The Organic Skin Co. Task Force Nine and Lip Service Review

Back in September I reviewed some great products from New Zealand skincare brand The Organic Skin Co., and today I have more from their wonderful line to share!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

The Organic Skin Co. creates skincare and cosmetics that are PETA-certified cruelty free, vegan, and certified organic by NZ Bio Grow. You can read my previous review and learn more about the company here.

I received the Task Force Nine Calendula and Turmeric Cream and Lip Service Lipstick to try and both gave great results!

The Task Force Nine Calendula and Turmeric Cream is made with nine ingredients, including organic calendula and turmeric supercritical extracts to moisturize. The ingredients also have antiseptic and antibacterial products to provide extra nourishment to skin. It's made with 78.4 percent organic ingredients.

I absolutely love this cream! It's so soothing and made my skin feel so soft. The texture is silky-smooth and it absorbed into my skin without leaving any feeling of residue. Calendula is an antiseptic that works well to treat inflammation and extra-dry skin and eczema, making this perfect for the cold winter air. Turmeric is also great as an anti-inflammatory and is a strong antioxidant.

I'm also in love with the Lip Service Lipstick! I tried the shade Galaxy and it's the perfect red for me. I think this would be flattering on all skin tones and undertones, and it's especially great for a darker, date night look. The formula is smooth and was easy to apply -- not too smooth, but not too waxy, either. I've tried other lipsticks where they were difficult to apply with precision because they either slid around my lips too freely or didn't move enough, but this one gave off just enough color to make it easy to apply.

I really do love this color, despite how miserable I look in the above photo. I'm awkward with selfies. But regardless, you can see that it has great color payoff and is great for day or night looks. I wore this to a Friendsgiving party and was surprised at how long it lasted on my lips before needing to reapply. It lasted through a few drinks before I needed to add more.

• Visit The Organic Skin Co. to browse their full line of products

Bottom Line: The Task Force Nine and Lip Service are two more great products from The Organic Skin Co.! If you are looking for a line of vegan, cruelty-free, and organic skincare and makeup, look no further than this great and affordable brand!

Mary Tylor Naturals Arican Black Soap Review

I love soaps but I don't usually buy ones that are meant to be used as face washes. The ones I've tried in the past never really worked that well or were too drying. But I recently tried the Mary Tylor Naturals African Black Soap and I've finally found the perfect bar soap face wash for me!

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review,

The African Black Soap is imported directly from Ghana and is 100% pure and made with organic shea butter. It can be used to treat and heal symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and acne; and is also helpful in preventing stretch marks during pregnancy and reducing razor bumps and irritation after shaving. It's a great cleanser for the body and hair and is suitable for all skin types. The ingredients are very minimal: organic Shea butter, pure honey, palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, cocoa pod powder, osun (carmwood), water, and aloe vera.

I received an 8 oz block of the soap to try, which retails for only $9.95 on the Mary Tylor Naturals website. It ships as one big block and can easily be cut into smaller pieces. I used a regular kitchen knife to slice off a piece about one inch thick to use. So far I've only used it on my face but I am interested to try it on my hair as well. I have an oily scalp and dandruff so given that this helps with eczema and psoriasis, I'm hopeful that it'll help balance on my scalp issues, too.

This worked really well as a face cleanser. I rubbed the bar between my hands under running water to create a lather and it foamed up nicely. Then I rubbed the lather from my hands against my face and worked it around my skin. I suppose you could apply the bar directly to your face if you wanted to, but I didn't. When I rinsed this off my skin didn't feel overly dry the way it has with other soap cleansers, which is most likely due to the organic shea butter. I've only been using it for a week or so, but I can say that after washing my skin feels tight and oil-free. I think it's doing a good job of balancing out my skin.

The only downside I could see to this soap is the scent. It has no artificial fragrance, which I like, but its natural fragrance is really earthy, so if you're used to fragranced products this may take you a little while to get used to. I recommend giving it a try though because so far my results have been well worth it!

• Visit Mary Tylor Naturals to learn more
• Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube

Bottom Line: I really enjoyed using the Mary Tylor Naturals African Black Soap! It made my skin feel thoroughly cleansed without being overly dry and I love that it's made with minimal organic ingredients. It has plenty of benefits and I think it's great for anyone looking to add more natural products into their routine.

Z Skin Cosmetics Review

If you're looking for an effective skincare line that's also affordable, you need to check out Z Skin Cosmetics! The line was created by Ryan Zamo, who you may know from Project Runway: Fashion Startup. I've been using the face wash and lotion for about a month now and they're wonderful!

*Disclaimer: These products were sent to See, Shop, Love! in exchange for an honest review.

Z Skin Cosmetics imports herbs and oils from countries including Japan, Australia, Hungary, and Africa to create a gentle yet effective line of products. Ryan created the skincare line after not being able to find products that worked for his skin. Their skincare lines are Acne, Age-Defying, and Simply Aging Organic.

Z Skin Cosmetics also has a mineral makeup line that includes powder and liquid foundations, toners, setting sprays, blushes, and more!

