Plant Make Up

I stumbled upon Plant Make-Up a couple of months ago on Instagram. I was really intrigued about its bold statement that is 100% plant based. Aside from that, the packaging appears to be very whimsical and full of fun. Fast forward to a few more weeks and I was able to try and test four amazing products from this line.

Everything about Plant Make Up looks organic – the presentation, packaging and (most of all) the concoction looks like Mother Nature herself (with a help of some fairies) did it all. Products are stored either in glass jars or recycled paper materials. The artwork of the labels seems to be designed by hand. It is simple yet filled with fun. It does not try to look glamorous at all – it is as it is: Earthly – colorful, alive and vibrant.

Products: 

Herbal Cleansing Oil

Chamomile Salve

Dreamy Balm

New Wave Balm

Herbal Cleansing Oil

This is an alternative way of cleansing the skin. I know that oil cleansers have been in the make-p & skincare alley for a long time and either you like it or you don’t. I am a big fan of oil cleansers and I cannot live without it. I have a combo skin but usually tend to be on the dry side especially during the cold season. I still use facial wash BUT when it comes to removing make up, I rely on oils.

This cleansing oil works pretty well.  It removes everything – foundation, eye shadow and even mascara.

To use: apply and massage on the skin. You really have to work it out – make sure you have a generous amount of the oil as well. Using a warm moist washcloth, wipe away until no residue of make-up is left on the skin. The oil breaks down the make-up, practically dissolving every bit of it.

This oil also has a beautiful calming scent of Chamomile. The scent is just mild and not overbearing.

New Wave Body Balm

If you are like me who always need a bottle of moisturizer in the purse then this product is definitely a must have item. It is like a giant Chapstick – only it is for the whole body. I use it to moisturize my elbows ( because I hate dry elbows), my knees, knuckles and cuticles. It melts like butter once in contact with the skin. It is very easy to apply and non-greasy too.

This balm is a mixture of purveyed certified organic extra virgin olive oil, argan oil, vitamin e oil, sea buckthorn oil, rosehip oil and shea butter. The scent is very natural – no floral or sweet scents emanating. It smells like its ingredients but that is not a problem – unless you despise the scent of the oils mentioned.

Dream Balm

This balm is unique because it does not contain any essential oils as a basis of its calming effect; instead it uses actual flowers and herbs to amplify up its efficacy.  Small, visible specs and pieces of flowers and herbs adorn the surface of the balm, giving a rustic fell to it.  

Notable ingredients includes: organic extra virgin olive, ethically wild crafted mugwort organic lavender, wild rose petals, organic chamomile flowers, vanilla bean and shea butter.

The balm is pretty mild. It honestly does not help me doze-off but it surely feels good when massaged on the hands, feet and even temples. It is very calming and pleasant to the senses.

Chamomile Salve

Packed in a beautiful thick blue glass jar, this chamomile based salve can be used as a moisturizer for dry and aging skin. The scent, of course, is chamomile – very calming and refreshing to the senses. If you like really sublime and soft scented perfume, then this salve can double as such. Note that this salve is not to be used on the lips. The oils in it can dry the lips. It is also not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Interested in trying Plant Make Up? Check out www.plantmakeup.com

LENUS is a complete skincare line that is all handmade with love and passion by its creator Laura Lisaukas. Made in small batches, all products are carefully and thoughtfully formulated with the best ingredients found in nature including herbs and oils.

This amazing mask is made of raw, clean, organic honey that is sourced locally from a family owned bee hive in San Diego.  It is specially formulated for sensitive skin and skin conditions such eczema, rosacea and dermatitis. It has 22 herbs and oils mixed together in luxurious honey which brings up the experience of masking into a whole new level.  

Notable ingredients includes Oregon Grape Root for its anti-bacterial and pore cleansing properties; Turmeric, Chrysanthemum, Ginger, Chamomile, Sweet Orange and Sandalwood which serves as an anti-inflammatory agent (among all other qualities) in this concoction. Honeysuckle is also added as a natural preservative, hence gearing away from adding in toxins which causes skin irritation.  A combination of Kaolin Clay, Diatomaceous Earth and Dead Sea Clay is included for detoxifying, cleansing and purifying.   

Impressions:

This mask has a very thick consistency with suspended bits of herbs and other ingredients visible to the naked eye. The color is a beautiful rich dark golden brown with specks of yellow and black. The scent is clean and sweet.  

To use:

Apply a thin layer if the mask. I suggest using a facial mask spatula or a brush when applying. This mask is made of natural ingredients and even though it is formulated with the best oils and blends, it is still best to keep it clean and away from our natural skin oils – this is just my thought.  Anyway, back to mask, keep it on for about 15 minutes. Then with wet hands, gently massage the face to exfoliate. Now, this is where the magic truly lies (for me at least) because the scent of the mask once it mixes with the water becomes more prominent making this experience very luxurious. I would find myself cupping my whole face with both of my hand and just smelling away the relaxing and calming scent of this golden concoction.

Rinse with warm water after massaging the skin. I, personally, did not really want to rinse my face simply because I was enjoying the scent too much!

Results:

Upon rinsing, my skin feels very clean and fresh. Visually, my skin looks firmer, brighter and refreshed. I did not feel any sting and tightness while I had the mask on as well as after rinsing it. I was very happy with the results that I did not really want to ruin the results by applying a heavy cream-based moisturizer, instead a nourishing light weight oil sufficed.

For more information on Lenus, please visit www.shoplenus.com

This eczema cream is mixture of black cumin seed, castor, borage, primrose and avocado oil. It nourishes the affected skin as well as provides it with long lasting moisture which is essential in controlling eczema, which is known for its dry, itchy and scaly patches.

The cream is thick but applies smoothly on the skin.

Since Lenus utilizes the power of botanical ingredients, it is best to note that caution must be taken when trying this cream. Eczema can flare up easily when in contact with some plant material. So make sure to do a patch test first before slathering this amazing blend on affected areas.

Notable ingredients includes: Lavender, Yarrow, Helichrysum, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Calendula, Carrot Seed, Peru Balsam, Tea Tree, Blue Chamomile, Benzoin and Clove. These blends of oils are for soothing the infected skin. It also work to disinfects and repair the eczema spots.

I suffer from bouts of atopic dermatitis (eczema) every now and then. Patches of red and itchy scales would often show up on my bellybutton, upper thighs and even on my buttocks. Since it is hidden away, I do not usually pay much attention to it visually however, it really does itches a lot. I know how it feels and I know irritating it can get.

To Use: Apply on skin as often as needed.

Results:

I have been using Lenus Eczema Cream on a patch of affected skin on my stomach area. Results are not immediate but I noticed that my eczema does not flare up anymore. The redness is still there but is a little less crazy compared to a few days ago. The cream is also very soothing – it alleviates the itchiness. Now, I know that this product is for eczema but I also tried it on my arms which have keratosis pilaris (those crazy ugly red bumps) because it was flaring up too. I was thinking that maybe it can calm down the redness and control the itchiness which it did – and I am very happy about it!

 For more information on Lenus, please visit www.shoplenus.com