Tag Archives: dry skin

Product Review: April Birchbox

Hey Rosés,

For April’s Birchbox, our favorite monthly beauty sample subscription service provided products with Mother Earth’s stamp of approval. Eco friendly and non-toxic beauty and lifestyle products to celebrate Earth Week.

Let’s take a look at this compilation of natural ingredients that even includes laundry detergent!

Juice Beauty Oil-free Moisturizer

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles


 

This oil-free moisturizer is part of Juice Beauty’s Blemish Clearing Collection that uses naturally derived ingredients to combat uneven skin, blemishes and acne, even for sensitive skin and allergies. I could feel the rich difference of it being loaded with high levels of fruit juice rather than water. The moisture lasted all day without extra touch-ups for my dry skin, and my skin felt flexible without any shine.

Ingredients: Organic juices of pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, vitis vinifera (organic white grape juice)*, punica granatum (organic pomegranate juice)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe leaf juice)*, organic botanical extracts of cucumis sativus (organic cucumber extract)*, taraxacum officinale (organic dandelion leaf extract)*, salvia officinalis (organic sage leaf extract)*, melissa officinalis (lemon balm leaf extract), vegetable glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, panthenol (Vitamin B5), tocopherol (Vitamin E), algae extract, ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C), ethylhexyl (octyl) palmitate, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, phenethyl alcohol (sage derived), citrus aurantium (sweet orange & petitgrain) and cinnamomum camphora (ho wood) pure essential oils *certified organic by a USDA approved agency

 

Zoya TRUE Spring Collection Nail Polish in Tru

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

This metallic light grape red-toned purple is bold enough to wear year-round. The gold shimmer gives color-changing red and orange effects in the light. Zoya is a great non-toxic brand free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor which can easily irritate skin. With 2 coats and top coat, this color lasted 9 days before serious chipping.

Ingredients: N/A

 

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift Perfume

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

Similar to Taylor Swift, this is a fun, light and girly scent. It has an aura of flowers and fruit, perfect for daytime and weekend flair, but I wouldn’t recommend for evening or date night.

Ingredients: N/A

 

amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

I love this deep conditioner! A creamy sensation made with natural ingredients that left my scalp clear and each hair strand fully hydrated. The Moroccan argan olil and obliphica oil nourish strands in this sulfate and paraben free formula. After using this as a deep conditioning treatment I was able to go three days without added water or product, and it kept its moisture without added frizz.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetrimonium chloride, Panthenol, Behentrimonium chloride, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene glycol, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Hippophae rhamnoides (Obliphica) oil, Ascorbic acid, Citric acid

Dropps Laundry Detergent

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

These eco-friendly individual laundry detergent packs are easy to toss in the washer. The ingredients are fabric friendly, excluding the enzymes used in typical detergents that can damage colors and fabrics. They also make dye and scent free for sensitive skin.

Ingredients:
Fresh Scent
Laureth (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Polxoxyethylene Oleyl Ether (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Propylene Carbonate (Progessing Agent), Hexylene Glycol (Processing Agent), Agua (Water)
Scent + Dye Free
Laureth – 7 (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Polyoxyethylene Oleyl Ether (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Ipa (Progessing Agent), Hexylene Glycol (Processing Agent), Agua (Water)

 

What are your favorite eco-friendly products?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

Posted in Body, Face, Hair, PRODUCT REVIEWS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Spring Forward: All Day Moisture For Chapped Lips

Hey Rosés,

 

The Spring Forward Series provides tips and news for seasonal allergy sufferers to stay clear and beautiful during spring allergy season.

Nothing is worse than all over chapped skin during allergy season. A few weeks ago we explored 3 ways to keep your nose moisturized after sneezing, blowing and rubbing. This week let’s examine lips. Sneezing and constant tissue use can only lead to smeared lipstick and dry lips, and if you’re like me, you are desperately looking for a way to pucker up without drying out.

