Soraya Jürgen Blog: Organic Beauty

Showing posts with label Organic Beauty. Show all posts

Colorado Aromatics Cultivated Skin Care

Colorado Aromatics is such a fascinating company, and as I was working on a post about wellness and relaxation with the intent of referencing this brand, I realized that a brief mention simply wouldn’t do. Dr. Cindy Jones, the founder of Colorado Aromatics, took her expert background in toxicology, microbiology, and physiology and combined these sciences with her knowledge as an herbalist to create a magical line of skincare.

The brand’s advanced skin care line is rich in nutrients and antioxidants delivering real results. It consists of face, body, and bath care products and all ingredients are chosen to contribute to skin health. One specific group of products from the brand is its Herbal Distillates Toners ($8). Beyond the preventative and reparative properties lies an emotionally restorative array of scents.

Herbal Distillate Toners are mildly aromatic products that contain micro-droplets of essential oils and organic plant acids to help bring your skin to a proper pH balance. These are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to sooth the skin. Dr. Cindy recommends that you spray your neck, chest and hair as well and the entire line can also be used as linen and room spray!

How to use: Spray on your face after washing. Also use anytime on the body, face and hair for hydration and refreshment. Take them on a plane trip to combat dry airline conditions and feel refreshed. Spray on the hair before brushing to help smooth the cuticle, soften hair and decrease frizzies.

Benefits of Varying Herbal Distillate Toners:

Clary Sage – emotional support, especially for women, eases anxiety
Cucumber – astringent and moisturizing, cool, refreshing and firming
Lemon Balm – great for rash, skin irritations and after-sun use
Mint – uplifting, can increase alertness and concentration
Lavender – great for inflammation, sunburn, and itching. It is also refreshing, calming and can help improve mood and decrease stress
Rose – hormone balancer, good moisturizer for dry skin, promotes balance, try it on yoga mats
Tulsi (Holy Basil) – used to purify the mind, body, and spirit as well as to sharpen memory, ease headache, sooth insect bites and improve mood

I was so impressed by every aspect of Colorado Aromatics from the quality, to the price point to the brand’s social responsibility. Colorado Aromatics sources its herbs from local farmers, donates products for local fundraisers and give soap and other products to local shelters as well as for victims of forest fires. You can find Herbal Distillate Toners online at Colorado Aromatics.

Purple Prairie Botanicals Review

Going with the theory that everything happens for a reason, The Makeup Examiner offers up the story, and review, of Purple PrairieBotanicals. As with almost every interesting health or beauty product that TME has come across, necessity (frustration) has been the mother of invention. This is where we find a young mother of three who became frustrated with skin care products that were not up to par. Happening upon an article in an organic gardening magazine, she decided to cook up a batch of soap and in 2000 Purple Prairie Botanicals was born.

Based in Minnesota, Purple Prairie Botanicals is a homegrown company committed to using the finest organic ingredients, sustainability, fair trade practices and, of course, no animal testing. Purple Prairie are proud signers of the Skin Deep Cosmetics Act, Leaping Bunny, PETA and qualify for the National Green Pages directory. Are you in love yet?

Purple Prairie products are free of:

Petroleum
Parabens
Synthetic Dyes
Artificial Preservatives
Animal Ingredients
Detergents
Sulfates
GMOs
Gluten

Getting to the products, TME begins with Gardener's Carrot Salve ($5.99), which smells delicious and is made with calendula and chamomile, which protect before and after gardening. But, Gardener's Carrot Salve is not limited to just gardening. It’s an excellent product to sooth and heal dry feet.

Next up is Deet Free Bug Spray ($7.99), which is full of skin-loving natural ingredients, has a lovely scent (unlike many other bug sprays) and is effective! It’s also fabulous for soothing bug bites should you forget to apply prior to taking to the great outdoors. The special blend of essential oils and plant extracts in a clean witch hazel and water base that’s safe for all ages.

Rounding out the review for Purple Prairie is a look at the brand’s SunStick Solid Balm SPF 30 ($9.99). Containing 20% micronized zinc oxide that scatters the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays, this sun balm is also filled will skin-loving products like organic cocoa and shea butters. Aside from being an effective sun protectent, it’s unscented, 100% natural, biodegradable and environmentally safe.

