The Honest Company Canada Essential Bundle - This Is How Honesty Is Done!

The Honest Company has started spreading its ecologically and environmentally honest products and commendable customer care policies across Canada for a few months now and after my initial Free Trial Set (reviewed here!) I took the full plunge and ordered my first Essential Bundle order.
My initial overwhelming positive vibe continues now that I am full fledged Honest Member and for the first time in a very long time I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this company's products, shipping and the way they handle their customer concerns. Basically I am more than just a little impressed and naturally I want to share why!

The Essential Bundle is a collection of five core products of your own choosing, covering all of your basic needs: household, bath and body and personal care. The price is a flat fee of $35.95, plus $5.95 for shipping and handling with an option to add three additional products to the box without any extra shipping charges. That fact alone is pretty amazing if you have any knowledge of the kind of prices charged for shipping within Canada regardless of what method you end up using. I am not sure how they are able to do that but I am very happy that they can manage it!

The perks of being an Honest Member are many and include a savings of 35% off all their products, shipping frequency flexibility, flat shipping fee, special offers and seasonal discounts and a very generous referral program. The membership literally puts you in the driver seat - you decide what you get, how often you get and if there are issues or you need to hold your orders for any reason their customer service is only a phone call or live chat away.
All of the Honest Company products are exactly as the name implies transparent and honest when it comes their origins, ingredients, methods of production and customer service.
What can I say - they are just awesome!

For my personal Essential Bundle I decided to fill out all of my product spots right away and choose the full eight product for maximum capacity. If i had more spots left I probably would have purchased even more - that should tell you just how much I enjoyed my first free trial pack!

My choices were: Dishwasher Pods ($10.95 for 32 loads), Laundry Detergent ($12.95 for 70 loads), Multi-Surface Cleaner ($5.95 for 24 oz), Body Oil ($9.95 for 4 oz), Conditioning Mist ($5.95 for 4 oz), Conditioner ($9.95 for 8.5 oz), Shampoo + Body Wash ($9.95 for 8.5 oz) and Face + Body Lotion ($9.95 for 8.5 oz)

My entire order was processed within 24-36 hours after I confirmed my product selections and shipping date, they sent me a tracking number right away, shipped out fast and then delivered directly to my door within a week. This is Canada so I have to say that kind of fast shipping is pretty rare around here.

Keeping with this honest theme I will say that I have only had about a week to test out my new essentials but so far I am very happy with their performance, ease of use and feel (bath & body) on the skin. The stand out feature is the Honest Company signature orange blossom + vanilla scent which is so mild and refreshing that I am almost positive that even those who have fragrance sensitivities or aversions would enjoy it or not even notice it. Since the scent is of the unisex version even the men in my family are happy with it, which is something that has never happened in our household before.

I will most likely be doing individual reviews on each of the products in my bundle eventually but I will say that at this point every single one of them is a superstar in the making.
If I had to select an absolute front-runner then I hesitantly choose the Honest Body Oil that has been keeping my dry skin silky smooth, moisturized and smelling lovely. I love adding a few drops of this absolutely not-greasy wonder to my hair as an overnight hair treatment before my morning shower or spiking my body lotion with just a tiny amount if i feel like I need a bigger hydration boost. The formula is so concentrated that you really only need a small dose each time making this 4 oz bottle even a better value when compared to some other sub-par, more expensive body oil concoctions.
I am pretty much hooked!

The Honest Company has just released three new products to their arsenal - Organic Nipple Balm ($13.95 for 1.8 oz), Organic Belly Balm ($15.95 for 3.65 oz) and the Foaming Hand Soap ($6.95 for 8.5 oz).
You better believe they are already in my shopping cart! :)

If you want your very own trial kit you can use my referral link here (which would be so nice!) or visit their website directly! 

I hope this was helpful!

Have you tried the Honest Company yet? What is your favorite product? 

XOXO

ANJA

*Disclosure - this post contains a referral link but is in no way sponsored by the Honest Company!

Call For Hydration With Pure+Simple Organic Rosehip Face Oil

My love of natural skincare and general quest for a healthier lifestyle has introduced me to several amazing brands that would have been otherwise overlooked had I not done the necessary research. In the past few years I have found myself paying close attention to clean, natural or organic ingredients in all my personal care products - skeptical at first (as usual!) but at this point the transformation and the obvious visible results are impossible to deny.

One of the main reasons I resisted the "natural path" was simply my own ignorance and the preconceived notions that these new "hippy with a side of hype" new brands couldnt possibly compete with the big beauty names who have all kinds of money and research to quote over-and-over again! Lets not forget that a lot of "natural" products also have a very different feel and look when it comes to their packaging and formula texture. It doesnt help that I simply despise the oily, tacky consistency and residue of anything  that comes into contact with my ridiculously girly persona. I was also completely hooked on the nice, clean fragrances that my "regular" brands come with, while the natural products had scents that were a bit more concentrated, herb-like and in some cases even pungent. My signature scent is PRADA Candy and that should tell you just how deep my girly notions can be!

