Azure Naturals: A Vegan, Cruelty-Free Skin Care Line Suitable For Sensitive Skin – A Review

 

Over the last few months, I have been looking for a suitable skin care regime for myself, that
would actually live up to my fairly stringent criteria, while being effective. While this search
has been leading to some frustrations, I have come across several products, I can actually happily endorse,
and Azure Natural skin care line happens to be one of them.

What I look for in a skin care product line:
1. Cruelty free
2. Preferably vegan, but not necessarily (I will use products containing honey, as I am already restricted on what I can safely use I will state if the product is or is not vegan)
3. Fitting for sensitive skin (I have several allergies, and never know when my face reacts to something in various degrees
4. It suits my somewhat aging skin (lets face it, I am in my early 40’s, I have different skin care needs, than a 20 year old)

I have been using the Azure Natural Ocean Minerals Skin Care Line for the last two weeks now, and wanted to share with you,  my experience with these cruelty-free products.

The skin care products I have been using are three of their products:

1. Ocean Minerals Facial Cleanser
2. Ocean Minerals Facial Toner
3. Ocean Minerals Facial Moisturizer

Ocean Minerals Facial Cleanser
This Organic Facial cleanser comes in a 4 oz pump bottle, containing wonderful ingredients such as Organic Aloe, Rosehip and
Tea Tree Oil. I love how this cleanser leaving my skin feel balanced, not overly dry, nor oily. It has a very faint scent, which for someone like me who does not like strong scented beauty products (unless I am wearing perfume), absolutely perfect.
After almost two weeks, it has not given me any adverse reaction, while cleansing my skin perfectly.

Ocean Minerals Facial Toner
Again containing ingredients that are organic and natural, in its case Aloe, Irish Moss and Sea Kelp, this toner is a nice addition to my skin care routine. I have previously always neglected using a toner, but will from now on, as it has lessened the size of my pores. Also, it adds an extra layer of protection from environmental effects, which is always a great thing. This is also only minimally scented and feels cool upon application. Comes in a 4 oz spray bottle.

Ocean Minerals Hydration Cream
I love this moisturizer. Containing Aloe, Irish Moss, and Shea Butter, this creme leaves my skin soft and smooth without producing an oily or sticky film. I find it to be the perfect way to end a morning facial routine, light enough to wear under makeup, and nongreasy. It comes in a 1.7 oz pump bottle.

All of the above products are, as I mentioned vegan, cruelty-free, organic and very natural.
If you are looking for a great gift for Mom on Mother’s Day, or want to treat yourself to a beautiful skin, I highly recommend
Azure Natural’s Ultimate Ocean Mineral Skin Care Line. It is available on Amazon now.

Oregano – An A to Z Challenge Post

O is for Oregano

Brought by the returning WW II soldiers from Italy, oregano comes in two varieties – the Mediterranean version being milder than its Mexican counterpart. It is almost inseparable from any Italian dishes, but should be used with caution when adding to foods, as it tends to overpower other herbs and spices.

Matches well with: lamb, mushrooms, paste, peppers, pizza, tomatoes, zucchini and eggplant

Healing properties: treats indigestion and heartburn, also known to have a beneficial effect on yeast infections. Its diluted oil (50 %) can be used to treat athletes foot if applied daily. Do not use oregano oil internally!

Magical properties: add energy to your life, used whenever you need a boost of joy, strength and vitality

To Purchase High Quality Organic Oregano And Many Other Herbs And Spices,

Click On Our Sponsor Kaina Organics’

Banner Below!

Elderberry – An A To Z Challenge Post

E is for Elderberry

Elder (Sumbucus) leaves, bark, roots and berries in their raw condition are poisonous. The culinary use lays in its syrup, which is derived from the berries, as well in creations of jams, jellies, sauces and pies. Eating the cooked berries by themselves is not advised as they are bitter on their own. Elderberry wine is, on the other hand, is quite delicious. The only other edible part of the elder is its white flower blossoms, which can be deep fried, in a light batter.

Matches well with: Jams, jellies, pies, simple flour batters, sweets in general.

Healing Properties: boost the immune system and calms colds and coughs, the flu, as well as tonsillitis. It can also lower cholesterol, and improve vision.

Magical properties: protection against negativity, induces wisdom and is used for house and business blessings.

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If you are looking for high quality, organic elderberries, check these out: Elder Berries Whole Organic – 1 lb,(Frontier), perfect to make your own syrup.

Here is a video to show you how simple it is to make Elderberry syrup at home:

Time to De-Stress! Make Your Own Facial Masks!

Business, school, and work – often leaves us stressed out, overwhelmed and in dire need of a break. Add kids and a husband to that mix and a few minutes (or a couple of hours) of alone-time are a dream come true, even if a seldom realized one. So every once in a while it is essential to allow yourself a few moments for some pampering activities!

Treating ourselves with  natural beauty treatments, which are so easy and fun,  would be wonderful for a girl’s night (or afternoon)  in.

How about some simple facial masks?

Here two examples of simple, yet effective (and most importantly) de-stressing facial mask you can create at home. Use only the best ingredients available, of course organic.

Simply Delicious Olive-oil-Sugar Peeling Mask

You will need:
3 Tablespoons of high-quality olive oil
2 tablespoons of sugar (unbleached, raw vegan sugar is the best for this)
Mix and GENTLY rub into your face in circular motion, careful not to rub too hard. A gentle, all over rub is efficient, careful to avoid the eyes and the lips. Thoroughly rinse your face, to remove the peeling mask. Dry your face by padding, not rubbing the skin.

 

 

Cool-Calm Yogurt-Lemon-Honey Mask

You will need

6 Tablespoons of organic greek yogurt
the juice of a lemon (again organic)
1 teaspoon of raw honey

Apply mask leave it on 20 to 30 minutes (not longer). Rinse thoroughly with warm – not hot! – water. This mask is a  good remedy for dry skin, as the honey and yogurt are hydrating.

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This post is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please be advised that you should not use this or any products or natural remedies, without consulting with your health care provider, and avoid them at all cost, if you have allergies. As tempting as these masks sound, keep them out of the reach of children. It also contained affiliate links, see disclosure page for details.

 

Product Review: Green – Greener – Tampa Bay Organic!

Who? Tampa Bay Organics

What? Organic Fruit and Vegetable Delivery

How Much? Moderately priced – no delivery charge

Rating: 5/5 Stars

I have wanted to try out organic vegetable deliveries, actually have been researching what type of deliveries and coops will be available in the area we will be moving to sometimes this year for a while now. What I did not expect is, that I would find a perfect organic fruit and vegetable delivery right here in Tampa!

Tampa Bay Organics delivers a weekly (or bi-weekly – you choose) fruit and/or veggie box to your door step. We got our first this Tuesday, having chosen the large mixed box and it was amazing!

Large Mixed Veggie Box

It’s kind of like opening a a present of local, organic goodness!

beautiful!

This little beauty was interesting:

Romanesco Cauliflower

Looks a little alien, but tastes delicious. We used it in a wonderful stir-fry that night, along with some of the other goodies, like the red bell pepper.

Rainbow carrots, blood oranges, luscious healthy romaine lettuce, and juicy apples have been grazing our table since the Tuesday delivery, and we all agreed that we can hardly wait until the next box.

Oh, did I mention that the drivers are super friendly? If you live in the greater Tampa Bay area, I highly recommend for you to check out this wonderful little secret Tampa Bay Organics! 

Disclaimer: I do not get paid to review this product, nor did I get a special discount to review their product. However, the first order with Tampa Bay Organics sometimes has a half-price incentive, which I took advantage off.