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Christina Alyce Beauty

Testing and reviewing the best of clean beauty.


I didn't intend to publish two empty product posts so close together, but I've been busy using up lots of stuff in preparation to move! Now that we're all settled into our new home (as brief as it will be for me- I'm moving again in October!) I have some time to talk about the products I've been working hard to use up.

Body

Schmidt's Sensitive Deodorant in Lavender Tips - This was the only scent I enjoyed from my Schmidts Sensitive Deodorant Sampler, but I really really did enjoy it! This was my daily go-to from the day I opened it until it was gone. I have a lot of other deodorants to get through before I repurchase this in full size, but it's definitely on my repurchase list! I didn't have any irritation whatsoever with this formula, which something I do have trouble with in the original formula. I also want to note that I have been seeing tons of Schmidt's at TJ Maxx and Marshalls lately! No sensitive formula spotted yet, but I have seen every scent and size in the baking soda formula. It's so much more affordable there! I think I might do a post sharing my best natural beauty TJ Maxx find soon, because they seem to have some wonderful stuff lately!

The Dirty Goat Avocado Body Wash - This jar had been sitting in my bathroom closet much longer than it should have. I don't know why I let it sit so long, because once I started using it again, I really enjoyed it! The label rubbed off and I can't find the product listing online anymore so I can't attest to how "clean" it is, but I do know it was unscented and felt very gentle on my skin, and the avocado base was moisturizing. The texture was like a dense whipped soap that didn't foam, but rinsed away easily.

Scrubs - I'm going to group the Fig + Yarrow Coffee Scrub and Prim Botanicals Debauchery Detox body scrub together, because I just did a review of them both here. I have been using scrubs so much lately to keep my skin glowy and smooth during shorts season!

Face

Olivia Care Rosehip Oil - This blend of almond and rosehip oil wasn't quite gone when I had to pack, but the cap was broken so I couldn't travel with it. I typically used it as a regular face oil, or  mixed in with matte foundation to get a healthy glow and lighter coverage. To use up the last of it, I decided to try it as a body oil, and I loved it! almond oil absorbs very easily into the skin, so it felt very lightweight. This was also a TJ Maxx find!

ORGAID Sheet Masks - I have recently used the Greek Yogurt and Vitamin C masks, and I am so glad I have found a healthy alternative to the beloved K-Beauty staple! I really need to spotlight some Korean inspired products and brands in the green beauty sphere, because it's totally trending but difficult to find clean alternatives. ORGAID is definitely one of the best! Their ingredients are squeaky clean, and I love that they're made in the USA! I didn't notice a huge difference between the two different masks, other than that the Greek Yogurt one was more moisturizing. Both gave my skin a nice boost, and they feel cold which helps to keep pores taut. There was a good amount of extra serum left in the packet, which I used all over my upper body.

Florapothecarie Rose & Green Tea Toner - Yes, I'm still working through my massive toner collection! I am nearing the end on two more right now, which I should finish just in time for cooler weather, when I'll be switching to my more hydrating mists. This was a really nice toner for summer, and I have a review here.

Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Mask (not pictured) - I had been using this regularly last winter, but put it aside a couple of months ago in favor of a couple of my masks that have more antioxidant ingredients. I picked it up again a couple of weeks ago to finish off the last couple of applications, and now I want to repurchase it again! I was in the middle of a really bad breakout, and my skin looked infinitely better after using this three nights in a row. For a full review, click here.

Teeth

Dr Brite Cleansing Mouth Rinse - Yet another product that beckons a post all it's own! I got this mouthwash, plus the toothpaste and whitening pen, and I have been loving it all! This is not your conventional mouthwash - it contains no alcohol or other harsh ingredients. It's a gentle but effective combo of coconut oil, aloe, and activated charcoal. Perfect for those too squeamish to try oil pulling, but want a similar result. You can get 10% off with my code CAB10.

Fig + Yarrow Oral Hygiene Rinse - This mouthwash isn't going to whiten your teeth like the Dr Brite one does, but oh my goodness, the flavor is delightful! In addition to traditional peppermint, it contains cinnamon, clove, and basil for an extra boost. It's delicious and keeps my breath fresh for hours.

Now for some final thoughts and announcements! 

I have mentioned a few potential blog post ideas above, over Instagram, etc. so I have listed them out in a poll at the side of my blog, so you can vote on which you'd like to read the most! Whichever gets the most votes, I will write up first. If your first pick does't win, don't worry, I will get to it eventually! If there's a subject/product you want to know more about that's not included in the poll, please share below in the comments! I would love to hear more from my readers! 

