Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Passion Savon: Natural Handmade Soap

We offer a wide collection of natural handmade soaps, made in the south west of France and full of the creativity and expertise of Nia Hafsia, aromatherapist for over 25 years. We use a cold process method that keeps intact the precious ingredients in our unique recipes. Protecting and preserving our skin, the largest organ of our body is our first priority, alongside protecting and preserving our environment. 
No palm oil - No preservatives - No petrochemicals - No harsh detergents

I was surprised to receive so many samples!


Cranberry & Rhubarb 6,00 € for 01.kg

This was the soap I was the most excited about just because of its color - I mean, look at it, don't you just want to eat it? It's also the best smelling soap of the lot. I didn't know what to expect from a soap containg rhubarb (Passion Savon believes they are the only to use this raw ingredient in soap) but the mix of the cranberry and the rhubarb is actually amazing!

Cranberry contains beneficial Anthocyanin compounds and have one of the highest contents
of antioxidants. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C, a very good source of dietary
fibre and a good source of Manganese and Vitamin K. Cranberries assist in moisture retention
and contribute to lipid barrier protection of the skin, also high in vitamin A and phospholipids.

Did you know that cranberry oil has high levels of omegas-3, 6, and 9 - it's the only oil that has an equal balance of omega-3 and -6, which means that it is immediately absorbed by the skin. 

Rhubarb provides a good source of vitamin C, fibre and calcium. It has also been found to have anti-
oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties and it has a high content of many vitamins
and minerals. These two fruits together are very acidic in their nature, giving this soap a low pH
value, therefore producing a balancing, restoring effect to the skin.



I've always been curious about goat milk's soap because I've heard it's one of the gentlest soap around, and I must say I wasn't disappointed! It's so gentle and soothing and it doesn't leave my skin feeling even more drier. As for the scent, I can't really smell honey or lavender, but mostly cedar, which is a spicy and revigorating smell, but it is toned down a little by the other scents.

This soap is made with only full fat, local, fresh goat’s milk. Goat’s milk has been recognised through the centuries as being moisturising and rejuvenating. If you are a person that has skin problems like psoriasis or eczema (like me!) then this bar could be for you as the essential oils of Lavender and Atlas Cedarwood included in this bar have the reputation of being very soothing and healing. 

Another benefit is that it contains natural alpha hydroxy acid, which has a natural, gentle peeling action on the skin that removes dead skin cells. Therefore, it indirectly is able to improve conditions like acne, spots, blackheads etc. Goat's milk also has high amounts of protein, fat, iron, vitamins C, D, B and A - these beneficial nutrients will nourish and care for the skin with an anti-inflammatory action that reduces redness and irritability. Besides its gentle, calming effect, goat's milk is also widely used to brighten the complexion. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and fragile.

I've always been curious about goat milk's soap because I've heard it's one of the gentlest soap around, and I must say I wasn't disappointed! It's so gentle and soothing and it doesn't leave my skin feeling even more drier. As for the scent, I can't really smell honey or lavender, but mostly cedar, which is a spicy and revigorating smell, but it is toned down a little by the other scents.


Mandarin Yogurt 6,00 € for 01.kg

Because I'm a huge yogurt lover, I couldn't pass on the opportunity to try this soap. I must say I was a little disappointed by the smell though as I was expecting something sweet and fresh at the same time, but I can barely smell anything. The soap itself is really moisturizing and leaves my skin super soft and smooth.

Mandarins are full of vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C that is known to be beneficial for fine lines and wrinkles. It is also a very uplifting, gentle essence, giving a warm, feel good ambience. The recipe is also superfatted with organic Greek yoghurt that nourishes the skin and gives the soap a fantastic creamy, silky lather. It also refines and tightens the skin, its natural lactic acid content softens and soothes the skin - a natural humectant that draws and holds water in the upper layers of the skin making it ideal for treating dry skin.

The soap is both refreshing and soothing, as the essential oils have antiseptic qualities and gently de-toxify and tone the skin and helps to clear pimples and skin blemishes. A soap for dry, dull, normal to oily, sluggish (cellulite), congested (acne) and combination skin.

This soap is said to also makes a great solid shampoo bar for all hair types, which I will have to try!


