iHerb Haul | Health, Supplements, Beauty

It's been a long time since I shared an iHerb haul. I shop there pretty much every month and have since I've had a computer... aka, a very long time. They have the best prices even with the Canadian exchange rate, shipping and prepaid taxes!

Today, I wanted to share my purchases as I ordered quite a few items this time.

Nature's Answer Rhodiola
This is the best Rhodiola that I've tried so I keep going back to it. It's a great adaptogen that helps my body deal with stress. This one is 100mg, which I find is the right dose for me. Purchase HERE.

CocoCeps Dark Chocolate Cocoa Beverage
I've been drinking this in my morning protein smoothies for as long as I can remember. It contains certified organic unsweetened dark cocoa plus Cordyceps and Reishi Powders. Excellent for immunity, heart health, energy and provides antioxidants. Purchase HERE.

Now Foods Glycine Pure Powder 1lb
I purchased this for sleep as it's reported to promote restful sleep. I'm not sure that it's doing anything for my sleep, as I still have sleep issues, but what I did notice while taking this is that it helps with daytime stress. I need to take a whole teaspoon in my water bottle to notice a difference. I believe the recommended dose is 1/4 tsp. I ran this by my Doctor and he told me it's okay for me to be taking 1 tsp as it's water soluble, meaning you'll just pee out what you don't use. :) Purchase HERE.

Brain Awakening Magnesium Supplement
I actually didn't order this, it just showed up in my order. It's funny because in all the years that I've been shopping with iHerb this has never happened before. I contacted them and they told me to keep it. I've been taking it but I really haven't noticed anything yet. I cannot find this on their site.

Now Foods Vitamin D 1000IU
This is my first time ordering Now Foods Vitamin D. Vitamin D is such an important vitamin as so many of us are deficient, especially in this part of the world where we don't get enough sunshine for much of the year. This has a dropper, offers 1000mg per drop, and is very affordable. D is fat-soluble, so I always take it with my fish oil capsule and preferably some food or drink with fat in it. Purchase HERE.

HyaFlex Hyaluronic Acid For Joints
I've been purchasing this for my cat for a while. I noticed a difference after the first time he took it, he went charging around the house about 2 hours after taking it. It's expensive, so I give him half of the recommended dose. There is also one for Dogs.

Now Foods 5-HTP 50mg
I keep this on rotation for my insomnia issues. I prefer the 50mg so I have the option of taking 50mg or more vs. the 100mg caps. 5-HTP often helps put me into zzz land. As a side benefit, it helps to improve my mood as well. I guess I should really take it more often :D Purchase HERE.

Jarrow Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is great for our liver. I actually purchased this because I read that it's good for balancing hormones on top of the fact that it would help my liver, so win-win. This is a great brand and it's very affordable. Purchase HERE.

Wet Brush Mini
I have a large wet./dry brush and I like it so much that I wanted the mini for my purse. This one was only a few dollars and works just as well as the full size. Can be Purchased HERE.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my iHerb haul!

If you haven't shopped with iHerb before, I can highly recommend them. They have amazing prices, super fast shipping, and excellent customer service!

My tips for shopping iHerb: I try to spend the amount that will get me free shipping if they are offering it, otherwise, I go for the cheapest shipping method with taxes prepaid. I use a discount code each time like the one shared below. I pay in my own currency as my credit card conversion will be more than iHerb's conversion. I always choose to prepay the taxes, you'll save the customs fees and it makes shipping much faster, too!

*You can save $$$ on your orders with iHerb by entering discount code AGU725 into your cart or just click this link to save! This code can be used by anyone and can be used every time you shop!

Remember to always check with your health care practitioner before beginning any new supplements.

*Contains referral links. All opinions are my own.

iHerb Health Haul | Anti-Aging, Sleep, Stress, Pet Health

It's been a while since I shared what I've hauled from iHerb. I thought I'd share this one as it contains current essential supplements for me and my pet, and I figured that some of you might be interested in some of these products.

I will share links to products in the product heading. I leave the prices out because they are forever changing.

General Health, Stress & Sleep

Now Foods Glycine (Free Form) Pure Powder- 1lb

From iHerb:
Glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, making it versatile for use in a wide range of functions. Glycine is necessary for the production of glutathione, DNA, creatine, bile, hemoglobin, and most proteins. It also helps to promote glycogen storage, thereby making glucose readily available for energy production. Glycine also functions as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, where it facilitates nerve impulses and is important for the maintenance of healthy sleep patterns.

This product is Vegan/ Vegetarian and Non-GMO.

I don't know a whole lot about amino acids but I picked this up before as it's supposed to help with sleep. I found the action very subtle but what I noticed over time, with daily use, was reduced stress and anxiety. I believe that it's helping with my sleep as well, but I have to stop taking melatonin to truly be able to tell, as melatonin helps me fall asleep but has started to cause me to wake up prematurely. I take 1 tsp of the Glycine powder in my water bottle and sip it throughout the day. It has a slightly sweet taste to it. It's recommended that you take it on an empty stomach, like other amino acids. I find this powder form much more affordable than taking capsules and it's also easier to take.

