It's Saturday morning. I had planned on having a nice sleep-in today. You see, sleeping late is a luxury these days. I am sure you can relate. If you can't relate - if you manage to spend your mornings drifting in and out of sleep whenever you so choose - consider me green with envy.
Why am I not snuggling in bed? My neighbour decided to start vacuuming at 7:30 this morning. I think she has a bit of a vacuuming obsession. Not joking! She vacuums every day. And it's not just once a day, sometimes it's twice or three times a day. During the week, I don't mind her frequent vacuuming. I am usually too busy to stop and notice. But the vacuuming on the weekend is really starting to test my nerves. Now, she used to hold off till about 9 - 9:30. You know what, I was able to live with that. But lately, it is getting earlier and earlier! To wake-up - just after 7am - to the sound of a vacuum is infuriating. I hate to admit it, but it makes me want to march right over to her house (we live in a semi-detached) and grab that vacuum out of her hand. Once in my hand, I envision tossing it into the street where a passing bus would drive right over. I know I am being over-the-top but I just want is one quiet Saturday. Is that really too much to ask for?
Anyhow, I didn't act on my angry impulses. Instead of lying in bed fuming, I got up and hit the laptop to write. And today, I thought I would just dive right into some reviews. I just grabbed three products from my bathroom. I have been meaning to write about these for a while. So here goes:
Product Review #5
What: Sweet Almond Oil
Brand: Aura Cacia Organics
Price: Approx. $12.00 - 15.00 (I notice price varies depending on store)
Almond oil - to be honest - I've never considered putting almond oil on my skin before starting this project. In fact, I don't think I really knew it existed before my natural product pursuit. The first time I heard of its use was in Gillian Deacon's book (There's Lead in Your Lipstick). Since I first read about it, I've noticed it popping up on different "natural product" websites.
Here is a blurb from one website:
Almond oil is an excellent emollient and moisturizer. As an emollient it nourishes and softens the skin helping to keep it smooth to the touch. Almond oil is similar in composition to the oil baby's excrete to keep their skin and hair healthy. This composition is beneficial to protecting and conditioning your skin no matter your age. By helping the skin stay healthy it promotes a youthful skin complexion.
Heck, doesn't every gal want to promote a youthful skin complexion? Intrigued, I decided to give it a whirl. I started using this product right after the shower. I simply rubbed the oil all over my skin while I was still damp. I read that this helps lock in water from the shower for natural hydration.
Now I must say that at first, I was worried about feeling greasy. But my skin actually soaked up most of the oil. I found that if there was residual oil, all I needed to do was wipe it off with my towel. I really like this product as a moisturizer alternative. I find it really works for me. Now keep in mind that I am currently using this during winter. This is a time when my skin is really dry. I am not sure it would work as well in the hot, humid summer months. We shall have to see.
What about scent you ask? Not much of a smell at all associated with this product. But you can change that if you want. You can actually take your favourite, organise, skin-safe essential oil and add it to the bottle. I tried this with lavender and really liked it. Just think, you can customise your moisturizer! Nice.
As for what I don't like about this product? I don't like that it comes in such a small bottle. I also don't like the price point. It feels hefty for the amount of product you get. I mostly use this as body moisturizer and find I go through it quite fast. I am actually trying to find organic sweet almond oil in bigger bottles. So far the search has been without success.
Other uses aside from body moisturiser? I have also used sweet almond oil as a make-up remover and facial moisturizer. After a couple uses, I eased off on using it on my face. What I do now is mix it with a regular face moisturizer a couple times a week. I apply it before bed. I find it helps during the harsh, dry winter weather.
So what does this product get for a rating?
Note and Precautions
- Almond oil is not safe for use on people with nut allergies.
- Even though it is light in colour, almond oil can leave stains on clothing and sheets.
- Bitter almond oil is toxic unlike sweet almond oil and pure almond oil
- Almond oil can go bad. Store in a dark cool environment and refrigerate after opening
Product Review #6
What: Facial Cleanser (Cleansing Milk)
Brand: Weleda Gentle Cleansing Milk
Price: $21.00 (price varies depending on store)
If you have been following my attempt to reduce my chemical burden, then you've likely heard me mention my sensitive skin. No way around it, my skin is screaming sensitive. It always has been and always will be. It's because of my sensitive skin that I found this particular product swap so difficult.
