Going more natural?

Washing and moisturizing my face has been something I have been doing my whole life. I've never given much thought before to the whole routine, using bar soap and body lotion most of my life on my face. In my teenage years, I added Noxema (oh the smell) and Ponds Face lotion, through my 20's routine of Cetaphil, Evian mineral water spray and Philosophy Hope in a Jar.

To talk a bit about my skin type, I have dry, sensitive skin. I have never had any issues with acne, I feel I have really been blessed in the skin department. I tan easily and rarely have any spots to deal with. I do not have a lot of fine lines or wrinkles yet but have been getting botox for an angry frown line for the last 4 years. I was experiencing "resting bitch face" on a daily basis. My husband and Psychiatrist (I am a psychiatric nurse, I don't see a psychiatrist myself at the moment, but I do work with one everyday) commented that I looked angry all the time, I'm really not, I just look like it when I don't have my Botox. Now, I "appear" to be a kinder, gentler version of myself.

I started getting facials on a pretty regular basis a few years ago when Melissa Landers moved to my "City" and set up "Three Graces Beauty Boutique". I now had a day spa to call my own. To say I am happy with the services she provides is an understatement. It is the best facial/pedicure I have ever experienced and I have been known to enjoy a spa or two. Since then, I have been using the Dermalogica line faithfully including: Essential Cleansing Solution, Daily Microfoliant, Ultra Calming Toner, Intensive Moisture Balance and the Skin Hydrating Mask.

Recently, I have been wanting to add/change/mix it up a bit by moving to more natural products in general in my life as I have touched on in previous posts. I am a pretty strong believer that chemicals are changing the way our bodies respond to disease and are basically causing us to die from Cancer...yes, I still put botulism into my face, so clearly you can see where I am with this concept in my own life. "Im trying to live more naturally" botulism IS natural she says (rolls eyes in disgust).

Anyway, beauty bloggers and you tube reviews have unanimously recommended the May Lindstrom Skin Care Line. I honestly have not read a bad thing about these products besides the price point. Its your face peeps...I only have one... forever. I was lucky enough to receive the Blue Cocoon and Youth Dew for my birthday this year to start my natural skin product journey. One more product I received from my parents (thanks mom & dad) was the One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm which is actually what this post is about, Surprise!

To be completely honest, I rarely washed my face at night before a couple months ago. I'm too tired before bed to bother, I can barely muster enough energy to brush my teeth before bed most days of the week (I'm up before 0530 for work everyday). This year I vowed to start a night time skin care regime. One love skin saviour has been my nighttime cleanser.

What is this balm and where prey tell did you get it, you ask?
Well, well...this balm is a luxurious multi-use balm made of "pure cold pressed plant oils, rich mango butter and" some extracts that can break down make up for cleansing, or slap it on as a moisturizer, add to mineral makeup for a glowing finish, putting in your hair to tame frizzes, or basically whatever the "f" you might need a balm for. It smells of fresh orange zest, nothing fake orangey smelling here, just like after your hands smell when you peel an orange.

Where did I get it? as you can imagine, my small city does not sell this line so I had to search the internet for a Canadian Retailer. I purchased this balm from Clementinefields.ca for $80.00 CND for 3.5 oz. It is available from other online retailers in Canada including Freshfaced.ca, Ecodivabeauty.com, hollyandivy.ca. A complete list of retailers is on One Love Organics Website: oneloveorganics.com. I ordered from Clementine fields because all the products I wanted were in stock and I also love the sample program so I can order a few more items to sample in my original order.  I rarely purchase products I do not like as I basically sample everything before I buy it. They all have various nuances in their pricing, free shipping promotions, sample programs and gift with purchase so I suggest checking them all out regularly to determine which store suits you best and where you can get the best deal. Clementine Fields packages everything so nicely so it really feels like I am receiving a gift, even when I purchased the items for myself.

The balm itself I have used nightly for cleansing, rubbing a small amount between my fingers then gentle massaging into the skin to take off my makeup (which I wear very little of). I use a warm wash cloth to remove this, the balm suggests a dry muslin cloth but I prefer the wet cloth method. I have also tried this balm as a moisturizer which was equally nice.

I really recommend this product if you are a dry gal/guy. The fact that I could do basically anything with it would make it fantastic for travel so I would only be taking 2 products, the balm and my toner...I can't seem to be without that step. I think it will last a while as I only use a small amount at night and occasionally during the day as a moisturizer. I will track how long it takes me to get through it to see if it is worth the $80.00. I rarely finish a product before I try something new but I really have to finish this and slow down on the frivolous buying, I'm renovating my basement! But for now, the addition of this balm to my routine has been a pleasure.

What is in my shopping bag currently for skin care: Khiels Midnight Recovery (still contemplating) and L' Occitane Almond Shower Oil.

