Pyrenees Lavender w/ Cardamom Lip Balm (Pangea Organics)

Photo: PangeaOrganics.com

Rating: 9/10
Cost: $12 for .25 oz
Notes: Wonderful!
Repurchase? Yes.

As I mentioned in my last post, these lip balms are amazing.  Perfect consistency, easy application, solid packaging.  The only thing that really differs is the scent, so I'll focus on that.

I LOVE cardamom, and was really excited about this one. However, when I smell it, the cardamom is very slight. That being said, since I love it so much, I may have been wishing for more than the average person. :-)  It clearly smells of lavender, but with a tinge of spiciness. I like it!


Ingredients: Helianthus annuus (organic sunflower) seed oil, cera alba (organic beeswax), simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba oil), lecithin (soy), cannabis sativa (manitoba harvest organic hemp) seed oil, butyrospermum parkii (organic shea) butter, citrus aurantium dulcis (organic blood orange) oil, lavandula angustifolia (organic lavender vera) oil, calophyllum tacamahaca (organic tamanu) oil, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe vera) gel, tocopherol (vitamin e), elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) oil, lavandula mailette (lavender mailette) oil

Egyptian Fennel w/ Grapefruit & Sweet Orange Lip Balm (Pangea Organics)

Photo: PangeaOrganics.com

Rating: 9/10
Cost: $12 for .25 oz
Notes: Fantastic!
Repurchase: Yes.

All the Pangea lip balms are amazing. (I'll review the other two in my next two posts.)  The consistency is perfect--doesn't feel like you're coating your lips, but it's not a hard balm that feels like it sticks to your lips.  It's a standard plastic tube that twists from the top, but it is thicker than most lip balms. (Most lip balms contain .15 oz, this is one contains .25 oz.)  However, it's important to note that the tube doesn't twist up when there is still about 1/2 an inch of balm left.  I usually take a toothpick or Qtip and put the rest into an empty lip balm container, but I wish it twisted up higher to avoid the hassle.

The orange and fennel definitely come through to me, not so much with the grapefruit. Either way, I adore it.  The scent is mild and slight--you can smell it when you're applying the balm, but it doesn't linger too long. It is color-free (just the standard waxy color), and lasts forever. (One tube lasts me almost 5 or 6 months with daily use.)  I've found that I apply lip balm much less frequently when I am using this--I think it just moisturizes my lips better, so I reach for it less often.  I adore it!

If I had to buy a lip balm for a man, this is the scent I would choose.  The other two can be a bit more "girly," but this one doesn't have any floral undertones. (That being said, my husband reaches for any of my Pangea balms--he loves them!)

Only deterrent is the price--$12 is steep. I've found that Pangea will often run specials on their website, so once or twice a year these are buy one, get one free.  That's when I stock up--at $6, I find them to be perfectly reasonable, especially since they are almost twice the size of a standard lip balm.

Ingredients: Helianthus annuus (organic sunflower) seed oil, cera alba (organic beeswax), simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba oil), lecithin (soy), cannabis sativa (manitoba harvest organic hemp) seed oil, butyrospermum parkii (organic shea) butter, citrus grandis (white grapefruit) oil, citrus grandis (pink grapefruit) oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (sweet orange) oil, cananga odorata (ylang ylang) oil, calophyllum tacamahaca (organic tamanu) oil, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe vera) gel, tocopherol (vitamin e), foeniculum vulgare (fennel) oil

Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry (Pangea Organics)

Photo: PangeaOrganics.com

Rating: 10/10
Cost: $32 for 3.8 oz.
Notes: LOVE this scrub!
Repurchase? Yes.

I adore this scrub.  As with most Pangea Organics items, if they were cheaper, I'd be much happier.  This scrub is no different--$32 is a bit much for me, but I waited until I could get a good deal.  (Other websites like drugstore.com also sell this brand.)

This scrub is fantastic. I'm not sure if the exfoliating pieces are crushed cranberry seeds or adzuki beans--it just seems less harsh and more powdery than other scrubs.  In other words, I don't feel like I'm taking off half the skin on my face when I use it.  It smells great (I love the smell of geranium in anything), and a little bit goes a long way.

The packaging is a plastic tube, and a little bit goes a long way.  It has a toothpaste-like consistency.  I use it once or twice a week, and have been using the same tube for at least 6 months.  I'm a huge fan.  Other than price, there isn't much I would change!


