Current Skincare Routine

Of all of products that I currently use on my skin, I've only reviewed one. BUT I'm working on reviewing the rest. This is the routine for my face only. 

I'll start with my morning routine. I don't usually do too much to face as of now. It changes by season when my skin tends to change. It's fall/winter here, so I'm pretty focused on moisturizing! 

Products I'm currently using in the morning:
Derma E Tropical Solutions Facial Scrub
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum
Andalou Naturals Acai+White Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer
Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate
Heritage Store Rose Water
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive (twice a week)
Weleda Pomegranate Firming Serum (twice a week with peel)

From Left to Right: Derma E scrub, Juice Beauty Serum, Andalou Naturals Moisturizer, Juice Beauty Eye Concentrate, Juice Beauty Peel, Weleda Serum

The first thing I do in the morning when I get up is take a shower. I keep the Derma E scrub in the shower, so I wash my face with the steam of the shower around me. Weird, I know. I just feel like it has a better effect on my skin when it's steamy. I use around a pea size amount of this every morning. After I get out of the shower, I apply the Andalou Naturals Moisturizer to face while the pores are still open from the steam. I only use one pump for my entire face. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to list the Juice Beauty Blemish Serum or not because I don't use it every morning. I only use a small amount if I'm having a breakout. If I do use it, I apply it before I put my moisturizer on. The next thing I do is put on the Juice Beauty Eye Cream. I like using an eye cream in the morning to wake my eyes up. Even after I get out of the shower I don't always feel quite awake. I use about 1/4 of a pump total for both of my eyes. This is one of those products where a little goes a long way. I spray the Rose Water on my face once after my makeup is applied. This allows the makeup to set and adds a little moisturizer back into the skin. 

If I'm going to use the Juice Beauty peel, I put that on directly after I get out of the shower all over my face for 10 minutes. After I rinse it off, I put the Weleda Firming Serum on just to calm my skin down from the peel. I won't apply the Andalou moisturizer if I use the peel. That's the only thing I do different if using the peel. 

Products I'm currently using at night:
Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum
Juice Beauty Smoothing Eye Concentrate
Heritage Store Rose Water
a clean washcloth

From Left to Right: Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk, Juice Beauty Serum, Heritage Store Rose Water, Juice Beauty Eye Concentrate

So I start out by using the Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk on my face. I use between 1 and 1 1/2 pumps depending on how much makeup I have on. Usually I can get away with one pump. I use a clean washcloth every night to dry my face. I do this because I'm a little paranoid about facial oils and any leftover makeup that comes off on the washcloth. Next, I use the Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum all over my face. It doesn't take much of this to cover your face (around the size of two peas). If I have a breakout, I'll apply a little extra to that spot. I then put the eye cream on the same as I did in the morning. Then I mist the Rose Water on my face the same as I did in the morning. 

That's everything I'm doing right now. Of course, I'm always trying to find something that's better. If you guys have any suggestions of things I should try, let me know!

xo,
Rachel

P.S. Happy Halloween!! What are you guys going to be? 

NYX Haul!

I decided to splurge a little today at Ulta. I have been eyeing some NYX products lately and I finally gave in and bought them.

 

Top: Triple Eyeshadow Trio in "Baby Pink/Cotton Candy/Spring Flower", Tango with Bronzing Powder in "When Leopard Gets A Tan"

Bottom: Jumbo Eye Pencil in "Cottage Cheese", Retractable Eye Liner in "White"

Top: Retractable Eye Liner in "White", Jumbo Eye Pencil in "Cottage Cheese"

Bottom: Baby Pink, Cotton Candy, Spring Flower, When Leopard Gets A Tan

So first off, I bought the retractable eye liner in white specifically for my waterline. I almost didn't get this until I saw that it was waterproof. I put it on right when I left the store and it hasn't budged since. I'll most likely be going back to get a bunch of other colors since this one turned out to be awesome. 

I haven't tried out the Jumbo Eye Pencil yet, but I got it for the inner corner of my eyes. I thought that it screwed up at the bottom because of the indention, but it doesn't. If I'm doing something wrong and it actually does, please tell me!

