Beauty Review: Luseta Beauty Tea Tree and Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner + $100 Giveaway!

Finding the right shampoo for yourself isn't as easy as finding the right shade of lipstick, or a perfectly matched foundation, and I have learned that the hard way. Especially if your hair tends to get greasy close to the scalp, while being completely dry at the ends. It's challenging.

For me, having healthy looking hair is important. After my pregnancy, I have lost quite a lot of hair and it's only just now starting to grow back. My hair is fair and falls out easily at the lightest pull. It's also quite damaged from always being tied into a ponytail (it's either that, or being pulled out by fistfuls by the little one).

I am yet to find a shampoo and conditioner that I could call my holy grail, but the Luseta Tea Tree and Argan Oil line is one of my top three favorite hair products of all time. So far, I've had the most success with the Luseta products, the Ginger Shampoo from The Body Shop and the Argan Oil line from Seaweed Bath company. These are the only products that thoroughly clean my hair, moisturize and keep my scalp healthy at the same time.

The Luseta Tea Tree and Argan Oil shampoo lathers well and cleans pretty thoroughly. I feel like the Argan shampoo from the Seaweed Bath company gives you a more squeaky clean feeling than the Luseta one, but I'm not sure if that's a good thing, because I feel like it might be stripping my scalp of the good things as well. The Luseta shampoo cleans well without leaving my scalp dry, which actually feels better. 

The consistency is great (not too thick, not too runny), the color is a pearly light green and the smell is very invigorating. Surprisingly, it doesn't smell like tea tree oil, it smells more like peppermint, which is great for those bothered by the tea tree scent. I personally wouldn't mind either way. I wash my hair twice, two pumps of shampoo each time and that keeps them clean for about 2 days. The bottle is very large and the shampoo lasts very long, so that's a big plus. I like the cooling effect of this shampoo, and the gentle tingly feeling on my scalp. 

As someone who suffers from dry and itchy scalp, I can definitely tell you that finding a shampoo that keeps your scalp happy is probably even more important than finding one that will make your hair look great. Well, Luseta does both, that's why I'm so pleased with it. With most of the shampoos I've tried so far, my scalp would get very irritated, to the point I'd be scratching almost constantly. The three brands I mentioned in my review earlier are the only ones that help keep my scalp healthy. The tea tree oil in the Luseta shampoo and conditioner has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and the argan oil provides proper nutrition and moisturizes well. It's a perfect combination.

The conditioner smells a bit different than the shampoo, but it's also a pleasant, earthy kind of fragrance that doesn't really last long. It works great for me, doesn't leave my hair feeling artificially silky smooth, but it takes away the roughness and makes them soft and naturally moisturized. They don't get tangled up as much as they used to, either.

Overall, this is honestly a really great brand worth checking out. If you have dry and damaged hair and scalp that could use an extra boost of nutrition, I recommend checking Luseta out. 

Disclaimer: A free sample of the products has been provided in exchange for my honest review.

About Luseta Tea Tree & Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner:

• Tea tree and argan oil rid hair of impurities
• Leaves hair full of luster and vitality
• Color safe hair care product
• Tea tree oil deeply cleans hair
• Argan oil moisturizes and repair hair damage

Most widely known and used for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is effective in thoroughly cleansing and improving the health of the scalp, removing any impurities, and acting as a natural antidandruff remedy. Combined with the nourishing and restorative properties of pure organic argan oil, Luseta Tea Tree & Argan Oil series works to leave the scalp feeling refreshed while locking in moisture and shine into each strand of hair.

 

PROFESSIONAL . LUXURIOUS. NATURAL . INNOVATIVE

In Italy, lusso refers to luxury. Seta means silk. The inspiration for LUSETA comes from these words.

Our philosophy is simple: to give luxurious, silky, and healthy hair to everyone in the world!

Founded in 2011 by hair professionals with over 20 years of industry experience, LUSETA has been pursuing the goal to fulfill everyone's different hair needs. Our expertise and insight into the professional hair industry has pioneered us to make high performance hair care products with less harmful chemicals and the best natural ingredients on the market. Through creative thinking and by understanding the needs of our customers, we also pioneered in creating hair tools and accessories to deliver the best styling solutions.

