate to comment below or shoot me an email if you have any questions.  I'd love to hear from you!  :)