I don't have too much to say about the Triple Eye Shadow palette because I own so many of them already. These colors (Baby Pink, Cotton Candy, Spring Flower) are so pretty. I am a purple eyeshadow fiend so this palette was right up my alley. I don't know why I didn't buy it before. 

I saved the best for last. I have been drooling over this bronzer ever since it came out. I absolutely love the colors in it, but that's not why I bought it. It's freaking LEOPARD print!! That is my all time favorite animal print. So ever if the colors sucked, I would have purchased it. Luckily, the color that comes out is beautiful. It's a little shimmery, but I like shimmer. This would probably look better on me if I still had my tan from this summer because it is a little deep. But if you apply it lightly it's perfect. 

The number 1 thing that I love about NYX is that all of their products are Cruelty Free. Which means they aren't tested on animals at all. Big. Thumbs. Up. 

Retractable Eye Liner in White   $4.49

Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese   $4.49

Triple Eye Shadows in Baby Pinlk/Cotton Candy/Spring Flower   $7.99 

Bronzer in When Leopard Gets A Tan   $9.99 

The last two aren't on Ulta's website, but they do have them in store so go check them out!

Total:   $28.58 (after tax)

xo, 

Rachel

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips

So I realized that I should probably come up with some schedule for how I'm going to publish posts. I've just been posting random posts pretty much everyday. Possible schedule:

Monday - at least one makeup post
Tuesday and Thursday - anything
Wednesday - at least one skincare post
Friday - at least one haircare post

Anyways, on with the review! Today, I'm going to review the Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips for Green Eyes. Like I've said, Physician's Formula was one of the first brands that I tried when I decided to go semi-natural/organic. I was really excited for this eyeshadow palette (?). The colors are just so pretty, I mean look at this!

Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist Approved. Fragrance Free. Safe for Sensitive Etes and Contact Lense Wearers.

Since I never really used eyeshadow that often the top six colors (purples and greens) scared me. For awhile I only used the bottom three (the neutrals). I didn't use the foam tip applicator that was included, I used those cheap ELF brushes you can buy from Target. Since the colors aren't separated, it's hard to just pick up one color at a time unless you do use the foam tip. The color pay off isn't the greatest.

 

All in all, this didn't really cut it for me. I like having three colors on my eyes: one color on the lid, an outer corner color, and a highlight under my brow and corner of my eye. They have it 'divided' into three different looks you can make (they had names for each, but I can't remember). I originally thought that the three colors in each section was to create the normal eye look that I would usually do. Wrong-o. The thinner strips are liners. I never really was the biggest fan of using eyeshadow as a liner anyways. So this made it harder for me to try to pick up with a brush to just use as an eyeshadow. 

I'm just not a fan of this product. This is my personal opinion. What doesn't work for me, might work wonderfully for you. 

Where you can buy this:

All Drugstores, $10.95

Walmart

Target

Physician's Formula

Have you tried this before? What do you think?

xo, 

Rachel

Desert Essence Shampoo and Conditioner

Desert Essence is another natural and organic brand that caught my attention early. What attracted me to this company is their packaging. I know, I know, you shouldn't go by packaging. I first picked up the Red Raspberry shampoo and conditioner, then got their Coconut shampoo and conditioner because I heard even better things about it. All of these products retail for $8.99 each. 

 

 

I chose to try the Red Raspberry shampoo and conditioner first because I thought they would smell the best. (which they did) The website claims that they provide moisture to hair leaving it smooth and silky, adds shine, and strengthens hair. I found all of this to be true, plus it smelled amazing! 

I've read amazing reviews on the Coconut shampoo and conditioner. I love the smell of coconut, but my boyfriend doesn't so that's why I held off. After using the Red Raspberry shampoo and conditioner I realized that the smell didn't last past the shower. So happy boyfriend! :) The website claims to provide intense moisture to dry or over-processed hair, smoothes frizzies and restores hair's natural luster, and leaves hair feeling soft and healthy.

The shampoo and conditioner of both acted the same in my opinion. It might just be my hair though. It's not damaged, over-processed, or anything along those lines though. The shampoo had a runny texture to it that I wasn't used to. It also didn't really lather, like most other natural shampoos. I didn't like this at first, but it got my hair clean so I didn't mind it after a few uses. The conditioner was just like any other conditioner I have tried. These were a pleasant surprise to me since they were natural and organic. 