Below are 3 tools to keep your lips smooth and lipstick put all day during allergy season:

 

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub

Purchase: $8.95 lushusa.com

Prep lips by exfoliating off dead skin with Lush Cosmetics’ handmade all natural vegan sugar scrub. Massage lips with a pea sized amount, and you can even lick it off instead of rinsing. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and the peppermint will make your lips refreshed and tingle.

Ingredients: Castor Sugar , Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis) , Vanilla Extract (Vanilla planifolia) , Tagetes Oil (Tagetes minuta) , Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita) , *Limonene , Flavor

 

Revlon Colorstay Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm

Purchase: $8.99 ulta.com

Use this dual-ended lipstain and balm to apply long lasting color and nourishing translucent balm. The lipstain will last through sneezing, weezing and even coffee, without smearing or feathering. The marker can give a sheer look or increase intensity for full color, and both the stain and balm can be used alone or together.

Lip Stain Ingredients:  Water, Ascorbyl Glucoside, VP/Methacryalamide/Vinyl Imidazole Copolymer, Alcohol Denat., Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2 Hexanediol.  May Contain: [+/-:  Red 33 (CI 17200), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Red 28 (CI 45410), Yellow 6 (CI 15985), Blue 1 (CI 42090))].
Balm Ingredients:  Octyldodecanol, Polybutene, Polyethylene, Synthetic Beeswax, Mica, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Oleate, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid.

 

Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Purchase: $7

Keep lips smooth with a hint of color with an all natural tinted lip balm. Gentle ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax are perfect for allergy-prone and sensitive lips. Great for light coverage during the day, the color is super sheer and can be worn underneath lipstick or worn alone.

Ingredients: cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, olus (vegetable oil, huile vegetale), cera alba (beeswax, cire d’abeille), olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, candelilla cera (euphorbia cerifera wax, cire de candelilla), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, aroma (flavor)*, lanolin, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, cananga odorata flower wax, jasminum officinale (jasmine) flower wax, ammonium glycyrrhizinate, tocopherol, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, glycine soja (soybean) oil, canola oil (huile de colza). May contain: alumina, CI 77891 (titanium dioxide), CI 75470 (carmine), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (iron oxides). *natural flavor

How do you keep your lips moisturized during allergy season?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

Posted in Face, Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spring Forward: Moisturize Dry Nose & Skin During Allergy Season

Hey Rosés,

Image via Getty

The Spring Forward Series provides tips and news for seasonal allergy sufferers to stay clear and beautiful during spring allergy season.

This morning, I woke up refreshed, excited for the weekend, and – achoo! I started getting dressed, made some breakfast then I – ACHOO! Ugh…warm beautiful spring weather means ugly irritating allergies for me. My sneeze attack was followed by a waterfall of a runny nose, and by the time I finished half a tissue box, my nose was dry and sore.

If you’re like me, you’re wondering…how in the heck can I keep my nose and skin from drying out after allergy attacks? And worse, how do I wear make-up over a Rudolph red nose? Whether you have dry patches, or rough tissues dry out your nose, today is your lucky day…

3 great moisturizers to keep your nose nourished and even with a touch of color and coverage:

1. Burts Bee’s Radiance Day Creme

Purchase: $17.99 drugstore.com

If you want all natural ingredients, this lightweight silky smooth moisturizer is perfect for quick touch-ups, spot treatments and all over moisture. It’s infused with royal jelly, which is great for eczema and psoriasis. I actually use it on my body when I see a dry patch.

Ingredients: aqua (water, eau), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, parfum (fragrance), stearic acid, kaolin, royal jelly, prunus serotina (wild cherry) bark extract, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, lecithin, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, jojoba esters, pollen extract, mentha viridis (spearmint) extract, betula alba bark extract, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel extract, arctium lappa root extract, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, equisetum hiemale extract, euphrasia officinalis extract, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) leaf extract, humulus lupulus (hops) extract, pinus strobus cone extract, rosa canina fruit extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, urtica dioica (nettle) extract, xanthan gum, alcohol denat., sucrose stearate, sucrose polystearate, phenoxyethanol, amyl cinnamal, limonene, linalool.