Along with the above, Purple Prairie sent over several of their amazing 100% Natural Soaps ($3.99). With amazingnous like Lemongrass Oatmeal Soap, Gardener's Carrot Soap, Peppermint & Oatmeal Soap Bar and Eucalyptus Lemon Soap Bar … you need to try at least one. Purple Prairie Botanicals are available online at Purple Prairie and select retail locations.

Merlot Skin Care Review

Happy Summer lovelies! Okay, granted it may not exactly be a “happy” considering that summer is in full swing and we’d all probably rather be sitting beach or poolside. But, The Makeup Examiner has found a new skincare line --Merlot Skin Care-- that might just bring a smile (and glowing skin) to your face.

Although TME left the business world far behind her, business has never left her. And she points this out to emphasize the importance of good business practices, which is what she found with Merlot Skin Care. The brand produces all products in the USA, all products are made from procyanadolic oligimers’ (natural grape seed antioxidants), Merlot Skin Care does not test on animals, the company is family owned and operated, and lastly -- Merlot Skin Care offers top-notch customer service.

Ah, but you didn’t stop by to read about the business side of Merlot Skin Care did you? So, I’ll move onto the products. I was sent quite a few products from this skin care line for a Bridal Editorial that I’m working on, but I felt that Merlot deserved a review of its own.

Readers know that I love any true multi-purpose product, so I’m starting with Merlot Skin Care 100% Pure Grape Seed Oil ($8). Yesterday, I committed one of the biggest (and dumbest) beauty sins imaginable … I fell asleep in the sun and yes, it lead to sunburn. I applied 100% Pure Grape Seed Oil to my skin and experienced instant relief. To the best of my knowledge grape seed oil doesn’t offer any analgesic properties, but the oil soothed my skin nonetheless. Aside from adding hydration to my skin, Merlot’s Grape Seed Oil can be used to nourish cuticles, repair split ends, heal scars, replenish moisture after shaving, hydrate dry and cracked heals, and makes for a great massage oil.

Next up is Merlot Grape Seed Cleanser ($11), which contains no soap making this cleanser super gentle and perfect for sensitive skin. It effectively removed my makeup and left my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. Moving onto what should be your next step in any solid skin care regimen … toner! Merlot Skin Care Hydrating Toner ($11) is lightly scented and left my skin feeling prepped for the next step in my skin care regimen. While Hydrating Toner an excellent toner and perfect for sensitive skin, I’m unlikely to give up my Pixi Glow Tonic anytime soon.

Moving onto the next product, Merlot Skin Care Grape Seed Moisturizer ($17). Although there isn’t any fragrance added to this amazing product, Grape Seed Moisturizer has this light and lovely natural scent. The moisturizer absorbs quickly and left my skin feeling soft, smooth and incredibly hydrated without any greasy feel. Merlot Skin Care Grape Seed Moisturizer works fabulously as a moisturizer and as a makeup primer!

Rounding out this review is Merlot Skin Care’s Purifying Peel Off Mask ($15). For as biased as I am against peel off masks, okay truth be told I haven’t touched a peel off mask in years, I was actually impressed with this one. Purifying Peel Off Mask is surprisingly gentle and left my skin with a healthy glow.

It’s a little cliché to state that Merlot Skin Care is like wine for the skin, but it’s true! Merlot Skin Care offers far more products then I’ve reviewed and you can find them online at Merlot.

Savane Organics Product Review

The Makeup Examiner had never heard of Savane Organics and was obviously unfamiliar with this brand, so when I was approached to do a review truth be told I wasn’t overly enthusiastic and initially turned the brand down. But as I always believe that all things happen for a reason, I’m thrilled that I was asked a second time because I, and TME readers, would have missed out on a very interesting experience.

Beginning with the backstory of Savane Organic Skincare, in 2006 we find Harvard-educated Jennifer Peters aiming to create a brand that respects the planet, is committed to ethical production practices, organic formulations and sustainability. Jennifer's journey literally carried her across the African continent in search of the purest natural ingredients. The next four years were spent in research and development, forming partnerships with like-minded organic suppliers, and getting the stamp of approval from organizations such as Phyto Trade and Ecocert. In 2010, Savane Organic Skincare was quietly launched with an initial offering of six certified organic products.

