Hello Gorgeous! We’re in another frantically busy month here at Lace n Ruffles with more natural skincare awesomeness dropped in to our HQ. Words simply can’t express how thankful I am since we’ve started this detoxifying beauty journey together back a few months ago and see this community of green-soul warriors grow! You all have been super supportive and inspiring sharing some of your beauty wisdom, here’re just a few that deserve a shoutout:
Having learnt that the skin absorbs everything that is put onto it has made me change my view on skincare and how important it is to use natural skincare!! – Kate
How I wish I could turn back time and stop myself from trying so many harsh products. Natural and safe products are the way to go! – Azlina
It’s guilt free goodness for the skin! – Karina
Price is always an important factor, but in the end it’s the ingredients that matter the most to me. – Janine
We love to mingle with like-minded green souls out there so keep ’em coming, my lovelies!
Here’s another round of non-toxic skincare product reviews for the month, let us know if you’ve used any of these and be sure to share your thoughts. And did I say we’ve got an awesome GAIA Skincare travel gif pack for a giveaway? Read all the way toward the end of post to enter! (Psst… don’t miss entering last week’s Mukti Organics pack giveaway here)
♥ GAIA
Products tested: GAIA Skincare Creamy Cleanser, Facial Exfoliant, GAIA Bodycare Body Wash & Body Moisturiser
Why is it green: No artificial fragrance, petrochemicals, mineral oils, lanolin and phthalates. No soap, sulphates and other drying agents in their cleansers. Paraben preservatives and propylene glycol free. All ingredients used are suitable for sensitive skin. List all ingredients used in their labels. Cruelty Free accredited.
Verdict: The creamy cleanser passed the smell test before applying on my skin – it’s gently scented with my favourite flower chamomile which is calming for my senses – tick! It has a rich consistency and was very easy to massage an even layer onto the skin after splashing my face with warm water. Upon checking the ingredients label, at first I was freaked out to find sodium lauroyl sarcosinate which I have mistaken for SLS (soidum lauryl sulphate) – the nasty substance commonly found in cleanser. Upon research I found that sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is actually a safe substitution for the nasty soidum lauryl sulphate and is naturally derived.
My morning cleanse was followed by using their facial exfoliant which contains bergamot and sandalwood essential oils, crushed walnut shell with certified organic ginseng, ginkgo biloba and chamomile. The smell was totally spiritual, claming and sensually arousing with this unique blend of oils – big love! I massaged a generous amount of exfoliant onto my face in circular motion. The texture was quite coarse which I love, personally I’m not a big fan of exfoliant that is too fine. It gave my skin a substantial feeling of scrubbing while working as a very gentle polish. After use my complexion looked more even with noticeable healthy glow especially around my t-zone and cheeks. It was almost like a home spa experience with the calming scent of sandalwood that stays around for a few hours after cleansing – totally indulging!
Next up for the test was the body care duo. The formula is soap and sulphate free. It has a light and clear consistency. I poured a small amount of body wash on my sponge and it lathered luxuriously. My skin felt beautifully soft and fresh. After the shower I rubbed their lavender and frankincense moisturiser all over my damp skin. It has a medium to thick consistency while is non-sticky. My skin feels immediately hydrated with a soft glow. I can’t reinforce enough how much I love the spa-like scent in all GAIA products with their unique blend of pure essential oils – highly recommended for anyone who wants to create a pampering home spa bathing routine!
♥ Vanessa Megan Organic
Products tested: Resuscitate Anti-ageing Eye Cream
Why is it green: Australian Certified Organic. 100% natural with 81.70% certified organic ingredients. Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and eco packaging. All made by hand in their Sydney laboratory.
Verdict: I’m extremely fussy about finding the right nourishing treat for my eyes as I do have one or two fine lines underneath my eyes that are extremely high-maintainance – they tend to come out and haunt me if I’m not having enough sleep or not keeping the area moisturised. This Vanessa Megan formula has worked amazingly to suppress the appearance of those fine lines around my eyes after using it during day and night for 2 weeks. The active ingredient is IBR-Dormin that passed USDA (in U.S.) organic certification inspection and is certified organic. It’s proved to be able to slowdown cell proliferation as in plants in their dormant stage where they get their “beauty sleep” to allow beautiful awaken, rejuvenated blossom in the spring (source here) – tick of approval from me!
The formula is fast-absorbing without leaving any of the product remaining on the surface of the skin nor oily residue. It has a slight lavender scent. Also have to mention about their beautiful butterfly logo and quality packaging which is eco-friendly – it was love at first sight with this eye cream! The only improvement is the pump on the bottle – it tends to dispense a bit too much cream at once which can be wasteful, however I wouldn’t let any of this beautifully luxe products go to waste by massaging them on to my neck and decollete area. Overall, this is a gorgeous one to keep and it’s highly recommended for anyone who’s concerned about fine lines under their eyes.
♥ The Jojoba Company
Products tested: 100% Natural Australian Jojoba Oil & Gentle Cleansing Balm
Why is it green: No parabens, PEGs, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulphate, artificial fragrance or colours. The company nurtures jojoba in Australia as a sustainable, carbon negative crop. Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and palm oil free.
Verdict: Their jojoba oil only contains one active ingredient which is, of course, jojoba seed oil. Less is more also applies to skincare products because by using a product with less ingredients, you’re generally lowering your chance to be exposed to different types of toxic chemicals. This jojoba oil is scnet-free, and is ideal for skin, hair and nails. I absolutely love the idea of a multi-use product. It’s actually more environmental friendly as you’re buying less packaging and producing less waste which contributes to a greener globe! I’ve trailed this as a nail and cuticle resue as I suffer from dry and cracked cuticles. I’ve read about applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly and leaving them overnight to cure dry cuticles – but seriously, who wants petrochemicals on the skin – yiks! So, I’ve trialed this 100% natural alternatives to petroleum jelly, massaged a generous amount of jojoba oils on my cuticles, put a pair of cotton gloves on and left it overnight – and the result? It worked wonder to give me soft and neat cuticles after continuous use for a week. It’s much more manageable when I do my nail colours (toxin-free ones of course) for healthy-looking fingernails. I couldn’t be happier!
The cleansing balm has a rich and thick creamy consistency. It’s a non-lathering formula and feels very nourishing when massaging onto my face. I rinsed with warm water after gently applying it on my face and it left my skin super soft, supple and toned. It’s a very gentle cleanser that worked well to remove excessive oil on my skin without stripping off its natural oils. I couldn’t help touching my skin all morning to feel how smoothly my fingers glide on my skin after cleansing! I’d recommend it to anyone with normal to dry skin type with its thick and creamy texture. Personally I have a combination skin type and I’d use it in cooler months when my cheeks feel a bit dehydrated. It’s lightly scented with a hint of shea butter and almond oil fragrance (pure essential oils) – great for those who do not like an overpowering scent on their skin. It contains papaya fruit and melon fruit extracts that make this formula a natural nourishing treat.
♥ Designer Brands
(Reviewed by Tara K from our Beauty Trial Team)
Products tested: Designer Brands Firming Age Revive Foundation & Lightweight Oil-Free Foundation
Why is it green: Contains no talc, bismuth or parabens. Vegan-friendly, Cruelty-free & not tested on animals.
Verdict: The Firming Age Revive Foundation has a medium consistency and is a little bit ‘sticky’. I applied it with a liquid foundation brush and it went on to my skin smoothly and evenly. After applying it to half of my face the side by side comparison was amazing. I naturally have fairly even skin but the area covered in the DB foundation looked flawless. Upon finishing application, my skin looked blemish free and had a beautiful dewy glow. Unlike some other foundations, this one didn’t make my face look ‘flat’ even though I had not yet highlighted, contoured or applied blush. The reaction from the girls at work confirmed my thoughts, this foundation looked great! Even after a sweaty gym session, the Age Revive Foundation still had full coverage and just needed a touch of powder to mattify a little shine from the oil on my skin.
The Lightweight Oil-Free Foundation does exactly what it says it will. A little bit goes a long way with this foundation, especially using a liquid foundation brush. The consistency is light and it spreads evenly and smoothly across the skin. Though it is a lightweight formula, the DB foundation doesn’t skimp on coverage and has a nice matte finish.
The Lightweight Oil-Free Foundation is perfect for everyday use. It looks very natural, evens out the skin tone and doesn’t look ‘cake-y’. The matte finish is perfect for people with combination and oily skin types.
The Age-Revive Foundation is great for people who want a full coverage look without using a heavy foundation. It will give a nice glow to those who usually have dry or dull skin. Those prone to shiny skin may want to set it with powder or use it for a night look.
We’re sharing the green beauty love to giveaway this GAIA Skin + Body Collection Pack (RRP $22.95) which includes:
1. Foaming Cleanser 50ml
2. Refreshing Toner 50ml
3. Facial Moisturiser 50ml
4. Body Wash 50ml
5. Body Moisturiser 50ml
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And here’s a little gift for you to pin to your inspirational board:
So tell me Dear Reader, are there any other natural skincare products that we simply have to try? Do you usually research about the products and their ingredients before buying? If so, how do you research? What are some of your most trust-worthy sources?
Until next time, stay beautiful inside and out.
Disclaimer: Lace n Ruffles was gifted by the brands mentioned in this post while all opinions are genuinely our own. We can’t guarantee that all products we recommend will suit you. We only use products we personally think are good having tried them on myself or by our beauty team while everyone’s skin is different and it’s possible to be allergic to anything. Wherever possible, test products out on yourself before purchasing. We always trial products such as moisturiser and serum for at least 7 days before reviewing, while some other products like face wash and makeup might only be trialed once.
Wow would love to win this Gaia Travel pack we travel a lot and this pack has every thing I need great prize
Lovely prize.
When browsing products, I like to look at comments and reviews. My best resource for natural products is Leaping bunny! –> http://www.leapingbunny.org/ They certify truly non-cruelty products and even have sub lists for products that are vegan or organic. I really suggest you check it out. (oh wow! would LOVE to win that giveaway! *fingers crossed*)
can’t beat word of mouth of friends… and friends of friends… and friends of friends of friends…and
This is amazing! I am trying to get away from toxic skin care products. Will have t try some on this list!
I usually take recomendations from friends,but i also read reviews on new products:-)
Blogs are a great way to get honest reviews on products and of course from friends and family
I always look for review first & what my friends, family recommend that’s the best way to find information on products.
Would love to win this as its one of my favourite product I already use fingers crossed thank you for this great opportunity & good luck everyone 🙂
Beautyheaven.com.au and amazing source for all the beauty products
I look on the internet and check reviews. I like http://iamnaturalstore.com.au/
Looks devine
Ghia skin care natural Beauty for all
I like to read not only product reviews from professional sources but particularly from customers of the products in question. That’s always more accurate.
I like reading online reviews, but most of my information comes first hand from friends who recommend products.
I go on Google and read up on forums. I don’t have a particular site I use. I use various sources and forums to make up my mind regarding which products works best. I also ask my friends and family for advice too!
I research about skincare products before buying by looking on instagram at pages that I trust and follow (Like yours!) and on blogs that have reviews (like yours!), one of my favourite trust-worthy sources (apart from you) is Liz the green spirit who I follow on instagram and also her blog. Eco diva chic is awesome too!
In store, to try the samples available. A lot of shops have samples available on request, to take home and try. If they suit my needs, then I go back and purchase.
I tend to go over the top on research after buying some really dud (yet expensive) products! I now go by trying samples, only way!
I travel a lot and would love to have this travel set, it is everythin I need
Rescue.com.au and brainwaves.com.au are the best websites for How to questions and what is good from the body and make-up range.
Word of mouth is the only reliable source of advertisement, if I can get a sample to try before I buy I always will, much more likely to buy it if I can see for myself it works first especially if its expensive!
I always ask opinions of friends and family first. From the recommendations I get from them, I do my own further research online. That way many brands are cut out in the first round, and word of mouth always seems to be the best and most honest advertising.
I love entering competitions through facebook and other social media to find out about new brands. Quite often I learn about these through friends who share content. I also love seeking free samples and sharing my views on these through social media. I am also a member of beautyheaven.com.au and primped .com.au which are great for researching and studying reviews of products!
Ask my favourite and friendly Chemist
Most of my information and recommendations comes from blogs like this. I also like to search on review sites to get an overall look at a potential product!
xx
I’m usually alerted to products via social media ie: TV ads, facebook, blogs, radio and my friends. By reading Reviews on products I find you get the truth and nothing but the truth. If I can get my hands on a sample first that gives you a direct idea of how a product reacts to your skin. I like to know the ingredients and tend to lean towards the organic natural ingredients in a product. I’m a greenie at heart I suppose.
I look at reviews on beautyheaven.com.au, productreview.com.au, naturalnewagemum.com and a few others. I often google the product I’m interested in by name typing reviews after it and see what that comes up with. It’s great being able to read what real people think of a product before you buy it.
Mainly go to sites such as Gaia, Well Naturally and So natural as well as read blogs etc from such as Lace N Ruffles and Living Pretty, Naturally
Ask my daughter the best skin cares available
I tend to only buy from iherb,com as all the products are safe, organic and nice. I don’t have to worry about ingredients!
I went vegan and discovered a lot of cosmetic and skincare companies test on animals. I discovered Gaia. Their foaming cleanser is cruelty free and all natural.
I love natural products but those that are cruelty free are essential
It’s through blogs such as Lace N Ruffles that I read about new beauty products, with a particular focus on those that are organic. This is what informs my decision making.
I have allergies and finding non toxic products is a blessing.
started by reading the ingredients lists on products and plugging each ingredient into Google. I read only scientific websites and soon learned to recognise the nasties.
Through beauty review sites or the old fashioned way of going into a store and testing products!
Google and ingredient labels on the actual products. I have chronic eczema and extremely sensitive skin so over the years (and lots of expensive dermatologist visits) I have learnt ingredients I need to avoid etc, as even if a product is marketed for ‘sensitive skin’ I could still have a reaction 🙁 I do still however enjoy blog reviews as they give a insight into how someone else finds the smell/texture/durability etc of products which is also valuable!
I usually rely on friends or read reviews from customers who have purchased the product.
I regularly visit my local farmers markets and also attend eco sustainable expos. There are always exhibitors where I source information and sellers with home-made or organics products which I purchase. I find them trustworthy as they are not in a commercial environment and mostly the sole purpose is education and awareness.
Reading other people’s blogs of course!
I watch youtube review videos.