I sampled the Day Lotion and Facewash from the Simply Aging Organic line. Even though I'm still in my 20s, I think that it's never too early to start using anti-aging products. I want to keep my skin as healthy and youthful-looking for as long as I can, and a little preventive care can't hurt!

Pictured above is the ingredients list for the Face Wash. As you can see, the ingredients are minimal and made up of nothing but natural goodness (they're also 100% organic)! I love that there are no unnecessary chemicals or additives.

The first thing I noticed about the Face Wash was that it's bright yellow! It has little exfoliating beads, too, but they're very gentle so this could be used every day. It doesn't lather much, but it was still quite effective at cleaning my skin and removing makeup. My skin felt soft and refreshed after using it.

The Day Lotion has SPF 8 and is also made with a minimal list of 100% organic ingredients. It's lightweight and absorbed into my skin quickly without feeling greasy or with any residue. I would prefer something more around SPF 15, but 8 is still a decent option for my skin. If you're more fair-skinned you may want to use a stronger sunscreen along with this lotion.

I have oily skin that's also sensitive, so it can be difficult for me to find skincare that takes care of the oil without being too harsh. Z Skin Cosmetics worked great with my skin, which I think is because of the organic ingredients. The best way I can described the results is that my skin feels soothed. I still get oil throughout the day, which I know is just going to happen no matter what I do, but I don't have any uneven dry patches or as much redness as I used to. I have really enjoyed using Z Skin Cosmetics and I will definitely continue using it!

• Visit Z Skin Cosmetics to browse their full line of products
• Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Bottom Line: I'm very happy with the way the Z Skin Cosmetics Simply Aging Organic line worked with my skin. Their products are made with 100% organic ingredients and left my skin feeling fresh and soothed. I definitely recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable way to treat your skin!

Mia Mariu Relax Essential Oil Review and Giveaway

I have a pretty acute sense of smell and I love surrounding myself with relaxing aromas.  I'm interested in aromatherapy for this reason, so when I learned about the Mia Mariu Essential Oils I was excited to give one a try!  I have previously reviewed their excellent skincare line (read that review here), so I knew that their oils would not disappoint.

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to See, Shop, Love! for review purposes.

Mia Mariu's organic therapeutic essential oils are available in Relax and I Feel Good.  I Feel Good is a blend that supports your immune system and overall respiratory health, with oils of eucalyptus, lemon, bay laurel, peppermint, apricot, and macadamia.  Relax is a natural solution for life's daily stressors, and it induces relaxation and reduces nervous tension and anxiety.  It's made up of oils of sandalwood, lavendar, cedar, clary sage, coconut, and almond.  I chose to try Relax because I love a good relaxation product!

Not only does Relax help to relieve stress, it also can soothe discomfort associated with menstrual cycles and support restful sleep.  I was interested in trying it because I've had some difficulty falling asleep recently, and I know that therapeutic oils can help you drift off to sleep more easily.

The oil comes in a 2 fl oz glass jar with a stopper dispenser.  You only need to massage a few drops onto your pulse points per use, so this jar will last a long time.  I love that it's made only with 100% organic essential oils; it's also free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and artificial fragrance.  Mia Mariu is also a cruelty-free company.

I've been using Relax for the past few nights and have applied a few drops onto my fingers then massaged the oil into my temples.  I also place just a drop or two onto my pillowcase.  It smells so lovely--the lavender notes are the most strong to me, and I love the balance of the cedar and sandalwood.  Lavender is well-known for its calming qualities, sandalwood promotes healthy skin as well as peaceful meditation, and cedarwood promotes healthy skin and clear breathing.   I think this would also be great to use during yoga.

I truly believe in the powers of aromatherapy and I think that Relax has helped me fall asleep for sure!  It may sound unbelievable, but I find that focusing on the scent and my breathing helps me to drift off quicker.  Even if you aren't looking for a better sleep solution, anyone could use this to help balance out the daily stresses they run into in life.

Bottom Line: I highly recommend the Mia Mariu Relax essential therapeutic oil!  It's made with pure ingredients and is cruelty-free and it has worked incredibly well for me.

Want to win a bottle of Relax for yourself?  Enter using the Rafflecopter form below!  The sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents aged 18+ and ends at 12:00 AM EST on 7 April 2015.  Please see the bottom of the Rafflecopter for full terms and conditions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wise Owl Organics East African Shea Butter Review

A few weeks ago I entered a giveaway at Wise Owl Organics to win one a jar of their East African Shea Butter and I won!  What first caught my eye was their adorable owl logo, but after learning that their products are 100% chemical-free and USDA organic I wanted to try it even more.

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

Wise Owl Organics uses fair-trade shea butter from Africa that has not been altered in any way.  Shea butter is a fatty oil that melts when it comes into contact with the skin, making it an incredibly effective moisturizer.  Although it's very rich, it won't clog pores or leave a greasy residue.  It's great for use on the body, face, and in your hair and is recognized for its anti-aging and healing properties.

