June Empties 2020

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I managed to finish up a fairly good size pile of products in June, and I attribute it to working from home during the pandemic. While I am working very long hours each day, the lack of a commute means that I have more time to use skincare products. Here is what I finished up this month:

RITUALS Fortune Oil Sweet Orange & Cedar Wood ($15.00 for 200 ml. from Rituals): RITUALS Fortune Oil Sweet Orange & Cedar Wood from the Laughing Buddha Collection is a wonderfully moisturizing shower oil for the body that functions in precisely the same way as the many facial cleansing oils that have recently flooded the market.

You simply apply a small amount of Fortune Oil Sweet Orange & Cedar Wood to your skin and as soon as it has contact with water it emulsifies and turns from an oil consistency to a thin milky emulsion that effectively cleans the skin, and leaves it delectably soft smooth and moisturized. The scent is a warm amalgam of Sweet Orange & Cedar Wood, and it is neither too sweet, nor too woodsy. While the scent is lovely it does not linger since it is, for the most part, washed away. However, RITUALS does have a full range of products from the Laughing Buddha Collection that will allow you to luxuriate in the beautiful scent. Repurchase? I would, but this scent appears to have been discontinued. I have a backup bottle and a couple other scents.

Nubian Heritage Honey & Black Seed Body Wash ($12.99 for 13 oz. from Nubian Heritage, iHerb, The Vitamin Shoppe and Swanson Vitamins): I have to preface this by stating that I am thoroughly obsessed with this body wash. There is something about the aroma– which has a deep, rich and creamy scent informed by the honey, black seed oil and honeysuckle– that is utterly intoxicating. It forms a rich and non-stripping lather that leaves the skin soft, smooth and hydrated, and it does so without leaving behind an oily residue. Repurchase? Absolutely!

Salt By Hendrix Body Scrub Lavender + Petigrain ($35.00-$39.00 from Salt by Hendrix): They make several different body scrubs, and while they seem to have discontinued this one, they have others that are quite amazing. You really can't go wrong with any of their products, but here are two that I am currently using a lot. Repurchase? I would, but they no longer sell this one. However, I love tho others and will continue to use them!

Borghese Fango Body Refining Polish (Discontinued): I absolutely loved this body scrub– it was non-greasy, had a little lather and it left skin so soft and smooth. Sadly, it appears to have been discontinued. Repurchase? I would if it was still available!

Dove White Beauty Bar ($2.99-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): This gentle, creamy cleansing bar contains ¼ moisturizing cream that leaves skin soft smooth and very clean. Purchase Again? Absolutely.

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar ($3.19-$12.99 for 2-14 bar packs from Target, Walgreens and Bed, Bath & Beyond): If you have sensitive skin, then you likely seek a gentle cleansing bar that will neither strip, nor dry out your skin, and this bar definitely delivers. Furthermore, this bar leaves skin soft, smooth and not in the least bit taut. Purchase Again? I already have more!

South of France Foaming Hand Soaps ($ from South of France Natural Body Care and Amazon):  made with organic Agave Nectar because of its ability to  hydrate and nourish the skin. In fact, their, "richly foaming Hand Wash" is enriched with a proprietary blend of natural vegetable glycerin and Coconut Oil that gently clean the skin while leaving it soft and moisturized. Purchase Again? YES!!!

John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Subtle Lightening Shampoo (Available from Ulta, Walmart, Walgreens, Amazon, Target and Bed Bath & Beyond): John Frieda is, without question, one of my favorite drugstore haircare brands. They have so many amazing products from shampoos and conditioners to extraordinary styling products. Their Brilliant Brunette Subtle Lightening Shampoo brightens hair, and it is just perfect for the summer! Repurchase? I already opened another tube!

Artnaturals Hair Coconut & Lime Shampoo & Conditioner ($26.00 for 16 oz. each from Amazon): If dry scalp and hair are among your concerns, or if your hair is frizzy and unruly, then this nourishing and hydrating set is the perfect pick. It moisturizes dry hair, fights frizz and fly-aways and leaves hair soft, smooth, manageable and shiny. The Coconut & Lime aroma is absolutely delectable, but the scent does not linger. Repurchase? I already have another bottle!

