**REVIEW** Dève Herbes Pure Floral Waxes **UPDATE**

**UPDATE** Welp, I got to take a good whiff of the Tuberose wax and... It is so strong that I almost burned my nose hairs. I exaggerate. It is a strong-smelling wax and because I have no real idea of what Tuberose is supposed to smell like, I'm confused. This is what AI says about the smell of Tuberose:

it is "a floral scent that's sweet, exotic, and intense, with undertones that can include: honey, White flowers, Creme brulee, Jasmine, Gardenia, Green and spicy notes, Almond, Coconut, Vanilla, and Animalic notes."

Yeah, well, I got none of that... With this wax, I smell pepper, pepper, pepper, turmeric, and not much else. There is almost nothing floral hitting my nostrils. It's not a stinky scent but it's not something I really want to walk around smelling of - unless I can blend another fragrance into it. Oddly, one of my neighbors said she smelled a little bit of Gardenia. That confuses me even more. Also, as AI suggested in my original review below, Tuberose much have more fatty acids. I can feel that it is a lot more pliable right out of the jar than was the Mimosa. And, by the way, the wax's color reminds me of turmeric. Odd.

It feels softer than the
Mimosa wax

When I get a chance to melt this down and use it, I will do another update. As of now, I am going to be gifting the nieces and SILs with tins of both versions of the wax. That means I will really have to find a way to balance out the pepper scent in the Tuberose version... In the meantime, I found my other (larger) tins to use for the wax/oil concoction.

(I have melted it down and the pepper smell is less pronounced, thank goodness. I find this to be more emollient - slightly - than the Mimosa.)

Looks smoother & neater in the tin

If I really want to fancy up the tins when I gift them, I can press a design into the wax with one of those seal thingies...

*****

What, you might wonder, is "floral wax". I know I wondered. Now I know and, ladies, I am obsessed with this stuff...

I'm surprised that I am just now even hearing about floral wax. I've been into natural skincare and haircare for so long that I thought I was familiar with all the oils, lotions, and potions out there.  Then I happened across this:

the wax inside and enclosed in a baggie

That is a jar of Dève Herbes ("herbs of God") Pure Mimosa Floral Wax. Like I did, you might be wondering what a floral wax is. I had to go and have a conversation with ChatGPT to get this:

floral waxes "are by-products of the essential oil extraction process, and they carry many of the beneficial properties of their respective flowers."

Do tell.

The only way I even heard about floral wax is because last year I bought some Fenugreek oil from the Dève Herbes brand and the wax has been coming up in my Amazon suggestions ever since. Finally,  I had to take a peek. And I am so glad that I did because - not to keep wearing out this tired phrase, but - this stuff is a true game-changer.

The brand has 4 floral waxes on its India-based site, but Amazon.us has the Mimosa and Tuberose waxes. I chose the Mimosa to try out first.

What are the possible benefits?

Again, I had to ask Chat...

Mimosa Floral Wax

• Skin Benefits:

  • Moisturizing: Mimosa wax is highly emollient, meaning it can help to lock in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and soft.
  • Soothing: It has calming properties that can soothe irritated or sensitive skin. This makes it a good option for those with delicate or reactive skin.
  • Protective Barrier: It forms a light, protective barrier on the skin, helping to shield it from environmental aggressors without clogging pores.

• Hair Benefits:

  • Conditioning: Mimosa wax helps to smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and adding shine.
  • Scalp Care: Its soothing properties can also benefit the scalp, helping to calm irritation or dryness.
  • Moisture Retention: It locks in moisture in the hair, making it feel softer and more manageable.

Tuberose Floral Wax

• Skin Benefits:

  • Nourishing: Tuberose wax is rich in fatty acids, which nourish and rejuvenate the skin, helping to improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
  • Emollient: It provides deep hydration and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
  • Aromatherapy: The luxurious scent of tuberose can have mood-lifting and stress-relieving effects, adding a sensory experience to skincare routines.

• Hair Benefits:

  • Hydration: Like mimosa wax, tuberose wax helps to retain moisture in the hair, making it ideal for dry or damaged hair.
  • Fragrance: It imparts a delicate, long-lasting floral scent to the hair, which can be a lovely addition to hair care products.
  • Scalp Nourishment: Its nourishing properties can also benefit the scalp, helping to maintain a healthy environment for hair growth.