The Savane Organic Skincare range consists of seven products:

Soothing Cleanser
Gentle Exfoliant
Purifying Toner
Anti-Aging Lift Serum
Balancing Face Oil
Protective Moisturizer
Nourishing Eye Cream

Soothing Cleanser ($42- 100ml) made with Aloe Ferox, Rooibos, Moringa is certified natural (99%) and organic (67%) by Ecocert and contains 55% fair-trade content. I found the Soothing Cleanser to be just that, soothing and effective. After the first usage, my skin looked more radiant and felt amazing.

Gentle Exfoliant ($50-50ml) made with Rooibos, Marula and Jojoba is certified natural (99%) and organic (91%) by Ecocert and contains 5% fair-trade content. Savane Gentle Exfoliant smells absolutely lovely and adds to a relaxing spa experience. The exfoliant is gentle and left my skin feeling soft.

Purifying Toner ($40-100ml) made with Rooibos is certified natural (100%) and organic (78%) by Ecocert and contains 79% fair-trade content. Purifying Toner is packed with antioxidants and is my favorite product from the Savane Organic Skincare line. Given, The Makeup Examiner is addicted to toner, but with that said I’m super picky about toners. I want a toner that refreshes my skin without all the garbage … that’s exactly what I found with Purifying Toner.

Anti-Aging Lift Serum ($90-30 ml) made with Kigelia, Baobab, Buchu is certified natural (99%) and organic (76%) by Ecocert and contains 71% fair-trade content. Using the Anti-Aging Lift Serum twice a day for a week, I did notice that my skin looked more youthful. With a high dosage of hyaluronic acid, the Serum opens your pores to promote deep penetration and prepares your skin for the follow-on product, which for me was the Balancing Face Oil ($80-30 ml -- made with Marula, Kalahari Melon, Manketti is certified natural (100%) and organic (95%) by Ecocert and contains 45% fair-trade content) at night and the Protective Moisturizer ($85-50ml -- made with Baobab, Kigelia, Manketti, Yangu is certified natural (99%) and organic (89%) by Ecocert and contains 79% fair-trade content) in the morning.

The wasn’t a single product in the Savane Organic Skincareline that The Makeup Examiner disliked and the brand’s dedication to responsible practices, places them at the top of the list. All Savane products are: Made in Africa; Certified natural and organic by Ecocert; Made with Fair Trade ingredients; Contain only sustainably harvested wild ingredients; Packaged in recyclable eco-friendly packaging; Not tested on animals and contain no animal products; Suitable for all skin types.

The Savane Organic Skincare range is available online at Zaega and Zaega is offering a SavaneOrganic Skin Care Trial/Travel Kit ($25), which is perfect for Mother’s Day or travel!

Adovia Dead Sea Mud Shampoo Review

Always in search of products that are organic and effective, The Makeup Examiner was pretty stoked when Adovia approached TME to do a review. Adovia Mineral Skincare is an Israeli brand so I knew immediately that it would be cruelty-free and TME was rather excited to try out a shampoo that’s main ingredient is Dead Sea Mud. After all, it’s an interesting concept to wash one’s hair with mud.

Dead Sea Mud contains the highest concentration of minerals found on the planet and people have bathed in the Dead Sea for centuries, soaking in the healing properties of the waters and mud. Minerals from the Dead Sea are known to provide relief from dry and irritated skin including the scalp. So, what can one expect from the experience of using Adovia Dead Sea Mud Shampoo?

To start Adovia Dead Sea Mud Shampoo ($23) has a lovely scent, but is extremely thick. It’s not a bad thing that the shampoo is sludge-like, just something to point out. TME’s experience was fairly positive, as Adovia Dead Sea Mud Shampoo left my hair feeing cleansed, nourished and soft. Other ingredients, such as Olive Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Papaya, Aloe Vera and Shea Butter help to alleviate discomfort from issues like dandruff, scalp psoriasis, and seborrhea dermatitis.

Adovia Dead Sea Mud Shampoo and Adovia products are available online at Amazon and Cleopatra’s Choice.

