Beauty Products I Am Using At The Moment (pre-reviews)

I'm thinking of making this a regular "series" on my blog and basically what it will be is me sharing some of the natural beauty products I am currently using, including make-up, hair care, skincare, etc and my feeling about them, they will not be full reviews or apart of the regret buying category but they will be just my impressions of the product thus far where I haven't used it enough to do a  full review and have a decisive opinion, but it will provide my experience using the product and it will give an idea to anyone who is interested in buying it, some of my thoughts on the product before the full review.

So this is like a pre-review to the actual reviews, which just shows the direction of where my thoughts and opinions on the products are going.  I hope this will be helpful until actual reviews on these products come :)

1) A'kin hand, nail & cuticle treament 2) acure organics sensitive facial cream 3) triology vital moisturising cream 4) beauty without cruelty leave-in conditioner 5) Burt's bees ultimate care hand cream 

1) A'kin Intensive unscented  hand, nail & cuticle treament hand cream

I didn't get this too long ago and I put it in a haul blog post here. I know that I like this but I don't think I love it and I did expect more from it as it claims to be intensive, so maybe for dry skin but for my extremely dry skin it just doesn't cut it on its own for me. I like that it is unscented, but yeah I'm not impressed and the normal price for this is way more than what it should be!!!

2) Acure Organics argan oil + probiotic sensitive facial cream 

I got this in my May iherb haul here.Not too sure about this recently, sometimes I feel like it doesn't give enough moisture for my skin ,but I do love the texture of it. I don't know if it's maybe because this winter has been the most dry my skin has ever been, so maybe it's more for my dry skin in summer or spring? not too sure. I do like it, I just haven't decided how much I like it yet, I do wish they would have out more of the product in the tube, too be fair you don't need a lot at all, but still they were a bit stingy with the product.

3) Trilogy vital moisturising cream 

I do like this actually a lot, but I think it has phenoxyethanol in it but I didn't know cause I bought it with the antioxidant+ rose hip oil and it was like a free gift, anyway it didn't have the ingredients list on it (which is annoying). I try not to use phenoxyethanol for the most part, I accept it more in hand creams only because my skin is very bad on my hands so I have to make exceptions. Aside from that ingredient the price on the full size is ridiculous, yes you don't have to use it a lot but still it wont last long, it seems too overpriced to me. For my dry skin so far it's pretty good not perfect though, I get better results when I use rosehip oil underneath it. Not sure about the smell, rosey weird smell.

4) BWC  leave- in conditioner

I've actually had this for a while and I just like to use it on damp hair before I dry it cause it is suppose to be a heat protectant but how do you really know if it's working? it smoothes my hair though and tames  frizz a little so I like to use it. Yeah again not to sure, I don't think it is amazing but it is easy to use but visible benefits are minimal so far.

5) Burt's Bees ulitimate care hand cream

I got this from a burt's bees grab bag haul here. This does say it's for extremely dry skin, which is what I have but I'm not convinced it is, I think for dry skin yes but extremely dry not too sure. Again I use this with other products because it isn't enough by itself. I've actually really used a lot of it which is strange considering I haven't had it for very long and it hasn't even been my primary hand cream. I've noticed that a lot of product comes out by accident but it still doesn't do enough even when I use a lot. I mean it's good but it terms of what it's use is for (extremely dry hands) then it just isn't enough and wont last very long either.

6) badger beauty balm 7) nourish nighttime moisturizer 8) Toothsoap in pepperwhip and peppermint gel 9) soapwalla deodorant cream 

6) Badger Company damacus rose beauty balm

This is from my big iherb haul at the start of the year haul here. This was in one of my monthly favourites but I do have some mixed feelings because I have been using it on and off for months and months and I have not noticed any diminish in the appearance of my fine lines underneath my eyes which is very disappointing, so I don't know if it's just not working or maybe it needs more time or maybe I need to use it more often, not sure. As for moisturising it's pretty good. 

7) Nourish Acai berry & seabuckthorn nighttime renewal face moisturizer 

I've actually had this for a long while and I like but again not fully sure about, first thing I love is that it is usda organic and the texture is amazing it's like a moussey light texture, I'm not too sure how to explain it but it feels very luxurious. Anyway it terms of moisture it is good, maybe not as much as I need but close, though the smell isn't bad  it is very, very strong like it really hits you and it stays for a while.