Wise Owl Organics uses Eastern shea butter instead of the more traditional Western shea.  Eastern shea butter comes from an East African shea subspecies known as vitellaria nilotica, which has a higher olien oil content than the West African product.  This means that their product is lighter, creamier, and richer in vitamins A and E than Western shea butters.

How cute is their packaging?  I love the logo and the simplicity of their labels.  A 4 oz. jar costs $19.95 and you can purchase it through Amazon (it's also Prime eligible).

I've been using this on my dry, cracked hands, knees, and elbows and it's been wonderful during this wretched winter!  As you can see from the photo above, the only ingredient is 100% certified-organic Ugandan shea butter.  No additives, no chemicals, no fragrance--just a pure, effective product.

The shea butter is very thick and creamy and a little goes a long way.  It absorbs pretty quickly into my skin, but it does leave the tiniest amount of oil that takes a little bit longer to absorb.  I don't mind it, though, because it moisturizes so well.  I've only used this on my body so far, but I'm interested in trying it on my hair.  I've never used shea butter on my hair before, but hopefully it'll moisturize my tresses as much as it does my skin!

• Visit the Wise Owl Organics website to learn more
• You can purchase a jar of the East African Shea Butter on Amazon

Bottom Line: I'm so glad I came across Wise Owl Organics and their East African Shea Butter!  I think it's a wonderful product that delivers on everything that it promises and is great for dry skin.  I can't wait to see what other products they come out with in the future!

Badger Unscented Face Care Set Review

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you may already know that Badger is my favorite brand of all time!  They're a Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free company that is awesome for so many reasons.  Here are just a few: aside from being Leaping Bunny certified, they also use USDA organic and fair trade ingredients, are a B Corporation (more on that here), and they just overall seem like an amazing place to work.  I promise I am not just kissing butt here--this is a 100% not sponsored post, I just really love Badger!

Disclaimer: These products were purchased by See, Shop, Love!

All fangirling aside, I wanted to share with you my experiences with one of Badger's newer products: the Unscented Face Oil and Face Cleansing Oil.  I purchased these as part of a set for $25.99 because it was cheaper than buying them both individually (the Face Oil is $14.99 and the Cleansing Oil is $15.99).  Plus, every order over $25 on the Badger website ships for free and comes with an extra gift--this time it was a mini Badger Balm (pictured above, bottom center).

I had been wanting to try a cleansing oil for a while, and when Badger came out with their line of face care sets I knew I had to get them.  I decided on the Unscented line because they're made for sensitive skin.  My skin is oily but also sensitive to harsh products.  They also have Argan (all skin types), Seabuckthorn (normal to dry skin), and Damascus Rose (delicate/dry skin) oil sets.

The Face Oil is 1 fl oz and the Cleansing Oil is 2 fl oz.  All of Badger's face care oils are clinically tested to be non-comedogenic (they won't clog your pores) and hypoallergenic.  The Unscented set really is unscented, so you don't have to worry about any kind of fragrances irritating your skin.

I love that Badger uses minimal ingredients in all of their products, and that the ingredients they do use are natural and pure.  They are a company that truly is organic and natural!  The ingredients for those of these oils are similar, but the Face Oil has a few more oils in it than the Cleansing Oil.

I've been using these for two weeks and have been really enjoying them!  The instructions state to apply the Cleansing Oil on dry skin and massage it in using a circular motion.  I use two pumps and it's more than enough to cover my entire face.  Massaging it in is very calming, too; it's like having a mini facial every morning and night!  After applying it to the skin, you use a warm washcloth to steam open pores and gently remove oil, dirt, and makeup.  This really works well at removing my makeup, which was something I was a little bit concerned about.  I didn't need to worry, though, because it easily took off all of my foundation and everything else.

After removing the Cleansing Oil, it's time for the Face Oil to do work its magic.  I've used face oil moisturizers before so I was more familiar with how to apply this than I was with the Cleansing Oil.  Basically, dispense a pump or two (I use only one) onto the palms and then apply it onto the skin.  I like to rub it between my palms and then roll my palms over my face to apply it.  Definitely apply this while your skin is just a little bit damp still--if you apply it on completely dry skin it'll be harder to spread it evenly.  Plus, you should apply moisturizers on damp skin anyway to help with absorption.

Bottom Line: I am loving the Unscented Face Care Set and am so glad I purchased it!  Although it may sound counterintuitive to use face oils on oily skin, they actually work really well to balance sebum production because "like dissolves like."  I will have to keep using these for a longer period of time to see if they reduce the oil on my skin, but so far I'm pleased with their performance.  My skin feels clean and hydrated after use, and I have peace of mind knowing that I'm using a truly natural, cruelty-free product from an amazing company!

• Visit Badger's website to browse their full line of products.  I especially recommend their Aromatherapy Balms and Cocoa Butter Lip Balms!
• Check out some of my past Badger reviews here.

The Honest Company Essentials Bundle Review

I finally decided to try The Honest Company -- now that I have my own apartment, I have more of a need for the types of products they offer.  I started with the free trial bundle and decided to ship a full Essentials bundle after that.

