Iherb Haul | Health, Beauty, Skincare, Supplements + Discount Code

It's been quite a while since I shared an iHerb haul. I've still been shopping there regularly; I just haven't shared in a bit, so I figured it was about time. I've actually been shopping there since 2008 because their prices are so good, shipping is fast, and they usually have all the health products that I'm looking for.

This haul features some products that are new to me and some old favourites. I also have a discount code AGU725 that will save you $$$ whether you are new to iHerb or have previously shopped there.

Source Naturals Evening Primrose Oil - 120 softgels

This is a repurchase for me. It has many health and beauty benefits, so I love to make it a part of my everyday supplement routine. 

"GLA (gamma-Linolenic acid), and linolenic acid are essential, polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are used by most cells in the body to produce soothing prostaglandins (intracellular hormone-like messengers), which help maintain the balance of many functions in the body."

Garden of Life Vitamin Code 50 & Wiser Whole Food Multivitamin - 120 veg caps

Garden of Life makes some of my favourite supplements. They use raw whole foods in their multivitamin, they are non-GMO and I definitely notice a difference in how I feel when I take them. I can't say that for most multivitamins that I've tried.

"Vitamin Code® 50 & Wiser Women is a comprehensive whole food multi-nutrient formula, specifically formulated to meet the unique needs of women over 50, providing the nourishment the body craves to maintain optimal health and well-being. 

Contains 23 powdered organically grown fruits and vegetables add supporting antioxidants, vitamins and nutrient cofactors."

• Breast and Thyroid Health
• Bone Strength
• Healthy Heart and Blood Pressure††
• Live Probiotics and Enzymes Support Healthy Digestion

NatraBio Insomnia Relief Homeopathic Remedy - 1 oz

I've had a lot of success with homeopathic remedies for insomnia. I do switch up the homeopathic remedies that I use so my body doesn't get used to one and I won't "prove" a remedy. I love that there aren't any contraindications between homeopathic remedies and medications. *

Uses: May help temporarily relieve:

• Symptoms of insomnia
• Occasional sleeplessness
• Difficulty falling asleep

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Hair Serum- 2oz

I'm a total hair product junkie. It's hard NOT to be one when you have very difficult and damaged hair! This product is definitely like an oil despite being called a serum. It is brand new to me and so far I like it. It doesn't weigh my hair down and really does help with frizz, it only takes a few drops. I feel like it is doing good things for my hair and scalp. It seems to have been removed from iHerb's website now. Not sure if that is temporary or not. 

"This intensive oil serum is perfect for those who regularly straighten, perm or heat style their hair, as well as kinky, curly or wavy natural styles. Effectively penetrates to treat the scalp and each hair strand with nutrients, minerals and vitamins, bringing damaged or chemically processed hair back to life. Nutrient-rich Jamaican Black Castor Oil and organic Shea Butter help support healthy growth by strengthening and conditioning hair, increasing its resistance to breakage. Peppermint stimulates the scalp for an invigorating experience."

Home Health Goji Berry Eye Cream- 1oz

This eye cream is an old favourite of mine. I've tried many eye creams and serums and I always go back to this one or Olay's Ultimate Eye cream, they both work equally well for my hooded eyes but this one is natural. Although the effect is temporary I'll take it! This large 1oz size lasts for a long time. Most eye creams are only 15ml so this one is twice as much.

• With Organic Aloe, Arnica and Vitamin K
• Paraben-Free
• Fragrance-Free
• Anti-Aging Hydration Formula

"Inspired by the antioxidant benefits of the exotic goji berry, Goji Berry Eye Cream represents a breakthrough in anti-aging eye care wellness. We combined the nutrient-rich goji berry [Himalayan Lycium Berry] with specially selected moisturizing and health-promoting skin care ingredients including organic aloe, arnica and vitamin K, well-known for reducing swelling around eyes and soothing away puffiness."

Sierra Bees Lip Balm - 4 pack

I've been purchasing Sierra Bees lip balms for years. They are natural and actually work well at moisturizing my lips. Plus they are super inexpensive. I always stock up when they are on sale and love to gift them to friends and family.