Both mimosa and tuberose floral waxes are gentle and versatile, making them excellent additions to natural skin and hair care products.

Okey-doke then. 

First impressions:

The wax arrived and I was disappointed and confused.  I'd expected to see what I'd recognize as wax. Nope. The jar contained a baggie of various-sized pieces of crystallized-looking rocks. I watch so much crime TV, I wondered if I'd been sent a jar of drugs. Or candy.

Looks a little like crackled candy.

Also, there were no instructions on how to use the wax so I had to do some Googling. To use the wax as a skin or hair emollient (my goal), I'd have to melt it down with some carrier oil. This was complicated, and a bit messy. I used sweet almond and apricot oils as carriers and did the melting in the microwave.

I haven't even used that large piece yet.

What I got:

The first time, I did get a decent result of a product that I could use on my skin but the wax was still more solid-feeling than I wanted and difficult to work with.

The 1st attempt -
not as soft as I wanted

I melted it down again and added more of the oils. Finally, I had something that I could use. I stored it in an empty container I had lying around. 

The 2nd attempt - 
much softer

I can rub my ringers over the oil and apply it to my skin, hair, and scalp. The wax did re-solidify, as expected, but the heat of my fingers warms it enough to use. I don't want to make it any less thick because I like being able to control how much my fingers pick up - if that makes sense. Also, I don't want to over-dilute the wax. (I'm going to do that for the wax I use on my scalp.)

By the way, it wasn't until I had warmed the wax that I could get a good sense of its smell. I'd read various descriptions in other reviews and they ranged from good to bad. In my opinion, the Mimosa scent is lovely, but it is really hard to describe. I get a flor-herbal scent that is more floral than herbal. It's sort of earthy and warm-smelling, the way a beautiful hippie girl wearing flowers in her hair might smell. Weird description, I know. By the way, it does fade not long after I've applied it to my skin. 

The results?

Using it on my face first is where I got hooked. I applied my regular moisturizer (Neutrogena), then applied the wax. Before I applied my sunscreen, I wanted to see how the wax made my face feel so I waited about 15 minutes (to let it settle?), then ran my hands ove-

Oh, my! My, my, my... My skin had a velvety-silky feel and it wasn't greasy at all. I can compare the feeling to what a cream-to-powder foundation feels like. My skin was soft and had a sort of plumped texture. 

The sunscreen that I applied last didn't change the nice feeling. What is even better is that a couple of hours later when I was about to apply more sunscreen to go outside and empty the trash, my skin had lost none of that lovely softness. It really was like the wax had locked in my moisturizer. It feels great now, but it's going to be awesome in the drier winter weather.

Using this on my scalp is harder. That's why I said I will further dilute another batch. In order to get enough on my fingers to apply to my scalp, I had to scrape out a little of the wax with my nail. It might be that I will just need a deeper container for the hair wax. ~shrug~

What I did manage to apply (to about one side and the back of my scalp ) does feel good. Maybe the Tuberose will be better for that... Right now, I'm obsessed with what the wax does to my face.

Bottom line:

Y'all know me by now. Once I fell in love with it, I had to put this wax on a Subscribe and Save. Luckily, it's not pricey (just under $10 on a subscription and just over $10 without), and the jar should last me several months. I have set the subscription for every 3 months but I don't think I will need to re-order that often - maybe every 6 months is closer to what I'd need. It takes very little of the wax to treat my face and neck. I will also be using this on my scalp and hair only occasionally but, still, I won't need to replenish my supply for months and months. (Although, I am thinking of whipping up batches to send the ladies in the family for Christmas.)

Also, I did order one jar of the Tuberose version. I wasn't going to but I went to ask Chat about some of the differences between the two:

Mimosa floral wax and tuberose floral wax, while similar in some aspects, have distinct differences due to the unique properties of the plants they come from. Here are the main differences:

1. Source and Scent:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:

  • Source: Derived from the flowers of the Mimosa tree (Acacia dealbata).
  • Scent: Mimosa has a light, powdery, and slightly sweet floral scent with hints of green. It’s more subtle and delicate compared to tuberose.