Every time I put together a list of empties, I realize there are so many tried and true products I want to repurchase, even though there are countless new items I want to get my hands on! I don't have enough time, money, or real estate on my face to get through it all! I'm setting aside some money for Black Friday, and planning my wishlist meticulously!  
If you want to help me make room in my stash for new products to try and review, please check out my Blog Sale page. All of the products that I don't vibe with end up there so I can pass them on to someone who will love them! Every purchase helps keep my blog going, because it lets me fund more new and exciting product purchases for review! I promise you'll find some pretty great deals there too ;)
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...
I had originally planned to just keep this as a series on Instagram and Facebook, but I figured I might as well share it here, in its entirety, because I have a some links to detailed reviews and quite a few affiliate links!  

I started my green beauty just over a year ago, and I feel like maybe I should have been through more products by now! I always have multiples of every category of products open, and I tend to jump around, so maybe that's why. I have been a lot more consistent lately, so hopefully I'll get through things at a steadier pace from now on, and can post at the end of every month or season. My skin has certainly been appreciating consistency!




🌸 Blissoma Holistic Skincare Smooth A+ Clearing Serum
This serum has aboslutely changed my skin for the better! I have already repurchased it!
[Review] [Shop]

🌸 Dahliana Skincare Beauty Berry Collagen Booster
This was my first proper "green" face cream, and I really loved it. It kept my skin plump. I recently published a video featuring this cream, which I have linked below.!
[Video][Shop]

🌸 Mahalo The Unveil Cleansing Balm
Another recent repurchase because it's so darn good! I have a full review of this on my blog too, that I need to edit a bit because I just don't think it portrays how much I love this balm.
[Review] [Shop]

🌸 Silk Naturals Translucent Cloud Finishing Powder
This was just ok, it might just not have worked well with my Vapour foundations, or the concealer I was using, but it made my makeup have a weird texture. I won't repurchase it.
[Shop]

🌸 Fig + Yarrow Cleansing Elixir
 I have a review of this way back on my blog. I really enjoyed how gentle this was on my skin.
[Review][Shop]

🌸 Mullein and Sparrow Rosemary and Clary Sage Serum
 This was a nice serum, but I didn't notice any drastic changes in my skin while using it. It was just a sample size so maybe I would have noticed more benefits if I had used it longer!
[Shop]




  💦Mullein and Sparrow Sandalwood and Sage Face Mist  
This was really nice. My skin was a mess when I started using it and I think it helped. I think I would like to repurchase it.
[Shop]

💦 Glitter and Gratitude Dee Facial Toner 
This one was nice, and kept my skin under control, but I have decided that Tea Tree Oil and my skin just don't vibe. It's not a bad product by any means, it's just not perfect for my needs.
[Shop is permanently closed]

💦 Graydon Face Food Mineral Mist 
 I was using this during the 2 or 3 week period a couple of months ago where I actually had completely clear skin. I don't know if this played a part in that, but I really enjoyed using it and I think my skin really likes copper and Zinc. I would love to repurchase this and try other things from the brand.
[Shop]

💦 The Dirty Goat Rosemary Refreshing Hydrosol Toner 
Rosemary Refreshing Hydrosol Toner - This was the first hydrosol I tried, and it was so simple and exactly what I needed at the beginning of my journey to green. I love hydrosols now!
[not currently available]

💦 Valentina's Naturals Balancing Beauty Mist 
I found this little gem at TJ Maxx for like $4 and it was wonderful! My skin adores ACV and really enjoyed this toner.
[Shop]

💦 Fig + Yarrow Complexion Water 
I have a full review of this little guy on my blog that you should be able to find via the link in my bio. I enjoyed this toner a lot, it was very soothing.
[Review] [Shop] 






🌹 SheaMoisture Manuka Oil and Mafura Oil Body Wash
 this was super moisturizing, but I honestly hated the smell. I love Shea Moisture products but everything smells sooo strong. It has turned me off of so many of their products. I would love an unscented version of this.
[Shop]

🌹 Dr. Bronner's Rose Castile Soap
 I got this in a 2 pack at TJ Maxx for such a good price, I use it for everything from washing my hands, to doing dishes, to washing makeup brushes. I'm using the lavendar one now.
[Shop]

🌹 SheaMoisture 100% Pure Argan Oil
100% Pure Argan Oil - I use this in my hair before blow-drying and I love it! Argan is definitely my hair's favorite oil. I just repurchased this over the weekend after being without for a couple of months. I missed it!
[Shop]

🌹 Florapothecarie Love Body Oil
 I got this in Florapothecarie's product testing program, so I don't know if the finished product is exactly the same, but I loved this! I've been using more rose products lately and I've really been enjoying them. I would (and intend to) purchase a full size of this. The oil absorbed really nicely.