Giveaway:

Great news my lovely friends and followers! 

You can win $100 to Luseta Beauty store and get pampered with us! :) (well, not with us, we won't be there, that would be creepy).

But YOU can get pampered! :)

Open to US/Canada

Enter via Rafflecopter below!

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Skincare / Beauty Review & Giveaway: 100% Pure Organic African Shea Butter from Cleopatra's Choice

About Cleopatra's Choice Shea Butter:

• Pure Unrefined Shea Butter - 100% natural and organic pure Shea butter 
• Made with hand selected finest nuts of the Shea tree in Ghana. 
• 1 POUND JAR - Packaged in a resealable and recyclable container for easy access and storage.

Cleopatra's Choice Organic Shea Butter Benefits:

• Quickly penetrates the skin to immediately protect and infuse with rich LASTING moisture
• Deeply Nourishes and Hydrates Dry Scalp or Damaged Hair - Helping to Reduce Dryness and Flakiness
• 100% Natural, Paraben Free, No added Fragrance or Color
• Essential Fatty Acids and Nutrients in Shea Butter Help Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
• Supplies nutrients to maintain elasticity and a soft, even texture.
• Helps with Dry Skin, Rough Patches, Stretch Marks, Psorias, Eczema, Chapped Lips and Cuticles

Great for DIY Skin Care!

• Our Shea Butter is used By Many DIY Skin Care and Hair Care Pros!
• Very Fresh African Shea Butter from Ghana - see batch number up top
• Does not clog pores, hypo-allergenic, Absorbs Quickly and Doesn't Feel Oily!
• Shea Butter is non-comedogenic (unlike Cocoa Butter)

        

My thoughts:

Both my husband and I use many products - both skincare and haircare - containing Shea butter, but I have never used a 100% pure organic shea butter until now and I am starting to wonder why on earth did I waste all the money on expensive beauty products that contain only a small percentage of this amazing stuff?

While I can't tell you how Cleopatra's Choice Shea Butter compares to shea butters from other companies, I can definitely tell you about my experience using it. First thing I noticed when I started using it is the pleasant nutty fragrance it has. It's not a very powerful smell and it fades very quickly, so even if nutty fragrances aren't your thing, you shouldn't be bothered by it. Personally, I find this smell rather comforting and very earthy, so I actually like it a lot.

Second thing I noticed is the thick and packed consistency and slightly chunky texture. It's unlike anything I have ever used before. Applying it to your skin straight from the bucket takes a bit of patience, but if you spread it on your palm first and let it warm up for 15-20 seconds, it is much easier.

And finally, the third thing is its powerful (incredibly powerful) moisturizing quality. I have never in my life experienced such rich and long lasting moisture, not with other organic products like coconut oil or cocoa butter, and not even with high-end and extremely expensive lotions and creams. My skin felt deeply moisturized and relieved, unlike with other products that only offered a superficial and temporary fix. The feeling is extremely long-lasting, too. If I apply the shea butter before going to bed, my skin is still soft and smooth the next morning. Moreover, shea butter seems to actually improve the health and appearance of my skin. My husband suffers from eczema - it is particularly bad around his ankles and knees, because whenever he's stressed he scratches in his sleep. The skin in these areas was starting to resemble bluish scale (really parched and flaky) and we have tried almost everything, from organic and natural remedies to over-the-counter medications, but nothing was helping. With this shea butter, he used it maybe 3 or 4 times and we have noticed a huge and significant improvement. The dry, scaly surface began to soften, the itchiness stopped completely and the bluish hue went away. I was amazed by how quickly his skin bounced back, because it was really in bad shape. I would definitely recommend using this shea butter for eczema relief, as well as for any other dry and itchy skin problems you may be experiencing - it really helps!