The Honest Company was founded by Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan, and they sell a range of household and beauty items that are free from harsh chemicals.  It's not a typical subscription service because you don't have to sign up for bundle deliveries, but it is cheaper to buy a bundle of five products instead of buying them individually.  I chose the Essentials bundle, and that means I can choose from any of their home or personal care items.  They also offer a "Diapers & Wipes" and "Health & Wellness" bundle.

• Honest Healing Balm - This was in the sample bundle that I ordered and I loved it, so I knew I wanted to get a full-sized bottle.  It's a very thick balm that's perfect for my overly-dry hands and feet, and a little goes a long way.
• Honest Sunscreen SPF 30 - This product is fairly new, and since I needed a new sunscreen for the summer I figured I'd give it a try.  I went to the zoo this past weekend and used the sunscreen, and I have to say that I didn't like it.  It's too thick and sticky and I wouldn't recommend it.  I think I'll stick with my Badger sunscreen.

• Organic Body Oil - I'm all about moisturizing, so I was excited to try the body oil.  It works really well and has a very faint scent.  I don't have much to say about this other than that I really like it, but if you're not a fan of oils you're probably better off going with the lotion.
• Honest Face + Body Lotion - This was the only other product I sampled in my trial bundle that I decided to order a full size of.  What I like best about this lotion is its texture--it's very silky and smooth.  I haven't used it on my face (and won't), but it's great as a body lotion.

• Organic Lip Balm Trio - My final product choice was the trio of lip balms, which came in "Plain & Simple," "Sweet Orange Vanilla," and "Lavender Mint."  I love lip balms and can never have too many, but these were just okay.  They can't compare to some of my more favored organic lip balms, but they're still better than waxy Chapstick.

This bundle cost me $41.90 after shipping.  It shipped from Pennsylvania and it got to me very quickly (only two days from their warehouse to my apartment) in New York, so I was happy about that.  Overall I'm happy with this bundle, but I'm not scheduled for another until August and I'm not sure if I'll order another one.  These products are decent, but I don't know if I like them enough to continue purchasing them when I can find them for comparable prices at stores near me.

If you're interested in trying The Honest Company I definitely recommend giving one of their free trial bundles a go (you just have to pay shipping).  Just FYI that the products you'll receive are sample-sized, not full-sized; something I wish I had known before I ordered a trial.

*Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.  Post contains referral links.

Miessence Skin Essentials Review

Since the skin is the body's largest organ, I'm always looking for skincare that is effective and chemical-free.  Miessence is a wonderful brand that delivers on both!  I reviewed four of their Skin Essentials regimens, which were sponsored by Hannah from TheOliveParent Organics, an independent representative of Miessence.

Miessence is an Australian company that was established under the Organic & Natural Enterprises Group in 2003 by Narelle and Colin Chenery, Alf Orpen, and John Hunter.  It is the world's first extensive range of internationally certified organic skin, hair, body, cosmetic, oral, and nutritional products.  The Skin Essentials products are Australian Certified Organic, and also certified organic to International Food Standards.  They're made with yucca extract, as opposed to harsh soaps or detergents.  They gently remove dirt and oils from the skin with the natural plant saponins found in yucca.

The first line I tried was the Rejuvenating one, and I also used this one the most extensively.  There was a mix-up in the original shipment, and I received 10 each of the cleanser, skin conditioner, and moisturizer in Rejuvenating, so I was able to use this for a longer period of time than the other varieties.  The Rejuvenating line is meant for dry/mature skin, and is formulated with organic geranium, hops, and chamomile.  I have to say that this line was probably my least favorite, as the products had a very strange scent.  They were gently on my skin, but I didn't see any noticeable difference after using this for about two weeks.  My main issue is redness and oil, which is not what this line was created for.

The Purifying line was my favorite and much better suited for my skin.  It's meant for oily/problem skin and the organic extracts it contains help inflamed complexions.  The main ingredients are organic echinacea, plantain, calendula, with hazel, tea tree, and lemon myrtle.  I really liked using these products and I think they worked well with my oily skin.  Unfortunately, I only received one packet of each so I was only able to use these for a total of two days before my supply ran out.  I would have been interested to see how well they worked after a month's time or more.

I also enjoyed using the Soothing line, as my skin is oily but also sensitive and this one is targeted toward sensitive skin.  It contains two soothing chamomiles (German and Roman), protective calendula, carrot, and organic horsechestnut.  I liked the scent of this line the best, too.

Last up is the Balancing line, made for normal/combination skin.  It is a hydrating aloe vera infusion with organic olive leaf, calendula, and marshmallow to refresh and tone the skin.  I felt that this line also worked well with my skin.  Each line came with a cleanser, skin conditioner, and moisturizer, which were to be used in that order.  The cleansers were non-foaming and very gentle, the skin conditioner was a serum-like consistency and very potent (so a little went a long way), and the moisturizer was light but effective.

