Radiantly You Natural Products Review: Be Beautiful Naturally

Built out of necessity and desire to eliminate chemicals from their home, Radiantly You was founded by Melissa Brown, a Certified Holistic Health Coach and expectant mother. After researching the ingredients in some of the most highly used products in her home, Melissa was overwhelmed by what she found – toxic parabens, sulfates and {gasp} even fluoride?! Just like you, she wanted better, HEALTHIER options for herself and her family.

When I got a chance to review a couple of their products, I jumped on it. I love discovering new healthy skincare products. It really DOES make you rethink your body and hair care products when you look at the name brand labels and discover what is inside them. My skin deserves better than that and Radiantly You delivers.

They ended up sending me 4 products; a natural bar soap, body scrub, body butter, and chapstick. When I pulled these out of the box, they were individually wrapped in beautifully bright tissue paper. My immediate thoughts were luxurious, impressive, and lavish.
I love using handmade body products, I can always tell that love, hard work, and dedication are put into them. They aren’t manufactured in a large warehouse by machines! These are made by hand in small batches with absolutely no chemicals, additives, or dyes! All Natural baby!
These will be amazing to have on hand during the cooler months. Forced heat and cold weather naturally dries out the skin. These natural products are a splendid way to add that moisture back into my body.

As soon as I unwrapped the gorgeously handmade Sweet Orange Soap Bar, my senses went into overdrive. The Sweet Orange smell has always been one of my favorites. It is deliciously scented and smells like a lightened version of a orange sherbet.
The soap contains orange peel zest. Not only does this add the orange scent into the sweet sugary vanilla aroma, but it is also a natural skin exfoliator.
I love how amazing my skin smells after using this soap. Although it’s a light scent, it lasts quite awhile on the skin. It is detectable yet it isn’t overwhelming. I love how moisturized and healthy it makes the skin look and feel.
Usually I’m not a bar soap type of girl, I go more for body wash. I’m not a huge fan of how bars of soap make my skin feel dried out and stripped of it’s natural oils. Even if I was constantly applying lotion, my skin still feels dried out and I don’t like that. This bar of soap is nothing like that though, I never get the stripped feeling- only moisturized. I couldn’t even tell that I hadn’t used a body wash. Awesome!

Get Yours: Sweet Orange Soap Bar $5 a bar

The Vanilla with Lavender Bud Body Scrub is amazing. Although I love Lavender scented candles, I’m not usually a fan of Lavender scented body products. The reason is that they tend to be very strong and produce a medicinal smell. This is something that DOES lavender right! Not overwhelming at all.

I have always been a huge fan of sugar scrubs. The sugar naturally exfoliates the skin and feels downright amazing and heavenly on the skin. It is so relaxing, therapeutic, and scrubs the old nasty skin cells off. Without scrubs those dead skin cells can take awhile to come off naturally.

This scrub is mixed with a natural glycerin soap, so you can exfoliate and cleanse at the same time. I really enjoyed the fact that the scrub wasn’t swimming in oil, because most of the time they are. The lavender buds inside the scrub gave it an all natural look, which is pleasant. I was really surprised to find that they felt like really tender pieces of cooked rice. I’m not sure what I thought it would feel like, but rice never crossed my mind. The exfoliation is nice because it’s never scratchy!

I really love using this before heading to bed. The lavender scent mixed with the sweet aroma of vanilla is extremely relaxing and helps me unwind after a long day. A little bit of this scrub really does go a long way, which is always a good thing- right?

I especially love to use this scrub on my feet. I’d had a huge bout of dry skin on my feet due to the tanning bed. Using this helped speed up the process of peeling that dry skin off and adding moisture back into my feet at the same time.

Get Yours: Lavender Bud Body Scrub $12.50


The Amber Vanilla Whipped Body Butter definitely helps your skin take a stand against dry, flaky skin. It smells absolutely delicious! The scent of Amber blended with a warm vanilla scent is absolutely heavenly. It reminds me so much of Victoria’s Secret Amber Romance. The scent lingers all day which makes me love it even more.

This is a handmade body butter, so of course the ingredients separate at times (in colder temperatures). When the body butter ingredients separate it can make the texture kind of thick and lumpy. So, what I do is run really hot water in the sink and submerge the tub of body  butter in it while I shower or get ready. When I get done, the ingredients have melted back together and feels so silky and luxurious!

It marvelously melts into my skin and instantly silkens it. My skin always feels so soft, supple, and moisturized when I use this body butter. It is a smooth, clean, light scent that is great for everyday use no matter what season!

The scent is amazing. I get so many compliments from people who think this is a lotion that I’ve just applied. When I tell them it isn’t a lotion and I had been wearing it for “X” amount of hours they look at me in disbelief. It is such a sensual, light scent that truly makes the skin gleam with healthiness.

It sinks in extremely fast, which I love. I don’t have to wait 10 minutes before I dress after getting out of the shower. I love that it doesn’t leave an oily Crisco like after feel like some butters do. It does feel a bit “slick” because of the essential oils inside the butter, but it slowly slips in the skin and you can’t tell. Another A+ product that I love!