• Tuberose Floral Wax:

  • Source: Obtained from the flowers of the Tuberose plant (Polianthes tuberosa).
  • Scent: Tuberose has a rich, intense, and heady floral fragrance. It’s sweet, creamy, and more opulent, often associated with luxury perfumes.

2. Texture and Consistency:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:
  • Texture: Mimosa wax is typically a bit lighter and less dense, making it easier to work with in formulations. It blends well into skincare and haircare products without being too heavy.
• Tuberose Floral Wax:
  • Texture: Tuberose wax tends to be richer and more solid, giving products a more luxurious feel. It’s excellent for formulations that require a more substantial consistency, like balms or thick creams.

3. Skin Benefits:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:

  • Targeted Benefits: Better suited for calming and protecting sensitive or irritated skin. It’s great for maintaining skin moisture balance without overwhelming the skin, making it ideal for everyday skincare.

• Tuberose Floral Wax:

  • Targeted Benefits: More nourishing and rejuvenating, making it excellent for mature or dry skin. Its richness makes it suitable for nighttime or more intensive treatments where deeper hydration and nourishment are desired.

4. Hair Benefits:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:

  • Hair Focus: It’s excellent for adding light moisture and shine, making it ideal for taming frizz without weighing the hair down. It’s particularly good for fine to medium hair types.

• Tuberose Floral Wax:

  • Hair Focus: Better suited for deep conditioning treatments, especially for dry, damaged, or thicker hair types. It helps in sealing moisture and providing a luxurious scent, making hair care feel more indulgent.

5. Aromatherapy and Sensory Experience:

• Mimosa Floral Wax:

  • Effect: Provides a subtle, calming effect due to its gentle and soft fragrance. It’s often used to create a soothing atmosphere in skincare routines.

• Tuberose Floral Wax:

  • Effect: Has a more powerful, mood-lifting impact due to its intense fragrance. It’s often used in luxury products where the sensory experience is a key component.

In summary, mimosa floral wax is lighter, more calming, and better suited for everyday use, especially for sensitive skin and fine hair. Tuberose floral wax, on the other hand, is richer, more nourishing, and ideal for those seeking intensive care and a more luxurious, aromatic experience.

I don't want to subscribe to both scents so I will decide which I like better first. Based on what the Chat said, I'm guessing I might end up choosing the Tuberose version... But I do like the hippie scent of this Mimosa.

Final thoughts:

This is one of those products that makes me feel like I've been missing out on something really good - not in a fad or trend type of way - but as something that can be useful every day, all the time. The price is good and the brand seems to have a good reputation. Their fenugreek oil was definitely the real deal. I am still trying to see if there is a USA-based site for them. The brand site I found is in India, with an international phone number and a WhatsApp account. You can switch the dollar choice between US, AUS, etc. They also have Facebook and Instagram accounts. I prefer to buy their items through their Amazon storefront  (which can be tricky to find), but the inventory is somewhat limited. They have an About Us page on their brand site.

I am excited to have this Mimosa wax and can see myself using it from now on. I am very curious about the Tuberose. It will be interesting to see which one I prefer. I will do another post or an update when I receive the Tuberose wax.

Peace

-- Free

**REVIEW** Babassu Oil

After I review this oil, I will explain why I blacked out the brand name/seller on all the photos.

This is the babassu oil I'm going to be talking about:

First, let me say that this is the very first time I have heard of this particular oil. And you guys know that I use a lot of different kinds of oil. So, what's so great about this one?

• It feels very moisturizing - much like coconut oil - but without being oily.
• It absorbs better into the skin than does coconut or olive oil (two of my favorites). Coconut oil seems to stay on the surface of the skin and hair and this oil doesn't.
• There is no heavy smell - like with coconut or olive - and the slight scent it does have fades quickly.
• I can apply this to my face before makeup - as long as I let the oil finish absorbing. 

That's all the stuff I like about using it. There are more positives and potential benefits I've read about since getting it.

• Has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
• Rich in fatty acids - which makes it a great moisturizer and potentially good as an immune booster.
• It does not seem to cause or aggravate acne.

