California Naturel Balancing Complex | Review

 Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

Recently I have been receiving a tremendous number of emails from people with combination to oily skin seeking the recommendation for a face oil specifically made for their skin type. While I have combination skin, I do often use richer oils, but I do always keep several on hand for combination to oily skin.

California Naturel Balancing Complex is an all natural lightweight beauty oil that is specifically made for combination to oily skin, and it's gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. It is fast absorbing, non-greasy, and very hydrating. It balances oily skin by regulating sebum production, and leaves skin soft, supple and nourished. It has a light fresh scent, but it dissipates quickly.

According to California Naturel,

This all natural moisturizing complex has a very light texture which makes it excellent for combination and oily skin. Argan, Borage, Olive and Jojoba oils hydrate and purify the skin while regulating sebum production. These organic oils leave the skin nourished, mattified and soft.

• Hydrates
• Purifies and regulates sebum production
• Leaves skin refreshed
• lightweight oil
• Scent: floral and fresh citrus notes with the rosy fragrance of Pelargonium graveolens, orange oil and lavender
• Sensation on skin: purified, balanced, refreshed and matte
• 95% of the total ingredients are from organic farming

Directions: After using the Gentle Cleansing Gel, apply a small amount onto face and neck, gently massage in a circular motion. Use twice daily. Shake well before use. Avoid contact with eyes.

Ingredients: *Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, *Argania spinosa kernel oil, *Borago officinalis seed oil, *Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, *Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, *Pelargonium graveolens flower/ leaf/ stem extract, *Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil (and) *Lavandula intermedia flower/ leaf/ stem extract, *Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, *organic grape alcohol, *glycerin, *Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, *Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil (*Certified Organic).

Overall Assessment: This is a wonderful beauty oil for combination and oily skin, and it is so gentle that even people with sensitive skin can enjoy its many benefits.

$45.00 for 1.7 oz. from California Naturel and Amazon (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

California Naturel Gentle Cleansing Gel | Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

The beginning of a new year is often used as a time to make resolutions, many of which are overly ambitious and stringent, but for me I think that it is a good time to make adjustments to my skincare routine. This is the time for fine tuning, and for adding in more moisture and protection against the elements. I like to add in gentle, yet thorough cleansers, gentle exfoliators, hydrating serums, and richer moisturizers to keep my skin balanced and hydrated.

California Naturel Gentle Cleansing Gel is one of my favorite and most reached for cleanser these days because it is gentle, and the name suggests, and yet it thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it. It has a light lather that makes it an exquisite cleanser to use in conjunction with a Clarisonic, or to be used alone. It leaves my skin silky smooth, soft, supple and hydrated instead of feeling over-cleansed or stripped. It was formulated for all skin types including the most sensitive skin. It has the pleasant and faint smell of lavender, but it is quite subtle.

According to California Naturel,

This all natural cleanser thoroughly removes makeup and impurities without drying the skin. The organic Aloe Vera offers moisturizing benefits while the organic Soapberry cleanses and purifies, leaving the skin smooth and supple.

We take to heart the sensory experience of our products by crafting luxurious textures and floral scents. We are committed to developing high-performance skin care with the most efficient natural and organic ingredients, developed with safe formulas you can trust. With California Naturel, you will truly feel the goodness of our products, your skin will thank you.

Directions: Apply onto damp skin and gently massage over face and neck. Rinse off with warm water. Use twice daily. Avoid contact with eyes.

Features:

• Removes impurities, oil and make-up
• Doesn't dry out skin
• Non comedogenic
• Texture: transparent foaming gel
• Scent: floral notes with rose, lavender, chamomile, palmarosa and ylang-ylang
• Sensation on skin: gently cleansed, balanced, purified

Ingredients: *Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, cocoglucoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate, *glycerin, sodium lauroyl lactylate, Sapindus mukurossi (soapberry) fruit extract, *Oryza sativa (rice) seed extract, *Spirulina platensis (algae) extract, *Camellia sinensis (white tea) leaf extract, PCA glyceryl oleate, *Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower oil, *Rosa damascena (rose) flower oil, Anthemis nobilis (roman chamomile) flower oil, Cymbopogon martinii (palmarosa) leaf oil, Cananga odorata (ylang ylang) flower oil, caprylyl/ capryl wheat bran/ straw glycosides, fusel wheat bran/straw glycosides, polyglyceryl-5-oleate, glyceryl caprylate, sclerotium gum, gluconolactone, sodium benzoate.*Certified Organic. 99.63% of the total ingredients are from natural origin, 57.21% of the total ingredients are from organic farming.

California Naturel is based in Sausalito, California, and they craft premium natural skincare products using the "purest, most luxurious and effective ingredients found in nature."

Overall Assessment: I love this cleanser, and using really does create a lovely sensory experience. I'm thrilled that it thoroughly cleanses without stripping my skin, and that it pairs perfectly with my Clarisonic.