Get Yours: Amber Vanilla Whipped Body Butter $12.50


They sent me the Orange Vanilla lip balm which gets me every time. I adore how his smells. It isn’t an overpowering orange citrusy smell like you would think. The vanilla in the mixture sweetens the orange and ends up with an orange dreamsicle type of smell. YUM.

For those of you who like yummy tasting chapstick that you can taste as it is applied to your lips- this isn’t for you. Although it smells heavenly, it doesn’t have a taste. It’s made with Beeswax, Shea butter, coconut oil, orange & vanilla essential oils so no added flavoring.

The beeswax in this chapstick makes it feel like it is staying more on top of my lips rather than sinking in. The shea butter and coconut do help to naturally nourish and moisturize the lips but I’d love for it to sink it. I feel like I have to constantly press my lips together to spread the chapstick back on my lips. I still love it though because of course- because it smells divine and contains only natural eco-friendly products which is a huge plus!

Get Yours: Orange Vanilla lip balm  $4.50
Connect with Radiantly You online:
Facebook and Pinterest

About Radiantly You
Radiantly You was built by Melissa Brown, a work-at-home momma (mother to Noah – 2.5 yrs. old, Liam – 15 months old, and Lindsay - 1 month old) who followed her heart and her passion. Our company believes strongly in women having the opportunity to stay-at-home with their children WHILE making a fair living and doing something they love; we think every woman should get that option! Behind the scenes, maintaining the handcrafted quality of our products, are wonderful WAHM’s who are doing what they love AND staying home with their children. Feel good knowing that every purchase you make is going to support families across the country that are doing just that – building their own dreams.

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Acure Organics Cell Stimulating Body Wash

This Cell Stimulating body wash moisturizes as it cleanses. With Moroccan Argan Stem Cells, Organic Argan Oil, CoQ10, Sea Buckthorn Oil, and Pumpkin Seed Oil, your skin will glow with renewed radiance.

• Leaves skin smooth and soft

• Feeds and restores cells

• 100% biodegradable, Made in the USA

• Great for all skin types

• Paraben free, Vegan, Gluten free, Synthetic fragrance free, Silicone free, Phthalate free

• Fair trade certified ingredients

My Review

This is my favorite body wash seconded by the Moisturizing body wash! This is an amazing body wash. It lathers up VERY nicely, Most organic products are hard to lather, but Acure Organics products always lather nicely!

It smells incredible! It reminds me of a mixture of pumpkin and almonds.. yum. It’s a clear liquid that goes on very nicely. I’ve been using this before I go to the tanning bed.

This is the best thing I’ve found to moisturize and help with the cell turnover. It cleanses yet doesn’t wash off the DHA bronzers that are in my tanning lotions. It can also be used as an emergency shaving gel if needed (I know)..

My skin glows with the tan now, and the ingredients within this body wash has helped it along the way! I really LOVE this! It doesn’t take very much at all to wash my entire body- just about a quarter size on a loofah and I’m good to go!

 

Ingredients: 

Organic Euterpe oleracea (acai) berry, organic rubus fruticosus (blackberry), organic rosa canina (rosehips), organic punica granatum (pomegranate), Organic Fair Trade Certified™ rooibos, organic aloe barbadensis vera leaf juice, sodium lauroyl methyl isethionate (from coconut), 100% naturally derived betaine (from sugar beets), vegetable gylcerine, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (from coconut + amino acids), sodium cocoyl glutamate (from coconut + amino acids), cocoglucosides hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (sugar conditioner) , sodium levulinate (from corn), guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (guar gum conditioner), potassium sorbate (food grade preservative), organic agania spinosa (argan) oil, Organic Fair Trade Certified™ olea europea (olive) oil, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) seed oil, organic curcubita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil, ubiquinone (CoQ10) , argania spinosa (argan stem cells), glycerophosphoinositol lysine (from sunflower), almond extract, cinnamonomum aroaticum (cassia bark) oil.

 

Buy It: Cell Stimulating body wash  $9.99

Connect with Acure Online: Facebook and Twitter

 

Jessica Renee

Acure Organics- mandarin orange + moroccan argan stem cell advanced triple moisture body lotion

Rough day? Late night got you feeling like a zombie? Break out of that funk with this uplifting lotion that restores brightness and rejuvenatues your spirits. Non-greasy formula so that much needed coffee won’t go flying out of your hand! Vitamin C you later stress! Advanced Triple Moisture System of Organic Argan Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, and Organic Olive Oil provide serious hydration.

This lotion isn’t too thick or too liquidy- it’s the absolute perfect consistency. It smells incredible when freshly applied and stays smelling great for awhile after too. I love how moisturized my skin feels without the oily/greasy feeling that some lotions can have.

These lotions do NOT have alcohol in them, which most DO. Some people are allergic to alcohol or it breaks out their skin. Now that isn’t an issue with the Acure line. There isn’t anything in the lotions that are even derived from alcohol.

