beauty review: yumzezz natural body scrub

yumzezz [yuhm-zeez] noun, plural 1. nutrient rich skin treats that smell good enough to eat & are natural enough for most discriminating skin surfaces.

beauties! who doesn't love dessert or a sweet treat? in my home we always eat something sweet, typically after dinner, everyday. it's truly an enjoyable event and i highly recommend it. :)

but i digress…

i was sent some yummy, inedible, body scrubs to try out from a new brand, yumzezz, and i think they're quite fabulous.

everything in the yumzezz range are handmade and made to order. this ensures only the freshest product possible is delivered to you, and since most of the creations are heat susceptible, they're also packed with cold packs to retain that freshness. you'll also be happy to know that everything is paraben, mineral oil, petroleum, phthalate, formaldehyde and artificial color free {love that!}.

all three body scrub "flavors" were sent to me ~ Coconut Lemongrass, Fruiter, Mocha Crunch ~ and yes, they smell just as good as they sound. i think my favorite is the Mocha Crunch {smells like coffee and chocolate!}, but i like how my skin feels after using Fruiter {which, among other ingredients, contains seeds of fabulous fruits like strawberries, blackberries and raspberries} the best.

Mocha Crunch

Fruiter

Coconut Lemongrass

the freshness of these products really stands out and is appealing to me {i love fresh veggies and fruit and shop for them every few days myself, so…}. also, i love the fact that the founder created the products because she had a need {and want} for products that would help her dry, sensitive skin; she wanted products that would nourish and pamper but still be good for her.

yumzezz is certainly a brand i think you should check out ~ visit the website for all the details, yumzezz.com. enjoy!

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

natural beauty: Pür Minerals Wine Exfoliating Mask

with its "from farm to jar" trademark, Pür Minerals Wine Exfoliating Mask is absolutely lovely. it truly looks, feels and smells {yum} like it was mixed right before being poured into its jar.

this good-for-skin exfoliator contains antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids and gently buffs away rough spots with peach seeds and other fruit ingredients {including papaya, grapes and kiwi seed extracts}, to help give skin a more youthful, smooth and glowy look. 

i was quite impressed with this beauty after just one use {always a fabulous indicator of how well something works, considering i'm always testing different products} and can understand why it's such a high-rated product!

it's recommended to be used 2-3 times a week, and while this is called a mask, the directions don't specify that you leave the product on your face. just rub a small amount onto wet skin to exfoliate, rinse with warm water, then follow with moisturizer ~ my skin loves it!

if you're craving a luxurious, natural treatment {it's also cruelty, paraben and gluten-free, btw}, the Pür Minerals Wine Exfoliating Mask might be something you might want to check out for yourself.

discover all the details at purminerals.com

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

natural beauty: Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer

Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer was put on my radar recently, and because i like and use their products regularly {and have featured their products in past posts, too}, i find myself both curious and excited about it.

i do have to offer full discloser, though…

i've been obsessing over primers lately {Mary Kay, e.l.f., Smashbox, Laura Mercier, and L'Oreal are among a few many in my rotation}. it's kind of strange, since i'm a huge proponent for primers and have always used them, i can't help but find myself being drawn to buying more and more these days…

but i digress…  

i have yet to try Mattifying Primer for myself {i hope to soon}, but from the info i've been given about it, i knew i couldn't keep it to myself. Korres already has a fabulous reputation for their range of healthy beauty goodies, so it's no surprise to learn that their primer boasts a 94% natural, water-based, antioxidant-rich formula {to improve tone, balance and appearance of the skin}, includes ingredients like pomegranate, willow bark and witch hazel water, and is perfect for every skin type {yes, even sensitive and blemish-prone}. it's non-comedogenic and free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, GMOs or tricosan.

clinically proven, the universally-flattering nude Pomegranate Mattifying Primer promises to blend to an invisible matte finish; rice starch aids in absorbing excess surface oil and its light texture allows skin to breath while helping to keep your gorgeous makeup in place.

sounds fabulous, right? have you tried it? 

find out more by visiting korresusa.com {outside the states? click here}, your local Sephora or sephora.com.