Discovery of essential oils and their super individual powers changed everything about my attitude and how I viewed the field of natural-organic direction.The introduction and popularity of facial oils into the mainstream beauty world  changed my mind about the improvement in the oil medium textures and my own aversion to them. However it was essentially finding brands like the Canadian Pure+Simple Spa company that solidified my resolve to explore my options again and finally realize that the Big-Beauty-Brands might not be everything the vehemently claimed they were.
I guess you can say I had to eat my words and get re-educated!

If you know this blog then you are already aware how passionate I am when it comes to all kinds of skincare but the products I appreciate the most are definitely treatment serums and facial oil concoctions. In fact I already have several posts regarding those categories and if you want to see what other oils I recommend just click here! 

Today I wanted to introduce you to one of the first oil treatments that I started out with - the fact that this product  has been repurchased several times and used by a lot of people I personally know, is a testament to the quality and result driven formulation.
My own affinity to rose oils and love for multi-purpose products doesn't hurt either. 

Without further ado I give you -  Pure+Simple Organic Rosehip Face Oil ($39.95 for 50 ml) 

Official Description;

Rosehip oil contains 80% essential fatty acids (EFAs), predominantly linoleic
(Omega 3) and linolenic (Omega 6) and is naturally enriched with antioxidants like
beta-carotene and lycopene.
Naturally contains Trans-Retinoic Acids that helps regenerate damaged skin tissue
Helps to decrease and prevent hyperpigmentation, wrinkles + scars
A perfect skin rehydrator that restores moisture balance

Ingredients;

Organic Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Oil

Directions for uses;
Use as a hot oil treatment for brittle, damaged hair or as a scalp treatment
Use in place of a moisturizer day and/or night
Use under your moisturizer for ultra hydration and/or to prevent/correct fine lines and pigmentation

The texture of this Organic Rosehip Facial Oil is one of the things I love most about using it. The oil is very lightweight, lighter than the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil and even my favorite REN Rose O12 Moisture Defense Serum, making it perfect for the transitioning season period (Fall or Spring) for most skin types. I can imagine that girls with oily skin can get away with using this under a moisturizer in the winter or apply it alone in the summer. Since my skin is a little bit drier the Pure+Simple Organic Rosehip Face Oil works beautifully year round as a basic skincare hydration boost treatment.
Its the perfect everyday care oil that will not interfere with the rest of your skincare or even makeup like some of the richer formulations out there. The silky liquid sinks into the skin wonderfully and doesn't leave any tacky or greasy residue on the surface, making sure that the only thing you end up with  is hydration and deep nourishment. The complexion you get is soft, healthy, radiant and pampered.

The scent is very mild and certainly fits in the non-offensive category although I have heard certain people mention that they sense a slightly fishy fragrance. If you are very sensitive to odor this might be a slight issue but keep in mind that even this slight natural scent disappears within minutes once applied to the skin.

The purpose of the oil treatment is geared towards preventative anti-aging and soothing sensitive, irritated dry skin.
However where the Organic Rosehip Facial Oil truly shines and delivers the most is the area of sun damage or hyper-pigmentation trouble spots. For me this is one of the few products that has actually made a difference when it comes to fading darker post-acne scars and the unfortunate sun spots caused by sunscreen neglect. I paid the price for skimping on proper skin protection during my teenage years! Like with all skincare the transformation doesnt come overnight but after a few weeks the change will be very obvious in the mirror!

Heed my warning - sunscreen the heck out of it because as you probably already know its a lot easier to prevent something than to have fix, conceal or treat later!

Have you tried the Pure+Simple Organic Rosehip Face Oil ($39.95 for 50 ml)?
What is your favorite facial oil?

Thank you for reading

XOXO

ANJA

The Mighty Five - Clay Mud Masks (You might be using them wrong!)

As a huge fan of skincare I regularly partake in skin pampering treatments and like a true addict my eyes are always open for the next, new thing to include in my already extensive beauty regiment. 

Face masks are one of my favorite skin-loving indulgences and as luck would have it, using them regularly and properly can make a world of difference when it comes to my sometimes irrational complexion. Today's beauty industry offers a mind-boggling array of treatment masks to pamper, revitalize and treat various skin problems that might be making you miserable. With a little information, research and direction you can find a great mask at any budget to deal with just about anything. The variety of formula types and ingredients used are the key to making the right choice when it comes to your specific skin type or the issue you want to tackle, meaning that taking a little time to familiarize yourself with the brand and product itself can be invaluable. 

If you have oily, acne-prone skin or just want to purify and deep clean then clay masks could be your best friends. This seemingly simple but profoundly powerful ingredient, clay, has been used for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes in many cultures for many centuries. Clay masks are excellent when it comes to removing excess oil, neutralizing impurities and toxins, tightening enlarged pores and even stimulating blood circulation. Essentially it gets rid of dead skin from the skin surface and at the same time gives you a huge radiance boost. So, no matter what your skin type is, a good clay mask is a must-have in your beauty arsenal! 

I have been using clay, mud masks for years but only recently did I learn that I have actually been using them the wrong way all this time - and even doing more harm then good to my own skin! Apparently the directions on the tube are not precise enough nor are they complete! Lovely :-(
The error of my ways was pointed out to me during a routine salon facial treatment and a little bit of dermatological research confirmed my mistake quite easily. 