Most organic product prices are THROUGH THE ROOF. Everything is priced at extreme prices because of the “natural” and “organic” ingredients.. but Acure isn’t like that. Nothing in the entire line is too expensive. The lotions and body washes are $10, most face products; cleansers, toners, night creams range from $10-$20.

It smells like oranges with a spice added in or something, but you smell more of the orange than anything. It smells great, is creamy, and soaks RIGHT into the skin and keeps it hydrated for a long time!

This is rich enough to use on my ashy knees, ankles, and legs. I’ve been tanning religiously since January and although I love the bronzed skin—ashy skin comes with it if you don’t moisturize well. This is perfect for keeping me moisturized without an overpowering smell. It smells like summertime—yum—oranges~!

Buy it for yourself!

Acure Organics Mandarin and Mango Lotion $9.99

Connect with Acure online: Facebook and Twitter

 

  Jessica Renee

 

Acure Organics- Lemongrass + Moroccan Argan Oil Firming Body Lotion

Skin reluctant to snap back? Feeling baggy & saggy? Snap out of it with Acure Organics Lemongrass + Moroccan Argan Oil Firming Body Lotion! This unique antioxidant formula restores buoyancy and stimulates collagen production. Evening primrose, cranberry and rosehips help tighten while Organic Argan Oil and Cocoa butter replenish needed moisture.. 7 oz.

Fight back against free radical damage and firm up. Don't slack, this is a firm offer! Act now! 

My Review

This lotion is lemony fresh smelling! If you’ve never smelled lemongrass, it’s about time you start! My skin not only smells amazing, but looks and feels healthy and supple!

I’m using this more of a PREVENTION to sagging, bagging, and wrinkles then actual reduction to them. I don’t want to start getting them, and the SKIN IMMUNE technology that is inside the lotion is the perfect start.

This line of Acure lotions is really the only lotions that I’ve known to have the Skin Immune technology! This and the Orange lotion are great summer lotions, especially when you tan.

Moisturized skin tans a lot better and holds the tan longer—this and the orange lotion has definitely helped me to keep my skin looking healthy and luscious.

These lotions absorb so quickly and the moisture is heavenly! I can put this on my body AND feet after tanning and don’t have to worry about the ashy skin that can come through if I forget to put lotion on.

My skin feels soft and silky because the lotion is so thick and creamy! No greasy residue, no weird smells, and nothing but organic clean ingredients! What else could you ask for from a lotion?

The effects isn’t super shine but also not a matte—it’s more of a healthy glow that makes you want to touch your skin again and again because of how soft it is!! AND every product you purchase a $1 of the profits go to Breast Cancer Research!

Buy It! Acure Organics Lemongrass + Moroccan Argan Oil Firming Body Lotion $9.99

Connect with Acure online: Facebook and Twitter

 

Jessica Renee

Beauty Review: Acure Organics Ultra-Hydrating Body Lotion-Unscented (Cocoa Butter & CoQ10)

Acure Organics has such a wide range of products that are all very healthy for the skin as well as natural & organic. The Hydrating Body Lotion with Morrocan Oil is no different.

The lotion is very hydrating and moisturizing, but not heavy. It’s more hydrating then the other Acure lotions I’ve tried, but it isn’t my favorite because it’s unscented. This would be perfect for someone with sensitive skin or are sensitive to fragrances (which I know people who are).

This is great for after-tanning use. When I get out of the tanning bed, my feet are REALLY dry, so I bring this with me and add a drop to each foot before putting my shoes back on. I also love to use this for all over body hydration (hydrated skin tans and stays tan longer). Tanning lotion usually smells like burnt cinnamon or something—(depending on the lotion). So I use this to keep from adding to the smell.

I have been messing around with adding a few drops of essential oils to the lotion each time I apply it. It’s amazing to create your own unique “fragrance”. PLUS- since it IS unscented, it’s a PLUS for spring and summertime. Bugs are attracted to fragrance (mosquitos, ants, bees..), so this wouldn’t alert you to the bug radar.

I love that it just seems to “melt” right into my skin without a hitch though. There isn’t any “settling” time. It just sinks right in and we’re ready to go. I love that it doesn’t leave a “greasy” film like some moisturizing lotions do. I have to end up wiping my hands on a hand-towel after using THOSE. This is nothing like that. It works without being greasy!

I particularly love that Acure never puts alcohol in their body lotions. Alcohol can actually dry the skin out even more—so this is nothing but pure HYDRATION!  It’s amazing how creamy, thick, and buttery this is!

I feel like since I’ve been using this my skin has been more hydrated, nourished, and feels smoother. It’s a rather large bottle for $10, plus they donate $1 to each purchase to Bright Pink- for breast cancer research and education.

Buy It: You can buy the Acure Organics Ultra-Hydrating Body Lotion for $9.99

Connect with Acure on Twitter and Facebook

 

Jessica Renee

Review: Acure Calming Lavender Lotion

I am so amazed by Acure, since the VERY beginning. Every single product that I’ve used from them has been downright AMAZING! The lotion is no different, smells and feels amazing.

I use this after I get out of the shower at night, and even in the morning my skin is STILL so soft and smooth. I love the smell of lavender and how relaxing it is.