Babassu oil (or cusi oil) comes from the babassu palm. The only possible negatives I've heard about so far are when consuming the oil. Like coconut oil, it can be used in cooking. Babassu oil might cause problems for people taking blood thinners or who have thyroid problems. As with anything you can ingest, use common sense. Pregnant or nursing women should check with their doctors before consuming babassu oil. 

As far as any downsides I experienced, this was better on my skin than on my hair (more on that in a moment). Oh, and the price. I will definitely have to find a more affordable brand if I want to use this on my hair. This small jar will last a long while if I only use it as a skin moisturizer.

I am not planning to consume the oil the way I do coconut and olive. This one is purely for my skin and hair. I love that I found it in the Loreal Paris ingredient library. I'm kind of surprised that I haven't heard more about it before now.

This oil seems to be pricier than coconut oil, but when I check for another brand/seller, I will see if this is normal. For this 2-ounce jar, I paid $6.00. I only pay a little more than that for 14 ounces of the coconut oil I use. So, yeah. However... I can add to the list of positives that a very little bit of this oil goes a long way. When I was first testing it, I only had to use just over 1/4 teaspoon to treat my hands, my chest and neck, and my feet. And anyone reading this blog more than 5 times will know that my feet are a special kind of dry...

By the way, this oil - which is refined - melts almost as fast at body temp as does unrefined coconut oil.

Started melting when I scraped
some out with my nail

Also, like coconut oil, it will go completely liquid if left in a warm room.

Now, here is what I mean about this being more absorbent than coconut oil. It's a little less greasy than coconut oil when you first apply it - but almost as greasy.

Once you massage it in a little, you can see that it's not just sitting on the surface of the skin the way coconut oil does.

After less than 30 seconds or so, you couldn't see the oil even though my skin felt softer and more supple. (It took me about 10 minutes of frustration to remember the word "supple"!)


When I applied it to my face, I could feel it more than I did on hands, but you can't really see much of an oily sheen. (And for daring to show you my undone face and hair and that toothpaste-speckled mirror, you are welcome.)

Remember that this oil completely absorbs and I wondered if it just kind of dries away. When I finished applying it to my face, I dampened my hands and rubbed them together and noticed that my skin felt soft almost the way my silicone potholders feel. Weird but nice.

I was excited to try this on my hair of course. And this is interesting. I washed and conditioned my hair and while it was still very damp, I applied some of this oil to a section. I don't know what I expected but I really couldn't tell a difference in the way that section looked or felt. This jar is so small that I don't want to use it up so I only applied a little to the rest of my hair. I don't think that I applied enough because, when my hair dried, I still didn't see or feel a difference. I will have to wait until I can find a cheaper brand so that I can apply more liberally. In the meantime, I love what this does for my skin.

So, that's the review. Now I need to explain why I won't be showing the brand.

WHY I REDACTED THE BRAND/SELLER 

When I received the product, there was an insert with the offer of a free product. Wow, right? I mean, like I mentioned, I love the oil so I was excited to be offered a chance to get another product from the seller. I assumed this was just an appreciation gift and a way to show new customers more of their line. I assumed. Always a mistake. What would you have assumed?

Emphasis is on loving the product, I guess...

As instructed, I sent an email to the given address and, just to show that I had purchased the product, I included my order number. I received a response that was basically requesting a 5-star review. This is basically what the pictured email says (with all identifying things redacted and with my thoughts in red)).

Dear buyer,

We are happy that you have used our product and that you love it!

You can check all our products on our website  https://www.REDACTED.com/  

Getting your free product is simple, just follow these simple steps.

 **Required

**1) Please post a 5 star review of the product on Amazon/eBay (wha-???)and we wouldlove if you post a picture with your review. If you are unsure of how to leave a product review: (Oh, I know how to leave a review!)

Here are simple step-by-step instructions for Amazon:

http://www.wikihow.com/Leave-a-Review-on-Amazon.

**2) Provide information to complete the process:

Ø  Amazon/eBay Order Number

Ø  Email address

Ø  Full name

Ø  Shipping address

Ø  Full name of the item you’d like to receive

3) Tell us how we can improve our products or service. Every opinion matters for us. We are trying to build Happy and Healthy community.