As I mentioned before, the consistency of the butter is pretty thick and it's not easy to apply it directly to your skin. Personally, I have no problems with that, but if you prefer a more creamy consistency, I strongly recommend mixing it with some sort of carrier oil ( like fractionated coconut oil) and maybe adding an essential oil for scent! There possibilities are endless! I suggest you look up some recipes for home-made shea butter skincare and haircare products - there's a ton of them out there!

Disclaimer: A sample of the product was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion.

Giveaway:

Two winners  - one 1 Pound container of Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure Organic Shea Butter each
US only
Ends: August 25th

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Beauty / Skincare Review: We Love Eyes Tea Tree Makeup Remover Oil and Tea Tree Eye

As someone who wears makeup almost daily, I have always struggled to find a good eye-makeup remover that would work well without irritating my sensitive eyes. It seems that I have tried almost everything on the market - from various cleansers to oil based removers and wipes, but they were always either too greasy, too irritating, or not effective enough. It's been a huge struggle for me to find just the right product and I was starting to feel frustrated and disgusted. 

For a while, I have settled for using organic coconut oil as a makeup remover and that seemed to have been working really great, until I got sick of the greasy feeling all over my face. Coconut oil is really wonderful and beneficial, not to mention fabulously smelling, but it is not too good for the hot and humid summer time. Plus, the oil started to clog my pores and break me out - so not fun!

Then one day I discovered We Love Eyes on Instagram and I instantly fell in love (pun intended). What you need to know is that I am huge fan of tea tree oil products. I use the Body Shop's tea tree oil face wash daily and I love their tea tree face mask! I even have a bottle of 100% pure undiluted tea tree oil from Apothecary Extracts and I add a couple drops to my shampoo for a squeaky clean feeling and healthier scalp (it's also awesome for mosquito bites!). But, honestly, it had never crossed my mind to try and wash my makeup off with a tea tree oil solution! Dang, ladies! I have been living in the dark for way too long - this stuff is ah-mazing for your eyes!

The fabulous folks at We Love Eyes were kind enough to send me two of their products - the Tea Tree Makeup Remover Oil and Tea Tree Eyelid Cleansing Oil. They both come in 1oz glass bottles with a dropper and they're very straightforward to use - all you need is a few drops (about 5) on your cotton pad! 

I have been using both products religiously for over a month now and have no plans of switching to anything else.  I don't think I've ever been happier with a makeup removing / eye cleansing product before. We Love Eyes is absolutely amazing! 

The makeup removing oil is a dry oil, which means that unlike coconut oil and many other oil-based cleansers, it will not leave your eyes feeling greasy or oily, and it will not blur out your vision. Like the tea tree cleansing oil, it's made with only three ingredients - tea tree oil, jojoba and grape seed oil. Moreover, it's completely vegan and cruelty free, preservative free and contains no harmful or irritating substances whatsoever. Before I started using it, I was a bit worried that it might cause a burning sensation or redness, but it actually does not. It's very gentle and soothing, but it's also extremely effective. I think it is safe to say that I have found my holy grail of eye-makeup removers! 

The cleanser is just as wonderful. I use it after removing my makeup to remove any remaining impurities from my eyelids and under-eye areas. Tea tree oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, so it's really good for your eyes. It doesn't just remove makeup, it also keeps your eyes healthy. 

Both products smell very invigorating and fresh, and I find that they work together great. If you've been suffering from dry/irritated/itchy eyes, or you simply need a new makeup remover / cleanser, I definitely recommend checking out We Love Eyes. You won't regret!

About Eyelid and Eyelash Makeup Remover and Eyelid Cleanser:

➵ What is it made with?

- 100% pure Australian tea tree oil (wild harvested), 

- organic jojoba oil
- Napa Valley grape seed oil 

➵ Is it natural and safe?

Absolutely!
- Vegan & Cruelty Free
- Gluten Free
- Sulfate Free
- Retinoid Free
- Paraben & phthalate free
- Preservative free
- Formaldehyde free
- Petrochemical free

- Non-irritating
- Allergy tested
- Dermatologist tested
- Optometrist tested

About We Love Eyes

We Love Eyes was developed by Dr. Tanya N. Gill, OD as a solution to solve a problem.