Lavender also has some very AMAZING benefits when used in skincare, which is amazing in itself. It is a natural antiseptic and anti-fungal which aids in scar reduction and accelerates the healing process.

When using something with Lavender in it you’ll see a reduction in acne breakouts, redness, and blotchiness. So not only does it help to heal acne, it also helps even complexion overtime.

My skin just seems so silky soft, smells amazing, and seems to glow. Winter is my worst time for dry skin and lotion is something I use very frequently.

My skin gets dry, flaky, and ashy-like. I love that this lotion is SO moisturizing and nourishing. I’ve been tanning frequently since January and moisturized skin seems to be hold a tan more. Not only does my skin soak this lotion up, it’s help my “tan” WooHoo! 

This is hands down one of my favorite lotions from Acure Organics!

Buy IT: You can buy the Acure Calming Lavender Lotion for $10.00

Review: Erba Organics

 

Erba Organics is an organic body care company that focuses on safe, eco-conscious products for moms and their children. I am always thrilled to find organic products that also give back. Erba donates a full 15% f their gross sales from their Baby Body Oil and Baby Body Wash to the WWO, which stands for Worldwide Orphans Foundation.

Pregnancy is a magical beautiful time in every soon to be momma’s life. We are developing and growing a beautiful heaven sent baby—and Erba Organics just so much more EASY. They have designed organic products for itchy skin, swollen feet, stretch mark prevention, and more. Pamper yourself with luxurious  oils,creams,  and bath mixes made from the finest organic ingredients available.

I was sent some items to sample from their very amazing line. The first one I want to tell you about is the Mommy-to-be Organic Milk & Oat Bath. We all know that when the body is growing to support the baby it can become quite itchy.

When I was pregnant with my son and daughter, I tried everything to make the itchiness go away and nothing ever worked. Although I’m pretty sure the lotion market was in high demand during both these pregnancies. I couldn’t stop rubbing it everywhere because I itched like crazy.

With this amazing Milk and Oat Bath is a natural remedy for those itchy days (or ahem! MONTHS).! When I opened the package, I found inside a soft, fine brown looking powder with random chunks of sea salt in there. You can’t really smell the contents until they’ve been mixed with the bath.

When I added them to my bath- I thought it smelled like very sweet oatmeal or oatmeal cookies. There was also a small hint of lavender that was very relaxing.

You don’t even have to be pregnant to enjoy the amazingness of this bath mix. It’s not only great for itchiness- but tired muscles as well. So, if your sweaty and itchy from hitting the gym, tired from working all day, or just want some relaxing spa time at home (THAT is BENEFICIAL as well) this is what you should be looking for.

I love sprinkling this into a very hot bath and just sinking in for a moment. As a mom with two small children—I desperately need some me time every now and then. AND because I have Keratosis Pilaris (aka chicken skin) and it is REALLY itchy at times—this has helped to calm the itchiness and the irritation (redness) that comes with it. SO this mama was a very happy camper.

The second item that I was sent was the Erbaorganics Mommy-to-be stretch mark cream. Every pregnant woman knows the risk of a growing belly bump—and that’s stretch marks. Some women get them, other’s don’t. It has to do with the elasticity in the skin I guess. I was very small when I got pregnant with both my kids and only have stretch marks on my breasts and butt. NONE whatsoever on the belly. Other’s get them at random.

BUT what if you could help your stretching belly and reduce the amount of stretch marks? Wouldn’t that be a blessing? I know that there are other products out there to help with this but I’ve NEVER seen an organic line. This is safe for baby and mommy while baby is growing. You don’t have to worry about chemicals or anything harmful. Just creamy, soothing help for those worries about stretch marks.

Just rub it on breasts, belly, butt, and legs.. anywhere you think may be stretching just a tad bit too much. Even if you aren’t thinking you may get stretch marks—it makes for an AMAZING lotion!! Oh—so thick and creamy.

The third product that I was sent was the Cheeky Balm. The cheeky balm is an organic balm that helps chapped hands, lips, cheeks, and can even be used as a diaper rash balm.

This can be used for the baby, toddler, kid, or even mommy! It comes in a lipstick type tube (but wider) so that it is easier to apply. It creates absolutely no mess at all.. Just crank up the little dial on the bottom for more.. and then re-track it for less when you’re done.

It works absolutely brilliantly. I use this on more than just chapped hands. Where I get dry skin on my thighs because of the Keratosis Pilaris—I rub some of this on my thighs and the back of my arms when I get out of the shower..

I love how amazing it smells. Like a mixture of lavender and chamomile or something.. Good but not overwhelming. We all know when pregnancy is here, it can create our senses to double and smells can be overpowering and this isn’t!

Flu and cold season is here which means tons and tons of sanitizer. Sanitizer can be extremely drying to the skin, so I throw this cheeky balm in my purse with it. It really helps with the dryness.

It snaps onto the lid pretty tightly—so I don’t have to worry about it shaking loose in my purse!! I love this! So convenient and smells amazing to boot!

