Bioderma Sensibio Micelle Solution Review

I know just about everyone has heard of or spotted this popular makeup remover. It's the Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution. It's actually the first product I've ever tried from Bioderma, just because I heard so many great reviews about it. It's a bit pricey at $22 a bottle, but for the amount of use I get from one bottle, I'd say it is of better value than $9 makeup remover wipes that come in packs of 20 or 30. I can't remember exactly how long my bottle has lasted, but it was well over 2 (or 3?) months with use on a daily basis. 

Bioderma's Sensibio is a micellar solution of which the main ingredient is water, and it has been formulated to be safe for sensitive skin, while removing even the most water-resistant makeup. It also claims to maintain the skin's pH balance.

I love that this is fragrance and alcohol free, two ingredients I try to avoid putting directly on my face. I've used this as a makeup remover daily for the past few months and found that is doesn't feel like it dries out my skin, and it doesn't leave a sticky residue. For reference my skin has been very sensitive in the past but is somewhat normal-dry-oily now. I do come across products from time to time that break me out, but luckily this has not broke me out! This isn't effective enough to completely remove my waterproof mascara, and only lightly removes my eyeshadow and liner (I prefer to use an oil-based product for the eyes), but it is able to remove the rest of my foundation, bronzer, and blush. I usually saturate a cotton pad enough and then gently wipe the face. The more saturated the cotton pad is, the less pressure I need to put on my skin when wiping it. It doesn't sting my eyes, but I prefer to avoid the eye area regardless. It is also great when you make mistakes in the morning while applying makeup because it is not oil-based. I have used this and a q-tip, let it dry, and then fixed my mistake perfectly. The only downside is that I've found that occasionally my cheeks feel a little sensitive after use, and using a makeup remover is an additional step in your nightly skincare routine, especially if you are used to just using a cleanser to remove makeup. Oh and not a good idea to use it in between lip swatches :p was a bit too drying on the lips. Overall, it is great for normal-dry skin and slightly sensitive skin, for those who want to easily and effectively remove their makeup with a water based remover.

Ingredients:

WATER (AQUA), PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, RHAMNOSE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, DISODIUM EDTA, CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE.

Bioderma Sensibio can be found in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale.ca, and may be available on Amazon for international shoppers.

Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Nourishing Facial Cream

Sibu Beauty is a natural skincare company that uses a very special key ingredient in their product line. Sea buckthorn berries, from the Himalayas. You may have never heard of this type of berry before, I know I hadn't, but it is actually known as the 'beauty berry' across Europe and Asia, and contains many beneficial ingredients for the skin. Sea buckthorn contains '190+ bioactive compounds that restore, revitalize, and protect skin from the inside and out'. The berries contain powerful antioxidants and essential fatty acids including Omega 7, which is rare and plentifully found in sea buckthorn berries. Omega 7 is ideal in achieving and maintaining healthy skin, nails, hair, and weight. See more on the effects and benefits of Omega 7 here.

Sea buckthorn is such a unique berry because of all it's benefits. Although I didn't believe this at first, I did some research and they have indeed documented many different health and skin benefits of the berry. You can read a bit more on the science behind sea buckthorn berries here, it is way too much to type!

Sibu Beauty's Sea Buckthorn Nourishing Facial Cream is suitable for all skin types and is directed for use in the daytime, however I used it for both day and night. The face cream is said to help boost collagen production and create a healthy and natural moisture barrier. It also promotes tissue recovery and healing, restore blemished skin and contains 100% natural ingredients. After reading about all the great features to this moisture, I was so excited to try it! 

My first impressions of the nourishing facial cream is that the bottle is frosted glass and on the heavier side, but it is compact and sleek. At 30ml/1 fl oz., there is not as much product in it as I would have hoped, but after using it for a month it seems I'm using it slower than I thought I would, which is good. The pump is easy to use and I usually use 1 1/2 to 2 pumps for my face. It is a light yellow cream with a medium thin/thickness, and it doesn't absorb instantly but it feels very lightweight. It has a light citrus + earthy scent, There is no SPF, which is a bit odd for a cream that claims for daytime use (seeing as everyone wants a cream with SPF so they can skip a step!), but I didn't mind that as I usually just get my SPF from my bb cream or foundation.

