In the past, sunless tanners had never appealed to me. I felt like they would take too much time and I didn’t want to incur the risk of streaking and turning orange. Hence, I steered clear. Then I came across Chocolate Sun’s Shea Sunscreen for Body SPF30 at the SpiritBeautyLounge website and promptly ordered it. When that purchase was a success, I figured their Cocoa Glow Sunless Tanning Cream would be worth a shot and while I was at it, I gave Cocoa Illume For Face a trial run as well.

Here are a few important details before I get to the self tanner review: my skin is light to medium and olive in tone, so I chose Cocoa Glow which is their sunless tanning cream for medium tones. The “lite” is for paler skin and “absolute” is for darker skin tones. The Cocoa Illume for Face comes in light  and medium/dark, so I opted for the light.

I hinted in my previous Chocolate Sun review that my sunless tanning experiment went very well, and indeed it did. The body cream is applied with ease, just like a daily body lotion. I use one pump per leg, and one pump for my arms, chest and upper back. I have used the body cream at least 4-5 times and have never had any streaking, only a lovely sunny glow sans orange. The Cocoa Illume for Face is just as simple to use. I’ve applied it three times, after washing my face in the morning and again, no streaking to be found. The Cocoa Glow Sunless Tanning Cream has a pleasant, albeit strong scent of bittersweet cocoa butter that lasts for several hours.

The ingredients in all of Chocolate Sun’s products are 100% natural and the “developer” in the sunless tanners is derived from beets. The bottles have extensive application directions on the labels which I find much more practical than searching for a pamphlet each time I put it on. (I like to refresh my memory regarding their recommended techniques while I’m in the newbie stage). But in reality, the directions are almost unnecessary as they are so easy to use.

So now that Chocolate Sun’s body and face sunscreens are working out so well for me, I really do need their sunless tanners to keep up my summer glow. If sunscreen wasn’t such an important part of any skincare regimen, I’d be a little suspicious of a Cocoa Glow conspiracy!

Cocoa Glow Sunless Tanning Cream is available at SpiritBeautyLounge, $40 for 8oz.

Cocoa Illume For Face is available at SpiritBeautyLounge, $17 for 2oz.

Posted by ~Trish

image from vangaurdgallery at etsy.com

Disclosure: Samples from SpiritBeautyLounge were provided for this review. The opinons in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

There will be more giveaways to come in the near future!

Posted by ~Trish

It wasn’t until I read a glowing review of Soapwalla’s Deodorant Cream over at Fig+Sage, that I thought to myself, “I know I’ve got a cream deodorant somewhere around here!” Luckily, I found my Florere samples quickly and started using them immediately. Cynthia, the owner of Florere was nice enough to send me a fresh jar as I wanted to be sure of the smell and consistency for my review since my older samples were well, old. My new jar of cream’s gentle lavender scent is a tad stronger than the older samples, but there is no difference in efficacy between the two, attesting to the longevity of Florere’s product. Soapwalla’s cream also smells of lavender with added peppermint and tea tree oils that are subtle and nicely blended.

Both deodorant creams are exceptional. Aside from the subtle variation on scent, there is no difference in terms of performance. They are both easy to apply, leave absolutely no whiteness on the skin, and hold up in all heated situations. I’ve worn both to dance class, on the treadmill, gardening in the sun, at work, etc. They’ve held up to every deodorant challenge I could muster. As a huge plus, neither cream deodorant interferes with my fragrances.

I continue to use my Dr. Hauschka Deodorant as the convenience of rolling on my deodorant comes in handy when in a rush to get out the door. Florere does have a solid stick option which I have not tried, but I’m sure it works just as well as the cream since it has the same ingredients save for added palm tree wax. But let me say this, the few extra moments it takes to use a cream deodorant is worth it, thanks to Soapwalla and Florere.

