In all my time of beauty blogging, I've learned that you can't really judge a product by its packaging or it's price. Yes, there are some expensive luxury brands that work well, but you can also find smaller handcrafted products that really give you some bang for not a lot of bucks, like the ones pictured above by Handcrafted Beauty.
The lovely Lyndsey and Raquel (pictured above; the photo is from their website) are the founders of Handcrafted Beauty, a line of natural skincare, created by hand in a home kitchen out of only the best ingredients nature has to offer. These ingredients are selected for their effectiveness, purity, ability to promote healthy nourished skin, and never include synthetic dyes, fragrances, colors or chemicals. The ladies like to tease that they don't test on animals, although they do sometimes test out their products on their husbands :)
I'm so honored that Lyndsey and Raquel offered me an opportunity to test out their Handcrafted Beauty Bundle (it contains a facial cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizing oil), as well as their After Glow Detoxifying Scrub and Mask. It's basically everything you need to begin your Handcrafted Beauty facial routine, starting with the Almond & Honey Cleansing Oil.
The Almond & Honey Cleansing Oil is basically an oil base (coconut oil, almond oil, apricot oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil and jojoba oil), mixed with organic castile soap and organic raw honey to create a creamy, gentle, "beegan" cleanser that removes dirt and makeup, providing a deep clean without throwing your skin off balance. It leaves your skin soft and not too tight, despite the fact that it contains castile soap (just be careful about getting it in your eyes, as it can sting when combined with makeup). It keeps my skin clear and my fine lines less define. It also has a light honey almond scent.
Next up is the Handcrafted Beauty Rose Water Toner, which I, of course, adore. I'm a huge fan of rose water toners, and this one does not disappoint. This combination of spring water, aloe, organic witch hazel, dried organic roses, dried organic calendula and citric acid provides the perfect balance to both hydrate the skin and keep it clear. This toner has antioxidants to protect the skin from signs of aging; it improves overall tone, texture and reduces pore size. It's advised to apply it with a cotton round, but I like to just give my skin a spritz or two. It smells so fresh and lovely.
The Handcrafted Beauty Vitamin C Serum has quite a sparkly container, which made me extra curious about what was inside. Could it be this bright and shimmery? Well, I was only slightly disappointed that the color and shine was really just the outside of the bottle, as the product inside is a more natural pale lemony lotion. However, this light serum really brightens and tones my skin, giving it a youthful glow. I absolutely love this product.
This Vitamin C Serum contains aloe, glycerin, rosehip seed oil, emulsifying wax, vitamin C, vitamin E, soybean oil, organic cranberry fruit extract, organic red raspberry fruit extract, organic blue raspberry fruit extract, organic white willow bark fruit extract, organic alcohol, organic neem seed oil, organic rosemary leaf extract, organic sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil and organic lemon essential oil. It's loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which work to prevent environmental and UV damage to your skin.
The Handcrafted Beauty Daily Moisturizing Oil also comes in a brightly colored bottle, although the product is clear and natural. A little of this hydrating oil goes a long way, as I just dab a small amount with my fingertips on my face and neck. This combination of sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, apricot oil, organic dried calendula, organic dried chamomile and organic red roses absorbs well and is made for all skin types. I tend to use this at night and sometimes during the day. The rest of the line seems to balance my skin so perfectly that my skin doesn't seem to need the extra moisturizer all the time.
Lastly, the After Glow Detoxifying Scrub and Mask is my favorite Handcrafted Beauty product out of the ones I was sent for review. It really is a scrub and mask in one that quickly gets the job done. After cleansing, simply apply a generous amount of this mixture of castile soap, coconut oil, sugar, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, activated charcoal, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, wintergreen oil and bentonite clay to your face and massage it in a circular motion. Heads up that this mask can be a tad bit messy (but fun), as it's texture is more like an oil-based sugar scrub than a mask and its color is quite dark (it has a deep marine blue-green/gray color).
After exfoliating away any dull skin with the sugar scrub, allow the charcoal mask to dry a few minutes to draw out impurities. The mint will provide a refreshing aromatherapy scent and a slight tingle to stimulate blood flow, while the tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that clear your skin. The oils will also keep your skin hydrated, even after you wash this scrub/mask off your face. I highly recommend this mask, especially this time of year when it's prone to sun damage and sunscreen-coated days.
