Remember how disappointed I was in Weleda’s Calendula Toothpaste? Well, thankfully my experience with their Plant Gel Toothpaste was much more pleasant.

Ingredients (provided at usa.weleda.com)- “Glycerin, Water (Aqua), Hydrated Silica, Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria (Chamomile) Flower Extract,Krameria Triandra (Ratanhia) Root Extract,Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Extract, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil,Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) Oil, Algin, Alcohol,Esculin, Limonene*
* from natural essential oils”

This product receives a moderate hazard score of 3 in the Cosmetics Database. Limonene is the only ingredient with a hazard score above a 2.

Some great things about this product:

1. It’s free of parabens, sulfates, added fluoride, and artificial fragrance.

2. It’s cruelty-free.

Product Description(provided at usa.weleda.com)- “Clean teeth, care for sensitive gums and balance the normal functions of your mouth with this soothing tooth gel. It’s a gentle way to clean your mouth with natural silica and help reduce the buildup of plaque.

Your sensitive gums are soothed by the mild antiseptic properties of organic chamomile flower extract. The gently effective disinfectant in our soothing myrrh extracts and the astringent properties of organic ratanhia are proven oral healthcare secrets from ancient cultures that naturally clean and tone your modern mouth. With the invigorating taste of lively mint and citrus fruits, your mouth feels completely refreshed. You’ve finally found soothing oral care that effectively cleans your teeth, so tell those sensitive gums to relax.”

Price-  around $4.40 for a 3.3 oz tube. Mine came from a health food store, so it was (of course) slightly more expensive.

Performance- This product is both minty and refreshing without being too harsh. It leaves my teeth feeling clean and my breath smelling fresh, and it’s especially effective when paired with a drop of peppermint oil. I like that it’s a gel rather than a paste, and (for no real reason) I’m also a huge fan of the pinkish red tint of the gel.

Scent- It smells/tastes like spearmint, which I love.

Rating-  I’ll subtract 1 point for the single questionable ingredient, but this product earns a solid 9/10.

Today’s review is of Stark Skincare’s Cypress Purity+Defense Oil, the last of the Stark samples I received for review. Since all of the products have been such a treat, I won’t say I saved the best for last…but this oil sure is special!

Ingredients (provided by Jessica and soon to be up at starkskincare.com)- “Oryza sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Camellia oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) Nut Oil,Tocopherol (vitamin E), Cupressus sempervirens (Cypress) oil, Citrus bergamia (bergamot) oil, and pure essential oils/huiles essentielles pures.”

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a low hazard score of 2.

Some great things about this product:

1. It’s free of synthetic dyes, fragrances, preservatives, and surfactants.

2. It’s vegan and cruelty-free.

3. This product comes in a reusable glass bottle with dropper.

Product Description(provided at starkskincare.com)- “This antioxidant-rich facial oil has been formulated with 5 powerful yet light plant oils that nourish and protect skin from environmental damage, with a refreshing blend of essential oils that decongest skin and regulate sebum production. We also use plant resins that give this oil a deep green woodsy scent, that finishes with a light, citrus and vanilla-like scent on the skin (or hair!), perfect for men and women!”

Price- $45 for a 1 fl. oz. bottle.

Performance- You guys, this oil is somethin’ else. From the way it made my skin feel (extraordinarily soft) and look (positively radiant), to the uplifting, invigorating scent (see below), it could easily become one of my favorite oils I’ve used. My only complaint regarding this product is that my sample ran out too soon. I’m almost certain that the tone and overall condition of my skin would’ve continued to improve with prolonged use.

Scent- Earthy yet bright, pleasant and gender neutral. I especially loved moisturizing with this oil in the morning; a deep breath after application is just the right way to start any day.

Rating- 9.5/10. I’m subtracting half a point simply because I wouldn’t ordinarily spend $45 on an oil.

Today I’ll be reviewing Stark Skincare’s Grapefruit Cleanse+Hydrate Balm. If you’re not already aware of how much I love multi-use products, then you’re about to be. Sit tight!

