Entries Tagged as 'skin'

June 20, 2013

beauty scoop | may lindstrom skin the good stuff radiance oil

The way that skin chef May Lindstrom describes her own “The Good Stuff” radiance oil has stuck with me:

“It’s my fabric-free lingerie,” she says, and I can only imagine a little wink and hint of mischief in her pretty eyes.

I concur with her five-word description, but today I’ll add some more words to describe my thoughts on this sexy body oil.

may lindstrom skin the good stuff body oil

{May Lindstrom Skin sent me a sample of “The Good Stuff” body oil, which retails for $110 for a 3.38 black glass pump bottle.}

Like the rest of her jaw-dropping line, “The Good Stuff” is packaged in a sleek black glass bottle with branding etched in gold. Typically, I’m not a total sucker for packaging (it’s what’s inside that counts!), but you just can’t help but appreciate the beautiful simplicity in May Lindstrom Skin’s delivery. A+ as usual.

Also like the rest of her collection, I’m smitten with “The Good Stuff.” I like to use it in the evening, after a warm shower or bath post-yoga, to feel a little more feminine and a little more sexy, after a tough Ashtanga session.

The amber-gold liquid oil has a bit of shimmer to it, thanks to mica, yet it’s barely noticeable and doesn’t leave that odd mica residue on your palms after application.

(See how May Lindstrom herself applies “The Good Stuff.”)

While this little detail doesn’t really matter if you’re using “The Good Stuff” before bedtime, think about the gorgeous cast it would have on your skin by candlelight — if you see where I’m going — that’s where that fine detail comes into play!

Another amazing detail that is sort of a big deal when it comes to this body oil is the intoxicating scent. Cocoa, cocoa and more cocoa fills you as you massage this oil into your skin.

But don’t think of straight-up chocolate. No, no. Not at all. It’s a more layered, balanced cocoa, complete with hints of lavender, rose and ylang ylang that balance out the powerful scent. In short, it’s heavenly — if your idea of heaven involves fountains of chocolate (mine does).

Here’s the full ingredients list:

Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Plum Kernel Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil, Organic Cocoa Absolute Oil, Organic Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil, Organic Rose Absolute Essential Oil,  Organic Lavender Essential Oil, Mica

I appreciate that May has chosen all-organic ingredients for her body oil — for something that is going on my skin from head to toe, I like knowing that it’s certified organic.

With that said, though, I wish there were just a few more exotic carrier oils (to replace the jojoba, olive and sunflower oils) to truly feel justified in the $110 price tag. I wonder what it would be like with rosehip and argan oils, or even something more exotic like kukui and hazelnut oils. Just dreaming out loud, here!

While I received “The Good Stuff” as a generous gift from May, I admit that I struggle a bit with the thought of purchasing it myself. It’s an expensive oil that needs to cover 5’7” inches of woman. Is it worth the splurge?

Given that I would just use it a few evenings a week, it would probably be a green light because I could make it last so long. It’s also a lovely multipurpose product, as it can be used to deep-treat the hair and scalp, too.

May has done such an amazing job with creating products that truly feel special that it would probably be difficult for me to use the very last drop and not reorder a bottle soon. I’ll be sure to let you know if May Lindstrom Skin’s “The Good Stuff” gets on my “products I repurchased” list.

Want to read my other reviews of May Lindstrom Skin beauty products? Check them out below:

Have you tried May Lindstrom Skin “The Good Stuff” yet? What did you think? What are your thoughts on the ingredients list and May’s line in general? Please tell me in the comments section!

 

By Kim Wallace
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June 19, 2013

beauty scoop | acure organics seriously firming facial oil

To get straight to the point, I’m a bit underwhelmed by Acure Organics Seriously Firming Facial Oil.

But to be fair, I picked this up out of sheer curiosity and without a great expectation that it would do anything super-exciting for my skin type. I’ve used other Acure Organics products that I love, so just wanted to explore the brand a bit more.

So I suppose we’re in neutral territory here?

acure organics seriously firming facial serum

{I bought Acure Organics’ Seriously Firming Facial Serum for $23 at my local Whole Foods. It comes in a 1-ounce glass pump jar.}

Being in my late 20s, I’m not really after “seriously firming” products — though it doesn’t hurt to act in advance, right? That said, the real reason that this facial oil (or facial serum, as it’s marketed) piqued my interest is because it contains borage oil.