info and image provided to me by featured brand's PR company

expert tips for using coconut oil

if your skin is struggling to recover from the cold, miserable winter {or dry, practically rainless "winter"}, no worries…you’re definitely not alone. there is hope, of course, found in an all-natural resource: 

coconut oil!

and it's not only great for skin, but hair, nails…well, actually every part of your body, from head to toe…

Josie Feria, director of operations at Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach recently shared her suggestions on how to utilize this hot beauty multitasker, and the best part? you can find it as close as the grocery store.

take a look at Josie’s tips below and your skin will be back in gorgeous shape in no time...

intensive treatment for dry hair work into wet hair, cover with a shower cap and leave on for up to 30 minutes; rinse and shampoo as usual.*

stimulate hair growth by massaging a bit into your scalp*

to fight frizz use a small amount in your hair for instant control.*

use as makeup remover on your face:, including eyes and use in place of lip balm to treat lips.

massage into cuticles to eliminate dryness and stimulate nail growth

as a body moisturizer, use as you would a normal body lotion for overall treatment, focusing especially on dry elbows.*

 mix with sea or rock salt and exfoliate {mix with sugar for sensitive skin} for a skin-pampering treat.

apply to skin daily to prevent stretch marks and avoid scarring during pregnancy

 apply to skin affected by poison ivy, oak or sumac to soothe irritated skin

rub on feet to hydrate and condition skin; fights athlete's foot and low level fungus.



tell me: do you use coconut oil? if so, how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?; if not, are you going to try any of these ideas for yourself?

many thanks to Josie for sharing such fabulous tips to help us get our most gorgeous skin. here's to the  beautiful spring/summer season ahead!

*ways i've used coconut oil {and i also sometimes cook with it} :)

new beauty: SheaMoisture Dry Oil Mists

to pamper your skin and give it an instant boost of moisture, SheaMoisture offers some fabulous products. and not only are they nourishing to skin, but they're so affordable! now the brand offers Dry Oil Mists, and from the description they definitely sound like they are a perfect addition to the range…

available in 4 scents, each has its own unique and multipurpose benefit. they boast quick absorption on bare skin,are suggested for use as a gloss for hair, and can even be worn as a delicate fragrance.

oh, how i love a multitasking product! 

also, these mists do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, synthetic fragrance or artificial color. lets take a closer look, shall we??

varieties include:

Tahitian Noni & Monoi {Soothing & Reparative} 
features a formula of certified organic shea butter, antioxidant tahitian noni, monoi, and a blend of rich coconut oil, natural floral essences and sweet almond oil.

Coconut & Hibiscus {Brightening & Toning}
made with certified organic shea butter and coconut oil to hydrate and firm skin; hibiscus flower and songyi mushroom extracts brighten and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Lavender & Wild Orchid Healing {Hydrating & Calming} 
this healing, hydrating and calming blend utilizes certified organic shea butter to heal; lavender and arnica to soothe; and wild orchid extract to repair dry, rough skin.

Argan Oil & Raw Shea {Anti-Aging & Softening} 
effectively rehydrates and repairs dull, aging skin. includes certified organic shea butter, argan oil and frankincense & myrrh to nourish and soften skin.

SheaMoisture’s Dry Oil Mists are available at Target stores nationwide. for more info, visit SheaMoisture.com.

info and image provided by PR for SheaMoisture

hair therapy: Herbalosophy Nurture Series

i received the Herbolospohy Nurture Series products from the brand and have been using them for the past couple of months. listen up, beauties…

they are fabulous!

the range includes a balancing, sulfate-free shampoo, a lightweight, paraben-free conditioner, nutrient-infused restorative treatment mask and therapeutic leave-in serum. all four contain camellia and safflower oils, perfect for moisturizing, smoothing and detangling tresses, as well as sealing, protecting and enhancing its manageability.

because all of the products contain hair-loving ingredients, over the time i've been using them, my hair has reaped the benefits. they leave my hair looking and feeling simply divine ~ seriously, every time i use it i can't get over how beautifully soft my hair feels, how nourished it looks, and how fab it smells!

you can get more info about the products, including where to buy, at theherbalosophy.com

products featured sent to me by the brand for review consideration; all thoughts and opinions are my own, i did not receive payment for this review; pics taken by me :)

3 Simple {Thanksgiving-Inspired} Beauty Recipes

thanksgiving is just a day away, beauties! most likely you're looking forward to indulging in your favorite foods, spending time with friends and family and enjoying time off in general.

no matter how many people end up at your gathering, there always seems to be more than plenty of leftovers. Erika Katz, the gorgeous beauty expert and author of Bonding over Beauty, has created some fun, easy and fabulous DIY recipes to turn your holiday extras into an at-home spa day for you and your beauty-loving loved ones.

these recipes are all-natural, will leave you looking amazing...

