lip balm

I first was introduced to Angel Face Botanicals through a sample of their Lavender and Aloe Toner in the Ecopique Box full of all natural products I received a few months ago. Until then, I had never heard of this luxurious, spa-like brand of organic green goodness. Now, I’m a convert, and you can be too, because Angel Face Botanicals has generously put together a prize package for one Unsullied reader. Read on for the giveaway!

Based in Santa Cruz, California (one of my favorite places!), founder Jessica Ress works with the Earth to make exquisite natural products. Being a fifth generation Californian growing up in the fresh air and sunny beaches, she became interested in healing herbs in the early ’90s. This led her to experimenting with making homemade spa products and lotions for her friends and family for gifts. Thus, Angel Face Botanicals was born. Located on the beautiful Monterey Bay Sanctuary, Jessica’s boutique facility makes her pure, natural and organic facial care, body care, perfumes, and soaps using aromatherapy principles for maximum enjoyment/effectiveness.

Jessica states her products are made with essential oils, phyto-nutrients, antioxidants, detoxifying minerals, and LOTS of love!

Now, onto why I feel like a teenager again when I use her products.

Fact: the green beauty realm is home to some serious change makers, who are applying the ethos behind natural products (sustainable, healthy, etc.) to solve real world problems. From companies who support the local communities where they harvest ingredients to those who stand up against animal testing, the vast majority of the green bath, body and skincare products we know and love are championing sustainable business and giving back. Just another reason the green beauty community is unique. And just another reason to LOVE it, and feel great about it.

Skincando Combat Ready

Case in point: Skincando. When Sara from Skincando reached out to us about reviewing her samples, we were pretty psyched – not only because of her all-natural lip balms, creams and anti-aging products, but also because her brand is mission-driven, donating Skincando’s Combat-Ready line of products to troops overseas since 2005 through Operation Sand Flea. Skincando’s Combat-Ready products are powerful, designed to soothe skin irritated by extreme conditions. And we think it’s pretty inspiring and excellent that Skincando is so dedicated to bringing helpful, natural products to troops overseas. Check it out!

The good news for natural product enthusiasts is that between Skincando’s two lines (Combat-Ready and Luxe), we found some products that we love as much as Skincando’s commitment to doin’ good. Read on!

Splurge: for us, that usually means getting the chicken quesadilla AND the Nachos Bel Grande from Taco Bell. (Also, who ate my pie? I don’t remember eating this pie.)

When Christine and Kara from Boston-based Splurge Skincare reached out to us about sampling products from their natural line of scrubs and lip “buttahs,” they gave us a chance to redefine the word. Their philosophy?

People shouldn’t wait for a special occasion to treat themselves well, it should be something they do everyday.

Amen. Both teachers, Christine and Kara used their free time to research and test out the best possible formulations for their products. The result? Even though this splurge isn’t smothered in nacho cheese or baked into grandma’s graham cracker crust, it is decadent and indulgent. It’s a skincare and lip treatment unlike anything we’ve ever tried (truly). Let’s get into it…!

Feeling Like a Teenager Again: Angel Face Botanicals (+ Giveaway!)

Skincando is Doin’ It Right: For our Makeup Bags & Our Troops

New Favorites: Splurge Skincare