Oatmeal Cream & Banana 6,00 € for 01.kg

This is a moisturising, extra creamy soap with soothing and healing essential oils including enriched with
organic oats to give a gentle, exfoliating effect and to give the soap an interesting texture. This
old-fashioned soap is very mild and good for all skin types, superfatted with fresh cream, fresh
bananas and honey, it is very luxurious and an absolute pleasure to use.

Despite how amazing this soap felt on my dry skin, I was a little disappointed with the smell even though I didn't really know what to expect - I mean, banana is supposed to smell good, right? But all I could smell is a faint smell of a  mixed spices. I love the texture of this soap though, it's interesting to the touch and slightly exfoliating, which is always a plus!

Banana has cellulose, protein, potassium, provitamin A, macrocells, vitamins C, B, PP and E. It is said that this wonderful fruit (including the skin) can help problematic skin types e.g. psoriasis. Suitable for all
skin types, especially for dry, uneven, rough, dull or damaged skin.


 Chestnut & Chocolate Torte 6,00 € for 01.kg

The soap is coloured naturally with cocoa powder and white French clay and included are essential oils of Cedarwood, Vetiver, Cinnamon Bud and Vanilla absolute with a dash of natural Banana extract. Chestnuts are higher in carbohydrates and lower in fat and protein than other nuts and contain fibre, potassium, iron, zinc and manganese.

When I first smelled this soap, I was expecting a deliciously sweet aroma but all I could smell were woody and spicy notes. I was expecting my skin would be left smelling chocolatey but no, which was very disappointing.

The soap is very rich and moisturising and it leaves my skin really soft.

The soaps lather really well!

Passion Savon doesn't use animal products (except for honey, milk, cream and yogurt) and their products are never tested on animals. All the ranges are suitable for vegetarians and except for the ingredients mentioned above, are also suitable for vegans. Passion Savon never uses raw materials that are gathered in a way that would endanger our planet (such as Palm Oil, which is a cheap “filler” oil that is used in most soaps)

Passion Savon are commited to manufacture the best possible product - but not at the expense of Mother Nature. That is why the ingredients they use are biodegradable, there is no wastage in their manufacturing process and hardly any electrical energy is used as everything is made by hand. Isn't it amazing?

Be sure to drop by their website and have a look at their wide selection of products!

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

Guest Review: Eyesbright ColourVUE Sky Blue Contact Lenses

This post was written by Taygan from Montser Girl


“Eyesbright.com provide coloured fashion eye contact lenses offering a huge range of contact lenses, from natural-look coloured contacts to Crazy Lenses.  
Thanks to ColourVUE’s patented Hydrogel technology, each ColourVUE contact lens offers exceptional comfort and hydration. 
These beautiful yearly crazy sky blue contact lenses add dazzling bright shine to your eyes. Why not include them on your next night on the town?

I was super excited and super nervous when Gaby asked me if I would like to review a pair of contact from Eyesbright. I have always wanted to try some coloured lenses but haven’t ever really decided to take the plunge and just do it. So I thought better now than never right?

I had quite the time searching through all of the lenses they have, seriously the selection is remarkable I had no idea there were that many different styles and colours out there. I had a very hard time deciding! After a few days of deciding I finally thought I would just go with a really crazy blue since you can’t go wrong with crazy blue.

Since I have never worn contacts this is going to be a review from a nervous wreck contact newbie!

While waiting for the package I did some reading on the caring for your lenses as well watched a few videos from Eyesbright that I am very thankful they have available on their site since I had no idea how to actually really put these in! It helped me a lot as well as gave my boyfriend a break from trying to coach me to get them in. I was seriously nervous!


I wasn’t 100% sure on how these contacts would arrive but I was extremely pleased that it came with everything I would need to clean and store them in.

  • Max OptiFresh
  • Lens case
  • Contacts of course!

There was also a little instruction sheet on how to insert the contacts which I must have read over about 10 times. I say the more information the better, I had help from the Website, YouTube videos, blogs and instructions, I was set..so I thought!


My first glance at these I thought they looked really creepy but also I loved the blue! It is a really intense blue! As for the packaging everything was sealed nicely in good quality little jars, you can never be too careful when it’s something to do with your eyes. They have the expiry date printed on the jars as well. These are one year or 90 uses lenses, that is a pretty decent amount of time I think for the price.