It is light and can be worn under makeup with or without a primer, and I didn't notice a difference in oil production throughout the day. A huge factor in skincare is whether or not it has broken me out, and I am happy to announce that this did not break me out, it also didn't sting or burn my skin! I've also been using this cream at night too and found it to be hydrating enough (at least during the summer). I haven't yet noticed any major changes to my skin but it looks healthy and clear, as I have not have any major breakouts since using this. I love that many of the ingredients are natural and feel safe applying the cream to my face knowing that it contains many skincare benefits.

I will definitely consider repurchasing this facial cream, and am interested in some of their other products such as the toner, eye cream, and 100% sea buckthorn seed oil. Unfortunately, their products are not readily available in stores, but they can be found online at SibuBeauty.com, Well.ca and TheShoppingChannel.com! They've also recently introduced some of their products to select Loblaw locations in Canada. The nourishing facial cream is $20.95 for 30ml/ 1 fl oz.

This product was received for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

Beach Day Essentials

It's not often that I take a trip to the beach.. I'm much rather into the adrenaline rush of riding around on the back of a motorcycle (or my own, one day soon). Also it's not like I have a choice in the matter.. my bf will not give up a sunny day of riding to go to the beach! I do however, have a few (okay more than a few) essentials that I have in mind for a full day's trip to the beach! Sometimes you just want to bring your entire makeup collection, but you know you will never get a chance in the day to even use it all.

Here are some of the things I NEED to bring on a trip to the beach, just "incase", or I will end up regretting it if I don't...

ACCESSORIES

Bikini

Well, duh! To be honest, I have actually forgotten to bring a bikini before, and it sucks having to buy an expensive (and usually ugly) one down at the beach or a shop nearby. Don't forget the towel too!
F21 Bikini Top (Summer 2014), F21 Floral Bottoms (Last Season, Summer 2013)

Cheap Pair of Sunnies
I picked these Prada lookalikes up on eBay for about $3 with shipping. Of course took a month to get here but it was well worth it! Affordable sunnies are great to bring to the beach because you don't have to worry about misplacing them, getting them stolen, or sitting on them!
eBay Baroque Sunglasses

Compact Hair Brush
How tangled my hair gets when I can't brush it or maintain it during a day outside is ridiculous. This one was from a beauty box last year but any compact brush will do as long as you are gentle with combing through your hair.
Beauty Box 5 Compact Brush

BODY

Sunscreen

No sunscreen in your bag... you might as well just go home! The importance of sunscreen cannot be stressed enough by everyone. Protecting yourself from UVA+B rays will not only help prevent signs of aging, it will help reduce risk of skin cancer. If you hate applying it, you're not alone.. buy a mist or spray. Vichy's Capital Soleil is light and easy to apply, feels very comfortable and non-sticky on the skin.

Vichy Capital Soleil Invisible Mist SPF30*

Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant 
I wear a lot of black and white, so it's ideal for me to use a deodorant or anti-perspirant that prevents white marks or yellow staining. Especially in the summer, when a lot of skin is exposed. Nivea's Roll-On Anti-Perspirant is clear so you don't have to worry about white marks on your clothes, and is also supposed to prevent yellow staining.
Nivea Invisible For Black & White Roll-On Anti-Perspirant

Bug Repellent
I'm a bug and mosquito magnet, so I always need to remember to carry around bug spray. I once was bitten 6 times on one foot within the span of a minute.. at 1pm! I swelled up and had a hard time walking for days! I found out the hard way that these blood suckers don't just come out at night like I thought.. OFF Smooth & Dry Repellent has a powdery texture and a pleasant scent so it is comfortable to wear all day long, but unfortunately runs out quickly.
OFF Smooth & Dry Insect Repellent Spray

Hair & Body Mist
The Be Delectable line of Hair & Body Mists (avail. at Target) have very minimal ingredients, with no parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, etc, is made in Canada, and is safe for both the body and hair. Being in the water all day will wash out your favourite shampoo and body wash scent, so you might need a refresher!
Be Delectable by Cake Hair & Body Mist in 'Coconut & Cream'

EYES

Waterproof Mascara
Because even though it's waterproof, all day in the water (or even worse, sweat) can fade your mascara application. I like to bring a backup just incase I need to reapply for the evening.
Maybelline Rocket Volum Waterproof Mascara

Eyeshadow Palette + Brushes
A small and compact eyeshadow palette will be light and small enough that it doesn't take up too much space. It might come in handy if you are planning on a night out afterwards and aren't going home. This Annabelle Quad has neutral colours that are very useable, especially when only carrying 2 brushes: one to apply colour and one to blend.
Annabelle Eyeshadow Quad in Chai Chai Chai*
Sigma E25 Blending Brush, Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush

FACE

Light Foundation
A light foundation for covering up red spots while protecting the skin from UV rays is a necessity for the beach. I can't go without foundation, and don't like to wear SPF underneath, so I may as well use something that incorporates them together!
Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup SPF15 in Light 100*

Concealer
A tiny concealer, like this Yaby Refill in Buff, is super compact and because of it's creamy texture it can be applied with just a finger! Great for touching up under the eyes, or red spots.
Yaby Concealer in Buff

Contour Colour
A contour cream pigment can be applied with fingers to the hollows of your cheeks and to contour the nose. This will give a contoured effect and will look just as good as bronzer, but you won't need to carry around the brush.
Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow

Lip Balm
Your lips can burn too, so a lip balm with SPF will help to prevent chapping and burns. The higher the SPF the better!
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15

Oil Blotting Sheets
I tend to get really oily throughout a day in the sun. Oil blotting sheets are light and super handy for blotting areas that you don't want to shine.
Jean Pierre Cosmetics Oil-Absorbing Facial Tissues

Yes, I will bring all of this stuff with me on a full day trip to the beach! It seems like a lot, but as long as you are not travelling by bus, it is all easy to bring along. 

What is essential for you to bring to the beach?

Revlon Colorburst Matte & Lacquer Balms

I've had these balms for quite a while but as you can see I really only use one! It was actually the first one I'd purchased, and probably my favourite lip balm/stain ever; Sultry. These Revlon Colorburst Balms are available in a variety of colours, and 2 different formulas. Lacquer and Matte. My personal favourite are the matte balms because of the higher pigmentation they give my lips, but I am a fan of the entire line. Here I have 2 lacquer and 2 matte to share with you, 2 of which I have picked up myself and the other 2 that I have received from Revlon.

Both the lacquer and matte balms claim to be moisture rich and come in 10 different colours each, a total of 20 different colours for these balms! This gives you a ton of options in 2 finishes.. there is bound to be something that will be suitable for you and your lips. They both also contain a triple butter complex of shea, coconut, and mango butter to nourish the lips. 

All of the shades I have are pretty much variations of red: Lacquer in Enticing, Lacquer in Provocateur, Matte in Standout, and Matte in Sultry. The balms come in a twist-up crayon type packaging, which I absolutely love because they are fun and easy to apply. There are only 2.7g or 0.095oz of product in them, which is about a third of the packaging *boo*. BUT it doesn't take much product to apply an even colour on your lips, so it might take longer than expected to finish a tube of one of these. The one thing I dislike about the twist-up packaging is that they are so easy to twist up, I'd hope that they don't end up twisting up in my bag and smooshing into the lid! (doubt that would happen, I'm over exaggerating) but you get the idea.

The Matte Balms are my preferred type of balm because I don't like adding too much shine to my lips. They glide smoothly onto the lips, and don't take much pressure at all to apply. I have been able to apply an even and very pigmented colour every time. The matte finish is perfect on my lips and looks very satiny. They are not overly drying, but I do prefer to apply a balm beforehand. They are cooling on the lips and smell minty, which I love because I hate that original lipstick smell (and taste). They stain well on my lips and I don't even feel like I have to apply throughout the day, even after eating and drinking. I would say they wear for the majority of the day. I couldn't give you an exact time but I usually apply it once and never again until the evening, only if really necessary! Of course there is a bit of fading, but it isn't overly noticeable. 

The Lacquer Balms don't stain well like the Matte, so you can't go all day without reapplying this one. They do not glide on just as smoothly as the Matte balms and the pigmentation is slightly lighter on the lips. The stain the lacquer balms leave is very subtle, unlike the deeper stain of the matte balms. These are also cooling on the lips and have a minty scent. They have quite the shimmer to them and I try to avoid shimmer so I won't emphasize my already big lips. They would probably be ideal for someone who is looking for fuller and glossier lips. 

The minty feel that these balms give might make your lips feel dry, so I suggest using a balm beforehand and anytime throughout the day. Of course the colour will transfer onto a cup or napkin, but the matte was less likely to look like it had transferred off of my lips. Overall, I do not think they are very similar considering the higher shine but less pigmentation in the lacquer balms, and the stronger staining power in the matte balms.

L to R: Revlon Colorstay Lacquer Balms in (1) Enticing & (2) Provocateur, Revlon Colorstay Matte Balms in (3) Standout & (4) Sultry

The first photo is swatched heavily and the second is the stain the balms leave when rubbed off with a tissue. The matte balms had more of a stain and showed up stronger on the lips.