Ingredients: Aqua (purified water), alcohol (sda 38b organic lavender), vigna angularis (organic adzuki bean), caprylic/ capric triglyceride (derived solely from coconut oil), vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed, glycerin (vegetable), glyceryl stearate, butyrosperum parkii (organic shea) butter, prunus amygdalus dulcis (almond) oil, sucrose stearate, oryza sativa (organic rice) bran extract, oenothera biennis (organic evening primrose) oil, xanthan gum, cucurbita pepo (organic pumpkin) seed oil, helianthus annuus (organic sunflower) seed oil, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), citrus aurantium dulcis (organic blood orange) oil, calendula officinalis (organic calendula) extract, lavandula angustifolia (organic lavender) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (organic rosemary) extract, rosa gallica (french rose) extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (organic sweet orange) oil, boswellia carterii (organic frankincense) oil, cymbopogon martini (palmarosa) oil, daucus carota (organic carrot) seed oil, pelargonium graveolens (organic geranium) oil, citric acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), essential oil

Lip Glaze in Rose Petal (100% Pure)

Photo: 100percentpure.com

Rating: 6/10
Cost: $15 for .08 oz
Notes: Great formula, wrong color for me
Repurchase? No--but I'd get a different color

This is in between a lip balm and a lipstick, and the formula is wonderful!  The color comes solely from fruit pigments, and the ingredients are amazing.  This color didn't suit me so well, which is my only reason for a "6" rating--it surprisingly left more pigment than I was expecting, so it looked a little too pink on my indian skin.  However, I would definitely get it again in another color.

This is the only lip color I've found where I didn't have to put a colorless lip balm underneath--it is super moisturizing!  It's a twist up tube, similar to lipsticks, and it comes in a silver tube with white lettering.  This never really opened up in my purse, but I didn't carry it around too much, so don't quote me on that.  One day soon I'll repurchase this item in another color, and I can't wait!

Ingredients:  Organic Avocado Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, contains all or some of the following fruit pigments: Organic Cherry, Organic Plum, Cabernet Grape, Organic Raspberry, Organic Blueberry, Organic Blackberry, Organic Peach, Organic Apricot, Organic Tomato, Organic Pomegranate, Organic Cacao (chocolate), Organic Rose Petals, Organic Lavender Flower and Organic Cinnamon, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Rosehip Oil, Organic Mango Butter, Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), may contain Mica (natural shimmery mineral)

Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream (100% Pure)

Photo: 100percentpure.com

Rating: 9/10
Cost: $19 for 1 oz.
Notes: Great eye cream, but I prefer the Acai one.
Repurchase?  Yes, if the Acai one is not available.

If I had to pick my all-time favorite natural brand so far, 100% pure would probably be near the top.  They use fantastic ingredients, the packaging is always super cute, and their customer service is wonderful.  Therefore, I'm left with splitting hairs between some of their products--but it is what it is!

This eye cream seems to work just as well as the Acai one.  At first, I thought it didn't make my skin as soft, but after a few weeks, I realized I was mistaken.  I don't get dark circles or bags around my eyes too often, but the few mornings I do, this certainly helps.  (I think it's the caffeine.)  Packaging is a glass bottle with a tiny pump--usually the pump dispenses a bit too much for me--half a pump is usually enough for both eyes.

The only reason I rated the Acai one higher is because of the smell.  I expected this one to smell like coffee, which it does not.  It almost smells more like chocolate, but without the sugar. Not unpleasant by any means, but I happen to like the smell of the other one, so it leans me that way.  Plus, since dark circles and bags aren't a big issue for me, I'm guessing the nutrients in the other one are more helpful for my skin.

Either way, I don't think you can go wrong with either of these eye creams--they are fantastic!  This one does come in a smaller tube, if you want to pay less and test it out.

Ingredients:  Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Organic Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Rose Hydrosol), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehip Oil) Seed Extract, Organic Coffea Arabica (Green Coffee) Seed Extract Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate), Extracts of: Coffea Arabica (Coffee Cherry) Seed, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal), Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla Absolute) Fruit, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla Wax)

Tea Tree Oil (Desert Essence)

Photo: Drugstore.com

Rating: 9/10
Cost: $9 for 1 oz. at Whole Foods
Notes: Great for eliminating pimples!
Repurchase?  Yes, but this may last me forever.