The last and final item I want to tell you about is the Erba Organics Mommy-to-be Massage Oil. We all know that pregnancy makes our muscles achy and tired. We are carrying that EXTRA weight around all day and it can be pretty tiring at the end of the day, especially at the end when we feel like a whale.

This massage oil is so slick and feel so amazing on the skin. I love feeling relaxed, especially when I was pregnant. It’s not everyday of the year that we get to make our husbands do whatever we ask (hee, hee).. so an extra massage here and there isn’t going to kill them.

It smells so amazing that HE will even come out relaxed and calm. The lavender in it will make sure of that! Feeling comfortable is something that you’d say about the third trimester of pregnancy. Bloated, can’t see our toes, and wearing slip on shoes (for a reason)..

You better get in all the relaxation, comfort, and sleep that you can before the newborn is here and cries for a bottle every 3-4 hours. Can you say exhaustion.. pretty soon you might not be able to spell it. All you’ll want to do is catch up on the sleep you missed.. Well pregnancy is just THAT time.. Bring out the massage oils, body creams, thick lotions, and bath mixes NOW.

Connect with Erba Organics on Facebook and Twitter

Jessica Renee

 

Jack Black Men’s Grooming Care Review

I received 4 items from the Jack Black’s Men Grooming Line. Adam needed something to help him. His face hair grows back so fast and so thick that it’s hard to keep it in line. He shaves and within the next day, he has stubbles again. I figured if we could get something that helped to smooth the hair down that maybe it would help him.

Industrial Strength Hand Healer

This rich, non-greasy formula contains Vitamin A and E and Eucalyptus to heal heal and soothe dry, chapped, cracked hands. Any guy who works will appreciate the heavy-duty benefits. Macadamia Nut Oil penetrates and improves unsightly cuticles. The PureScience Formula licks in nature’s best-using healing botanicals and organic ingredients, with no parabens, fragrance or colorants.

To use: apply a nickel size amount to hands and cuticles anytime they feel dry or rough.

My Thoughts*

Adam works all day using his hands. He is a foreman for a tree-trimming service in our area as well as Northern Tennessee. He is used to having rough hands, and would never even think about using one of my lotions that tend to smell like brown sugar, flowers, or anything that smells like a woman.

There aren’t many men care/grooming products on the market. Not many that actually appeal to men anyway. Adam seemed to like this. Although there isn’t a fragrance listed, you can smell the natural products in this. It smells manly..

Because of the sunflower seed and Vitamin A & E, it is a natural skin healer and soother. The vitamins are natural skin smoothers, and help to keep the skin soft and from cracking. He says it even stays on after he washes his hands!

Supreme Clean- Triple Cushion Shave Lather

Supreme Cream provides a rich, luxurious lather that lifts whiskers up, away from the skin for a smooth, ultra-close shave. Triple cushion technology, with three protective, hydrating layers of Macadamia Nut oil, Glycerin and Soybean oil, means super close razor glide and a superior cushion of protection against razor burn, irritation, nicks, and cuts. The PureScience formula is paraben-free, colorant-free, fragrance-free, and dermatologist tested.

My Thoughts*

This looks like a fancy looking whip cream that shines. Adam put this on before shaving and there wasn’t any knicks, cuts, or razor burn at all. I was amazed at how well this worked and how little he had to use. He used about a quarter sized dollop and it spread over his entire 5 O’Clock shadow and the strays.

The razor seemed to just glide over it without any mishaps. He said that this worked better than any shaving cream that he had used, including name brands. When he buys shaving cream, he goes through it in no time. His hair grows WAY too fast, so he has to shave almost every day.

Not only did this products work well, but it gave him a closer and smoother shave, so he didn’t have to shave as much and risk razor burn, ingrown hairs, or missed spots.

I liked that he loved using this. Even the packaging looks manly in it’s deep blue coloring and white lettering. We will definitely be buying these products again in the future!

Face Buff Energizing Scrub

Face Buff deep-cleans and smoothes your skin, clearing the way for a closer, easier shave. Menthol and Vitamin C wake up tired skin. Small scrubbing particles open congested pores and sweep away deep-down oil, dirt and dead 85skin cells, helping to prevent ingrown hairs and minimize shaving irritation.

To use: apply a dime-size amount of Face Buff to wet face and work around in circles. Don’t rub too hard- the power of the scrub is built in. Rinse with warm water. Use 3-4 times a week before shaving.

My thoughts*

This is an extremely nice buffer and deep cleanser for men. Adam doesn’t use this everyday like the Daily Facial cleanser, but he does use it quite often. Not only does this clean extremely well, but it’s like an exfoliator for men.

Adam really needed this. He works outside all day in the heat, so naturally he sweats like something awful. He uses this to get the deep down dirt and old skin off so that he doesn’t have blackheads or breakouts from the oil.

This is a liquidy type of buffer, and you can feel the cleanser beads inside it. This is what exfoliates the skin and gets all the dirt out. He only needs a dime size amount to get his entire face clean.

It smells amazing as well. His skin feels so smooth and smells so completely clean. The thing about this is, you aren’t supposed to scrub really hard because the scrub part is built in with the beads!