I totally recommend either of these products. The Coconut shampoo and condition stood out to me though. Most coconut shampoo and conditioners tend to work wonders on my hair. 

Most of Desert Essence's products can be bought at Whole Foods, Earth Fare, or any organic market. You can also purchase them straight from their website. 

$8.99 each

Have you tried any Desert Essence products? 

xo, 
Rachel

Andalou Naturals Luminous Eye Serum

In my last post, I talked about the Daily Defense Facial Lotion from Andalou Naturals. I bought this eye serum along with it. I mentioned before that I was having problems with my skin because of allergies. Well, I wasn't just having problems with my skin, I was having major problems with the skin around my eyes. It got dried up, red, and started to crack and I desperately needed something to fix it. I mean, I couldn't wear makeup! Talk about bad day! 

A girl in the Body Care section of Whole Foods recommended this because it was good and wouldn't break the bank at $19.95.

Claims: 
Andalou Naturals Fruit Stem Cell Science renews skin at the cellular level, blending nature and knowledge for visible Brightening results. 

Fruit Stem Cell Complex, Vitamin C, and Goji glycopeptides boost collagen and elastin to smooth fine lines and firm dermal texture, as caffeine from green coffee stimulates circulation to reduce puffiness and help diminish dark circles.

Results: Brightening

Ingredients: 
Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Vegetable Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fruit Stem Cell and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) and Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extracts*, Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Glycopeptide, Lauric Acid, Sodium PCA, Hyaluronic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Caffeine (Green Coffee), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos), Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis and Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extracts*†, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) and Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Extracts*, Laminaria Digitata (Kelp) Extract, Allantoin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil*
*Organic
† Fair Trade
Made naturally without GMO’s, gluten, paraben preservatives, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic colors, dyes and fragrances. Verified Gluten-Free 100% Eco-friendly, Vegetarian & Cruelty-Free

I used this along side the Daily Defense Moisturizer. It did help the dryness. It burned at first because the skin was a little cracked around my eyes, so that was expected. It claims to "smooth fine lines and firm dermal texture", but I didn't really see that. It did work for the purpose that I bought it for though, so that's all that matters to me. If I would have bought it for fine lines, I might be complaining a little more. 

A little bit of this went a long way, I mean it is just for your eyes! It comes in a .60 fl oz tube for $19.95. The price isn't terrible for how long it will last you. This lasted longer than the facial moisturizer did. I bought it around April and I still have some left, granted I stopped using it about a month ago because my eyes weren't dry anymore. 

Where you can buy it: 

Andalou Naturals for $19.95

Whole Foods for $19.95

Earth Fare for $19.95

Vitacost for $15.64

iHerb for $15.33

Have you tried this product? If so, what did you think?

xo, 

Rachel

Andalou Naturals Daily Defense Facial Lotion

I'm going to review a product from one of my favorite natural skin care brands, Andalou Naturals. I have tried many products from this company and most I've loved. This was the very first brand I tried this past spring when I decided to switch to natural and organic products. 

Today, I'm going to tell you about the Ultra Sheer Daily Defense Facial Lotion with SPF 18. I originally bought this in the spring because I have bad allergies and my skin gets dry and cracked. It's just not cute. Since I bought this they have changed the packaging. The box it came in was just as colorful as the picture below, but the bottle was completely gray with just the writing. 

Claims: 

Andalou Naturals Advanced Fruit Stem Cell Science renews skin at the cellular level, blending nature and knowledge for visible Age Defying results. 

Perfect for sensitive skin, this ultra-sheer SPF facial lotion provides essential moisture with proven broad spectrum protection. Fruit Stem Cells and BioActive 8 Berry Complex help defend against UV and environmental damage, while stimulating healthy cell renewal for optimum age-defying benefits.

