I was sent a package of wonderful organic beauty products for my honest review from Truly Organic. Truly Organic sends monthly bundles of the finest organic hair & body care personally curated & delivered to your door.
So how does it work?
4 items for $38.95 — Conveniently delivered right to your doorstep. Mix and match monthly.
Make it Your Own – Choose your products and plan frequency. Update at any time.
Save up to 65% — Add up to 3 more items to your Bundle for only $7.95 each
I received a shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, black soap face bar, super face cream, a bath bomb, and a body lotion. All of these products smell wonderful and have really natural scents.
One of my favorites is the body lotion. The ingredients include raw coconut, acai, dragon fruit, lavender and African cucumber. It’s so hydrating, but sinks right into my skin without feeling greasy. The bath bomb is fun to use before applying the lotion.
The shampoo and conditioner are sulfate free along with organic and natural. That’s important for me, because I color my hair. They also leave hair soft and silky, and smell amazing, too!
I love that you can customize your bundle each month. That way you can try new products while continuing using your favorites.
I was recently sent the Trufora 7 Piece Complete Anti-Aging Skincare System ($380.00 value for $228) for my honest review. The brand’s claim is that it’s dermatologist recommended & clinically proven skincare delivers a complete anti-aging regimen for visible results without irritation or harmful ingredients.
7 Piece System Includes:
• Ultimate Facial Cleanser (120 ml / 4 fl. oz.)
• Triple Action Exfoliator (60 ml / 2 fl. oz.)
• Day Serum 85 (15 ml / .5 fl. oz.) – Patent Pending
• Titanium Day Cream SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (30 ml / 1 fl. oz.) – Patent Pending
• Night Serum 85 (15 ml / .5 fl. oz.) – Patent Pending
• Intensive Night Treatment (30 ml / 1 fl. oz.)
• Perfecting Eye Treatment (7.5 ml / .25 fl. oz.)
What I think: I have been testing these products for a couple of weeks and am really enjoying them. I love how it is a complete system that works so well together. My skin is so hydrated and smooth. It has also evened out my skin tone and my fine lines are a lot less noticeable.
One of my favorite products is the Exfoliator. It works in three ways: Chemical exfoliation from AHAs and BHAs is combined with physical exfoliation from Bamboo along with a deep, cleansing mask action from Kaolin clay. I use is a few times a week and it has really cleansed my skin and leaves it so soft! My pores look smaller, too!
I also love the Night Serum and Treatment. The serum is creamy and instantly sinks into my skin when applied. The treatment is a bit richer. Both leave my skin feeling amazing, really soft. And by the morning, my skin looks fresh and glowing.
The one product I’m still trying to figure out is the Titanium Day Cream. It’s a dark pinky-brown, which kind of shocked me when I first used it! My skin is very light and it darkened it a bit, and left it a little sparkly. If I put foundation and powder over it, it looks better. But, I don’t know if I will continue using it.
I will use all of the other products. I love that they are natural and organic. I feel like I’m feeding my skin great ingredients when I use them. I would purchase most of these products in the future!
This week I have been trying to tame my flyaway hair and sooth my chapped skin as I get ready for the holidays.
I have been loving a new (to me) haircare line, a new gel mask, organic skin care, coconut oil body care, and a very moisturizing body lotion:
evo ritual salvation shampoo
evo day of grace leave-in conditioner
evo icon welder hot tool shaper
evo haircare — Using a good shampoo and conditioner to build moisture and strength in your hair is the most important step. You need to fill in the gaps in the hair’s health and then use your hot tools to seal that in. It will make your style last longer and give better shine and quality hair. Ritual Salvation Shampoo ($24 USD) and Conditioner ($24 USD) from evo have a repair and hydration factor as well as a UV/UVB factor without being heavy or greasy.
Once the hair is prepped, a good leave-in conditioner will create an even porosity and also an extra layer of moisture to counteract against the heat. Day of Grace ($24 USD) leave in conditioner spray is totally weightless and will give an extra UVA/UVB protection for all hair types.
Icon Welder ($25 USD) by evo is one of the most versatile heat protectors on the market. While giving the hair amazing protection from hot tools, it also has a hold and shine factor that will keep your style in place as well as being completely brushable. Spray over the whole head wet and dry in or spray in dry and brush in before heat styling.