For over 15 years, she has been diagnosing and treating dry eyes and blepharitis at her private practice in Oakland, Ca.

One day it dawned on her that the existing eye makeup removers and cleansers were perhaps contributing to the symptoms that many of her patients were complaining about.

Dr. Gill did some research and discovered that most products on the market contain chemicals that are toxic & harsh to the delicate tissue of the eyes. In addition, Dr. Gill also discovered that there were very few non-toxic and natural products available for cleansing the eyes . . . We Love Eyes was born!

 

Beauty/Skincare Review: Mayberry Konjac Facial Sponge

About Konjac Sponge:

➵ What is Konjac?

- Konjac is a plant found in Asia that is used for the health benefits that it provides. It is believed that glucomannan is responsible for the detoxification associated with its use. 

- Konjac vegetable fiber is popular for facial exfoliation because it has a soft texture and is very gentle. The fiber is rich in beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, D, and others. These antioxidants and minerals help absorb unwanted oils and reduce the bacteria that cause blemishes. 

➵ What are the benefits of adding bamboo charcoal?

- The charcoal is created by heating bamboo in an oven. The charcoal in this natural sponge has high absorption qualities and is excellent for removing excess oil from the skin and helps to regulate moisture levels. 

- Charcoal bamboo is capable of removing impurities from water and has a highly porous surface area that works to eliminate dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from the face. 

- A charcoal sponge also works to improve the moisture levels of the skin by absorbing or releasing water based on environmental humidity. 

➵ How does it work? 

- Removes dirt, oil, and dead skin cells; 

- Helps unclog pores; 

- Reduces the number of bacteria; 

- Absorbs toxins and impurities; 

- Stimulates oxygen and nutrient infusion; 

- Balances pH; 

- Helps restore moisture. 

➵ Other benefits of using Mayberry Koncjac Sponge?

- Their Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Sponges are biodegradable and can be composted. 

- They do NOT contain parabens, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals. 

- They are cruelty free and made of konjac plant fiber.

My thoughts:

I've been using this sponge every day since I got it in the mail. I am beyond blown away by how amazing it is - cleansing and exfoliating with it is so easy and pleasant, and it does an incredible job of removing impurities from the surface of your skin. It also visibly improved the appearance of my pores - they are way smaller than just few days ago.

I have a mixed skin - some parts are dry, others are oily. I also struggle a lot with keeping my pores clean and small, because most of the products I use (both makeup and skincare) tend to clog my pores and make them more visible. As part of my skincare routine, I used to use the cleansing rotating brush twice a day, but as you can probably imagine, while it did a good job keeping my skin clean, it also wasn't easy on it. Ever since I picked up the Konjac Sponge, I have switched to using it instead of the brush in the morning (I still use the brush in the evening, just to make sure my skin is completely clean and makeup free). And I absolutely love it. I honestly can't recommend this product enough!

It comes packaged in a simple little box and is rock hard. You have to soak it in warm water for about 2 minutes before you use it. After two minutes, the sponge is super soft and ready to use. You can use it alone or with your regular facial cleanser. It's surprisingly durable for a sponge, and I love the texture of it. It's great for exfoliating, but really amazingly gentle on your skin at the same time. I'm definitely going to be using this sponge as part of my skincare routine from now on, and I am going to pick up a couple for my mom - she will love it, too!

Your skin will love the Konjac Sponge, definitely give this one a go!

Disclaimer: A sample of the product was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion.

Where to buy: Amazon 

Beauty Review: MISHIBOX - Korean Beauty Subscription Box!

Today, I am extremely excited to share with you my review of the very first MISHIBOX that arrived at my doorstep just yesterday! 

MSHIBOX is a brand new monthly beauty subscription box that delivers hand-picked, top-quality Korean beauty products straight to your door! Every (adorable) box comes with a combination of 4-6 sample-size and full-size products. It can be anything from skincare to makeup and all the amazing things in-between. 

