Shea Moisture Review

About Shea Moisture

Shea Moisture creates award-winning, all-natural, face, hair, bath, body, shave, waxing and baby care remedies, from age-old family recipes carried down through the generations.

Sofi Tucker began selling shea nuts at the village market in Bonthe, Sierra Leone in 1912. By age 19, the widowed mother of four was selling her shea butter and African black soap all over the countryside. Sofi Tucker was their grandmother, and SheaMoisture is her legacy. The folks at Shea Moisture proudly create culturally-authentic, time-tested skin and hair care remedies from family recipes using all-natural and fair trade ingredients.
SheaMoisture products don't contain Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, DEA, PABA, Synthetic Fragrance or Artificial Color. Their company does not participate in animal testing. All products are tested by family members and friends. 

My Thoughts

My family and I were sent several Shea Moisture Products. I am not sure why we were sent mostly products from the Kids line, but we still enjoyed them. If given the choice, I may have went with something more suited for me.

The first product I tried was the Kids Conditioner. We were sent two of them (I am thinking they meant to send a shampoo instead of double conditioner?) I used a different brand of shampoo and followed with the Kids Mango and Carrot Extra Nourishing Conditioner for dry, delicate hair. I was a bit skeptical of how a kids conditioner would smell, but oh my goodness this product smells amazing. I couldn't believe it the first time I unscrewed the cap. It smells so amazing! I detest mangoes, so luckily that was not the scent I was getting. It was very refreshing and uplifting, and made my hair smell amazing all day. The first thing I noticed after using this conditioner for the first time was how it made brushing my hair super easy (well, at least compared to how it usually is.) I was able to get the tangles out smoothly without help and without pulling all of my hair out. 

I also got to try out the Kids Coconut and Hibiscus Extra Moisturizing detangler. It contains Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Extract for smoothing. I love how mild this product is and how it restores luster to dry, dull hair while leaving it conditioned. It can be applied to wet or dry hair and doesn't need to be rinsed out, making it very easy to use. The scent reminds me of summer, smelling so sweet with hints of coconut. 

I did in fact get to try (and fight over) a Shea Moisture product designed for adults, the Coconut and Hibiscus Body Butter. It contains gluten free vitamin E to protect the skin form radical damage, coconut oil to nourish and firm the skin, and Hibiscus Flowers as a natural emollient to treat dry, rough skin and improve skin tone. The scent is smooth and fragrant, lasting for a good while. 

Shea Moisture also makes bar soaps. I got to try the Indian Hemp and Shea Butter Inflammation Therapy Medicated Cleansing Bar. It worked perfectly on my sensitive skin, relieving the irritation while soothing and moisturizing. This soap contains homeopathic medicines (Calendula Extract, Neem Oil, and Tea Tree Oil) to naturally remedy any inflammation, redness, or other minor skin irritations. This soap never fails to leave my skin soothed and calm. Perfect for use before bedtime, as I often find my skin to be itchy while trying to fall asleep.

I also got to try the Shea Moisture African Black Soap Eczema and Psoriasis Therapy Medicated Cleansing Bar. It calms, clears, and heals skin using homeopathic medicines. It is specially formulated with certified organic Shea Butter and natural ingredients known to promote healing skin affected by symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. No one in my immediate family experiences these problems, but I do personally have rather sensitive skin. It works great and keeps my skin from being dry and itchy after a shower.

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Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

School of Wash Review

About School of Wash

School of Wash, one of the first Mommy and Munchkin businesses was born by summer camp sales. Literally! Without her knowledge, Rebekah's 11-year old daughter sold the bath products she was making just for her to all of her summer camp friends. The parents loved the fact that the products were handmade, contained no dyes and were safe for the most delicate of skin. The kids loved the 245 different scents they were able to choose from to customize their bath product line. The feedback was so positive that she decided to start School of Wash. 