I love this oil.  I know there are many uses for tea tree oil, but I use it primarily to get rid of a pimple that pops up every now and then.  You shouldn't soak a cotton ball in oil and apply it directly to your skin--too harsh.  Instead, I soak a cotton ball in water, squeeze out the excess, and then put a few drops of oil on it.  Using it as a compress, I just hold it on my pimple (or the point on my face where I know a pimple is about to make an appearance) for a minute, then toss out the cotton.  The smell is strong, but I've gotten used to it.  Plus, it's the fastest pimple eliminator I've ever used, so it's worth it.  Since I only use a few drops at a time, I'm quite certain this 1 oz. bottle will last me years.

It's the only brand of pure tea tree oil I've used, so I don't have much to compare it to.  However, I like it, and will repurchase it if I ever run out! Beware of the smell, but once you get used to it, it's not so bad.

Wild Rose Deodorant (Weleda)

Photo: Vitacost.com

Rating: 6/10
Cost: $10 for 1 oz
Notes: Works, but smells artificial
Repurchase? No.

First things first, this deodorant works better than some others. (I had it on for 6-7 hours before I had to reapply.)  The only reason I only gave it a 6, is because I didn't like the smell.  (Which, for a deodorant, I feel is very important.)  I love rose-scented things, but this smelled like the rose potpourri you would smell at the house of an 80-year old grandma.  Not unpleasant, but not what I wanted my deodorant to smell like.

The spray bottle is glass, and works great for travel.  Since the bottle is clear, it's nice that you can see how much you have left. (Origins "Totally Pure" was lacking in this area.)  It also comes in a larger size that gives you a bigger bang for your buck, but I bought the smaller size to try it.  (Glad I did, as I won't be repurchasing.)

If I was really in a pinch, I'd purchase this in another scent.  I have seen it more frequently at stores like Whole Foods, so it's easier to purchase than some others if I'm traveling, but it certainly would not be my first choice. All that being said, I am now in love with a deodorant from an e-tailer, that you'll see a review on soon!

Ingredients: Alcohol, water (aqua), fragrance (parfum), limonene, linalool, citronellol, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylat, geranoil, citral, eugenol, farnesol, rosa moschata leaf extract, rosa damascena extract, glycerin and ammonium glycyrrhizate.

Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange Facial Cleanser (Pangea Organics)

Photo: PangeaOrganics.com

Rating: 5/10
Cost: $28 for 4 fl. oz.
Notes: Doesn't remove makeup, no lather
Repurchase? No.

I adore Pangea Organics, but this cleanser was a disappointment.  I bought the full-size bottle without testing it first, which was a mistake.  The cleanser feels more like a cream cleanser, as it doesn't lather at all.  It rinses off clean, but it doesn't remove Bare Escentuals makeup, which isn't even that difficult to remove.  I wasn't thrilled.  However, over 4 months of use, my skin hasn't broken out or had any odd reactions, so that's a plus.

I love the ingredients and what Pangea stands for, but I'm not a fan of water being the first ingredient, which is partially why I gave it a 5/10.  I prefer companies like 100% Pure using aloe juice or rose water--something that is good for your skin.  I only occasionally wear makeup, but when I do, I need a cleanser that takes it off.  As for the scent, I don't care for it too much, but I only smell it for a few seconds while washing my face.  It doesn't linger, and it isn't very strong at all, so it doesn't really affect my opinion of the product.

The packaging is very nice--a sturdy glass bottle with a plastic pump that easily (and cleanly) dispenses the cleanser.  Two pumps is what the instructions state, which I find to be the right amount.  Even after 6 (or maybe more) months of use, I still have some left in my bottle.  I'm really bummed this cleanser didn't remove makeup and didn't lather at all, because I love everything else about it.  I won't be purchasing it again.  (Note: I found that the pump stops dispensing cleanser when there is still about 2 weeks of product left--just FYI.)