What it comes down to is the fact that there are three phases of a clay mask;

1. Damp Phase - skin cells take in good-for-you treatment minerals from the mask medium

2. Dry Phase - exercises capillaries and stimulates blood flow as the mask cools and controls 

3. Final Dry Phase - skin starts to lose moisture through dehydration and may even result in irritation (dry, tight, itchy skin)

The first two phases are the beneficial steps, which is what you want to gain from the clay mask itself but the third step is one that needs to be avoided since it practically counteracts any good results you might get from the first two. The simple way to avoid the last stage is to rinse or remove the mask before it reaches the flaky, dried out state. 
When you start to see it drying (which usually means it gets lighter in color) but it still feels a bit sticky, it's time to wash it off with a damp, warm washcloth. Follow up with a light toning step to remove any residue and apply a rich, soothing moisturizer to bring moisture back in to your skin cells and seal in all the benefits from the healing mud.
Once I adjusted my clay mask pampering routine I have definitively seen more benefits and results from the masks themselves. Just that little change and a bit more vigilance on my part has made a world of difference and I am sure it will do the same for you guys as well!

In honor of this little tidbit of new skincare knowledge I wanted to start the Mighty Five series which will feature and spotlight five products from my own beauty stash that are getting the most use at the moment. What better way to start than with Clay Treatment Masks!

Bioelements Restorative Clay Natural Face Mask ($35.00 for 2.5 oz)

This is what I call a traditional, basic deep-cleansing clay mud mask. It works great for removing excess oil and toxins from the skin, improves skin texture and makes pores appear less visible. The recommended use is 2-3 times a week and the company helpfully indicates that if used at that regularity, one jar should last at least six months. Keeping that in mind I think the price is more than fair for a professional skincare product and definitively worth the initial investment. The texture of the clay is a little thicker than most masks but even as such remains easy to work with and feels cool on the skin surface. The scent is subtle, the clay feels comfortable on the skin itself, drying time is about 10 minutes and the mask is easily removed with a warm washcloth. The clay can also be used as a blemish spot treatment, yielding excellent results. The Bioelements Restorative Mask is something I use when my skin needs a very deep-cleanse or simply feels congested or oily. Its really a lovely basic, clay mask that delivers the results it promises and I would recommend it wholeheartedly!

Michael Todd True Organics Kaolin Clay Detoxifying Facial Mask ($34.00 for 3.4 oz)

As the name indicates this is a purifying, detoxifying soft clay mask with French green, white and pink Kaolin clay as the main active ingredient. The formula is a lot more gentle than some of the other typical deep cleansing masks but for me that's where the charm of this brand really is. The softer texture and milder nature means that this would be a great choice for those with more sensitive skin that usually suffer irritation from other similar masks. The biggest perk of this Michael Todd Kaolin Mask is its smoothing properties, meaning that it works amazingly well to improve skin texture and tone by detoxification and pore tightening. I love that the brand uses natural, organic ingredients in all of their products and is a great example that we don't need chemicals to treat and transform a troublesome complexion

Pure+simple Purifying French Clay Mask ($21.95 for 50 ml)

This mask is yet another example of how great natural ingredients can come together in an expert formula to deliver phenomenal and yet gentle results for all skin types. The French clay works great because of its unique ability to remove excess oil and toxins from the skin cells without over-drying or irritation that is sometimes common with other clay masks. This particular formula is ideal for individuals that are dealing with blemishes, skin congestion and dehydrated skin, which is actually a really common combination even with those who consider themselves as oily skin types. What I love about the Pure+simple Purifying French Clay Mask is that its very gentle and seems to significantly reduce the redness from my ruddy cheeks even after just one use. Seeing how the Pure+simple brand is Canadian I am a little biased in my affection for them but anyone who has either used their products or experienced one of their holistically based facial treatments is bound to be completely smitten by this environmentally conscious, natural company. 

Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Clay Mask ($49.95 for 3.06 oz)

This particular cleansing clay mask requires a little bit of DIY on your part prior to use but I think that is exactly what makes this formula unique and appealing in its own way. What you are working with is a combination of finely ground clay blended with witch hazel and extracts of natural nasturtium which creates a potent, concentrated formula that is capable of treating blemishes, blackheads and various impurities hanging around your pores. The clay particles mixed with water create a deeply cleansing medium that purifies, softens and even gently exfoliates the skin surface with each treatment. Since each mask portion is made fresh this means that you can control the texture, potency and amount used which albeit messy also elevates the facial experience to a spa-like level. Dr. Hauschka Skin Care is definitively on the pricy side however their mission and commitment to natural ingredients, well-being of the environment, fair-trade initiatives and ecologically sound methods for everything they do; is more than admirable and makes their products worth the investment.  

Marcelle Essentials Clay Mask ($14.50 for 3.7 oz)

I am a huge Marcelle fan (read my Canadian Beauty brand feature here!) and even though they are technically considered a drug-store brand I think the quality and products they offer put them in a much higher brand bracket than they are given credit for. The price point and reputation of the Essentials Clay Mask is definitively underrated especially when you consider that the performance and results the formula gives can compete with treatment masks with a much higher price tag. This does it all: absorbs oil, removes toxins due to congestion, smooths skin texture, refines pores in the T-zone and works amazingly well as a overnight spot treatment. The texture is creamy, making it easy to spread out and work with but its also thick enough to make the removal process a breeze as well. The results are almost instant and regular use makes a huge difference when it comes to radiance and healthy glow. The compliments keep coming! 