Lotus Wei Perfume Review: Earth Month Celebration

Happy Earth Month! Lotus Wei is the fourth and final review of eco-friendly beauty products for the celebration of Earth Month. The Makeup Examiner chose to highlight this particular company because of its all-around philosophies of integrating the plant, planet and beauty.

Katie Hess

In 2000, Katie Hess, flower alchemist and the founder of Lotus Wei, began sharing her custom-blended flower remedies with a few friends. Today, Lotus Wei products can be found in retails stores worldwide and has been featured on OWN and a plethora of media outlets and publications. The Makeup Examiner was very struck by Katie’s personal belief in “transformative actionfor the benefit of all”. It is her belief in the healing power of flower essences and a deep respect for our planet that places Lotus Wei at the top of the list.

Lotus Wei offers Flower Elixirs ($35), Balancing Serums ($50), Energy Mists ($40), and Transformative Perfumes ($45). Each of which are available in varying moods -- Joy Juice, Infinite Love, Pure Energy, Inspired Action, Quiet Mind and Inner Peace -- aimed to help us focus upon a specific issue in our lives by shifting our mood and physiology.

The Makeup Examiner had the opportunity to check out Lotus Wei Infinite Love Perfume, which is a lovely blend of rose, red mandarin, and honey. Infinite Love contains organic essential oils, transformative flower essences, and organic grape alcohol. Delivery is via a spray bottle and it’s free of phthalates, synthetics, and chemicals. Infinite Love’s purpose is to help focus upon unconditional love of you. (Is there a more worthy or important endeavor?).

Aside from producing organic eco-friendly perfumes and elixirs, a visit to the Lotus Wei website offers an abundance of information and helpful guidance about the transformative actions of flowers. From the “Tools +Apps” tab, visitors can print out journal pages to help guide you on your way to wherever you need to go or download the free Lotus Wei app that offers on-the-go info about flower alchemy. For more information about the transformative action of flowers or Lotus Wei products, visit Lotus Wei.

Full Infographic can be found at Lotus Wei

@ypmazzy

Choiselle Artisanal Bath and Body Care Review: Earth Month Celebration

Happy Earth Month! Choiselle bath and body are products are the second review of eco-friendly beauty products for the celebration of Earth Month. First and foremost, The Makeup Examiner chose to review Choiselle because of the brand’s green standards. Choiselle uses organic ingredients selected from small organic farms, which helps increase sustainable living for all involved.

Every good story begins with a good back-story. Nydia Norville, founder of Choiselle, became frustrated when she couldn't find pure products to help alleviate her severely dry skin. Frustration led to action. Remembering her childhood and watching her grandmother mix up skincare and medicinal remedies, using ingredients from Grandma’s backyard garden, Nydia began “cooking” up concoctions in her kitchen.

“I tried everything and nothing really worked, especially in the winter, so I decided to try to make something myself. In the process of researching different ingredients commonly used by existing brands, I noticed that an overwhelming amount of brands mislead their customers by making claims to produce products that are natural or organic but instead, the ingredients listed are mostly fillers and synthetic ingredients that are known to be harmful,” says Nydia. What Nydia is referring to is the common practice of “greenwashing”.

In January, Choiselle launched a line of prestige natural bath and body care products made from certified organic ingredients such as shea butter, sunflower oil, essentials oils and safflower oil. All products are free of parabens, petroleum, and toxins that are known to disrupt the natural balance of the skin. Nydia opted instead to utilize plant-based ingredients that have been used for centuries to soothe and protect the skin.

Choiselle is a small brand in regards to its current offerings, but that is all that is small about the luxurious, skin-nourishing products. Choiselle offers Body Butter ($35), Bath & Body Oil ($25), and Body Lotion ($42) and all formulas are available in three scents -- lavender, lemongrass and ylang ylang. The packing is minimal, yet sophisticated and comes in reusable/recyclable glass.

What’s brilliant about offering body butter, oil and lotion is that our skin needs different levels of moisture at various times. The scents themselves are everything that one expects from true essential oils that add to the transformative experience. The Makeup Examiner wasn’t disappointed with a single product in the line, but her must-have for summer is definitely Choiselle Bath & Body Oil, which you can mist on and go!

