SHEA GO Lucky Lips Lip Balm *****

I’m on to my second stick of this (the first is probably lost in a random purse) and find it quite comparable to more expensive lip balms. Shea Go lip balms can be found online from Natural Beauty Canada for $4.99. (Buy here) They come in a range of scents and act as a basic no frills moisturizer for your lips. I currently have vanilla and love the mild scent.  A really cool fact is that the product is actually a Vancouver BC local! Produced by Greenhouse Health & Beauty.

The main ingredients include Sunflower Seed Oil, Beeswax, Shea Butter, and Parfum – making it a veggie friendly product, but not completely vegan.

Hypoallergenic
Paraben Free
Scent: Ranges
Texture: Cream Stick
5 ml
Product of CANADA

* No sensativity issues
* Very effective|
* Easy to use
* Great price point
* Not aimed to be prestige but still cute!

Recommended Use:

Apply as needed.

BIODERMA Sensibio AR Anti-Redness Cream *****

I haven’t used this product in a couple of years but the results still stick in my head. Actually the fact that I haven’t used this product in a couple years is probably WHY the results stick in my head. BIODERMA‘s Senibio line is formulated for the most sensitive skin and this particular product is targeted to those experiencing irritation and redness in the face. I wasn’t particularly happy with the texture – a thick cream – but what was I to expect for a product specifically for red sensitive skin?

Sensibio AR uses the Rosactiv Patent, a brand formulation to sooth skin and train flaring capillaries to calm down. At the time, I was experiencing quite a bit of redness in a band over my nose, particularly developing Rosacea, which runs in my family. I was told by the rep that if I was unhappy with this cream she would reimburse me fully, and after I emptied the bottle, I had no reason to return. Since using this product, I have gone two years without the noticeable redness and flaring blood vessels. I am not saying that every person will receive results as quickly and effectively as I did, but I would highly recommend this product to anyone experiencing chronic redness in their face.
Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist Recommended
Paraben Free
Fragrance Free
Texture: Thick Cream

40 ml
Product of FRANCE

* Recommended for sensitive skin
* Effective with long lasting results
* Easy and quick to use
* Worth every penny
* Not targeted for prestige

Recommended Use:

Apply once or twice a day after cleansing skin.

VICHY NORMADERM Active Anti-Imperfection Concentrate **1/2

This product claims it will reduce an imperfection within 8 hours and have it cleared up in 24. I am not so sure just how accurate this is, or perhaps I just have very stubborn blemishes.

The cream comes out with a slight tint of green, supposedly to instantly reduce redness, but there wasn’t much change once applied. The texture was a thicker cream, allowing it to coat the effected area, but hindering it from soaking right into the skin. I tend to be someone who hates things on my face, not to mention the complications this has with wearing any type of make up or the chance of it being visible during your daily life. Having a product sit on the skin reduces my allowed user time to just before bedtime.  The product did however live up to it’s claims of hypoallergenic use. I have very sensitive skin and noticed no irritation at all from use with this product.

I am quite often asked which is better, VICHY or La Roche-Posay, La Roche or VICHY? In this instance – I am very eager to try the targeted concentrate from La Roche. I have heard good things and have higher hopes.

Hypoallergenic
Dermatologist Recommended
Oil Free
Texture: Cream
15 ml
Product of FRANCE

* No issues with sensitivity
1/2 Somewhat effective
1/2 Easy to use but restricted application time
1/2 Regularly on promotion, but not worth the full price
No prestige factor

Recommended Use:

LOTUS Cream to Power Blush, Rose ****1/2

I’ve got a cooler toned complexion, so anything rosy and pink suits me best. It helps me look more awake and lively, and brings out my eyes a little more. So when I was asked to try this blush I jumped at it. It’s a pretty pink and perfect for a winter complexion…no matter what the season! But even more perfect since these chilly and rainy temperatures are preventing any sunlight from hitting this skin of mine.

Usually cream to powder blushes I’m pretty skeptical of, I’m not a fan most times. I usually feel like there is a greasy film of some sort still left on my cheeks and face. So I usually use them once and end up throwing it out and hunting for something new. THIS is NOT the case with this blush! After I applied it I never would have thought that it was originally a cream.