What I think — First of all, I love the fresh scents of this line. It leaves hair smelling amazing! The shampoo leaves my hair soft and shiny. I like that it helps the strength of my hair. The leave in conditioner is light so it doesn’t weigh my hair down, but it does give extra moisture, which is great since my hair is so dry now. I love using a hair protector when I dry or straighten it.
Meme Mask ($3 each or $10 for a pack of 5) Korean sheet masks have long received global accolade for their intense moisturizing powers. In November, Memebox brings this K-beauty secret to the international arena with their one-step skin prepping must-have, Meme Mask. This gel mask harnesses the powers of hydration to rejuvenate skin, leaving it smooth and restored. More hydrating than a traditional paper sheet mask, the gel minimizes inflammation and controls sebum production, helping to soothe problem areas around the T-zone.
What I think: This is a very affordable way to add extra moisture to my parched skin. This has a very cool texture and feels amazing on. The directions said to apply for 20-40 minutes, so I used it for 30 and it left my skin very soft.
Avalon Organics Age-Less — For radiant skin that glows with good health, Avalon® Age-Less facial care is a daily dose of vitamins and age-defying nourishment. Featuring a perfectly calibrated multivitamin complex of Vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K plus powerful antioxidants and quenching moisture, this anti-aging skin care regimen helps to improve skin’s clarity, tone and texture, fend off lines and wrinkles and restore radiance.
The products are:
· Age-less Cleansing Milk ($9.99)
· Age-less Revitalizing Cream ($15.99)
· Age-less Illuminating Serum ($19.99)
· Age-less SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer ($15.99)
What I think — I love trying organic and natural skin care and was excited to try a new skin care regimen. The line has a fresh citrus scent that I really like. All of the products are very creamy and thick, but do not leave my skin feeling greasy at all. I have only been using these products for about a week, but I do like how they quench my skin and help with the tone and texture of my skin. I will keep using them to see if they help the fine lines around my eyes.
JĀSÖN Smoothing Coconut Body Wash ($15.75 30oz) — This ultra-moisturizing wash gently cleans with botanical cleansers and deeply nourishes with Coconut Oil and Shea Butter. Unrefined, virgin Coconut Oil is rich in nourishing Vitamin E and antioxidants, which soak the skin with intense, skin-healthy nutrients.
JĀSÖN Smoothing Coconut Hand & Body Lotion ($9.99 8oz) — This ultra-moisturizing daily lotion delivers deep, long-lasting hydration. An intensive blend of unrefined, virgin Coconut Oil and Shea Butter instantly relieves the discomfort of extremely dry skin and softens and smooths rough patches.
JĀSÖN Smoothing Coconut 100% Organic Oil ($10.99 15oz) — The perfect, all-purpose moisturizer. Rich in nourishing Vitamin E and antioxidants, this melts-at-first-touch oil delivers unprecedented care to your skin and hair. Benefits include:
Nourishes extremely dry, chapped skin
Tames frizz and fly-aways
Helps minimize hair breakage and split ends
Smooths chapped lips
Softens nail cuticles
Soothes the drying effects from sun and wind
What I think: The coconut oil was surprising at first because it is hard, but melts into an oil. It is very moisturizing. The body wash makes an amazing shaving cream. And, I love keeping the hand and body lotion near to smooth on when my skin feels dry.
Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and on the web at Jason-personalcare.com.
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion Coconut Rescue
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion Coconut Rescue (14.99 32 oz) — This ultra-moisturizing lotioninstantly delivers potent hydration and a hearty dose of antioxidants with a unique blend of unrefined Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk and Shea Butter. While Coconut Oil is all the craze in the beauty industry, this Alba lotion is unique, as it uses only unrefined, virgin coconut oil that is cold pressed from fresh coconut meat without the use of damaging heat or potentially irritating chemicals. This process allows it to maintain more skin nourishing phytochemicals, vitamins and antioxidants that provide immediate relief to even the driest skin.
What I think: Coconut oil is such a popular ingredient these days! This is fantastic on skin right after the shower or bath. It locks in the moisture and leaves my skin so soft! It’s also a great price for the amount that you get.
Available at Whole Foods Market, Target, natural food stores, grocery stores, and on the web a http://www.albabotanica.com.
**What have you been loving this week? Leave a comment and let me know!
Earth Day is very soon. One of the ways that I like to live green is by trying lots of green beauty products. Below are natural and/or organic products for face, hair and body. Try one or more out and be good to yourself as well as the Earth!