Not Your Mother's Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Curl Defining Detangler ($8.99 for 8 oz. from Target, Ulta and Walgreens): This wonderful curl defining detangler is a wonderful pick for wavy and curly hair, and the delectable blend of Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter enhances my natural curl without making hair stiff. It leaves hair soft, hydrated, frizz-free and shiny. It is free of sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, gluten or synthetic dyes. Repurchase? Definitely!

Vichy Normaderm Gel Cleanser ($18.00 for 6.7 oz. from Vichy, CVS and Dermstore): If you have oily or acne-prone skin you know how stripping, drying and irritating acne cleansers can be. I have normal/combination skin, and when I do have the periodic breakout I seek products that are gentle and non-drying. This lightly lathering gel cleanser helps to heal breakouts without dehydrating the skin, and it is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Repurchase? No, because I seldom break out, but I definitely recommend it if you do.

L'Occitane Immortelle Oil Makeup Remover ($34.00 for 6.7 oz. from L'Occitane): This oil to milk emulsion removes every bit of makeup, and it doesn't bother my sensitive eyes. I can't tell if they have changed the formula, or just the bottle, but I definitely loved this! Repurchase? Not now because I am swimming in cleansing oils and makeup removers, but I would definitely use this again.

LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant ($14.00 for 1.7 oz. from LAVANILA, Amazon and Ulta): LAVANILA makes wonderful healthy deodorants that are effective and smell wonderful (though they also make an unscented variant for sensitive skin). Their Vanilla Grapefruit scent is probably my favorite because it smells utterly scrumptious, and offers long-lasting protection. Purchase Again? I already have a replacement!

Vichy Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster ($29.50 for 1.69 oz. from Vichy USA, Ulta, Amazon, Dermstore, Skin Care RX, SkinStore and Walgreens): is described as a "new generation face moisturizer." It features 89% of Vichy's iconic Mineralizing Thermal Water that is further enhanced by Hyaluronic Acid to deeply boost hydration and fortify the skin. The consistency is that of a lightweight gel-like serum that sinks into the skin immediately leaving it hydrated with a luminous, ethereal glow. Dehydrated and dull skin gives way to comfortable, refreshed and moisturized skin without any greasy residue or stickiness. Furthermore, this fragrance-free moisturizer plumps fine lines, nourishes the skin and leaves skin soft, smooth and supple. During the summer months, it offers my normal/combination skin enough moisture and hydration that I can forgo a regular moisturizer altogether, and it pairs beautifully with my favorite serums and face oils. Repurchase? I just opened another bottle!

African Botanics Marula Mineral Cleansing Mask ($85.00 for 1.7 oz. from African Botanics, Cult Beauty, Revolve, Bluemercury and Credo Beauty): You may ask yourself how this mask differs from the scores of clay masks on the market, and there are a myriad of reasons for its uniqueness in the marketplace. Chief among them is the fact that this mask does not dry out the skin as do the standard clay-based masks. In fact, African Botanics Marula + Plant Stem Cells Mineral Cleansing Mask moisturizes and nourishes the skin while it purifies and draws out impurities that congest the pores. Repurchase? Yes, this is the best mask ever!

MegRhythm Gentle Steam Eye Mask ($10.99-$17.77 for 7 masks from Yes Style Global and Amazon): If you are looking for serious stress relief, MegRhythm Steam Eye Masks, which stay at a comfortable temperature for 10 minutes, bathe "eyes and the delicate eye area in warm steam." This steam bath for the eyes helps release the tensions of the day. This is the perfect before bedtime treat! Purchase Again? I still have quite a few, but I will definitely repurchase once I finish mine up.