8) Toothsoap (whip & gel)

These are in a few of my iherb hauls/orders because I get 1 or 2 almost every order  (haul here and here). There is no doubt in my mind about how much I love this product and how much I recommend it, I actually really want to try the liquid version of the toothsoap only difference is that it doesn't have coral calcium (which is in the whip version) and Himalayan crystal salt (in the whip and gel version), and I really want to try the liquid to compare and mix it up with the other kinds and just have variety. Seriously I can't wait to do a review on this but basically it will just be a complete rave post because it is amazing and I love it. Pricey yes but worth it, this is the only natural product that I have found that I can honestly say it  is a holy grail and I don't see myself changing brands ever.

9) Soapwalla deodorant

I've been using this since I got it in small haul from  floraorganica.com.au,  haul here. I have been using this for a while but I cannot yet do a review on it because I have some mixed feelings about it as well as I wanted to see how it holds up in summer. So far I would say it is the best natural  deodorant I have tried, it isn't perfect though. I get rashes and irritated underneath my arms if use it too many days in a row (which is a problem) I have to make sure I wash it off otherwise it is really bad for  my underarms. I have to make sure to moisturise my underarms with shea butter to soothe the area, I can go a few days with using it and be fine and then I will notice I feel a little irritated so yes I am undecided so far. I'm trying very hard to make it work cause it isn't a perfect deodorant but it is the best I've found ingredient wise and performance wise in the natural deodorant arena.

iherb haul #4

I know that I have a problem, I buy from iherb way too often and I need to stop so this one will best the last iherb haul for a while, since unfortunately the Australian dollar isn't doing very good so I had to pay quite a bit extra :( Anyhoo on with the haul :)

Some of the products I got from iherb :)

iherb haul #3

I did another order because there were a few thing I really wanted to try but with the Australian dollar being not as good as it usually is I thought just in case I would put another order in.

This is a small haul because I have left out all the food products I bought cause I wasn't sure if that was interesting to anyone, plus they were mainly all gluten free. So instead I am just including the non-food products :)

I do realise I have been doing a LOT of hauls (remember my username is shopaholic555 for a reason lol) but after this one there is only a vitacost order coming soon that I will be doing a haul with and then I will take a break from them (hauls) because I am sure that they might be a bit boring for you all. Anyway on with the haul :)

1)  Keeki Pure & Simple Nail Polish, Top Coat

In my recent iherb order I bought a mineral fusion top coat, I have used it and wowzers it has a strong, strong smell I got this one hoping that it will have a lighter smell because this one is water-based.

2) Badger Company, Sore Muscle Rub, Extra Strength

 For my mum I got this, she always has aches and pains so I thought I would get her this, hopefully it helps.

3) Acure Organics, Sensitive Facial Cleanser, Argan Oil & Probiotic, Unscented 118mL

I've been using my Moogoo milk wash (I think that's what it's called) to cleanse my face with my clarisonic, so far I think something is missing, my skin isn't as soft as I was hoping it would be and I am thinking a cream cleanser is a better option for me, even though the moogoo is gentle and kind to the skin, I feel my skin needs more moisture from a cleanser which is why cream cleansers are my favourite and I've heard good things about Acure Organics so I am hoping this will help improve my skin.

  

 4) Acure Organics, Sensitive Facial Cream, Argan Oil & Probiotic, Unscented  50mL

I thought I would give this a go since I am using the matching cleanser, plus I like how this for night and day plus my skin is so sensitive and I just prefer my moisturisers to be unscented since I get headaches so easily when I don't like a smell. It's very small but I am hoping it will have great results!! and hopefully I wont have to use too much product.

  

5) Acure Organics, Eye Cream, Chlorella & Edelweiss Stem Cell  30mL

This is for me and my mum to share, I have these lines underneath my eyes, they're not super bad or anything but I would like to decrease them a bit and reduce the likelihood of them worsening. I am a big believer in moisturising around the eye area at any age (I'm 20) whether it's with a moisturiser, gel or an oil I think it's a necessity that is overlooked. 

6) Nature's Way, Activated Charcoal 100 capsules

So, so, so excited to use this!! This is one of the products I was referring to in my latest post, I am going to experiment with this to whiten my teeth as I have done some research and found out that some people use it to whiten their teeth and get results right away! I really, really, really hope this works!! I will make sure to do a blog post on this!

7) EcoTools, Naturally Beautiful Lash System "Soft & Dramatic"

I actually think these are nicer than the pair I bought in my iherb order before this. They look really beautiful, I like that they're dramatic and a little wispy so I got these for a wedding I am going to later on this year.

8) EcoTools, EcoPouf Bath Sponge

My favourite bath sponge/ loofah, so cheap! Only thing is I think they have changed what the holder string thing is made of which sucks because one of mine broke so I can't hang it in my shower any more :( I hadn't even had it for long.