Nature's Answer Rhodiola Rosea (Standardized)- 100mg / 60 caps

I've been taking this Rhodiola for years! I've taken the occasional break (which I recommend with most herbs), but I really don't like to be without it. Rhodiola is a herb and an adaptogen. Adaptogens help our bodies deal with (adapt) to stressors. I've tried other brands and doses but I find that this one works best for me. I only take one capsule daily.

Dr. Axe on Rhodiola:
"Rhodiola rosea contains a phytochemical known as salisdroside. This component helps relieve anxiety and combat aging. Rhodiola suppresses the production of cortisol and increases levels of stress-resistant proteins."

This product is Vegan/ Vegetarian and Gluten-Free.

Reported Benefits:

• Energy
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Prevents fatigue
• Increases stamina
• Boosts physical energy
• Improves mood and well-being
• Increases memory and focus
• Improves athletic performance
• Promotes physical recovery
• Cortisol reduction
• Normalizes stress hormones

BHI Calming Homoeopathic Complex- 100 Tablets

Homeopathics can do wonders for many ailments. Many believe in only single remedies but I have found benefits from many composition formulas like this one.

These calming tablets state they relieve nervous tension, irritability, and sleeplessness. I take these for sleep and they are often the ticket to send me over the edge into sleep or to put me back to sleep if I wake prematurely. I have tried many other formulas with some success but I've had the most success with this one. I keep going back to it and luckily, it continues to work for me.

Active Ingredients: Each tablet contains: *Chamomilla 2X, *coffea cruda 10X, *humulus lupulus 2X, *ignatia amara 8X, moschus 10X, *nux vomica 30X, *passiflora incarnata 2X, *sulphur 12X, valeriana officinalis 2X, *veratrum album 4X 30 mg each.

Pet Health

Hyalogic HyaFlex Hyaluronic Acid for Joints Feline Hip & Joint Formula- 1oz (Dog formula linked below)

Info from iHerb:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is revolutionizing the joint health management for humans, horses, and now your pets. Found naturally in all living organisms, it provides the elastic shock absorbing properties to support healthy joints for your pet.

HyaFlex is patented for joint health and helps to compensate for your pet's depleted ability to produce Hyaluronic Acid with age by maintaining and supporting healthy movement and lubrication.

I gave this to my cat as prevention as he ages. I saw him benefit the same day, as hours after I gave it to him, he suddenly began charging around the house. His hips seem less sensitive to the touch as well. I said I was going to switch to another herbal formula for joint health but it's very difficult to administer that one. This one is so easy as it's tasteless and he laps it up when I put it in his wet food. To make it more affordable, I give him 1/2 the recommended dose and he still benefits. I will bump up the dose if I have to but for now 1/2 the dose is working.

This product is Vegan and Gluten-Free.


Dr Mercola Ubiquinol For Cats & Dogs- 58ml

Info from iHerb:

• Helps To Support Normal Cardiovascular Function and Reduces Oxidative Stress
• For Cats & Dogs
• Made with Quality Ubiquinol
• Recommended to Support Normal Cardiovascular Function and Reduces Oxidative Stress.

I'm a huge fan of CoQ10 and I've personally been taking it daily for over 16 years! My heart actually repaired itself from a condition called Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) and I attribute that to the Q10 I've been taking (linked here). 

My cat has been taking this Q10 for quite some time. I noticed that he was benefiting right away so I continued to give it to him. The dose is based on your pets weight and my cat only needs 1 drop per day, so it's quite affordable for us. Doses start at 1 drop per day to 8 drops per day for the largest size pet. There is a dosing chart on the product page, linked here.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my most recent iHerb haul and what some of my current essential supplements are for me and my pet. Hopefully, you found some of the info helpful!

As always, check with your Doctor or health care provider before beginning any new supplements. Health and Beauty Girl is not a health professional. I am sharing what helps me and my loved ones in hopes of helping others.

If you plan on shopping with iHerb, you can save 5% OFF your entire order with discount code AGU725 or just use this link. This code can be used by anyone, unlimited times and it doesn't expire so you can share it with your friends and family as well. The discount code is good for new and existing customers. (This is a referral link).

iHerb's shipping is super cheap and super fast!

Not sponsored. Some links are referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them and support this site.

Monthly Empties | Health, Beauty, Skincare!

 It seems like I just posted last month's empties and it's already time for July's empties post! My little dollar store popcorn box that I use to collect all of my empties isn't overflowing for once! Hopefully, I can do better this month at finishing up some more products!

I'll share mini-reviews with links to products and whether or not I'd repurchase. Let's go....

Skincare

Live Clean Hydrating Creamy Cleanser
This is my favourite face cleanser so far. It reminds me a lot of cleansers that I've used from spas! It's very hydrating which my dehydrated skin really appreciates! It's all natural and full of fabulous botanicals.  (I also use the foaming one for when my skin is oilier).