Ingredients: Purified water (aqua), cocos nucifera (saponified organic coconut) oil, olea europaea (saponified organic extra virgin olive) oil, simmondsia chinesis (organic jojoba) oil, cannabis sativa (organic hemp) seed oil, retained glycerin (vegetable), alcohol (sda 38b organic lavender), helianthus annuus (organic sunflower) seed oil, glyceryl stearate, lecithin (non-gmo soy), caprylic/ capric triglyceride (derived solely from coconut oil), sucrose stearate, oryza sativa (organic rice( bran extract,  butyrospermum parkii (organic shea) butter, theobroma cacao (organic cocoa) butter, prunus amygdalis dulcis (sweet almond) oil, xanthan gum, citric acid, oenothera biennis (organic evening primrose) oil, cocos nucifera (organic coconut) oil, glycerin (vegetable), calendula officinalis (organic calendula) extract, lavandula angustifolia (organic lavender) extract, rosmarinus officinalis (organic rosemary) extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (organic blood orange) oil, lavandula angustifolia (organic lavender) oil, anthemis nobilis (roman chamomile) oil, lavandula mailette (lavender mailette) oil, calendula officinalis (organic calendula) flower oil, tocopherol (vitamin e), ascorbic acid (vitamin c) essential oil.

Organic Apple Body Scrub (100% Pure)

Photo: 100percentpure.com

Rating: 9/10
Cost: $22 for 13 oz.
Notes: Makes my skin so soft!
Repurchase? Yes.

My dismay at Lush's use of parabens in their Ocean Salt Cleanser left me disappointed.  When I got home, I realized I had this scrub from 100% Pure that I hadn't yet tested.  As I began to scrub, it didn't feel as harsh as the Lush scrub.  Instead, it almost felt like the crystals were eventually melting into my skin, and after a few minutes I had nothing left to scrub with.  (After several uses I'm still not sure if the crystals really are melting, or if they are just falling off.)  When I couldn't feel any more graininess, I washed my hands and was amazed at the results.  Amazed.  My hands looked just as good as the Lush scrub made them feel, but they also felt super moisturized.  This scrub has a ton of oil, so I didn't feel any dryness at all.  I didn't even feel like I needed any lotion afterwards!

I've since used it in the shower on my feet, and continue to use it on my hands and any place that needs a little extra TLC.  I love it!  The fresh apple scent is apparent as soon as you open the jar (I use a little spoon to get it out--I always have to mix it beforehand), but doesn't linger for too long on the skin.  The only reason I gave it a 9/10 instead of a 10/10 is because it makes my tub very slippery after I use it.  (Probably all the oils.)  Not a big problem, but just enough to take off one point.

On a side note, I noticed 100% Pure just reformulated their scrubs, so I'm not sure how much longer these old ones are going to be available for.  Once I try the new formula, I'll be sure to post a review!

Ingredients: Organic Cabernet Grapeseed Oil, Organic Rosehip Oil, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice,Organic Apple Flavor, Organic Lavender Honey, Extracts of Organic Grapefruit Seed, Organic Green Apple, Organic Cherry, Organic Blueberry, Organic Pomegranate, Organic Raspberry, Organic Blackberry, Organic Cranberry and Organic Rosemary, Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Vitamin E (a-tocopherol)

Ocean Salt Cleanser (Lush)

Photo: Beautyalmanac.com

Rating: 3/10
Cost: $19.95 for 4.2 oz
Notes: Contains parabens :-(
Purchase? No.

I didn't actually purchase this cleanser--I was browsing around a Lush store, and a sales rep tried had me try this scrub on one of my hands.  As soon as she was done, I adored it!  My hand was glowing, and it was visibly better looking than my other (non-scrubbed) hand.  Though it felt a bit harsh, it wasn't too rough, but if I had scrubbed for any longer it probably would have been.  When the scrub washed off, my hand felt...clean.  Just super clean and smooth.  I asked for a complete list of ingredients in the scrub--she didn't have them handy, but assured me it was all-natural and said I could find them on their website.  The entire way home I was thinking of how to justify spending $20 on a small jar of scrub, but looking at my hand over and over convinced me.