Florere Cream Deodorant ingredient list: Soothing unrefined Shea butter, sodium bicarbonate (Naturally occurring earth mineral deodorizer), cocoa butter, coconut oil. Essential oils of lavender and clary sage. Tincture of lemon balm, lavender flowers and ecologically wildharvested benzoin.

A 1.6 oz jar is $8.50 at Florere.com

You can get a dollar off your Florere order, good for the month of June 2010. Just enter “ScentHiveJune” in the “Special Instructions To Merchant” during their checkout. (The dollar will be credited back to your account after you check out.)

Soapwalla Cream Deodorant ingredient list: Organic jojoba, rice bran, and rosehip seed oils; shea and/or mango and/or mowrah butter; a combination of all-natural and gluten-free vegetable clays and powders; aluminum-free sodium bicarbonate; organic vegan kosher glycerin; a combination of essential oils including organic lavender, peppermint and tea tree oils.

A 2 oz jar is $10 on etsy

You can receive a 10% discount for your readers with the following code: SCENT10 (put it in the comments section on the Etsy purchase page, and you’ll be refunded the 10% right away). Good through July 15, 2010.

Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: Samples from Florere and Soapwalla were provided for this review. The opinons in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

I love smoothing body oils on my skin after I get out of the shower. The way they lock in moisture and subtly scent my skin starts my day with a positive outlook and at night, guides me to sleep. When body oils are made with all natural moisturizers, I love them even more. Add a beautiful scent derived from organic and wild crafted essential oils and absolutes, then I’m smitten.

Trance Essence has launched their Nectar Bath & Body collection which features body oils that satisfy my above preferences. Rose hip, evening primrose, jojoba, macadamia, and sweet almond oils are the nourishing hydrators in the Nectar Body Oils, each one with a distinct and lovely aroma.

Prayer Nectar Body Oil was the first of the four that I sampled, and I was instantly intrigued. Prayer has a soothing presence and all I wanted to do was apply this oil to my face so I could feel its comfort, intensely. Wildcrafted frankincense, organic Bulgarian lavender and organic rose geranium are the essences that bring Prayer to life, which to be honest, was surprising. Rose geranium oftentimes overwhelms me and can be too tenacious. Prayer’s rose geranium by contrast, is very wearable as its citrusy aspect gives it a bergamot-esque liveliness which is simultaneously balanced nicely by the grounding quality of frankincense. Frankincense and lavender work well together in Prayer as lavender heightens the woodiness of frankincense and frankincense accentuates lavender’s herbaceous aroma. As the rose geranium and lavender bid a leisurely farewell, frankincense remains steadfast with its incenselike essence and a remarkable creaminess that appears in the drydown. Perfect for an oil called Prayer.

Gabrielle is my undisputed favorite of the four Nectar Body Oils as rosewood (sustainably harvested), Bulgarian rose absolute, pine absolute and jasmine grandiflorum are among notes that I prize. Jasmine is at the core of Gabrielle, giving it a juicy sweet richness that is supported by woods and rose. Orange blossom is not listed in the ingredients, but its note seems to shine through Gabrielle’s drydown. How I love to be enveloped in bright citrusy florals!

Amma is a soft floral that reminds me of the perfect scent for a summer wedding. It’s light and girly and you’d be hard pressed to find someone averse to having the seat next to you. Rose, tuberose and linden blossom absolutes flaunt their flowery vitality, but I find it to be the least complex of the four Nectar Body Oils. It’s the most linear of the bunch, which isn’t necessarily a negative, but when compared against the others, Gabrielle and Prayer specifically, I am drawn to their more sophisticated nuances.

Ripe is scented with neroli absolute (orange blossom absolute), sandalwood and mimosa. Mimosa can turn sharp on my skin, therefore it is not one of my preferred notes. I enjoy mimosa more when it is blended lightly with many other botanicals, but it stands out too much for my liking in the top and middle of Ripe. Upon the drydown though, mimosa settles, becoming less high pitched and more honeyed. This mellowed sweetness melds fluidly with neroli and sandalwood, so hurray! the lovely drydown redeems Ripe in the end.

Leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win a bottle of Prayer Body Oil (gently used by me for the review) Another winner will receive samples of Gabrielle, Ripe and Amma. Extra entries if you follow Scent Hive on Bloglovin, Twitter, Google Friend Connect, Facebook’s Networked Blogs, or subscribe to Scent Hive. Please let me know in your comment what you did so you get the entries you deserve! Drawing will close Sunday June 20th at 3pm PST. Drawing closed, we have our winners.

UPDATE: Janna has offered up a Gabrielle Body Oil and a Gabrielle Bath Salt as well! More chances to win…woo hoo!

Janna Sheehan, creator of Trance Essence, makes perfumes as well. While her Nectar Bath & Body line are 100% natural, the perfumes are 75% natural. The other 25% is made up of perfume oils which contain synthetic aromachemicals.

Trance Essence Bath & Body is available at BeautyHabit. $46 for a 2oz bottle.

Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: Samples from Trance Essence were provided for this review. The opinons in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

I’m always on the look-out for natural sunscreens. Specifically, one for the body that smells nice, leaves no white cast, and is also efficacious. Well, I’ve discovered a terrific body sunscreen by Chocolate Sun that meets all three criteria. Aloe Vera, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, and shea butter are the nourishing and hydrating ingredients in Chocolate Sun’s Shea Sunscreen for Body SPF30 and titanium dioxide provides the protection. 82% of the ingredients are organic and all of the ingredients are natural. Sunscreen for Body smells nothing like chocolate as the name suggests, as it’s scent is a light and pretty citrus aroma, compliments of sweet orange oil.

Chocolate Sun’s Marigold Sunscreen for Face SPF 30 is virtually unscented, which I prefer in my facial moisturizers. Like the Sunscreen for Body, it contains aloe vera gel, sweet almond oil and titanium dioxide with the added ingredients of calendula (marigold extract) and white tea for their respective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 90% of the ingredients are certified organic. This facial sunscreen provides excellent hydration and would work on most skin types. Thankfully, it leaves no white cast and mixes well with tinted moisturizers. My favorite way to wear the Marigold Sunscreen for Face is with a pump of Dr. Hauschka’s Translucent Bronze Concentrate. I warm the two together in my hands before applying, and it evens my skin tone while also creating a natural, glowy look.

As you can see pictured above, Chocolate Sun also makes self-tanners derived from all natural ingredients. I want to give it a few more weeks before I review the Cocoa Illume For Face and the Cocoa Glow Sunless Tanning Cream, but the early findings are very positive. (see link for the review….it’s in!)

Chocolate Sun is available at SpiritBeautyLounge. Sunscreen for Body is $30 for 8oz, Marigold Sunscreen for Face is $28 for 4oz.

Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: Chocolate Sun Sunscreen for Body was purchased by me, a sample of the Marigold Sunscreen for face was provided for this review by SpiritBeautyLounge. The opinons in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

First, apologies for the dearth of posts this past week. I have been busier than usual at work, and I was also preparing for a dance performance that happened last night. The excitement and busy-ness have settled for a moment, so I find myself  this Saturday morning with a little time to ponder life’s pressing issues, like….Do I need a lip exfoliator?

Funny I should ask myself that question, because I never thought I did, until I used one. Ava Anderson’s Sugar Lip Scrub is a treat to use. It smells minty fresh, tastes like sugar (no big shock given the name) and is an effective but gentle exfloliator. The ingredient list (Shea Butter, Pistacia Vera Seed Oil, Sucrose, Menthol Crystal, Spearmint Leaf Oil) is simple and all natural. So much so that I could probably make this at home myself. But in reality I know that’s not gonna happen and I probably would never achieve the perfect texture of Ava’s Lip Scrub.

So is this little pot of joy a necessary step in one’s skin care? For me, probably not a necessity, but something I appreciate having in my armamentarium. I have been wearing lipstick more frequently and this certainly helps remove dry skin flakiness to create a smoother look. So give it a try if you are a lip exfoliator fan or if even if you’re just a little intrigued by a balm that makes your lips smooth, hydrated and a little more pout-worthy.