Bottom Line: I wish I had received more packets to try in the Purifying, Soothing, and Balancing lines, since they all worked well with my skin after a few uses.  I think that the Purifying line would probably be the best for my skin in the long run.  Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed using these Miessence Skin Essentials products and I would definitely recommend them.  I love that they're certified organic, cruelty-free, and available for a wide range of skin types.

• Learn more about Miessence and browse their full line of products at TheOliveParent Organics's Miessence website.  Be sure to use promo code toporganics for 20% off your entire order!
• Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube
• TheOliveParent Organics and Miessence are offering two incredibly informative webinars!  If you're interested in attending either or both of them, please RSVP here.

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Miessence.  I received no monetary compensation.

September Bestowed Box Review

My first experience with Bestowed was in August, and I was very impressed by the array of healthy foods they sent.  I was curious to see what they'd include in their first-ever themed box, September's "Back to School" package.

This month's box contained eight items total and had a good variety of salty and sweet snacks.  Even though I've only tried two Bestowed boxes so far, I've noticed that they try to include easy pre-packaged snacks as well as things you can use as ingredients in more elaborate dishes (does that make sense?).

• La Tortilla Factory White Whole Wheat Soft Wrap Minis - These little wraps contain only 50 calories and will be put to good use.  I like to make quesadillas as a snack and since these are smaller I won't feel as guilty about eating them.  They're also great for sandwich wraps, so I might throw some stuff together in one and take it with me for lunch at work.
• Funky Monkey Fruit Snacks - I received the Carnaval Mix (sp) and I absolutely loved it!  It contained freeze-dried organic banana, papaya, pineapple, and apple.  I've only ever tried one other type of freeze-dried fruit and I didn't care for it, but these were nice and crispy and had a lot of flavor.  I'm going to look for them the next time I go grocery shopping.
• Pearls Black Pitted Olives To Go - I am not a fan of olives, so I offered these to the rest of my family.  Based on how quickly they were devoured, I'd say they were probably pretty good!  The to-go packaging is convenient and also not messy because it's sans olive juice.
• Nonni's THINaddictives Cranberry Almond Thins - This is actually sitting in my desk drawer at work, uneaten.  I keep forgetting that I have it, but I'm going to make it a point to give it a try tomorrow for breakfast.  It's a twice-baked cookie with antioxidant-rich ingredients like pistachios, cranberries, and almonds and has only 100 calories per serving.

• Happy Family Happy Squeeze Greek Yogurt - This was my favorite item in the box!  I eat a lot of greek yogurt and this Razzleberry flavor was nice and tart and delicious, and I liked how it had real fruit mixed in.  I like these pouch containers, too, because they're easy to eat.
• Somersault Snack Co. Cinnamon Crunch Somersaults - I've had Somersaults before but never this flavor, but I'm sure they're going to be great (cinnamon is the perfect flavor for fall).  These are made from sunflower seeds and are 100% vegan and nut-free.
• Popcorn Indiana FIT Popcorn - This was the item I tried first, and I really wanted to love it, but unfortunately it was just so-so to me.  The popcorn itself had good texture and wasn't too chewy (the way some bagged popcorn is), but I think personally I would prefer something with a bit more flavor.  These bags only have 40 calories per serving, though, so they're a good alternative to regular chips.
• Pacific Natural Foods Hazelnut Chocolate Dairy-Free Milk - I haven't tried this milk yet.  It's sweetened with brown rice and cane juice and is Non-GMO Project verified with 130 calories per serving.  I like hazelnut a lot so I'm anticipating enjoying this!

Bottom Line: I think the September Bestowed box contained a lot of great options for back to school!  I'm definitely going to look for a lot of these brands the next time I go grocery shopping.  That's probably my favorite thing about Bestowed, is that they deliver so many new brands for me to try.

• Visit Bestowed to learn more and sign up for a subscription
• Use coupon code HELLOTEN094 to receive $9 off your first box, bringing your total to only $10!

*Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Bestowed..  I received no monetary compensation.

May Daily Dose of Green Review

It's Daily Dose of Green time!  May's box was another fun one.  I wanted to film an unboxing video but I think I'm going to put that on hold for a little while because it's so much extra work.  It just takes too long to actually upload them to YouTube, and I prefer to write anyway.

May's box was somewhat themed toward Mother's Day, with "products to put yourself first," focusing on skincare.  I'm all for that because I love getting beauty products.  Usually Daily Dose of Green doesn't contain all beauty and skincare, so if you're looking for a more varied lifestyle box don't worry--you can see my past reviews for an idea of what the boxes have contained (what I'm trying to get at is that there's usually more of a variety).

Here's the array for this month.  I haven't used many of the items yet because I have a pretty big collection of skincare items to try already (that's not to say I don't welcome more!), but here are my thoughts regardless.