They are a mom/daughter owned company, right here in the USA, making a difference in their market by bringing the FUN back into bath time. As a family owned business they feel it is important to treat their customers like family. They use all their products in their own bathrooms because they feel they are the best on the market. For them, this is a family affair! 

The inspiration for School of Wash™?  One evening as Rebekah's daughter drudged towards the bathroom she exclaimed, “You know Mom, I’m not a baby anymore why do I have to use shampoo with a baby on it?”  Sometimes the logic of a child is so simple it is brilliant. Why shouldn’t bath time be COOL?  After months of trial and error to find just the right name and products to peak her interest, they found a way to not only keep her bath time COOL but allowed her to be the creative force in the brand and product design.
Their products really are “KID TESTED AND KID APPROVED”!

My Thoughts

I was so excited to get to try the School of Wash products of my choosing. With at least an hour spent on making a decision, I ended up choosing the Sugar Cookie scented Room and Linen spray as well as the I need More Perfume roll on 4pk in Gummy Bears, Caramel and Sea Salt, Amber Amore, and Bubblegum. All of these scents were delightful and ridiculously spot on! 

The Sugar Cookie Room and Linen spray was fantastic. I can see myself running out of this very quickly. The scent lingers in the air for a nice while, creating a soft aroma almost as if I were actually baking. The roll ons were a bit of a daring leap, but I really wanted to try something I am not used to. I always tend to choose woodsy, earthy scents. 

This time, since given the option of 245 different scent choices, I chose something a bit more creative than I normally would have. The Gummy Bear scent brought me straight back to my childhood, almost as if I had just walked into a candy shop. The Bubblegum was reminiscent of my childhood as well, bringing back memories of contests of who could blow the biggest bubble, always forcing as many pieces of gum into my mouth as possible. Drooling everywhere, getting everything sticky no doubt. The Caramel and Sea Salt scent is rather unique. I really enjoyed it, though it was not a very strong scent. The Amber Amore was not what I expected, making it quite a surprise. The scent was fantastic. Arguably better than the most expensive of perfumes. I could wear this scent all day, and it is easy to layer with other scents. School of Wash has made it easy to create your own unique scent combination, mixing and matching all sorts of scents.

Not only do I love the products I got to try, but I love the whole idea of School of Wash. Their mother/daughter story is touching as well as inspiring. They have joined forces with a great organization called Lily Pad, a local nonprofit dedicated to serving victims of physical and sexual abuse. School of Wash makes bathtime fun and less stressful by catering to my specific aromatic needs. They make an extensive amount of products for Kids, Him, Her, and even for the Pets!  I personally cannot wait to try their pet products as well as other scents of Room/Linen Spray!

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  Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

What I Have Been Putting on my Skin Lately!- Acure Organics

Like most women, I love pampering myself. What I don't love is putting chemicals on my skin and paying for products that are bad for the environment. I don't care to have intense artificial scents and random color additives just to make the product appear more desirable. I feel like I have been searching for the perfect company forEVER, as they are really hard to come by! Unfortunately, I must have been living under a rock, because I just recently heard of Acure. I really wish I had heard of them sooner!

If you are not familiar with Acure, they are a family owned and operated company founded on sustainable principles to provide the highest quality fair trade, natural, and certified organic personal care products. All of their products are free from animal testing, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, harmful preservatives and artificial colors.

They were ever so kind enough to send me a great selection of goodies for me to try out. I can confidently say that I enjoy all of them!

I was sent Lip Lush in Birthday Suit, Sensitive Facial Cleanser, Argan Cell Stimulating Body Wash, Lavender Echinacea Stem Cell Calming Body Lotion, along with their Moroccan Argan oil + Argan Stem Cell shampoo and conditioner.

The first product I tried was the Lip Lush. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and try it out! I love lip gloss, even though I normally just wear lip balm. I was so stoked that it actually lived up to my expectations. Not only is hard enough to find an organic lip gloss in the first place, it is uber hard to find a good quality one at a great price! The Lip Lush in Birthday Suit was just the perfect color! Or barely any color at all to be exact, which is what I was hoping for. I tend to wear a more natural look for my day to day makeup routine. 

