Greenify Me

Positive Vibes Only

Enemy to Fashion

Why you want it: For busy-spiritual people who don't have time to burn sage, this spray will clear your sacred space in no time at all.

Its value: $14

My review: Ever heard of smudging? If not, a smudge ritual is used to cleanse the energy in a home, office, room, person, or object. It's typically done using a sage bundle of some sort (which I also received in this box). While that's all well and good, a smudge spray can do the same job in twice the time (and without the safety hazard burning sage creates). This particular smudge spray is cruelty free, recyclable, and the label is printed on compostable material made from plants. Impressed yet? That's not all: While smudge bundles typically only focus on sage, this spray contains a variety of  other scents such as cedarwood, frankincense, and scotch pine. It's specially crafted using organic and vegan ingredients to help raise your vibration (or whatever you're smudging's vibration). It's also a lot lighter smelling than smoldering sage and its scent doesn't get as deeply absorbed into objects (meaning it won't linger as long). This is good for me, since my nose is extremely sensitive to every little scent I introduce it to. Plus, I definitely felt a little bit more awake and present after each use of this spray. The spraying function also make it easier to smudge things (no fire required), So while I'll never abandon good old fashioned sage (what? It's really fun to light), I can definitely recommend this spray to those strapped on time (or just don't want to accidentally set something on fire).

Why you want it: This grapefruit scented soap is super cute and uniquely shaped (perfect for a crystal lover, such as myself!)

Its value: $10.95 (make sure you choose the pink color if you want it to look like the one I got - but there are other colors available too!)

My review: I thought this soap looked so cool as soon as I saw it. It kind of reminds me of a rose quartz point (which I totally want to get one day). The smell was really nice too, not too invasive or overpowering - just a subtle grapefruit scent. The list of ingredients is great too: It's filled with nourishing coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil. The only thing I didn't like seeing in the ingredient list was lye. I didn't know what that ingredient was right away (it was the only one I wasn't too sure about on the label), so I did a little digging. Turns out it's used in a lot of homemade soaps and if too much is used, it can be very harsh on skin. However, when combining lye with healthy fats, such as coconut oil and olive oil (which are present in this soap), lye is neutralized and turned into glycerin. This is a process called saponification (you can read more about it here). This makes using lye completely safe, and since this ingredient list also has vegetable glycerin in it, I suspect saponification occurred (making this soap safe to use). Despite this, I tend to avoid soaps with any questionable ingredients (so I probably won't be repurchasing this). However, I'm happy to say the soap didn't irritate my skin (so I'm sure it's safe to continue use).

Ingredients 

Why you want it: This warming tea blend is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for the fall days rapidly approaching - it'll keep you nice and cozy without hurting your tummy!

Its value: $8.50 - $396 (Depends on the size you want - mine is the $8.50 one!)

My review: Typically speaking, I prefer sweeter teas to spicier ones. However, I must admit, this tea impressed me. It's far from being finished, but I'm determined to savor it. It's unlike any other tea I've tried before - want to know why? Well, besides one of the ingredients being tumeric, this blend immediately dissolves into water! You don't need to steep it or wait long at all for it to be ready. Plus the packet I got makes 17 cups (that's a great deal if you ask me). I already made 2 cups (one for me, one for my father - he also loved it) and I can happily say it tasted delicious. While it had just a little bit of a kick to it, I'd say it was more warming than anything else. It relaxed me and made me feel all cozy inside (kind of like I was sitting near a nice bonfire). I drank it on a day that was fairly cool too (so I needed the coziness). I can picture this tea coming in handy throughout the fall, for sure. While it's a chai tea, it wasn't overbearing at all. I only added one scoop of raw honey and was fine without any other added sweeteners. However, I would like to try it without any honey, just to see what it would be like. This tea features turmeric, as I mentioned earlier, which makes it extremely healthy (after all, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties). But turmeric isn't the only super star - maca is in it too, which is known for its mood and energy boosting qualities. In other words, you can't feel sad while drinking this tea. It left me feeling very satisfied and very pleased overall. I can't wait to try another cup! Oh - did I mention it also came with an adorable mini wooden spoon? Too cute!