After all it did win the In Style Best Beauty Buy 2012 Award!  

Now that I shared my new found clay mask tip and my favorite picks its your turn! 

What is your most used cleansing clay mask? 

Thank you for reading! 

XOXO

ANJA

Are You Getting the Most Out Of All Your Skincare?

Quality skincare doesn't have to be but sometimes is expensive and time consuming. Not to mention it can become a game of trial and error in order to find the products that work with your particular skin chemistry. I am not even taking into account brand research, ingredient deciphering and the sometimes perilous process of acquiring the item of choice. The beauty industry can be a confusing place even for the best of us. 

For argument sake lets say that you discovered a product, visited the official website, consulted beauty pushers like me and finally made your purchase. The investment was made, the skincare did not make your face off and you are actually seeing the fruits of all that labor (aka results)! If it all lines up like that, pat yourself on the back and enjoy your complexion improvements! 

The story really should end there but of course it doesn't and it really shouldn't! The goal now is to maximize the results you are seeing in the mirror and make sure to utilize the active ingredients to their I full potential! Take it's for what it's worth completely. Think about it, you spent the money, you took your time so naturally you want to make sure you get the best out of it all!

Why settle for a $100 when you can work it to a $1000! 

Believe it or not making a few small changes in your beauty routine along with a few simple guidelines can make a world of difference! 

Here are a few skin loving rules to elevate your regiment from GOOD to AWESOME!

This may sound rudimentary but we all know that with skincare the main purpose is to get the ingredients into the skin so they can preform their primary function. Knowing what order your products should be applied can make sure to speed up absorption and maximize the penetration effect of the good stuff. The general rule is to go with light to heavy when it comes to texture and consistency. This means serums before moisturizers, and creams before balms or ointments. If a product has more active ingredient compared to the other then it needs to be applied first in order to maximize its power. Your aim is to get the best and most potent stuff in first! 

Applying an eye serum and/or eye cream is suggested as the first step after washing your face to make sure the delicate eye area is not compromised by products meant for the face only. The under-eye area especially is quite a bit more delicate than the rest of your face and therefore might be prone to irritation from actives it has no business with. To avoid this, just apply your eye treatment first so its somewhat coated when your face products come in to play. The Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Resurfacing Eye Serum ($67.00 for 0.5 oz) has been making quite a splash in my routine and I can't wait to review it and give it some well deserved praise.

To amplify hydration and skin recovery due to season changes on my face I have been using the Biotherm Aquasource Deep Serum ($55.00 for 50 ml) lately with some pretty impressive results (review to follow). My day moisturizers can change pretty often around here but as you know I have been loving the MuLondon White Chocolate Truffle Moisturizer ($25.00 for 60 ml) , alternating between that and the lovely classic Clarins HydraQuench Cream  ($49.00 for 50 ml). I have used the Clarins HydraQuench blue tubs for so long that the familiarity alone is comforting.

If you remember your Science class then you might recall the oil and water don't mix concept and that holds true when it comes skincare as well. Water-based products need to be applied first and then sealed with an oil treatment. However if you are using a dermatologist prescribed medication then that's the one that always should be used before anything else. Generally speaking the closer to the surface a product is, its effectiveness increases. To improve absorption try misting your face with some of the many facial mist sprays available (see here!) or simply dampen the skin surface prior product application. 

The oil of the moment in my bathroom cabinet is the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil ($30.00 for 1 oz), which is quickly rising to the top of my facial oil stash! It's definitively giving my beloved REN Rose O12 Ultra-Moisture Defense Serum ($80.00 for 1 oz) a run for its money :-)

The beauty sleep dilemma has been debunked by some skincare experts and I am not sure if I personally buy that skin cells renew themselves more during the night but there are definite benefits in using certain products while you dream. Retinol based formulas such as the Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Night ($47.50 for 1 oz) along with some antioxidants make the skin very sensitive to UV rays and their efficiency is significantly lowered due to sun exposure, which means those products are best to be used indoors (or at night!). Cosmetic companies have a tendency in making night-time formulas more concentrated and spiked with higher levels of active ingredients so applying them when you are not wearing makeup (at night!) provides more time for them to work their magic. Another instance when a treatment is more effective when there is no sun exposure is in the case of resurfacing serums such as the StriVectin Advanced Overnight Resurfacing Serum ($69.00 for 1 oz) or the Roc Max Wrinkle Resurfacing System ($29.99 for the set). Come to think of it if you are using aggressive treatments like that sun exposure should be limited in the first place! 

A lot of beauty products and especially skincare have silicone's or dimethicones as part of their formulation. Many of us have a love-hate relationship with these smoothing agents and I personally consider them as "cheat ingredients" that only fool you into feeling the smoothing sensation of your skin. I understand that's the appeal in the first place but my preference would be to treat texture issues not just mask them. Since silicone's coat the surface of both hair and skin, a barrier is formed so products put on top may not be able to penetrate or work properly. If products like that are part of your routine to minimize the problem just make sure that anything like that is applied as one of the last steps (ex: primer). 