2. philosophy Hope in a Jar Oil Free

Purchase: $39 sephora.com

Your favorite nourishing moisturizer got an oil-free facelift. This soothing lightweight but heavy-duty cream contains no parabens, no sulfates and no phthalates. It’s perfect for normal and oily skin, but will also keep dry skin moisturized throughout the day. It goes on matte, so perfect to touch up your nose or rough patch before adding powder or foundation.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Acacia, Decurrens/Jojoba/Sunflower Seed Wax/Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Lauryl Lactate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Lavandula Augustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract, Squalane, Beta-Glucan, Arginine, Potassium Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Phosphate, Phospholipids, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer, Ppg-12/Sdmi Copolymer, Maltodextrin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol.

 

3. Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

Purchase: $26 bloomingdales.com

This is the non-greasy liquid version of the oil-free hydrating cream that comes with a hint of color. Perfect for pre and post nose blowing, keeps your skin from cracking and covers any red irritation with sheer coverage and sunscreen. 

Ingredients: N/A

 

What moisturizers save your nose during allergy season?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

 

Posted in Face, Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Product Review: Simple Skincare for Sensitive Skin Launches!

Hey Rosés,

Finally, it has arrived! The sensitive skin gods have opened the gates! British sensation Simple Skincare has officially launched in the United States, ready to cleanse, moisturize and heal even the most delicate skin. This line is made specifically for sensitive skin. The products are loaded with great natural and gentle ingredients like vitamin B5, chamomile, and no perfumes or dyes. Best of all, Simple carries a full collection of products including face wipes, scrubs, and eye care.

Whether you have oily or dry skin, rosacea or uneven skin tones, there is a solution for everyone. The website even has a sensitive skin community and an ingredients glossary to educate you on their products.

I recently tried the line and fell in love, see my review below!

 

Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

This is unlike any face gel I’ve tried before. It contains no soap, lightly foams and does not dry out skin. It washes away clean without leaving any residue, and does not strip away natural oils. This is a great wash for normal, oily, dry and combination skin, and I noticed it soothed the redness of my sunburns.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate

 

Soothing Facial Toner

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

This toner is great for grabbing any dirt or makeup left behind. It’s like a liquid moisturizer and didn’t leave my face tight. It also works great as a pre-wash make up remover. Note this product does contain parabens. I would even go so far to say this could substitute a full face wash if you are ever on the go, at the gym, or anticipating a morning-after walk of shame – no judgement, just stay moisturized!

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Sorbitol, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Panthenol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Allantoin, Sodium PCA, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Propylene Glycol, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Methylparaben

 

Replenishing Rich Moisturizer Lotion

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

The whole line is full of light products that give just the right amount of moisture and coverage which is exactly what this lotion does. It’s not heavy or greasy, and can be used for a deep night cream or a light day lotion.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Polyacrylamide, Stearic Acid, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Caprylyl Glycol, Laureth-7, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Disodium EDTA, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Serine, Sodium Hydroxide, Urea, Sorbitol, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Methylisothiazolinone, Phenoxyethanol

Simply amazing! Do you have sensitive skin?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

 

*All images via Simple Skincare
Posted in Face, PRODUCT REVIEWS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Birchbox Review: January Box

Hey Rosés,

In my previous post, I introduced you to Birchbox, the members-only service that ships monthly beauty samples. December’s Birchbox was holiday festive, and January’s Birchbox was appropriately filled with products to kick off the new year and give your skin a fresh boost. This was one of my favorite boxes, and after testing for weeks, I give my approval for these Champagne Beauty friendly ingredients for sensitive skin and allergies. Take a look…

January Box:

 

Juicy Couture Perfume in Viva La Juicy

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

Fruit and florals filled my nose with delight, and this will certainly help you get through winter and into spring! Scent notes via Birchbox: “wild berries and sweet mandarin flirt with lady-like middle notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, and gardenia. Warm base notes of caramel, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline hover beneath it all.” The alcohol was bit strong and stung my decolletage and wrists, be aware of any potential reactions for allergies or sensitivities.

