by Suzi | Apr 16, 2018 | Product Reviews, Self Tanners
I’m so excited to share with you the Best Natural Self Tanner! I’ve tried several since going green and I’m here to share my favorite.
This post is sponsored by The Choosy Chick– your one stop shop for your whole family when it comes to green and clean products. Margot the founder, personally tries the products and researches what she brings in to her online shop. So you know you’re only getting the best of the best!
Who is Eco Tan?
Ok, let’s talk about the best natural self tanner. I had been using a self tanner for a while but was looking for a new one. I had heard about Eco Tan years ago but never tried the product. Margot had contacted me from The Choosy Chick about trying out Eco Tan and I knew I had too hop on it! Eco Tan is made in Australia by a mom named Sonya who wanted a tan without the harmful UV rays. Her sister had been diagnosed with melanoma and had to get a growth cut off of her arm. They started to get spray tans but then were concerned about the ingredients. Sonya started to experiment with ingredients in their kitchen and not long after they became the first tanning manufacturer to be certified organic by the Organic Food Chain under the Australian government- pretty cool!
Why Choose a Natural Self Tanner:
I really admire Eco Tan’s commitment to safe ingredients! I used to use a conventional self tanner back in the day that was anything but natural. I’m always shocked at the ingredients. When I’ve looked at today’s self tanners, things haven’t changed. Conventional self tanners contain an array of ingredients I wouldn’t want near my skin. Things like, phenoxyethanol, fragrance, PEG’s, propylene glycol and parabens just to name a few. As most of you know, skin is the largest organ and absorbs what we put on it.
According to studies, our skin absorbs 60% of what we put on.
Why I love Eco Tan?
After testing out Eco Tan there are so many reasons why I love it! Even compared to other natural self tanners I’ve used. For starters it doesn’t smell like self tanner. You know what I mean, the stinky smell that’s almost inevitable with self tanners. Well, not with Eco Tan! I tried two of their products, the Face Tan Water and their Invisible Tan. The Face Tan Water smells like citrus and the Invisible Tan smells like a mix of chamomile and geranium.
Face Tan Water- I love that this product isn’t a lotion or cream but just like a toner for the skin. Sometimes creams can be greasy and just too much for the face. The Face Tan water gives you no greasiness and feels so light on the skin. I applied this twice a week for an all over tan glow. I would make sure to cleanse and exfoliate my skin beforehand and then apply the self tanner to dry skin. I used my fingers and just made sure to rinse them well afterwards to ensure I didn’t have any leftover residue. I applied to my face and decolletage It also says on the directions you can use a cotton pad to apply if you want but I just used my hands. Get the Face Tan Water here!
Invisible Tan- This comes in a tube and is a cream/lotion. It can be used for face or body. I just used it for my body. I made sure to exfoliate before application. I really like Acure’s Brightening Exfoliator. I would apply to dry skin. I noticed it took about 6 hours or so for me to see a difference in color. The color looks so realistic and natural. Nothing fake looking. It really blends so well too. I noticed a difference after one application but after two I really looked like I had a good tan. Get the Invisible Tan here!
Before and After Photos-
I wanted to share with you some before and after photos so you could get a good idea of what the product looks like on the skin. Plus, see the difference 1 application versus 2 can make. Hope it helps!
*This picture is of me with nothing on and not wearing any Eco Tan.
*This is me after applying the Eco Tan Face Water and letting it sit for 8 hours. Only 1 application.
*This is a picture of my legs. I have the Invisible Tan on the right leg and nothing on the left.
This is just one coat of the Invisible Tan.
*This is with two coats of the Invisible Tan on my legs. Two coats on the right and none on the left.
Hope this helped you get a better idea of what Eco Tan looks like. Use coupon code: GURLGONEGREEN for 10% off! Get your Eco Tan here! Have you used Eco Tan?
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by Suzi | Apr 18, 2017 | CLEAN BEAUTY, Product Reviews
I finally got my hands on some Lily Lolo products! I was so excited to review their makeup. I had tried their mascara last fall and it was a winner, so I was on pins and needles to try some more! I snagged my Lily Lolo loot from the Choosy Chick. Your one stop shop for the whole family when it comes to green living products. Their standards are amazing! Margot, the founder, has 4 kids of her own and she researches ingredients like crazy. I’m always impressed with all the thought she puts into the lines she carries. We need more companies doing that! I love that I not only can purchase something for myself, but also for my baby and my husband. Makes online shopping that much easier!