• Sheer lightweight coverage

• Comfortable for everyday

• Wear alone or under make-up

• Proven UVA/UVB protection

Results: Age Defying

Ingredients:

Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Vegetable Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate, Octyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fruit Stem Cell and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Glyceryl Monolaurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate (Licorice) Extract*, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Resveratrol, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Laminaria Digitata (Kelp) and Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Extracts, Allantoin, Epilobium Angustifolium (Willow Herb) Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) and Calendula Officinalis Extracts*, Hyaluronic Acid, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut), Borago Officinalis (Borage) and Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Oils*, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea), Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) and Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis Extracts*†, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) and Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Oils*
*Organic
† Fair Trade
Made naturally without GMO’s, gluten, paraben preservatives, petrochemicals, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic colors, dyes and fragrances. Verified Gluten-Free 100% Eco-friendly, Vegetarian & Cruelty-Free

I found that this moisturizer did everything it claimed and more. I used this every morning in the spring (when I bought it) and all through summer. My skin soaked it right up and it drastically changed my skin. It wasn't dry and cracked anymore. 

The consistency of this moisturizer is the same as most others are. It goes on very sheer, as the name of it suggests. It comes in a 2.7 oz bottle. 

I ran out of this probably around a month ago (early September). It was pretty good timing because my allergies go down when it starts to cool off outside. So this tube lasted me around 5 months, which sounds crazy but a little of this goes a long way. So it's worth the $14.95 that you pay for it. 

I did not repurchase this only because I found their Oil-Free Moisturizer at TJMaxx and decided to try it out. I like this more than the Daily Defense, but that's a whole other review. Come spring, I might repurchase this though. 

All in all, this is a great moisturizer for me in the hotter months. I would definitely recommend this if you need an organic/natural moisturizer with a SPF in it. 

Where you can purchase:

Andalou Naturals for $14.95

Whole Foods for $14.95

iHerb for $11.49

Vitacost for $11.72

Have you tried this yet? If so, what did you think? Have you tried any of Andalou Naturals products? 

xo,

Rachel

High Five for Friday

I am so excited that it's finally Friday. Five things from this past week:

1. Finally got my haircut. I always feel so bald when I get a haircut and my hair is around 4 or 5 inches past my shoulders lol. I was really needing it though, so I broke down and went. So glad I did!

2. I've been blogging for over a week now! Woohoo!

3. Me and the boyfriend tried out a new restaurant here in town. The name doesn't make it sound like a restaurant... more like a farm animal food store lol. It was Mark's Feed Store! The name is so deceiving, but it was so good! If you are ever in Louisville and want some barbecue, go to Mark's Feed Store! Yum-o!

4. I bought some new organic face products Tuesday and I can't wait to try them out and review them.

5. I had 3 exams and a quiz this week... Wop wop! Thumbs down! I feel like it did pretty good on them considering the subjects though. (Primates, East Asian Religion, European History)

What has been going on with you this past week? 

xo, 
Rachel

Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk

The Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk is by far my favorite product that Juice Beauty carries. For $22 this is a great deal considering a little goes a long way. The Cleansing Milk comes in a plastic bottle with a lockable pump that contains 6.75 oz. It is a part of their Daily Essentials line. I bought this because it claims to cleanse and take makeup off. 

Organic juices of vitis vinifera (organic white grape juice)*, rubus idaeus (organic red raspberry juice)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe juice)*, vegetable glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, organic plant oils of carthamus tinctorius (organic safflower seed oil)*, helianthus annuus (organic sunflower seed oil)*, sesamum indicum (organic sesame seed oil)*, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond oil), vitis vinifera (grape seed oil), cetearyl alcohol, gluconolactone, cetearyl glucoside, sorbitan stearate, sodium benzoate, botanical extracts of calendula officinalis (marigold flower extract), chamomilla recutita (chamomile extract), tilia cordata (linden flower extract), boswellia carterii (frankincense extract), tocopherol (Vitamin E), ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C), panthenol (Vitamin B5), xanthan gum, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, allantoin, sodium hydroxide, citrus aurantium dulcis (organic sweet orange & sweet neroli)*, chamomilla recutita (chamomile) and boswellia carterii (organic frankincense) pure essential oils *certified organic by a USDA approved agency

* = Certified organic ingredient

This face wash does everything it says it does. I use this every night to remove my makeup and cleanse my face. I had never used a creamy face wash before, I had only used the gel type. On a regular makeup day, I can use about a pump and a half. That will take off everything, including mascara and eyeliner. (I don't use foundation though, so if you're interested in this and you wear foundation you might want to use a cleansing towelette before. It might take off foundation, I've just never tried it.) If I'm wearing a ton of eye makeup, I'll use two pumps. Usually one and a half gets the job done though. 