My only hesitation was that, well, I didn’t really know how to apply it properly…so I used my finger to dab it on and blend it in the end. I’m sure all you makeup artists are cringing right now…but, regardless it still worked well and went on just fine. So that’s a plus for all us amateurs out there!!

Here’s what the website says about the blush!

Cream To Powder Blush is made with all natural ingredients, applies like a soft cream but finishes like a silky powder. Antioxidant-rich botanicals help moisturize the skin, while natural pigments provide long-lasting color for a healthy, radiant glow. Cream to powder blush offers a sheer finish.

Creme to Powder Blush Ingredients: (I won’t lie, I don’t know what most of these things are)

•     · Mica (CI 77019),
•     · Silica (Amorphous),
•     · Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract,
•     · Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract,
•     · Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract,
•     · Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract,
•     · Hydrastis Canadensis (Golden Seal) Root Extract.
•     · May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77492), Ultramarine Blue (CI 77007)].

$20 for all four and a lovely compact!

Rating Breakdown:

Sensitivity – full star, no sensitivity
Efectiveness – full star, great colour application
Procedure – 1/2 star, I wasn’t sure how to apply it, so I used my finger….
Bang for your Buck – full star, I found it on the lotus website for $20
Prestige factor – full star, works nicely and doesn’t feel caked on and goes from cream to powder.

Recommended Use:
Whenever you want a rosy glow.

ORGANIC INDULGENCE Silkening Body Lotion ****1/2

I know I’ve blogged about this lotion before, but I hoped that the scent I used before was the problem to me not liking it. I had mentioned in the previous post that it made my skin itch after putting it on. Still doing that. BUT! This time I tried the Organic Indulgence Silkening Body Lotion in the White Nectarine and Orange Blossom and the scent is amazing, it smells delicious. Sweet and citrus-y!

The scent has stuck around longer than the previous time, and I’m ok with that! The lotion soaked into my skin nicely, my arm feels nice and moisturized! I would recommend it to someone who really likes the smell and may not have as sensitive skin. Below is the description from the website about the moisturizer as well as the ingredients. Check out more products and scents on their website at www.myorganicindulgence.com

Indulge in youthful skin.
Moisturize to silky perfection with this everyday lotion, loaded with Super Berries, Sunflower Seed Oil and Organic Shea Butter to keep skin youthfully soft.

FEATURED INGREDIENTS: Shea & Cocoa Butters deliver lasting moisture while Acai Berry, Goji Berry, Maqui Berry and Yumberry extracts fight to prevent free radicals from damaging your skin.

No SLS or Parabens
No Phthalates
No Artificial fragrances
Not tested on animals
Cherry Almond scent – very strong at first, but the scent wears off after a little bit.
Light, thin, non greasy
236ml
Made in CANADA

Rating Breakdown:

Sensitivity – half a star, I actually feel a little itchy on my arm after putting it on.
Efectiveness – full star, moisturizes and isn’t greasy
Procedure – full star, just put some in your hands and moisturize wherever you need!
Bang for your Buck – full star, I found it online for $7.95
Prestige factor – full star, this stuff smells fabulous!

Recommended Use:
Whenever you need to moisturize!

ORGANIC INDULGENCE Silkening Body Lotion ****

Trying out a new moisturizer can sometimes be an interesting thing. You never know if it’s going to be greasy or too thin to actually do the job you’re looking for it to do.

I tried the Organic Indulgence Silkening Body Lotion in the Cherry Almond scent. I thought that I would love the scent, but I actually didn’t like it too much. It was a bit strong for me, it even had a minty smell to it, which is fine, but all of them mixed together wasn’t for my taste. I used it to moisturize my arms, and I’m actually wondering if maybe there is something in the scent that I don’t react well to because my right arm (the arm I’ve put it on) is actually feeling a little bit itchy and irritated.

The scent didn’t last too long and it soaked into my skin nicely, my arm feels nice and moisturized too! I would recommend it to someone who really likes the smell and may not have as sensitive skin. Below is the description from the website about the moisturizer as well as the ingredients. Check out more products and scents on their website at www.myorganicindulgence.com

Indulge in youthful skin.
Moisturize to silky perfection with this everyday lotion, loaded with Super Berries, Sunflower Seed Oil and Organic Shea Butter to keep skin youthfully soft.

FEATURED INGREDIENTS: Shea & Cocoa Butters deliver lasting moisture while Acai Berry, Goji Berry, Maqui Berry and Yumberry extracts fight to prevent free radicals from damaging your skin.

No SLS or Parabens
No Phthalates
No Artificial fragrances
Not tested on animals
Cherry Almond scent – very strong at first, but the scent wears off after a little bit.
Light, thin, non greasy
236ml
Made in CANADA

Rating Breakdown:

Sensitivity – half a star, I actually feel a little itchy on my arm after putting it on.
Efectiveness – full star, moisturizes and isn’t greasy
Procedure – full star, just put some in your hands and moisturize wherever you need!
Bang for your Buck – full star, I found it online for $6.99
Prestige factor – half a star – I was overwhelmed by the smell at first, it’s good, but just a little much. It doesn’t stick around too long though.

Recommended Use:
Whenever you need to moisturize!

HELIOS – Self Tanning Lotion ****1/2

I’m a pale skinned girl so when I was asked to test out a self tanning lotion I jumped at it! I’ve always wondered about self tanners and which products worked well and which ones turned you into an Oompa Loompa! I didn’t want to end up orange. The self tanning market seems to be saturated with different products, from tanning towels to lotions and foams. They all intimidate me a little bit. I tried the Helios Self Tanning Lotion, and really liked it!

The first thing I did was take a shower and make sure to exfoliate well to help get rid of and moisturize any dry spots on my body, like elbows and heels. These are places that could easily soak up too much tanner and turn orange, and at the very least turn a much darker colour than the rest of you! When I applied the lotion I rubbed it on my skin in a circular motion, that’s what I’ve been told over the years works best to help prevent streaks.

I applied the lotion before I went to bed to let it do it’s magic overnight, I woke up with a bit more colour and a glow. The bottle says it works with your skin colour to give you more colour, so it makes it more natural than some other self tanners that just give you a dramatic colour boost. My one complaint would be that in the bottle I didn’t notice any scent, but once it mixed with my skin and natural oils I noticed a tanning scent that I didn’t really like. It didn’t last long though, once I showered that morning it went away. The length that the glow lasted was probably about 4 days, it lightly wore off as I showered every day and I’m sure if I applied it every couple of days it would last much longer.

Overall I think it’s a pretty great product that I would use regularly! It’s nice to give yourself a little extra glow for special occasions or just because! I’ve included the Ingredients and product description from the website below. I think one of the best things about the product is that it’s made in Canada and even more specifically, made in BC! Check out the website for this product and others at www.helios-suncare.com

HELIOS SUN Self Tanning Lotion
provides a natural looking tan without the damaging effects of the sun. This light non-greasy formula will give you a healthy tanned appearance within hours. It contains Vitamins A, D, E, Aloe Vera and Ectoin, Emblica, and Liposome Collagen to moisturize and protect the skin. Helios Sun Self Tanning Lotion  is not a bronzer or a dye. It is moisturizing and non-irritating. The color you develop depends on your skin type.
-Size: 120ml, 200ml

INGREDIENTS: Water, Glycerin, Oleth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Ditaethicone Dyhydroxyacetone, Fragrance (Vanilla), DMDM Hydantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ergocalciferol, Retinyl Palmitate, Aloe Vera.
Not tested on animals
No scent in tube, but once applied to skin a bit of a tanning scent
Light texture
120/200ml
Made in CANADA

Rating Breakdown:

* No sensitivity issues at all!
* Tan takes a few hours to show up, but last a few days with showering before fading and needing reapplication.
* Easy to apply, just remember to read the directions, and wash your hands really well after application!
* I found it online for $12.99 a bottle!
1/2 I only gave half because I did notice a bit of a tanning smell that I didn’t really like.

Recommended Use:
When you want to get a natural glow overnight and don’t have time to tan and don’t want to worry about some of the harmful effects of tanning to your skin! 

DEEP STEEP Organic Foaming Hand Wash *****

Where do I start, where do I start? My mind is all scrambled because all I can think about is how good my hands smell right now.