Inspired by and born out of the beauty and bounty of France’s Ardèche region, Melvita was created in 1983 by beekeeper and biologist Bernard Chevilliat. Melvita – meaning “honey” and “life” in Latin – is distinguished by its brand philosophy of paying homage to the pristine elegance of the natural world. As the French pioneer in organic beauty care, Melvita offers the largest selection in the market of ECOCERT-certified products for the face, body and hair, as well as fragrances and men’s and baby collections. By responsibly reaping the best nature has to offer and giving back to the earth, Melvita delivers beautiful, expertly-formulated skincare products, enriched with only the purest natural ingredients, which are as efficacious as they are pleasurable to guarantee an incomparable sensorial experience with a clear conscience.
Above is the Melvita Rose Floral Water ($23 USD) — Rich in ingredients that naturally soothe delicate skin, RoseFloral Water is distilled from the rosa damescena petals and contains a light, refreshing fragrance. The essence also has astringent properties that help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Available at www.usa.melvita.com and through leading online beauty retailers.
Shea Terra Organics Baobab & Coconut Water Smoothing Vita-Enzyme Facial Masque ($28 USD) Smooth dry and lifeless looking skin with a boost of vitamin rich enzymes!Taken from two of Africa’s super-fruits, baobabs and coconuts, this face masque works at a cellular level to hydrate and vita infuse skin.
This masque is vita-infused with two of Africa’s super-fruits. Wild harvested from ancient “upside-down” trees, baobab fruit contains vitamin rich enzymes that effectively break down dead skin. Young coconuts produce a nutrient water rich in electrolytes and natural sugars that makes skin glow!
Caudalie Premier Cru La Crème ($155 USD) – A facial crème that contains an exclusive, highly concentrated blend of Caudalie’s 3 star ingredients to yield firmer, more radiant skin. Its packaging is recyclable and 1% of profits from all Premier Cru products purchased contribute to protecting the environment under the 1% For the Planet movement .
Avalon Organics® Lavender Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner ($10.50 USD) A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner set with a calming scent and luxurious formula that is NSF certified with 70% organic ingredients – the highest organic standard in the personal care space. The products are also completely free of Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Myreth Sulfate and the packaging is made with 100% PCR (post consumer resin) materials. The formulas are packed with natural extracts including Lavender Essential Oil, Wheat Protein, Aloe, Babassu Oil, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, and Guar that create soft, shiny hair.
Price: $10.50, available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and www.avalonorganics.com
Alba Botanica® Even Advanced Sea Algae Enzyme Scrub ($11.49 USD) — A gentle, yet effective facial scrub designed to target discoloration and uneven skin tone while sloughing off dry and dull skin. Its formula is powered by a Marine Complex infused with sea enzymes that stimulate cell regeneration and prevent hyper-pigmentation. Free of Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Myreth Sulfate, all Alba Botanica® products and ingredients are made without animal testing, which is exemplified through the Leaping Bunny certification on their packaging – an internally recognized symbol for cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care and household products.
JĀSÖN® Body Washes ($14.43 USD) – These gentle washes cleanse with botanical surfactants and safely nourish with Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5. The formulas are free of Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Myreth Sulfate and come in 30oz bottles in a variety of amazing scents to ensure that the entire family can bathe cleanly, without added harsh chemicals or preservatives.
Earth Day is in a couple of days and as we are thinking about big and little things that we can do for the environment, L’Occitane has come up with a great idea for your favorite beauty products.
Their Eco-Refills are large sizes of some of L’Occitane’s best-selling products that can be used to refill your original containers. Some of these products are:
Lavender Liquid Soap Eco-Refill ($12 USD) — Reduce, reuse and refill! Both economical and ecological, the Lavender Liquid Soap Eco-Refill keeps hands clean, fresh and lightly scented. With nourishing Shea Butter and soothing aloe-vera extract, this detergent-free cleanser is gentle enough for dry, sensitive or damaged skin. Refill is 13.5 fl. oz. while Liquid Soap is 16.9 fl. oz.
Immortelle Refill Brightening Cleansing Foam ($38 USD) — An economical and ecological Brightening Cleansing Foam refill for the beauty of your skin and the preservation of the environment. Lighten the complexion with this gentle face cleanser, enriched with organic Immortelle floral water and citrus fruit peel.
Almond Shower Oil Eco-Refill ($36 USD) — The economical and ecological Almond Shower Oil Eco-Refill is perfect for both the beauty of your skin and the preservation of the environment. When in contact with water, this shower oil transforms into a delicate foam that gently cleanses the body. Enriched with Almond oil, it respects the hydrolipidic film and leaves a subtle and mouthewatering scent of fresh Almond, for delightful skin!