The cost of this monthly subscription box is simply unbeatable - $19.95!!! And, amazingly, you can choose to subscribe for the entire year (and save $12), or buy one box at a time. When I got mine yesterday, I was so excited and happy with the products included, I immediately hopped over to MISHIBOX website and ordered the July box (the June ones aren't available anymore - all sold out!). 

I would highly recommend giving this awesome subscription box a try. The products you get are pretty high-end and very popular in Asia, plus you won't be able to get some of them anywhere else in the USA or Canada. 

MISHIBOX folks are also hard at work on their online store where you will be able to buy the products included in their boxes. I can't wait for the store to open, I will definitely be stocking up on the Korean face masks - they are amazing!

What's in the box?!

The June 2015 box included:

➵  banila.co Clean It Zero | sample size

Retail Prize: $19 | 100 ml

An award-winning and bestselling cleansing oil balm to easily remove makeup and other impurities. Gently cleanses your pores. Massage your face with appropriate amount and then wash off with warm water. 

        My thoughts: I have only used it once so far and haven't yet figured out the best way to work with this stuff. It's unlike anything I've tried before, with a soft and waxy consistency. It's definitely not for removing a waterproof mascara or eye-liner (trust me, I tried), but I like the soothing feeling on my skin and how moisturizing it feels. I suggest removing your eye makeup with wipes prior to using the cleansing balm. 

➵  Benton Honest Cleansing Foam | sample size

Retail Prize: $12 | 150 ml

Hypoallergenic facial cleanser that uses many natural ingredients to gently cleanse your skin, provide moisture, and minimize skin tightening. 

     My thoughts: This stuff smells amazing! I used it after the banila.co cleansing balm and it was a great follow-up product. A small amount of this cleanser mixed with water is enough to wash your entire face. It lathers nicely and leaves your skin feeling clean, but not dry. I really like this product!

➵  Benton Snail Bee High Content Mask Pack | full size

Retail Prize: $3| 20g

100% cotton sheet mask that uses natural ingredients such as snail secretion filtrate, EGF, and bee venom for anti-aging, whitening, and skin-soothing effects. 

     My thoughts: I love this! This mask is probably my favorite product in June's box! You place it on your face after properly cleansing it and leave it there for about 20-30 minutes. The results are incredible! I have used sail extracts serums before and they really do wonders for your skin, so I knew from the get-go that this would be something I would like. And I really did! My skin felt pampered and moisturized. The essence smells fabulous and is a bit on a slimy side (not in a gross way). It has a cooling effect and makes your skin feel refreshed and healthy. I highly recommend checking this product out!

➵  Holika Holika Aloe 99% Soothing Gel | full size

Retail Prize: $12| 250 ml

This is a soothing gel that contains over 99% fermented aloe leaf juice.

     My thoughts: This is so soothing! I originally thought this was a shower gel and that is how I used it, surprisingly it worked pretty well. It obviously did not lather almost at all, but it still cleansed my skin nicely. This gel is amazing for relieving dry or itchy skin. Plus, it smells gorgeous (very natural smell). It's also very cooling, so perfect for hot kind of weather. I think I will be using it a lot this summer!

➵  Holika Holika Jewel Light Waterproof Eyeliner | full size

Retail Prize: $8| 2.2 g

Long-lasting waterproof eyeliner.

     My thoughts: I got the purple one and it's very pretty. I haven't used it just yet, aside from a couple swatches, but I like how creamy it feels and how smoothly it goes on. It seems to be smudge-proof, which is just perfect because I sometimes forget myself and rub my eyes. The purple color looks very chic and I think, comes Fall, I will be wearing it very often!

➵  Skylake Oriental Herb Cool Shampoo

Retail Prize: $5| 40ml

Natural shampoo formulated with the patented SKYLAKE oriental herbal extract. This product also claims to prevent dandruff, itching, and hair loss.

