Pardon my absence, but guess what I’ve been up to lately?!

Danielle, a couple of our friends, and myself planned a potions party for this past Tuesday night, and we ended up making beet blush, toning mist, and deodorant bars. I’ve only used each product a couple of times so far, but I’m already in love with the beet blush. I’ll be back with extensive reviews when I have time to form solid opinions of the other two.

For the curious, here are the recipes we used:

1. Toner

2. Blush

3. Deodorant

We used both lavender and tea tree essential oils in the toner, and we put the liquid in spray bottles to avoid having to use a cotton ball. Also, misting your face is probably one of the most refreshing things ever. Right?

I’m pretty sure the potion party was a hit, and we plan to have another one so soon!

I used to take biotin religiously, but I must’ve failed to restock after running out at some point and then forgotten about it completely. I do that a lot.  As someone who is trying to maintain long, healthy hair, I recently started taken it again. I tell myself it’s helping, but who really knows? I’ll believe almost anything written on a hard plastic bottle (not really).

How about you? Do you take biotin, or do you rely on fruits and vegetables for that sort of thing? If you do take it, then do you think it’s making a difference your hair and nails?

Image Source

I’ve always heard that unrefined coconut oil is the way to go when it comes to cooking, and this makes plenty of sense.  Apparently the polyphenols in coconut oil, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, are damaged during the refining process. I’ve also read that the proteins/minerals are significantly diminished after being refined.

 But because it was the cheaper option at the health food store, I’ve been moisturizing my body with organic refined coconut oil for the past couple of weeks. Common sense tells me that since my skin is  my largest organ, I might be better off opting for unrefined coconut oil when it comes to moisturizing, but frugality tells me to get over it. After all, it is still organic, expeller pressed, and processed under the same guidelines as any USDA organic product. Like I said, I’ve found plenty of information that would be helpful if I were cooking with it (one & two)…but not so much related to putting it on my body.

Any helpful input is encouraged. : )

Image Source

Leave it to me to be the last person on earth to try something useful, but are you guys familiar with dry skin brushing? Danielle mentioned incorporating it into her daily routine a couple of months or so ago, and (as with most awesome things she tries) I simply told her to let me know how she liked it.

I had all but forgotten about dry skin brushing until I saw a recent morning routine on No More Dirty Looks that mentioned it, and soon after that I stumbled upon an article about it. What did I learn? Apparently it’s a great way to improve circulation, brighten one’s complexion, and even detoxify the body. Whether or not these claims are founded,  I am beginning to think that maybe I should take a brush to this neglected skin of mine. What’s the worst that could happen (aside from wasting $40 on a fancy skin brush)?

Are you a fan of dry skin brushing? If not, then maybe you could save a girl some dollars by being honest.

Image Source

I scanned several articles devoted to the benefits of toner, and there were a few perks that seemed worth mentioning:

• Toner adds a layer of protection (this seems to be especially true of toners that contain vegetable glycerin).
• Toning balances your skin’s pH level (which is specifically why I’m a fan of toning with Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar).
• If you’re short on time, then toner can serve as a quick alternative to cleansing/washing your face (since I’m almost always late, this fun fact is especially helpful).

How about you? Do you use toner? Why or why not?

Oh, and just for fun…here’s a creepy picture I took of myself while sitting in front of the blinds in our kitchen:

Chilling, right? Good luck sleeping with that stored in your mind grapes.

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.

As finicky as I am about the ingredients in my health and beauty products, I can only imagine what I’ll be like one day when a baby is thrown into the mix.  Big companies like Johnson & Johnson are notorious both for greenwashing and for allowing some pretty shocking ingredients to make their way into personal care products, so why should their natural line for babies be any different?

The Johnson’s Baby website provides a long list of the ingredients their natural line is formulated without:

• No Parabens
• No Dyes
• No Animal Byproducts
• No Silicones
• No Lanolin
• No Paraffin
• No Petrolatum
• No Phthalates
• No Essential Oils

image source