Next Post: See my Luxe Box Adventure

Stila Field of Florals Convertible Lip & Cheek Palette Review

"Holy Balls, I love it" was the first thing I squealed when I opened this palette. I got this little beauty in the mail last week from my BFF for my 35th birthday. She bought it for me at Sephora Winnipeg at Polo Park likely as that is where we do most of our makeup shopping. I had been eyeing up this palette since it was released as you already know that I am a cream blusher addict. I have never tried any of these Stila convertible products before, in fact I own nothing, nada, by the Stila Brand.

This palette comes with 12 very wearable creams that you can apply to both cheek and lip. The packaging is a beautiful dull gold and personally I think that this would travel well. It is fairly small I would say about 3.5" X 3.5", can't find the fn tape measure when I need it.

These have a sheen ala Bobbi brown pot rouge, hence why they work for cheek and lip, but I do find they don't wear as long as pot rouge. For 12 great blush colors in one compact, that's completely fine with me. The color is pretty buildable and I find them quite pigmented. Long wear is really not a factor for me as I live in the boonies with little exciting night life that I involve myself in. As long as this wears past 4pm, I'm satisfied. I do not have a favourite color yet out of the palette but I can tell you it is the only blush I have worn all week. I love this palette and would recommend to anyone that likes creamy dewy cheek products. This will be my spring go to blush!

Colors from top left across then next row and across ect.

                                                         Swatches outside, just for fun...

This palette is a bit on the pricey side at $64.00 cnd. You can order it on sephora.com or purchase in store at Sephora. I like to buy online as you can add samples and specials to your cart that you don't necessarily get in store. Lately in store (Winnipeg polo park) I feel like when I ask for a sample I am "bothering" the sales people or you get a look like you are being cheap (only sometimes and depending who you get for a salesperson, I must add, I have had excellent service there as well). I get retail, I worked retail in my younger years, but making an assumption that I am going to ask for samples and not return to purchase anything kinda makes me feel like when Julia Roberts is shopping on Rodeo Drive in "Pretty Woman", I feel like saying "remember me, I was here yesterday, big mistake, big, huge....".  https://youtu.be/u0Suo8Gshk4

Unfortunately, we don't have Ulta or other beauty supply stores besides Hudson Bay and Shoppers Drug Mart, which don't carry the same brands, so I continue to shop at Sephora hoping I will get the consultant who isn't feeling as though I am taking samples from her personal make up collection or wasting her time by trying product before I buy it so I am not returning full size used products. End Rant.

What products are you buying for spring time?

Next post: Adding (and finding) Natural Skin Products

What's in my shopping cart right now? Khiel's Midnight Recovery

To Miel or Not to Miel....Nuxe Reve De Miel Review

I am a balm/gloss kinda girl. I like something simple that I don't have to worry about on my teeth or smudged up the side the face mid day. Don't get me wrong, I love the look of a bright lipstick. It looks so courageous and stylish. A bright bold statement lip with a minimalist outfit, hot damn it makes me want to shop! I stare at the salespeople at Sephora with their Nars Audacious or Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks, longingly wishing I could pull it off without looking.... or more like feeling, like an old street whore.... or an 8 year getting caught playing with my mom's Mary Kay Lipstick.

Soo I have used alot of lip balms. Usually the drug store variety resulting in chapped lips and the constant need for reapplication. My husband can attest to my constant request to borrow his "lipchap" which he would not be caught without (#addicted to lipbalm). I do not share lip balms regularly as I have been blessed with a cold sore free face and would love to stay that way!

I have never found the perfect balm until I read a million blogs talking about this Nuxe Reve De Miel. Essie Button indicated it was "the bomb.com" or something akin to that so I knew I had to run out an get some. And by run, I mean sit on my sofa for hours with my credit card in hand frantically and obsessively searching online for where I can get this shiz right the "F" now in Canada!

Hudson Bay?... Thebay.ca has a great cosmetics selection and shipping is uber fast, many things arriving within 4 days of ordering to my rural post office box. Reve De Miel costs $17.00 plus tax and $5.95 standard shipping. Thebay.ca ships free over $99 and often has reduced shipping costs or deals for using your Bay Mastercard. I have one for just this purpose.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm

When this little package arrived I was impressed. This was the 20th Anniversary Edition, not the packaging I ordered online. The box is a pretty pearly cream and pink duo, the weight of the box signaled something subtantial and expensive inside. I know most people don't care about that, but when I am paying $25.00 for a lip balm...I do. Reve de Miel is packaged in an exquisite little glass jar with a pink lid. Glass makes everything feel a little more luxe as far as I am concerned. We have moved to a plastic world so I feel like glass has an old feel to it, reminiscent of more luxurious times. I keep it on my nightstand and look forward to using it daily.

