An honest 2 year review

I hope you had a wonderful Easter:) This one was special as it was Avonlea's first time celebrating the  resurrection of our sweet Savior! My parents hosted in their beautiful home, and every fire place in the house was roaring as it was pouring rain outside. It was actually rather magical with the fires and tons of candles all over the house. My huge wonderful family had driven in for the event, and Avonlea got more than her fair share of cuddles. I barely held her, haha! Today I thought I'd share a review of products that have truly changed my life:)

It's been exactly two years since I was introduced to 100% Pure. I was in the beginning of my quest to rid my life of the toxins that I so cluelessly was rubbing all over my body (lotions, make-up, etc). I started my search at the local natural food shop, and found that the make-up there was just not cutting it.  I did an online search, but was overwhelmed with options. Finally, I read a review from another blogger on 100% Pure products, and thought "i'll give them a try". So, I bought some basics…foundation, mascara and a lip stick. When my package arrived, I excitedly tore it open and tested them out. I was amazed at how beautifully they applied, and then lasted the entire day!

Now…two years later, I can honestly say these products have changed my skin in the best way possible. If you are someone on the beginning of your search for a toxin-free lifestyle, I would really recommend trying out a few staples. Of course they are going to cost more than the products in the beauty aisle at the grocery store, but that's because they are made with only the BEST pure ingredients...free of all toxic chemicals and anything that will harm your body. I literally felt the difference the minute I put the make-up on, and my body did too!

Here are the staples I use on a daily basis. I hope you'll consider trying them for yourself!

I wash every morning and every evening with the Purity Facial Cleanser + Mask. It's amazing, and I will never part with it!

After washing, I rub a dollop of the Coconut Whipped Body Butter all over my face. I actually started using this on my face by accident, as one day I ran out of my face lotion and tried this. My face loved it so much i've been using it for about 8 months and my skin is so hydrated and no break-outs!

For make-up, my routine includes:
Mattifying Primer: This is a total STAPLE you should try. Game changer in my opinion! Regular primers make me break-out for sure, but not this one. It is smooth, healthy, and makes my foundation slide on my skin!

Fruit Pigmented Healthy Foundation (in Peach Bisque) : Another staple I will always buy. Great coverage and so smooth!

Maracuja Mascara: Black Tea: Best mascara i've ever used!

If you're into lipsticks, this one is my favorite. If you're looking for something more subtle, I adore this lip glaze, and if you like a good lip gloss, this one is my favorite!

At night, I wash with the Purity Facial Cleanser + Mask, and then apply a serum that they actually discontinued. Once I run out of the serum, I'm planning on trying their new night cream product called the Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm.

They also source baby products too!! I got this lotion, this shampoo, and this sunscreen for Avonlea. I feel super comfortable using them on such a tiny babe as they are all non-toxic and gentle as can be!!

So that's that! These are the staples I use on a daily basis! My advice is to start small, purchasing just a few foundational products (foundation, mascara, etc) and try them out! If you like them, then over time add a few more to your routine. Everything lasts a good amount of time, and I swear you'll notice the difference!

Hope this helps get you where you want to be with your more natural, non-toxic lifestyle:) And as a fun added bonus, in the month of April 100% Pure will plant a tree for every item you purchase! So cool, right?

Hopefully this week i'll be sharing my birth story and more pics of sweet Avonlea! Have a lovely day:)

Skin care I use on a daily basis (and how I beat my struggle with acne!)

Today I wanted to talk about all the skincare items I use on a daily basis. Let me preface this post by sharing a little of my "skin" story with you. Sadly, I was not blessed with flawless skin, far from it. And i'm not talking a few break-outs here and there. I'm talking about years and years of debilitating blemishes that truly haunted me. I've taken Accutane (twice!), and even after that things did not get much better. I spent years and years of crying while looking into the mirror, asking God "why?" and spending thousands of dollars on products that didn't work. It's all a tad embarrassing to admit, but it's my story and if I can encourage anyone dealing with severe acne, then I hope it's all worth it:)

Essentially, my skin went through ups and downs, but literally never stabilized until I started using 100% Pure products. Other things I did helped, like cutting out refined sugar and changing my diet for other health reasons, but these sealed the deal and I will never go back! I know I sing their praises, but it's because the products (which are all natural and non-toxic) have literally transformed my skin. I have next to no break-outs, my skin tone has evened out, and my skin feels normal (which is what every acne sufferer wishes for!!).

 So today, I wanted to share the products I use on a daily basis and then also give-away some fun products for you to try!! One thing I've noticed about these pure products is that my regiment has become more simple because each item truly gives me a lot of bang for my buck. Back in the old days, I had a crazy face regiment of 5 or 6 different products and things I would do each night. Now, I truly use the same 3 products on my face each day! Here they are:

1) Purity Facial Cleanser + Mask {Acne Detox}
This face wash is pure gold. The first ingredient is organic aloe, so it's very soothing, but also packs a punch and is loaded with Red Algae, Kelp, and bacteria killing plants like oregano, thyme and tea tree and eucalyptus! I have used this for over a year now and its amazing. I will never go with out it!

2) Coffee Cherry Cream
After I wash my face in the morning with the Purity Facial Cleanser, I pat it dry and then apply this deliciously smelling Coffee Cherry Cream. This stuff is hydrating!! My skin feels so smooth after I slather it on. I've tried a few of their moisturizers and this one is by far my favorite!