I did have a hard time getting the contact to sit the correct way on my finger, it is so soft that it easily bends or flips the other way. I think I actually put one in backwards once because it hurt like hell! I had to take it out immediately.

I can’t say this enough but I really was nervous to put these in my eyes, I couldn’t get them in the first day I tried so I gave up and tried it again a few days later and once you can get the hang of it, it is fairly easy. I kept thinking this would roll behind my eye or something so I was kind of freaking out about that lol but I don’t really know if that is something that even happens? They are just very large when you are not used to opening your eye that much. As well make sure you do not have mascara on while inserting these!

I have gotten the contacts in a few times but I am just unsure of wearing them out.. They look a tad crazy when you actually get them in your eyes! I did want an intense color so I will say this was absolutely perfect for what I was looking for, if you are looking for something natural definitely do not go with these because they are more over the top.


WHOA!! Was my first reaction as I reached for my camera, these are seriously blue! The colour is amazing, intense and a little bit creepy at first! If you look near my pupil I noticed the contact looks as if it isn’t fitting correctly, I don’t have anything to compare it too since these are the only contacts I have ever used but they seemed too large or something? Maybe that’s just how they fit? I am not really sure but it made me feel nervous that they were going to slide off my eye or something. When I did have them in I could definitely tell I had something on my eye, I could see clearly but it did feel strange and I didn’t really get too used to the feeling of them on my eyes but I certainly wouldn’t be wearing them for an everyday look anyways.


Seeing this beside my non contact eye looks a bit odd I know but I wanted you to see how blue these are beside my regular blahh grey looking eye!

The contacts did bother my eyes a tiny bit, I notice they got a little bit irritated but that possibly might have been because I was new at this and I had to try for a bit before I could get them in.

The quality of these seem really nice and I can for sure see them lasting me quite a few uses.

I would definitely recommend these contacts to anyone who loves to play with eye colours. They retails for $28.60 and can be worn around 90 days in total.

The selection has everyday contacts to Halloween contacts, they even have contacts with stars on them! I think they have something for everyone and if you are interested in this kind of thing I would check out their selection! Also, be sure to have a look at their YouTube channel!

Interested in being a guest blogger? Please let me know!

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the product was free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

Lara Beauty: Anti-Aging Skin Care For Sensitive Skin

Lara Beauty was created by Arla Litwin when she turned 45 and couldn’t find an affordable, healthy skincare line to help combat the signs of aging without aggravating her allergies. Kicking up her heels, the Toronto native spent over a year working with a pharmacist and chemist researching and developing formulas, testing them herself, particularly on lines around her eyes, between her brows and on her forehead.  
In 2008, Arla launched Lara Beauty (larabeauty.com)—her 100% fragrance-free signature skincare line, which combines natural and botanical ingredients with gentle, clinically proven anti-aging compounds. 
Having personally had allergic reactions to skincare lotions, Arla’s philosophy extends to providing a complete listing of all ingredients to help prevent fellow allergy sufferers from having any reactions to her products.

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 very kindly sent the complete line of products.

Gentle, botanical-rich, oil-free, fragrance- free Conditioning Cleanser for sensitive skin gently removes make-up and surface dirt without stripping or drying skin. It sweeps away dead skin cells along with impurities that dull the complexion, detoxifying pores andimproving skin’s texture, leaving it cleaned and refreshed.
Cleansers are something I have to be very careful with because it's easy for them to strip moisture of my already parched skin. I didn't have this problem with the Conditiong Cleanser as it's made for sensitive skin, so it's very gentle and doesn't leave my skin with that squeaky clean feeling.


It doesn't foam at all (even if in the instructions, it says to add a little water to create a gentle foaming action) but even if we are conditioned to think that a cleanser/soap has to lather to properly work, it's not true. In fact, a cleanser that doesn't foam tends to be less irritant than one that does. 