Ingredients 

Why you want it: If you love sage smudge sticks, but don't like how intense the smell is, this blue sage is a lot lighter on the nose (and slightly sweeter smelling).

Its value: $5

My review: I already have a sage smudge stick, but I've never tried blue sage. For anyone curious about it, it's got a sweeter, lighter scent, and the leaves are smaller and thinner than regular sage. Sage  isn't for everyone, so I would advise people who aren't fans of incense to steer clear of this because it tends to be strong. Sage doesn't have to burn long in order to fill a room. To use, all you have to do is light a match and light one end of the sage bundle. You can use a match, a lighter, a candle, or even the stove top to light your sage. You have to be careful because you don't want the sage to burn up - You're supposed to put the flame out. Here's a good video that shows how to light sage (the safe way), especially for beginners. You can blow the flame out or shake it out (as the woman in the video does), whichever works for you. Once I had my blue sage stick smoldering (and not burning), I walked around my room with it to clear the space. After all, blue sage is good for clearing negative energies and purifying thoughts. According to Goddess Provisions, it can be "used in a ritual ceremony, house cleaning, or simply for [its aromatic benefits]". Whatever your purpose, I don't suggest leaving it smoking for too long. The only reason is because its got a very powerful scent and it'll absorb nicely into your space without much effort. I like to leave it smoking for at least 3 minutes for the full benefit, but feel free to do as you please. Personally, I thought the blue sage's scent was even nicer  and lighter than regular sage. It really lifted my spirits and, in some ways, reminded me of maple syrup. Not the kind that's loaded with sugar and artificial mind you - the kind that's all-natural, robust, and dark. Unlike regular sage, if I left it burning longer, I don't think it would've irritated my nose as much. When I was finished, it was very easy to put out. I like to just run it under some cold water and it instantly stops smoldering. There were a few times it went out by itself (it didn't seem to catch fire the same way regular sage did), but I just re-lit it to circumvent this problem. 

Why you want it: No it's not a magic wand - (unless you want it to be), but it is a double pointed fluorite crystal (and it's stunning).

Its value: ~$20 (pricing varies - most wands on Etsy are around $20 though!)

My review: I've never had this many crystals in my life before and I think I'm becoming obsessed (thanks Goddess Provisions - no seriously, thank you). I can't help but look forward to every gem I get in these amazing packages! This time around, I had the chance to receive either a fluorite wand or a sodalite wand. I was super excited to see which I got because I didn't have either. The universe clearly wanted me to have fluorite though, which is fine by me. According to Goddess Provisions, "fluorite is said to boost your mental clarity and expand your psychic and spiritual awareness." That sounds really cool, if you ask me. I can feel the energy radiating off this wand too. Have you ever felt that from a crystal? Each one seems to have its own chi, or prana, if you will. If you've never experience that feeling before, I suggest going to a crystal store (not online - I mean physically) and walking over to any crystal you feel most drawn to (maybe you just like how it looks or maybe something deeper is occurring - just let yourself feel what your intuition wants you to feel) and pick it up. You're bound to feel something if you let it sit in your hand. Most crystals, this stone included, have a pulse. They literally come to life in your palm just by holding them. It's as if they are each fragments of the Earth's heartbeat. My fluorite wand in particular is fantastic at directing energy too, simply because of the pointy edges. For example, if I direct it at a specific chakra, I can feel it's energy infusing with it, cleansing it, opening it. If nothing else, it helps me become more aware of my chakras, which are easy to forget about while dealing with the mundane. Despite that, I really do love this fluorite wand and can't wait to continue working with it. The best part? I can cleanse it any time using the smudge spray or the blue sage stick that came with this Goddess Provisions box (or any other crystals I have, for that matter). That's why I love Goddess Provisions - they always find a way to tie everything together. 

Juice Beauty specializes in skincare and makeup that's vegan, cruelty-free, natural, and organic. Their products are made with over 70% certified USDA organic ingredients, but there are products that bare the USDA organic seal, meaning they contain over 95% organic ingredients. Either way, Juice Beauty's ethics are impeccable for many reasons: Their product boxes are made with recycled or FSC certified paper, printed with soy ink & sourced in the USA; They use solar powered manufacturing for many of their products; and they have focused donations & partnerships with The Breast Cancer Fund, EWG, and the Representation Project. Plus they're formulated without a bunch of icky ingredients in conventional beauty products. Here's a list of what they never use: Parabens, petroleum, pesticides, propylene or butylene glycols, talc, carbon black, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, GMO, silicones, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. If that doesn't make you happy, maybe this will: Gwyneth Paltrow is Juice Beauty’s Creative Director of Makeup. Nice to see Hollywood get involved in the green beauty movement too, isn't it?

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Duration + Quick Info

I feel it is only fair to let you all know how long this trail lasted. Since I only used these products once (not twice, as advised) on the first day, I figured I'd conclude the same way on the last day. That's why this review is being published the same day I end the routine (plus, I already had most of it written).

Start date: Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Duration: 30 Days

End date: Thursday, September 15, 2016

Kit: Blemish Clearing Solutions

Cost: $57.71

Brand: Juice Beauty

Items: 4 main items + eco-bamboo washcloth + samples (not included in this review)

For Who: For oily and blemish prone skin

USDA Organic Seal?: No (but products are made with organic ingredients)

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The Products + The Steps

Step 1 - Blemish Clearing Cleanser

Cost: $22

My thoughts: I really liked this cleanser, which is a plus since the last cleanser I used from Juice Beauty really irritated my skin and eyes. This got the job done though, and got rid of all the makeup on my face without being too harsh. It was a little messy when I opened it, but most of the products were because they were watery and lightweight. 

Application: To use I just wet my face a little bit and rubbed it in. In the morning I avoided contact with my eyes, but at night I didn't because I had eye makeup on I needed to get rid of. Then I rinsed and wiped using the bamboo face cloth that came with my purchase (handy eh?). I used this cleanser twice a day (morning and night), every day.

Step 2 - Blemish Clearing Serum

Cost: $29

My thoughts: I liked this serum because I did notice a difference in the areas I applied it to. Pimples I had one day were gone 1-2 days later. Granted, it could be because I was using this serum with all the other products, but I have a feeling this serum played a big role in it. After all, it's designed to unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and even skin tone. 

Application: To use, I just applied a light layer to my entire face (sometimes just on specific spots) after cleansing with the Blemish Clearing Cleanser. I used this serum twice a day (morning and night), every day. 

Ingredients: organic juices of vitis vinifera (organic white grape juice)*, pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe juice)*, citrus medica limonum (organic lemon juice)*, vegetable glycerin, sclerotium gum, algin, salix alba (willow bark extract), allantoin, decyl glucoside, panthenol (vitamin b5), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin c), tocopherol (vitamin e), salvia officinalis (sage leaf oil), ubiquinone (coq10), saccharum officinarum (sugar cane juice), organic botanical extracts of camellia sinensis (organic white tea leaf extract)*, camellia oleifera (organic green tea extract)*, lavandula angustifolia (organic lavender extract)*, chamomilla recutita(organic chamomile extract)*, melissa officinalis (lemon balm leaf extract), algae extract, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, lavandula angustifolia (lavender)* and boswellia serrata (frankincense)* pure essential oils.

* = certified organic ingredient

Step 3 - Oil-Free Moisturizer

Cost: $28

My thoughts: I wasn't too crazy about this moisturizer. It wasn't that it was bad, but compared to other ones I've used in the past, it didn't leave my skin feeling luxurious, hydrated, and smooth. Rather, it left my skin feeling a little cakey. I actually had to be careful and not apply more than a dab the size of a dime, lest my face turn into a grease machine. To be fair, it was easy to forget about if I applied the right amount, and my skin certainly wasn't dry during the full 30-day experience.

Application: To use I just smoothed a dime-sized drop all over my face (and any some on my neck), after applying the Blemish Clearing Serum. I used this moisturizer twice a day (morning and night), every day. 