Lily Lolo is just one of a handful of makeup brands that The Choosy Chick carries. It’s a clean makeup line that offers a nice range of products and is budget friendly. I was really impressed with the prices. You can get a whole eye palette with 8 shadows for $34! Can’t beat that for quality, non-toxic products. Their line isn’t complicated either. There isn’t 100 products to choose from or colors. Sometimes less is more. Lily Lolo is made in London and was birthed out of Vicki Khan, who fell in love with mineral makeup. Her passion drove her to create Lily Lolo and has since won awards for her natural makeup line!
So what did I try?
- BB Cream
- Natural Eye Liner Pencil
- Pedal to the Medal Eye Shadow Palette
- Eyelid Primer
- Sculpt & Glow Contour Kit
This BB Cream is thick and smooth. It’s heavier than a tinted moisturizer and offers a bit more coverage as well. I love how silky and creamy it feels. I apply it after my moisturizer with either my hands or a beauty blender. It isn’t super hydrating on it’s own. My skin tends to be on the drier side. It offers an overall polished look but doesn’t look heavy. I still applied some concealer under my eyes and around my nose where I am a little more red. It isn’t going to give you full coverage. I think it’s perfect for summer weather when you still want to look put together, but don’t want to look like you’re wearing your heavy winter foundation. I tried it in the color Light. Below you’ll find me wearing it without anything else on so you can get an idea of the coverage. Get your BB Cream here!
This is a typical eye liner pencil that you sharpen. It glides on smoothly and easily. I really like the consistency. I applied it on my upper and lower lash lines. I did set it with some translucent powder just because my lids are oily and if I don’t it will be gone by the afternoon! I also added a little brown eye shadow after applying it. I was really able to achieve the brown smoky eye with this pencil. Loved the look it created. You can see me below wearing it on both my top and bottom lash lines. Snag your Eye Liner here!
I’ve seriously wanted to try this palette for so long! I was so excited when I finally got my hands on one! I love how you get 8 shadow colors in one palette. You don’t need another palette! This is a great mix of shadow colors too. They also have more color palettes to choose from if this color range doesn’t suit you. This palette had some great matte colors, nudes, some shimmer and even smoky colors. I had fun wearing different varieties. Also, the shadows are so easy to use. A lot of shadows will get all over your lid, but these are really fail proof. They aren’t as pigmented as some shadows I’ve used, which makes them easier to use in my opinion. You can easily blend them together and it looks like you know what you’re doing…haha even if you don’t! Great for everyday wear or dressing up too-transitions so easy with this palette. A definite must in any green beauty’s makeup bag! Grab your palette here!
This primer is a great 2 in 1. Not only does it help provide a good base for eye shadows but it also helps to neutralize discoloration where their is darkness around the eyes. The neutral shade is perfect for applying before putting on your eye shadow and the lemon shade can be used to help with dark areas around the eyes. You can also mix them together too! I prepped my lid with some translucent powder before applying the eyelid primer just because my lids are naturally oily and the primer consistency is a little oily as well. Then after the powder I applied the eyelid primer. I just dabbed a little on with my finger. It created such a great neutral canvas for the shadows to adhere to. It helped them pop! I did use some of the lemon around my eyes-especially under the eye area to make them stand out and even out darkness. Grab your Eyelid Primer here!
This kit is another great 2 in 1 product! One side is a contour bronzer and the other side is a luminizer. Both are in powder form. I applied the bronzer all over my face where I would normally contour. Everywhere from upper forehead, right below the cheek bone, sides of nose and neck area. I love the color it gives-not orange at all but a really great bronzed/tan look. The luminizer didn’t disappoint either! I applied it where I normally highlight, bridge of nose, upper cheek bone, right below eyebrow, in between my upper eyebrows and middle of chin and cupid’s bow. It really gave a nice glow but wasn’t too dramatic. This is the perfect set for contouring! Such a good deal too! I’ve also tried their Coralista Cheek Duo and loved it! You can check out my review for it here! I have it pictured above as well. Get your Sculpt & Glow Contour Kit here!