This fragrance-free home spa treatment, rich in vitamins A, E and F, gently exfoliates worn and damaged skin to clear pores, remove blackheads and help prevent acne. The anti-aging, moisture-balancing properties of this polishing treatment remove imperfections, even skin tone and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Surface cell renewal reveals fresher, more youthful-looking skin.
I think this is my favorite product of the batch! I usually stir clear of super abrasive scrubs - especially microdermabrasion products - but this one seems different because it has been formulated for sensitive skin.


The texture is just so thick, creamy and perfectly abrasive, but still, super gentle on my dry skin. If I use products that are too harsh on my skin, I can easily trigger eczema flare-ups, but I didn't have any problem with this one. My skin felt refreshed after use, but not tight or dry.

I can't say it totally cleared my skin of blackheads and imperfections but I did notice a great improvment. I will continue to use it and hopefully, my blackheads will be gone for good!

Rehydrate and stimulate repair with this alcohol-free toner for sensitive skin to promote a glowing complexion. Lara Beauty Revitalizing Daily Toner leaves skin feeling fresh and hydrated while restoring the natural pH balance to enhance penetration and absorption of Lara Beauty Anti-Aging Daily Therapy.
I have no idea how I'm supposed to review a toner... in fact, I didn't use a toner religiously until very recently as I've always been told it's not a necessity. I use this toner after my shower to make sure there's no makeup residues on my face and to make it feeling fresh and extra clean, and I also like to use it in the morning to replace my face cleanser when I'm in a rush before school.

Here's a little tip: try storing your toner in the fridge for a refreshing effect (especially in the morning, it helps to wake you up!)

Luxurious and high-performing, this fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin designed to give your skin a youthful, vibrant appearance, can be used day and night. A powerhouse of incredibly effective natural and botanical ingredients like aloe, cucumber, grape seed, avocado, chamomile and mushroom extract, with clinically proven anti-aging compounds rejuvenate, smooth and moisturize your skin, stimulating repair, smoothing fine lines, reducing wrinkles and minimizing age spots. 
This creamy moisturizer spreads easily and is absorbed quickly and completely by the skin.Antioxidants and peptides provide a deep infusion of moisture, protecting against environmental attack and regenerating skin’s natural repair process and radiant appearance while smoothing age-revealing trouble spots.

I absolutely love the consistency of this cream! At first, I was afraid it would make my face super greasy as it's so thick but no, it's absorbed very quickly in the skin, leaving it perfectly moisturized and smooth! Because of its amazing consistency, I like to use this cream day and night.


I like the packaging, it feels luxurious and it's quite sturdy - I don't think it will break if you throw it in your handbag. I'm still not sure how I feel regarding products in a jar, I guess it doesn't really bother me to have to dig my finger in it every time.

Lara Beauty provides free Expedited shipping on all merchandise orders that are CAD $60 and over (excluding taxes). Also, because customer satisfaction is their priority, they accept returns of any product that is at least 75% full, for any reason, up to 30 days after the original sale.

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.

Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips - Results + Giveaway

It is the spontaneous experiences and special moments that make life more exciting, but nothing spoils the excitement of a last-minute invitation than a less than dazzling smile. A smile that stands out and helps make a good impression is important in every social occasion, so if you’re feeling your pearly whites just aren’t up to par, now there is a solution that requires almost no planning in a convenient application for whitening without the wait!  
Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips are the latest, ground-breaking additions to the Crest 3D White collection that promise to deliver instant quick results, making every moment a smile moment. 

Last week I posted about Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips and I showed you a "before" shot of my teeth, and now it's time to show you my results!

What makes Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips different from other whitening strips? They contain an innovative thicker ingredient layer, which provides significantly more enamel safe whitening ingredient that whitens for two hours. The advancements in the Whitestrip structure make it the best fitting Whitestrip ever, including optimized notches for a brighter, whiter smile—faster!

  • Tooth stains are removed below the tooth’s surface, for a brighter, whiter smile—faster 
  • The Whitestrips contain a thicker ingredient layer, providing significantly more enamel safe whitening ingredient which whitens in just two hours 
  • The Advanced Seal Technology, which includes optimized notches that wrap and conform to teeth for improved wear and comfort, make it the best fitting Whitestrip ever 
  • Removal of the Whitestrip is easy and clean, with no messy residue

In one box, you get four treatments that will last one year if you use one every three months. Each doses are individually wrapped in foil paper.