Silicone based primers that I have gotten along with in the past are: Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Primer ($38.00), Tarte Clean Slate Poreless 12-Hr Perfecting Primer ($39.00 for 1 oz) and The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser ($18.00 for 1 oz).

I am not even going to bother lecturing anyone about sunscreen use since we all know how essential SPF is for the health of your skin.  Melanoma, premature wrinkles and leathery skin is not a good look for anyone so it's most important to get this step right. 

As there are two different types of sunscreen it's no surprise that there are two application methods to consider. 

Chemical Sunscreen like La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ for  Face and Body require absorption in order to preform so therefore should be applied as one of the first products in your routine. Physical Sunscreen like the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($34.00 for 1.7 oz) use Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to form a barrier between the fragile skin and the damaging UV rays. Since that barrier needs to remain strong these sunscreens are applied on top of your skincare but is also sustainable under light makeup. You can avoid that hassle by choosing a tinted moisturizer or foundation with high SPF protection already built in. 

As you know I have a tendency to go overboard when it comes to skincare and complicated regiments so it wont surprise you that even this post has its own little brownie point section. 

If you are indeed using targeted essentials like heavy duty lip treatments and lash conditioners you know that using such extra-credit products can sometimes interfere with your daytime beauty rituals. 

Ultra-nourishing lip treatments are perfect for overnight healing and repair but can become quite the hassle if you try using them when lipsticks and glosses are trying to be the stars of your fabulousness. Layering balms can just end up smearing and diluting your desired lip color so treatments like Hourglass N28 Lip Treatment Oil ($49.00 for 0.25 oz) and  Bite Beauty Superfruit Butter ($21.00 for 0.23 oz) are better left for indoor times. 

Lash treatments are not everyone's cup of tea but the beauty obsessed like myself find such products totally helpful and the results these days can be rather impressive. My picks are the old standby Mavala Switzerland Double Lash (15.70) and my new discovery Talika Eyelash Growth Lpocils ($28.00) However as awesome and gratifying these are I have never found one that is mascara-friendly so I have to reserve them for night use. Luckily beauty companies have recently come out with mascara's laced with lash treatments and the Revlon Lash Potion formula has been on the forefront for some time now but the jury is still out! 

The main point I wanted to make with this blog post is that we are putting our faith in these cosmetic companies, spending our hard earned money and putting in precious time researching product specifics - that kind of effort deserves the very best these products can offer. With just a few tweaks and some tidbits of information you might not have thought of utilizing, the products you already have can go from PRETTY GOOD  to FREAKING AMAZING! 

As a girl who has a very difficult time remembering to read the directions on anything I wanted to find a way to pass on real world beauty experience points to girls like me and avoid sounding like a product pusher for once... I hope this helps!

Thank you for reading

Do you have some secret skincare tips? 

XOXO

ANJA

Botanical Superpower - Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream

Somewhere between the bitter realization that sleeping with my windows open is no longer comfortably breezy and the helpful motherly urging  to bring a jacket when I leave the house, its time to face the fact that summer is definitively done and Canadian winter is closer than we think. The fall is one of my favorite parts of the year so I am certainly not complaining but that doesnt change the fact that this transition time can cause havoc in my regular beauty routine and I am realizing what worked in July is not necessarily the best choice in October.

Being a dedicated product junkie and a diligent beauty blogger also means that I relish the changes as well, meaning that I somewhat secretly relish the opportunity to find and recommend new must-haves on my radar.

When the weather starts to turn bitterly cold stepping-up the moisturization game is basically a natural progression in itself and there are numerous skincare products that address the issue successfully and thoroughly. Yours truly already posted a lengthy guide to those beauty substitutions when it comes to skin and body care, which you can check out here! 
What you are not going to find in that post is something that is commonly neglected but should be equally important, especially when you think about the fact that overlooking its care can really make or break your overall look. I am of course talking about Hair Care! 

Having thick, long hair means that any moisture or central heating can leave my hair prone to frizzing and annoying fly-aways. Seeing how leaving the house with wet or damp hair is no longer a viable option means that I am now using both heat and products for styling almost on a daily basis which is something that is an exception rather than a rule during the summer months. 
My regular Moroccan Oil  routine, combined with some minimal leave-in serum or oil starts to feel inadequate and all the factors above begin to leave my hair somewhat dry, coarse and lifeless. Since using additional frizz smoothing products are just temporary, masking measures and most contain build-up associated silicone's, finding a true hair healing remedy has become somewhat of a priority. I wanted something that continued to make a difference in my hair texture and health even after shampooing it out. 
The brand that kept popping up in my research was PHYTO, a brand whose philosophy centered around using botanicals and natural ingredients to care for hair follicles. 

As I looked into the PHYTO research and application methods I was happy to discover that they offered a unique approach to caring for the health of your hair and scalp. This was not a line of instant results hair-care nor did they use silicone's in their formulations. What they promise is natural based ingredients that overtime heal, nourish and restore hair back to its healthy, soft, bouncy roots. The skincare aficionado in me was delighted and giddy with their terminology of day and night creams! 

