Darphynia's Diary

A little un-boxing photo, literally. First off, how wonderfully simplistic is Herbivore's packaging?  It's minimal, crisp, and the containers are reusable.  The products are also vegan, natural, and cruelty-free.  For the entire month of August I used Herbivore Botanicals exclusively, with the exception of an added SPF in the morning.  I had read great things about them and wanted to see if their products were really worth the hype.  My day and night routines consisted of:  

My bottle had a misprinted date.  I did contact them, and everything was worked out. I have been using Valentia products for some time.  This review is for their Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer ($25.00/4oz here ).  Normally my reviews are done after 30 days, but there has been a lot going on, which I will address in a different post.  Therefore, this has been about two months in the making.  After my typical day and night cleansing routine I apply this combined with their Night Revive Retinol Serum.  The pump controls the amount of product dispensed.  Typically I use two to three pumps.  Texturally, this lightweight moisturizer feels similar to a light lotion, and has a slightly citrusy-floral scent.  I don't find that it makes my skin oily after it is applied, but every skin type is different.  This moisturizer absorbs fast, and I have noticed that my face looks more even, but I don't really feel a difference.  Ingredie...

Image courtesy of OZ Naturals For about 1.5 months I have been using a retinol moisturizer by OZ Naturals.  The formula contains retinol (obviously), hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and a variety of other ingredients to help correct signs of aging.  With most products, whether I have received them in exchange for an unbiased review or purchased them myself, I will see results by the end of a 30-day trial period.  With this moisturizer I saw results within the first two weeks.  I can honestly say that I will purchase this product in the future.  Due to the changing weather (and medications) my skin-- mostly the area around my hairline and eyebrows, is incredibly dry.  It's embarrassing.  You know that orange ring people get when they wear the wrong foundation?  Well, imagine that, but in dead skin around the hairline, and that's pretty much what I'm dealing with.  The skin at the start of my eyebrows is dry, too, and since I have...

Overall, I like the products that LUSH Cosmetics supplies.  Every so-often, there's a product that I can't wait to try, and it totally disappoints.  One of those happened the Full of Grace face moisturizer/serum solid. It's small (fits in the palm of my hand & I have to wear youth gloves, so it's VERY small!) and pricey, both of which I could have cared less about had it worked. Reading the positive reviews, it sounded promising.  Image courtesy of lushusa.com You heat the product up in your hands to soften the bar, then apply it to your face after washing.  The ingredients include chamomile, portobello mushroom, and murumuru butter, among others (I'll have the complete ingredient list at the end).  The bar is moisturizing (though many say it is greasy) and lightweight; pluses!  Full of Grace also contains calamine powder, and I use calamine all the time.  It is especially effective on clearing my skin of any pimples; also a plus....