October Empties

☑ Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer (sample)

I don't usually use primers and I'm not sure this one really did something - at least I didn't notice a brightening effect.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Benefit The POREfessional 

☑ Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Mineral Facial Rinse-Off Treatment

I bought this a long time ago and I must admit I rarely used it. It's basically a clay mask to me (despite its fancy name) and it did nothing special. You could buy a super cheap clay mask at the drugstore and it would work just as well.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Elemis FreshSkin Face Mask Duo

☑ Magical Moisture Quenching Face Mask

Repurchase: no because as far as I know, you can't purchase this mask separately (it comes in a duo with the Deep Clean Purifying Face Mask , which did nothing for my dry skin)

What I'm currently using to replace it: other face masks

☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Foaming Bath

Smells nice in the bottle but almost nothing once poured in the bath. Very average foam that lasts about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care (30mL)

I think this did left my hair softer but I can't really tell as I always use a leave-in conditioner after washing my hair anyway. It has a nice thick texture though!

Repurchase: no, Unilever tests on animals

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto Moisture Soak Conditioner

☑ Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy

Repurchase: no as I'm sure I can find aloe vera products that work just as well at a fraction of the price

What I'm currently using to replace it: George's Light Special Moisturizing Lotion

☑ mark. Mist Opportunity Multi-Tasking Refresher with kiwi/grapefruit 

I got this a loooooong time ago when I became an Avon rep as reps have access to amazing discounts and this was included in a special mark. starter kit. I use this every morning as a toner instead of washing my face with soap because it's so dry, but I don't feel it really did something for my face. I'm glad I finally used it up!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Equate Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes (60 towelettes)

☑ Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub (sample)

At first, I fell in love with this scrub because of its amazing smell and because it's so gentle... but after continuous use, I realized it did nothing for my skin... and it started to make the area around my mouth burn! Maybe I have an allergy to something in this scrub?


Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Bioré Daily Recharging Detoxify Daily Scrub 

Made From Earth Aloe Vera Products

Our line of organic skincare essentials contain the highest possible levels of certified organic ingredients and fruits. We have searched the entire USA for ingredients that meet our earth-friendly requirements and are hand-selected to provide you with exceptional skincare. You will find our ingredients listed prominently on our products and throughout this website. No catchy phrases or deceptive marketing – our ingredients speak for themselves.

I was incredibly lucky to have been given the opportunity to try some Aloe products from Made From Earth to help my eczema - I can't wait to see the results as the very kind Stergios told me these products have helped many people with eczema prone skin. Made From Earth products are organic, natural, vegan and cruelty-free!

Lemongrass Tea Soap $4.99

Contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants to prevent skin damage and cleanse your skin. This lemongrass soap is a citrus blast with an herbal tea undertone. The aroma is designed to sedating the nervous system for soothing headaches and aiding relaxation.

I love a great smelling bar of soap! This one is so cute and smells so good, I didn't even want to use it! I must say I had absolutely no idea of what scent to expect - I wasn't even sure what was Lemongrass exactly before googling it! 

The scent is very pleasant yet subtle. The main aroma is citrusy - sweet and fresh - but the hint of tea prevents it from being too overpowering. In fact, I would have love for the perfume to linger on my body after a shower, but it didn't.

It lathers amazingly well!

My only complaint is that the soap is very small for the price (I can't find the quantity on the website and it's not written on the label), even though solid soaps tend to get used up less quickly than shower gels - not to mention this one produces a lot of foam, so I'm sure it will last quite a while!

Made from Earth soaps are handmade fresh with USDA Certified Organic ingredients. These blends produce a healthy lather and leave your skin soft and supple (I didn't really notice my skin being softer but it sure didn't feel dry!)

Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy $22.99 for 8 oz.

Our best seller! This signature series organic Aloe and Jojoba Nut Creme Therapy contains highly concentrated amounts of Aloe Vera and Rooibos Tea leaves. Rooibos is a powerful antioxidant while the Jojoba nut provides anti-bacteria and preservative properties. Our custom formula of Aloe juice and Jojoba Nut oil create a powerful creme that attacks free radicals and limits their damaging effect on your skin.

Pure Aloe Vera Skin Treatment $14.99 for 2 oz.