Ava Anderson Sugar Lip Scrub (as well as her all natural skincare line) is available at Ava Anderson Non-Toxic for $12.95.

Other review of Ava Anderson at Palacinka Beauty and Beauty Banter.

Photograph: Secret by ellemoss at etsy.com

Disclosure: The sample of Sugar Lip Scrub was sent to me by Ava Anderson PR. The opinons in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

What better place to give Jurlique’s new Jasmine Body Care Lotion a try than Kauai? I just have a little pouchette sample, so I’ve had to use it sparingly during my vacation to get a sense of it over several days. Having a limited supply of the Jasmine Body Lotion has proven that you don’t need very much on your skin to 1) moisturize effectively and 2) provide a gorgeous jasmine scent that lasts for hours.

I’ve been using just a nickel sized dollop of this lightweight lotion which thoroughly hydrates my hands and upper arms. It’s not thick or greasy and absorbs immediately. And the scent is pure dewy jasmine lusciousness. Jurlique’s Jasmine gives an indolic first impression which melds perfectly with my current humid, tropical jungle surroundings of the North Shore in Kauai. After 10-15 minutes though, it turns more clean and slighty soapy. But not in an old school guest-soap way, it’s more of a fresh “just after the rain” feeling.

Jurlique’s Jasmine Body Care Lotion is a harmonious meeting of the minds. It’s as rich and lush and intoxicating as any jasmine lover would want their beloved night blooming flower to be, but tame enough for those who prefer a more clean encounter in their fragrance.

I am not sure how available Jurlique’s new jasmine line is in stores, but the lotion is available at Jurlique.com for $38 for 300mls (10 oz).

Posted by ~Trish

Disclosure: I received my sample with my recent SpiritBeautyLounge order. You can see a picture of that order here. The opinons in this review are my own. I was not financially compensated for this review or any other.

People who know me might not realize that I am a makeup junkie as I keep my look pretty minimal and natural. But step into my bathroom and start opening drawers, and you’ll find the evidence of my habit. Nowadays you’ll discover natural makeup there, but in the past I have worn many, many brands, including drug store finds and high end department store splurges so I know what works, for me at least. At times I hanker for a cosmetics shopping excursion to Nordstrom’s, because let’s be honest, going to Whole Foods to play at the Dr. Hauschka display isn’t quite the same. Lucky for you Bay Area readers who can have the best of both worlds at the 100% Pure Boutique.

Even though going to the 100% Pure Boutique in Berkeley might not be as sexy as a trip to the Chanel counter, I did find it equally as enticing.  The shop is light-filled and friendly and all of the make-up is displayed in the back, my danger zone! Their makeup is on par with anything I have ever used, with one salient difference, their ingredients are 100% pure and natural. And there’s no greenwashing here. 100% Pure does not use synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, or harsh detergents. Additionally, all of their products are biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty free. Susie Wang, the founder of 100% Pure, has a statement on their website regarding their charitable giving which is concentrated on improving the lives of needy animals.

After my visit this past December, I walked out of their boutique with a gel eyeliner in Shimmery Chocolate (see pic at left, it’s the one at the bottom). Their gel eyeliners come in a glass pot with a black cap, similar to Bobbi Brown’s. But unlike Bobbi Brown’s eyeliner (or Stila for that matter), 100% Pure’s is much easier to apply.

It goes on smoothly and does not smudge. It’s also easier to build the color so I can control the intensity with greater ease than others I have tried and it does not take repeated attempts at washing your eyeliner brush to get it clean. (I simply wipe it off with a tissue and it’s good to go). Shimmery Chocolate is a beautiful deep brown with subtle shimmer. I have since acquired Blackberry and Silver Star and both are just as pretty as Shimmery Chocolate. Blackberry is a gorgeous deep purple that gives a more dramatic eye and Silver Star is a charcoal gray with a silvery luminosity that is buildable like Shimmery Chocolate, making it effortless to play with your look.