Actually, I highly recommend Handcrafted Beauty in general. I never would have guessed I'd get such amazing results from handcrafted products from a home kitchen.
Have you tried Handcrafted Beauty? What are your favorite small-batched beauty brands? Let me know on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable).
Recently, the gorgeously talented Teri Miyahira (pictured below; this photo is from her website) offered me an opportunity to test out her new monthly subscription service. When it comes to green beauty, Teri really knows her stuff, so I knew she wouldn't disappoint.
For those of you who follow her Instagram or hugely popular YouTube channel, you're probably already aware of Teri's dedication to an all-natural, cruelty-free lifestyle, as well as her exquisite taste (she's worked professionally in the high-fashion industry and with celebrities). In the green beauty scene, she's used the skills she developed in her fashion career to create very curated content in the beauty industry, including for natural brands like Honest Beauty by Jessica Alba. Knowing that high-priced products aren't accessible to every budget, Teri felt it was important to find ways to provide luxury-quality green beauty products at an affordable price.
Teri Miyahira Beauty is Teri's unique business model that combines limited-edition collections with a monthly subscription service. There's an online store with featured green beauty products from her line, as well as like-minded apparel, decor and, of course, the subscription box filled with luxury, all-natural, cruelty-free products personally curated by Teri, herself. With total control over the company, she makes sure there's no skimping on quality ingredients (there aren't any hidden synthetic ingredients), as well as being able to ensure her line is truly cruelty-free (no parent company in question).
Her attention to detail is evident in her latest subscription box. Packed tightly and securely in a tiny black box (this girl really knows how to limit her packaging), I found the most stunning summery makeup shades and a spray toner, protected in a cute reusable drawstring bag. Even the decorative information card suggests that you help conserve by reusing the card as a bookmark, planner insert, etc., and the drawstring bag as a purse organizer or snack bag.
The makeup colors in this box are stunning. I have no idea how Teri knew these are my favorite shades to compliment my summer glow, not to mention the fact that I love anything that makes getting "made up" quicker, easier and more convenient. These Teri Miyahira Crushed Color Roll-On Loose Pigments for Eyes & Cheeks make it simple and convenient to take these loose shimmering pigments with you on the go (these would be amazing on a vacation) and to apply them quick and easily either straight from the roller ball or with your finger.
See how beautifully they roll out of the container. The top shade is Love, a pink coral that glistens when the light hits it. I've used it on both my cheeks and eyes. Next, is Freedom, a glittery taupe that looks way more sophisticated on than those old-school Claire's Boutique glitters. It appears really natural on my lids and beneath my brow bone, like natural light. Last, but not least, is Patience, which is a bronzy gold that's perfect in my crease. It also could work as a bronzer, if applied correctly.
Here's another pic of all three swatched shades. Don't fear the shimmer, as they provide just enough shine without being too much. They don't even accentuate my fine lines, which can sometimes be an issue with shimmery shades on more mature skin.
The June 2016 subscription box also contains the Teri Miyahira Detox Tonique in a 2 fl. oz. spray bottle. It contains ingredients like witch hazel, green tea, lemon, lemongrass, grapefruit, calendula, honeysuckle and coneflower to refresh your skin after cleansing, or anytime you want to experience its benefits. It's advised to use with a cotton round, but I just give it a mist (with my eyes closed, of course). I love the light citrus scent and the way it moisturizes and tones my skin at the same time. I can feel that it leaves a layer of moisture on the top of my skin, as well.
I am beyond impressed with Teri's new products, I think you would be, too. I can't wait to see what she puts out next. Let me know if you subscribe. You can find me on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable).
* Teri Miyahira sent me these products for review.
All opinions are my own :)
Don't you just love it when a company is uplifting and puts a pep in your step. It's even better when their products give you that same feeling. That's how these Live Inspired Organics products make me feel.
I came across the lovely Gina, the woman behind Live Inspired Organics (this photo is from her website), on Instagram. I was first drawn to her positive posts and daily affirmations, but then I saw how she poured her love and gratitude into her handcrafted, natural pampering products. Naturally, when she offered to send me some to try, I responded with a happy and grateful, "yes."