Ingredients: alcohol denat, parfum/fragrance, water/aqua/eau, butylphenyl methylpropional, propylene glycol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, coumarin, hydroxycitronellal, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, limonene, linalool, methy anthranilate, butyl methoxybenzoylmethane, blue 1 (cl 42090), Red 4 (cl 1400), yellow 5 (cl 19140).

 

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

Champagne Rating: 5 out of 5 bottles!

 

 

 

Foams like your favorite beer and creamy like your favorite toothpaste, this combination face wash forms into a rich layer of moisture with a minty smell and tingle. It cleans deeply and removes eye make up. Great for sensitive and combination skin with both oily and dry patches, this will be a summer blockbuster.

Ingredients: water\aqua\eau; lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower water, potassium myristate, glycerin, potassium behenate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, potassium palmitate, potassium laurate, potassium stearate, anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower oil *, mentha viridis (spearmint) leaf oil*, pelargonium graveolens (geranium) flower oil*, lavandula hybrida (lavender) oil*, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) flower oil*, styrax benzoin gum, linalool, peg-3 distearate, tourmaline, laminaria saccharina extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein, cetearyl alcohol, polyquaternium-7, butylene glycol, disodium edta, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone *essential oil

 

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Peacock

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

This deep blue-green peacock is the perfect color to wake you up from winter dullness, yet subtle enough to wear during the day. It glides on smoothly, easy to correct, does not irritate eyes, and easily smudges but doesn’t smear once in place.

Ingredients: Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Peg/Ppg-19/19 Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Nylon-12, C20-40 Alcohols, Perfluorononyl Dimethicone, Silica, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Polyglyceryl-4, Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Polyethylene, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, May Contain (+/-) Mica, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Bronze Powder (Ci 77400), Ferric Ferrocyanide (Ci 77510), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Aluminum Powder (Ci 77000)

 

VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything: Face-Hand-Body Lotion

Champagne Rating: 5 out of 5 bottles!

 

 

 

This lotion made me a newfound believer in all-in-one lotions! It made my face glow, and the light exfoliators smoothed my body without irritation. Free of parabens, fragrance, dyes and naughty skin allergens. It is lightweight and nourishing with ingredients gentle enough for most allergies and skin conditions.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-25, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycolic Acid, Glyceryl Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Triethanolamine, Glyceryl Caprate, Sodium Phytate, Kinetin.

 

Lärabar Mini Bar in Coconut Cream Pie

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

I love the story behind these bars: made with only 9 ingredients, no additives, and vegan-friendly. Yet, I just can’t dig the mushy texture nor the bland coconut flavor. Perhaps if the other flavors are good it would fit perfectly in the snack bar known as my purse. Some contain nuts so watch out nut allergies!

Ingredients:
Blueberry Muffin
: dates, cashews, unsweetened blueberries, blueberry juice concentrate, lemon juice concentrate, vanilla extract
Carrot Cake
: dates, almonds, walnuts, raisins, pineapple, unsweetened coconut, carrots, cinnamon, extra virgin coconut oil
Cherry Pie
: dates, almonds, unsweetened cherries
Chocolate Chip Brownie
: dates, chocolate chips (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla), almonds, walnuts, cocoa powder, sea salt
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
: cashews, dates, chocolate chips (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla), sea salt
Coconut Cream Pie
: dates, unsweetened coconut, almonds, cashews, extra virgin coconut oil
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
: dates, peanuts, chocolate chips (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla), sea salt
Peanut Butter Cookie
: dates, peanuts, sea salt

 

See you next month Birchbox!

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

*Images via Birchbox
Posted in PRODUCT REVIEWS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment