May Empties

It seems like May was the month for using up trial size products, as well as some loved purchases and some products that just didn't work for my skin.



Firstly, I was introduced to Miskin Organics recently and loved trialling a sample set I received. I have already posted a full review on these products, which you can find here.

The normal shampoo and conditioner was my first foray into Ecostore products, and I really loved them, including the conditioner, surpringly, as no natural conditioner before this one has met my expectations. I loved the way this shampoo had great foam and cleansed my hair really well, leaving it squeaky clean but not dry. The conditioner worked amazingly on my hair for a silicone-free formula (my hair loves the 'cones!), and left my hair tangle free. As much as I loved this sample size, I sprung for the dry and dehydrated version as I felt my hair needed all the help it could get this winter. And so far (without jinxing anything), I think I may have found my holy grail shampoo and conditioner. More to come on that...

I bought a sample kit as well as a few extra products from Elaa Skincare; a brand I have been dying to try for literally years. I did a write-up on the sample kit, which you can read here, and will provide full reviews on the other products as I find time (life has a habit of getting in the way!). I will say though, that the double mint probiotic toothpaste, the clarity rejuvenating elixir and the pumpkin radiance enzyme mask are amazing, and will be repeat purchases for me. The double mint probiotic toothpaste is such a unique product and my first real entry into natural dental care. It contains ingredients such as bentonite clay, white oak bark, neem, coconut oil, msm and wheatgrass to repair tooth enamel and remineralise, and create healthy white teeth and gums. My gums have never felt so healthy and my teeth so smooth and free of plaque. The clarity rejuvenating elixir is the perfect potion for my dry but acne-prone skin. It hydrates my skin and speeds up the healing of my acne scarring, while reducing the amount of new acne I have cropping up. It works amazing combined with Elaa's spot treatment. I have added the pumpkin radiance enzyme mask to my small collection of holy grail masks. It exfoliates while hydrating, and increases circulation to my face, which speeds the healing of the active acne and scarring on my face.
The one product from Elaa that I didn't have the most positive experience with was the probiotic deodorant. It seemed to wear off quickly and I needed to reapply often, as with other natural deodorants. It just wasn't a match for my stanky pits! Those that don't need such strong protection may appreciate this spray option though.

The Little Alchemist Kyella Rose Mist is a dearly loved product of mine. You can find a review of it here.

The Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask by Andalou Naturals is very similar ingredient-wise to Elaa's Pumpkin Mask, but I actually purchased this first, from iHerb, as it was more friendly budget-wise. At first, I loved the way this mask performs; it brightens, hydrates and exfoliates, but I realised over time it was actually breaking me out with acne that would consequently scar my skin. As I was using the mask to treat scarring, something that also causes it, was a bit contradictory. I much prefer Elaa Skincare's mask!

The Herb Farm's Intensive Face Oil is an incredible product that I enjoyed until the last drop. I found it super hydrating, and it has an amazing but simple ingredient list; rosehip oil, tamanu oil, calendula oil and lavender essential oil. I used this when my face craved moisture and it helped heal my acne scarring and scabbing faster. It also is at an amazing price point.

Lastly, I finally finished up a bottle of Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil. This bottle had been hanging around forever it seemed, as I found that something in the formula tended to congest my chin area, so I designated this product for eye makeup removal. This oil cleanser does an amazing job of removing even waterproof mascara, and I loved breathing the tropical scent in as I used it. I was disappointed that despite the rave reviews, my skin didn't love this product. However, it is a good example of how everyone has different skin care needs, and what products suit my skin, might not suit your skin, and vice versa. You really won't know if a product will suit your skin until you try it out yourself.