Before I tried this I had only used the gel type cleansers and I hadn't actually seen one that was creamy. The best part about this being as creamy as it is, is that you don't need a moisturizer after using it. It's so so so hydrating. Before, I had a night cream and a day cream because my previous cleanser dried my skin out so much. Now, I don't know what to do with them because I don't even need them! 

I bought my first bottle of this in the beginning June and it lasted me all the way to mid-August. So if you think about it, $22 really isn't that bad considering how much product you are getting. When I was getting close to the bottom of my first bottle, I checked on eBay to see if I could find anything. I'm cheap, what can I say :). I ended up finding someone with two bottles starting at $15! There wasn't anything wrong with them, the person just didn't care for the texture. One was open, but they had only used a few pumps and the other was still sealed. I ended up getting them for $24, just $2 more that you would pay for one bottle. What. a. steal. 

You can purchase this from Ulta, Juice Beauty, and even eBay if you get as lucky as I did. You should definitely try this if you get the chance to, you won't be disappointed. 

Have you tried any Juice Beauty products? Have you tried a creamy cleanser? Tell me!

xo, 

Rachel

Juice Beauty Tinted Moisturizer

When I heard that Juice Beauty carried a tinted moisturizer, I had to have it. Before I got this tinted moisturizer I was using the Physician's Formula Tinted Moisturizer that I reviewed in this post.

Juice Beauty is one of my favorite brands for natural, organic skincare products. Pretty much all of my products that I use morning and night on my face is from this company.

So I finally got the courage to spend the $29 for the 2 oz. of tinted moisturizer. I purchased mine at my local Ulta. if you don't have an Ulta, you can purchase their products on their website. (Juice Beauty).

I picked up the one in the color sand.

Active Ingredient: titanium dioxide 10% Inactive Ingredients: Organic juices of pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, vitis vinifera (organic white grape juice)*, punica granatum (organic pomegranate juice)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe leaf juice)*, cucumis sativus (organic cucumber extract)*, camellia sinensis (green tea leaf extract), vegetable glycerin, glyceryl stearate, helianthus annuus (organic sunflower seed oil)*, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E), sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, phospholipids, panthenol (Vitamin B5), allantoin, cera alba (organic beeswax)*, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (Vitamin C), iron oxides, benzyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, citrus aurantium (petitgrain), cinnamomum camphora (ho wood) and citrus reticulata (mandarin) pure essential oils *certified organic by a USDA approved agency

* = Certified organic ingredient

EVERY DROP FEEDS YOUR SKIN

This 4-in-one hydrator blends chemical-free SPF 30, minerals forcoverage, and antioxidant rich grape, aloe and pomegranate juices for a radiant, protected, even-toned complexion. A Daily Essential for all skin types.

WHO SHOULD USE IT?

Juice Beauty's SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer Sand is designed for all skin types and especially beneficial for normal, dry or mature skin.

BENEFITS

Multi-tasker that provides: Light mineral glowing coverage; chemical free spf sun protection; rich moisturizer, powerful antioxidants to feed the skin.

I was really excited for this tinted moisturizer because I had loved the one from Physician's Formula. I figured that this would be just as good if not better. I had high hopes because of all of their other amazing products. First of all, it has an SPF of 30, which is great! I put this on after I washed my face in the morning and let it set for around 10 minutes before I put on the rest of my makeup.

When you first squeeze it out of the bottle, you can tell it's super thick. Big thumbs down for oily skin! (The picture provided on their website makes it look creamy.) I still gave it a shot though. 

It felt thick when you put it on, but it wasn't as bad when you let it soak in a bit. If you like the dewy look, you shouldn't need to put any type of powder over it. If you're like me and have oily skin, you're going to want to put a powder over it. (I like to have a matte finish when I leave my house just to be sure that I don't look extra oily by the end of the day) Anyways, it wasn't so bad looking on the skin when you first leave. I did notice that when I got home and looked in the mirror (probably 4-6 hours later), my face was a little on the orange side and you could see a line between my face and neck. Oops.