It's no surprise that I tested the Live Inspired Organics Essence of Strawberry Sugar Scrub first, as you know how much I adore a good scrub (recognize the Mirame bikini from my last post? Of course, I care about keeping my skin in tip-top shape for summer). I immediately noticed it's minty fresh strawberry citrus scent and the natural color (there aren't any artificial dyes added to this scrub, so don't expect it to be bright pink). It looks like little wet sand granules, ready to soften and smooth my skin for the beach.
And that's what this scrub does with pure cane sugar*, coconut oil*, sunflower oil*, pure almond oil*, uncut strawberry essence oil, sweet orange essential oil*, peppermint essential oil*, raspberry tea, kosher lecithin* and elderberry fruit extract (*denotes certified organic ingredients). It has a tendency to separate, as there aren't any added chemicals to prevent that from occurring. Just give it a stir and apply it to wet skin in the shower. The rich, luxurious oils keep this scrub from flying all over the place, which means less waste and clean up later. It also moisturizes your skin as you scrub and rinse the granules away. A bit of the oil stays on your skin, giving it a gorgeous glow.
At this point, you probably won't need any extra moisture, but if you opt to use the Live Inspired Organics Essence of Strawberry Body Velvet, you are in for a luscious treat. It not only smells as divine as the sugar scrub, but it also looks like the decadent whipped cream icing on a cake.
Distilled water (I never would have guess it was in there, as this cream is so rich), coconut oil*, 100% natural aloe vera gel, sunflower oil*, beeswax, pure kokum butter, kosher certified soy and non-GMO vitamin E oil, uncut strawberry essence oil, sweet orange essential oil*, peppermint oil* and elderberry fruit extract (*denotes organic ingredients) are whipped into this heavenly body butter that's so thick and creamy that you can hold it upside down without losing a drop. Thank goodness it comes in this tub to make it easy to get every last drop out and all over your skin, which will gladly drink it up (this stuff actually absorbs well and makes your skin incredibly soft and nourished).
Speaking of drinking it up, Gina also sent me some of her LOVE Herbal Tea, which goes so perfectly with her pampering line of products. The combination of organic rose petals, organic damiana leaf, organic orange peel, organic roasted cacao nibs, organic cinnamon chips and organic vanilla bean looks beautiful to the eye, smells sweet, is totally relaxing and tastes exactly like what's in it (although it's also nice to use as a facial steam; how's that for double-duty?).
This loose tea is simple to make by either using a paper tea bag, coffee filter, French press or tea steeping ball. Allow the tea to steep in hot water for 5-8 minutes until your golden goodness is ready to drink.
I couldn't find my tea steeping ball in the moment that I wanted a cup (the water was hot and ready, leaving me with whatever I could find at the time), so I placed a mini mesh strainer on top of my Live Inspired Mug (yes, you can buy one, too). As you can see, I made sure to have the water at a high enough level to sufficiently steep the tea.
This tea tastes like love (I included the above mug photo from the Live Inspired Organics website, because it obviously represents the mug better than my pic). It's sweet, floral and spicy with a hint of vanilla. I can even get a sense of the roasted cacao nibs, and if you're anything like me, you'd have to agree that something chocolate would be included in the flavor of love. The cacao nibs don't, however, taste like traditional chocolate; instead, they provide a very subtle roasted flavor, similar to coffee (but not so much that a non-coffee drinker wouldn't enjoy it).
Last, but not least, Gina sent me her Live Inspired Organics Essence of Strawberry LOVE Lip Balm. Again, it has that minty fresh strawberry citrus scent and a natural color from only organic cocoa butter, organic kokum butter, beeswax, pure almond oil, organic sunflower oil, organic coconut oil, strawberry essence oil, organic sweet orange essential oil and organic peppermint oil. It's firm in the tube, but melts the moment it touches your lips. It feels quite nice. I especially like the oval tube shape, which makes it easy to grip and to fit in your pocket.
Thanks so much Gina for giving me the chance to try your line. I'm so grateful for the opportunity and can genuinely feel the love you put into all of them.
I encourage my followers to try them, too. If you do, let me know your thoughts on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable).