Banana Cream Pie Mask

sure, with the following ingredients you can make a pie {gluten-free flour for me, please}, but why not use them to also pamper your skin? this mask combats dry skin that comes along with cold winter air.

1 mashed banana
3 tbs. heavy cream
1.5 tbs dark honey
1.5 tbs white flour

to make: mix all the ingredients and put into a pretty jar. when ready to use, apply to face and love the results!

Clementine Hand Scrub

hands also gets dry and brittle from the cold winter {and loads of hand-washing!}, so a gentle hand scrub is always a treat. delicious oranges are rich in vitamin c and alpha hydroxy acids which help to remove dead skin. honey and olive oil moisturize skin, while baking soda acts as a gentle exfoliant.

1 tbs clementine juice
1 tbs honey
1 tbs sugar
1 tbs olive oil

to make: mix together all ingredients; gently wash your hands with the scrub, breath deeply and enjoy this simple beauty ritual. you'll love the difference it makes. :)

Cranberry Mask

yummy cranberry juice is detoxifying for the skin and particularly helpful for those with oily skin, are acne-prone or suffer from psoriasis. cranberries also aide in reducing skin inflammation, redness, and itchy, irritated skin.

1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup seedless red grapes
2 tsps grapefruit juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin

to make: mix ingredients until it becomes a paste. cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes to let the mixture thicken. remove from the fridge, apply and let sit before rinsing off for about 10 minutes.


 i truly hope you'll take the time to pamper yourself a bit this thanksgiving {if not on the actual day, at least this weekend!}; and do remember, loves, that while life is far from perfect, there's always something to be thankful for!

many thanks to Erika Katz for the info. be sure to visit her website, bondingoverbeauty.com!

natural beauty: my current Jurlique faves

i've been a fan of Jurlique for years now and for good reason. with natural ingredients, highly effective formulas and gorgeous smelling products {always a good thing}, it hard to resist the inner and outer {i love their packaging!} beauty that is created by the brand.

 when it comes to cleansers, i have used plenty in my life. the delicious-smelling Balancing Foaming Cleanser naturally cleanses away surface impurities, leaving my skin comfortably fresh, hydrated and feeling soft. it's perfect for combination skin types and a little goes a long way ~ a fabulous benefit when budget is a concern.

to refresh, tone and keep my skin hydrated, i'm crazy about Citrus Purifying Mist. there's little doubt as to why this citrus and aloe-infused, skin-loving fluid is a bestseller and beauty editor fave ~ this mist keeps oil under control, nourishes {it's packed with antioxidants} and is a most fabulous treat when skin {or i, haha!} needs a little midday pick-me-up.

jojoba oil, sweet violet, lavender and lemon oils {among others} compliment the sun-protection of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in Purely Sun-Defying Moisturizer with SPF 15 Sunscreen. i love this lightweight cream because it's an overachiever: it addresses the visible signs of aging skin as well as protects it against environmental aggressors and premature aging caused by icky UV rays.

a facial treat at the end of my day has been to include a healthy dose of Herbal Recovery Night Cream; nourishing and antioxidant-rich {thanks to botanical extracts and vitamin A}, i've enjoyed the benefits of this all-skin-types cream. it's a bit thicker in texture, but not heavy in the slightest; i love waking up with hydrated, happy, glowing skin!

every product from Jurlique is unique and so effective. if you're not familiar with them, take some time to visit their website, jurlique.com, and learn more! i'm sure you'll be happy you did. :)

products featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

natural beauty: Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer

i recently received a sample of the Korres Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer courtesy of BeautyStat.com, and i after using it for about 2 weeks, beauties...

i.

just.

love.

love.

l-o-v-e it!

yes, i've used a few eye primers that i have had great experiences with {not to mention i still have yet to test out a few more before the year ends}, but as of this moment Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer is my must have!

