Category: Beauty

Dry Brushing for Glowing Skin

May 30, 2018
The Healing Art of Dry Brushing Revealed
From teeth to hair and even nails, we use a variety of brushes every day in our self care rituals. Undoubtedly, it is hygienic to brush. But, have you ever brushed the largest organ of your body? Yes, we're talking skin. And not with a loofah and water, but with a dry brush that looks similar to the one you brush your hair with. If you’re hearing about dry brushing for skin for the first time, you are going to be amazed at how awesome a new brush can make your skin feel! Disclaimer - if you have extremely sensitive skin, dry brushing may not be for you. We recommend starting softly...

Josie Maran – Argan Oil Light

November 15, 2017
We’re sure you’re already in the know, but Argan oil has been gaining immense popularity for its multi-purpose benefits for the past few years.  Produced from an the fruit of an Argan tree, which only grows in Southwestern Morocco; Argan oil and has been beneficial in treating and moisturizing both skin and hair. Growing up in a very small, antiquated town in northeastern Pennsylvania, I cycled through the harsh stuff from my dermatologist for treating my breakouts, dry skin, and various skin-related conditions.  You know; the gels, creams, and chemical topicals that tend to overdry...

Petit Vour Beauty Box Review

October 10, 2017
All hail the subscription box! I’ve tried a great many, and I’ve seen the good the bad and the ugly of customer service, product packaging, billing, tracking packages, and the products themselves.  In scouring the internet for vegan beauty boxes, the overall goal is finding new quality products that meet my needs and values.  Other things I look for are how easy it is to sign up, how well the products will work with my skin tone and base, and the sizes of delivered products being larger than a sample (unless it’s an added extra just to try). A box I’ve found that meets my...

We Love Ellovi Body Butter

September 17, 2017
It’s officially fall in Northeast Pennsylvania, the time of year my lips and skin seem to crack and refuse hydration as temps drop and air dries out.  I already swear by 100% Pure’s fruit pigmented lip balm as a hydrating daywear option – with an intense pop of color, it’s just my style.  But at home, at bed time, and during harsh winters, I require something stronger for hydration and protection against the elements.  Enter: Ellovi Butter.   Ellovi prides itself in their first priority being natural ingredients that get the job done.  Butter for the purposes of skincare was...

Pelle Beauty Luxe Beauty Balm

September 5, 2017
December in the Northeast can be brutal.  For me, my years as a swimmer and cross country runner has left my face prone to dryness and frequent flare ups that include flaking around my nose and forehead during the winter months.  Lest I try, I can’t ever seem to hydrate my skin properly throughout the day.  However, I’ve recently added a secret weapon in my arsenal of skincare: new from Pelle Beauty; Luxe Beauty Balm.  Its light to the touch, yet packs a punch of hydration when I need it most.  The balm is waterless and applies flawlessly to the point that sometimes I wonder whether...

Vegan Cuts Beauty Box Review

September 1, 2017
In the land of beauty boxes, Vegan Cuts offers a larger quantity of products in each box; 4-7 items rather than 4 or 5.  They explain on their website that product sizes will range from deluxe sample, travel size, and full size totaling at least $30 in value and sometimes far exceeding that amount.  Further, the shipping is always free.  I was less than impressed with Vegan Cuts response to a specific question in their FAQ section. With each box including more products of varying sizes, the tradeoff is that VC lacks consumer customization for varying skin tones and complexions.  That, by...

Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash

August 30, 2017
Actual fantastic face wash is not easy to come by.  As it turns out, Ursa Major has you covered because they sell “Fantastic Face Wash” that stands up to its name.  My favorite thing about this wash, aside from the visible brightness I’ve seen since I began using it 8 days ago, is the fresh scent from the combination of spearmint and citrus.  I’d compare it to my toothpaste, but instead I get to use it on my face, neck and around my ears during a refreshing, hot shower.  My suggestion is to lather up and leave it on your face while conditioning your hair – for the same amount of...

100% Pure Pomegranate Fruit Lip

August 20, 2017
In the recent present, vegan and cruelty-free beauty have become a trend - and I do not take issue with this movement.  The real question remains; sans harsh (yet effective) chemicals and harmful testing practices by larger, mainstream companies, do these products provide the same desirable outcomes while maintaining their penchant for natural, no-animals-were-harmed-in-the-making-of-this-product beauty?  Let’s compare. Before I delve, let me first say that I am a rather pale, freckle-faced female of Irish decent.  I don’t become a bronzed goddess via the sun’s rays, thus my makeup...

Hana Organic Skincare Eye Oil

March 15, 2017
Since the winter months have arrived here, I’ve again become concerned with the damage the harsher weather and low temperatures can do to the sensitive skin around my eyes.  Hana Organic Skincare Eye Oil (100% Cruelty-Free and Vegan) has become a helpful addition to my skincare routine for that specific area.  I shake up the bottle, apply two drops to my index and ring finger and dab it all around my eyes.  I’m prone to occasional dark circles and bags too, and this oil actually helps brighten up the under area of my eyes because of the Vitamin E it contains. It isn’t too heavy or...

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara: Blackberry

February 14, 2017
If you’re like me, you have received no formal training in mascara application techniques.  That being said, when I shop for new mascara I tend to go for a slim brush, perhaps contoured, and the promise that the product will not give me spider-lashes.  100% Pure’s Fruit Pigmented Mascara: Blackberry has a fuller brush, truth-be-told, but the application goes on lightly offering more control in terms of “coloring inside the lines” for both top and bottom lashes.  Personally, I have no issue with applying a second application to darken my lashes a bit more; it allows me to manage...