It took me years to find a facial cleanser that did not irritate my skin or make me break-out. Trial and error eventually lead me to Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. I love this product and have no complaints. You know, I would likely still be using it if it wasn't for this project. Turns out, it gets a poor score on EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database ( http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/). According to Skin Deep - some of the ingredients can cause endocrine disruption and other such unpleasantness.
So why Weleda? This product is also mentioned in Deacon's book, but that is not why I chose it. I chose it because it is German. My husband is German. We often head to Germany to visit his family. When there I often use his mom's products. Hey, sneaking a little shampoo or cream here or there is no big deal. I like to call it international product exploration. As a result of my sneaky testing, I have discovered that many of her products are fabulous. So I thought I couldn't go wrong with trying this German product for my first cleanser swap.
According to the company's website, Weleda is the name of the Celtic goddess of wisdom and healing. The company's mission appears to be the delivery of products that help not only the body but the spirit. I kinda dig that.
Weleda also has an abundance of international accreditation and is recognised as a leader in natural health. It also appears to have clear standards for products:
- No synthetic preservatives
- No synthetic fragrances
- No synthetic chemicals
- No synthetic anything
So yes, this product comes with a solid resume. But does it work? Yes, oh yes, it does!
I am going to gush here. I may even giggle. I love this product. I love pretty much everything about it.
The packaging- simple yet sturdy.
The scent - clean, but also relaxing! I love the lavender scent. It is just so inviting and delightful.
The way it works - no break-outs, no irritation, no drying. Just clean, fresh, happy skin!
The only downside at all when it comes to this product is that it is more expensive than Cetaphil. It is also hard to find. Not every natural store sells it. But I am overlooking those two drawbacks. You know you love a product when you actually look forward to using it! In the morning it wakes me up in the most calming and pleasant way. Before bed, it feels like a mini-escape to a spa. Oh, I know, it is just a cleanser. But it is such an enjoyable cleanser! I am sold!
So what rating shall I give my new found favourite cleanser?
You got it! It's a kiss frenzy. Full gusto product love-fest! This cleanser is smooch-tastic. It's lip-smacking marvellous. You can call me crazy, but yes, I can't wait to wash my face with this healthy little product!
All the love aside, I have to admit I would like the price point to be a little lower. A girl has to watch her spending in these tough economic times! But will the price stop me from buying it? Not at all. I shall skip the latte in favour of clean, healthy skin! And with that, I would like to give this product a fabulous five out five kisses!
But wait, don't leave me! I have one more product review for you! I will try to keep this one short. It is Saturday after all! I should do something other than pound away on a keyboard!
Product Review # 7
What: Face Cream
Brand: Green Beaver (Boreal Face Cream)
Price: 12.00
Face cream. I love it! I have my favourites, but like everything else I have been using, they do not help reduce my chemical burden. So I am experimenting with alternatives.
I just happened to spot this little product in a health food store I quite like. I decided to give it a try because I recognised the brand and liked the price point.
You might recall that Green Beaver made the shampoo I recently tried. I was not a fan of the shampoo, but I liked the fact that the company is Canadian. So I decided to give this cream a try.
Green Beaver says that this cream is filled with extra rich shea and cocoa butter that will replenish
tight, dry skin caused by cold Canadian winters. Sold! While the winter temperatures this year have been higher than usual, my skin is still taking a beating. Dry, itchy, blotchy skin all thanks to old man winter! Yuck.
I have to say that this cream is non-greasy and quick absorbing. It also feels rich and full of moisture when slathered all over my face. As for my sensitive skin, it didn't make a mess of it at all.
This product has minimalistic packaging. The product is also free of nasty perfumes and overpowering scents. It is just simple and basic. I like that.
So my dear Green Beaver, you totally win with this product. I am not sure how it will stand-up during the summer months, but it is great for harsh winter days! I like it. I like it a lot.
So what shall we give this little pot of cream?
That's right, going to give this face cream a solid four out of five kisses.
Now that was a real review catch-up! Cheers!
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