Ingredients (provided by Jessica and soon to be up at starkskincare.com)- “Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) Fruit Butter, Cocos nucifera (Virgin Coconut) Oil, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Glycine soja (Soybean) butter Candelilla (Euphorbia cerifera ) Wax, Camellia oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Root Powder, Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), pure essential oils/huiles essentielles pures.”

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a low hazard score of 1; the only individual ingredient with a hazard score above a 2 is unspecified oils, but I’m not worried about this since they’re essential oils.

Some great things about this product:

1. It’s free of synthetic dyes, fragrances, preservatives, and surfactants.

2. It’s vegan and cruelty-free.

3. Like the others, this product comes in a reusable glass jar.

4. The soybean butter used is non-GMO.

Product Description(provided at starkskincare.com)- “This water-less balm has the unique concept of being both cleanser and hydrator! Similar to the “oil cleansing method” popular in Europe or cold-creams our mothers and grandmothers used, this balm can be used to melt away daily grime and dirt, replenishing your skin with healthy, antioxidant-rich plant-derived oils and butters! Next, the balm can be used as a moisturizer, alone or with Stark’s CYPRESS Purity + Defense oil (an especially luxurious treat for a night-time ritual). Use on dry elbows, parched lips or fly-away hair or as a great after-shave balm! ”

Price- $40 for a 2 oz. jar. While $40 isn’t exactly cheap for a moisturizer or a cleanser by itself, I can much more easily justify paying that price for a product I could use as both (especially since only a small amount is needed to get the job done).

Performance- A couple of months ago, I tried the oil cleansing method with success, but I’d be lying if I were to say I had high hopes when it came to cleansing my skin with a balm. To my surprise, my skin reacted beautifully. After a little over a week of using this product, my face was clearer than ever, extra soft, and remarkably hydrated. I used this balm to cleanse in the morning and as a moisturizer at night, and in doing this I seem to have struck some sort of magical balance. I continued cleansing with my Karen’s Botanicals Gentle Cleansing Lotion at night, and I followed the A.M. cleansing balm with Stark’s Cypress Purity+Defense Oil as a moisturizer (review to come tomorrow). Since it’s a multi-purpose product, this balm would be perfect for traveling  (my goal is to eventually carry less than three toiletry bags with me on weekend trips).

Scent- Did someone say Fruit Loops? I did, because that’s what this lovely product smells like. SOLD.

Rating- 10/10.

I’m smitten with each Stark Skincare product I’ve tried. Can you tell?

Ingredients (provided by Jessica and soon to be up at starkskincare.com)- “Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water, Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) fruit extract, Cucumis sativus (cucumber) extract, Salix alba (willow) bark extract, Citrus aurantifolia (lime) fruit extract, Citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract (and) vegetable glycerin, Litsea Cubeba fruit oil.”

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a low hazard score of 2, with no individual ingredients having a higher hazard score than 3.

Some great things about this product:

1. Along with all other Stark Skincare products, it’s free of synthetic dyes, fragrances, preservatives, and surfactants.

2. It’s vegan and cruelty-free.

3. It comes in a reusable glass jar. Nifty!

Product Description(provided at starkskincare.com)- This POWERFUL perfecting tonic is so much more than a toner! This astringent super-juice gently cleanses and exfoliates skin with the salicylic acid found in white willow bark, while aloe and cucumber soothe and cool skin. Witch Hazel, native to eastern Canada, tones skin, reduces inflammation and irritation and makes pimples vanish. Watermelon extract provides a nutritious burst of antioxidants to the skin. Use after cleansing skin, before moisturizing. Can be washed off or left on. Has a refreshing herbal, slightly citrus scent.

Price- $22 for a 2 oz. bottle with spritzer (which I love, since I tend to use way too much toner when I have to pour it rather than spray it).

Performance- As I mentioned above, I love that this product comes in a spray bottle. Not only is it much more convenient, but it also reduces waste for those of us who use cotton balls to apply toner and saves water/detergent for those of us who use wash cloths. As handy as it may be, the ease of application is only one of my favorite aspects of this product. It also calms and softens my skin while preventing the midday oiliness that I often experience. Where has this tonic been all my life (particularly on the day of my last job interview)?

Scent- It has the faint scent of witch hazel and citrus.

