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 // SheaMoisture Facial Moisturizers

My first experience with SheaMoisture products was with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, of which did not work for me (shocker - since I have fine hair).  I probably should have tried the volumizing formula.  Anyhow, shortly after that I noticed that Target was stocking more of their products, including skincare.  This intrigued me (since I'm pretty much obsessed with natural beauty care) and I decided to give this company another go.  This time I opted to try their facial moisturizers.  

A bit about the company... SheaMoisture was started by Sofi Tucker, who sold Shea nuts at her village market in Bonthe, Sierra Leone in 1912. By age 19, the widowed mother of four was selling her Shea butter and African black soap all over the countryside. Her grandchildren now continue her legacy through the Shea Moisture brand.
They create culturally-authentic, time-tested skin and hair care remedies from family recipes using all-natural and fair trade ingredients.

 
SheaMoisture products don't contain Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, DEA, PABA, Synthetic Fragrance or Artificial Color. And they do not participate in animal testing.  YAY!

PACKAGING
 

Both moisturizers come in boxes, with a surprising amount of info on them.  It talks about who they are, what the product is, how it's for, what's in it and how to use it.  This makes it a breeze to purchase their products even if you've never heard of them before... a great marketing technique.. props SM.  There's nothing I hate more than a product who's box doesn't show the ingredients and how to use it... who wants to be that weirdo opening all the boxes in the beauty isle?  Well, it's usually me, but I digress...  

The actually container is a recyclable glass jar with a plastic lid.  Even though it's glass, it's fairly thick so I think it would be fine to travel with.  The plastic lid seems very sturdy and durable, as well, and it screws on and off easily.  The jar label has all of the the info as the box, sans who they are.  I love this becasue all the product info is still available, even if you throw out the box.  Some people don't like jars, but I actually do becasue all of the product is available, unlike a lot of hard plastic bottles with pumps...you know there's still 1/5 of the product left in there after the pumps stops dispensing.  I couldn't tell you how many of those I've macgyvered open to get those last drips and drabs.  If you don't, that's just money wasted.  As long as you dip in with clean fingers, 

I think it's all good.

 

PRODUCT

I still use a few drops of my jojoba or maracuja oil at night, but have also been supplementing with the Raw Shea Butter Anti-Aging Moisturizer (2 oz.), especially if my skin has felt parched that day.  I like to use the Coconut & Hibiscus Spot Correcting Moisturizer in the morning under my make up.

The Raw Shea Butter Anti-Aging moisturizer (2 oz.) is recommended for dry and aging skin, but I have combination/aging and it works great.  I mainly use this as a night cream to combat wrinkles and loss of elasticity, which I am starting to notice more and more as I creep towards 30.  It has a light beige color and the scent is slightly spicy & earthy, but doesn't linger once applied.   It has a creamy consistency, which absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling super hydrated, not greasy.  

Beyond that, I love all of the good ingredients that are helping make my skin look younger and healthier.  Essential fatty acids help lift and re-define facial contours while improving elasticity. Natural oils, and cocoa & Shea butter soften and smooth the skin.  Frankincense and Myrrh help in defending against fine lines and wrinkles, revitalizing dull skin. Their benefits actually date back thousands of years and range from use in cosmetics and perfumes to anti-inflammatory medicinal benefits.

I've definitely noticed on nights when I use this, the next morning my skin looks tighter and more balanced.  It's not an instant miracle worker on the fine lines I do have, but I feel like they have gotten softer 

since I've been using this.

 

The Coconut & Hibiscus Spot Correcting moisturizer (2 oz.) is recommended for dull and uneven skin, which I am prone to, especially in my dryer areas.  I also have freckles and a few acne scars.  I like to use this under my makeup in the mornings, becasue it's a bit lighter than the Shea formula.  It has a bright white color and the scent is sweet & tropical, and again, doesn't linger once applied... although I kind of wish it would.  YUM.   It still has a creamy consistency, which absorbs quickly, but it's light.  Unfortunately, it's not quite moisturizing enough for me sometimes, so I will add a moisturizing facial spray (another post for another time) or a dab of the Raw Shea moisturizer in my dry areas.  I've only been using this during the winter, so this may be fine during the summertime.  We shall see...  