I have sensitive eyes, and therefore I tend to choose non-waterproof formulas since they tend to be more gentle, but SMASHBOX Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner in Violetta ($21.00 for 0.01 oz. from SMASHBOX, Nordstrom, Sephora and Ulta): was quite the surprise in that it neither irritated my eyes, nor did it take tremendous effort to remove. The formula is creamy, it glides across the skin effortlessly and deposits color evenly, and it doesn't tug on the skin in the least bit. It neither transfers and migrates, nor does it flake off. The innovative design self-sharpens each time that you twist the cap off, assuring that you have a nice pointed tip with each use. If you have been seeking an alternative to your standard black or brown eyeliner pencil, then Violetta is a truly gorgeous choice. It is a blackened plum that is neither too purple, nor does it have a red-undertone that can make eyes look tired. It is a gorgeous and infinitely wearable shade that has unquestionably won me over. Repurchase? No question!

Overall Assessment: Well, there you have it! I am a bit surprised that I finished up as many things as I did, but working from home these days means that I have more time to take care of myself. What did you use up, toss out, return or give away in June? Do tell!

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Eco-Friendly Mother's Day Gift Ideas

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If you are seeking the right gift for your mom this Mother's Day, you might want to consider some of the following eco-friendly products that she is sure to love. These are all products that I really like a lot, and that offer a healthier alternative to their chemical-laden counterparts.

Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (Shown above with a standard mouth in Watermelon. $34.95 for 24 oz. from Nordstrom, Dick's Sporting Goods and Jet.com): While I have amassed a rather large collection of water bottles, this Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle is my most recent purchase, and I love it so much that I plan to buy another one in a different size. This 24 oz. version keeps my water cold, and my coffee hot, all day long. It has a convenient carrying ring built into the lid that makes it easy to carry on walks and hikes. Generally it is in my work bag, and I would have purchased a bigger one, but thankfully we have purified water stations in almost every building at work, therefore I opted to purchase this size.

According to Hydro Flask,

A standard-mouth bottle is the perfect companion for the trail, the beach or everyday use thanks to TempShield protection that keeps all your beverages the perfect temperature, hot or cold. Headquartered in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask launched the first all-insulated bottle in 2009 and has spent the last 10 years delivering on its commitment to save the world from lukewarm.

Features:
- 3" x 11"
- Holds 24 oz.
- BPA free, phthalate free
- TempShield insulation
- Keeps liquids hot for up to six hours and cold for up to 24
- 18/8 Pro Grade stainless steel with polypropylene cap
- Hand wash

Gurunanda Honeycomb Essential Oil Diffuser $19.88-$25.99 from Gurunanda, Amazon and Walmart): The Gurunanda Honeycomb Essential Oil Diffuser is a wonderful and attractive diffuser that is very easy to use, it emits a gracious amount of aromatherapeutic mist, and the LED lights change colors in the most hypnotic manner. Furthermore, this unit is very affordable and can be used with your favorite essential oils to make your home a delectably aromatic sanctuary.

According to Gurunanda,

An easy-to-use, high quality device, it utilizes ultrasonic waves to diffuse the essential oils. When used with Gurunanda  ssential oil, the nano-particles of the Gurunanda essential oil together with water form a calming mist that disperses into the air without heating or compromising the benefits of the oil. The soothing LED lights create the perfect environment to experience the restorative, purifying benefits that aromatherapy can provide. Its sleek, modern design easily complements any home or office space.

Specifications:

• Water Capacity: 100ml
• Light Modes: Red, Green and Blue color changing LED light
• Overheating protection
• Auto shut off when water is low - after about 4 hours
• Includes U/L certified adapter
• Continuous mode - Mist lasts up to 3.5 hours
• Intermittent mode - Mist lasts up to 7 hours
• Size: 1lb.; 3.4 x 6.9 x 3.40 
• Material: ABS

How to Use: Simply fill with water and add a few drops of one of your favorite Gurunanda Essential Oils.

Additional Information:

The ultrasonic diffuser creates vibrations that are carried to the surface where oil is floating.
The oil floating on the top of the water gets broken down, and then diffused into the air, filling the surrounding space.

The silent ultrasonic technology used in Gurunanda’s Diffuser will instantly fill your environment with the stimulating effects of pure essential oils.

Whisper-Quiet Ultrasonic Operation - humidify your living space to prevent dry, stuffy air and flu/cold germs infecting your loved ones. Prevent dry and chapped skin in dry winter months.