• Featuring Sustainably Sourced Beeswax, Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil & Vitamin E
• Formulated to be: USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Cruelty-Free
• Made with Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable Ingredients
• No Sulfates, No Preservatives, No Artificial Fragrances & No Animal Testing
• Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth

EcoTools Mask Remover Sponges- 2 pack

These are a repurchase for me. I love having these on hand, not only to remove face masks but to use with my cleanser for gentle exfoliation. They make a great companion to any face cleanser to help remove more makeup, dirt, and debris.

"The Mask Remover Sponges are premium, spa-quality sponges that are designed to quickly wipe away facial masks, mess-free. Made from wood pulp, these sponges boost the effectiveness of masks by gently exfoliating the skin for a smoother, more radiant appearance."

Elf Ride or Die Lip Balm in Just Peachy- 12grams

I heard so much about this lip balm that I had to try it! It is quite thick in consistency and does a great job of moisturizing the lips. It's quite long-lasting too and has a subtle hint of colour. This big tube should last quite a while. ELF is a cruelty-free brand. This product is no longer on iHerb's website but it is available on Amazon in Berry, Peach, Rose, and Mint.

"Infused with Jojoba Oil Repairs dry lips Adds a sheer wash of color An intense lip balm treatment that gives you the ultimate hydrated and plumped lips."

I hope you enjoyed seeing my latest iHerb Haul! If you use discount code AGU725 or use this link, you will save money on your entire order!

Happy Shopping!

*Always check with your doctor before implementing new supplements into your routine.

Some links are affiliates. Thank you for the support if you choose to use them.

Sign Up To Receive FREE Sensitive Skin, Hair & Body Care Products | Launching Soon!

photo credit: ATTITUDE

Who doesn't love getting FREE products to try out!? ATTITUDE is coming out with a new sensitive skin, hair and body care line and they're offering free products to sample!

New Sensitive Skin Collection from ATTITUDE coming soon!!! They are plant-based, #natural, #vegan, #hypoallergenic, #ewgverified and dermatologist tested.

Get early online access and up to a full year of FREE shampoo!

Submissions for this campaign is now closed! I hope you got in!

Not sponsored
referral link to sign up. everyone receives one when signing up.

How To Heal A Canker Sore Quickly!

When I was a kid, I got canker sores all the time. I really haven't had any as an adult... until recently. I really believe that my recent canker sore was caused by exfoliating my lips too aggressively. Lesson learned.

My canker sore wasn't healing. It was painful, annoying and very unattractive as it was on the inside of my lower lip. Eating was difficult as I kept biting it and making it worse. So, I scoured the internet looking for a solution.

I took zinc tablets to boost my immunity, tried honey, sipped chamomile tea, and even left the cooled tea bag on the sore in an attempt to heal it more quickly but nothing was working. It wasn't healing at all and I was getting worried.

Then it dawned on me, coconut oil is excellent for oral health. It's also antibacterial..... After applying coconut oil to my cold sore a few times a day as well as before bed, it felt better and began to shrink and heal very quickly. Within 3 days my canker sore was completely gone!

I always recommend cold-pressed, organic, non-GMO extra virgin coconut oil.

If you decide to give this a try, while you're at it apply some to your hair, it will definitely thank you!

So, if you or your child runs into one of those annoying canker sores, try healing it with some coconut oil. If it's a chronic problem, look at ways to boost immunity.

Here is a great site with 101 uses for coconut oil https://wellnessmama.com/5734/coconut-oil/

*Don't use the coconut oil if there are any known allergies. As always, I recommend checking with your healthcare practitioner.

*Not sponsored

Review | The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask #Vegan

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask

I recently got the opportunity to try some of the Body Shop's new face masks thanks to a free sampling program that they ran to introduce these products to the market. I usually love to douse my skin with moisture, so I was surprised when my favourite of the 3 masks that I tried turned out to be the Himalayan Charcoal one. I loved the results so much that I had to buy the full size along with another product as shown in a recent haul (linked here).