Aromachologie Soothing Shampoo Eco-Refill ($25 USD) — Formulated with a natural origin vegetable complex of 5 essential oils and wheat proteins, the Aromachologie Soothing Shampoo helps soothe the sensitive or irritated scalp. It also adds a genuine softness to hair, delicately cleanses and purifies the scalp and immediately eases irritations and aggressions. The scalp returns to a healthy and comfortable state, for stronger, beautiful hair. Pair with the Aromachologie Soothing Conditioner.
These can be purchased at usa.loccitane.com. Enjoy!
I love that you can use natural products, and get great results for your skin at the same time. Win, win! Try one of the following products — you will love them!
Vitamin C W/Coq10 Facial Cleanser from Beauty Without Cruelty ($11.99 USD) — This wonderful softening facial cleanser contains Organic aloe vera gel, organic botanical infusion (chamomile, calendula, lavender), Co-enzyme Q10 and many other natural ingredients. It does not contain parabens, animal ingredients and it is not tested on animals.
Kiss My Face Face Factor Spf 30 For Face and Neck ($11.99 USD) — Kiss My Face combines Oat Protein and Oat Beta Glucan, a dynamic duo of patented ingredients that reduce irritation and inflammation and fight against damaging free radicals as they moisturize your skin. This contains UVA/UVB Protection, it is water-resistant and is 100% paraben free.
Vanilla Honey Spf 15 Lip Balm by Kiss My Face ($3.29 USD) — Smooth, soothe and protect chapped lips organically with this 72% organic treatment. It works quickly to return your lips to a happy state with SPF 15 and tasty vanilla honey flavor. This product contains no animal ingredients, artificial colors, or unnecessary chemicals and was not tested on animals.
One With Nature’s Shea Body Wash ($8.49 USD) — With a sweet and soothing scent, this ultra moisturizing body wash provides a thick, rich lather to gently cleanse the skin. Shea butter and natural minerals, muds and salt of the Dead Sea Basin moisturize your skin and leave it feeling clean, healthy and rejuvenated.
100% Pure Cosmetics Honey Almond Body Scrub ($22.99 USD) Juicy and invigorating body scrub smoothes away bumps and flakes for incredibly silky soft skin. Fruit oils deeply moisturize while anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants nourish. Fruit acids brighten gently for a healthy glow. No harsh detergents, no synthetic chemicals, no artificial fragrances or any other toxins that can strip, irritate or dehydrate your delicate skin. Truly, 100% Pure.
Summer is the time for herby, fresh scents and tropical fragrances like my favorite, coconut. I love trying new bath products in the summertime — it really seems to set the mood for a relaxing season. Try a new product and scent this summer; there are some great suggestions below.
Buddha Nose Bohdi Sugar Scrub ($28.00 USD) — contains organic and wild crafted essential oils of cedarwood, frankincense, ho wood and juniper berry for a sultry scrub. It also boasts organic sugar, certified organic potassium cocoate, organic tapioca starch, vegetable glycerin, and citric acid powder to give natural exfoliation. To use, scoop desired amount into hand and moisten with warm water until foamy and scrub face and body, as the sugar melts and washes away. I love that this is good for the face in body. It is great in the shower as a quick scrub all over to start the day. And exfoliating is so important when self tanning! Visit www.buddhanose.com for information on this product and to purchase it.
Korres Basil Lemon Shower Gel ($19.95 for Jumbo Size 13.53 fl. oz) — This has a fresh, green citrus scent and is very invigorating. The website touts these benefits of the shower gel:
• Basil Lemon showergel is enriched with Active Aloe® that stimulates collagen and elastin to reduce the visible signs of aging.
• Wheat Proteins form a protective shield to help maintain skin’s ideal moisture level.
• Potent Vitamins C, E & Zinc enhance the natural immune system of the skin.
• New pump packaging is convenient and easy to use.
This scent is also available in a Jumbo Body Butter ($29.95 7.95 fl. oz.) and a Body Scrub ($17.00 5.07 fl. oz.) This lovely shower gel is also 89.2% natural and all packaging components are recyclable. Check out www.korresusa.com for these products and so much more!