My introductory PHYTO product was the Phyto 9 Ultra-Dry Hair Nourishing Day Cream With 9 Plants ($31.00 for 1.7 oz)

Official Description;
A genuine "day cream" for dehydrated hair, PHYTO 9 is a combination of Macadamia oil and plant extracts, all carefully selected for their hydrating and nourishing properties (St. John’s Wort, Soybean, Calendula, Rosemary, Willow, Sage, Burdock, plant mucilage).
Infused with eight plant extracts plus macadamia oil, this leave-in conditioner instantly nourishes, smoothes and protects medium to coarse textured tresses while preventing frizz and split ends.

Ingredients;

Althaea Oficinalis Extract (Mucilage Végétal), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Arctium Majus Root Extract (Bardane), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract (Romarin), Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sauge), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Leaf Extract (Saule), Hypericum Perforatum Extract (Millepertuis), Lecithin (Soja), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parabens (Butyl, Ethyl).

Directions For Use;

After shampoo apply to towel-dried or dry hair, place a pea sized amount of cream into hand and apply all over hair paying special attention to ends.
Massage in until fully absorbed, then style hair as usual.

The Phyto 9 Botanical Cream is a unique hybrid of a styling texturizing cream and a nourishing leave-in conditioner. The product itself is very concentrated so using this sparingly is essential to getting the maximum benefits, avoiding greasy residue and not wasting a drop of its creamy goodness. The key ingredients alone: Soybean, Macadamia Oil, Rosemary, Burdock, Sage, Calendula, Willow, Mallow and St. John's Wort had me convinced of its superiority but once I tried this silicone-free concoction I was sold on it right away. The lack of that coating sensation might cause you to question the results at first but this is because PHYTO works on treating-healing your hair and not tricking you into thinking that the silky-smooth feeling you are left with is proof of its true ability.

I find that the best results are when it's applied to damp hair, prior to blow-drying but using a little bit less on dry hair will take care of any smoothing issues you might be dealing with. The Phyto 9 has a light formula feel to it so its easily absorbed and although scented, it's very delicate and doesn't smell synthetic or perfumed. The fragrance will definitively not interfere with any scent you might already have on (bonus)

Ultimately I absolutely adore this product. Apart from the incredible results; super shiny, smooth, frizz free and soft hair - there's a huge sense of satisfaction that I am maintaining my hair texture rather than masking the damage problems.
When my hair needs a little bit less care or during the Summer I plan on switching to Phyto 7 Dry Hair Hydrating Day Cream With 7 Plants ($29.00 for 1.7 oz). 

Thank you for reading :-)

Have you tried any PHYTO hair products? Any favorites? 

XOXO

ANJA

The Bronzer Of My Dreams - Soleil Tan de Chanel

I am ready to face the music and make a shocking confession about my vanity-inspired and obviously insignificant "hobby"! 

Superficial and girly things have the capacity to make me ridiculously giddy with happiness. If one of those items just happens to have the classic Chanel logo embossed on it, then the potential for excitement is almost always guaranteed. 

That kind of branding appreciation can be very dangerous for someone with low impulse control and a brief visit to the Chanel counter can often result in purchasing products purely based on the "wow" factor and with very little thought process! 

Soleil Tan de Chanel ($48.00 for 30 g) was the fruit on one such innocent browse and despite the fact that I neither use bronzers not do I know how to use one properly, somehow a tub of this classy goodness ended up on my vanity. 

It's been mocking me ever since so a few weeks ago I decided to put an end to it and give it a decent chance to impress me. 

Official Description;

The velvety finish of this light cream-gel bronzer leaves your skin with a beautiful sun-kissed look. Wear it on its own to enhance your complexion, or for a hint of outdoors radiance, over or under your favorite CHANEL Foundation.

The first thing that struck me about the Soleil Tan de Chanel was the unique sponge-like texture in the pot. 

It's best described as a creamy gel that applies velvety smooth at first, making it easy to work in to the skin, before drying to a fairly typical powdery finish.

The formula is actually pretty incredible,  both opaque and light, easy to blend allowing you to either wear it on its own or beneath a darker bronzer for contouring purposes. 

If you're looking for natural sun kissed skin (what ever your skin tone) then this is your product. There is absolutely nothing muddy about the Soleil Tan de Chanel, which is a feature I appreciate the most! 

At first I was worried that the shade itself would be too dark for my fair complexion but since this blends like a dream and has a beautiful sun-kissed effect the dreaded orange "Oompa Loompa" look is nowhere to be seen. The bronzing pigments combine with just a slight twinge of sophisticated soft shimmer particles to create a color that could be universally flattering to all! 

The one and only "flaw" of this Chanel Tub of Sunshine is that if you use a brush to apply it the slightly tacky texture of the bronzer may collect stray hairs on its surface, which is definitively not aesthetically pleasing . Choosing a non-shedding high quality brush for this solves the problem or application can be achieved differently. I find a sponge or fingers work just as well too.

I admit I was skeptical at first and even considered returning it since it was an impulse, unplanned purchase of a product I didn't know how to use properly. However I have found that the more I actually use this, the more I love it and in turn reach for it a lot more often than I could have imagined. In the summer it works to enhance my slightly tanned complexion and it's also ideal for adding a bit of a sunny glow to the skin during to colder months! 