I thought the strips were pretty easy to apply to the teeth and I was surprised at how well they stick to the teeth! I was worried they would maybe move or slip because of the saliva but no, they absolutely didn't budge!

The strips applied on my teeth

I won't lie and say the strips are amazingly comfortable to wear during two whole hours - I could talk but it was annoying to always have something stuck on my teeth. I wonder if it's a little like wearing braces? I can't compare the level of comfort with other whitening strips as I have never used some before.

But does it really work? Here are my "before" and "after" shots:

Before

After

I'm sure you know how hard it is to take two pictures in the exact same lightning. I swear I was in the same room and under the same lightning but oh well! Even in real life, I can't say I really noticed an amazing difference. Honestly, I has super high hopes with this product and I must say I'm a little disappointed. Yes I did notice a slight difference, but I was really expecting super white teeth! My teeth are still yellow even though some stains were removed. Of course, the results will vary from one person to another!

On top of that, I never suffered of any teeth sensivity before but boy, these strips hurt like hell! I was warned by Taygan and Alex, but I thought I would be OK anyway... The two hours went well, then I removed the strips around 4:00 PM but around 7:00 PM, my teeth started aching so bad! I couldn't drink anything and I woke up two times that night because of the pain. By the morning, it was almost gone but still, ouch! I have already gave away the remaining strips because there's no way I will use them again!

Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips are available for $54.99 at mass retailers and drugstores nationwide. For more information and to grab a coupon, visit www.3DWhite.com and "like" them on Facebook.


Want to try these Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips for yourself? Here's your chance!

Rules:

  • This giveaway is open to USA & Canadian residents only
  • You have to follow Gaby's Beauty Blog via GFC (you don't need to have a blog)
  • Blogs made solely for giveaways will be disqualified
  • This giveaway ends on November 14 at 12:01 am.

To enter (mandatory):

  • Fill out the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post

Good luck!!!

Please wait for the Rafflecopter form to load!






This giveaway is sponsored by Crest.

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

*This product is NOT cruelty-free

Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips - Before


My teeth are naturally yellow, and to make things worst, I'm addicted to coffee and tea. I wouldn't say I'm complexed by the color of my teeth but let's admit it - having white teeth is always better, isn't it?

I have tried many kinds of whitening products such as toothpaste and mouthwash but nothing really worked, so when I was given the opportunity to try Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips, I jumped at the chance!

So, what life events would you whiten for in just 2 hours with the Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express, you ask? Well, I have a couple of important things coming up: a new job, a party for the launch of some new Marcelle and Annabelle products and a Halloween party. I thought these events were a great opportunity to look my best!

I am currently wearing the strips as I'm typing this post, so I will leave you with a "before" shot of my teeth and I will report back in a few days with the results... and a little surprise for you!

Yuck, I know!

Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips are available for $54.99 at mass retailers and drugstores nationwide. For more information and to grab a coupon, visit www.3DWhite.com and "like" them on Facebook.

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

*Please note that this product is NOT cruelty-free

Kushyfoot: Massage Your Feet With Every Step

Kushyfoot is the first hosiery brand to incorporate the ancient healing art of Reflexology in trouser and knee highs, foot covers, toe covers, athletic socks, tights and men's socks to massage with every step. 
The massage action works by providing extra comfort through its 3 dimensional padded and wavy design and it provides a cushion between bare feet and the hard soles of a shoe. The Kushyfoot sole helps relieve tension and discomfort in achy feet, thereby helping to relieve stress and fatigue throughout the entire body. These therapeutic socks protect your feet and leave you feeling refreshed all day! 

I was recently contacted by a PR firm on behalf of Kushyfoot legwear which I have never heard of before, and I was super excited to get to try some of their products because I have never tried something similar before.


Soft, flexible faux leather Flats-to-go® are an instant and elegant solution to a perennial need for the relief of sore heels, blisters and scrunched up toes. Featuring an elastic back for a better fit, and a unique, 3-dimensional wavy sole that cushions and massages the foot as the wearer walks-perfect for indoor and smooth outdoor surfaces. They slip neatly and easily into their owner's purse, folded into a cute clear plastic carrier with its own little handles. 1 pack per order.