Thank you for your purchase of our product on Amazon.com or eBay.com

All our products you can find at our Stores:

https://www.amazon.com/REDACTED

https://www.ebay.com/str/REDACTED

IMPORTANT: If you did not write a "5 STAR REVIEW" about the product you used, please contact us first to discuss any issues you had with the product. (What's to discuss?)

Your Amazon Order Number can be found in the email notification or under "My Orders" on Amazon.com. Example Order ID for Amazon looks like this: 101-1475239-8843522 

Your eBay Order number can be found in the email notification or under “Purchase history” then “More actions” and “View order details”. Example Order number for eBay looks like this: 23-03559-44680

Thank you for redeeming your free product. *** Orders typically SHIP WITHIN 3 - 5 BUSINESS DAYS. *** If you have any issues please contact us at contactREDACTED@gmail.com. Thank you! (Well, no thank you)

Here's the thing, I had already written my review when I emailed them about the free product. I even asked if they would provide me with any additional product info because I loved the product so much I planned to blog my praises. Here is the email I sent requesting the product and info:

And I was such a fangirl...

Here is the letter I sent after they requested a 5-star review.

What bothers me so much about this is that, not that long ago, I was banned by Amazon for a while because they suspected that some of my reviews were not legit. Even though Amazon lifted the ban, I am not eligible for things like being chosen as a Vine reviewer - or at least I don't think I am. There is some kind of rule about Vine reviewers not having been banned or anything in the past. Whatever. At any rate, I hope that this show my blog readers that I try my hardest to be really honest when writing reviews - whether or not they are sponsored.

When I find another brand of this oil, I will most certainly do a review/comparison. Even if I end up repurchasing this brand, I won't promote it on this blog.

Peace
--Free

**REVIEW** Pure Rose Hydrosol (Rosewater) UPDATED with photos

**UPDATE**

After just a few weeks of using this, that psoriasis on my feet is almost all cleared up. I had had some awesome results in the past by using Manuka essential oil and a few other products. However, never before has anything just about cleared up the problem.

This is what my feet looked like before using the Rosewater:

INSERT

This is what they look like right now.

About 13 days after starting Rosewater

 some healing after other
treatments.

Now, I have to tell you that I did use a grater and a rasp on my feet last night and I applied more of the Rosewater for the AFTER photo. However, I have used graters before and they only took off the thickest scales but did nothing for the smaller scabs that lined the sides of my feet.

The Rosewater is healing the psoriasis instead of temporarily masking it.

People, I will be ordering more of this to use and don't want to be without it at this point.


As many essential oils and natural butters as I have used over the years, for some reason, I never picked up any Rose Hydrosol. Okay, I'll be honest. I never even heard the word "hydrosol" before.

When I went looking for a definition, the best one I found is this one from Rachel Marlowe:

Similar to a floral water but more potent, hydrosols contain the water-soluble constituents of a plant such as the volatile oils, and it can be used as a facial toner, the water component when mixing our clay masks, or in an aromatherapy diffuser. (source)

One of the things I learned is that the best flower waters are done with steam distillation. This Rose Hydrosol by Banyan Pure meets that criteria.

Most of us have heard of the benefits of rosewater. I used to make homemade rosewater to keep from letting gift flowers go to waste. I wasn't an expert or anything so I kept it simple and, actually, the process isn't too complicated. You can try it yourself. I've bought rosewater from the health food store I frequented in Anchorage. It was good stuff and, until now, I didn't know what a big difference the processing makes.

This one is done by steam distillation. Most common ones are created by mixing rose oil with water. Steam distillation is more meticulous and the end product retains the pure oil (in this case - organic) and all the benefits of that. By the way, this is a rosewater so the texture reflects that. You can apply to hair or skin without an oil residue.