Rating- The only reason I would even consider subtracting a point is the price, since I’m not used to spending over $13 on toner. BUT since the website assures me that the bottle contains at least 400 mists, and since I’d probably use at most 4 mists a day….I can certainly justify spending $22 on a toner/tonic that will last over 3 months. 10/10!

When I contacted the founder of Stark Skincare to request samples, she seemed just as eager for me to try her products as I was to try them. Jessica’s enthusiasm, combined with her confidence in her products’ ability to improve “slightly oily skin, with an occasional blemish” were all the assurance I needed! The first of the four samples I tried was the Green Tea Detox Clay Mask, and that’s the gem I’ll be reviewing today.

Ingredients (provided by Jessica and soon to be up at starkskincare.com)- “Moroccan lava clay (Rhassoul), Montmorillonite (French Green Clay) ,Camellia sinensis (green tea) extract, Pumila Mill (apple) fruit extract, Citrus aurantifolia (lime) fruit extract”

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a low hazard score of zero, with no individual ingredients having a hazard score above a two.

Some great things about this product:

1. Along with all other Stark Skincare products, it’s free of synthetic dyes, fragrances, preservatives, and surfactants.

2. It’s vegan and cruelty-free.

3. It comes in a reusable glass jar, which is nice for me and the environment!

Product Description(provided at starkskincare.com)- “This blend of clay, green tea and fruit extracts creates a deceptively simple, mask that goes a long way to purify and detox your skin, while leaving it soft and supple. Perfect to use as a spot treatment or as a weekly mask to brighten any complexion, by simply adding a few drops of your favourite liquid (green tea, pure fruit juice, water or honey for dry skin types) to ½ a teaspoon of the dry mask. Apply a thin, even layer and wash with warm water once it has completely dried (about 10 minutes). ”

Price- $30 for a 2 oz. glass jar. Considering how little is needed for a weekly mask or to spot treat the occasional blemish, I’d say this is a very reasonable price.

Performance- I’ve been meaning to invest in another clay mask since I ran out of Indian Healing Clay, so this sample couldn’t have come at a better time. Already I’ve used it a few times as an all over face mask and several times to spot treat blemishes.  My skin feels brighter, softer, and seems to have a more even tone after applying and removing this product. It leaves blemishes less inflamed and seems to shorten the length of time they’re around. Needless to say, I am a fan.

Scent- Mild and pleasant, like the dreamy lime popsicles of my childhood.

Rating- 10/10.

Remember my mention of the Olivella Nourishment Cream sample I received? Well, today I’ll be reviewing it!

Ingredients (provided on product packaging)- water, olive fruit oil,glycerin,cetearyl olivate,shea butter, hydrogenated olive oil,sorbitan olivate,olive oil, sweet almond oil, rose seed oil,sunflower seed oil, corn oil,chamomile extract,carrot root extract,hypericum perforatum extract,glyceryl linoleate,glyceryl caprylate,sodium dehydroacetate, ascorbyl palmitate,lecithin,tocopherol,xanthan gum,citric acid.

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a hazard score of 5. Fragrance is the only ingredient with a hazard score above a 3 (ingredients with large data gaps aside). I’ve emailed the company to see if the fragrances they use are phthalate-free. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, and I’ll let you guys know as soon as I do.

Some great things about this product:

1. It’s free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, and gluten.

2. It’s cruelty-free.

Product Description(provided at olivellausa.com)- “Olivella Nourishment Cream is a natural night and day face cream, rich yet light and extremely
absorbable, non-greasy, leaves skin perfectly nourished, granting an immediate pleasant feeling and an extraordinary vitality and softness. Great cream for dry skins, protects skins from external agents and prevents aging. Uses an exclusive natural Nourish-compensator which exercises a fundamental role in maintaining and/or restoring the surface lipidic barrier.”

Price-$18.99 for a 1.69 fl oz container.

Performance- Since it’s pretty rich, I’ve been using this product strictly underneath my eyes. It’s perfect for this area, and it consistently leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized. And even though it’s rich/thick, it has a nice and surprisingly lightweight feel after it’s applied. It wears well under concealer, which is a definite plus.