I love how it glides on effortlessly, is not slippery, and did not get sticky or clumpy after wearing it for awhile. It had a subtle shimmer. Perfect for a day at work, lunch date, or worn over a lipstick for a evening look! 

Then I tried the Argan Cell Stimulating Body Wash. The smell is quite unique. Hard to place, almost like it has a hint of almonds! I really liked how it moisturized as it cleansed my skin. I only had to add a little bit to my sponge, as it seems to lather really well. Argan stem cells are added to help stimulate healthy healing and regeneration, while CoQ10 assists with vascular support. The pumpkin seed oil contains essential fatty acids, minerals and antioxidants and the sea buckthorn oil hydrates the skin! So many great things about this body wash. Not your cup of tea?! Acure offers a few other body washes to choose from, although I do highly recommend that you try this one.

Since I was already in the shower, the most obvious choice was to try the Moroccan Argan Oil and Argan Stem Cell shampoo and conditioner. They contain Argan Oil + Argan stem cells, CoQ10, Pumpkin seed oil (for mega shine) and organic Seabuckthorn Oil (which is super high in Omega 7). The Argan Stem Cell Shampoo was excellent to use. I didn't have to use a ton, despite having thick, long hair. The scent was great! And it left my hair feeling squeaky clean. It provided my hair with much needed moisture, even without the accompaniment of the conditioner. It left my hair shiny. I do tend to have thick, tangly hair so conditioner is a must. The Argan Stem Cell Conditioner was the perfect addition to the previous shampooing. I love how soft and manageable my hair was after using this conditioner for even the first time! This really is the perfect combo as they help lock in moisture, leave your hair shiny, soft and manageable, repair damage, and strengthen follicles. What more could you ask for?! 

(In case you are asking for more,

they have several other great hair care products as well! )

I don't know about you, but I like to take shortcuts. I am not lazy, persay, just careful about how I spend my time. What I am getting at is, I like to wash my face and brush my teeth in the shower on top of the normal shower things. I find it easier to have the shower rinse the cleanser away rather than cupping water in my hands over and over. THE MONOTANY! :p

So after my main shower routine, I busted out the Acure Sensitive Facial Cleanser with Argan Oil and probiotics. I have really sensitive skin, especially on my face, so it is really important for me to find a cleanser that works. I am happy to say that my skin actually accepted this product! No horrible flaking, itching skin! I just feel clean after using it, not all tight in the face like I normally do after washing it. Not only did this stuff work, it was relaxing and left my face feeling fresh and hydrated! Woo! Now that makes me happy :)

Find more Acure face care products here.

After getting out of the shower, I always suffer from extremely dry skin. I am talking EXTREMELY dry. They literally sometimes look all powdery, especially if I shave my legs. The Acure Calming Body Lotion formula is like a dream come true when used after I get out of the shower. I love lathering it on while my skin still feels a bit damp, to lock in extra moisture. This blend incorporates Echinacea Stem Cells to maximize production of stress fighting and immunity boosting agents while also helping to smooth and revitalize the skin. The lovely lavender works to soothe and contributes to a state of relaxation. I love the scent (whch seems to linger for a good while) and I really enjoy the way it makes my skin feel. 

If lavender isn't your cup of tea (what is wrong with you?!) then check out the other awesome lotions they carry!  

  

I really cannot get enough of Acure! I am really digging all of the products I just mentioned, and look forward to trying their other things out in the future.  I love using products that benefit my skin and hair, while knowing that the production of them isn't making the world a worse place.

Acure cares about the environment (almost) as much as I do! 

They started a program to plant trees, and have since planted over 20,000! That is pretty awesome. They are proud supporters of the Farmland Trust (which works to convert conventional farm land into certified organic farms!!) 

Acure even sponsors small organic farmers in Panama and and Costa Rica.

Their office and manufacturing facility is as green as can be! Using 100% solar and wind powered with Green-e certified renewable energy!!