• 7th Heaven Moroccan Clay Gentle Exfoliating Masque - I haven't used this yet but I am definitely looking forward to doing so.  7th Heaven has affordable masques that are great quality, and I love clay masques like this one because I have oily skin.
• Health Warrior Chia Bar in Chocolate Peanut Butter - I really wanted to like this because I thought the flavor sounded yummy, but it wasn't for me.  It tasted strongly of chia seeds, which I know is right in the name, but I expected a little bit more of a chocolate and peanut butter flavor, too.
• Be Natural Organics Aloe Leaf Lotion - I haven't used this lotion yet, either, but Be Natural Organics products have been in my DDOG boxes before and I've really liked them.  This lotion sounds extra soothing because of the aloe vera, and will be good for summertime.
• Bee Organic Bee Soft Body Butter - There is no scent listed on these but they're made with cocoa butter, so I think they're going to be great.  I keep meaning to use it after a shower but I habitually reach for my other body butter that I usually use.  I'm going to make a special effort to remember this tomorrow.

• Aletheia Skin Care Green Tea + Papaya MicroExfoliant - This is an "antioxidant infused scrub" with papaya to help minimize pores.  I exfoliate once a week, so I'm going to use this one on my next go around.
• Aletheia Skin Care Tea Tree Face Wash - The tea tree oil in this works to reduce redness, inflammation, and balance oil production.  The sample will probably provide a two week supply, which should be enough for me to see if it has a positive impact on my skin.  Those with normal to dry skin received the Grapefruit Face Wash in their boxes (members fill out a profile to specify such information upon joining).
• Bloomin Paper High Heel Shoe - This is a little seed-embedded card and it's so cute!  I love seed papers.  I have a few stored away that I haven't planted yet, but I'll get to them someday!
• By Valenti Organics Dark Raw Chocolate Bar Soap - This was an extra profile product and I'm so glad I got it!  I love soaps and I love chocolate, and I especially love certified organic soaps like this one.  It's also vegan and cruelty-free and smells amazing!
• Essence of Vali Sleep - I think this was also supposed to be a profile product but I didn't receive an extra card with information about it.  Either way, it was another fantastic pick for me because I love aromatherapy and my favorite type is anything for stress relief or sleep.  This contains essences of lavender flowers, cedarwood, marjoram leaves and ylang ylang.  I've been placing a few drops on my temples, under my nose, and onto my pillowcase at night and it really does help me drift off to sleep.

• Visit Daily Dose of Green to learn more and sign up!  It costs $15 a month or $165 a year (one month free).
• Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

Bottom Line: This was one of my favorite Daily Dose of Green boxes yet because I love getting beauty products!  I really like this box because they do a great job of sending me products that are really geared toward my lifestyle, especially the profile products that they pick for me.

*Disclaimer: I purchased this box and was not asked to review it.

Green Esthetics Argan Oil and Longer Lash Review

I prefer to purchase organic and natural (really natural, not greenwashed) products whenever possible, and it can be difficult at times to find beauty and skincare that fit the bill.  Green Esthetics offers plenty of options that are Leaping Bunny certified as cruelty-free.  I got the chance to review two of their products: Longer Lash and their Argan Oil.

I'll start with Longer Lash, which is an "eyelash growth conditioning solution."  I was interested in this product because I've always disliked my short, straight lashes.  They don't curl well and if I had to choose my most disliked feature on my face, it would probably be my eyelashes (I know, it sounds really weird!).  I have only been using this product for two days, so I can't comment on how well it works at the moment, but I plan to post before and after pictures after a month of use.  A full-sized tube is 5 ml and retails for $69.95, and it promises to grow longer, thicker lashes in 4-6 weeks.  To apply, you just brush it along the top of your lash line and let it dry before applying any makeup.

I think most people are familiar with Argan Oil, and this one from Green Esthetics is certified USDA Organic.  It contains only virgin, cold-pressed argan oil and can be used on the nails, hair, and skin.  I had previously only used argan oil on my hair, so I wanted to give it a try as a facial moisturizer.  I have used oils as moisturizers in the past, but I'm not sure I would continue to use this oil.  I applied very little but it still seemed to sit on my face a bit and didn't absorb entirely, so I will continue to use this on my hair instead.  I love using argan oil in my hair because I heat style every day, and this makes it feel so smooth and soft regardless of the damage I inflict on it!  A 15 ml bottle of this oil can be purchased from Green Esthetics for $16.95.

Bottom Line: If you're looking for a line of cruelty-free products that are organic and natural, Green Esthetics offers some great options.  Along with the two products I've reviewed here, they also have teeth whitening and hair growth products available.  The only downside to their website is that their home page is in English, but some of the sub pages are in Spanish, so it makes it a bit difficult to navigate if you aren't a Spanish speaker.

*Disclaimer: I received these products from Green Esthetics for free to facilitate my review.  I was not monetarily compensated for this review and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

December Daily Dose of Green Review

After reviewing Daily Dose of Green's subscription service in November, I loved the box so much that I signed up to be a full member.  They have a wait list, but I was sent the information to join shortly after putting my name in.  I filled out my profile survey and anxiously awaited my first box; I was even more excited to get this one because I was curious to see what kind of items they would include for me based on that survey.