So, do the products work? YES! From outside packing to inside product, Choiselle offers a prestige, artisanal line of bath and body products. Choiselle Bath and Body products are available at Choiselle. Choiselle will be expanding its product line with the release of lip balms, shampoos, conditioners and shower gels!

Follow @ypmazzy

Birchbox Launches All-Natural Limited Edition Box

Birchbox announced on April 8, the launch of its Limited Edition: Free For All Box and this fits in perfectly with The Makeup Examiner’s Earth Month Celebration! The Limited Edition: Free For All Box ($44) is filled with all-natural products that are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals, and GMOs, and features an exclusive pouch by the humanitarian fashion label FEED.

These handpicked best-in-class products rely largely on natural extracts from fruits, flowers and veggies. The Makeup Examiner knows first hand that several of these products are absolute must-try items!

Included in the Limited Edition: Free For All Box:

FEED – FEED 10 Pouch
Jurlique – Purely Bright Radiance Serum
Alima Pure – Lip Tint in Rhubarb
LOV Organic – Assorted Teas
W3LL People – Hypnotist Eyeliner
Shamanuti – Activated Charcoal Cleanser
Karma Organic Spa – Nail Polish Remover with Soybean Oil and Tea Tree Oil
eco-armour – Shave with Benefits Shave Foam with Mint and Eucalyptus (TME Favorite, which you can read all about right HERE!)

The Limited Edition: Free For All Box can be purchased exclusively at Birchbox. For subscribers and customers interested in discovering more clean products, Birchbox has created a new shop category … Ingredient-Conscious Picks. Each product featured in the shop is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals, and GMOs. Happy Earth Month!

Shea Terra Organics Review: Earth Month Celebration

Happy Earth Month! Well … every month is indeed Earth Month, but Earth Day itself is celebrated on April 22^ndand with this, The Makeup Examiner has chosen to spotlight Eco-Friendly products throughout the month. In celebration of Mother Earth, and to bring focus to the fact that we do not have to sacrifice product quality in order to achieve a respect for our planet, TME offers you the first review in The Makeup Examiner’s Earth Month Celebration!

TME has previously reviewed Shea Terra Organics, but this brand was impressive enough to highlight again. To begin, founder Tammie Umbelhas spent the last 15 years working with local communities, in Africa, identifying ingredients linked with ancient beauty traditions and creating skin care products to share with the world. But, it is the way in which Tammie procures these ingredients that set the standard for eco-friendly brands.

By adhering to fair trade practices, Shea Terra Organics directly contributes to the sustainability of local economies. And by using Certified Wildlife Friendly ingredients, the brand produces quality skin care products without harming the Earth or exploiting its resources.

Now that you know a little information about the business practices of Shea Terra Organics, let’s get to a few of the products.

Shea Terra Organics Moroccan Mud-Tox Body Cleanse in Menthe Tea Vanilla ($18) is a luxurious at-home spa treatment that is a perfect avenue to detox and shed that winter skin. Delivered in powder form, Moroccan Mud-Tox Body Cleanse is mixed with water to create a paste. You apply the paste all over for a full detox, or to target areas, and after approximately 10 minutes, rinse to reveal refreshed skin.

Shea Terra Organics Argan & Olive Nourishing 2-n-1 Body Scrub Dark Amber ($18) is a 2-in-1 cream scrub that exfoliates with natural, organic ingredients and moisturizes skin in the process. Dark Amber offers a relaxing scent, reminiscent of what you would experience at the spa. Apply to wet skin, rinse and baby soft skin is revealed.

Shea Terra Organics Jasmine Ylang Ylang Relaxing Bath Oil Drops ($20) is a TME favorite. Add a few droppers full of this exotic fragrance to your bath and let the relaxing scents take effect.

All Shea Terra Organics products are cruelty-free, organic and many products are packaged in glass, which is 100% recyclable. Find Shea Terra Organics at Shea Terra and select retail outlets. Read about other offering from Shea Terra Organics in this TME Review!

Root Vanish Offers An Organic Solution For Saying Goodbye to Gray!