     My thoughts: I have been suffering from extremely itchy, dry scalp lately. Using the OrganiX Shea Butter shampoo only made it worse, so I've been searching for a new shampoo that would help treat the itchiness and improve the overall health and appearance of my hair. I heard some amazing things about this shampoo and I am hoping my frantic search is over. I'll keep you updated about the results!

Find out more:

Check out MISHIBOX Website and follow these amazing guys on Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date with their shenanigans :)

Disclaimer: I received the MISHIBOX free in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review & Giveaway: Adeline Anti Aging Moisturizer Cream

Adeline Anti Aging Moisturizer Cream ($35.25) - Buy on Amazon | Visit website

Top-shelf quality ingredients and really amazing results after using for only one week! I'm very impressed with this anti aging moisturizer!

I can't tell you how many beauty products I've tried in the past year - I've used tons of serums, oils, moisturizers and creams - but sadly only a handful of them proved to be worth the money. The majority of the products turn out to be very disappointing and ineffective. The Adeline moisturizer is a true gem among skin care products, though. I love everything about it - its consistency, the peppermint-y, natural fragrance, its silky smooth texture, the way it makes my skin feel and look.. it's all truly amazing. This product is now part of my daily routine.

I'm in my early 30s now and my skin used to be really nice and smooth until I had my baby daughter in February of 2014. Since then all the sleepless nights and exhaustion have been taking a huge toll on my body and health. I've noticed dark circles under my eyes and more and more wrinkles every day. I made it my mission to not only improve my appearance, but also work on the health of my skin. I've been trying to come up with a set skin-care routine that would rejuvenate and nourish my skin, but it really hasn't been easy to find the right products. I am still far from being completely satisfied with my daily routine and I'm still experimenting, trying to find good quality, natural and healthy products that I can actually afford.

That being said, the Adelaine moisturizer is one product I can honestly get behind. It feels very luxurious on my skin, it goes on silky smooth and absorbs very fast. You can really feel the moisture lock in your skin. It improves the elasticity of your skin and the overall appearance of it. I can apply a liberal amount of it to my under-eye areas and it doesn't irritate the skin there, nor cause any breakouts. It gently tightens your skin, without the dry and uncomfortable feeling some other anti-aging products cause. It isn't sticky or oily and it smells very refreshing, thanks to the peppermint oil (I just love this smell!).

I love that it's made with top-quality ingredients, such as shea butter, witch hazel extract and green tea extract. The formula seems to be working just great for me, and I have noticed some improvement in my skin tone and some smoothing out of the wrinkles around my eyes. It's a powerful but very gentle, non-irritating moisturizer.

I received a sample for evaluations purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I highly recommend this product!

Giveaway:

One winner will get this amazing Anti Aging Moisturizer Cream! 

Open to US and Canada. 

Ends: 6/17

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Beauty Product Review: Glow Mist from Pixi by Petra

Enriched with 13 natural oils plus propolis, aloe vera and fruit extracts, the Glow Mist ($15) from Pixi by Petra is the stuff of dreams. Wet dreams.

I used it both before putting my makeup on and then on top of it, and it gave me such smooth, healthy feeling skin, I could not believe it. I have tried tons of skin-nourishing products, including organic argan oil, coconut oil, tamanu oil, vitamin c serum, vitamin e serum and a bunch of other crap that in the end did nothing but drain my wallet. THIS, however, really works. 

I don't know how or why, but the formula is just perfect for my skin. The mist feels super refreshing and gives you this healthy, fresh, dewy look. You look rested and glowing. You look like a teenager in love. Or a teenager watching Vampire Diaries. Or me watching Dean Winchester do his thing. Or.. OK, you get the point. 

When applied on top of your makeup, this magical mist helps set it and adds a nice finish. I use it a few times throughout the day to refresh my look, and just because it feels so good, it's addictive. 

Is it worth the $$? Definitely. I was iffy, I won't lie. Even though $15 isn't awfully a lot, I wasn't sure if I was investing in the right thing or just throwing my money away, but I'm thrilled to tell you: this was one of the best decisions I made when it comes to my skin health. I would and will buy it again. And I do recommend you giving this a shot. '