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask

I realized after the first mask session that the name they chose for this mask describes it perfectly, my skin had an instant glow to it afterwards. My skin not only had a glow to it but it looked more clear, even, and radiant. My skin was also super soft after the mask. I have since used it a few more times and the results were even better. The results lasted into the next day; my skin was younger and clearer looking the next day. It was one of those things where I kept looking at my bare skin in the mirror and thought "geez, my skin looks good today." Then I realized, "oh, it's the mask!"

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION from The Body Shop: 

"Refine and revive your skin with our Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask. Inspired by Ayurvedic traditions, this 100% vegan tingling charcoal clay mask is infused with bamboo charcoal, green tea leaves, and organic tea tree oil. This invigorating charcoal face mask draws out impurities and refines the appearance of pores for healthy-looking skin with a glow that shows."

• 100% vegan
• Formulated without parabens, paraffins, silicone or mineral oils
• Absorbs excess oil
• Perfect for skin that needs extra purification to reveal a healthy, youthful glow
• Packed with bamboo charcoal from the Himalayan Foothills, green tea leaves from Japan and organic Community Trade tea tree oil from Kenya. 

Charcoal is great for pulling out impurities and detoxifying, and I can see that it's doing just that. It also provides a gentle exfoliation to the skin with the green tea leaves in the product. It has a cooling sensation on the skin thanks to the menthol in the product (which I could really do without) and it leaves your skin feeling refreshed. Besides the fact that I'm not a fan of cooling sensations in my skincare, it's not a deal-breaker as the results from this mask are fantastic.

The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask

I  know a lot of people are into multi-masking and will place one type of mask on their T-zone and another type of mask on the drier parts like the cheeks etc. I like to multi-mask too and have done so for years, but I do it a little bit differently. I like to use a detoxifying mask such as the Himalayan Charcoal one all over my face for the allotted time and then after I remove it I apply a hydrating mask to my whole face as well. As always, I follow up with my usual skincare routine after masking.

This weekend I used this mask again but this time for my second / hydrating mask, I used The Body Shop's new British Rose Mask from the samples that I received. I loved the results so much that I may just have to go purchase the British Rose Mask as well. Although I didn't notice a difference when I used the British Rose Mask on its own, I definitely loved the results after using the Himalayan Charcoal Mask and following it up with the British Rose Mask.

Creepy Making Face!

I really love this product and it does what it says. I wasn't even in the market for a new face mask but after seeing the results, I just had to indulge. I also love that this product is cruelty-free and vegan!

Although the free sampling program for these masks is over, I'm sure The Body Shop will give you a free sample if you want to try it before you buy it. Just ask in store.

Tip: I signed up for The Body Shop's emails and received a 50% off code that was sent straight to my email. It was good for one product purchased either online or in store.

This product retails for $28 CAD for 75ml. 

Have you tried any of the Body Shop's new masks? Which one's are you loving?

XO

*This post is not sponsored. The product was purchased by Moi and all opinions are mine! 

Alba Botanica Broad Spectrum Sunscreens: SPF 40 for Face, Sports, and Kids

May is skin cancer awareness month. So, in this post, the spotlight is on protecting our skin with broad spectrum, natural sunscreens.

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime?!

With summer just around the corner, many of us are thinking about our summer plans, whether it be summer vacations, getting to the beach or just looking forward to more outdoor activities.

Little fact: Sunscreen is actually my number 1 anti-aging tip (just wish I knew in my 20's).

I'm all ready for summer. I've got my favourite flip-flops and sunglasses ready, and I've already upped my sunscreen game with a higher SPF for Spring and Summer.

I'm currently using Alba Botanica for my sunscreen. With an SPF of 40 in a broad spectrum and water resistant formula, I feel protected from the harmful rays of the sun.

Alba's sunscreen range offers water resistance formula's for the face, sports, and for kids.

Alba is one of my go-to brands for all natural, cruelty-free products, and they leave out all the nasty chemicals. Their formula's are 100% vegetarian and broad spectrum, which includes both UVA and UVB protection. 

These formula's are fantastic! They are super moisturizing, absorb right into the skin with no greasy residue and do not leave any white cast.

They are also fragrance free, PH balanced, and dermatologist tested.