Repurchase- Yes

Pure + Simple Beautiful Skin Face Cream
I love many Pure + Simple products but my skin is not a fan of this cream. It was my first time trying it, and although the ingredients are great, it's just not hydrating enough for my dehydrated, aging skin.

Repurchase- No

Miracle 10 AHA Cream
I used most of this product but didn't finish it, not because it wasn't good, it was just so old. My error in letting it sit there for years before I got around to trying it out. I think it lost its efficacy over that much time. Luckily, I used most of it but I didn't notice much probably because of how old it was.

Repurchase- Unsure

Hair Care

Tarte Hair Goals Dry Shampoo
I wasn't a fan of this dry shampoo. It didn't absorb the oils on my scalp and the scent was very overwhelming and even after a few sprays, I'd have to exit the bathroom. I purchased this as part of a Limited Edition Tarte kit, perhaps the full size works better.

Repurchase- No

L'anza Trauma Treatment
I LOVE this product! It's fabulous for dry, bleached and coloured hair like mine! It really made my hair feel softer and helped with conditioning and frizz control. I found out that a little goes a long way and using more does not yield better results. This bottle lasted me a year. Granted, I don't wash my hair everyday and I do test out a lot of hair products.

Repurchase- Yes

Health

These 2 products will come of no surprise to my regular readers. These are 2 of my go-to supplements that I will not be without!

Nature's Answer Rhodiola Rosea 100mg/ 60 caps
This is an adaptogenic herb which is supposed to help the body cope with various conditions and stress. I used to find that it single-handedly prevented my early morning wakenings. It's not helping so much in that way at the moment, but I do find it worth taking as it has many benefits. I've tried many other brands and doses and this is by far the best one for me. Note: I only take 1 a day not the 2 recommended.. it works for me.

Repurchase- Yes

Healthy Origins CoQ10 100 mg/ 60 soft gels (Ubiquinone)
Ever since I found out that I had some heart issues, Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) being one of them, I started taking this Q10. It's been 16 years since I was diagnosed and began taking these everyday and my last echocardiogram showed NO Mitral Valve Prolapse. I couldn't believe it! I didn't follow the cardiologist's orders to do cardio every day, so I attribute my heart repairing itself to this supplement as it's the only thing I did for the health of my heart. After hearing the news, both of my parents started taking this supplement. Q10 has MANY health benefits that go beyond just heart health. I feel that anyone over 40 should take Q10 as it dwindles as we age and affects every cell in our bodies. I'm not a Doctor, this is just my opinion.

Note: I know there are debates about the best form of CoQ10. I've done my research and conclude that there is no reason to change from using the Ubiquinone form at this time.

Repurchase- Yes

That's it for this month. I hope you found some of the info helpful or informative.

Note: I am not a Doctor or health professional. I am just sharing my opinion in hopes of helping others. Always check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements.

Happy long weekend, everyone! 💓

Not sponsored. Some links are referral links. Thank you if you choose to use them.

Huge Monthly Empties | Skincare, Health, & Beauty with Reviews!

This empties post is long overdue! It's actually 2 months worth of empties since I haven't done an empties post since April 3rd (Linked Here) Which means there is a lot here so I will be as brief as possible with my reviews.  I will provide links to products where possible, links can be found in the product headings.

Skincare

Martina Gebhardt Happy Aging Cream

This is a very heavy product that I love to use at night time in the colder months. I alternate between this one and her Black Mud Cream. I find this very soothing and hydrating and it really helps with dehydration. Bonus, it's natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- Yes

Sibu Nourishing Face Cream

I'm on the fence about this one. It's lightweight and I didn't have any breakouts. I also like that it's natural and made with sea buckthorn, an excellent anti-oxidant for anti-aging. I prefer to use this with their pure sea buckthorn oil which I apply first as a serum. I would consider using this product again during the summer months when I'm super oily.

Repurchase- Maybe

Derma E Firming Serum with DMAE, Alpha Lipoic and C-Ester

I love Derma E products but this one didn't agree with my skin, I had a few breakouts from it. It's also really a lotion, not a true serum. I think it's just too stimulating for my skin type. Many other Derma E products do work for me. I also love that this brand is natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- No

Derma E Hydrating Serum With Hyaluronic Acid

Like the product above, this was a lotion, not a true serum. It was okay as a light moisturizer but I wouldn't use this as a serum. On the plus side, I didn't experience any irritation or breakouts.

Repurchase- No

Reviva Labs Elastin & DMAE Night Cream

Another natural product full of great ingredients. Sadly, this also made my acne-prone skin breakout so I wasn't able to finish it. Perhaps DMAE is not suitable for my skin as the Derma E product with DMAE also made me breakout. Reviva Labs is natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- No

The All-Natural Face Strawberries and Cream Face Wash

Love, love, love! This is so fabulous and hydrating and really helps with breakouts. I like to use it as a face wash/mask. This brand is also natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- Yes

Olay Eyes Ultimate Eye Cream

This product worked really well (full review here). But, for a fraction of the price I can purchase my holy grail eye cream, Home Health Goji Berry Eye Cream, which gives me the same results and is natural and cruelty-free.

Repurchase- No

Hair & Makeup

Tresemme Platinum Strength Conditioner
This is a decent conditioner at a great price. I didn't expect much from such an inexpensive product but it worked fairly well as a daily conditioner on my extremely damaged and unruly hair. I still need a leave-in conditioner after using this one.

Repurchase- Probably not because I'm always trying new hair products

M. Asam Aqua Intense Tinted Hyaluron Cream
I loved this tinted moisturizer! I discovered this line from The Shopping Channel about a year ago and purchased a special that contained several products. I received compliments on my looks when I wore this product. However, it's so dark for me that I purchased The Body Shop's foundation lightener so I could finish it up.

Repurchase- Sadly no, just because it's too dark for me 😓

Pacifica Dream Big Mascara
I'm not sure if I got a bad one but this mascara was so dry that it did nothing for my lashes. A full review is linked here.

Repurchase- No

Health

Jarrow Max DHA
I take fish oil every day for all the health benefits and I cannot/ will not eat fish or seafood, so this is the only way that I can get all of the wonderful benefits of fish (but without the heavy metals). This one has been my favourite for years! I am currently trying a new one out as I love to try out new products but I always go back to this one.

Repurchase- Yes

Nature's Answer Rhodiola (Rhodiola Rosea)
I've been taking this product for years. It prevents me from waking up at the crack of dawn for no reason. It's an adaptogen and helps our bodies deal/adapt to stress. I have tried other brands and doses but this is the one that works for me, and this one is really inexpensive too!

Repurchase- Heck yes!

Healthy Origins CoQ10
Q10 is one of my top supplements for overall health, it's one supplement that I will not be without. It's anti-aging, fuels all of our cells, and is excellent for the heart. I have some heart issues and recently went for testing to monitor my condition. The results were astounding! I was told that my heart is repairing itself. It's not 100% but it's better and I'm wondering if it's from all the years of fish oil and Q10 that I've been taking. The Doctors didn't have an answer, but it's great news! I always use this brand of Q10 and only try another if there is a special that I can't pass up but this one works for me. My cat also takes Q10 and it's made a world of difference. He takes one made for cats (linked here).

Repurchase- Oh, yeah!

Schisandra Adrenal Complex
I purchased this so long ago and it got lost in the back of my cupboard. Sadly, it expired in 2015.. whoops!

Repurchase- No

Other

Now Foods Xyli White Toothpaste in Cinnafresh
If you've seen my empties and/or hauls before you've probably seen this one. It's my favourite fluoride free toothpaste. I've had better dental checkups since using it, so I see no reason to change to another. The only time I stray is when there is a deal on iHerb that I can't pass up!

Repurchase- Yes

President's Choice Peach Mango Liquid Water Enhancer
What more can I say, I'm addicted to this stuff! I purchased this because I wanted to drink more water and this really helps me do just that. It tastes so good! I chose this brand because it's sweetened with all natural Stevia and doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners or colours.

Now Foods Better Stevia in Dark Chocolate
I'm such a fan of this stevia. It's not bitter at all and it's all natural. I have a cupboard full of different flavours now. It only takes a couple of drops so this bottle lasts forever!

Repurchase- Already have!

Thanks for stopping by to check out my empties! I'll have to do these more often so my empties box isn't overflowing. 😊

Happy weekend!

*This post is not sponsored. Some links are referral. Thank you is you choose to use them!

Flora 4-Stress Herbal Supplement Review | #trynatural

Flora 4-Stress 60 Capsules

I was thrilled when I received Flora's 4-Stress herbal supplement from Social Nature! Who couldn't use a little stress support these days!?

This is a really effective composition for stress relief. I am big on supplements and I have been taking Rhodiola, one of the main ingredients in this supplement for years. I can be reactive and sensitive to many herbs and supplements so I pay close attention when I try something new.

I have tried many different compositions for stress and sleep and many didn't work or caused adverse effects. It's a matter of finding the right mix of herbs that works for you. I feel lucky as this mix of herbs agrees with me completely. I noticed a difference in the way I felt after the first dose. I didn't feel sleepy or groggy, I just felt more relaxed overall, and I didn't have any adverse effects at all.

I only take one capsule a day as I already know that 100 mg of Rhodiola a day is the right dose for me, and that is the dose in just one of these capsules. I found that I slept better overall and felt more relaxed during the day. This turned out to be the right mix of herbs for me.

Highlights

• Helps to temporarily relieve the symptoms of stress
• Supports cognitive health, mental focus and working memory
• Helps relieve mental fatigue and the sensation of weakness
• Assists in maintaining a healthy immune system
• Aids digestion in cases of stress
• Recyclable amber glass bottle

Description: 

We’ve all experienced stressful days, so it’s good to know there’s some help in the form of Stress Supplements from Flora! Flora’s 4-Stress helps to temporarily relieve associated symptoms including indigestion. It also supports cognitive health, mental focus and working memory.

4-Stress contains a calming blend of four adaptogenic herbs that help you manage stress in a healthy way. Adaptogenic herbs help your body 'adapt' and reduce both mental and physical stress. These four herbs that support your body’s ability to manage stress are: American Ginseng, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and Schisandra Berry Extract.

Directions: Take 1 capsule 3 times daily.

Ingredients: 
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) root extract (4:1) 100 mg, Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) root extract (17.5:1) 100 mg, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (7.5:1) 100 mg, Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) berry extract (4:1) 50 mg.

This product is gluten-free, Dairy-free, BPA-free, Vegan, no artificial colours, and made in Canada.

I recommend that you try this if you need stress or sleep support. Just read the precautions before trying them as they may not be suitable for certain individuals or people taking certain medications. I would definitely purchase this product.

You can get 20% off this product by visiting Social Nature (linked here). Offer valid until Sept 30, 2016

 I received this product free for trial purposes. All opinions are honest and my own. #trynatural

*This post is #notsponsored , Links are not affiliate.

Rhoziva | The Benefits of Rhodiola

Rhoziva

Most people that know me or my blog know that I'm really into health products. I follow Canadian makers of the health supplement Rhoziva on Twitter. They are some generous folks, I'll tell you. I wound up being "fan of the month" for June, and they sent me a beautiful box full of health and beauty goodies. Included in my package was their Rhoziva supplement that contains the adaptogenic herb, Rhodiola, as well as other beneficial vitamins and minerals.

I have been a strong believer and user of the herb Rhodiola (rhodiola rosea), the main ingredient in their Rhoziva supplement, for years now. Rhodiola is an adaptogen. Adaptogens help our bodies deal with (adapt) to stressors.

Dr. Axe on Rhodiola:
"Rhodiola rosea contains a phytochemical known as salisdroside. This component helps relieve anxiety and combat aging. Rhodiola suppresses the production of cortisol and increases levels of stress-resistant proteins."

Rhoziva Blister Packs

I like that Rhoziva comes in blister packs so they are perfect to take with you on-the-go or for travel.

What is Rhoziva: 
" Rhoziva is a proprietary herbal blend utilizing the powerful Rhodiola Rosea root that has been proven to fight fatigue, promote mental focus and clarity, enhance memory, increase physical endurance during periods of physical exertion and help support physical and mental stamina during times of increased stress."

You can find much more info on Rhodiola on Rhoziva's website (linked here) or on the web.

Reported Benefits:

• Energy
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Prevents fatigue
• Increases stamina
• Boosts physical energy
• Improves mood and well-being
• Increases memory and focus
• Improves athletic performance
• Promotes physical recovery
• Cortisol reduction
• Normalizes stress hormones

These are just some of the benefits of this wonder herb.

Ingredients: 
Per capsule:
100 mg Rhodiola Rosea root (extract) (3% Total Rosavins)
Other Active ingredients include: Salidroside, Tyrosol, Rosiridin, Kaempferol, Gallic acid and Cinnamic acid.
3.6 AT [8IU] Vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate)
5 mcg [200IU] Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
12.5 mg Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
2.5 mg Pyridoxine (Pyridoxine hydrochloride)
2.5 mcg Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
7.5 mg Zinc (Zinc oxide)
37.5 mg Magnesium (Magnesium glycinate)
100 mcg Folic Acid (Folate)

100% Vegetarian, gluten free, and no artificial flavours or colours.

Suggested Usage: Adults (age 18+): take one capsule in the morning and one in the early afternoon, OR take two capsules in the morning. For best results, take 20 to 30 minutes before breakfast or lunch. If you take it past the first half of your day, you find yourself too over-energized before bedtime. Store in a cool, dry place.

Warnings: Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For periodic use only. Consult a health care practitioner regarding use beyond 4 consecutive months. Store away from children.

My Experience:
The main benefits that I have noticed from my use of Rhodiola are stress reduction, regulation of  my menstrual cycle, and help with insomnia (specifically, preventing early morning awakenings).

I think this supplement can benefit most people, and it's good for so many ailments. Even those just needing some extra stamina in this world that seems to be on constant hyper-speed could benefit.

If you are interested in trying Rhoziva, it retails for $34.99 for 60 capsules. You can purchase it on their website linked here or at many health food retailers.

Rhoziva is formulated in Canada by Nanton Nutraceuticals, and their products go through stringent testing before going to market.

Thank you again to the super-generous folks at Rhoziva/ Nanton Nutraceuticals. If you're not following them on Twitter, you should consider it... You could become their next fan of the month!

You can find more information on Rhoziva's website.

Note: Remember to always check with your Doctor before beginning any new supplements.