I have been wanting to try somthing like this ever since they came on the market! Honestly, I wasn't expecting much from them - in fact, I thought they would be super cheap looking - but I was happily surprised!


When you get them out of the super cute plastic carrier, you have to "play" a little with them to relax them, but they are really cute and they don't look cheap at all! 

The finish of the flats is very shiny and I love the textured insole which massages my feet with every step. Also, these flats are actually super comfortable, thanks to the elastic back - I hate when I get blisters from flats because the back rubs against my heels! The little bow in the front is a cute detail.

I don't wear heels on a daily basis but because my job as a sale assistant requires me to stand on my feet all day, I tend to come home at the end of the end with a back ache and swollen heels, and slipping into these flats gave me a little relief.


These Flats To Go comes in a size 7/8 which fits my feet perfectly! They are so lightweight, I even forget I'm wearing something on my feet. 


Kushyfoot Ultra Low Cut Foot Covers with the most discreet coverage ever! An extra toe cushion and a comfort heel pad to protect the back of your foot and keep the product to stay secure in your shoes. Take pleasure in the freedom of bare legs and feel great about not having your foot covers show past your shoe line! 3 packs of 2 pairs per order Assorted Pack includes 1 pair nude, 1 pair black

As low cut as they might be, I'm sorry to have to say these foot covers didn't work with any of my shoes. They would always show up, and the result is not pretty at all.


I seriously tried them with all of my heels and flats but they just keep showing up. Because they are comfy, I still like to use them in my running shoes when I'm working long hours as they bring a little relief to my tired feet.

These shoe covers fit shoe size 5 to 9.


Kushyfoot Lace Foot Covers provide the same cushioning as the Microfiber Foot Covers to protect the soles of your feet and also offer you the freedom of bare legs but with a pretty feminine lace showing thru your shoes to make a dressier look. Wear with heels to the office or with your ballet flats, every day. 3 pairs per order

These shoe covers don't have a pad on the heels but I wouln't wear them in my shoes anyway because they are not low cute enough to not show up in my shoes. To me, lace showing through my shoes is not my idea of a "dressier look" - it's just tacky! 

I don't know if it's just me but I have the impression that these Lace Foot Covers are more padded then the Ultra Low Cut Foot Covers, even though they are claimed to provide the same cushioning as the other foot covers. Because they are so comfortable, I like to wear them around the house. 


The lace detailing is super pretty too! These shoe covers fit shoe size 5 to 9.

Overall, I'm super happy with the Flats To Go (what a genius invention!) and even though the shoe covers didn't work as they were intended to, I still use them regularly around the house or at work.

Kushyfoot offers assorted styles to complement every type of footwear from foot covers, toe covers to trouser socks and sheer knee highs for ladies. Also available are tights, sheer and opaque fashion knee socks. These womens hosiery products are made of soft elastane and premium nylon for ultimate comfort and extra durability.

Other categories include athletic socks for men and ladies, made of a blend of combed cotton, nylon and elastane for added cushion in your sport shoes.


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.

Sigma F45 Buffer Brush

Ideal to apply mineral foundation, loose or pressed powders. Also great to buff colors and obtain a soft, blended look. Natural bristles.

Sigma absolutely knows how to make us feel appreciated. Just look at that pretty packaging:

So cute and thoughtful!

Sigma F45 is a very cute and tiny kabuki brush. From the look of it on blogs, I thought it would be bigger, but it's actually a nice size.

Comparison with my hand

When I first received this brush, I tried it with everything from foundation, blush and bronzer, and because the bristles are so densely packed, I have found it works better with loose powders because it packs on so much products! You can still use it with pressed powders such as blush or bronzer but be careful not to overdo it. It's also great if you're stuck with a blush that isn't very pigmented.


I use the F45 mainly to apply my loose foundation because it provides a natural and dewy finish, but it's also great to buff some harsh lines to soften your overall look.

This brush is not the softest I own, but it's not the worst either. I'm always on the fence regarding natural bristles as synthetic bristles tend to be much softer and, of course, cruelty-free - even though Annie from Sigma told me that they make sure animals are not harmed during the harvesting of their coat.

The Sigma F45 retails for $19 on the Sigma website.

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

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!


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!)


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.

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.