If you’re new to my blog, I obsess over anything that can help calm acne, and borage oil is one of those natural solutions that can help tame eczema and even acne in some people.

While Acure Organics touts this serum’s inclusion of borage seed oil (as well as argan and pumpkin seed), tell a slightly different story. You’ll see that safflower and sunflower are the top two ingredients (which are also fine for the skin!), but I’m a little disappointed that I don’t have as much of that coveted borage oil closer to the beginning of the list.

Organic Safflower Oil, Organic Sesame Seed Oil, Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil, Organic Borage Oil, Organic Argan Oil, Organic Sweet Orange Oil, Organic Cranberry Seed Oil, Organic Bulgarian Lavender Oil, Fair Trade Certified Organic Olive Oil, Organic Rosemary Oil

I haven’t revisited this oil since my trial run; it sits in the back of my facial oil stash, and I’ll probably end up using it as an oil cleanser, trading out my usual jojoba and coconut oils, just to get through the bottle.

Like I said, Acure Organics is a wonderful company — and this facial serum is USDA certified organic! — but it’s just a bit “meh” for me and my skin care concerns. And hey, Acure even says it’s more tailored to normal, dry and mature skin types … so what was this acne-prone, oily girl doing here in the first place?

Just causing trouble, I suppose.

While this isn’t on my repurchase list, if you’re interested in a truly green company with easily accessible, affordable products, Acure Organics is fabulous. If you’re super-new to facial oils, I think you’ll like this simple, no-nonsense oil that has an easy blend of carriers and a splash of fragrant yet tame essential oils.

If you’re a girl on a mission (pointing at myself here), move right along unless you just want something to stash as a backup for oil cleansing.

Have you tried Acure Organics Seriously Firming Facial Oil? What are your thoughts on it? Do you like anything else from the brand? Tell me in the comments section!

 

By Kim Wallace
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June 14, 2013

beauty secrets | natural beauty product staples, part 1

Inspired in part by a Neiman’s Idealist post (see my super-long comment) and a green beauty collab I somehow missed out on (see the collab master list), I’m bringing to you part one of my “natural beauty product staples” series in which I name products I constantly repurchase no matter what.

You’ll probably recognize a few from past posts, Instagram love or gushing comments and recommendations, but I wanted to embark on a series like this because as a beauty blogger, I tend to fall in love with a LOT of products.

But as we all know, money talks — which products do I buy over and over again once the PR sample is gone?

Time to keep it real, ladies.

kimberlyloc natural beauty staples products to repurchase

1. Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm

It’s well-documented that I’m a lip balm junkie. Despite my overflowing soup bowl of lippies, there’s one balm that I go a little nuts without: Dr. Hauschka. It’s the perfect texture — creamy, smooth and thick — without being too overpowering and slick for a layer of lip color on top.

Though there are so many other lovely lip balms out there, Dr. Hauschka is easily accessible at my local Whole Foods, which means it’s that much easier for me to repurchase it again and again.

2. Zum Rub Moisturizer Frankincense & Myrrh (Read the full review!)

Since first reviewing this back in November, Zum Rub Moisturizer in Frankincense & Myrrh has experienced an incredible jump in sales and stock prices. OK, maybe not (and if so, I take full credit!), but I’m trying to illustrate how much I preach this stuff. It soothes irritation from acne breakouts and can even eliminate cysts (that was my experience!) with a small number of natural ingredients.

I know my girl Neiman’s Idealist is wary of shea butter on acne-prone skin, but seriously, you just can’t knock this stuff until you try it. Anything that zaps my cystic acne outbreaks in three days (compared to the normal weeklong or more run) gets props — and repurchases — in my natural beauty (check)book.

3. Aura Cacia Organic Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil ignited my love for facial oils. As we all know by know, jojoba oil’s properties are most similar to our own natural sebum (aka facial oil), and while so many other oil-cleansing products have hit the market, I always keep my trusty bottle of jojoba on-hand.

While I used to just grab whatever jojoba was cheapest at Whole Foods, I now prefer Aura Cacia’s organic jojoba oil — which is usually on sale! I love the slightly nutty smell, the USDA organic seal and the pretty packaging on Aura Cacia’s skin care oils.