The ONLY time it is ok to sniff your hands after using the washroom! Deep Steep, you’ve won over my nose-buds. (That’s taste-buds for scent!) I got this product from Natural Beauty Canada, not really knowing what to expect, never expecting to get excited over a hand wash. (Did I mention it smells GREAT?) The twist pump brings the liquid soap up into a foam, which I found surprisingly soft. I usually have a problem with my hands becoming too dry from washing throughout the day; although using this product there was a notable difference in the lack of dehydration. Having sensative skin, I was pleased when I saw how gentle it was on my hands while still managing to remove dirt and felt.
The self-proclaimed “perfect cure to the common soap”, this product comes in five lovely scents. (Mine was Honeydew Spearmint!) You can find them through Natural Beauty, Finlandia Pharmacy, Pure Pharmacy, or select Pharasaves in the GVA,

Deep Steep involves the concepts of luxury and integrity. They promise a retreat from the ordinary and a refreshing level of quality; providing customers with personal care products that feel good, smell good, and simply are good.
Originality founded in 2002 by earth-conscious entrepreneurs, Deep Steep is dedicated to producing luxury bath and body products that benefit both the planet and consumer.

Vegan
Paraben Free
No Mineral Oil
No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
No Artificial Fragrances
No Chemical Preservatives
Scent: Multi
Texture: Liquid to Foam
258 ml / 8.75 fl oz.
Product of USA

* Great on sensitive skin
* Works quickly, lasting scent
* Easy to use
* Great price (cheaper than some drug store brands!)
* Prestige and organic, what more could a lady ask for?

HAWAIIAN TROPIC After Sun Lotion ****1/2

SO – I had written earlier about my pains with a sunburn and how I found relief in white vinegar. The second part of that relief and helping my skin stay hydrated is Hawaiian Tropic’s After Sun lotion. It’s fantastic. Goes, on quick and easy, and smells delicious. You can find it at basically any drug store and probably even some larger grocery stores. I found it at London Drugs and there was a Manager’s Special on, if you bought two Hawaiian Tropic products you’d receive $10 off…! Obviously I did, without the discount coupon the lotion is $12.99 for a large 480mL pump bottle.

For a little more info on the lotion I turned to the Hawaiian Tropic website to see what they tell you about the product and it’s offerings. Here’s what they said;

• High quality Aloe Vera
• Cocoa Butter and exotic moisturizers
• Helps maintain your tan
• Perfect for daily use
• Replenishes moisture that is lost from environmental effects of the sun, water and wind
• Vitamin enriched

Now get those tans preserved and that skin moisturized, go pick up a bottle of this and enjoy your summer!

Hypoallergenic
Scent: Lime Coolada
Texture: Medium to Light
Size: 480mL
Country of origin: USA

*No sensitivity issues
*12hr moisture and hydration
*Fast and easy to use, dries quick
*Decent price, sometimes on special
1/2 smells amazing, I wish they were in smaller bottles to take everywhere!

Recommended Use: Anytime

1. Lotion after shower, sunburns, when skin is dry

LOTUS PURE ORGANICS Pressed Powder Foundation ***1/2

Lotus pressed powder foundation is amazing, certified organic, and it is easy to use. I was not a fan of powder form foundations before using this product, I found them cakey and fake looking or they would not provide me with enough coverage to correct my skin. This pressed powder is a treat to use considering I couldn’t feel it on my skin and it was very easy to layer and blend with my Kabuki brush.I also found that it provided me with a beautiful base for my blush and made it even easier to blend. This product made my work on-set a breeze when I needed to quickly correct oiliness and shine. My friends and co-workers are constantly asking me if I am wearing makeup or I just have perfect skin since the foundation is seamless and light. I have extremely sensitive skin and have broken out in eczema after using many products, but my skin was clear even after accidentally sleeping with this on.

This Pressed Mineral Foundation SPF 20 provides sheer coverage for a soft, natural finish. With all the same skincare benefits of their Loose Foundation pressed in an elegant compact for added convenience.

Micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection-SPF 20.
No bismuth oxychloride or any other heavy metals.
Contains zinc oxide, which is known for its calming effect on irritated skin.
Free of talc, perfumes, dyes and chemical preservatives.
Compact formula makes it portable, perfect to take with you on the go.
Hypoallergenic
Scent: None
Texture: Light

*No sensitivity issues
*Fast and easy to use
1/2 Decent price, but rarely on special
*Nice texture for any skin type, great for oily skin

Recommended Use:

This product is easy to apply with a Kabuki brush or another tightly packed large firm brush. Simply brush on over T-zone and other desired correcting areas. Layer if you are wanting more coverage.