I am also in love with 100% Pure’s pressed eyeshadows. Their colors are mostly neutrals, tastefully shimmery and have a smooth and creamy texture. I only have personal experience with the three that I own, Vanilla Sugar, St. Tropez and Cocoa Plum. Vanilla Sugar is perfect for a fleshy champagne wash. Anything more than that, and it tends to get a little chalky. But a once over with Vanilla Sugar lasted the day which is impressive as my lids make everything crease! St. Tropez is a taupey bronze that is beautiful on the lower lash line for a flash of subtle color. And Cocoa Plum is the eyeshadow I have been waiting for, an easy to wear and easy to apply, deep burgundy-chocolate. In the above photo (it’s on the right) Cocoa Plum appears more plummy than it actually is, it definitely leans more cocoa. Cocoa Plum is practically a dupe for Stila’s Twig which I love but have always found hard to manage. Cocoa Plum, like the Shimmery Chocolate eyeliner, is very versatile and easily layered. These three colors make my brown eyes stand out with a natural, cocoa glow.

Whatever look you are going for, I cannot recommend 100% Pure’s Mascara highly enough. Their Black Tea is especially exceptional. It gives length like no other mascara I have used. Dr. Haushka’s Volume Mascara gives a little more volume, but if you apply a few coats, you’ll have amazingly dark, long, full lashes. They have improved upon their brush which grips the lashes snugly and doesn’t make a mess when putting the wand in the tube or taking it out. The tube itself is silver with a white floral design that is both elegant and playful. It’s pictured above in my first photo.

100% Pure is carried at some Bath and Body Works, which is fun for testing and checking everything out. But if you want to go for it and order from their website, they have a 30 day return policy. And rest assured, opening up a box of 100% Pure goodies is as pleasurable as an afternoon at Nords.

100% Pure gel eyeliners are $18, pressed eyeshadows are $15 and full-size mascaras are $21. I got my goods from their website and boutique.

Posted by ~Trish. Photos are my own.

I‘m finding almond to be a seasonless comfort fragrance. As long as the scent is not too powdery, a hint of fresh almond can feel refreshing in the summer, and on a winter night it’s equally soothing and cozy. My most recent almond discovery has been Dr. Bronner’s Almond Liquid Soap, probably the biggest bargain I’ve written about yet! A tiny squirt on my shower scrunchie brings forth glorious suds and a delicious almond aroma. The scent is pure almond. There’s no hint of cherry, no powder or added vanilla, and it’s luscious. The 16 oz. bottle I purchased is going to last me many months. I also put a 50:50 ratio of the Almond Liquid Soap to water in my foam dispenser at the sink, which gives me another opportunity to enjoy its lovely almond lather.

Another gorgeous straight-up almond scent comes from 100% Pure. Their Honey Almond Body Scrub and Body Cream are must-haves for any self-respecting almond lover. Organic apricot oil, organic rosehip oil, and vitamin E give the body scrub a base of moisturizers that are so hydrating, no further moisturizing is needed once you’re out of the shower. As you smooth the scrub over your skin, the exfoliating granules dissolve without rinsing, and your skin is left with the perfect amount of oil. If you gently pat yourself dry and then rub the oil and any remaining water into your skin, you’ll feel thoroughly moisturized. As for the scent, it’s softer than Dr. Bronner’s, but it’s not a fussy almond fragrance despite the long list of fruit and herbal extracts labeled on the jar.

I adore 100% Pure’s Honey Almond Body Cream so much that it’s become a staple. To be honest, it was this cream that turned me into a crazed almond addict. About two years ago, I purchased my first bottle of 100% Pure’s Body Cream, and chose this one because its scent didn’t last as long as the others’ and I typically prefer that my lotions don’t compete with my perfume. But over time, the almond scent lured me in and I began to crave it, wishing the scent would last longer into the day. Where do you think this has lead me? You guessed it, the search for the perfect almond perfume.