Anyone who consistently colors their hair knows that you have to keep up with the coloring or look like a skunk. You also know that it isn’t always convenient to get to the salon. Master colorist, Kazumi Morton of celebrity hair destination Jonathan and George Salon in Beverly Hills and Pierre Michel Salon in New York City, knows this too.

Kazumi has a laundry list of celebrity clients like Zooey Deschanel, Kristen Stewart, Lisa Kudrow, and Christina Applegate, and although she’s based out of Los Angeles, Kazumi flies back to the East Coast every six weeks to care for her New York clients. But, when one is in need of a touchup and the colorist is on another coast, it can be problematic.

Seeking a solution to her clients’ request to find a roots and grays touch up colorant that will carry them over from one appointment to the next, Kazumi collaborated with Kiwabi and recently launched a product called Root Vanish. Packed with over twenty-two hair and scalp strengthening organic extracts, the product manages to cover gray and leave hair soft! The treatment color instantly veils all types of hair, including grays -- thick or damaged -- and leaves no sign of sticky, oily, hardened residue, or a nasty smell.

Utilizing Japanese knowledge the product is geared toward solving the specific issues of root and gray touch up and accomplishes that task without damaging the hair … actually leaving the hair healthier! Root Vanish ($48) is available in four buildable shades, Blonde, Light Brown, Dark Brown and Black, and is a must-have for any woman on the go. Root Vanish is available at Kiwabi and Amazon.

Eco-Armour Has More To Offer For 2014

The Makeup Examiner introduced readers to the organic, eco-friendly beauty brand Eco-Amour in July 2013. If you missed it, you can check out the article about Eco-Armour’s staple products -- “Eco-Armour Organic Beauty Review”. Founded by Robert and Zoe Benzinger in 2011, with one product, Eco-Armour Shaving Foam, this intriguing and dynamic couple expanded the brand’s offering with Botanical Insect Repellent and Moisturizer (an absolute must-have for summer), and recently introduced three new, amazing products!

First up for review is a beauty bargain at its absolute best, Eco-Armour Mango Lip Butter ($5). Yes you read the price correctly. Mango Lip Butter is a 100% botanical lip balm with great cushion that moisturizes the driest lips, penetrates quickly with no sticky feel and provides SPF15. Eco-Armour Mango Lip Butter contains non-GMO soybean oil, cocoa and shea butter with almond and apricot oils, has a yummy light citrus flavor and is the best lip balm that The Makeup Examiner has come across in a very long time.

Next up is Eco-Armour Indoor calming spray (4oz $12.50), which is designed to calm our busy minds and that it does indeed. As with other Eco-Armour products, Indoor is a multi-purpose beauty spray. It can be spritzed on pulse points for an instant mental chill, on your linens to promote a restful night’s sleep, or even in your office when your boss is being … uh … cranky. The blend of witch hazel distillate with organic castile soap and aloe vera gives the product both cleansing and healing properties. And a blend of lavender, bergamot, vanilla and tea tree essential oils create the relaxing scent.

Last but not least, because TME saved her favorite for last, is Eco-Armour Advanced Botanical Serum (0.5 oz $79), which again is a multi-purpose product that can be used on everything from those annoying fine lines to dry cuticles and dry skin to boo-boos. There are actually 18 different skin healing and beautifying benefits listed on the brand’s website! Advanced Botanical Serum contains a natural SPF15, mango butter, grapeseed oil, hempseed oil, hazelnut oil, and lots of other skin-loving ingredients. TME was thrilled that she was able to use the serum on everything, from dry cracked heels to dark under eye circles, with amazing results. Eco-Armour Advanced Botanical Serum is a must-have for winter skincare and is currently on special for $39!

The last ingredient listed on Eco-Armour products is love. Normally, The Makeup Examiner is not a sappy person, but after several conversations with Eco-Armour Co-founders Robert and Zoe Benzinger, TME can guarantee that these amazing people definitely add love into their products. If you’re seeking beauty products that are organic, vegan and eco-friendly plus are multi-purpose, The Makeup Examiner highly recommends checking out Eco-Armour. Eco-Armour is a member of 1% for the Planet and their products can be found on the Eco-Armour website.