3) Nourishing Facial Oil
In the evening, after I wash my face with the Purity Facial Cleaner, I pat it dry and then apply this Nourishing Facial Oil. This product was recommended to me, and once I tried it I couldn't stop. I used to apply maracuja oil on my face at night, and while that was good, this nourishing facial oils is better.  Don't let the simple packing on this little bottle fool you, it's pretty awesome!
Above are the 3 products I use each day. Every now and then, I LOVE giving my skin some extra pampering (especially around times I travel after being on a germy airplane!). I adore these two masks:

4) Herbal Detox Mask
This mask gets rid of yucky toxins in the skin and makes it feel crazy smooth. I will skip going to get a facial at a spa and just do my own spa treatment at home with this mask!

5) Aqua Boost Hydrading Mask
Never have I found a more moisturizing product than this one! Made with aloe, cucumber and other natural soothing ingredients, your face will drink this up and be all the better for it. Again, instead of going to the spa, I will gladly put on this mask in the comforts of my own home!!After an airplane ride which literally sucks the moisture from the air, this always feels so nice on my skin!

I also wanted to give a shout-out to my new favorite shampoo, Glossy Locks (also from 100% Pure). There are 2 shampoos and 2 conditioners in their line. I have used:

6) The Glossing Shampoo and Grow More conditioner and they have been great. My hair smells divine and is nice and airy (not weighted down or stripped by the chemicals in normal shampoos and conditioner).

ps- If you do want to purchase anything from 100% Pure, I'd love for you to use my affiliate link on the sidebar of my blog:) This allows me to receive a tiny bit of commission. I love these products, believe in them, and purchase them, so your purchase allows me to keep purchasing these products as well:) Thank you!

How to pamper your skin when you travel

One of the hardest parts about traveling is the damage it can cause to your skin! You better believe that my poor skin has gone through some rough seasons because of the wear and tear of travel. Airplanes suck the moisture out of your skin, and germs abound everywhere!  While i'm not paranoid about my skin when I travel, I do think it's important to carry around products that give your skin a little TLC! 

Lately, i've been searching for some all natural, spa-like masks that I can use to pamper my skin when I travel. Friends, i've found them…and they are the absolute best!! 

100% Pure is a skin care and cosmetics line that I fell in love with this past year. They have no toxins, and are made out of all natural ingredients (like I can read the label and know what every ingredient is!!). If you want to see the all natural make-up I use and love, click here. 

Recently, I tried out two of their newest masks, and to say i'm in love is an understatement! 

First is the Herbal Detox Mask! This masks is packed with powerful herbs that work to deep clean your face. I've used other masks in the past, but none that compare to the all-natural power this has to purge your skin of any yucky residue left over from your travels! I clean my face and pat it dry, then apply a very thin layer of the mask to my face, and leave it on anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Works like a  charm! On our trip back from Sweden, we had so many delayed and missed flights that I was not able to wash my face for over 24 hours (gross!). When I got back, I immediately relied on this baby to get me clean as a whistle! And let me tell ya, it worked!! I usually break out after traveling, but not this time!! 

Second is the Aqua Boost Hydrating Mask!  Holy Moly, I wish I would have had this mask since I was in jr. high! Literally, this baby pours the hydration into your skin so that it feels plump and loaded with moisture! My skin hasn't felt so supple in ages. I use this every few days and I can't tell you what a difference it has already made. I wash my face and dry it, and then put a thin layer over my skin and leave it on for about 15 minutes. After a few plane rides, my skin often gets flaky and dry. But on this last trip, my skin kept so hydrated, it felt great!! This might be one of my all-time favorite products i've ever used!! 

I like to think that having these masks is essentially like having my own personal spa in my suitcase!! I would absolutely recommend these masks to anyone looking for an extra something to help purge their skin of blemishes/bacteria, and hydrate their skin in an amazing way!

 Happy Tuesday friends!! It's my first day of my last semester of grad school! Hooray!!! 

*This post was sponsored by 100% Pure, but all all thoughts and opinions are my own!* 

New from 100% Pure- Vitamints!!

It's no secret that my new favorite skin care company is 100% Pure. You can read more about my love of their make-up here, but basically they are a clean, green company that does wonders for your skin, and gives back to the community!! What's not to like?

The company is so creative with their products, all pigmented from fruits and nourished with essential oils, so i've had a ball trying out everything from make-up to skin care! Recently they sent me their newest item to test called the Vitamint!!

The Vitamint is more like a lip gloss/lip stain and is perfect for a light summery look! According to the website the Vitamint is a "super moisturizing, minty tint colored from antioxidant and vitamin packed fruit pigments to give you a gorgeous pop of color while softening your lips. 100% natural and 100% vegan, free of synthetic chemicals, fragrances, chemical preservatives or any other toxins."

I've tried out a few different colors now, and I must say my absolute favorite is dragon fruit (which surprised me!). I usually go for more muted wine colors, but the dragon fruit tint (which is a BRIGHT PINK) is so fun and the stain lasted longer than I expected! I'm wearing the dragon fruit in the picture below! {The cherry tomato color was my second favorite! A prefect summer red!}

I've also layer this gloss over a lipstick, and that's been nice too! I really do love these as a fun alternative to lipstick!!

Also, as a shout-out to chap stick lovers, 100% Pure has some really great chap sticks! I threw the SPF stick in my beach bag and have been applying all summer…my lips are both protected and moisturized!

Hope you are having a great week! I'm gearing up for a weekend full of paper writing and reading, and also dreaming of our trip to Sweden in August!! Woo hoo! Happy Wednesday!

*This post was sponsored by 100% Pure, but all all thoughts and opinions are my own!*