Once you have a good rosewater, you can use it in different ways. Here are some of the benefits and uses that I have seen suggested over the years:

• This link lists information and cites studies that show a benefit in affecting depression, use as an antimicrobial, and various skin treatments.
• This is only one listing of the benefits of rosewater for damaged hair, aging skin, and more.
• I've heard of mixing rosewater into lotions and creams for the face and neck. One interesting thing I will be trying is a mix of the rosewater with some glycerin to treat my hair. Rosewater is said to promote hair growth and retention.
• Rosewater is a gift to natural hair chicks. The water is said to be cooling, hydrating, and moisturizing in addition to fighting dandruff. It's been said that rosewater promotes hair growth and - this one is big - reduces product buildup on the scalp.  (I will be doing a follow up once I've had a chance to use this on my own natural hair.)
• My mother used to tell me about ladies spritzing their face, neck, bosom, and shoulders with rose water when the temps were high. In addition to helping them cool off, the fragrance was light and nice.

One of the other benefits I have heard of doesn't interest me. It's said that rosewater can be used to "lighten" or brighten the skin. Some people use a mixture of rosewater and lemon juice for the skin lightening. I'm just fine with all my protective melanin, thank you very much! I can see how some folks would want that benefit though and to each his or her own. If not for all over lightening, rosewater can be used (I've heard) for reducing under eye dark circles.

My main purpose for rosewater is as a fragrance (for me and the home) and for my hair. I have used rosewater as a toner when my skin was feeling a little dull. I tested this particular hydrosol this morning and can tell that a little goes a very long way. 

Before I do a sum up, let me mention something important. A lot of people have a habit of ingesting essential oils. I have never been okay with this unless an oil is clearly marked that it is a "food grade" product and safe to ingest. I have ingested homemade floral waters but only because I made them and knew every risk. Rosewater is a very popular one that people like to add to drink or add to foods. Please note that this particular rosewater is not marked for that use. There is even a warning on this one. Anything so heavily concentrated needs to used with at least a little common sense. This one is very concentrated. That's a good thing but needs to be used wisely.

To summarize, you should know that what I like most is how concentrated it is. I have some in an oil warmer and it's keeping a light fragrance in the air. Earlier, I tested a few drops in the humidifier and that was also very nice. By the way, the name of the rose used in this oil is Rosa Damascena.

Because this is so concentrated, a little goes so far that I have to watch myself. I have figured out that to use this as a toner, I need to put a drop in my palm and add a few drops of water before applying to my face. I can use it full strength (in small doses) on my neck and shoulders. I've used so many manufactured perfumes that I sometimes forget how lovely a simply floral water can be.

I have psoriasis and tonight I will be putting a little bit of the rosewater on my feet with some vitamin E. I usually use Manuka oil for that, but this smells so much nicer! This 2-ounce bottle should last me at least 2 months or more. Again, that's due to the high concentration.

I'll be back to update once I have used this for a few weeks more.

Peace
--Free





DISCLOSURE: In exchange for providing my fair and honest review, I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or at a discount using. Regardless, I only review products that I have personally used and can give an opinion of.

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**REVIEW** CeraVe Body Wash & Moisturizing Cream

This post is actually a "Reveal and Review" because, once again, I'm sharing extra personal details.

I'm reviewing two products since I recently had to try them. Doctor's orders.

I don't know if I'd mentioned here anything about a rash I developed on my inner ankles and in small spots on my hands. I initially treated my ankles (which were the most affected) with some raw honey. The honey made the rash look better and it took away the awful itching, but when I saw my doctor, he referred me to a dermatologist. Good thing, too. Turns out I have eczema.

This is what the spots on my hands did look like.

Not just a case of needing moisture. I was using oils and creams galore.

There are lots of reasons people develop eczema. Allergies other environmental issues, and I don't know what all else. In my case, the culprit is my compromised immune system. So, yeah, thank again, sarcoid.

The good news is, eczema is not contagious. Also, it is very treatable.

The dermatologist I saw prescribed a corticosteroid ointment. I almost passed out from fear when I heard the part "steroid" part. I recovered when I heard "topical" and" cream - not oral, injectable, or anything to do that will put another pound of weight on my behind.

The other part of my treatment for the eczema is to use three OTC products: a soothing cleanser and two moisturizers. The CeraVe products are the ones I'm posting about today.