The box definitely didn't disappoint!  There were eight items total, nine if you include the bonus gift wrap set. I prefer lifestyle boxes because I like getting a variety of items, and this definitely had a lot of variety inside.  Here's what I got:

• Earth's Beauty Lip Glaze in Wild Rose - This lip glaze is a really pretty red, a deep red/maroon.  It's good for a "night" look and I'll definitely use it during the holidays.
• Be Natural Organics Daily Botanical Enzyme Peel - I tried this peel for the first time today and I really liked it.  It's in liquid form and you just apply a few drops to a cotton ball and then pat it onto the skin and leave it there until dry.  It felt tingly at first, but I liked it because I could tell it was working.  What it does is it dissolves the glue-like substances that hold onto dead skin cells so that they can be washed away.
• Nardos Natural Lip Balm in Peppermint - I love lip balms a ton so I can never have too many.  This one is USDA organic and feels really smooth, and peppermint is also one of my favorite flavors.
• Bee All Natural Organic Intense Hand & Foot Salve - This is also in peppermint, and also a product I think I'll really enjoy.  Any kind of natural moisturizer, especially for the feet, gets a thumbs-up from me.
• Farmboy Flapjacks Whole Grain Almond Spice Cookie Mix - I'm so excited to bake these!  Almond Spice sounds absolutely delicious and the bag is a big 12 oz., so I'll definitely get a few good batches out of it.
• Go Naturally Organic Hard Candy - These are super yummy, I'm eating a Pomegranate one right now.  I like hard candies in the winter because the dry air can really make my throat scratchy.  These are handmade and gluten-free as well.
• Daddy Van's All Natural Furniture Polish - This item isn't on my informational card, but it's a Beeswax & Lavender polish for fine wood.  I don't have a use for it now, but once I have my own place I'm sure I'll find a use for it.
• Pet Naturals of Vermont Smelly Cat Treats - These also weren't on my card, but I'm so glad they were in my box!  I was hoping I'd receive them after seeing them on the Daily Dose of Green site, and my cat really loved them, so much so that I'll probably purchase full-sized bags in the future.
• Gift Wrap Set - At first I thought there was something wrapped inside of this, but it was extra tissue paper and a gold ribbon.  It was just a cute extra item, and I already used it to wrap up part of my boyfriend's Christmas present!

If you'd rather watch the unboxing, check out my video below.

Bottom Line: For only $15 (shipping included), I'm very impressed with this box.  I think it's a lot of fun and they included some great items for me this month.  I'm really looking forward to what future months bring!

View more photos after the cut.

November Conscious Box Review

I was really excited to receive my November Conscious Box because they advertised on Facebook that it would be packed with lots of items, from beauty products and balms to bamboo toothbrushes.  So to my dismay, I opened up my box and found that it contained none of those things: it only contained food items.  After an email to their customer service department, I learned that there was a mix-up where their marketing person confused the packing lists and that all of those fun items were actually only in the vegan box, to which I'm not subscribed.

November marked Conscious Box's one-year anniversary, so I had high hopes for this box.  I have to be honest and say that I was really disappointed with what it turned out to be.  I've mentioned in past posts that sometimes they'll have boxes that are mostly food, which is fine every few months or so, but I've noticed that recently there have been more food items than anything else.  I actually sent them on email to cancel since I figured that by now I've seen all that CB has to offer, but they convinced me to stick around for December.

But aside from that, Conscious Box has been one of my favorite subscription services.  They've had some hiccups recently with political posts on their Facebook, shipping delays (mostly USPS's fault), and recalled items, but overall I still enjoy them.  I'm also getting the hang of video unboxings, check it out below (and please subscribe!):



If you'd rather read than watch, keep scrolling.

• Simply Organic Minced Onion - I was craving a cheesy snack the other night, so I sprinkled some of this onto some garlic bread I made.  It was good.  Pretty standard onion, but good.
• SweetLeaf Sweet Drops Sweetener in Vanilla Creme - No matter how hard I try, I do not like stevia (or any sweetener that isn't sugar, for that matter).  This is a liquid stevia product and it didn't have a terrible flavor, and I'm sure it would be really yummy to those who like stevia, but I just don't like the weird aftertaste I get from these types of products.
• Justin's Organic Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - These little guys caused some controversy!  Some people (myself included) received items that were included in a recall of Justin's products for potential salmonella exposure.  I'm not mad at CB about it, nor do I care to have them send me a replacement.  It's not worth making them pay the postage; I know I can pick these up at my local grocery store so I'll grab some the next time I'm out.

• Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix - This mix is gluten-free and contains 8 grams of whole grains per serving (the package itself is one serving).  I love pancakes and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how this tastes.
• Lush Nuts in Dark Cocoa Chili - I haven't tried these yet but I think they're going to be delicious.  They're chocolate-coated peanuts, and I love when dark chocolate is paired with chili.
• Teeccino Herbal Coffee - There were three Teeccino products total, but the one in this photo is a bag of the 75% Organic Mocha flavor.  I don't really understand what this is supposed to do -- it's "naturally caffeine free," but is supposed to replace coffee.  I drink coffee for the caffeine, so I'm hoping that this gives me the same boost.  Oh well, I'm willing to try it.