Again, this formula contains all natural ingredients, this time, helping give a more even, radiant glow to the skin.  Shea butter and organic coconut oil nourish and firm skin with Vitamin E and K, iron and fatty acids.  While, hibiscus flower and Songyi mushroom extracts help brighten the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone.

I'm almost done with this jar, as you can see in the image above, and I can honestly say that some of my darker freckles and the few acne scars I have, are lighter and my face does seem a bit brighter over all.  It's hard to say if it's solely becasue of this moisturizer, but I definitely think it has contributed.

 

PRICING

$ out of $$$

 These facial moisturizers range in price from $12 - $15 depending on which you get and where you buy them.  To me at first, this seemed a little high, but in comparison to some other all-natural moisturizers I've seen, which were around $30 for 1.5 oz, this is actually a pretty good deal.

PURCHASING

You can purchase SheaMoisture products - face, hair, body and Baby - at most local drugstores.  I got mine at target.  Their website has a full list.  Since it's under construction at the moment though, you can check out their Facebook page for more info. 

 CONCLUSION

Overall, I really like these moisturizers and I think I'll definitely purchase them again.  They have no nasty ingredients, do what they say and are reasonably priced.  There are a few other brands I might like to try out though, so maybe after those.  :)  Always on the hunt for the best in natural skincare!  Oh, and those of you that have oily or acne prone skin there is actually another line specifically for that.  African Black Soap Problem Skin Moisturizer may be for you! 

I have been trying out some of their lotion and body wash, as well.  I'll be sharing my thoughts on those in a few weeks, so definitely check back for that.  

And please leave a comment below, if you've tried these or any other SheaMoisture products that you can't live without!  I'd love to hear.  :)

 

review // Tarte - The Tarte of Giving Set - PART I

I think I mentioned in my Sephora VIB Haul post that I've been really loving Tarte Cosmetics.  I got into them over the summer when I was searching for more high performance makeup for my wedding, but I still wanted it to be as natural as possible.  Success.

  So when I saw The Tarte of Giving Set at Sephora during the VIB sale, it seemed like a no-brainier way to try more of their products at a great price.  Like I mentioned in that post, unfortunately, I can't find this on Sephora.com or Tarte.com, but I was actually able to find it on Amazon and Ebay since then.

I've decided to do in-depth reviews on the included best sellers {PART I} becasue they are still readily available.  I will just do general reviews on the eye palette and glosses {PART II}, becasue they are not a part of Tarte's regular collection. I do think reviews on limited edition items can still give a good indication of the overall quality of products that a company puts out.

Okay, there's a lot in here, so let's. get. started.

PACKAGING

The items in this set come in the cutest quilted, purple satin travel bag that opens to reveal two roomy zippered mesh pockets and a clear removable zippered pouch.  The travel bag has shiny gold details and a hook for hanging, so it's perfect on-the-go. I usually find that bags that come with sets can be flimsy or so haphazardly made that they fall apart after one use, but this bag is sturdy and nicely constructed.  It feels like it could take some wear and withstand it fairly well.  

Beyond using natural materials in the products, Tarte also tries to develop sustainable components for the individual product packaging. Much of which can often be re-used to help reduce environmental waste.  All of these products seem well made and come in durable plastics, glass, and cardboard.  I haven't had any problems with the packaging cracking or breaking so far.

PRODUCTS
 

 Inside the clear pouch are deluxe minis of some of Tarte's greatest products (in my opinion).  

They include:

- 0.23 oz Deluxe Pure Maracuja Oil
- 0.08 oz Deluxe Maracuja C-Brighter™ Eye Treatment
- 0.16 oz Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-In-1 Mascara 

  - 0.05 oz Deluxe Limited-Edition Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush in Memorable
- 0.17 oz Deluxe Cheek Stain in Flush

I've been using oil on my face to cleanse and moisturize for over a year now, but I have not tried an oil like the Pure Maracuja Oil from Tarte.  It is so lightweight and fast-absorbing.  I can really tell that it un-tightens my driest areas, but doesn't "grease up" my T-Zone.  I also feel like it helps to even out my redness to give me a more even complexion and it doesn't make me break out, which is awesome.  The website says that the '"nutrient-rich oil contains vitamin C and essential fatty acids.  Vitamin C brightens dull skin for a radiant, dewy, and luminous complexion, while the essential fatty acids repair and rebuild skin, and promote skin recovery by reducing redness, irritation, and inflammation."  Yeah, that sounds about right.  It has a faint nutty smell that doesn't linger, and it's dispensed with a dropper, so it's not a messy application. This size will last you about a month using it just at night, so there's definitely enough to test it.  It's also great for travel.  I pat 5-6 drops all over my face and neck at night after cleansing, and wake up with soft, more even skin.  Win.