Scent- Rich, floral, and almost a little masculine. I like it, but it might be a bit overwhelming if I were applying the product to a larger area.

Rating- Assuming the fragrance is phthalate-free, this product deserves a 9/10 (subtracting half a point for the heavy scent and another for the price). I will edit this rating if I hear otherwise regarding the fragrance.

When I visited Mississippi recently and my mother was complaining of a pain in her hand, I figured it was the perfect time to put my Arnica Salve sample to use. And guess what? I was right!

Ingredients (provided at mjsherbals.com)- “Arnica flowers* and essential oil of clove* in a base of olive oil* and unrefined propolis beeswax. *certified organic”

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a hazard score of 2. Clove oil is the only ingredient with a hazard score above a 0.

Some great things about this product:

1. It’s free of parabens, pesticide residues, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, fragrance, and any other nasty synthetic ingredients you might wish to avoid.

2. Full size products come in  1 oz. non-reactive glass containers (which I’ve been assured are nearly impossible to break!), with metal tops so the packaging is reusable, recyclable, and portable.

Product Description(provided at mjsherbals.com)- “Our Arnica Salve with pain relieving clove oil is a remarkable remedy for bruises, overworked sore muscles, tendon injury and sprains. This salve quickly brings relief, promotes circulation, and hastens the disappearance of discoloration from bruising.

Except for Arnica Salve, all balms may be experimented with to find your favorite application. Arnica is not for broken skin! It is also not for mucus membranes (don’t put it up your nose!) other than this, use it to work out knots and heal sore muscles anywhere on your body. It works so fast, you will be amazed!”

Price-$12.99 for a 1 oz. concentrate.

Performance-My mom sprained or otherwise injured her finger fairly recently, possibly while shooting a gun*, and it was giving her trouble when I visited home the weekend before last. Luckily, I had my trusty Arnica Salve with me. I applied a generous amount to the sore area before bed on a Friday night, and she texted me that following Sunday while I was driving back to Louisiana to tell me that her hand felt 100% better! Fortunately, I haven’t had any sprains or injuries lately, but I applied this salve to several bruises on my legs that seemed to disappear much more quickly than they normally would have. It’s also great for a sore neck!

*Yes. You read that right. My mom shoots guns for fun. She’s very cool.

Scent- Unsurprisingly, it smells like clove.

Rating- I’m subtracting 1 point since the hazard score isn’t perfect, but I feel pretty confident that, if used correctly, this salve is totally safe. 9/10

Review of dreamy salve #2, and go!

Ingredients (provided at mjsherbals.com)- “Calendula blossoms* and real vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) in a base of olive oil* and unrefined propolis beeswax. *Certified Organic”

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a lower than low hazard score of zero.Hoorah!

Some great things about this product:

1. It’s free of parabens, pesticide residues, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, fragrance, and any other nasty ingredients you might wish to avoid.

2. Full size products come in  1 oz. non-reactive glass containers, with metal tops so the packaging is reusable, recyclable, and portable.

Product Description(provided at mjsherbals.com)- “Calendula salve is an exceptionally effective remedy for inflamed skin, slow healing wounds, skin ulcers, and irritations. Although calendula salve is strong in action, it is gentle on the skin and ideal for baby skin care needs. Feel the healing power of these beautiful golden blossoms!

Lavender E Salve, Calendula Salve, First Aid Salve, and Breast Balm can all be used on any part of your lovely epidermis without worry. All MJ’s Herbal Salves are non-irritating, safe, free of pesticides, chemicals, fragrance, (only pure organic essential oils are used).”

Price-$12.99 for a 1 oz. concentrate.

Performance-I’ve been on the verge of getting a cold for the past week or so, and my most annoying symptom by far has been my runny nose. I’ve been carrying a wad of tissue in my pocket everywhere (like a mawmaw), and that’s not even the worst of it. All the nose-blowing has made the outside of my nostrils dry, sore and irritated. I finally wised up and turned to this salve for relief a couple of days ago, and it was an excellent decision on my part. The skin felt and looked significantly better within thirty minutes of application! With consistent success, I’ve also been using this salve on razor burn the occasional dark mark left by a slow-healing blemish.  It soothes the former and speeds the healing of the latter.