🌹 Florapothecarie Orange Sugar Scrub and Florapothecarie Whipped Body Butter
I loved these so much, repurchased both in full size, and wrote a detailed review. I'm traveling in the fall and I plan to save these containers to put some of the full sized product in. Love them!
 [Review] [Shop Scrub] [Shop Body Butter]


Now I can go repurpose, recycle, and have a little less junk to pack when I move! 
🌟Also, I want to announce that I'm having a blog sale! This will be a permanent page, which I will use to destash any items that just aren't working out for me. You can find the page at the top of my bog, by clicking the "shop" tab! All the info about how to purchase is on that page.



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I was lucky enough to win my very first Instagram giveaway a few months ago, and came away with a fantastic travel set from Florapothecarie. The Deluxe Travel Gift Set retails for $55, and contains 5 handmade, all natural, and vegan beauty products, as well as a beautiful handmade makeup bag. The packaging is beautiful- sleek labels, and clear glass jars which are my personal favorite. The set is semi-customizable, with your choice in scent of body scrub, type of mask, and a choice of either a facial toner or hair spray. The set always comes with Florapothecarie's best-selling deodorant cream and body butter, and you will not be disappointed with those two, trust me.


For my body scrub, I chose the Orange Sugar Scrub, and the sweet tropical orange aroma is absolutely mouthwatering, and the perfect pick-me-up this winter. The ingredients are simple- just cane sugar, jojoba oil, coconut oil, orange peel powder, vitamin , and orange essential oil - but it is so effective at sloughing off dry skin and leaving your body soft, smooth (it helps with cellulite!) and hydrated. I love sugar scrubs because they are just coarse enough to get the job done. I would definitely purchase a full size of this product in this scent, and I am curious to try out the Green Tea salt version as well.


The next product I chose was the Rose Clay mask. I had three masks to choose from, but I already have the Chocolate one which was featured in a Goddess Provisions box (and is totally dreamy), and I passed on the Charcoal option because I already own a handful of charcoal masks from other brands. So, I settled on the pretty pink-tinted Rose mask. The Rose Clay Mask is intended for all skin types, but is a particularly good choice for sensitive skin. It contains just three ingredients, rose kaolin clay, dehydrated coconut milk, and powdered rose hips. The ingredients gently exfoliate, cleanse, and mineralize the skin, leaving you with a radiant complexion. The mask is very simple to use, just scoop some out, mix with water until it forms a paste and apply. After 10-15 minutes, it's ready to rinse off. I did not have any irritation with this product like I do with other clay-based masks, nor did I have any breakouts. I do prefer the chocolate version though, because my skin did feel brighter and more hydrated after that one. The chocolate mask is a great option for those with mature skin.


The final of the 3 customizable options is the Rose + Tea Facial Toner, which I had to pick over the hair spray, only because I am a complete toner addict! I go through toner like water, so I will never pass one up when offered. Florapothecarie's toner is intended to balance and hydrate the skin with ingredients like rosewater, aloe, and witch hazel, while green tea gives the skin a boost of antioxidants. Toners are so important after cleansing to return the skin's pH to a healthy level, and before moisturizing to help products absorb more easily into the skin. I love that this formula uses classic and time-tested ingredients like witch hazel and rosewater to accomplish that. It leaves the skin feeling balanced and prepped for products to follow.



The fourth product in this set is the best-selling Deodorant-Cream, which shares it's gorgeous scent with the Orange body scrub. I am very hard to please when it comes to deodorant, because many just don't do the job. Luckily, this one preforms just as well as brands like Schmidts in regard to odor control, and I much prefer Florapothecarie's deodorant when it comes to the scent, and how it feels. My underarms can be sensitive to baking soda in deodorants, but I find that with Florapothecarie's product, I have no irritation whatsoever. I love that this product contains essential oils like tea tree combined with arrowroot powder to fight bacteria, and the coconut oil and shea butter base is incredibly moisturizing.


The fifth and final product of the bunch is the Whipped Body Butter, and this is by far the stand out product for me. I absolutely adore the natural cocoa butter scent, it is so simple and comforting. The combination of cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil is perfect. A small scoop of product instantly melts into a luxurious oil and spreads easily onto the skin. I reserve my little jar for the worst of my dry skin days, because it packs quite the punch, and dry patches are soothed and moisturized instantly. I always keep plenty of lotions and creams on hand, but this one out- preforms them all. I will absolutely be purchasing a big 8oz jar of this when I finish mine!
I am so thankful to have won such a fantastic variety of products (and adorable travel pouch!), and I am so excited that I have discovered some new all-time favorites. This set is such a treat, and I love that it can be customized to suit anybody. I think it makes a great introduction to not only Florapothecarie's brand, but to natural skin and bodycare as a whole because the ingredients are pure and the resulting products are truly top-notch.

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About Me

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Welcome to my world of green beauty! I'm Christina, a twenty-something esthetician with a passion for natural, non-toxic, and effective products.

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