I have come awfully close to finding it in Sexy Angelic by Honoré des Prés. I reviewed it this past summer around the time this line of organic perfumes launched. The big complaint with most of the Honoré des Prés perfumes is that they are far too ephemeral, and I agree. Sexy Angelic is short-lived and I remarked in my review that its lasting power was in the 1-2 hour range and that if I were to become the owner of a full bottle I’d be spraying it with wanton abandon before getting dressed. I’d like to amend my statement. I am now the owner of a full bottle (thanks to the November discount Beautyhabit.com was running), and I have found it far more effective to spray Sexy Angelic with wanton abandon while clothed. Winter clothes to be more precise. Turtlenecks and scarves hold the scent much better than skin and allow me to smell the licorice and honey coated almonds until midday.

And where I found Sexy Angelic revitalizing and fresh this past summer, I am finding it tender and sweet this winter. It’s got a light touch, and in this season where things seem to be overdone and overblown, it’s delightful to be subtly nuzzled and caressed. Sexy Angelic is a gourmand with licorice (from angelica seeds) and almond featured prominently in the notes. Yet, Olivia Giacobetti, creator of Sexy Angelic, has rendered this fragrance with a subtle hand. She offers a lighthearted, yet cozy and sophisticated gourmand fragrance to those of us seeking respite from the onslaught of ordinary confections.

Please note: The above products are all-natural and do not contain artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, phthalates, or parabens.

Dr. Bronner’s Almond Liquid Soap $8.50 for 16 oz at SaffronRouge.com

100% Pure Honey Almond Scrub $22 for 13 oz jar at SkinBotanica.com

100% Pure Honey Almond Body Cream $14 for 8 oz bottle at SkinBotanica.com

Sexy Angelic $145 for 1.7oz at Beautyhabit.com

Posted by ~Trish

Almonds by blackleafstudio at etsy.com

You may have read back in May, that Oracle Organics Body Wash is my favorite way to suds up sans bar in the shower. There’s a tiny glitch though, my supply is depleted and Oracle Organics is on maternity leave. Which leaves me to my second favorite body wash, of which there are actually two: Weleda’s Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash which I have already spoken of, and Pangea Organic’s Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Wash.

I had forgotten how much I love Pangea’s Lavender Wash! The beautiful, luxurious suds that this wash creates are astounding. No puff is needed to achieve this lather, but of course feel free to use one. The scent is lovely as well. It’s a light lavender, with a hint of blood orange. I’ve never noticed any cardamom as the name suggests, and I’m on my second bottle.

I’ve tried a sample of the Canadian Pine with White Sage and it certainly lives up to its name. It’s all about the pine and sage, and lots of it! If you like forest hikes that are balsamy, piney, sagey, and green, with loads of fresh air, go for this one. You’ll be enveloped in a sudsy woodland, right in your own shower. Quite apropos for the rapidly approaching wintry holidays.

If bar soaps are your preference, which I have to admit I’ve become partial to lately, Pangea’s are not to be missed. Like the washes, theses dense bars pack some serious suds-action. I’ve tried two, Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom and the Indian Green Tea with Mint and Rose Petals. To be honest, I can’t tell you much about either scent. They both became a variation on a subtle rosemary theme, but what stood out was the exceptionally silky lather. I bought them when they were on sale at Whole Foods a few months ago, so keep your eye out for those specials!

I appreciate the full disclosure on the packaging that there are no petroleum-based ingredients, sulfates or detergents, synthetic preservatives, artificial colors or fragrances, or GMO’s. In addition, all of their products are handcrafted, organic and fair traded, and cruelty-free.

And PS: Happy Thanksgiving to you, your friends, and family!

Pangea Body Washes are $16 and available at Whole Foods and Pangea’s Website.

Pangea Bar Soaps are $8 and available at Whole Foods and Pangea’s Website.

Posted by ~Trish