Seeing how this is a high-end, hard to come by Chanel product I don't want to say that it's an essential part of my makeup routine. Additionally if you have experience with bronzers then I am sure you already have much cheaper dupes for this but if you are a "Bronzer Virgin" like me then give the Soleil Tan de Chanel a whirl as it's definitively very user friendly. 

Finally if it's a bit of luxury that you're looking for, then look no further. 

This stuff looks and feels like a million dollars and sometimes that's exactly what a girl needs :-)

Thank you for reading!

Have you tried Soleil Tan de Chanel? Do you have a favorite bronzer?

XOXO

ANJA

The Unfortunate Holy Grail Mascara - Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill

I didn't want to like this mascara! I was hoping that my personal philosophy when it comes to high end mascara's would hold strong, after all who in their right mind would pay a shocking $30.00

for something that needed to be replaced every three months.

I firmly believe that mascara might seem understated and unassuming but it is one of the few classic makeup products that has the uncanny ability to make a huge impact on any look you might be striving for. 

It might not be as exciting as say a colorful palette or a sensual perfume but for me it's one of the essentials I always have in my makeup bags. I can't even imagine my made-up face without at least one slick coat of mascara and a few seconds with my eye curler. 

Defining your lashes, curling them and darkening their tone can do wonders for your overall appearance and lets not forget about it boosting your flirt appeal. There is a reason they say "eyes are windows to the soul"! 

Even though I am a loyal mascara user I am not keen on investing too much in some of the higher end formulas because I believe that their drugstore versions are more than comparable. The few expensive mascara's I used disappointed my expectations after which I turned to the many cheaper options readily available at the always accessible drugstore aisles. The only gripe I've had since this conversion is the annoying habit of companies discontinuing some of my favorites. However with the constant influx of new brands and new formulas coming in I always found something new to test out and look forward to! Replacing the tube every three months is something I could stick to without guilt especially since the investment was under $10.00 each time. 

The Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara landed on to my vanity as form of a birthday present and my skepticism was the understatement of the year. Surely, this fancy little tube is not going to bring much more to the table than my usual Maybelline? 

Official Description;

Dress the eyes with powerful, plush, separated, voluminous lashes. Fine, fluid Micro-fil™ technology creates intensely captivating lash texture. Micro waxes combined with a fineness agent allow for smooth and easy application, revealing weightless volume for lashes. As a final touch, the target-smooth agents coat each lash, creating uniform volume and texture from root to tip.

When I am wrong I have a hard time admitting it but eventually my pride wears out and then the truth just spills out! I am pretty much ready to eat my words now! 
The Eyes to Kill Mascara  (Steel Black) has blown away every single other formula I have ever used and for the first time I am finding myself rationing this luxe black tube during each use! Yes people it has come to that! 

Luckily all I need is one coat and my lashes get all the drama I lust after during those photo shopped and edited mascara ads. It defines and separates each lash with expert precision, holds the curl during the whole wear time, doesn't smudge or clump whatsoever and eliminates any fears I might have about the dreaded raccoon eyes at the end of the day! 

I was concerned that because of that kind of performance it might be hard to remove with my usual makeup removers but I nee-dent have worried! This ebony magic potion dissolves easily and completely even with just a simple swipe of micellar water! 

Perfection in a tube that just might kill my wallet come the three month mark! Unfortunately for me it's too late to go back to my mediocre selections of yesteryear - I am hooked! 

The new Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Excess mascara ads featuring Megan Fox have been out for some time now and I would be lying if I didn't admit I am tempted to give that one a try next time! I have a hard time believing that there is a better version of my new HG but then again who knows...

What do you think about higher end mascara's? Do you have a favorite - drugstore or department store? 

XOXO

ANJA

Let Me Glow - My Favorite Highlighters

If i had to pick a makeup item "type" that I am most fond of and one that is almost always guaranteed to peek my interest then highlighters or luminizers are definitively it (blush is a close second!)!

Come to think of it the same theme goes into skincare too because anything with "radiance" or "brightening" in the product name is on my radars almost all the time. It's not really surprising I guess since I often feel like my complexion is lacking it's own natural glow, which means I am always trying to produce it or "fake" it through some clever product maneuvering.  The key being in the word "trying"! 

After years of "beauty research" and blog stalking I have found that I am not alone in this "radiance" quest and beauty brands have definitively caught on to this notion as well - judging by the sheer number of products released for that purpose alone. 

The concept of highlighters is nothing new and the technique of applying them can get tricky, however the right formula, correct shade choice and some practice can really pay off. 

That being said I will admit that this is the type of product that is most likely to sway me into a purchase just based on design and/or packaging alone. They just make them too pretty...

Adding just a little sparkle at the appropriate areas can do wonders for your complexion and give you that "dewy but still glowy, yes this is my real skin and I sleep 10 hours a day, every day" kind of look that will flatter just about anyone. 

A great highlighter can perk up your complexion, accentuate your best features , and when used correctly even camouflage aging skin. Combining "the one" with a good contouring technique can literally transform your face and some say even mimic a subtle face-lift. The key again is knowing how to use it!