4. Evan Healy Immortelle Facial Tonic HydroSoul

I’ve yet to do a standalone review on this miracle hydrosol, but here’s the mini-review: I’d never tried anything from Evan Healy, but had heard so many good things about her hydrosols. (A hydrosol is incredible floral water — get the details here.) I chose this particular concoction after some quick research on immortelle’s acne benefits. I bought a trial size of the immortelle hydrosol (full sizes weren’t available at The Merc, a co-op in Lawrence, Kansas) about a month ago and used it religiously, every day, twice a day.

Long story short, the entire month I used this hydrosol, in combination with Zum Rub at night, I had zero major breakouts. None. Zilch. Seriously. It was the best skin month ever, and I’ve been longing for another trip to The Merc (going this evening!) to stock up on several bottles because my local Whole Foods doesn’t carry this particular hydrosol.

Since running out of this hydrosol, I decided to try Evan Healy’s Lemon Thyme Facial Tonic Hydrosol in hopes of getting the same result. No cigar, as in, I have five major blemishes on my face right now compared to zero last month. This evening can’t come soon enough!

5. Acure Organics Pure Mint + Echinacea Stem Cell Shampoo

Some people have issues with switching to sulfate-free, natural shampoo — or with just switching shampoos in general.

I’m lucky that my hair is pretty cooperative with whatever I feed it and I have very few issues (cowlicks, long dry time, etc.) to deal with. I just need a good, clean shampoo that can boost a bit of volume to my fine strands and invigorate my dry patch-prone scalp.

I stock up on Acure Organics’ shampoo anytime it’s on sale at Whole Foods. I actually have a couple bottles stashed in my beauty closet right now as I test out a different, way more expensive shampoo. And ya know, while I do like the fancy shampoo I’m using right now, I’m not sure it merits the 3x more expensive price tag. This shampoo, which is typically around $10, comes in a big bottle and is so easily accessible. Shampoo is just not one of those things that I want to be constantly ordering from online boutiques, though now that I have short hair, I don’t have to use as much. :)

6. Primavera Energizing Ginger Lime Hand and Nail Cream (Read the full review!)

We all talk about how every hand lotion we love doesn’t leave your hands greasy and makes them feel so silky smooth, but I’m for real when I say that about this hand and nail cream. I use it in the morning and at night, and typically keep a travel size in my purse. I like the light, fresh scent and the fact that I can apply this and get back to work without allowing it to dry or continually having to rub my hands together.

Primavera is a natural spa brand, and I’m lucky to live within walking distance of a fine natural spa that carries this line — makes it very easy to repurchase again and again!

What are some of your natural beauty staples? Why do you love them? Tell me in the comments section!

 

By Kim Wallace
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filed in: beauty, beauty secrets, hair, lips, skin
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June 6, 2013

beauty scoop | ren glycol lactic radiance renewal mask

Ever since I disclosed my secret love for orange (here and here), I figured we might as well continue the theme for the week and go over one of my favorite orange-scented, pore-degunking masks from a brand I’ve been loving for a few years now: Ren!

ren glycolic lactic radiance renewal mask

{Ren sent me a sample (a loonnng time ago) of its Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, which retails for $55 for a 50ml plastic pump jar.}

Ren’s Glycolactic Radience Renewal Mask is a staple in my beauty wardrobe. I just finished my bottle and will be ordering another one (because that’s how staples work) to have for my at-home mask treatments.

I turn to this mask when my skin is feeling a little blah; think dullness, post-travel, poor weather conditions or during times when I just need to feel a little brighter both in my mind and in the mirror. It’s also a gem at unplugging blackheads and easing congestion.

You will either love or hate the texture of this mask. It’s a bit gelatinous, yet has enough hold to it that it’s almost like a smooth paste.

The pump bottle dispenses the product in a thick, almost toothpaste-like line, and you can coat your skin in a thick layer of orange goodness (lightly colored orange and definitely smells orange) before relaxing for a full 10-15 minutes.

Here’s what’s inside:

Polysorbate 60, Glycerin, Bergamot Leaf Extract, Lecithin, Lactic Acid, Black Currant Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Passiflora Quadrangularis Fruit Extract Lemon Fruit Extract, Pineapple Fruit Extract, Grape Fruit Extract, Alcohol Denat., Cranberry Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Maltodextrin, Papaya Fruit Extract, Fragrance, Orange Flower Oil, Mandarin Orange Peel Oil, Tangerine Peel Oil, Grapefruit Seed Oil, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Tocopherol

As you can see from the ingredients list, it’s not too shabby, though it does contain sketchy preservative phenoxyethanol and the catch-all “fragrance.”