The Fourth of July holiday is only a week away, so I thought now would be the perfect time to highlight Mirame, a sweatshop-free fashion swimwear line that 's made in the U.S.A. out of reclaimed fabrics. The company also "seeks to empower women one bathing suit at a time by offering silhouettes that are both fashion forward and sophisticated, as stated on the Mirame website."
The woman behind the label could also be described as empowering, fashion forward and sophisticated. Melinda Huff is Mirame's founder (pictured above and below; photos are from the Mirame website and Facebook page), a New York native, who convinced her grandmother to let her follow in her footsteps and get behind a sewing machine at the age of only 13. Both of Melinda's grandmothers were seamstresses, from factory sewing to custom dress making for Zsa Zsa Gabor, so I guess you could say her talent and passion was in her genes.
Melinda's creative path led her to Hawaii with nothing more than a suitcase, a sewing machine and a dream. There she began making and selling swimsuits to friends and those who noticed her work. She eventually decided to move back to New York to truly pursue her passion and make her dream a reality by enrolling in FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) at night (side note, I actually got accepted there back in the day, as a dream of mine, but didn't follow through; it's a long story), and securing design internships and jobs in the Garment District. I'm honestly in awe of the fact that she ended up running the sample room and production of famed swimwear designer Norma Kamali before launching her own brand, Mirame (although, I'm even more impressed with her starting her own line; you can read more about the line's accolades and media appearances in the site's "About" section).
Mirame is Spanish for "Look at Me," a command statement Melinda selected to describe her confident, powerful and sexy line. I was lucky enough to receive a new Strappy Bikini Top and Bottom from her Wrapture Collection for review, and I have to admit that it does make me feel confident and ready to show it off. Just "look at me."
Seriously, I actually posted some pics from a photo shoot I did using my tripod and new remote to control the camera on my phone. If you follow me on Instagram, you already know about my remote, this colorful background my parents let me paint on their wall a number of years ago, my swimwear obsession (growing up, I wanted to be a fashion designer, too, mainly swimwear, which is why this post is very special to me), and my amateur fashion photography. It may not be as glamorous as some of the high fashion photos on the Mirame site, but they express how I feel when wearing designs like this.
Since I'm on the topic of Instagram, I love how it gives you a chance to try new things (I'm always finding new products on there), find opportunities (like the opportunity to test out and "model" this Mirame swimwear) and be whatever you want to be on a scale that works for you. For example, when I was a child, I thought it would be cool to have a different job each day of the week, and of course, they were literally "dream jobs." Thanks to blogging and social media, I can write, review products, be involved in the fashion and beauty world, and even model on my own site (maybe Mirame's, too, if Melinda wants to use my photos).
So, here are a couple more pics of me feeling empowered in my Mirame 2-piece. I call this one "Barbarella," as it reminds me of that old Jane Fonda character or Raquel Welch's stance on that vintage One Million Years B.C. movie poster, although I guarantee this suit is more comfortable than their costumes. The fabric is so luxe, and it even has a UPF of 50+ to protect your delicate parts from the sun.
The fabric conforms to your curves (especially the more you wear it and get it wet); it lays nicely on the hips, and doesn't pull-in, creating that muffin-top effect. Also, the color-block triangle top is easy to adjust with traditional strings to tie at the neck and back, which are mimicked in the string detail on the bottoms, making it adjustable, as well.
But enough with the photos of me, here's one of the Mirame models rocking the same suit, but it a different color/pattern. It also comes in a fun, brightly colored combo, as seen on the Mirame website.
This post is already getting a bit photo heavy, but I'll share a few of my other favorite Mirame designs from the site. Above it the bright coral and purple retro-style Glamkini Top and Bottom that's sure to get you noticed.
Sticking with the retro feel, I adore this sculptural Sun Shower one-piece that has a cut-out to give you more modest mid-section exposure. This one happens to be marked down a lot, so you'll have to hurry, if you want to get this suit (only x-small and small are left, as I type this).
Still not sure if you'd like a bikini or a one-piece, then check out this Arlete Monokini, which comes in this classic black, or futuristic gunmetal or gold.
The Patti is yet another way to rock a one-piece with a cut-out, but with a mesh panel to hold everything in tight. It comes in white, black and red. Like the Sun Shower, it's on sale, so be quick, if you don't want to miss out.