No affiliate links. Product was a free prize from Rhoziva for being their fan of the month on Twitter.

March Empties: Health and Beauty! #Reviews

March seriously flew by! I can't believe it's already time for another empties post. My last empties post can be found HERE if you want to see last months empties.

I didn't realize I had collected so many empties, so I will try and be brief with my reviews and I will post links where possible.

Let's start with beauty products as I know that's what most of my readers are probably interested in.

- George's Always Active Aloe Mist- This is a staple in my beauty routine. I love to use it after cleansing and to dampen skin in between layering my skin products. It's very hydrating and great to have on hand in the summer, but I use it all year.

- Retin-A Micro Gel 0.04%- This is by prescription here in Canada. This particular formula does not cause irritation or peeling of the skin. I never even had an adjustment period with this Retin-A product. Retin-A is supposed to promote skin cell turnover and build collagen.

- Martina Gebhardt Black Mud Cream- I've been using this heavy cream every night since 2012. It did wonders for my dehydrated and acne prone skin! I always go back to it. I am currently trying out another product from Martina Gebhardt, but I highly recommend this to anyone with dehydrated or devitalized, or acne prone skin. (It also comes in a lotion).

- Pure + Simple Rejuvenating Rosehip Mask- This is super hydrating. I love to use it after a gentle exfoliation for better absorption. You can leave it on or wait 10-20 min then rinse. It's all natural and cruelty free.

- Vichy ProEven Advanced Daily Dark Spot Corrector- Although it has some great ingredients, I did not notice enough of a difference to purchase this again.

- Alba Botanica Terra Tints- I have this in the colour "Bloom." This is a mineral tinted lip balm with SPF 8. It gives my lips the hydration it needs, sun protection, and I love the colour on me. It's a pretty blush of colour on my lips, I'd say a light berry tone. I've tried so many others but this is my favourite and it's perfect for summertime!

- Madre Bees Organic Lip Balm- I always have these organic lip balms on hand. iHerb always puts them on sale, so I stock up when they are on sale. (They also come in a shimmer formula).

- Nature's Answer Rhodiola- This is nature's stress buster. Regular readers of my blog know how much I rave about this product. It's the only thing that stopped me from waking up at the crack of dawn every morning! I take one a day in the afternoon.

- Madre Labs CocoCeps-  This organic cocoa powder contains immune building cordyceps & reishi mushrooms, and the pure dark cocoa powder is good for our hearts. I put this in my morning smoothies everyday, and sprinkle it on ice cream etc. It is unsweetened, so I like to add Stevia. It's also a great natural energy booster!

- True Raw Choice Colloidal Silver- I get this at my local pet store (Pet Valu). It's great for people and pets! I highly recommend you keep this product on hand. Below is some info to help you decide if this product is for you and your 4 legged friend...

Here is some info from True Raw Choice's website:

Colloidal Silver is used as a treatment to fight more than 650 disease organisms found in pets. The treatment is effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses without affecting the healthy cells surrounding the infection.
Treats... Osteoporosis, Arthritis, Nerves & Stress, Blood Circulatory Cleanser, Eyes, Ears, Caker, Sinus, Muscle & Joints, Bones & Ligaments, Allergens, Pollution, Skin Problems

- Hydrogen Peroxide- I use this for my homemade cleansers, to disinfect my mouth guard, as a teeth whitener, and for cuts and scrapes. It has many uses and everyone should keep some on hand. I buy mine at the dollar store to save a bit of money.

-Nature's Way Niacinamide- I actually take this to help my body metabolize carbs. It helps me maintain my weight. That's not why I started this product, but that's what it ended up helping with. If I have a high-carb meal I will take 1 capsule. (From iHerb: "Niacinamide is the non-flushing form of Niacin/ Vitamin B3. It is necessary for normal breakdown of fats and the release of energy from carbohydrates"). This explained to me why it ended up helping with maintaining my weight.

I buy a lot of these products on iHerb's website. I highly recommend them for their low prices, low international shipping, and it's pretty much a one stop shop. I can buy most of my health and beauty products there (from Elf to Real Techniques and Physicians Formula, plus all my supplements), it's quite amazing.

If you've never shopped at iHerb, you can save $5 on your first order with discount code AGU725 or by clicking HERE.

If you do shop at iHerb, make sure to check out the Daily specials & Deals at the top of their website. They offer some serious savings with those deals, and they change daily!

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up this month as well as what I loved and what didn't work for me.  Hopefully, you find my reviews helpful, I know reading reviews helps me to find products that work for me.

Have you found any products you can't be without? If so, please share in the comments. I get some of the best suggestions from my readers!

ps, come and join the fun over at a fabulousandfunlife and best-blogosphere-link-week-65

Amy
xoxo

Monthly iHerb Haul: Health and Beauty!

I have a small iHerb haul to share with you all. I purchased some of my staple items as well as a new skin cream. Not like I need a new skin cream but I love Sibu Beauty's products and I couldn't pass up the sale (it's still on sale as of today!).