The texture is thick and matte, not glossy at all so it does not move around or off my lips easily. The smell and feel is something so familiar, like a different balm from another time? I might be thinking of Lush Lip Service?? Which I do not have anymore but did purchase years ago. I wondering if anyone out there felt the same..... It is citrusy sweet like an orange/grapefruit and feels dull and moisturizing on the lips. After 8 hours sleep, I wake up with this still on my lips.

Shiny Smith's Minted Rose Left-Matte Reve De Miel Right 

I love this balm and I am happy that I do as it is pricey, but wearing it everyday, I can completely justify the cost. This little balm will last a long time at .58oz. SO...the answer is yes...Miel it up!

Next balm in my shopping cart: Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

Top 5 Cream Blushers

I like cream blushers. I have very dry skin and the winter makes it feel like I need an extra layer on my cheeks just to keep warm. I like the look of cream blushers in the winter for a moist, dewy glow and equally in the summer for the same reasons. This glow doesn't come naturally in our climate, unless it is 32 degrees celsius in late July and I am "sweating my proverbial balls off", which is the only reason I am glowing. At 35, I yearn for that glow. My bff and I swoon over photos of our long lost glowing skin, careless, usually intoxicated "Shiny Happy People". I find that look again on hot holidays when the humidity leaves this skin radiant and when I wear cream blush. I think I was meant to live in the tropics.........sigh........anyway, blushers......

5) Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee: This little summertime/weekend gem is $26.00 at Sephora.com (Canadian Site). They indicate that it is a mix of coconut water and argan oil which delivers a dewy blush "that gives you the natural look of a cream and the hydration and staying power of a gel"(josiemarancosmetics.com). I purchased this in Island Pink which I believe was a limited release as it is no longer available. It is a super sheer wash of colour in my opinion that can smear around your foundation a bit leaving me reaching for this usually on the weekend when I typically don't wear any. It is beautiful in the summer or on hot vacation for that dewy sheer glow. It does stain slightly so the staying power is pretty good. Below is the arm swatch with 2 significant finger swipes so it is definitely a sheer.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee: Island Pink

4) Makeup Forever HD Second Skin CreamBlush: $31.00 a piece at Sephora.com. I must have really liked this blush when it first came out as I purchased it in 220 light sand, 310 rosewood and 410 Coral. Makeupforever.com indicates it's "new cream blush melts on the skin for an extremely natural flush of color with long lasting results. It's blendable, second skin texture allows for easy controlled application". It further talks about it giving flawless results and that it is HD camera tested. I like the look of this cream when I am wanting something more matte, no dewiness to these ones ladies/gents. It blends easy and is very pigmented. I use a brush to apply this one. It can show off those lovely cheek hairs so a light hand and lots of blending is necessary.

Makeup Forever HD Second Skin 310, 220, 410



3) Kevyn Aucoin: The Creamy Moist Glow: $26.00 at Beautymarkcosmetics.ca. I have Liquidfusia and have had it for years....this ridiculously pigmented little pot will last forever. It is described on all websites I have seen as a "ultra sheer flush of colour"? Ah, What...not mine. This georgious fuchsia adds an instant blast of "sheer" colour to the cheeks. I apply with my finger dabbing lightly. I would like to purchase another couple colours of this, the packaging has also changed to a square compact with mirror. 

Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Moist Glow Liquidfushia

2) ooh its so close.... Nyx Cosmetics Cream Blush: I purchased this off Amazon.ca for $6.00 plus shipping. WTF? A $6.00 blush is number 2... yes and because it is $6.00 I will be purchasing more of these cream blushers. The packaging is pretty crappy and feels like a cheap product but the consistency of this cream is what is worth as much as any I have previously described. I chose Tea Rose. Nyxcosmetics.com describes this blush as "Our velvety smooth mineral rouge cream blush offers a sheer wash of radiant colour. The glorious payoff is dewy, sultry and long lasting." I agree, nothing more to add there. 

Nyx Cosmetics Cream Blush Tea Rose


1) The shiz...the big cheese.. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks: Blushed Rose $32.00 at Sephora.ca. I see you can order directly from Bobbi Brown with shipping to Canada now which is awesome as Sephora has only 2 colours, not including this one. Strange as it was a sample and I got it from Sephora. There are always shipping promotions as well which is a bonus and it doesn't look like you will have to pay any duty which is something I look for in a retailer that ships to Canada. I will be adding a few more of these to my collection. This product is dewy and moisturizing and can be used for both cheeks and lips. I hate cheek products on lips (smell, feel) so you won't see me sporting that but you could, if you liked that kinda thing. You can see that this product imparts a shine on your cheeks which is exactly what I am looking for in a blush. I recommend you give this a try if you have combo/dry skin and are looking for a new cream blush.