as i said, i received this a sample, but i just ordered myself the full-sized product.

yes. it works that well.

plus, i love that the formula is natural, free of the yucky chemicals, contains antioxidants {to keep eyes youthful, yay!} and does what it's supposed to do: keep my eye makeup looking fab and in place all day. and fyi, i've been sick for a bit, so i can report that it withstood many naps and eye drop-taking...

visit Korresusa.com for more info about Quercetin & Oak Antiaging Eye Primer. try it for yourself and tell me what you think!

natural beauty: Bioelements All Things Pure

one of my favorite skincare brands, Bioelements, recently introduced a new line of products called All Things Pure, and it's pretty delicious for the skin.

there are 4 products in the collection, suitable for all skin types, and all of which have been awarded with the Natural Products Association Seal. take a look...




All Things Pure Cleanser is a creamy, soap-free formula made with a blend of natural bentonite clay that works to cleanse away excess dirt and oils. jojoba seed oil, chamomile and aloe vera helps soothe skin while leaving it clean and soft.




the Eye Oil is unique in that it can be used both around the eyes and on the face. it contains essential oils to give skin (especially around the eyes) a moisture-rich, nourishing treat. i love the yummy lavender scent-- perfectly soothing before bed, and actually energizing each morning (let it soak in before applying makeup).




to keep skin exfoliated and polished, the All Things Pure Scrub is my favorite. it contains curative chinese grains and organic oils (sunflower, jojoba and evening primrose) that scrub away dead, skin-dulling cells. the best thing about it is that the grains actually melt away as it's rubbed into the skin, and the oils leave skin feeling so smooth!




finally, the Moisturizer (rich and emollient, but not too heavy) gives my skin a fabulous drink of moisture with ingredients like purified water and shea butter. i love to use this cream especially at night to wake up with a refreshed-skin look.


if you love organic products, these are definitely worth checking out. each product is wonderful and would work well with your current skincare regimen.


visit bioelements.com for more info.

xo
products featured sent to me for review consideration.<>

hair therapy: L'Oreal EverPure Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner

if you're searching for a great vegan line shampoo or conditioner with a name you're actually familiar with, L'Oreal now has you covered. they've created EverPure, a 100%vegan, sulfate-free haircare system that treats you and your hair to fresh, natural ingredients while keeping your hair color in tact.

i've been using EverPure Moisture Shampoo and love that my hair's moisture and color isn't being stripped away. the fresh scent of rosemary and juniper is so invigorating and i absolutely love the way my hair looks and feels. i'm so happy that it also has a rich lather that is always lacking in other sulfate-free shampoos.

the EverPure Moisture Conditioner comes in a rosemary mint scent that i didn't think i'd like, but i really have found to be pleasant. the creamy texture makes my hair feel wonderful, is vegan like the shampoo, and i appreciate the fact that it contains UV filters to protect my hair from color fading UV rays.

overall, i say these are worth a try. they also come in smoothing and volumizing formulas so if those are your preferences, you're not left out! find the entire line at a drugstore near you and to buy online visit walgreens.com

xo

review: J.Lynne Gloss FX Lip Glaze

it's so hard to find a lipgloss that is long-lasting and keeps lips moist. i have found very few that do it well, but J.Lynne Gloss FX Lip Glaze really got it right with their yummy formula!

i have been using colors from the Neutrals, Peaches & Reds Collections, and wow! am i impressed! each shade is blendable, glides on smoothly and really lasts! i wore Penelope on Christmas, and couldn't believe that i didn't have to keep reapplying it all day-- even after eating. i was thrilled!

i can't even begin to describe how elated i am to have been introduced to these fabulous lippies! you really need to try them too. you can order a full size tube, or if you can also purchase samples (btw, other colors i like from this collection are Sandra, Jennifer and Jessica).

another plus, especially if you're resolving to go-green or want to support domestic brands: J.Lynne products are an indie beauty and mineral makeup company based out of arizona that specialize in natural cosmetics. all of their products are cruelty free and are completely free of chemicals, synthetics, fragrances and dyes.

discover more about J.Lynn products at jlynnecosmetics.com and stay tuned for my review of J.Lynn's mineral foundations and blushes!