This is supposed to be 3-4 times a week before shaving (and before you use the shave lather). It reduces the amount of ingrown hairs that grow as well as helps reduce razor irritation and burns.

Adam said it worked extremely well, and that he liked the smell of it. It smells like menthol, but it does help to perk up the skin and reduce redness and irritation as well as razor burns. It is also awesome at helping get the closest shave that a man can manage. This helps keep their hair from growing back too fast and reduces the amount of times they have to shave each week.

Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser

Pure Clean is a unique 2-in-1 facial cleanser and toner that removes deep-down dirt and oil for a clear, smooth, shave-ready skin.  Formulated with sulfate-free surfactants derived from coconut and oat, the rich lather gently cleanses without over-drying. Leaves skin clean, hydrated and fresh.

PureScience Formulas lick in nature’s best to please even the most sensitive skin-using a blend of naturally derived surfactants and certified organic ingredients, with no parabens, fragrance or colorants. And, always dermatologist tested.

Adam has used this every single day for over a month, and he still has almost an entire bottle. I was amazed when I picked it up to clean the counter, how heavy the bottle still was. He said he didn’t need very much at all to wash his face.

He comes every day and washes his face and hair and then showers either right after or if he has to go to the post office to turn in his paper work, after he gets back. So he was glad to have something that works easily and quickly.

Regular soap dries his face out, so he was usually using either my face wash or body wash. He gets woodchips, dust, and grime all over his face and in his hair.

I was excited to give him these treats, because he deserves something that he can use that looks and smells manly. He was using whatever he could grab at the time to get his face clean and all the woodchips and dust off, so I put this right by the sink.

He likes it and has religiously stuck to using it daily. He really likes it, and I am glad he likes it. This gently cleans his face without leaving it oily (like when he was using the body wash), or leaving it dried out (when he used the bar soap). This is a rich lathered face wash that washes clean and leaves his face smooth!

I am glad that these products are sulfate-free and are certified organics. They are also made in the United States, which is also a plus to me. There aren’t any chemicals or fragrances either. Although you can smell the natural products inside the products.

I really loved all of these products. I didn’t USE them, but Adam did and he did nothing but praised them. He told all his friends about them, and seemed to want to keep using them for cleansing AND shaving.

Men need something to add to their grooming without smelling “all girly” as Adam says. He enjoyed using the products and I’m excited that he found something that he liked!

Disclosure: Items were sent to me for review purposes only. This post isn’t sponsored or influenced in any way. The opinions are 100% mine and totally honest.

 

Thanks,

Jessica

Lady Soma Hand & Nail Treatment Review

The Skin & Nail Treatment is a deep moisturizer that repairs dry and cracked skin. Specifically formulated for skin and nails, it promotes a soft supple cuticle, while repairing existing damage. Enhances nails for a shiny appearance and healthy looking cuticles. Treatment may also be used on hands and body to heal dry skin.

I have always had trouble with my cuticles splitting. I don’t know why, but they get really painful. I also tend to get those little painful hang nails on the very side of the nails. The ones you can’t rip off and bug me to death. Since I have been using this I haven’t had one split cuticle or hang nail!!

We all know that Cocoa Butter is beneficial to skin. We have seen it in tons of lotions and body washes. But have you ever seen it in a hand cream? I haven’t. I was SO impressed with this. It smells VERY sweet. You can smell the cocoa butter but it doesn’t have a distinct cocoa butter smell. It just smells like a natural sweetness.

I also tend to get dry hands. I know you have heard me say this over and over- because I HATE it. I actually get shivers when I touch something with dry hands. I always pack lotion or body butter EVERYWHERE. When I crochet- the yarn dries my hands completely and I need something to keep it hydrated, and this fit the bill. I loved it because it wasn’t greasy like most lotions and it wasn’t too much like body butters.

It is exactly the right consistency. It isn’t runny and isn’t too thick. I don’t find myself putting it on over and over. One handful can keep me good for hours, which is GREAT for me. I don’t want something I have to keep reapplying all the time.

I don’t usually apply nail polish to my fingernails because it makes my nails look depleted and unhealthy (after taking it off), so I avoided it at all costs. I decided to see if this would help me out with this little problem. Low and behold- it DID. I can now wear polish and take it off and not have to worry about my nails looking anything less than beautiful.

All in all my nails were WAY better looking, healthier, stronger, and seem to grow without breaking as much. My cuticles never split and hurt, and my skin lost the red tint beneath the nails.

You can wash your hands and still smell it. I usually have to reapply after washing dishes because my hands tend to dry from the dishwashing liquid. NO MORE Lady Soma says. They want you healthy and beautiful at all times and they have proven this to me in SO MANY WAYS. I love all the products I have tried.. They all PROVE that you can be beautifully naturally. Who needs or WANTS chemicals? Not me.

You can buy this for only $15 at the Lady Soma website.

 

About

 Lady Soma:

Lady Soma never uses theses ingredients:

Sulfates

Parabens

Propylene Glycol

Mineral oils

Silicone

Synthetic fragrance

Dyes

 

They ALWAYS use all natural ingredients in their products to help promote healthiness of the skin and body!!