Once I got home, I pulled up the ingredients, and was completely disappointed. The last two ingredients are parabens, and I promised myself I wasn't using any more products that contain them.  (Research, again, goes both ways, but there are enough products that I love without them, so I've sworn them off.  I'm not taking any chances.)  Complete disappointment in the scrub, and to be honest, a little bit in Lush as well.  I didn't think I'd have to check any of their ingredient lists.  :-(

So, I won't be purchasing this scrub.  However, I found a lovely replacement (without parabens!) that you'll read about soon... :-)

Ingredients: Fine Sea Salt (Sodium Chloride), Fresh Grapefruit Infusion (Citrus grandis), Coarse Sea Salt (Sodium Chloride), Stearic Acid, Fresh Lime Extracted in Vodka (Citrus aurantifolia), Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glycol Cetearate, Triethanolamine, Fresh Avocado Butter (Persea gratissima), Coconut Fat (Cocos nucifera), Lime Oil (Citrus aurantifolia), Seaweed Absolute (Fucus vesiculosus), Violet Leaf Absolute (Viola odorata), Glycerine, Lanolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Perfume, FD&C Blue No. 1, Methylparaben,  Propylparaben

Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment (Fresh)

Photo: Amazon.com

Rating: 3/10
Cost: $22.50 (Contains .15 oz)
Notes: Great color, but melts way too easily
Repurchase?  No.

I was so disappointed with this lip balm.  I had it on my wishlist for quite some time, but could never justify the $22.50 price tag.  Finally, a beauty.com coupon code made it a great deal, so I purchased one, and eagerly awaited its arrival.  When it came, the color was beautiful.  It's hard to find a lip balm that gives my lips the "natural but better" look, and this was perfect. Plus, with SPF 15, what could go wrong?

The packaging is gorgeous--a heavy duty metal tube with a screw top, so I don't have to worry about it opening in my purse.  However, I think this metal also attracts heat, as it melts like nobody's business.  The second time I put it on (it wasn't hot out--I was in my office), part of the balm chipped off and stuck to my lips, because it was too soft.  So, I used my finger to rub it in.  When this happened the third, fourth and fifth time, I was terribly disappointed. (And angry, if I'm totally honest, as this balm is not cheap!)  So, I despite the beautiful color and sturdy packaging, I will never purchase this lip balm again.  I can only imagine what it would turn into in the heat--too bad, as I really had high hopes for it. :-(

Ingredients: Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) 7.49 %, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3) 2.00 %. Beeswax (Cera Alba), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Limonene, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Iron Oxides (Ci 77499), Yellow 5 Lake (Ci 19140), Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Red 7 Lake (Ci 15850), Yellow 6 Lake (Ci 15985), Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Vanillin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Bht, Citral, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Propyl Gallate, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

White Tea Hand Soap (A La Maison de Provence)

Photo: Vitacost.com

Rating: 8/10
Cost: $7.99 for 16.9 oz. at Whole Foods (got it on sale for $5)
Notes: Great lather, but runny consistency
Repurchase?  Yes.

I wash my hands a lot, and usually find soap very drying on my hands.  However, this soap was different!  The bottle states it is "ultra moisturizing with olive and argan oils," and it can be used on hands or on your body.  I never felt like this soap dried out my hands, and I'm almost finished with the entire bottle!  (It contains 16.9 oz--much larger than most hand soap bottles!)  It has a delicate floral smell--you can clearly smell it while you're using it, but it only stays on your hands for a few minutes afterwards.  (My husband appreciates this, but I love the smell!)  I also love the simple ingredient list.

The only thing I don't like about it is the consistency is quite runny.  (My husband thought I added water to it. I didn't, but it's the first ingredient listed.)  That being said, it still lathers very well (especially with no sulfates), and doesn't dry out my skin.  It is not an antibacterial soap--I won't get into the debate on whether you need an antibacterial soap or not, as everyone has their own opinions about the short and long-term use of antibacterial soaps.  I'm just stating that this one is not antibacterial.

I think this would make an excellent body wash, but haven't tried it yet.  The pump almost dispenses too much for your hands (probably because the consistency is so thin), so it might be better in the shower.  However, as the only hand soap that hasn't made me run for hand cream, so far it's a keeper.

Ingredients: filtered water, coconut and olive oil, natural vegetable glycerin, argan oil, tocopherol (vitamin e), natural fragrance with plant extracts and essential oils

Balancing Oil (Pangea Organics)

Photo: PangeaOrganics.com

Rating: 9/10
Cost: $50 for 1 fl. oz.
Notes: LOVE this oil, just wish it wasn't so expensive!
Repurchase: If I can get it for cheaper.