They also contain botanical extracts known for their moisturizing properties. Botanicals like Lavender Flower, Aloe Leaf, Calendula Flower, Camelia Leaf Extract, Chamomile Flower, Coneflower, Ginko Biloba, and Ginseng Extract.

I'm so happy that Alba has a formula specific for the face as many SPF's for the body can make me breakout.

For extra sun protection, I like to layer sunscreen with other beauty products that also contain sunscreen, like my tinted moisturizers and BB creams. 

This brings me to another point about sun protection, which is a good pair of sunglasses, which I never forgo these days. Make sure to purchase one's that have UV protection.

When I was young, I used to literally bake my skin in the sun with baby oil. Now that I know better, I take extra care to protect my skin. Even on the most overcast days the UV rays are still out and sometimes even stronger than on a sunny day. 

The lines on my left eye are evidence that the sun even penetrates our car windows. I commuted to work for years with the sun beaming into the driver's side window and my right eye is virtually line free!

Alba's formula for kids also offers broad spectrum SPF 40 in a water resistant, non-greasy formula that is fast absorbing. 

Available in a lotion (113g) or convenient spray (110ml)

Both retail for only $9.99

Alba also offers a Sports formula for the sports enthusiast.

With broad spectrum SPF 40 in a sweat-proof, water resistant formula.

Available in a lotion (113g) or convenient spray (110ml)

Both retail for only $9.99

I don't believe that the sun is a bad thing. In fact, I believe the opposite- the sun is vital to life and our health. We just have to be sun-safe. That includes applying broad spectrum sunscreen daily, even in overcast weather, and of course wearing a good pair of sunnies.

I am so glad that natural and cruelty-free companies like Alba Botanica offer a great line-up of sun care products.  I really appreciate that this line is made with healthy ingredients and is free of nasty chemicals.

Benefits:

SPF 40
broad spectrum UV protection
water resistant
fragrance free
lotion or spray formulas
vegetarian
fast absorbing
non-greasy
PH balanced
dermatologist tested

Formulated Without:

parabens
phthalates
artificial colours
propylene glycol
aluminum
mineral oil
petrolatum
oxybenzone
PABA
nano-particles
DEA
MEA or TEA
PEGs and PEG derivatives
ethoxylated ingredients associated with 1,4 dioxane
formaldehyde donors
GMOs

As you can see, and I'm sure you're aware, what's not inside is equally, if not more important than what is inside. 

The long list above of what Alba's products are formulated without are known, or believed to have negative effects on health, and many are hormone disruptor's. Remember, our bodies absorb whatever we put on it. Just think of the nicotine patch, birth control patch or even hormone creams.

Personally, I can't wait to stock up on some natural vitamin D but I want to do it safely, so you wont catch me without my sunscreen and my sunglasses on.

Alba Botanica has been one of my go-to lines for natural and cruelty free products for years. They have been around since 1979!

If you're looking for some sun protection that's natural, affordable, and without all the nasties, Alba is a great choice.

Whatever your plans are this summer, have fun and stay safe!

Ps. come and join the blogger linkup parties over at fabulousandfunlife and the best of blogosphere!

*PR samples provided for consideration. As usual, all opinions are 100% honest and my  own.

Amy

xoxo

#LipstickLeague May 2015 Instagram Photo Challenge!

I came across this May photo challenge on Instagram from a beauty blogger and vlogger that I follow on social media named Makeup Obsessed Mom/ thejools123. She had just posted the list below as well as her photo for the first challenge. It looked like fun, so I thought I'd join in. 

Who are the #Lipstickleague? These are their Instagram accounts:

@weheartthisdotcom, @nouveaucheap, @gouldylox, @mybeautybunny, @phyrra, @loveforlacquer, @beautyjunkies, @vampyvarnish, @eaumg, @primebeauty, @clumpsofmascara, and @janinefalcon

The May Photo Challenge:

Here is my first challenge completed and posted on Instagram 

Admittedly, I have to work on my selfie skills, clearly! But, at least I can laugh at myself in the meantime! There are 31 challenges in total, one for each day of this month. Complete as many as you are able/want to and have fun!