Gurunanda Essential Oils $6.49-$7.99 each and Sets for $29.99+ from Gurunanda and Amazon): Gurunanda has a wide assortment of essentials oils and essential oil blends, and I use them all of the time. I have diffusers in several rooms, including my bathrooms, and they are absolutely wonderful. They pair beautifully will their oil diffusers, and their oil blends address a variety of concerns from sleeplessness to congestion, and there are even formulation for relaxation, tranquility and harmony.

Salt by Hendrix makes a wide assortment of beautiful bath and body products, and I have been obsessed with their body scrubs since I was first introduced to them. You really can't go wrong with any of their products, but here are two that I am currently using a lot.

Salt by Hendrix Luxe Oil + Salt Scrub in Sweet Orange and Ylang Ylang ($39.00 for 16 oz. from Salt by Hendrix): This is an incredibly luxurious oil and salt body scrub that leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and incredibly hydrated. The aroma, which is informed by the Sweet Orange and Ylang Ylang, is delectable and utterly intoxicating.

According to Salt by Hendrix,

Exfoliate + moisturise with our extra special, extra luxe salt scrub. Made with salts sourced from Himalayan Pink Salts, your skin + your soul will feel invigorated + loved.

Salt by Hendrix Bath Time Baby ($32.00 for Set of 5 Bath Salts from Salt by Hendrix and Adore Beauty): This set includes 5 vials of Salt by Hendrix's top selling bath salts. They are a perfect remedy to a stressful day, and they leave your body and spirit relaxed and soothed.

Utama Spice (Utama Spice or from the Utama Spice Official Amazon Store): is a lovely natural skincare company that is made in Bali, and they have a beautiful selection of skin, body, hair and home products. For Mother's Day I have rounded up a few favorites that are sure to please every mom looking for fragrant, healthy, natural skincare products.

Among my favorite products is their Moonflower Incense, Lavender Hair Oil, Pore Cleansing Facial Wash, Ocean Breeze Body Mist, Yoga Mat Spray Energizing Mist and if your mom spends time outside gardening, hiking or lounging– then their Begone Bug Spray and Begone Bug Citronella Candle will prevent those unwanted bug bites with great efficacy.

CBD Living (from CBD Living): There is no question that CBD (cannabidoil) in skincare products has gone mainstream. CBD is a chemical compound that is derived from the cannibus plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) based products, CBD products do not contain THC and therefore they are not psychoactive.

About CBD Living,

The secret to our superior products lies in our use of nanotechnology, a unique manufacturing process that reduces CBD molecules into nano-sized droplets, without the addition of emulsifiers. The nanotechnology process allows for CBD to absorb into the body more efficiently. This proprietary technology increases the efficacy of the CBD by increasing its bioavailability up to 90 percent, delivering CBD directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system. 

First established in 2013 and headquartered in Corona, California, CBD Living has a global reach for our products through our vast distribution in stores all over the world. Our products are organically grown in Colorado at a state-licensed hemp farm and extraction facility. 

CBD Living offers a vast array of products to meet different preferences and lifestyles. From CBD-infused water to capsules, soaps, bath bombs, patches, gummies and more, CBD Living brings sophistication and scientific rigor to the CBD extraction process, using our nanotechnology to deliver maximum benefit to the consumer., extractors and manufacturers are paid a fair wage above market rates. Our products are all fair trade, embracing our global values to advance employment and labor practices through the hemp CBD industry. Our products are never tested on animals.

CBD Living Bath Bomb in Amber Bergamot ($14.00 for 8 oz. from CBD Living): This CBD Bath Bomb.with its lovely aromatic amber bergamot scent, contains 60mg of nano-CBD for maximum absorption. It contains Shea Butter that leaves skin very moisturized and soft.

CBD Living Soap in Coconut Lime ($14.00 for 4.5 oz. from CBD Living): This soap is filled with 100% natural ingredients, and the coconut oil leaves skin vey soft and hydrated. The Coconut and Lime aroma smells like a tropical.