Acure's products are 100% biodegradable. Meaning they will safely break down so that they won't pollute waterways after going down the drain. (Have you even thought about what happens to all of the products you flush down the drain each day?! Not to mention what is now in our drinking water..)

Even their packaging is eco-friendly! 

Check out the amazing sale they are having!

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Disclosure: I received the above item/s in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

New Unscented Soaps from Alegna Soap Review and GIVEAWAY! (ends 6/25)

As many of you already know, I am in love with Alegna Soap Products. In case you don't know, or may have forgotten, allow me to share this wonderful company with you!

As a New York State licensed Medical Technologist, Angela has always loved biology and chemistry. Back in 1999 she went to her local library, took out a book on cold processed soap making and found a hobby. She started making soap for her personal use, for family and for friends. Fast forward a few years. With both of her children graduated from college, out of the house and self-supporting, she had some “me-time” to reflect on what she wanted to do. Angela loved making soap. She also remembered receiving a perfume making kit as a child and spending hours creating perfumes for her mother and her two sisters. Here was her “Aha!” moment. She did some research, took a few aromatherapy classes and also learned how to create other bath products - bath fizzies, hand lotion, body balms, and bath salts. Soon Angela had tons of people asking her to make products for them. One thing led to another and… Alegna Soap was born!

Angela sent me 3 of her newest creations to try. I was super excited about them since they are all unscented. I enjoy fragrances, but many of them trigger headaches. I was amazed at how quickly they arrived, and was impressed by the careful packaging! 

 It wasn't long after I received them that I decided to give them a try!

These soaps are so fancy! Don't you just love the little fabric accent ribbon?

Out of all the soaps, my personal favorite was the Honey Oatmeal. It is hard to beat an exfoliating soap that contains such simple ingredients.  

Honey Oatmeal

Not just for breakfast anymore!

Organic oatmeal laced with pure honey is as scrumptious for your skin as it is for your tummy. Mildly exfoliation and free of added scents, this is a pure and natural indulgence.

Olive Oil Soap

A castile soap, made only with olive oil. This soap gently cleans with a creamy low lather. I personally love the lower lathering soaps. Especially when using them in the tub. This soap is a must have for me this summer!

Goat Milk Soap

Decadent in its simplicity-creamy goat's milk creates a rich and incredibly emollient bar that is perfect for even the most sensitive skin.

Overall, I am very pleased with this new line of Alegna Classic Soap. I can use each one for a unique purpose, and none of them give me a headache! They left my skin feeling soft and clean, making me a very happy Paisley!

  

 Open to US residents 18 years of age and older. The giveaway will end on 6/25/14.The winner will be chosen randomly, and will be contacted by email. They will have 48 hours to contact me back to claim their prize. Living the Paisley Life is not responsible for lost prizes or prizes that are not received.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received the above item/s in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

 

North Coast Organics Review*

North Coast Organics is Mother/Son run company that creates USDA Certified Organic~Vegan~Handmade personal care products that are both effective and enigmatic.  Nathan, the son, is the founder/product creator/CEO of North Coast Organics.  Since its founding in August 2012, North Coast Organics’ mission reflects Nathan’s 14 year personal commitment to all things vegan/organic/green/sustainable.  Nathan developed the very first product to match his lifestyle.

Demand grew and Nathan had to enlist the help of his mother, Debbie, to assist in production.  Debbie is a super crafty gal and was enthusiastic about helping out.  Once she learned the process and recipes from Nathan, she sought to perfect them.  They now co-own North Coast Organics.  She runs the production studio to meet the demand that he creates!  

North Coast Organics believes in making only certified organic, certified vegan, certified cruelty-free, sustainable, handmade products.  Each product they have unleashed since launch continues to demonstrate our unwavering adherence to their core beliefs.  

North Coast Organics is committed to making only 100% natural products because our bodies absorb the ingredients that we put on our skin.  Be good to your body by being good to your skin, the environment and the creatures that inhabit our beautiful planet. Shop Conscientiously & with Confidence with North Coast Organics.