Pangea Organics is one of my favorite brands, and this balancing oil is one of the main reasons why. It's in a dark-colored glass bottle (nutrients remain in-tact longer in tinted glass bottles due to less light exposure), and has a pump dispenser.  I mix a few drops with my facial moisturizer in the morning, and sometimes at night I'll just use a few drops of this after washing my face.  It makes my skin super soft, smells amazing, and absorbs very nicely.

It took me a while to realize putting oil on my skin doesn't make my skin oily. Now that I understand that, I actually prefer it to cream moisturizers. The painful part for me is the price of this oil.  $50 is way too much money for me to spend on 1 oz of oil.  I can get facial oils from many other companies for less than half the price, so I'm not sure if it's this specific oil, or the fact that it's the first oil I've used that makes me love it so.

My verdict?  I am going to savor every drop of this oil as long as I have it.  (So far, it's already lasted me about six months, so I'm quite happy.)  Once it finishes, I'll probably try the facial oil from either 100% Pure or Acure Organics, as I also love their products.  If I find this oil is really that much better, and worth the hefty price tag, I might cave and purchase it as one of my staples.  The reason I knocked a point off is that the pump stops dispensing the oil when there is still about 1/4 of an inch left in the bottle. (When you only use a drop or two, this is enough for almost a month!)  I purchased a separate dropper bottle from Ebay for about $3 and poured in the remainder.  I would have preferred a dropper dispenser instead of a pump, but other than that and the price, I really can't find anything wrong with it!

Ingredients: rosa canina (organic rose hip) fruit oil, argania spinosa (organic argan) oil, simmondsia chinesis (organic jojoba) oil, butyrospermum parkii (liquid shea) butter, calophyllum tacamahaca (organic tamanu) oil, punica granatum (organic pomegranate) seed oil, oenothera biennis (organic evening primrose) oil, borago officinalis (organic borage) oil, squalane, mixed tocopherol (vitamin e), punica granatum (organic pomegranate) extract, camellia sinesis (organic green tea) leaf extract, pelargonium graveolens (wildcrafted himalayan geranium) oil,  pelargonium graveolens (organic geranium) oil, helichrysum italicum (organic helichrysum) oil, rosa damascena (rose otto) oil, essential oil

Cover Your Mouth Lip Protector (Origins)

Photo: Origins.com

Rating: 5/10
Cost: $9 for .15 oz tube (I think they have now raised it to $11)
Notes: Ok, but leaves a white residue
Repurchase? Probably not. 

I wanted to like this lip balm, as it has SPF8 as well.  It comes in a light green tube that conveniently twists from the top instead of the bottom.  It has a minty smell and taste--pleasant, but not overbearing.  However, it feels like it just sits on my lips--not really a waxy feel, but like something is coating my lips.  Not terrible to deal with, as it does make my lips soft, but the deal breaker for me is the white residue it leaves behind.  (Must be the titanium dioxide--the active ingredient that provides the sun protection.)

So, the white residue leaves me to finish my tube by wearing it before I go to bed every night. (Sun protection becomes kind of a waste.)  Don't think I'd be repurchasing this--perhaps if I was going to a beach somewhere and couldn't find a good lip balm with SPF, but I'm certain there are better ones out there. I'll pass on this one.

Active ingredient: titanium dioxide- 1.8%
Ingredients: canola oil, beeswax (cera alba), lecithin, mentha piperita (peppermint) essential oil (olea), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, vanilla planifolia, aloe barbadensis (aloe) leaf juice, lauroyl lysine, tocopherol (vitamin e), aluminum stearate, stearic acid

Acai Berry Antioxidant Eye Cream (100% Pure)

Photo: 100percentpure.com

Rating: 10/10
Cost: $25 for 1 fl. oz
Notes: Leaves my eye area super soft!
Repurchase?  Yes!

I'm not a huge eye cream person.  However, I love 100% Pure's products, and figured I'd give this one a try.  (If you haven't tried any of their items, just read the ingredients on any random product on their website.  Amazing!  They take "natural" to a whole new level.) After a few weeks, I noticed that the skin around my eyes felt smooth as silk!  I can't comment on how it affects lines, etc., as I don't have too many yet.  However, I do think it makes me look more awake on those days where I could have used another few hours of sleep. :-)

On the downside, it does take some time to soak in.  I feel like my eyes look a bit greasy for a few minutes, but ten or fifteen minutes later, I'm good to go!   I've also tried the Caffeine Eye Cream by 100% Pure, but find myself going back to this one.  Something about the fruity smell and the softness of my skin after I use it.  The container is glass, and comes with a little pump.  (Half a pump is usually enough for me.)  Love this!