Right after applying the Maracuja oil, I dab the Maracuja C-Brighter™ Eye Treatment under and around my eye area, every night. Tarte says this cream visibly hydrates, firms and brightens the delicate eye area with the power of Maracuja oil, plus rice bran, mango, oat sugars and coconut.  It smells a bit citrusy, which is nice.  Again, it's a good amount to be able to test for a month or so and see if you like it.  It only took a couple weeks for me to see results.  I have lots of tiny fine lines around my eyes due to my genes, and the fact that I have super dry under-eyes, and I have started to see improvement in the look of these lines.  I think it has a lot to do with the fact that this cream does a great job of hydrating that area.  And bonus... it doesn't irritate my eyes one bit.  I honestly can't say yet if it has 'brightened' my eye area, but I don't have a major problem with under eye darkness, so it's hard to tell.  Either way, I'm sold by it's line-diminishing and moisturizing abilities.  In fact, I just ordered a full size one becasue I'm loving it so much..and I'm almost done with this one. Oops.  :)  I think I'll right a follow up once I make my way through that one.

I've also already been using the Lights, Camera, Lashes™ 4-In-1 Mascara, since I first sampled one in a 500 Point Tarte bundle reward .  It's my new fav.  I feel like it's the first more-natural-mascara that hasn't let me down in some way.  The brush is amazing, it is densely packed with bristles, and separates and lengthens without clumping.  Not too big or too small (approx. 1" long), and could be used for both upper and lower lashes.  The formula is even better... one or two coats, no flaking or smudging.  The only sort of negative thing I will say is that when I first opened a bottle of the full size version (yes, I bought that between the 500 point bundle and this set), the formula is a tad bit more liquid than I like.  I prefer it to be just a smidge dryer.  I find it's a little easier to control on my lashes that way.  So, I stopped just short of fully tightening the cap (on the full size) for the first week or so.  I like it better, but you may want to try it how it comes and decide for yourself.  Honestly, I didn't have this issue with the deluxe mini versions...so I'm not sure what's up with that, buuut whatever.  I still get awesome results, so it's all good.  I don't curl my lashes, since I've been blessed with naturally curled ones, so it's hard for me to say if the formula keeps a curl or not.  But I've read other reviews that say it does.  It smells sort of like herbally clay, I know that sounds weird..ha, but it isn't noticeable when you're using it or after it's on.  Definitely, a keeper.

  
The Amazonian 12-Hour Clay Blush in Memorable is a slightly shimmery mauve pink shade.  It seems like it would work on a variety of skin tones, cool to warm.  The compact is the same packaging as the full size, just smaller, but I have no problem tapping my brush in the product and applying like normal.  The color is definitely buildable from light to pretty intense, you just have to layer.  I do like to keep it light and it gives a nice rosy glow look.  Since I don't apply a lot, I find it's hard to tell if it last's 12 hours without fading, but I do know that it doesn't streak or separate and I definitely still see it after 8 hours of work.  My makeup doesn't usually last much longer than that...since I like to wash my face soon after I get home. The color seems to stay true, as well.  I just started dabbling in blush so this is still a new category for me. Overall, it's really nice though.

I do have to say that I think I am loving cream and stain blushes a bit better.  Maybe it's becasue I have dryer cheeks and powder blushes just sit on top of the dryness sometimes.  I don't know, but I think creams/stains gives me more natural, believable color. This Cheek Stain in Flush is great.  I love the color.  It's a very sheer berry red (with no sparkles) on the skin (pic above right is just applied - patting it in creates a softer look), although it's quite a bold raspberry in the packaging.  This one is actually a gel consistency, but some in the line are a cream.  I love how this feels on the skin.  It's light and moisturizing.  I swipe two fingers over the product and then dab on my cheeks and it melts right in leaving a nice wash of color.  It contains the five most active superfruits: goji, açaí, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate, which help soothe and soften your skin every time you use it.  It's also alcohol free and doesn't clog your pores.  But the BEST thing is that it smells like raspberry gelato, with just a hint of citrus.  Yum.  I can't stop smelling it!  I can't wait to try some of the other shades.