Here's the reason I wanted to do a review on these items: they are awesome.  The cleanser is something that I love for how gentle it is. I never use soaps on my face, but this is one I will make an exception for.If I had known how good the moisturizer is, I'd have been using it on my feet always!

First, let's look at the Pros for the moisturizer:

• Of course, it is highly moisturizing but what I like most is that it's not sticky, stinky, or slimy. 
• The moisturizing effects last much longer than most lotions or creams - as long as you don't wash your hands. This is not something that continues protecting after washing.
• The price is not as bad as I expected, especially being recommended by my dermatologist and actually working as well as it does. Amazon currently has the 16oz jar for under $13. That's about what I paid for a 12oz container at Walmart. Now I know.
• A little bit goes a long way so I won't run through a supply too quickly. I tend to over-do it with applications of oils and lotion and other potions. With this one, I've learned to start light and add more as needed. It really does take about a dime-sized drop to take care of just my hands.
• There's not waiting for the product to soak in before handling papers or fabrics. For as moisturizing as the cream is, that was a surprise.

As for the cleanser, I had one problem with the bottle design. The soap is very, very thin and watery. The first time I opened the cap to use some, almost a tablespoon's worth ran out and into the sink. Even when I am careful with the pouring, it's still hard to control how much dispenses. I think the bottle needs a suction control to help with the thin product texture. What I've started doing is covering the opening with my hand to control the flow of the soap. I don't like that solution because I could be contaminating the entire bottle every time I use the soap. 

The best thing about the soap is how well it cleans in spite of being so mild. On the other hand, as thin as the soap is, I don't think it's going to last me as long as the moisturizer is. Also, the cleanser is more expensive over $17 for a 10oz bottle at the store (though just over $14 on Amazon). 

Basically, I love the moisturizer and think it's worth every cent. The cleanser is a good product but needs a better bottle design to help prevent waste - especially for what it costs.

The rash on my ankles has not cleared up yet but is looking SO much better. The minor spots of breakout on my hands are almost unnoticeable as long as I keep them moisturized. 

You all know that I'm a big advocate for all things natural. My coconut and palm oils were not working well on the rash and that was no surprise to the dermatologist. I will have to look up more info why that is. I did not try my other oils (kukui, emu, etc.) because I didn't know what I was dealing with as a skin condition. As far as I knew, I might have been having a reaction to one of my natural oils. (I wasn't, but I'm glad I was cautious.)

need a manicure, but much better

I learned a lesson or two in this experience. For one thing, I've always been vain about my skin and tend to brag about the care I take with it. Well, there are some things that you just can't avoid no matter how careful you are. Instead of self-treating with my usual oils and other products, I should have contacted my doctors the first second that I noticed a problem. 

I also learned that even good things can be harmful in certain cases. Because of my weak immune system, I tend to be cautious of germs. I must wash my hands fifteen or more times a day - with antibacterial soap - and I am a nut for the GermX and other protectants. Guess what? I've been advised to leave both types of products alone until this eczema clears up. So, yeah, I should have just checked with the docs first. My bad.

Now that I have tried these products, I can say that I would like using the moisturizer no matter what. I can't say the same for the cleanser, even though I like it. It's too pricey and I'm going to run through the bottle too quickly. Bad combo.

Next post, I will be telling you about the third OTC product the doc has me using. Until then,

Peace

--Free

**REVIEW** J.R. Watkins Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Don't you love it when you are having a rough day and something good and unexpected happens? That's why I'm in a better mood tonight than I was when I woke up this morning.

I won't go into why my day started out so crappy, but it got worse when I had to make an emergency run over to Walmart to get some clog buster for the bathroom. I am telling you, this week just started and it is trying to be a doozy.

Anyway, I get over to the store and have to search 3 shelves to find the correct product to clear the drain. So many choices! And I noticed a white bottle that looks out of place among all the Drano, Liquid Plumber, Mr. Plumr, etc., and decided to take a peek. It sure didn't belong on the cleaning aisle:

Man! Talk about flashing back to my younger years!

The last time I saw anything other than extract and some spices from the Watkins label was... well, never. I do remember one of my aunts or someone using a salve that might have been from Watkins but, mostly, I remember all the cakes and gravies that my mother and her friends made using a Watkins product. (I especially can recall the vanilla extract that I was taught to use with baby powder as a fragrance!)