$33.00 for 4.2 oz. from California Naturel and Amazon (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Sunday Sun Day Volume XIV: California Naturel Lip Balm SPF 8 Review

 Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

While so many of us have become vigilant about applying sunscreen to our faces and bodies, fewer among us show such diligence when it comes to protecting our lips. I know that I have often neglected this step, and there is no question that my penchant for wearing lip gloss has encouraged, rather than discouraged, excessive sun exposure to that delicate skin. However, lately I have been making a real concerted effort to keep my lips protected as well. I only have a few SPF lip balms in my collection, and have now added California Naturel Lip Balm to my current rotation.

California Naturel Lip Balm SPF 8 is an antioxidant rich long-wearing lip balm that is not only comfortable on the lips, but it is also wonderfully moisturizing. It is wonderful when worn alone, but is also the perfect base for lipsticks and lip glosses, and increases their wear-time. When applied normally there is no white cast from the mineral sunscreens, but multiple passes will leave behind a white cast which is beneficial while playing outdoors.

According to California Naturel,

This all natural lip balm helps to protect your lips from environmental damage through its moisturizing effect, antioxidant properties and SPF 8 sunscreen protection.

Directions: Apply evenly over lips several times daily.

Features:

• Protects from UVA and UVB rays
• Soothes and nourishes lips
• Leaves lips feeling soft and smooth
• Texture: silky, smooth
• Scent: fruity
• Sensation on skin: hydrated, moisturized

Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 1.8% (Sunscreen), Zinc Oxide 2% (Sunscreen), Actinidia chinensis (kiwi) oil, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, butyloctyl salicylate, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride, Copernicia cerifera (carnauba) Wax, Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, beeswax (cera alba), ethylhexyl stearate, flavor (aroma), Fragaria vesca (strawberry) fruit extract, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, isostearic acid, lanolin, Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, polyhydroxystearic acid, Punica granatum extract, Ricinus communis seed oil, sucralose, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E acetate), Vaccinium angustifolium (blueberry) extract, Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) fruit extract.

The swatch reflects multiple passes, but when applied to the lips normally there is no white cast.

Overall assessment: Not only is this a very moisturizing SPF lip balm, but it also serves as a highly effective lipstick and lip gloss base. The light floral scent is very pleasant, but does fade quickly-- therefore it should pose no problem for those among you who prefer no taste or scent in your lip products.

$7.00 for 4.2 g / 0.15 oz. Available from California Naturel (Unaffiliated Link)
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Sunday Sun Day Volume XIII: California Naturel All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Review

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

California Naturel Sunscreen SPF 30 is the most recent sunscreen that I have been using daily on my face, neck and décolleté. Their sunscreens are mineral-based, and are beautifully combined with high quality natural skincare ingredients that leave the skin hydrated while simultaneously protected against the elements.

California Naturel is deeply invested in creating a luxurious sensory experience with their products, but are equally committed to "developing high performance skin care with the most efficient natural and organic ingredients developed with safe formulas...." Well, longtime readers will undoubtedly agree that when it comes to skincare products I am a huge proponent of having a luxurious sensory experience with the products that I use, and to be able to achieve this with high quality natural ingredients is even better.

California Naturel Sunscreen SPF 30 is a medium to thick antioxidant-rich cream that isn't greasy or oily-- yet it is very moisturizing. The company describes the finish as matte, and while I agree with that assessment I would only add that unlike most matte products (many of which I find uncomfortable on my skin) this one actually leaves skin luminous, radiant and comfortable-- yet somehow simultaneously matte. Skin feels comfortably hydrated, and despite the thicker texture and the use 20% Zinc Oxide I have not experienced the white cast often associated with high concentrations of Zinc Oxide. I have actually find that the texture of this sunscreen also serves as an amazingly effective primer, and it is perhaps the matte aspect of this sunscreen that makes my foundations and tinted moisturizers adhere to it so effectively.

According to California Naturel,

This soft, luxurious and non-oily all natural sunscreen is formulated with Glacial Oceanic Minerals and Zinc Oxide to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It is enriched with antioxidants from botanical sources such as Shea Butter, Pomegranate Extract and Marigold Flower Extract to increase skin-hydration, and protect it from environmental damage.

Directions: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply immediately after swimming, sweating or towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.

Features:

• Protects from UVA and UVB rays
• Increases skin-hydration
• Enriched with antioxidants
• Texture: medium-weight cream
• Scent: subtle herbal scent
• Sensation on skin: non sticky, non oily, matte finish

Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20% (Sunscreen), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carrageenan, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Palmitate, Coco-Caprylate, Dimethicone, Glucose, Glucose Oxidase, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Isostearic Acid, Lactoperoxidase, Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Methylcellulose, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract, Pullulan, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Sclerotium Gum, Sea Silt Extract (Glacial Oceanic Mineral Water), Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Stearyl Alcohol, Tagetes Erecta Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum.

Overall assessment: I have used this sunscreen every single day since receiving it,and have to say that I am really really happy with it. Additionally, I love that I made the inadvertent discovery that it also functions as wonderfully effective primer for my foundation or tinted moisturizer. I am currently using several other products from California Naturel, and I have to say that they make truly lovely products. I can't wait to share more with you! This is a product, and a company, worth your serious consideration!

$35.00 for 2.3 oz. from California Naturel (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Sample. All views are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.