I will provide links for each product in case you want to learn more about them. 

I also have a discount code linked at the bottom of this haul if you are looking for a coupon code for iHerb.com

What I purchased:

-Madre Labs CocoCeps- I use this everyday in my protein drink. It contains organic cocoa plus Cordyceps & Reishi mushroom powders. All of these ingredients are super healthy for your heart and immune system. Plus it doesn't contain any sugar, I just add stevia to sweeten my drink

-Nature's Answer Rhodiola- This is my favourite Rhodiola product so far. It helps with stress and helps prevent my early morning wakings. (Not including cat awakenings!)

-Nature's Way Niacinamide- I actually take this to help my body metabolize carbs. It helps me maintain my weight. That's not why I started this product, but that's what it ended up helping with. If I have a high-carb meal I will take 1 capsule. (From iHerb: "Niacinamide is the non-flushing form of Niacin/ Vitamin B3. It is necessary for normal breakdown of fats and the release of energy from carbohydrates"). This explained to me why it ended up helping with maintaining my weight.

-Now Foods 5-HTP- This will be my first time trying this brand of 5-HTP. I take this supplement to help with sleep. 50-100mg before bed usually does the trick. It's supposed to help with mood as well. Research also shows that 5-HTP can help with weight as it helps reduce carb cravings as well as appetite in general.

-Sibu Beauty Sea Berry Therapy Nourishing Face Cream- I have not tried this skin cream yet, but I've used other skin care products by Sibu Beauty and loved them all! This cream is made with their Sea Berry seed oil and states "Rescue for Problematic Skin." Sea Buckthorn repairs sun damaged and aging skin and is also great for acne! It can be used for all skin types. This company is also cruelty free and made in the USA.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I purchased this month. 

If you have not shopped at iHerb before, you can get $5 off your first order by clicking HERE or using code AGU725 during checkout.

iHerb has really low international shipping rates, which allows me to keep shopping there and is one more reason it's my favourite place to buy most of my health and beauty products. They even carry ELF Cosmetics and Real Techniques, just to name a few.

PS. Don't forget to check the links on the top of their website for specials, daily deals, and trials, they change daily and offer huge savings!

What are your go-to health and beauty products?

As always, check with your health care provider before beginning any new supplements.

ps. I'm joining Monday Makekup Madness over at Fabulous and Fun Life as well as Best of the blogosphere linkup party!

Amy

xo

December/ January Empties: Health, Beauty, Skincare & Makeup!

Time to talk some trash, Today I'm Sharing my health and beauty empties for the month of December and January. I know many of you love empties posts, as do I.  I didn't finish too much for the last two months but enough to share. Some are new products for me and some are staples for me. Read on to see what I'd repurchase. ps. Here is my last empties post if you'd like to see more empties!

Hair & Skin

-Gosh Much More Moist Hair Conditioner- I found this fairly basic for my super frizzy and dry hair. My hair needs something more. This would be a great conditioner for someone with less damaged hair. I love that they are cruelty-free (last I heard).

-Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash- Unfortunately, I'm having to toss this product and it's still over 1/2 full. It's a decent cleanser for combo-oily skin, but the best before says 9 months after opening and I've actually had it for much longer. Also, it kept clogging at the nozzle (you can probably see all the gunk built up). I think it's because of the coconut oil in it. Every time I try to pump some out it squirts out the back and all over my mirror. I would not purchase again due to the clogging issue. They are also cruelty-free which is great! Note: by the look of the picture of the product on the website where I purchased it, it seems they have changed the nozzle, maybe to prevent the clogging issue.

-Reviva Labs Elastin & Collagen Skin Toner *discontinued- Anyone who's read any of my previous empties or haul posts is probably already aware that this is one of my holy grail toners. It is so gentle and since I use chemical exfoliants my skin just loves it! My latest bottle of it has a strong scent to it which it's never had before. I really wish they didn't add fragrance to it but I will still repurchase. Also cruelty-free.

Makeup

-Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Cream Bronzer in Warm Tan- Love this! So easy to blend and I would say it's a cream to powder finish. Not too warm or cool toned, I think it's the perfect shade for me (there is one more shade in the line that is darker). I've heard this compares to Chanel's cream bronzer! If I ever need/want another cream bronzer this is the one I would buy. Also, cruelty-free.

-Jordana Best Lash Extreme- I love this mascara. I found that I got similar results with it to Benefit's They're Real mascara. The only thing I don't like is that Jordana's is fairly difficult to remove even though it's not waterproof. Love the price at $2.99 and it's cruelty-free. I will definitely repurchase. 

-Elf Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Nude Pink- First, this is not a liquid lipstick at all, it's a gloss. When I first got it I found the texture or finish strange somehow, but it grew on me and now I love to throw it on when I'm out and my lipstick has worn off. I always have it in my purse. Have already repurchased. Cruelty-free and super inexpensive!