The Body Shop Coconut Milk Body Lotion ($16.00 USD) — This is a fun, light spray lotion that has a natural coconut scent that is made with Community Trade organic pure cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. I love that it is so light and milky and sinks into the skin instantly. No greasy lotion here! Try it with the Coconut Shower Cream ($13.00 USD) and various other coconut-scented products by The Body Shop. Visit www.thebodyshop-usa.com for more info and to purchase.
Are your feet sandal ready? It is always a shock to peel off the winter boots and fuzzy socks and see rough and ugly feet. Pedicures help, but it is always a good idea to have a great foot lotion on hand, er foot, to keep your feet looking great bare!
Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion ($9.00 USD 3.38 oz.) — My husband loves this super-minty foot lotion. It contains peppermint oil and menthol to invigorate the feet and parsley leaf oil and witch hazel deodorize and soothe naturally. It is also enriched with botanical oils and vitamin E to moisturize rough feet. It feels refreshing on the feet, and if you love the scent of peppermint, this one is for you! Visit www.burtsbees.com to learn more and you can pick this up at drugstores and natural product stores near you.
Curel Targeted Therapy Deep Penetrating Foot Cream ($4.99 USD 3.5 oz) — This thick cream features shea butter, coconut milk, and claims to noticeably smooth and soften dry cracked skin in just two nights, significantly improving the look and feel of even the driest feet. This cream has a softer, more floral scent than the Burt’s Bees Lotion and I think it’s a bit more feminine. I have noticed a great change in my feet in the last couple of days. They are much smoother and appear less calused. Visit www.curel.com to learn more and you can purchase at a drugstore near you.
Aromafloria, a natural, earth-friendly company creates products in a USDA Certified Organic manufacturing facility which is 100% wind powered and Green-e certified. All of their products are formulated with natural earth minerals, organic essential oils and Fair Trade Ingredients — including their For Feet’s Sake Collection. This new line is designed to instantly refresh feet with pure essential oils of Tea Tree, Peppermint and Spearmint—known for their anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties—and claims to improve circulation, reduce swollen feet, and deodorize & hydrate dry, rough feet! It’s wellness for your feet!
I tried Aromafloria For Feet’s Sake Double Action Spa Foot Scrub ($10.50 on sale for $8.40 USD) and Intense Repair Spa Foot Butter ($10.50 on sale for $8.40 USD). The scrub was very pepperminty and was invigorating as it exfoliated! Great to use right before self-tanning. The butter was very soothing and hydrating. After I scrubbed my feet in the bath, I applied the lotion and put cotton socks on my feet. The next morning my feet looked great! Visit www.aromafloria.com to purchase these amazing products!
Want some free stuff? I am giving away this trio of excellent Burt’s Bees Products (descriptions are from Burt’s Bees Website):
Beeswax Lip Balm ($3.00 USD) — Give your lips the soothing feeling they deserve. This natural lip balm is loaded with coconut and sunflower oils, rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, to nourish, condition and soften lips. Beeswax seals in hydration. We’ve even added peppermint oil for a refreshing tingle. Take your pick of an old-fashioned yellow tin or a recycled plastic tube. No wonder it is our most popular product.
Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Shampoo ($8.00 USD 12 oz) — Grapefruit extract joins forces with highly effective yet gentle cleansers made from coconut and sunflower oils to create a shampoo formula with a rich lather. Meanwhile, sugar beet extract and soy protein penetrate hair follicles to repair and strengthen hair, helping to shield against future damage. The final touch: honey and essential natural oils from orange, lemon, lime and tangerine go to work for a beautifully natural shine.
Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Conditioner ($8.00 USD 12 oz) — Transform fine, flat, lifeless hair into thick and voluminous hair with extra body. Pomegranate and moringa seed extracts revitalize hair by replenishing moisture while sugar esters and honey, a natural humectant, condition hair. Soy amino acids moisturize and lift hair, leaving it soft, shiny and full of volume.
To win these three products (which I have tried and love), comment on any of my blog posts, saying that you would like to win the Burt’s Bees products. I will draw a name next friday, May 28, 2010. Good Luck!
I get sometimes get tired of drinking plain water all day long while I’m trying to get healthier. Twist Organic Water ($1.49 USD a bottle) is a refreshing drink that has only 9 calories and is not overly sweet.
Twist comes in 4 organic flavors: Mandarin White Tea, Pomegranate Blueberry, West Indies Lime, and Mango Acai and 4 natural flavors: Marionberry, Mandarin, Peach and Lemon.
Visit www.drinktwist.com to find out where to find these delicious drinks!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 