xo

photo courtesy of J.Lynne Cosmetics

Easy Beauty Recipes

there is a an amazing need these days to find ways to save money. one of the best ways to do so is to make things yourself. you may be eating at home more often, so why not take that idea a step further, and create your own skincare treats?

click below for ideas:

TotalBeauty.com content:

Natural Homemade Beauty Care Tips

Take control over your skin care (and improve your cooking skills) with easy DIY recipes you can make at home

We present our favorite beauty recipes so you can cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate your skin the easy way. (And for those of you who just aren't DIY-types at heart, we feel your pain; check out the natural store bought alternatives after each recipe.) See recipes

xo

Kimberly Sayer Organic All In One Invigorating Lemon Scrub

mmm...lemon. i love the smell, don't you? it's so fresh and keeps me feeling cheerful even when i am not in the best mood.

Kimberly Sayer Organic All In One Invigorating Lemon Scrub serves as a gentle yet effective exfoliating treatment for the face and body. i think it sounds like a great product to start or end the day with...

it's nutrient-rich blend of pure essential oils and other natural ingredients, exfoliate to sweep away dead skin cells and clear congested pores, leaving skin clean, fresh and invigorated.

exfoliating is so important, especially if you want your skin to look it's best. if you are older, it helps to speed up the cell turnover that, unfortunately, slows down with age. and you want the skin on your body to look just a s good as the skin your face, right?

find more natural products, like this one, at futurenatural.com.


xo

give yourself a treat...plan a spa day!

photo: futurenatural.com

ELLE Top 5: paraben-free body lotions

ELLE Magazine's Top 5 has become one of my favorite features of the mag. this time i share with you paraben-free body lotions from the may green issue. if you're looking for a fabulous natural body lotion, look no further! this list, and all of their Top 5 lists, are voted on by the readers.




although formulated for babies, buttermilk, aloe and sunflower oil give Burt's Bee's Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion a subtle, clean smell and hydrate even ultradry skin from morning to night.









the luscious smelling REN Damask Rose Ramrose Biosaccharide Body Cream has a rich texture that soaks in fast and leaves skin silky soft. also, ramnose sugar stimulates beta endorphin release which together with the balancing and uplifting fragrance from damask rose petals encourages a sense of well-being and calmness.





packed with nourishing plant lipids-- certified organic sunflower, flaxseed and coconut oils-- this completely organic Avalon Organics Hand & Body Lotion has a delicate lavender scent.










so light, but so effective, you can't live without a daily application of Kiss My Face Olive & Aloe Ultra Moisturizer. along with olive oil and aloe, this moisturizer is blended with an assortment of herbs & flowers renowned for their benefits to the skin.








you slather on the vitamin c-rich Aubrey Organics Rose Mosqueta Hand & Body Lotion to moisturize sensitive and eczema-prone skin. organic rosa mosqueta oil, high in essential fatty acids, vitamin e, and other nutrients, plus organic jojoba oil and macadamia nut oil make this a fabulous moisturizer. best of all, it's 100% vegan.









xo


photos: burtsbees.com, renskincare.com, avalonorganics.com, kissmyface.com, aubreyorganics.com
source: ELLE

Science, Nature and Skincare Products, part two

continuing with yesterday's first post on natural vs. technological products, todays products focus on the body and hair...







Carol's Daughter Love Butter
honey, shea butter and brown sugar deeply hydrate for all-over smoothness and glowing skin.








Yves Saint Laurent Body Total Fitness Nutri Hydrating Cream Milk For Body
stimulates cell production, strengthens and restores lipid barrier, and regulates skin hydration.








Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish
ground luffa fruit exfoliates, while jojoba butter and sweet almond oil deeply moisturize.








Chanel Gommage Lissant Revitalisant Smoothing Scrub
firm your skin and correct fine lines with a complex of age-fighting minerals. effectively lifts away dull, lifeless surface cells, while delicately smoothing any rough areas.









Davines Lovely Smoothing Shampoo
natural ingredients like olive oil and rice protein rinse clean and are gentle on hair.










Kérastase Bain Satin 2
glucose, protein and lipids nourish even the driest hair.










so what do you think? natural or high-tech? a mix of both?

if you have any experience with these products, leave a comment and let me know!


xo



source: elle