The mesh is especially nice on the Night Cap one-piece swimsuit that doubles as a bodysuit, taking you from day to night. You may recall me mentioning it in a recent Instagram giveaway Mirame had with EcoHabitude and Ina Dayle organic body care (I need their mermaid body scrub in my life). I think you can still enter at the time that I'm typing this; if that is the case, here's the link.
You can also purchase this suit, any of the others I've mentioned or another style from the Mirame site, and get 20% off with the code: Rawdorable. It's good until July 13, 2016 on regularly priced and sale items. If you order tonight, you might be able to rock your new American-made Mirame on the Fourth of July. Wear it with confidence and pride.
What's your favorite Mirame design? How does it and/or this blog post inspire/empower you? Let me know on Twitter at @Rawdorable and/or Instagram (also @Rawdorable).
* Mirame sent me this bikini for review. All opinions are my own :)
As you know, my kiddos are on summer break, which means I might not post as much as usual or I may include them in the process. Lucky for all of us, I had recently won Organic Beauty Lover's Earth Day giveaway, which included these organic, cruelty-free, beegan Treat Beauty Old Fashioned Jumbo Lip Balms and Scrubs. My daughter Hayden happily volunteered to help test them out and review them all.
Hayden and I made a girls day out of it. We've been hanging out in our pineapple bikinis (mine is from Pineapple Bikini and hers is from Target) and treating ourselves to these fabulously fun lip products. Just look at all of those tasty Treat flavors in large containers that remind me of old-school Bonnie Bell (but better for you).
I was like a kid in a candy store. Honestly, I can't tell you the last time I've had bubble gum or cotton candy, which happen to be some of my favorite lip balm flavors as a child. I quickly snagged up the Bubble Gum Lip Balm, while Hayden went for the Soft Candy (it's described on the Treat website as a "sweet and fluffy cotton candy, with a touch of soft vanilla. A super-girly favorite!").
Oh my gosh, this Bubble Gum Lip Balm actually smells and tastes like traditional pink bubble gum (it's sweetened with stevia), but it's anything but sticky. It's healthier combination of ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter and vitamin E melt on your lips and make them so soft.
Hayden was in agreement about the Soft Candy Lip Balm. She said it makes her lips feel "smooth, soft and silky, and it smells like vanilla."
These lip balms are seriously addictive, as I must admit that we tried them all. Hayden was ready for a sugar-free sugar rush, staking her claim on Sugar Cookie (it smells like those flower-shaped butter cookies with the hole in the center) and Marshmallow Cream (the scent is closer to a cookie than a marshmallow, but still sweet).
Of course, Hayden had to have the Marshmallow Cream Lip Scrub to match her balm. It literally is a dense sugar scrub encased in a jumbo lip balm container, which made it easy for her to use. I'll let her describe her experience for you.
In Hayden's words, "You rub (the lip scrub) on your lips like sugar, and then you wash it off at the sink. It can get a little messy, but it makes my lips soft like silk. Then, I can apply more lip balm."
Good job Hayden. Now I got to use the Sherbert Lip Scrub (it reminds me more of strawberry lemonade with a strong citrus scent) with the Peaches & Cream Lip Balm (this really smells like peaches and cream). I enjoyed the scrub, as well, and was happy with the results. The Peaches & Cream Lip Balm was a good match for the Sherbert.
Last, but not least, we tested the Confetti Cake and Coconut & Cream (my favorite, as it's extra coconut creamy and dreamy) lip balms. The Confetti Cake smells like a vanilla cake, but there's no confetti to be seen. Instead, it's a feeling you get when you apply this clear, yummy lip balm (it is almost good enough to eat, although not recommended). In fact, all of these lip balms are free from artificial colors, harsh chemicals, and known allergens, including parabens, phthalates and alcohol. They are all natural, USDA-certified organic and made in the U.S.A.
A big thank you goes out to Organic Beauty Lover and Treat Beauty. These lip Treats are perfect for some mommy-daughter time.
Have you tried Treat Beauty? What natural beauty products bring back childhood memories for you? Let me know on Twitter at @Rawdorable and Instagram (also @Rawdorable).