-Elf Conditioning Lip Balm in Peaceful Pink *discontinued- This is definitely conditioning and has a lot of slip to it. It looks more like a lipstick on but with so much slip it ends up all over the place. Due to the strong, pigmentation this isn't something you should apply with a finger even though it would seem it was created to be applied that way.  You really need to apply this using a mirror and a lip brush. Too much maintenance for me. I wanted something I could slap on when on the go using my finger. I tried that and then looked in the mirror and I looked like a clown. I would not repurchase although, I do have this in Nude as well to finish up now... We'll see how that one goes. Another cruelty-free product. 

Health

-Nature's Answer Rhodiola- Another product I wont be without. It helps with stress levels and helps prevent early morning wakings for me. I take one per day.

-California Gold Nutrition Daily Vits & Mins Discontinued- I got a great deal on this so I figured I'd give it a try.  I think they are a good basic multi-vitamin but I'm looking for something special, where I feel a difference so I would not repurchase. (Currently, I'm taking MYKIND multi by Garden of Life and that is going well so far).

-BHI Calming Tablets- These are another repurchase for me. I have been buying these for years. They are a homeopathic composition made to help with insomnia, tension, irritability etc. I always have a bottle by my bedside table. Homoeopathic medicines are great as they do not interact with allopathic medicines. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I used up in December and January. I hope to have a lot more for next month! If you have an empties post to share please leave a link, I'd love to come and check it out! 

In Health & Happiness, 

Amy

This post contains affiliate links

December Health, Beauty / Skincare Haul from iHerb!

I wanted to share this little health and beauty haul with you all, especially because ALL the products contained in the order happen to be staple/must-have items for me. I have been using most of them for years and I will not be without them!  If you see my empties posts you have surely seen these products in those posts. I will provide links to the products if you'd like to read up on them some more.

Healthy Origins Q10- Vital for heart health and I'd say anyone over 40! It's used by all the cells in our bodies. I take one 100mg gel cap per day. Note: I have read many articles that claim that the latest form of Q10 called Ubiquinol, that is much more expensive, is converted to the Ubiquinone form in our stomachs. So, I opt to continue taking the more cost effective form of Q10 called Ubiquinone.

George's Always Active Aloe Mist- I use this morning an night when layering my skin products. It really helps my other products absorb into my skin better. It's very refreshing and healthy for the skin since it's made from pure active aloe vera. It comes out in such a fine mist, that I have saved an empty bottle and re-purposed it to dispense my favourite leave-in hair conditioner. ps. This aloe lasts forever because the mist is so fine!

Reviva Labs Collagen & Elastin Toner- This is hands down my favourite toner ever! It is so soothing to the skin. It has replaced my previous favourite toner by Thayers, which was also alcohol free, but this is MUCH more soothing to my skin. I use Retin-A, so I like to use gentle products. The fact that it contains collagen and elastin can't hurt my aging skin either.

Nature's Answer Rhodiola- This is the best Rhodiola I have tried and I've tried many. Rhodiola is an adaptogen, which helps our bodies deal with stress. This single-handedly stopped me from waking up at 5 AM everyday. I'm guessing my body was spiking the stress hormone cortisol in the morning and this supplement is helping my body deal with any stress. I take one 100 mg capsule daily.

BHI (Previously Heel Homeopathics) Calming Tabs- These are great little homeopathic tabs that are a combination of remedies. Most classic homeopaths don't believe in combination remedies and use only single one's, but I say whatever works. This helps me on many nights with my insomnia when nothing else does. I always have a bottle by the bedside. Homeopathics do not interact with allopathic medications.

Now Foods Xyli-White Cinnafresh Toothpaste- This is a fluoride-free and SLS free toothpaste and the Xylitol is great for oral health. My dental checkups improved since starting this toothpaste years ago, so I've never looked back. It's more expensive than drugstore toothpaste but so worth it. I just make sure to not squeeze out more than I need. I never see it on sale but it happens to be on sale today for only $1! ahhh.. I want to buy a whole box full at that price. It would save me so much $$, but it's one per customer at that price.

Sierra Bees 8 pack of Lip Balms in Tamanu & Tea Tree- This is an iHerb brand and I love all of their Sierra Bees lip balms that I have tried. They have so many types and they are always having some kind of deal on them, so I usually pickup a pack when I see them having a promo. This pack was on promo for only $1!

A tip when shopping on iHerb- always check their "daily deal's" and "trial" links at the top of their website, you can find some really amazing deals there! The daily one's change every 24 hours, sometimes I check daily until I see the deal I can't pass up and then place my order. ;)

If you have never shopped at iHerb before and you would like a $5 coupon, you can use my referral code to get $5 off your first order. The code is AGU725 and you can just enter it during checkout or you can use this link to have it apply automatically.

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my must have health and beauty products. I'd love to hear what some of your must-have products are!

ps. Come check out the linkup party over at a Fabulous and Fun Life! 

Amy

XX