Check back tomorrow for reviews { PART II } on the Tarte of Giving limited edition eyeshadow palette and lip glosses!

P.S. - Sorry I didn't post during the past few weeks...I really wanted to enjoy the holidays (and I did!) and not fret about posting.  I do have some great new ideas for 2014 though...so get ready!!

100% Pure Teaser...

I promise I haven't forgot about sharing natural beauty product reviews with you guys.  I'm just behind! ;)

Aaaand, to show you I haven't forgotten, I thought I'd share a teaser for my next product review...

I just received these lovelies in the mail this week and cannot wait to try them out!

This Natural Beauty set was a 100% Pure weekly special and a huge value! I saved $30 on products I've been wanting to try, just by buying them in the set.  Seriously, sign up for their emails...it. is. worth it.

I've been a user of 100% products for almost a year now and LOVE them. If you missed my other 100% Pure reviews, you can check them out by clicking on the links below:

100% Pure Cosmetics - Part 1

100% Pure Cosmetics - Part 2

100% Pure Cosmetics - Part 3

I'll report back in a couple weeks on this batch of goodies, once I give it a go!

 

A Multitude of Uses for Essential Oils

I would have posted this a few days ago, but I've been a little batty this past week with wedding timelines and pretty reception inspirations floating around and colliding in my head... So here I am... sharing it now.  :)

Last week I received a lovely little package in the mail.  An essential oils sampler from Eden's Garden.  Yay!  Not as excited as me?  Well, you should be... Essential oils can be used for soooo much!  I purchase Lavender and Vanilla from EG last year, and decided it was time to branch out with some other oils I've been reading about lately. This sampler set includes: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint, Tea Tree. And at less than $20 on sale, a great way to try them out!


Here are just some of the uses for essential oils:

Personal/Body Care Uses 

Body Oils  //  Mix 1 cup carrier oil with 30-60 drops essential oil. Use as a moisturizer after a shower or add to a bath.  

Body Butter  //  Make your own body butter and scent it using your favorite essential oils. I love Lavender and vanilla for this idea. 

Sugar Scrub  //  To make a basic scrub, mix 1 cup sugar with 1/2 cup carrier oil (Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Olive Oil, etc.) and add 4-6 drops of the essential oil of your choice. Try this yummy Brown Sugar Vanilla recipe. 

Salt Scrub  //  Same concept as a sugar scrub, except using salt. Using eucalyptus or peppermint would be nice for tried, achy feet! 

Mouthwash  //  Again, another DIY I want to try, using peppermint essential oil. 

Blemish Remover  //  Put a drop of Tea Tree oil on a blemish and watch it disappear.   

Deodorant  //  This is one of my next DIYs to try, using tea tree and lavender essential oils. Update to come! 

Toothpaste  //  You can make your own toothpaste using coconut oil, baking soda, and peppermint essential oil. I am in the process of testing this recipe out and will post on it in a few weeks, so make sure you check back!

 

Home Remedies 

Sunburn  //  Fill a 4 oz. glass spray bottle with distilled water and add 10 drops lavender essential oil. Spray on burnt area to relieve pain and promote healing. 

Headaches  //  Apply 1-2 drops of peppermint essential oil to temples, forehead, and back of neck. Dilute with a carrier oil for sensitive skin. 

DIY Vapo-Rub  //  To make your own Vapo-Rub, just add an essential oil such as eucalyptus to a carrier oil and rub on chest, back and the bottoms of feet to relieve congestion and coughing. 

First Aid for Cuts and Scrapes  //  Combine Lavender or Tea Tree oil with a carrier oil and apply to cuts and scrapes. 

Cold Sores and Canker Sores  //  Dilute Tea Tree essential oil and apply 1-2 drops directly to the cold sore.

 

Household Uses 

Cleaning/Disinfecting  //  Add several drops of your favorite essential oil to 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar for an all purpose cleaner. Lemon would be good. 

Floor Cleaner  //  Try a fresh citrus floor cleaner, using only water, castile soap, and lemon and orange essential oils. 