This Aloe Vera Skin Treatment should be used for healing the skin from the effects of daily sun exposure. It is the most potent and natural form of aloe vera you can buy in a jar. Deeply moisturizes skin, while the aloe releases enzymes and natural vitamins into your skin. Treatment is recommended for use two to three times per week.

When I received these products, I didn't notice that the Pure Aloe Vera Skin Treatment was in the "Face Treatment" section of the website, and because both products are pH balanced for face & body applications, I used them both on my body and on my face alternatively.

The Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy comes in a simple bottle which makes it a little hard to get the product out - I would have preferred a pump dispenser (especially for the price). The Pure Aloe Vera Skin Treatment comes in a little jar, which is less hygienical - who cares, as your hands are supposed to be clean when you come out of the shower, aren't they? - but easier to use.

I have found them to be pretty similar, also there's a slight difference in the texture. The Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy is less watery than the Pure Aloe Vera Skin Treatment, but it's a little runnier... strange, isn't it?

Here's a look at them, side by side (Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy on the left and the Pure Aloe Vera Skin Treatment on the right):

L - R : Organic Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy and Pure Aloe Vera Skin Treatment

Both have light textures that are quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving a gorgeous sweet smell behind. I would have preferred them to be thicker as I feel they could be even more moisturizing, but they do the job well anyway.

I love how my skin is left pleasantly perfumed and smooth after applying those lotions. I have noticed a slight improvement on the red patches of itchy and sensitive eczema-prone skin on my body, although it's maybe a little too soon to tell how it will work in the long term.

Made from Earth recommends keeping both aloe products in the refrigerator for a "cooling" effect on the skin, as well as increasing the shelf life of the product.

Be sure to have a look at the wide variety of products available at Made From Earth and also "like" them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for consideration to review. I was not paid for this review,  I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Mail of the Week (September 19 - 23)

My prize from Heidi's giveaway: I'm glad I can finally stop worrying whether I would receive this or not as when Heidi tried to post the package, it would also come back to her front door! Look at how everything was wrapped, doesn't it feel just like Christmas? I was amazed to see everything she included in the package:

• ELF Hypershine Lip Gloss Collection
• ELF Shimmer Lip Gloss Collection
• ELF Brightening Eye Color in Day 2 Night
• ELF Brightening Eye Color in Butternut
• ELF Studio Single Eyeshadow in Butter Cream
• Hard Candy Fox in a Box in Spicy & Sweet
• Large Black Z Palette

I'm thrilled to play with everything as I have never tried anything from ELF and Hard Candy before (not to mention they are cruelty-free)! Thank you so much Heidi!

EnvyDerm Lash Growth and Conditioning Volume Mascara: I have never used a mascara designed to improve lash growth, and I was thrilled to be given this opportunity. This mascara is is claimed to instantly increase lash volume, definition and curl while promoting growth, length and thickness with continued use. Oh and have you ever tried a mascara infused with Moroccan Argan Oil? How awesome is that? I'll keep you updated!

Burberry Body Fragrance sample: Some times ago, Burberry were offering a trial size of the new fragrance Burberry Body on their Facebook page. Now I'm not sure if Burberry tests their products on animals (I bet they do) but they do promote fur, which I completely didn't think about before ordering this sample. It smells OK, but it's not really my kind of fragrance anyway.

Made From Earth products: I was sent some Aloe products from Made From Earth to help my eczema - I can't wait to see the results! Made From Earth products are organic, natural, vegan and cruelty-free!

• Aloe & Jojoba Creme Therapy
• Pure Aloe Vera Skin Treatment
• Lemongras Tea Soap

Lara Beauty Anti-Aging Skin Care products for sensitive skin: Lara Beauty products are fragrance free, hypoallergenic and paraben free, and they aren't tested on animals. I'm still not sure if I should describe my skin as sensitive because of eczema, but I figured out I had nothing to lose by trying these products. I was sent the complete line of products:

• Conditioning Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
• Polishing Microderm Abrasion for Sensitive Skin
• Revitalizing Daily Toner for Sensitive Skin
• Anti-Aging Daily Therapy for Sensitive Skin

♥How To Love - Lil Wayne