Click below to learn a little more about the ingredients they DO use:

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Flaxseed Oil
• Kokum & Cocoa Butter
• Psyllium Husks
• Shea Butter
• Acidophilus

Connect with Lady Soma:

Facebook

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Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored review, all opinions are 100% my own. I wasn’t compensated for this post. I did receive products in exchange for an honest review.

 

Jessica

Organic Body Care Recipes Review (Book Review)

I was fortunate enough to receive the Organic Body Care Recipes Book from Storey Publishing.

The skin care and function of the skin is explained exceptionally well in this book. When you know why something is important, you are more than likely to want to do it. If instructions are muddled and hard to comprehend- there won’t be very much success. This book is clear and precise about EVERYTHING it explains.

The recipes seem very easy to make, although there are ingredients listed that you aren’t just going to find laying around your house. you will have to look them up and buy most of them from health and beauty stores or online. This is a great book though if you are WILLING to go that extra step to stay healthy, or are looking to start your own beauty business.

The book first starts with ingredients and WHY they are important. This helps you get a feel for what you should be using and what you need to purchase. It explains in deep detail about the effects of this on your skin, how it can help, and what they are best used in. For example- Oatmeal (ground into flourlike substance) is best used for face and body scrubs, powdered cleansers, masks, and bath bags.

There are a lot of essential oils involved, but this book clearly states why. When you know why something is needed, you are more than likely to KNOW the benefits and how to use it in other recipes in the future.

One of my many New Year Resolutions this year was to go organic. Be more green in every aspect in life. After researching all the negative impacts on commercial projects on my health, was the reason I wanted a change. Most of the chemicals in commercial can HURT you, possibly leading to cancer, infertility, and hormonal problems down the road. The skin absorbs the chemicals in shampoo, lotion, bath products, and everything else that comes in contact with it.

You’ll have to work your way up to making ALL of these. you will just want to start with one or two first. Then when you get comfortable with those, you can progress further into more advanced and making different types. you don’t want to jump in making tons of different ones right off the bat, or you could become confused.

This is a great book and I tend to keep it on my bookshelf for life. I want to continue my handmade business into also offering natural beauty products. I will have to wait until I move into a bigger house because there is NO way I have room for another hobby at this point, but it something I would love to do.

There are tons of companies becoming earth friendly, and offering organic products- but if you could make them in your own home and KNOW exactly how the process is done, and what ingredients are involved- wouldn’t you? I would like to invest in an inexpensive blender just for making these.♥

I know I do. This is a book to flip through over and over, and use many times. It’s like an encyclopedia for healthy and beauty products. I have never in my life seen so many different choices in recipes. The ingredients are clear and state exactly how it is good for your skin or hair..

So, if you’re thinking this is something you would like to try out..

You can buy this book @ Amazon

 

 

About:

Radiantly healthy skin, hair, feet, hands, eyes, and nails. Commercial beauty products make this promise every day and live up to it with varying degrees of success. Stephanie Tourles offers a better solution to everyone frustrated with the endless cycle of expensive, synthetic, famous-name cosmetics that often fall short of expectations. Take control of beauty treatments with homemade products that use safe, nourishing ingredients to pamper the body and soothe the senses.

Tourles, a licensed esthetician, herbalist, and aromatherapist, has developed 175 recipes that are fun, simple, and immensely satisfying to make in home kitchens. Her natural beauty treatments deliver the results promised by department store brands — skin, hair, and nails that glow with vitality and inner wellness. Lotions, scrubs, toners, balms, and masks polish and balance the skin, soothe current problems, and prevent future ones. Shampoos, rinses, and conditioners tone the scalp, boost highlights, and leave hair soft and shiny. The book's whole-body coverage also includes recipes for hand and footcare, nail treatments, shaving cream, and even popular spa treatments such as microdermabrasion exfoliants, detox and cellulite soaks, ayurvedic oils, and herbal cold salves. Most important, there is never any doubt about the purity of these ingredients!

Each formula is clearly presented in recipe style, with notes on prep time, storage, and uses. Many products can be customized according to personal needs, whim, or mood, and they all use readily available, natural ingredients. Organic Body Care Recipes is a natural treasure for every body.

 

Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% mine. I wasn’t compensated, although I received a product in exchange for an honest review.

 

Jessica

Pretty Girl Makeup Review

About Pretty Girl Makeup

With clever names such as Rich Husband, Party Shoes, and Pretty Girl Lunch, Pretty Girl has succeeded in developing a full line of fabulous cosmetics that give every girl just want she wants in the form of beauty, while bringing a smile to her pretty face.  Pretty Girl celebrates everything that is fun and unique about being a girl, no matter what her age!  

Developed by celebrity FORD makeup artist, Christina Flach, along with her team of some of the most experienced chemists and industry experts, Pretty Girl’s products deliver results with wearable makeup that always work well on their own or as a compliment with some of your other favorite products.  According to Mrs. Flach, “As women, we always like to try and experiment with different colors to express our mood or feelings and I know that with Pretty Girl we have something that every girl and woman can relate to and express herself with.” 