So the next day I tried it I made sure to bring it down to my neck and not look like a complete freak by the end of the day. I gave it two weeks before I completely ruled it out. 

As far as coverage goes, it doesn't cover anything. I mean, it is a tinted moisturizer so it gives a tint. On me, it gave me a little bit of an orange tint as I already described. So don't buy this for coverage by all means. 

This was just not for me. Maybe if I had the lighter color (Ivory) it wouldn't have looked as bad, but it still would have felt the same. I do not use this anymore for obvious reasons, but I can't bring myself to get rid of it because it was $29 and maybe I'll give it another shot sometime down the road. 

If you have dry or normal skin, this would probably be great for you. It just didn't work for my oily skin. I would recommend the Physician's Formula Tinted Moisturizer if you have oily skin like me.

Juice Beauty link for the product
Ulta link for the product
You can occasionally find good deals on eBay too. 

xo, 
Rachel

Monthly Must-Haves

I'm going to start a series called Monthly Must-Haves. It's basically just going to be a list of things that I've been eyeing at the store and really want, but don't have (yet). 

1. Mini Fall Festival Necklace from Madewell     $35
Perfect fall necklace!

2. Mini-Bow Studs from Madewell     $18

Are these not the cutest things ever?!

3. Mini-Bow Ring from Madewell    $15 (also in brass)

Can you tell that I like bows?

4. Retro Lady Cateye Sunglasses from Unique Vintage     $12

5. Pure Maracuja Oil from Tarte Cosmetics     $46

6. Juice Organics Brightening Shampoo from Juice Beauty     $9

    Juice Organics Brightening Conditioner from Juice Beauty     $9

Juice Beauty is an amazing company that uses all organic ingredients. I've really wanted to try these hair products since they're new to the company and well... I love hair products!

7. neutralEYES Eyeshadow Palette from Tarte Cosmetics     $44

    neutralEYES Eyeshadow Palette Volume II from Tarte Cosmetics     $44

I have been dying to get my hands on some of Tarte's eyeshadow palettes. They all have beautiful colors in them and these two just so happen to be my favorites right now. I just haven't gotten the courage to spend the money on these guys. 

8. Cosmetic Trio in Baroque from Vera Bradley     $40

I love Vera Bradley for cosmetic bags. They're always the perfect size. 

9. Faux Fur Trimmed Moto Jacket from Forever 21     $39.80

I am such a sucker for any kind of animal print and this jacket is just amazingggg!

10. Moonlit Owl PJ Set from Forever 21     $12.80

I love owls!!

Well those are my Monthly Most Wanted for October. Do you guys have anything that you've been wanting? 

xo, 

Rachel

Physician's Formula Organic Wear

When I first started to look into more natural and organic products to use Physician's Formula was the first one I thought of when it came to makeup. I have quite a few products from Physician's Formula, but I thought I would split it up so it wouldn't be a terribly long post. So I'm going to start out with the products that I have from their Organic Wear line. 

1. Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer in Light to Natural
2. Organic Wear Loose Powder in Beige Organics
3. Organic Wear Lash Boosting Mascara in Ultra Black Organics
4. Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara

Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer in Light to Natural (1.5 fl oz. at $11.95)
Description from website:
   - Lightweight tinted moisturizer hydrates skin and evens out skin tone with sheer and natural coverage.
    - Infused with Organic Fruit Water to help nourish and restore skin’s moisture balance.
    - SPF 15 naturally protects skin from environmental damage for healthy looking complexion.

One of the main reasons I got this was because I don't like foundation and I wanted something with a little bit of coverage, plus it has SPF 15. This is honestly one of my favorite products from Physician's Formula. I wore this everyday during the summer and its perfect. It's not heavy like some tinted moisturizers or BB creams. When you apply it and smooth it over your skin, it instantly soaks in and it won't budge. (I advise if you get this, apply in sections aka cheek, forehead, nose, chin etc.) I like to use this with the Loose Powder to have flawless skin. It would be fine alone if you don't have acne scars and dark veins on your face like I do. It's not sticky, it doesn't make your face oily (I have very oil skin), and it looks good on. 
Grade: A

100% Free of Harsh Chemicals. 100% Free of Synthetic Preservatives. 100% Free of Parabens. 100% Free of GMO's. 100% Free of Synthetic Colors. 100% Free of Synthetic Fragrances. 100% Cruelty Free.

http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/face/tinted-moisturizers/02156.html

Organic Wear Loose Powder in Beige Organics (0.77 fl oz at $13.95)
Description from website: 
   - Combines the performance and coverage of a foundation with the blendability and natural finish of a loose powder.
    - Innovative sifter lid in the jar allows for mess-free application.
    - Natural kabuki brush and mirror included. 