North Coast Organics is Green Certified (www.greenamerica.org).  Our products are USDA Organic Certified, Vegan Certified (www.vegan.org), PETA Certified (www.peta.org),  and Leaping Bunny (www.leapingbunny.org).

 I am so lucky to have recently gotten to try a few items from North Coast Organics. They are an amazing vegan, eco-friendly, cruelty free and organic company. When they sent me three different varieties of their deodorants, I couldn't wait to try them out. I highly believe in using organic products for my body. The typical run of the mill leading brand deodorants contain many nasty ingredients, preventing the body form doing what it is supposed to do. I also tend to sweat a lot, and not that I want it to stop, sweating less would be nice. As would not having an odor. Luckily, North Coast Organics works really well. It prevents me from sweating on most occasions (other than when jogging or hiking in extreme humidity) as well as preventing me from smelling funky. 

Being such a huge Lavender fan it probably goes without saying that the Death by Lavender was my favorite scent. It is to die for!


Death will kill [odor] for you.  She relishes snuffing odor out. She bares her true face for it puts odor on notice.  Death is a cocky, elite assassin that will never miss her target.  She is unlike any other deodorant you will meet.

Although a ruthless killer [of odor], she has a soul.  She utilizes only the finest, organic, all natural ingredients as her weapons. This container is recyclable and resusable. The labels are printed in vegan ink on 100% Tree Free/100% Fair Trade Certified Paper.

I really also enjoyed both the Naked and Revolver deodorants. 

The Naked Deodorant is formulated to be gentle on your skin and harsh on odor.  naked uses the minimal amount of the finest, natural ingredients to ensure that you do not stink and your underarms are not harmed. It amazes me how something so natural and unscented prevents me from stinking up a storm. Perfect for days when my nose is too sensitive for wearing scented products.

Ingredients(Vegan): coconut oil*, carnauba wax*, arrowroot powder* & baking soda
*certified organic

The Revolver Deodorant  is unlike any other deodorant you will ever use.  Revolver shoots down odor wherever it lurks and will never miss its target.  Unholster Revolver today and send odor to an early grave. This scent is so earthy and fantastic. I absolutely love it.

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 Coming soon!!

Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

Toockies 100% Organic Cotton Review and Giveaway

 

About Toockies 

"Today we are making a difference for women and their families in Nababpur, India using a system very similar to the embroidery system my mother belonged to. The Toockie® project opens an unimaginable door of opportunity for our knitters. In Nababpur, 210 women desperate for a dignified way to earn a living, are mobilized and trained to knit Toockies®. A community center is setup for these women as a central location for them to come train, knit, pick-up yarn, and drop off finished toockies®. Most knitters work from home, allowing them to work flexible hours."

The Toockie® project makes a difference by empowering these women to take charge of their own destiny.

Read the whole Toockies story.

My Thoughts

I have really enjoyed using Toockies Wash Cloths for Her, from their bath products line.
They are made from 100% Organic Cotton, making them super soft. These wash cloths are also hand knit, which makes me like them even more. I have used them many times in the shower, and I love everything about them so far. They are soft, yet they exfoliate the skin. I can use them dry or wet, making them rather convenient. I have also used these wash cloths to remove makeup. The cloths are easy to clean, so I can easily reuse them. No more wasted cotton balls or tissues.

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Toockies is offering one lucky reader a set of their 100% Organic Cotton Loving Heart Pot Holders. The Loving Heart Pot Holder is hand knit out of certified 100% organic cotton. It was designed with a thick double layer of knit to provide extra protection for hot and cold contact, and extra grip protection due to the ribbing. 

Open Worldwide to entrants 18 years of age and older. The giveaway will end on 2/15/14.The winner will be chosen randomly, and will be contacted by email. They will have 48 hours to contact me back to claim their prize. Living the Paisley Life is not responsible for lost prizes or prizes that are not received.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.