9) Swisspers Organic Essentials, Triple Size Cotton Balls, 80

I am running very low on these so I bought another packet since I probably wont buy form iherb for a little while. These are my favourite cotton balls.

10) Earth Therapeutics, Exfoliating Hydro Gloves

I use to have a pair of these exfoliating gloves but they were pretty cheap (in quality) plus they ripped a little and were too harsh, I think I had gotten them from Kmart, anyway I had to throw them out and because of my skin being so flakey I thought I would see if this brand is any better. 

For anyone's first purchase at www.iherb.com you can use my referral code QUM327 to receive $5 off  an order under $40 and $10 off an order over $40.

If you use my code I do receive a small commission percentage of your orders placed.

BIG iherb haul part 2

The second part of my order came today and I have to say I am so disappointed, one of the products I bought leaked over everything which I'm really bummed about but, and the cookies I bought (in part 3) were completely smashed, I will be emailing iherb to let them know,  anyway...on with the haul :)

1)  EcoTools, Deluxe Fan Brush   $5.82 (USD)    I've actually never been too fussed about getting a fan brush but when I saw ecotools was coming out with one I decided to try it, first thing I noticed was all these new ecotools brushes are so, so, so soft :)

2) EcoTools, Tapered Blush Brush   $5.99 (USD)   When I saw this on iherb it looked more like a angled contour kind of brush that's why I got it, but it's not. Still really nice I think it would be nice for blush and contouring still because of that tapered tip.

3) EcoTools, Domed Bronzer Brush   $8.50 (USD)  I've had my eye on this brush ever since I saw Laurenbeautyy use it in one of her older videos, it's so dense and soft, so glad I got it!

4)  EcoTools, Custom Coverage Buffing Brush  $5.75 (USD) First off this picture for some reason makes this brush look angled, I think I must have taken the picture from a weird position because it's not angled, it's a flat top brush. Anyway bought this because it looks like the Sigma F80 brush and thought it would be interesting to see how it compares to it. I am looking forward to try it, hopefully it works well because it would be a much cheaper alternative!

5) Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Your Finish/Perfected, Setting Brush  $7.99 (USD)  This was a bit of an impulse buy, but I thought it would be useful for setting my under eye concealer. It's fluffy and slightly stiff  (not in a bad or uncomfortable way), interested in how it will perform.

6) Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Your Base/Flawless, Foundation Brush  $7.99  (USD)
Again another bit of an impulse buy, I don't like these kinds of brushes for foundation (I will try it though) but I do like them for concealer and selected area foundation work (around the nose).

7) Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Your Base/Flawless, Expert Face Brush  $8.99 (USD)
 I've seen this all over youtube especially, so I am really looking forward to trying this, it's very dense and it is a bit smaller than I thought but it should be fine :)

8) Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Contour Brush  $17.99 (USD)  For this brush I'm thinking it would be good for contouring and highlighting, very soft like all of these brushes.

9)  Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Pointed Foundation Brush  $17.99 (USD) I think this is way too small for foundation, I would not have the patients to use this as a foundation brush it would take too long, BUT I think it's perfect for under the eyes, especially for someone like myself you has blueness/ darkness under the eyes that need to cover a bit of a larger area under the eyes.

10)  Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Detailer Brush   $17.99 (USD)   This again is very small, I think spot concealing or a lip brush.

11) Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Buffing Brush   $17.99 (USD)  This brush I am looking forward to using the most out of this set, I think it might be similar to the Sigma F80, can't wait :)

12) Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Your Base/Flawless, Powder Brush   $9.99 (USD)  It's big and so soft, I think this will be great for any face powders and blending out mistakes with blush or bronzer.

13) Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Your Finish/Perfected, Blush Brush    $8.99 (USD)   This is so ridiculously soft I want to just want to bring it everywhere and stroke it on my face lol  or..... it will be great for blush and bronzer too ;)


14) Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Your Finish/Perfected, Stippling Brush   $9.99   (USD)   I am very pleasantly surprised with this brush, it is very small but dense and very soft so I think this would work well for foundation, blush and highlighter.

15) J.R. Liggett's, Old-Fashioned Bar Shampoo, Damaged Hair Formula (99 g)  $4.55 (USD)    I bought 2 of these along with my other 3 that I have already, I am currently using this shampoo bar and I have to say I love it and I prefer it over normal shampoo.

16) EcoTools, EcoPouf Exfoliating Sponge   $1.70 (USD)   This was super cheap and I love the ecotools normal loofah (it's my favourite) so I wanted something even more exfoliating and again so cheap :)

17) Out of Africa, Organic Shea Butter, Raw, Wild Crafted  $12.24  (USD)  I love shea butter and I use it all the time so I wanted to buy another Nourish organic raw shea butter but they were out so I got this one cause it was raw too and a bit cheaper, hopefully it works as good.