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Enticing

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Provocateur

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Standout

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry

Overall, I'd recommend trying out a colour in both formulas to see which one you like best, and is right for you. Personally, the matte balms are my favourite atm and will be buying some new shades, but likely will not in the lacquer formula just because of personal preference!

Have you tried the Revlon Colorburst Matte or Lacquer Balms? What did you think of them, or which ones are you looking to pick up?

2 of 4 of these balms were received for consideration. The other 2 were bought myself. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

Herbal Essences Naked Collection

Herbal Essences has recently launched their new Naked Collection for the hair featuring 3 lines: Naked Volume, Naked Moisture, and Naked Shine. The products I have here are mainly from the 'Naked Volume' line which has a slight larger product selection... but I am not complaining! Volume is the biggest struggle I go through everytime I wash my hair. The entire Naked line prides itself on no parabens, heavy residues, or dyes.

Naked Volume: Shampoo

The Naked Volume Shampoo is one of my favourite products in the collection. It doesn't leave my hair feeling weighed down and it has a nice fresh citrusy scent. It is paraben and silicone free with no added colorants and contains white grapefruit and mint extracts, but it does contain SLS. I thought it lathered well and my hair felt light and clean afterwards in comparison to more heavier shampoos. I wouldn't recommend it for those who are looking to add moisture or tame frizz, however, because it didn't do that for me.

Naked Volume: Conditioner

This is a paraben free formula as well, but the scent is not as strong as it is in the shampoo nor is it as sweet. It didn't leave my hair feeling super soft and I didn't find it to be anything special.

Naked Moisture: Cleansing Conditioner

I was so excited to see this product but in the end i wasn't too happy with it.  It was very thick and felt heavy on the hair. I felt like it weighed my hair down and didn't cleanse it at all. I had to wash it the next day because it just felt like it was greasy and still dirty. It might be more ideal for coarser or thicker hair, or hair that doesn't need much volume. I thought it smelt like the conditioner but much fainter (they both have stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol as the 2nd & 3rd ingredients), and not pleasant and fresh like the volume shampoo. 

Naked Volume: Volumizing Souffle

I don't typically like foaming products that are made to volumize after showering, but I actually like this souffle. It says it is weightless and volumizing which I can agree with. I apply it to my roots on damp hair. It didn't give me huge hair but it definitely gives me a noticeable lift. It also doesn't feel sticky or crunchy once it's in the hair which is a hugee reason why I don't usually use these types of products, so yay. It didn't weigh down my hair and was very light. When I didn't use this after one wash, I seriously regretted it when my hair was dry because I noticed it lacked the volume that I'd just started getting used to! Although the line does claim free of parabens, this souffle does contain a menthylparaben. 

Naked Volume: Flexible Hold Spritzer

Can you say beachy waves!? I used it in the photos in my post here, very sparingly and then combed my fingers through afterwards. It smells citrusy like the shampoo, but a little too much of alcohol (being the first ingredient). It doesn't make your hair crunchy, and gives you a light hold. It's ideal for creating beachy waves, and I would recommend using it only on the ends of your hair not at the roots. 

Naked Shine: Sheer Shine Mist

I'm not totally sure if this really does anything for my hair. It is suppose to be lightweight, and nourish and condition your hair while adding shine. I found myself going a little overboard with spraying it to try to get the shine effect. I did see some shine with continuous sprays.. or opening the bottle and dumping a little into your palm (heh). It is slightly sticky which I don't like but it smells minty and refreshing and is a great pick me up for wet or dry hair. 

Naked Volume: Dry Shampoo

The Naked Volume Dry Shampoo has natural tapioca which claims to absorb excess oil. At first I was so frustrated because the formula was very wet when it is sprayed out and I couldn't see or feel any powder. But then!! I kept trying and trying and it finally worked! I saw the white powder and felt it in between my fingers, finally! It revived my oily 3-day old hair and surprisingly worked similar to my Batiste dry shampoo. I had to work it in to hide the white residue but I did notice my hair had more body, and looked cleaner, but left my roots feeling a little stiff. 

Herbal Essences Naked Volume, Moisture, and Shine collections are currently in stores where the brand is sold and the products in the collections are priced very affordably, I believe everything is within the $4-10 CAD range, and maybe if you're lucky you can catch them on sale! My favourite collection would have to be Naked Volume, as that is what my hair desperately needs, and my favourite products were probably the Volume Shampoo and Volumizing Souffle, so if you are thinking about what to pick up, those are my first recommendations!