Ingredients:  Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice 1, Organic Rosa Centifolia Flower Water (Rose Hydrosol) 2, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit Oil, Extracts of: Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) Fruit, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldendeal) and Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle), Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Purifying Seaweed Facial Mask (100% Pure)

Photo: 100percentpure.com

Rating: 5/10
Cost: $17 for 2 fl. oz of powder
Notes: Works well, but smells awful
Repurchase?  No

If you don't mind the smell of seaweed, you'll love this mask.  I, on the other hand, can't stand the smell of seaweed.  This face mask comes in a glass jar as a powder--you mix the powder in equal parts with either water, tea or yogurt.  (I've chosen water the last few times--note that you'll need a spoon or a tool to take out the powder from the jar.)  The powder is relatively odorless, but as soon as it is mixed, the smell is pungent.

To be fair, the mask seems to work well.  I try and use it when I have to wash my hair--it takes a very long time to dry (I probably put too much on), and tends to get in my hair, so I need to take a shower immediately after.  My skin always feels smooth and looks fresh once I wash it off, but standing the smell while it's on my face is the hardest part.  On one hand, I can tell it is pure (one of the reasons I adore this brand), but I just can't deal with it.  (It also gets everywhere when you wash it off--green bits in the sink, on the counter...just not my thing.)

So, long story short, I love the effects of this mask but just cannot take the smell.  I have considered mixing in some essential oils to mask the smell, but with so many other face masks out there, I think I can find one I like better.

Ingredients: Organic Seaweeds (Kelp, Agar Agar, Bladderwrack), French Green Clay, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate), Organic Peppermint Leaves

Totally Pure Deodorant (Origins)

Photo: Origins.com

Rating:  9/10
Cost: $15 (3.4 oz bottle)
Notes:  Great deodorant, unisex, but a bit pricey
Repurchase?  Yes.  (And did, numerous times!)

I'm not going to go into all the pros and cons of using a natural deodorant.  Everyone has different opinions, and the data seems to vary based on what source you cite.  However, I knew I wanted to switch to an aluminum-free deodorant, and was on the hunt for one that worked.

I bought this deodorant directly from Origins, and it became my go-to deodorant for over two years.  It has an herbal smell, so it doesn't smell feminine at all.  (My husband could use this without a problem.)  It sometimes smelled a little too woodsy for me, but the fact that it was 100% natural and organic made it worth it.  The spray took me a while to get used to (I was used to my stick anti-perspirant), but once I did, I absolutely adored it.  I did need to re-apply in the afternoon on more hot and humid days, but I didn't mind, seeing as though it's completely natural and organic.  (I also had to wait an hour or so if I had just shaved--spraying it on freshly shaven skin isn't so pleasant.)  It's pricey at $15, but one bottle lasted me about 4-6 months, depending on the season. 

One note if you are thinking about switching to a natural deodorant--apparently it takes a few weeks for your body to clear itself out of the chemicals from antiperspirants.  So, um, expect to smell for the first week or so no matter which deodorant you switch to.  After that, it's much better, and you can judge whether or not it works for you. :-)

The only reason I stopped using this deodorant and switched to Bubble & Bee's deodorant (review to come!), is because after a few years I felt more self-conscious, like it wasn't working as well as it used to.  I've heard that your body can get used to natural deodorants, so it's best to switch it up, and perhaps that is what happened.  (My husband told me it was all in my head, and that I didn't smell, but I didn't want to take the chance.)  I'm now adoring Bubble & Bee's deodorants, and plan to switch to them for a while. 

Ingredients:  alcohol denat, water, eugenia caryophyllus (clove) leaf oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, cananga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil, pogostemon cablin (patchouli) oil, citrus nobilis (mandarin orange) peel oil, cymbopogon martini (indian palmarosa) oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, zingiber officinate (ginger) root extract, citral, geraniol, linalool, farnesol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, eugenol, isoeugenol, limonene, salix alba (willow) bark extract, glycerin, vinegar