Pretty Girl Makeup offers high quality lipsticks, lip gloss, blushes, bronzers and eyeshadows. We also offer bath products such as bath bombs, sugar scrubs, soy candles and gift packages. Pretty Girl is all about fun. It celebrates everything that is fabulous about being a girl! I have worked hand in hand with industry experts to produce the highest quality product available, combining vitamins, minerals, and essential oils.
I got to review 3 products from Pretty Girl Makeup. Aloe Vera Shea Butter Cream, Lip Gloss Treatment, and the double-ended smoky eye brush.

Aloe Vera Shea Butter Cream

Vanilla Sugar Scented
Yummy Mummy Vanilla Sugar Aloe Vera Body Cream is loaded with soothing Aloe Vera and Shea butter to give your skin the nourishment it needs to stay extra pretty! Ideal for pretty mummies on the go to help with stretch marks, tired swollen feet and dry skin.
I received a small sample jar of the Cream. It looks like a tiny moisturizer tube or lip cream. The lid stays on very well. So if you want to throw this in your purse, to use for later, you don’t have to worry about it spilling out everywhere.
Although I don’t have stretch marks on my stomach, I do have them on my boobs. I went from a small B to a large C while pregnant with Adisyn. Although I wish I could have kept them =), They went back down after the pregnancy, and left marks.
This smells like it would be a lip balm or something, because it smells so wonderful. It rubs in easily, and isn’t gooey or too thick. You can smell it all day. I used it to rub on my hands and feet as well as the stretch marks. This can also be used to help sunburn in both mommies and babies.
This was amazing as a dry skin ointment. Vanilla Sugar amazement! ♥

Pretty Girl Lip Gloss Treatment
Comes in 4 fabulous shades that are suitable for all skin tones. A wonderfully heavy gloss with a long lasting formula that allows lips to stay glossy through all your Pretty Girl activities: lunch, business meetings, workouts, shopping, being mommy, cocktails and romantic dinners! Not only does this gloss provide a seductive sheen of color, it gives lips a moisturizing treatment.
Oh Honey! is the one I received. It is the perfect shimmery gold, and is named after Karen from Will & Grace. (I adore the show, and especially love Karen). It is made with Macadamia Nut Oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter, and Grape Seed Oil. So it is only made with all natural products. =)
I just recently started wearing lipstick. I didn’t use it before because I couldn’t find the perfect shade. Pinks and Reds just aren’t my thing. Then I found a light brown shimmer that really brings out my face complexion.
The lipstick said it had built in moisturizers, but after only an hour or so, I felt it dry out. So I was reapplying it and adding chapstick or lip gloss on top. Most lip glosses make the lipstick run. This lip treatment doesn’t.
I add this lip treatment on top of the lipstick and I am set all day. The lip stick was kind of dry before, but with the lip treatment- it is moisturized and keeps my lipstick on very well.
You can also use this without a lipstick to get the perfect lip gloss look. It is quite thick, but that’s the answer. That’s how it doesn’t run and doesn’t fade within 30 minutes.
Double-Ended Smokey Eye Brush

Two-in-one tool that you can use as an eyeliner to line the upper and lower lashes,the other end to add shadow in the crease of the eye or all over the lid.
This was my favorite product. I have a ton of mineral eye shadow, but the brushes weren’t holding onto the eye makeup very well. If you have ever put mineral eye shadow on without the right tools, you probably ended up with eye shadow on your face.

I did, it would drop onto my cheeks, or under my eyes. And if I already have face makeup on- I don’t want to have to try and wipe off the eye makeup and re-do my entire face and eye makeup.
This brush is AMAZING. It held onto the mineral eye shadow extremely well. I didn’t have drops on my cheeks or under my eyes. Only where it was supposed to go.
I loved that I could flip it and use the straight edged side for eye liner. I have a pretty gray (smoke out) I use on my lids and then use black (black death) for the liner. I was never actually able to use black death all that much because it was too much as an eye shadow, but is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME as an eye liner.
This tool lines PERFECTLY. All you do it dip it in the mineral eye shadow and then press to the lining of your eyelashes.
I will NEVER give this up- EVER. I love it too much. This is the perfect tool for using with mineral makeup.
Buy It: You can purchase Pretty Girl Makeup right on their website! The lip gloss I reviewed is $18, The Brush $26, and the Aloe Vera Yummy Mummy Cream $27 for the 8 ounce.
Make sure you don’t forget your best friend, mom, or sister on their birthdays or Christmas. They have an awesome gift box packages for each one. =)
Shipping was very fast, reliable, and everything was just the way it was supposed to be. Customer service was very friendly and quick to respond. I loved everything about the company.

All Made.By.Jess Readers get 25% off. use the word pretty in checkout area

Disclosure: This isn’t a sponsored post. This is my own opinion of the products I received. I did receive products in exchange for an honest review.
I want to thank Pretty Girl Makeup for working with Made.By.Jess

Jessica