Scent- The smell is mild and sweet. It reminds me of honey.

Rating-I can’t imagine why this salve would deserve anything lower than a 10.

The Lavender E Salve that I’ll be reviewing today is the first of three lovely salves I have to share with you guys. Excited? I am!

Ingredients (provided at mjsherbals.com)- “Lavender flowers*, real vitamin E oil (d-alpha tocopherol) and essential oil of lavender* in a base of olive oil* and unrefined propolis beeswax. *Certified Organic”

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a hazard score of zero. After seeing the dreamy list of ingredients, I’m not at all surprised.

Some great things about this product:

1. It’s free of parabens, pesticide residues, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, fragrance, and any other nasty ingredients you might wish to avoid.

2. Full size products come in  1 oz. non-reactive glass containers, with metal tops so the packaging is reusable, recyclable, and portable.

Product Description(provided at mjsherbals.com)- “Lavender is one of the most widely used and dearly loved flowers in skincare and aromatherapy. Our exceptional salve is specific for healing burns and relieving headaches, stress and anxiety. Lavender also helps heal cuts, scrapes, rashes, irritations, and blemishes. Vitamin E is added for tissue repair and helps reduce scarring.

Lavender E Salve, Calendula Salve, First Aid Salve, and Breast Balm can all be used on any part of your lovely epidermis without worry. All MJ’s Herbal Salves are non-irritating, safe, free of pesticides, chemicals, fragrance, (only pure organic essential oils are used).”

Price-$12.99 for a 1 oz. concentrate.

Performance- Because I’ve been using on it any and everything, this salve has been making its rounds between my bedside table, my purse, and my bathroom. At nighttime, a little on my temples and behind my ears is just what I need to feel relaxed and ready for bed. When I’m not in the mood for a heavy perfume, I dab this salve on my wrists and neck in the mornings before heading to school. It’s pretty without being overpowering. While at school or out of the house, I put it on my lips and cuticles when they need a little extra attention. They’re soft and hydrated in no time! This salve is nice and calming on an itchy mosquito bite as well.

Scent- It smells like lavender: warm and relaxing and wonderful.

Rating-Endless uses, great ingredients and a reasonable price? This salve deserves a 10!

Allow me to preface this review with an apology. I had trouble finding a picture of this eyeliner online, so I decided to take my own (and in the process showcase my subpar photography skills as well as the discolored grout in my bathroom). Oops.

Ingredients (provided at priia.com)- “Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Mica, Iron Oxides, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Tin Oxide.”

The preliminary report I created for this product in the Cosmetics Database gives it a hazard score of 2. There are no individual ingredients with hazard scores above 2.

Some great things about this product:

1. It’s free of parabens, FD&C dyes, petrochemicals, and phenoxyethanol.

2. It’s vegan and gluten-free.

Product Description(provided at priia.com)-

“Whether you want to line it, define it or smudge it, PRIIA’s natural eye liners are the perfect solution!

Made from pure mineral pigments, plant waxes, natural butters and botanicals, Eye Linez™ go on smoothly and last all day.  Each liner is skillfully hand-injected and then sharpened to perfection.

Since our liners do not contain FD&C dyes, parabens, or synthetics, they’re perfect for contact lense wearers and those with sensitive eyes.

Our eye liners are 100% VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE!”

Price-I bought mine for the low, low price of $6, and I’m pretty sure all shades except for Java Bean are still on sale!

Performance-

This eyeliner is nice for three reasons:

1) It’s fairly firm, so I don’t have to be extra careful not to break/bend the tip when applying.

2)It smudges easily with the help of a finger or a smudging tool, but it stays in place if left alone.

3)The tip can easily be sharpened, so you always have the option of having a thinner or thicker line.

I have only one complaint, and it’s that I have to put on a few coats for it to be dark enough for my liking. Otherwise it seems almost grey, and I’m more of  a black eye liner kind of girl (which is why I ordered black).

In case you’re interested in seeing what it looks like on, here I am wearing this product:

Scent- Well, it is an eye liner pencil…so it smells like  a pencil.

Rating- 8/10. I’m subtracting a point for the less than perfect hazard score and another since each application requires a little extra effort.