Disclosure: I am a #BeautyUnited blogger. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events, but the opinions on my blog are always 100% my own.

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster

Searching forever for a product that will self-tan my face without harsh or unnecessary ingredients, I was ecstatic to discover that Clarins had finally fulfilled my wishes with their new Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster!..or so they say. I must have not been the only one searching for something to tan the face without looking too unnatural or splotchy. I saw a ton of bloggers post photos about the launch event and blog posts about this product and although pricey at $30 CAD, I knew I had to pick it up and see if it lived up to its claims. Summer was on its way and I was just so sick of being pale, it was time to try something new.

The idea of this product is pretty revolutionary and I have never seen anything like it before, and I'm not just saying that! There are a ton of self-tanners available for your face, body, or face + body, but there are none that can be added into your moisturizer with a tiny dropper. A huge plus is that it can give you buildable colour; you can add as many or as little drops as you'd like to your moisturizer.

Ingredients:

Aqua/Water, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), Alcohol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Erythrulose, Xanthan Gum, Caramel, Citric Acid, Ethylene Brassylate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

Instructions on how to use this is to pump your regular moisturizer into your palm, and then push 3 drops of this stuff onto it, mix it in with you hands, then quickly apply to the face. It is important to wash your hands after thoroughly. I didn't once and I had this brown stain under my index finger! This can be used during the day or night, but I'd prefer to use it at night so it doesn't interact with my makeup/primer for the day. It does have a light scent (that damn DHA!) but it's quite faint when mixed with moisturizer. It did not break me out, I like that it contains plant extracts and the simplicity of ingredients. It did give me a golden glow that is buildable. I apply a different amount every night depending on what I think I need, but typically 3-4 drops to start and then 1-2 drops a night to maintain the colour. The colour... isn't very strong, but definitely does work on my pale skin. I have been using it to match the light tan on my body which I've achieved by applying Vita Liberata's 4-7 Day Tan Mousse and it matches perfectly. It isn't streaky or splotchy as far as I can tell, but it does fade quite quickly.

Pros:
- You choose how much of a tan you want based on how many drops you use and how frequently
- Scent isn't overpowering
- Adds an instant glow

Cons:
- Fades quickly, have to apply daily
- Can stain hands easily if not rinsed properly

The Golden Glow Booster gives you a glow that might be too yellow for someone with strong pink undertones (I have a warm yellow skintone). It is foolproof to use as long as you mix it in your palms with your moisturizer, and I love that your colour can be "made-to-measure". I've used it with 3 different moisturizers (a light, a gel, and an all-natural) and have had no problems, so you don't need to use it with only a Clarins moisturizer. It kind of saddens me to see the amount of product disappearing because it is so pricey. I also wish it wasn't an every night type of deal, I'd prefer something I'd only have to apply weekly, but the ease of application makes me not mind so much!

Feb 2015 Update: Just re-purchased yesterday for a Shoppers bonus points event! I tried a different self tanner that worked better but didn't seem to do well with my face. I love how this one works with a moisturizer and will be using it until I find a cheaper replacement, but it did last quite a while.

What do you think of this new innovation? Have you tried Clarins Golden Glow Booster? 

Soap & Glory Heel Genius Review

Soap and Glory Heel Genius: Amazing Foot Cream is a saviour for those with dry feet in need of moisture. It comes across as one of those gimmicky and overpriced foot creams that don't work because of it's fun packaging, but it works to add moisture and even gives your feet a 'cool and revived' feeling.

This foot cream claims to renovate your rough feet and cuticles overnight, containing "allantoin, glycerin, macadamia oil, menthol, bilberry, and orange and lemon fruit acid smoothers". Instructions are to massage over clean feet every night (or whenever you remember) and wear cotton socks overtop (but you don't have to, I hate socks in bed!). I've always had problems with my feet being too rough or dry, so I was happy to be able to try this out and make a smooth transition into summer.