18) Out of Africa, Organic Shea Butter Bar Soap, Apricot, 6 Pack (48 g) Each  $11.42 (USD)   I go through bar soap so fast, I thought I would try this scent because it came in a 6 pack, I didn't realise it was only 48g though......my bad.

19) Tierra Mia Organics, Baby Soap Bar, Raw Goat Milk Soap, 4.2 oz    $6.24 (USD)  I love the ingredients on this soap, specifically the raw goats milk so I want to give half to my brother to see if it helps his eczema, and my skin is very dry. A bit pricey though. 

20) Badger Company, Beauty Balm, Damascus Rose (28 g)   $12.60 (USD)   This is one of my favourite things I got, because it says it can help wrinkles so I bought this to use under my eyes because I have fine lines that really annoy me. Only bummer is it's gonna smell like rose and I do prefer no smell for products near my eyes but I'm hoping for the best.

21) Out of Africa, Pure Shea Butter Bar Soap, Unscented 105 g  $2.88 (USD)   I am liking this brand lately  and i am trying to find the best bar soap.

22) Madre Labs, Hand Cream with Argan Nut Oil, Unscented 71 g  $6.71 (USD)  I have very, very, very badly dry hands with dermatitis and nothing is controlling it anymore, it has gotten much worse on my finger they are all cut and sore. It's very frustrating so I am just looking for some kind of cream to help, I'm hoping this will help.

23) Elemental Herbs, All Good Goop, Handcrafted Healing Balm, 2 oz  $10.39 (USD)  This is a multitasking balm, kind of used for the same things people use paw paw ointment for; lips, burns, cuts, bites etc so I'm glad I found this and I hope it works well cause if it does it will come in handy :)

24) Dr. Mercola, Natural Sunscreen, with Green Tea, SPF 30 236 ml   $15.97 (USD)  It is more on the pricey side but I needed a natural sunscreen for me and my family and I trust Mercola products plus I know he would NOT have nano-particles in his sunscreens.

25) Dr. Mercola, Natural Aloe Vera 236 ml  $9.97 (USD)  I love aloe vera and it's great to have in this hot weather especially if you are going out in the sun! I'm excited to see how this aloe vera performs.

26) Larenim, Eye Color "Deja Vu" 1 g   $6.83 (USD)  This is a very cool toned, browny-grey from what I can tell. I will make sure to review and swatch the larenim eye colors once I've had a good use of them :)

27) Larenim, Eye Color "Devil's Food" 1 g  $6.83 (USD)  This is a very dark brown from what I can tell, I haven't swatches it yet but I will keep you posted on these.

28) DeVine, Lip Refresher, Vanilla Spritzer, 2 Pack (2 g Each)  $5.25 (USD)  I saw these by accident and I found them interesting  in that they have Resveratrol in them, that being said it's the second last ingredient in them and these 2 lip balms are equivalent  to 1 standard lip balm, so a bit pricey.

29) Mill Creek, Organic Lip Balm "Vanilla Honey" 4.2g   USDA organic   $1.79 (USD)  I know, I have a lip balm addicted, but it was cheap for usda organic. 

30) Thayers, Rose Petal Witch Hazel, with Aloe Vera Formula, Alcohol-Free Toner 355 ml  $7.96 (USD)   I have been trying to get this for ages but it goes out of stock so fast on iherb, I have a different toner without the rose from this brand and I like it but I think the rose will be better for my very dry skin.

31) Heritage Products, Rosewater & Glycerin, Atomizer Mist Sprayer 120 ml $4.84 (USD) I've heard some really great reviews for this if you have dry skin so I got it. This is culprit that leaked everywhere in the package which is disappointing cause it wasted a noticeable amount of the product and wet other things in there. It was in a plastic cover slip but it has opened so therefore wetting other products. The bottle is either cheap and weak or a dud cause I noticed the product was still leaking after making sure the cap is tight.




This is the first time with iherb that I've had a problem with the way they packaged my order (I think this is my 10th order from iherb), some things were loose without any kind of wrapper (some had wrappers and some didn't) which I thought was stupid and I will be emailing the company notifying them of what happened.

For anyone's first purchase at www.iherb.com you can use my referral code QUM327 to receive $5 off   an order under $40 and $10 off an order over $40.

If you use my code I do receive a small commission percentage of your orders.

Please comment on any specific products you would like me to make a review for in the near future :)