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge Blushed Rose

Any blush recommendations or products I have to try?? What are you loving or hating right now for blushes. 

In my shopping cart right now: Stila's limited edition cheek/lip palette

That one thing...

I think all shopping fans have that one thing that they just can't resist, the thing that they have alot of  but never enough of whether it be shoes, white shirts or rings. In my case it's blush. I love blush. I love a plethora of things, but in particular blush is the one thing I cannot resist purchasing when at Sephora. There are so many formulas and textures to add a hint of flush or a maniacal blast of color to the cheeks. It is my thing, that one thing....

It is just breaking out of the deep cold in Manitoba, windy and blowing these days and I have been reaching for the cream blushers on the daily lately. They feel particularly moisturizing right now with the state of my skin being soooo dry.

What blushers are you loving right now or do I need try? Stay tuned for a top cream blusher post with some surprising results!

Samples...yes please.

I need to try May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon. I found myself obsessing over this thought last month after watching beauty Guru Caroline Hirons rave about slathering this blue goo all over her face. At $193.00 plus tax in Canada to rub this unicorn oil on my face, I immediately thought to myself, I wish I could try a sample of this before I take the plunge.

I am interested in a more natural lifestyle (interested, I said). I had made an attempt previously to moisturize exclusively with coconut oil, which resulted in epic failure. How could rubbing oil on my skin make it soo incredibly dry? After a short 4 day stint I was so uncomfortable I was slathering hand cream on my face and body at work. So I googled it and I guess that happens sometimes...blah blah, molecules... and went back to my regular Dermalogica face and Body Shop Coconut Body Butter routine. Ain't nobody got time for that!

So began my internet search for May Lindstrom samples for sale in Canada for delivery to a post office box in Manitoba. ClementineFields.ca was the answer to my OCD like obsession.Their sample program was unlike anything I have seen (besides at Sephora in store). Put up to 5 samples in your online shopping cart, pay for shipping $8.00 and badabing, badaboom, May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon was resting peacefully on my kitchen island the following week.

I, of course, ordered more that 1 sample. The packaging and personalized note from "Clementine" was a lovely touch. The samples are generous, actually allowing a few good tries to determine if this was something my sensitive skin would tolerate.

Now to gush about the May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon, it was like a tiny angel came into my bedroom while I slumbered and peed all over my face, in a good way. I awoke with a glow of youth like I have not seen in years, and a little goes a long way. This solid oil requires a small, pea size amount rubbed between your fingertips to melt, then I use a light fingertip dancing or tapping motion all over your face/ neck. This 50ml jar is $193.00... You tap that glorious oil on your face, no rough rubbing here, fingertip dancing. I have used this at night as an overnight "treatment" and during the day under mineral powder foundation, ala Laura Mercier, as my moisturizer. It's beautiful either way. I would be remissed if I did not talk about the smell. To me it is chocolates, mint and spa all combined together. It smells relaxing. What more could you ask for?

So, you would think that I would be purchasing this oil immediately.... I have chose to ask for it as a
birthday gift. Did I already mention that it is $193.00? Worth every not my money penny if you ask me! I will mention here that this genius sample program is available at freshfaced.ca, who I also ordered samples from. They sell very similar products. I did find their products a bit more cost effective with that same Blue Cocoon price tag at $ 179, what the what? deal.

Bronzer or Bust...

I f@ckin love bronzer. I wear it everyday, without fail. It gives life to a dreary winter face and kisses my complexion with that extra hint of sun in the warm summer months. It is one of my beauty must haves and would make it into my imaginary desert island backpack, along with a blush, a lip balm, mascara, moisturizer and some sensical stuff like a knife, a lighter and my bulldog Rosco (I love him more than bronzer). My husband could come too, as it is a fact that his set of skills would be the only way I would survive on a desert island. I digress, back to the bronzer...

I prefer the look of a matte bronzer and found my first love in Benefit Hoola. It was the perfect matte bronzer for everyday, great for contouring, all aroun good stuff, until Bobbie Brown Bronzing
Powder Natural 1 came into my life.

 BB1, which I will lovingly refer to this beauty as, is a seriously beautiful bronzer. The texture is soft and the color is a not too red perfect bronzing for a medium toned complexion. Fair ladies be warned.. This would be on the cray cray side of bronzer for you, unless you used a light hand or like that "I'm too pale for this bronzer look". The packaging is weighty and travels well, I will be repurchasing this bronzer soon as I have hit pan and frankly don't want to be without it. There are a few colours to choose from, so really something for everyone. I purchased directly from Sephora Polo Park Winnipeg, Mb but also check out Sephora.com to order in Canada. Shipping over $75 is free and it's not that difficult to hit 75 bucks when your bronzer costs $46.00, yep sorry ladies/gents this ones spensive but is worth the splurge.