Linen Spray/Room Spray  //  Fill a small glass spray bottle with distilled water and add essential oil until the mixture reaches the potency desired. 

Air Freshener  //  Fill a jar about 1/2 full of baking soda along with 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil. Using a hammer and nail, poke holes in the lid and place somewhere your air needs freshening.  

Laundry  //  If you make your own laundry detergent, you can add essential oil to scent it or you can add 3-5 drops of essential oil to your detergent before each load. I have also been using a cloth sprayed with vinegar and several drops of Eucalyptus in the dryer to replace dryer sheets! 

Clean your mattress  //  Add several drops of essential oil (maybe Lavender) to a cup of baking soda and sprinkle over mattress. Leave for an hour and then vacuum up.  
Goo-Gone  //  Use several drops of lemon essential oil or other citrus based oil to remove sticker gunk, such as when you want to get a label off of a jar. 

 Just Remember...

 Essential oils can be used aromatically, topically, or taken internally. However, especially for topical and internal use, it’s important to make sure you are using high quality, 100% pure essential oils. Many of the essential oils on the market are produced solely for their aromatic quality and so are not of high enough quality to be used on your skin or in your body.

Always make sure you do your research before using essential oils as some are not recommended in certain circumstances (such as while pregnant).

Essential oils can be very powerful, so a little goes a long way. Most uses require only a few drops of essential oil. If you store essential oils in a cool, dark place, they will keep for years.



Also, check out Crunchy Betty’s 21 Things You Should Know About Essential Oils for further information...so interesting!


I very excited to try out some of the uses above with the oils I just received...I'll let you know how it goes!! 

The Oil Cleansing Method

dun, dun, dun.....

Ever since I did a post on 10 Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients to Avoid, where I talk about my all-natural skincare regime (including the Oil Cleansing Method), I've received a lot of questions about what the OCM really is and how to do it.

Well, never fear my friends! I've decided to do a detailed post to explain, at least the way that I do it, so that any of you who are interested in giving it a try will have something to follow, or start with. So, here it is!

pic source

Let me start by mentioning that I've been faithfully using the OCM every night for almost a year now.  And, I LOVE IT.  I honestly don't remember where I first heard about the OCM (maybe Pinterest??), but I do remember that I 'Googled' the heck out of it before I started.  

(Side note:  What the heck did we do before 'Googling' was a thing??)

I've mentioned most of this in this post, but to summarize, I gave the OCM a try because of the on-going skin issues I had since the age of 18. I just couldn't seem to find anything in the drug stores or at the dermatologist that helped.  Then, about a year and a half ago, when I found out that my problems (red, itchy, acne-prone skin) could be caused by all of the synthetic chemicals put into the majority of mainstream products, I vowed to try and cut them out of my regime (and my life!). That left me looking for more natural cleansing products, of which I tried a few, but eventually led me to the Oil Cleansing Method. An ALL-natural alternative.

I know what you're thinking right now... "But Katie, it's oil.  Isn't it bad to put oil on your face? I mean, won't it cause breakouts and stuff!?"  It does seem counter-intuitive and goes against what we've always thought, but it's actually good for you... for real! Better than I could explain it, here are two excerpts that I think are a good intro to the OCM.

The basic concept of this skin care and cleansing method is that the oil used to massage your skin will dissolve the oil that has hardened with impurities and found itself stuck in your pores. The steam will open your pores, allowing the oil to be easily removed. Should you need it, the smallest drop of the same oil formula patted over damp skin will provide the necessary lubrication to keep your skin from over-compensating in oil production. //source//

and this...

Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. Oil, alone, will not bring you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads, whiteheads…these are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. It is not a malicious force to be reckoned with; it is there for the benefit of your skin, allowing your largest organ to function properly. It is naturally occurring. Not only does your natural oil help lubricate, it also heals, protects, and moisturizes your skin so that it may function properly. Properly functioning skin is beautiful, clear, and glowing. Learning to work with your skin, not against it, will save you tremendously. //source//

So let's jump in, shall we?

Supplies:

The only things you really need to get started are your cleansing oil mixture and two clean dry washcloths. I bought a couple packs of these from Target, so I can use fresh ones frequently. 

Your cleansing oil is a mixture of Castor Oil and a moisturizing carrier oil (like Olive Oil).  You can even add certain essential oils to the mix, like tea tree, if you are acne-prone.  However, I'd suggest starting with just the two oils until your skin (and you) get used to the method.