To do honest, I didn't pay full price for this. I found this at Ross Dress for Less for $4.99!! Holy cow was I excited. (If you're interested in this product check at your local Ross, I've seen these at every one I've been at.) Anyways, about this product. I have tried other loose powders that were natural before and they made me break out and I was allergic. So I didn't have high hopes for this, but it turned out to be amazing. I love the packaging too. Most other loose powders leak through the sifter as it gets moved around and you open it and theres product everywhere. This one has a downward cap thing (I don't know what to call it) that holds the brush that is included. So when you take the cap off you lift the downward lid and see the sifter without a bunch of leaked through product because it's sealed. That's my favorite part about this product. The brush that is included is stiff and not usable in my opinion (I'm used to my extremely soft Ecotools though). The loose powder goes on the skin well and doesn't look a bit cakey. I can usually get away with only one layer if I'm using the tinted moisturizer. I use this powder everyday. 
Grade: A+

100% Free of Harsh Chemicals. 100% Free of Synthetic Preservatives. 100% Free of Parabens. 100% Free of GMO's. 100% Free of Synthetic Colors. 100% Free of Synthetic Fragrances. 100% Cruelty Free.

http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/face/loose-powders/02140.html

Organic Wear Lash Boosting Mascara in Ultra Black Organics (0.26 oz at $9.95)

Description from website:

    - 100% saw enhanced lashes INSTANLY!

     - 1st Ever 100% Natural Lash Boosting formula enhances the appearance of lash length, thickness and volume for dramatic lashes instantly and long-term.

     - Delivers ingredients to the base of lashes for best results!

     - 93% saw thicker & longer looking lashes instantly! 92% saw extended & fuller looking lashes after 4 weeks! *Based on individual perception of results of a panel of women wearing Organic Wear Lash Boosting Mascara.

     - Hypoallergenic. Fragrance free. Ophthalmologist approved. Gluten Free.

This mascara is the bombdigity! This is my favorite mascara ever. You can build it up and have some huge lashes. Everything they claim is completely true. I usually put on a layer, switch eyes, then go back over with another layer. You can completely just put one layer on, but I like to have long and thick lashes. It doesn't flake by the end of the day either like some mascaras do. My lashes are actually soft with the mascara on too. I can go on and on about how amazing this stuff is. I can't wait to try its counterpart either (Organic Wear Lash Boosting Jumbo Lash Mascara). 

Grade: A+++

 100% of the Total Ingredients are from Natural Origin. 44% of the Total Ingredients are from Organic Farming.

http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/eyes/mascara/07561.html

Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Mascara in Black Organics (0.26 oz at $9.95)

Description from website:
    - Revolutionary 100% Natural Origin formula contains the purest ingredients and provides 5x Lash Boosting for lash length, volume & definition naturally.
     - 100% Recyclable Eco-Brush defines each lash with ultra-soft plastic bristles.
     - Hypoallergenic. Safe for Sensitive Eyes and Contact Lens Wearers.

So first of all, this mascara sucks. I got this because it has good ingredients and it claimed it was hypoallergenic, which is what I need. This made me want to go back to the mascaras with the crappy ingredients. It didn't "provide 5x lash boosting". It didn't really do anything. My lashes were stiff, hard, and flakey by the end of the day. The inside dries out extremely fast also. I could keep going on and on about how much I dislike this, but I'm going to spare you. 
Grade: F

100% Free of Harsh Chemicals, Synthetic Preservatives, Parabens, Clumping, Smudging, Flaking, Fibers & Dyes.

http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/eyes/mascara/01063.html

Physician's Formula

xo,
Rachel