However, I’m willing to live with this. My general rule is to keep my exposure to not-so-great ingredients to a minimum, doing a double-take at those that score above “5″ on the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database.

A note to sensitive-skin beauties: You should be careful with this mask. It does tingle a bit upon application, but my skin is a beast and can handle a little extra “oomph.” You should proceed with caution (patch test!) with this baby.

Have you tried Ren’s Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask or anything else from the line? What is your “number” when it comes to potentially harmful ingredients and the Skin Deep Database? Tell me in the comments section!

 

By Kim Wallace
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June 5, 2013

beauty scoop | lina hanson global body serum

One of my favorite things about summer is catching the ice cream truck.

I’m typically a certified chocoholic, but in the hot summertime, I love to indulge in a little orange and vanilla goodness.

In case I don’t catch the truck when it rolls through my ‘hood (because, ya know, I’ll be at work), I’ll get my summer indulgence via Lina Hanson’s new Global Body Serum, which smells just like a Creamsicle!

lina hanson global body serum

{I received a sample of Lina Hanson’s Global Body Serum for review. The full size retails for $63 for a 3.4-ounce black glass pump jar. }

Launching today (World Environment Day!), Lina Hanson Global Body Serum combines 10 of the world’s most beautiful oils into a sleek black pump jar that begs you to slather it from head to toe after every morning shower.

Here’s the ingredients list:

Rice bran oil, apricot kernal oil, argan nut oil, yuzu oil, vanilla oil, camellia seed oil, Brazil nut oil, pumpkin seed oil, pink grapefruit oil, avocado oil

To celebrate World Environment Day, Lina Hanson is donating 15 percent of the proceeds of Global Body Serum (purchased from June 15 to August 15) to the International Rescue Committee, an organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives.

Staying true to her global view of beauty, Lina chose these ingredients not only for their skin benefits, but also for their use in beauty rituals around the world. Behold:

Rice Bran Oil

Used in Japanese culture for centuries. Rice bran oil is said to reverse the effect of aging by slowing the formulation of wrinkles.

Apricot Kernel Oil

The Hunza people of Northern Pakistan use apricot kernel oil, rich in vitamin E, to soften the skin and preserve elasticity and retain suppleness.

Argan Oil

This rare oil, which comes from the fruits of the Argania Spinosa tree in Morocco, protects against premature aging, hydrates the skin and neutralizes free radicals.

Yuzu Oil

Yuzu originated in China and Tibet and has been cultivated in Japan for many years and helps chapped, irritated skin.

Vanilla Oil

Vanilla oil, made from vanilla beans cultivated in Madagascar, is a rich source of antioxidants, which helps neutralize free radicals.

Camellia Seed Oil

Japanese camellia seed oil moisturizes, brightens the skin and helps prevent wrinkles.

Brazil Nut Oil

Brazil nut oil, which hails from the Amazon Rainforest of Peru, is rich in alpha and oleic acids to maintain smooth, youthful skin.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Native to Austria, pumpkin seed oil possesses high levels of antioxidants and can decrease the effects of rosacea.

Pink Grapefruit Oil

Grown in the USA, pink grapefruit oil tones and detoxifies congested skin.

Avocado Oil

Rich in vitamins A, B, D and E, avocado oil soothes skin irritated by dryness, eczema and other skin conditions.

This lovely combination of ingredients slicks on easily and is well-absorbed by the skin. A little goes a long way (I limit myself to about two pumps per leg) if you want to get maximum use out of this special body oil!

I’m completely taken by the yummy orange-vanilla smell (which, actually, is pink grapefruit and vanilla!). I reserve this oil for daytime use, though I think it would be perfectly appropriate for summer evenings. I like that it doesn’t leave my legs greasy (as some thicker body oils do), and I appreciate Lina’s vision in creating her line.

Consider me a Lina Hanson Global Beauty fan all the way from the exotic plains of middle America.

Do you use body oils? What do you look for in a summer body oil? Tell me in the comments below!

 

By Kim Wallace
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