My favourite lipstick/gloss combo: Elf's Matte Lip Color in Natural with Burt's Bees lip gloss in Nearly Dusk.

I tag anyone who reads this and would like to participate!

Xo Amy

Physicians Formula Argan Wear Blush in Rose; Review and Swatches

Hi everyone,

I recently made a few Physicians Formula purchases (see blog post: PF blog post ) and I saw their new Argan Wear line while I was at the store and the blushes in this line really caught my eye (I admit it, I am a blush-addict!)  They only came in two shades: Natural and Rose.  I decided I had to have the pink shade (Rose) - I'm always drawn to pink shades over peaches or corals, I think it's because it looks more natural to me as its the colour we turn naturally when we flush.  Anyhow, by the time i decided I had to have the blush I went back and the store was out of that colour.  I ran to another store and was able to grab one. The store still had the sale going on plus a rebate on the product, so I couldn't pass it up!

I have been using the blush for about a week now and I wasn't planning on doing a review since I only had the one item, so I no longer have the box that it came in.  But, I think this blush is worth reviewing. Here are some photos and swatches as well as some info from Physician's Formula's website.

Physicians Formula description and claims:

Ultra-luxe formula features luminous, light-reflecting pigments that deliver a skin perfecting effect for a youthful and glowing radiance. Infused with 100% Pure Argan Oil, know as liquid gold for its rich conditioning benefits that can improve skin's brightness, tone, texture, and elasticity.
















Hypoallergenic. Gluten Free.Non-comedogenic. Dermatologist Approved

Here is PF stock photo, showing the gold over-spray on the product (the over-spray is easily removed):

All my pictures were taken inside with natural daylight and no flash (here without the over-spray):

Comes with a small flat brush pictured above and below:

Here it is opened, it has a mirror under the back side of the blush which can be useful and the compartment for storing the blush. This can be handy, but I would prefer a sleeker packaging if they would leave the brush out.

Swatches left to right: All blended together, centre of blush, middle layer, outer layer:

Close up of swatch with all colours blended together: (see the natural looking flush)

Swatched from top to bottom: Outer layer, second layer, centre, blended together

The blush retails for $15.99, but PF is always on sale at one of the drugstores or Walmart. I got it on sale for $12.49 and had an $8 rebate, so I only paid $4.50! Which is such a steal!!

As you can see this is a blue based light-medium pink, with a subtle but beautiful glow! I don't see how this blush could be used with the individual colours but I don't think that's the purpose, like the over-spray, I think it's just for the Moroccan themed design.

Most people don't appreciate this little brushes that come in these products and I agree, mainly because it makes for much bulkier packaging and I would prefer something sleeker. But, I do keep these brushes and I use them with bronzer to contour my nose.

I have really been enjoying this blush, so much, that I have used it everyday and can't seem to put it down! I find that it's pigmented but not too pigmented that you'd have to worry about looking like a "crazy blush lady." You can have a sheer application or you can build it up. It blends beautifully and is long-lasting. I find the colour very flattering on my light/yellow toned skin. As I mentioned it leaves a beautiful glow, no shimmer or glitter, just a youthful glow, and I love that!

It does have quite a strong, probably unpleasant to some, fragrance. I find though that the fragrance does not last. Even in the packaging it seems to be fading. I understand they were going for the whole Moroccan theme, but with so many people having sensitivities to fragrance, this would have been better without the scent. I find most of the reviews that I've seen that are negative are in response to the fragrance, so I'm sure PF is realizing now that they would have been better off leaving it out. Especially since PF is known to be a company that makes Hypoallergenic and Dermatologist approved products.

In conclusion, this is one of my new favourite blushes (among a few others that are also by PF!). Luckily I can get over the scent, but if you're sensitive, you might want to pass on this one.

Have you tried any of the products from Physicians Formula's new Argan Wear line? I still have my eye on a few of the products! ;)

Physicians Formula is Cruelty free! (no animal testing) :D

Physicians Formula website: https://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/default.html
Physicians Formula Canadian Rebate page: https://www.physiciansformula.com/en-ca/staticpage/rebate.html

xo Amy