That sums up my review of Lily Lolo! Did you see anything you’re drooling over? I also have tried their blushes and mascara and love them both! This line is a standout! Right now The Choosy Chick is running a special promo for Lily Lolo too! Use Code: LOVELINER on any Lily Lolo order over $50 and receive a complimentary eyeliner! Hurry, limited quantities left! Shop the full Lily Lolo line here.
by Suzi | Apr 27, 2016 | Product Reviews
First off, I have loved working with Margot, the owner of The Choosy Chick. The Choosy Chick is an online boutique carrying everything from hair products, makeup, skincare, babies/kids products and even products for men. This online boutique was created by Margot, a mom who had a desire to find natural, clean products for her family. She is very choosy about her products, which the name suggests and I love that about her. She isn’t about to carry just any old product. They have to meet her strict standards and perform. I also love how she has varying price points for every budget.
I was so excited when she sent me some MUN skincare products to try. I had sampled a small bit of their serum before, but it was hardly enough to write a review. However, the small amount I did try was so good I wanted to give it a full test drive. The whole MUN skincare philosophy is one to be replicated. They believe in overseeing the whole process, and making sure the product is organic. But they don’t stop there. The soil and farmers are just as important and protected as well. I can get on board that train! They only have a few products, but they all speak for themselves.
I had the pleasure of sampling the MUN Rejuvenating Rose Toner and their No 1 Brightening Youth Serum-both standouts.
This toner is in a league of it’s own. First off, it comes in a dark glass bottle-oozing luxury right from the start. The dark bottle ensures the contents maintains it’s integrity and stays protected. It’s not in spray form, like many toners. Instead, you grab a cotton pad or these (reusable organic bamboo ones from Marley Monsters that I love) and just put the pad against the top and tip down. Then press the pad into your skin. It’s feel hydrating, and refreshing on the skin. It gently exfoliates to give your skin a bright appearance, and leave it feeling perfectly balanced and ready for your serum. The smell is also divine. The rose scent is not strong but subtle and pleasant. This is the perfect way to prep your skin before applying the MUN No 1 Brightening Youth Serum. I’m addicted! $68
This serum is just plain wonderful. I have long loved the ingredient prickly pear seed oil, and this serum makes me love it even more. Prickly pear seed oil actually contains more Vitamin E than any other oil on the market. It also boasts more unsaturated fatty acids than any other oil too. It’s amazing for brightening and hydrating without leaving a greasy residue. Also, because of the high Vitamin E content, it helps fight signs of aging. It really does it all! The best part? It’s the main ingredient in the MUN No 1 Brightening Youth Serum! Yeah, that ingredient plus argan oil, and rose essential oil make up this dreamy concoction. It goes on smooth, and doesn’t leave any oily residue behind. I noticed the lines on my forehead slowly diminish and a brightness to my skin. My skin also seemed less congested. What’s great is it doubles as an eye serum too! A two in one product-how cool. Their whole line is great for all skin types. You all need to try this, I can’t say enough! $85.50
The best part of all?! The Choosy Chick is having a Spring sale right now on both of these amazing products! Snag one or both and save some money. Also, be sure to shop the rest of their sale. The sale lasts through May 1st so get on it! Have you tried any MUN products? What are your faves?
by Suzi | Dec 29, 2015 | Product Reviews
So Since New Year’s Eve is tonight, I thought I would do a little break down of what’s going to be in my beauty arsenal. I’m going to be traveling-my dear friend is getting married on the 1st, and we are going to live it up on Thursday night! I wanted to share what I’m packing in my bag for the big night and the morning after. I have a little of everything from lip color, to eye cream, and some hair paste for my hubs(I have to make sure his hairs look good too) :). The best thing?! You can find all these products at The Choosy Chick! An online retailer that carries everything from green beauty to baby products.