CBD Living Daily Lotion in Eucalypus ($40.00 for 16 oz. from CBD Living): This lotion is lightweight, fast absorbing and non-greasy. It leaves skin remarkably soft and moisturized, and the mild Eucalyptus aroma is refreshing, but not in the least bit overpowering or pungent.

Ethique (available from the Ethique Official Amazon Store): Ethique is a wonderful eco-friendly, and cruelty-free brand that really wants to "eradicate the world of plastic waste." Instead of making liquid shampoos and conditioners, which require bottles, they make bars wrapped in paper. They are TSA compliant and produce zero waste.

About Ethique,

Ethique is the first beauty brand in the world to develop an entirely solid product range. Ethique's dedication to sustainable beauty practices has prevented the manufacture and disposal of 1,000,000 plastic containers worldwide. The concentrated face, hair and body products last 2-5X longer than their traditional bottled counterparts – Even the sleeves they arrive in are 100% compostable, meaning zero consumer waste.

Ethique Hair Sampler ($16.00 from Amazon): This hair sampler includes Ethique's Frizz Wrangler Solid Shampoo, Heali Kiwi Solid Shampoo, St Clements Solid Shampoo, The Guardian Solid Conditioner and Wonderbar Solid Conditioner.

Ethique Face Sampler ($18.50 from Amazon): This face sampler includes Ethique's Bliss Bar Face Cleanser, In Your Face Cleanser, Gingersnap Face Exfoliator, The Perfector Face Cream and Saving Face Serum.

Ethique Body Sampler ($16.50 from Amazon): This body sampler includes Ethique's Sweet Orange & Vanilla Creme Bodywash Bar, Lime and Ginger Body Polish, Pumice, Teatree & Spearmint Bodywash Bar, Lavender & Vanilla Glow Solid Deodorant and Coconut & Lime Body Butter Block.

Ethique In-Shower Container ($15.00 from Amazon): Their in-shower soap dish is made from bamboo and cornstarch and is completely compostable, but it is made to last for about five years, and it will keep your bars dry.

Not Your Mother's Naturals is a wonderful, and affordable, haircare brand that is definitely worth checking out. Additionally, their products are environmentally friendly and cruelty-free.

Not Your Mother's Naturals Activated Bamboo Charcoal & Purple Moonstone Scalp Scrub ($8.99 for 10 oz. from Ulta): This is an effective pre-wash that gently exfoliates and cleanses the scalp while it absorbs impurities for a balanced PH. It uses natural jojoba wax beads to exfoliate, and it contains no sulfate surfactants, no silicones, no parabens, no dyes, no gluten, no phthalates.

Not Your Mother's Naturals Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter Curl Defining Detangler ($8.99 for 8 oz. from Target, Ulta and Walgreens): This wonderful curl defining detangler is a wonderful pick for wavy and curly hair, and the delectable blend of Tahitian Gardenia Flower & Mango Butter enhances my natural curl without making hair stiff. It leaves hair soft, hydrated, frizz-free and shiny. It is free of sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, gluten or synthetic dyes.

Directions: Distribute evenly into hands. In damp, towel dried hair use fingers to gently work into hair. Comb through with wide tooth comb or fingers. Reshape curls and allow to air dry or proceed with style as desired

JK Naturals Natural Deodorants ($12.99-$19.99 from JK Naturals): JK Naturals makes a wonderful assortment of natural deodorants that offer odor protection without the use of harmful chemicals. They make roll-on deodorants, stick deodorants and cream deodorants in a variety of scents that are pleasant and effective. 

According to JK Naturals,

JK Naturals is committed to helping you kick those obnoxious odors to the curb, naturally. So take a deep, much better-smelling breath and get ready to meet the brand you’ve been waiting for. Our products are made with 100% natural, organic ingredients. That means no artificial additives, no synthetic chemicals, and absolutely no aluminum. Plus, they smell incredible (thank you, lavender and eucalyptus) and they work for everyone under your roof. Do you hear that? It’s the sound of moms practicing yoga, dads running marathons and even the smelliest little pre-teen kids around all celebrating products made just for them. 

Overall Assessment: If your mom is trying to add more eco-friendly products to her life, then these are definitely worthy of your consideration this Mother's Day.

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