Ingredients: organic juices of pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, vitis vinifera (organic white grape juice)*, punica granatum (organic pomegranate juice)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe juice)*, vegetable glycerin, simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba seed)*, sesamum indicum (organic sesame seed)*, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, persea gratissima (avocado), citrus aurantifolia (lime), caprylyl glycol, capryl hydroxamic acid, ethylhexyl (octyl) palmitate, xanthan gum, organic botanical extracts of cucumis sativus (organic cucumber extract)*, salvia officinalis (organic sage leaf extract)*, taraxacum officinale (dandelion leaf extract), melissa officinalis (lemon balm leaf extract), algae extract, panthenol (vitamin b5), ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin c), sodium pca, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, sodium hyaluronate (vegetable hyaluronic acid), sodium hydroxide, citrus aurantium (sweet neroli) and cinnamomum camphora (ho wood) pure essential aromas.

* = certified organic ingredient

Step 4 - Green Apple Peel Blemish Clearing Peel

Cost: $39

My thoughts: Out of all the products received, I thought this one was the most effective. On the paper I received along with this kit, it said "88% of participants saw definite to significant enhanced skin tone and texture with the Green Apple Peel treatment immediately", and I'd have to agree with the majority. The first time I used it, I noticed an immediate difference in my pore size, and a reduction in dark spots/redness. It was definitely impressive.

Application: To use I just smoothed the Green Apple Blemish Clearing Peel all over my face - it had the same sort of consistency as the serum, which made it easy to apply, since it was on the watery side. Once I applied a generous layer to my face, I left it on for at least 10 minutes, then rinsed. I used this 2 times a week as a night treatment only.

Ingredients: organic juices of pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, citrus medica limonum (organic lemon juice)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe juice)*, glycolic acid, vegetable glycerin, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, sodium hydroxide, capryl hydroxamic acid, sclerotium gum, lysolecithin, pullulan, caprylyl glycol, vitis vinifera (grape seed extract), ascorbic acid (vitamin c), tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, magnesium aspartate, zinc gluconate, copper gluconate.

*certified organic by a usda approved agency

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The Results

                     Day 1                                                Day 30

I have no makeup on in both these images. These are shots taken after I followed the step-by-step procedure I explained above. These photos have not been edited in any way. It may be hard to see here (I did only use my phone camera, after all), but in some ways my skin looks a little bit worse after the 30 days are up. What do you think?

Final thoughts: While these products worked pretty good, I feel like my skin has stood relatively the same. During the whole time I used these products I never went a day without a pimple (which I'm used to, but was hoping wouldn't be the case). While I can't complain and say I have the most terrible, unruly skin ever, I was a little disappointed. I was expecting something a little more than what I got. In the two pictures above, it looks like I have more dark spots on day 30 than on day 1. While the skin products were high quality, produced ethically, and non-irritating, it's clear to me they're not necessarily what my skin needs right now. I did see improvement in the pimples I treated with them, but the pimples didn't altogether go away, as I had hoped they would. According to the paper I received with my package, "94% [of people] saw definite improvement to complete clearing within 4 weeks". Unfortunately, I am not one of the majority this time. However, that doesn't mean I despise Juice Beauty, or that it couldn't work for someone else. I just think my skin wants something else right now. To be honest, I had less pimples when I was following my EWG skincare routine, plus my skin felt as smooth as silk. Not to mention I might have to start thinking about internal solutions, not just external ones (after all, acne is linked to hormones, and I have a sneaking suspicion I have a hormone imbalance of some sort). Did you know PMS, what you eat, what you drink, and how often you exercise can all effect acne? It's not just about clogging your pores with makeup (greenified makeup or not). With that said, I think I'll start listening more to my body, looking into hormonal balancing, and going back to my old skincare routine for now. However, if you love Juice Beauty products, have acne, and want to greenify your skincare routine, this is definitely worth looking into. These products do work, but they just didn't work enough for me. If you decide to try them, let me know! I'd love to hear your opinions.