Applying the highlighter under the eyes, above the brows, and on the brow bone will add life and brightness to your face and in turn promote a healthier and even "younger" you. I also like to dust a very sheer amount to the top of my cheekbones for added definition and just above the Cupid's bow to mimic a fuller pout. Exercise caution though because a heavy hand and too much sparkle will just end up accentuating your flaws, enlarged pores or just make you look like a disco ball. Trust me - it's not a good look!

Even though I have an unhealthy number of highlighters and plenty of practice time, I am yet to master the perfect targeted approach but I am always  hopeful in upping my beauty game. 

Today I want to feature a few of my favorites that are definitively good at lighting me up :-)

*Benefit Cosmetics Moon Beam ($26.00, golden tone) and High Beam ($26.00, pink tone)

These two cult-products are probably well known to all of you and I have to say their popularity is well deserved. The versatility of these two are what makes them appealing to me - their liquid-gel like texture allows them to be added to foundations and moisturizers to create the "lit from within" effect but they also work equally well through targeted "dabbing" on features you want "noticed". The formula is low on the "frost factor" so it's relatively easy to work with and hard to mess up. I am sure all of us can appreciate that! 

The reason i love Moon Beam and High Beam is because I can easily control the "glow" from subtle to all out drama for night without too much fussing.
The Benefit Sun Beam is their bronzed princess counterpart and I have to say it too, is glowing on me :-)

A little bit goes a long way with these so the initial investment is certainly reasonable and worth every penny in my opinion.

Guerlain Meteorites in Mythic ($67.00 for 1.05 oz)

These pearly beads of light are a perfect example of my weakness when it comes to girliness, packaging and passion for the pursuit of "glowiness"! If I am completely honest with myself then I have to admit that the both Guerlain Meteorites and their voyage compact ($184)  were destined to be purchased by me regardless whether or not they worked for me. The luxurious, girly and captivating compacts and kaleidoscope like design caught my eye and it was love at first sight. Luckily for me these also turned to be one of those rare "mythical" products that both look amazing and preform beautifully too! I have several Meteorites from the various Guerlain collections but the original Mythic 01 are the ones I reach for most often! This is a very subtle, low-shimmer kind of highlighter which makes it ideal for daytime use and works amazingly well at just creating "beams of light" on your face. 

The secret of the Guerlain version of "glow" seems to be in the fact they combine both matte colour correcting powders and pearly light-reflecting pigments that work together to create the purest form of radiance. I have heard it described by many beauty bloggers as "Photoshop for your face" and I couldn't agree more. 

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch ($50.00 for 0.1 oz)

This makeup artist favorite has already reviewed (here) and even though it's probably misunderstood by most consumers, those who discover its purpose with the right technique will no undoubtedly love using it. The Touche Eclat is a targeted highlighter that is to be used on specific areas of your face that need some extra "lighting" and as such it will preform beautifully. This is not a concealer - in fact if you use it for that purpose it will do exactly the opposite of concealing and your imperfections will actually be "lit up" for all to see! Trust me - this is not a good look! 

The combination of the Touche Eclat with a good concealer will elevate your complexion to the spotlight level and with some practice this "dream duo" just might become a star in your makeup bag!

A more affordable "dream team" already exists in the form of the E.L.F Studio Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter ($3.00). This product boasts an amazing combination of a creamy concealer that covers both blemishes and red spots nicely while the non-glittery highlighter will add "light" in the best possible way. I am a huge fan, especially with a price tag that won't make you cringe at checkout! 

Paul & Joe Beaute Pressed Powder N 04 (lilac)

Paul & Joe Beaute and my own admiration for the brand and its products is rooted deeply in my appreciation of all things, whimsical, girly and beautiful packaging! I have made many regretful purchases in my beauty life, where the item in question had adorable designs and shiny, pink boxes but the product itself was underwhelming in results or performance. Paul & Joe Beaute luckily doesnt fit in that category and every product that I have tried from their collections impressed me beyond measure and never fail to put a smile on my face! 

The Paul & Joe Beaute Pressed Powder N 04 (lilac) is not exactly a traditional highlighter as it doesnt exactly luminize or add any significant sheen to your complexion but what it does do is brighten, correct and reflects light in the most flattering way. The light lavender colour acts as a brightener, covering up any redness or uneven areas on your face while adding dimension to the complexion and setting foundation. I would recommend this to anyone who uses a very matte base but wants to add some highlight while avoiding any kind of shimmer which can sometimes accentuate large pores and oiliness.
It really does work like a charm!

The last highlighter I want to mention is probably the most popular one among both beauty bloggers and makeup artists themselves and I can definitively see its appeal.
The NARS Albatross Powder ($33.00) is best described as a very light golden snow whose full beauty and potential are only visible out of the pan itself. In the pan its rather underwhelming and almost boring and I remember initially questioning my purchase before it even arrived. One swatch later and I was a definite fan!
The light golden sheen is almost opalescent on the skin and it does contain quite a bit of shimmer so using a light hand with this is essential. It can be tricky to find the right balance so experimentation is key but once you see what it can do for your skin you will realize all that playing around was worth it!

I hope you enjoyed this post :-)

What is your favorite highlighter!

XOXO

ANJA