Here are some suggestions in creating your blend of cleansing oil:

• Oily Skin:  30% Castor Oil to 70% carrier oil.
• Balanced Skin:  20% Castor Oil to 80% carrier oil.
• Dry Skin: 10% Castor Oil to 90% carrier oil.

I have dry skin, so I found that the 1:9 ratio works best for me.  I also like to use Organic Olive Oil as my carrier oil.  If you're unsure what to try, Crunchy Betty has a good resource about Carrier Oils for different skin types, check it out here.  Now remember, these formulas are meant as a guide. You will most likely need to make a few adjustments until you reach your perfect recipe.

 I like to use a dark glass bottle with dropper for my oil mix (It allows for cleaner dispensing, but you can use any clean jar or bottle.  You can find bottles like mine at health food stores, like Whole Foods, or online.  To make it easier, I use a 1/2 tsp to measure out my oils...so for me [1]1/2 tsp Castor & [9]1/2 tsps Olive.  That way there's no figuring out exact measurements, its just spoonfuls. 

Okay, ready to get started?

The Method:

1. Start With a Dry Face.  Pour a quarter-sized amount of your oil mixture into your palm and rub together to warm up.
2. Massage Your Face.  Gently apply the oil to your face in a circular motion. Massage it into your skin, but don’t scrub.   Continue to massage the oil into your skin for 30-60 seconds.  Concentrate on areas with blocked pores.
3. Steam Your Pores. Turn on the tap to very hot water (as hot as you can stand, but NOT scalding). Saturate one of your washcloths, wring it out, then lay it across your face to steam your pores open. Leave it on until it cools back down to room temperature..about a minute.
4. Massage Again.  While it's still on your face, gently massage through the washcloth for another 5-10 seconds to work out any impurities from your pores.
5. Steam Again.  Rinse the wash cloth, wring it out, and lay it on your face a second time.
6. Clean Your Face. Once it cools down, rinse it again, then gently wipe your face clean, removing all the dirt and impurities from your skin and pores. Finally, splash your face with cool water to close pores. Use the second, dry washcloth to gently pat dry.
7. Moisturize. (0ptional) There should be a thin layer of oil still on your skin to balance and protect.  But if skin feels a little tight after (as mine usually does since it's super dry), feel free to moisturize with a tiny bit of your carrier oil.  (I prefer to use a separate bottle of Jojoba Oil to moisturize, and I pat 4-5 drops all over my face.  A tiny bit of Coconut Oil would be a great option too.)

Just a few Notes:

• It’s best to do this at night, before going to bed. Some people do it every night (like me), some do it every other night, and some do it just a few times a week.  Go with whatever feels natural and necessary for you.  In the morning, I cleanse with Raw Honey, and I use a lemon honey mask/scrub about once a week (more on that later!).  The one thing I would probably steer clear of is switching up the OCM with a store-bought facial cleanser that contains sulfates or sulfides. You’ll just confuse your skin and it won’t know what to do with its own oil. 
• Don’t be alarmed if for the first few days, your skin looks like it’s getting worse – that’s normal! It just means that the oils are working and are cleansing your pores by bringing all the lingering dirt and impurities to the surface.  Your oil production will balance out and the breakouts will get better!
• When you are ready to replenish your oil blend, I recommend thoroughly cleaning your bottle with dish soap or popping it in the dishwasher.  Then make sure to completely dry it before pouring in the new oil, so that bacteria isn't introduced to the bottle.
• And last but not least, remember that the Oil Cleansing Method is not a cure-all.  The best way to combat skin troubles is through diet, i.e. drink plenty of water and steer clear of processed and chemical-rich foods.  If you do these things and add in the OCM, and you'll be on your way to better looking skin, hair and nails in no time!

So that's it!  I really love how soft and clear my skin has been using this method and the best parts are that it's 100% natural and super CHEAP!

My Challenge: 

TRY IT. For 2 weeks. If your skin isn’t clearer, softer, and overall happier, go back to whatever skincare regime you’ve been using. No Loss... but, I bet you’ll fall in love. 

Please feel free to comment or send me an email with any questions.  And if you've tried or are using the OCM, I'd also love to hear your thoughts and experiences!