• Freekeh Grains - How fun is that to say?  According to their package, it's pronounced "free-kah."  I've never heard of this grain before, but apparently it's similar to quinoa.  I'm not in love with quinoa but I'm willing to try this.  It's the Tamari variety.
• L'Ecuyer's Gourmet Caveman Rub - This rub sounds suuuuper yummy.  I'll probably put it on some chicken.
• Organic India Tulsi Tea - There were two packets inside, one Green Tea and one Original.  I'm up to my ears in tea, so whenever I get more it doesn't really stand out to me anymore.
• Bloomers! Snow Peas Seeds - The packaging on these is so cute.  I'm going to save these for if I ever start a vegetable garden.  I keep saying I want to, but I just never end up doing it.

• Teeccino - Lastly, we have the other two Teeccino packets.  One is Hazelnut and the other is French Roast.  These are in tea bag form, which is interesting.  Also USDA organic.

Bottom Line: In the past I've said that I never planned to cancel my Conscious Box subscription, but recent boxes have only been so-so.  If December's really blows me away I might stay on for a few more months, but as of right now I plan to go on a hiatus after December to try out other services.  November's box didn't have the variety I was hoping for, but my past boxes and interactions with customer service have been great.

*Disclaimer: I purchased this box with my own money and was not asked to review it.  I was not compensated for this post in any way and the honest opinions here are entirely my own.

November Daily Dose of Green Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

When Christi, the owner of Daily Dose of Green, contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing one of their boxes, I eagerly said yes.  I love trying new subscription services, and this one appealed to me because it focuses on eco-friendly lifestyle products that can run the gamut from food to beauty to items for your pets.  They also offer a reward points system for members, where points can be earned for referring friends and leaving feedback on items.  These points can then be used for discounts on future purchases.

Users are able to fill out a profile about their lifestyle so that Daily Dose of Green can send them products that would suit them most.  Since I'm not a true member I didn't have the option, but I was still really impressed with the box and I loved all of the items they sent me!

My boxed contained a total of eight items, which is a good amount for a box costing $15.  There was a nice variety of items, something that has been lacking in a similar service I subscribe to, so I was very happy to see that.  Here is what I received:

• Essence of Vali E.O.V. Perfume - A little perfume vial was included in the orange package in the upper left corner.  It's the brand's signature blend, which was created over 10 years ago for a private client.  I like that it has minimal ingredients (SDA 40B, essential oils, and water), but I didn't care for the scent.  It smells slightly citrus-y, but more appropriate for an older woman I think (no offense is meant by that, it's just the best way I can think to describe it).
• Be Natural Organics Hyaluronic Serum - This is a pretty good sized sample at 4 mL, and it's an anti-aging blend for all skin types.  The informational card states that hyaluronic acid can be found in ever cell in the body, and this serum helps replenish what gets lost as you age.  I'm interested to try it because it also works to keep pores free and clear of dirt and bacteria.
• Earth's Beauty Lipstick in Rose Diamond - This was the other item wrapped up in the orange paper.  It's a cute little lipstick sample, and the color is a very pretty pink/mauve.  I have a close-up photo that I'll post below.
• Original Sprout Miracle Detangler - This Quick Release formula "makes tough tangles history."  I'll definitely spritz this on my hair after washing it because my thick, Asian hair is definitely prone to tangles.
• Boulder Granola Original - I love Boulder Granola!  I've reviewed their products before, and I was really happy to see a bag of their original blend in my box because it's really delicious.  It's just sweet enough, as well as being USDA organic and gluten- and dairy-free.
• Eli's Earth Bars Celebrate Bar - This brand is entirely new to me.  The Celebrate Bar has chewy vanilla caramel, dried coconut, gourmet California almonds, and is coated with a dairy-free milk chocolate.  It sounds heavenly and I can't wait to eat it!  It's also USDA organic.
• Margo's Nutz - I received the Cinnamon Almond Slices.  I would consider mixing these in with a plain Greek yogurt, or eating them on their own.  I don't love almonds, but I think I'd like these because they're coated with honey, cinnamon, and vanilla.
• Humble Seed Tongue of Fire Seed Packet - This is the item that I'm least likely to use because I don't garden.  Maybe I should change that.  These do sound pretty interesting to me, and the package says they're the 'best flavored horticultural bean."

Overall I am very impressed with this Daily Dose of Green box and I would definitely recommend it.  I'm going to add myself to their waitlist and hopefully I'll be able to get a subscription slot soon!  They have two subscription options: monthly for $15/month, or $165 for a year (which adds up to one box free).  I also appreciated how quickly the box arrived at my doorstep -- three days to get from Rochester, MN to Rochester, NY!

If you'd rather watch than read, check out my unboxing video:

• Visit Daily Dose of Green and learn more about their program
• Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter

Bottom Line: If you're interested in finding new ways to green up your lifestyle, Daily Dose of Green's monthly subscription service is a great and affordable option.  I highly recommend it!

Want to WIN a Daily Dose of Green box for yourself?  Christi was kind enough to provide a box for one of my readers, so enter after the cut (and check out more photos, too)!