The Choosy Chick was started by a husband and wife duo, Margot and Joe. They have four kiddos that are adorable! The online store was created out of a need to find clean products for themselves. They were appalled at all the toxic ingredients found in conventional products. Through it all, The Choosy Chick was born. Another reason to shop there is because of their variety. Many green beauty retailers offer a ton of high end products, and don’t have any options for varying budgets. But things are different at The Choosy Chick. Not only do they offer products for all kinds of budgets, but they offer something for the whole family. Your one stop shop! I also love how they list their standards right on their website, and list out all the toxic ingredients that you won’t find in any products they carry. Plus, they personally test all the products they use to ensure you’re not only getting a toxic free product, but a product that works! They’re really all about education, which is awesome. They have a tab on their website dedicated to informing their customer all about what seals and certifications mean, what the FDA really regulates, and how to eliminate toxins in your home. Yeah, they’re pretty great! So much more than just another online green beauty retailer.
So want to hear what I’m bringing with me on my NYE trip?! Well then read on you green beauty lover!
Margot, one of The Choosy Chick’s founders actually recommended this to me. Late nights are not a good look on anyone, and we all know NYE always ends up being a late night. But with this bad boy in my beauty arsenal for the morning after, I’ll be set. Plus, it smells like coffee-so that will help wake me up in the morning. This eye cream is meant for dark circles and puffiness…they had me at dark circles! It’s more of a balm, like the name suggests. It melts on your skin upon contact. It’s also vegan. I’ve used it at night and in the morning and I’ve noticed a brightness! No more NYE tired eyes for this girl. Oh and it’s super budget friendly. $29
I’ve been looking for a paste that my hubs can use in his hair. I may have just found it. This paste at first feels really pliable, but when it drys, it provides a great hold. But the hair doesn’t look wet…you all know that look, the one we all try and avoid! It has a really subtle scent too. A mixture of Chamomile, Calendula and hints of Rose essence. Nothing strong at all, you barely notice the scent. This also easily washes out of the hair, another bonus. If you’ve been searching for a paste for your man or yourself, snag this! $24
If you haven’t tried any of Kari Gran’s products you’re missing out…for real. This facial travel kit is the perfect companion on a trip. Not only does it give you a cleanser, toner and serum all in one, but they all come in glass too-my green heart just swoons over this! Ok, back to how great the product is. Kari Gran’s cleansing oil is the perfect oil cleanser, there I said it. But really, it performs unlike others I’ve tried. I start with dry skin, and then rub a small amount all over my face. I take a warm washcloth and wipe off. It not only takes off my face makeup, but leaves my skin hydrated and balanced. I follow with the hydrating toner, which is the perfect follow up to the cleansing oil and before the essential serum. The essential serum smells so good! It has a wide range of essential oils in it, but the ones that stick out to me are ylang ylang and jasmine. This is a great starter kit to try Kari Gran, or just to have a travel skin care kit on hand for trips. $35
Since late nights in the end=wrinkles I’m bringing along a vitamin C serum that fights wrinkles and plumps fine lines. This serum helps reduce the signs of fine lines, while at the same time reducing hyper-pigmentation. A one, two punch for skin that needs some tlc. It smells like Tangerine and Rose…amazing smell! I put this on my skin after my toner, and before my hydrating serum. It’s not a moisturizing serum, but an active serum that does some serious repair work while you sleep. Another budget friendly pick. $29
If you haven’t heard of Nudus lipsticks, then let me introduce you. These beauties are handcrafted in Australia and adhere to some of the highest standards in the world. They use only the best oils to create these lipsticks. Oils like pomegranate, raspberry and kiwi-all cold pressed. Oh and it doesn’t stop there. All the colors are created using flowers, fruits, herbs and minerals! They are also gluten free and not tested on animals. Yeah, I have a major love fest for these lipsticks. I picked the color Survivor for NYE because it’s fresh, poppy and bright. Definitely how I look at this new year. Plus, it’s not everyday you can wear a punchy pink and get away with it…or maybe you can?! This is the perfect barbie pink in my opinion and it stays. The Choosy Chick has all the colors, but I must warn you-you’ll want them all. $34
Well those are some essentials that are in my NYE travel bag. Have you used any of these products? Also, with any purchase over $30, customer will receive a free bar of luxury soap from skinny skinny, a $12 value. This is an amazing deal, for some great soaps! Want to snag some of these or other green beauty goodies? Then head to The Choosy Chick and shop to your little heart’s content. Oh and The Choosy Chick has been so generous to offer 10% off to all my readers. Use code GURLGONEGREEN So what are you waiting for?! Go get yourself some loot!