The order of ingredients slightly differ from the US version (which is all I could find online), but the majority of ingredients are the same: 

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Urea, Allantoin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Acer Saccharinum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Menthyl Lactate, Menthol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Dipropylene Glycol, Fragrance (Parfum), Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Geraniol, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)

After testing Heel Genius for weeks and even getting my grandpa to try it out, we both agree that it is very moisturizing and love that it has menthol and gives your feet that cooling feeling when applied.  Can you believe that my grandpa said he liked it and wanted one of his own? :p But it did take me a little while to love! I wasn't in love with the scent or the thick texture, and I found it took a little while than I wanted to absorb into the skin. It is slippery upon application and my feet instantly look and feel moisturized. I'd recommend giving them a bit of time to dry if you are applying them in the morning, but at night I just hop right into bed and apply it before sleeping. The scent was a little weird to me, like... flowers and clay mixed together, or maybe it's just the light green colour that makes me think of clay :p Regardless I didn't really like it at first but scent isn't an important factor to me and I have gotten used to it.

This cream would be ideal for colder and drier months, but the cooling effect makes it easy to use during the hot summer months as well. As I said it is slippery, but I wouldn't say greasy. It just does not absorb instantly so you will still feel it on your feet for a bit afterwards. It is thick so I wouldn't use it on any other part of my body besides dry spots like elbows or knees.

Soap & Glory Heel Genius is a little expensive for a foot cream at $18 USD for 125ml/4.2oz but you don't need much for each application so it should last you longer than you think. It does have beneficial ingredients and extracts which is great for those who are skeptical about products that don't contain anything good for the skin. I have been using it everyday for a month or so now and the tube still feels quite full. I would definitely recommend this for anyone with dry or chapped feet that need moisturizing, don't mind the clay-flower scent, and want to improve the look of their feet for the summer days!

I received this great foot cream for consideration. All opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by any affiliates.

KonaKare Lip Butter Balm Review

I discovered these lip butter balms through a beauty event by BlushPretty last May (2013). What initially suckered me into buying one was the all natural ingredients list and the amazing flavours they had to offer. Seriously, there are only 3 flavours; Peaches and Dream, Chocolate Peppermint, and French Vanilla, as well as an unscented 'Original' flavour, but they all smell delicious enough to eat! I actually enjoy The Original and French Vanilla the most as they smell the most yummiest to me.

If you haven't already heard of KonaKare, it is a small company focused on natural lip and body care run by a couple, Mikayla and Nadim, right out of Toronto. Their balms and other products are all hand crafted, and hand poured, they've actually poured well over 10,000 balms with just the two of them! Products are made in small batches to ensure your purchase is fresh, and only natural ingredients are used -meaning no harsh chemicals, and they are also cruelty-free! You can take a look at the simple ingredients list below..

Ingredients:

Sweet Almond Butter, Mango Seed Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax, Monoi De Tahiti Oil, Organic Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Flavour and a Whole Lot of Love.

After purchasing the French Vanilla balm at the Beauty Board Event and receiving another in my Swag Bag for attending the event, I was so in love with these balms that I purchased another bundle of 4 from their website. It arrived quickly and included a personalized note on a hand decorated card which I thought was a really cute and thoughtful touch. Including personalized notes are definitely a great way to show customer appreciation :)

Kona Kare's tubes actually used to look like these (above), but were recently changed to slimmer tubes and also (sadly) I think includes slightly less product. I prefer the older packaging, in the 'regular' black tubes rather than the new skinny tubes and I hope that they will think about bringing them back! The older tubes were basically just a standard lip balm tube, but it was just easier to remove the lid and apply quickly than the newer ones. Along with the packaging change, the formula was actually slightly altered and Argan Oil was added to the list of ingredients. 

So what do I really think of them? Well since discovering these a year ago, I've been using them daily because they feel so smooth on my lips. Glides on like butter, and absorbs into my skin and is long lasting which surprised me considering they are such slippery and buttery balms. It feels light on my lips, and completely non-sticky which are huge factors to me when purchasing any lip products, so I was really pleased about that. My lips feel relieved from any dryness after applying. They are moisturizing and as I mentioned before, smell (and taste..) delicious! 'The Original' is again, flavour and scent-free, and I love to wear it to bed when I don't want to smell or taste any specific flavoured balm (it just makes me hungry). Also like to mention that the taste does not bother me like some lipsticks or balms do. The balms are a bit pricey at $12 each or $40 for a pack of 4, but they are currently on special for $8 each or $20 for a pack of 4 which is a much better deal ;)

KonaKare Lip Balms are available on their website with free shipping within Canada! However, if you are international, they do ship worldwide, but shipping costs vary from $8 to the US to $20 to the UK, which might only be worth it if you intend on making bit of a larger order. I am happy to have found this local and natural company and will continue to purchase their balms in the future.