Makeup Bag Makeover: Organic Products Under $25

Whether you're someone with skin sensitivities, allergies, or you're just looking to have your beauty regiment go "green" this spring, Below I've rounded up the top products from CureDiva.com that will keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and provide you with that oh-so-fabulous glow – all for under $25!

• Bausc Sweet Mint Lip Balm is an all-natural, organic alternative to traditional lip gloss that will leave your lips feeling nourished. Created with the best ingredients, lip balm goes on clear and never leaves a waxy or uncomfortable feel. Available for $4.00 at www.curediva.com.

• Acquarella nail polish is completely free of toxins such as Formaldehyde, Toluene, Ketones or petrochemical solvents and available in a variety of gorgeous, vibrant and bold colors. Streak-free, water-based nail polish hydrates the nail while preventing any chipping or peeling (while looking great) and comes as an entire manicure set of non-toxic products – from a clear base to a non-toxic nail polish remover, making it the perfect gift set! Available for $16.00 at www.curediva.com.

• Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Cream is like a warm, calming embrace for dry, sensitive and reactive skin. Organic sweet almond oil gently nourishes with soothing vitamin E and essential fatty acids that skin needs to be healthy and supple. The antioxidants in plum kernel oil help guard from damaging environmental influences. Beeswax protects skin while allowing it to breathe and function normally. Available for $24.50 at www.curediva.com.

• Organic Everyday Moisturizer provides relief from a long winter of dry skin and protects your face from the upcoming summer sun (and sunburns that might follow if you're not careful!) This organic moisturizer provides natural antioxidants along with Vitamin E, beta carotene and omegas, to give gentle protection from dryness. Available for $18.00 at www.curediva.com.

My Thoughts 

I got the opportunity to review a variety of products from Cure Diva, including the lip balm, nail polish, facial moisturizer, and nail polish remover. These products are all either certified organic, or free of toxic ingredients. 

My favorite of the bunch was the facial moisturizer. It wasn't overly oily as some can be, and it felt light. The lip balm was also nice, moisturizing my lips without that overly sticky, uncomfortable sensation that some lip balms and lip sticks have left behind. I definitely recommend these two. 

As for the polish, it was nice, although the remover didn't really take it off as easily as I would have liked. Even after several applications, I still had a couple of spots here and there that just wouldn't come off until they eventually washed away. I can actually still see some of the clear polish that was left behind, so if you're getting the nail polish, I would definitely suggest getting the clear as well for a protective top coat that will make the color last longer. I did a clear base and then the color with no top coat. 

Overall, I like these brands and I would definitely consider replenishing some of the products once I am out. 

Product Review: JAWS (Just Add Water) Cleaning System

Healthier alternatives to cleaning products are becoming increasing popular. I myself am always looking for safer products to keep things clean at home, so I was happy to come across these products. The Just Add Water system has something for almost every room in the house, and are easy to assemble.

The system is built around these attachments that go into the bottle.

First, you fill the water bottle to their fill line, and then place the refill attachment inside. The top is larger so it stays on the top of the bottle. Once you have it in, you insert the spray nozzle and twist it shut. The refill attachment releases colored cleaning fluid that mixes with the water.

 

I was really happy with the way the bathroom solution and the glass cleaner worked out. I had used African black soap that somehow left large white streaks all over the shower wall that were hard to scrub off. While it was too stuck in to get off in just one shot, it made a drastic improvement I was happy with. I also loved how the glass cleaner worked on the bathroom mirror. It's almost a shock now to look in the mirror, because the reflections are so clear and vivid with a minimum of streaking. 

If you're looking for something new to try to clean up your house, I would definitely give this one a try.