Acquarella Nails Introduces New Colors For F/W Collection

Acquarella, the premiere water-based nail polish brand, announced today Nov. 5, the launch of their long awaited Fall/Winter collection. For those unfamiliar with the brand, Acquarella offers an alternative to traditional nail lacquers with their non-toxic formula.

Founded in 2004, Acquarella introduced an alternative not only to nail polishes, but to nail care as well. There is a regimen to been done when one switches from a traditional nail polish to Acquarella’s offerings, and readers can learn about this in The Makeup Examiner’s productreview.

Now for the stunning and on-trend shades from the Acquarella Fall/Winter collection!

Covert: An Army green with a hint of shimmer
Prancer: A rich burgundy metallic that is absolutely perfect for the holidays.
Obscure: A deep brown/black crème that is a warm toasty brown, which is perfect for the winter.
La Luna: A translucent grey/silver metallic that reminds The Makeup Examiner of the festive season ahead.

The new shades bring Acquarella’s color count up to 44 diverse shades. Acquarella has also introduced “The Color Selector,” which suggests a sister formula for each shade. For example, if you love “La Luna,” but would like a crème or shimmer versus a metallic, the brand suggests “Celestial” and this goes for all of Acquarella’s shades. Acquarella Water Colors ($16) are available at Acquarella and select retail locations.

Clarisea Sea Salt Solutions Skin and Hair Care Review

The Makeup Examiner recently came across Clarisea Sea Salt Solutions and was rather intrigue by the brand, as it offers skin care products that are nature-based and a beach spray for the hair. Having knowledge about the healing properties of sea salt, The Makeup Examiner was thrilled to have the opportunity to do a review of the brand and as a beach spray addict, TME couldn’t wait to try Clarisea’s Beachy Waves Salt Spray.

Although many of the products in the Clarisea line are geared toward acne solutions, Clarisea products are made for all types of skin and offer an alternative to harsh chemical treatments, for those with acne prone skin, and a lovely detox for those of us with tired skin. The base of Clarisea products is a fine grain blend of Pacific and Himalayan Pink sea salts mindfully crafted for all skin types, especially sensitive skin and are free of sulfates, parabens, and fragrance.

Clarisea offers several powder exfoliants -- Antioxidant Strawberry Powder Exfoliant, Instant Glow PowderExfoliant, and Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant ($25 4oz each) that are geared toward fighting the effects of pollutants and stress. Antioxidant Strawberry Powder Exfoliant utilizes strawberry powder, strawberry seeds, and almond flour to break down dull build up to help unclog pores. Instant Glow Powder Exfoliant (TME Favorite) utilizes rose powder and orange peel powder to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and nourish the skin. Rapid Detox Charcoal Exfoliant utilizes bamboo charcoal powder to absorb dirt and oil and attack acne-causing bacteria. Each of the exfoliant powders are so gentle and the Instant Glow Powder Exfoliant has become a staple to wake up my stressed out skin!

Clarifying Salt Treatment ($19.50 38oz) is for the face and body and is available in a 15lb bag. The treatment is geared toward acne prone skin, but has major detox properties and left my skin baby soft right down to my toes. Using the Clarifying Salt Treatment on the face is a bit involved, requiring a one to stick their face in a bowl for two minutes, but well worth the amazing results. As a body treatment, Clarifying Salt Treatment is a great excuse for some you time. Add a cup of Clarifying Salt Treatment to your bath and soak away for a minimum of 10 minutes. The Makeup Examiner emerged with detoxed, soft, and glowing skin!

Rounding out this particular Clarisea Sea Salt Solutions review is Beachy Waves Salt Spray ($18 8oz). The spray is 100% natural, as I found out when I accidentally sprayed some in my mouth … yes, it tasted like salt water and yes, I am clumsy. Moving on … the spray is made from Pacific Ocean and Himalayan Pink Sea Salts, and organic Argan oil that left my naturally curly hair really soft and gave it that sexy beach look. Clarisea offers such a wide variety of products, in various formulations that The Makeup Examiner literally couldn’t cover all in this article, so check back for more products from Clarisea. You can find the products reviewed in this article at Clarisea Sea Salt Solutions website!

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