Since some other shopper had obviously put this bottle of lotion down in the wrong part of the store, I had no idea how much it might cost. I put it aside in my basket, thinking that I would just do a price check later. I had some other items to pick up - you know how it is: since I was there - and was already thinking I was going to go over the daily budget.

Guess what good and unexpected thing happened next? When I was slipping my phone back into my purse, I found a twenty stuck in the side pocket. Found money! That almost never happens to me. First thing I did was get tickled and make some other shoppers give me the side eye. I was thinking about a joke a comedian told about Bill Gates: "For someone that rich to get excited about finding forgotten money in a coat pocket, they'd have to find something like four million dollars!" No doubt.

Well, found money or no, I should have tucked it back into the purse until another rainy day, but... There was that lotion.

Maybe it was nostalgia, but I just had to have that lotion. Of course, my sneaky behind was going to try to free the pump and sample it right then and there. You know, just in case I hated it or something. I couldn't be smooth enough about getting the pump turned open, so I just went ahead and bought the bottle. One thing about Walmart, they don't mind doing refunds. Trust me, I know.


Once I got the lotion open. I was so happy that I had splurged some of my found money. The smell alone took me right back to my mother's kitchen on the days she'd make one of her lemon meringue pies. I never even liked those pies that much, but the smell...!!! Heavenly. Come to think of it, that's probably why I like lemon-scented candles so much.

Of course, the thing with scents and fragrances in moisturizers is that they might be overwhelming or - even worse - they might irritate the skin. Lord knows, I don't need that. I already have a rash on my ankles that my doctor is going to be checking out at my next appointment.

I made sure to test this lotion on one arm first. The smell, lovely as it is, doesn't really linger as strongly as it applies. I'd say that it evens out to faint and almost vanilla-tinged odor after about five minutes. The lotion actually moisturizes like a heavier cream formula and left a subtle wax-softness that would make my touch feel pleasant to someone else.

The one thing that puzzles me is the label's statement about the lotion being "99% natural".

no parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol or dyes.

Looking at the label of ingredients, I can't really discern what isn't natural until I squint. I think it must be the acetate they are talking about. Or maybe one of the other ingredients mentioned near the end of the list?

What I do know is that this feels so good as an all-over moisturizer. You know that wonderful feeling you get after a shower when you jump into freshly laundered sheets? Well, that feeling ramps up a notch if you're all smoothed up and smelling good with this lotion.

Another nice thing about the lotion is that the moisture does last. I didn't pay much attention at first but, when I washed my hands about an hour or so after applying, I could feel the lotion coming off in the water. Later, I did try to pay attention to how long it lasted and I know that it lasted at least another three hours (maybe more), but then I had to wash my hands again. The lotion that I applied to the rest of my body was fine all day - meaning I wasn't dry that evening. I can tell by how dry my calves are. Usually, depending on the weather, I might have to re-apply some moisture (usually one of my oils) to my legs at least once or they will be a bit dry at bedtime. I think that's because my jeans rub against them.

Because this lotion brought back so many memories of J. R. Watkins products, I had to go take a peek at their website. I downloaded a catalog and for my niece's upcoming birthday, I'm going to get some of the extracts and laundry soap. That doesn't sound like an exciting birthday gift, but she also remembers my mother (her "Grammy") using Watkins stuff. I think she will be pleased with the gift basket.

When my niece gets to try some of the other products, I will be sure to come back and do a post on them.

Peace
--Free

**REVIEW** Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

I'd never tried this essential oil before now. I'd never even heard of it:

I mostly applied to get this EO from First Botany.at a discount (yes, in exchange for an Amazon review) because I hadn't heard of it, but found from researching that one of the main benefits is a "calming of the mind" (source). Lord knows, with the start of the year I've had, I need as much calming as I can get. Also, it's probably safer for anyone I have to be around!

It doesn't hurt that I read in more than one place that Roman Chamomile (R.C.) is also supposed to help support a healthy immune system. I'm all about that.

Apparently, there are 2 different types of chamomile: Roman and German. I found source for explaining the difference, but I''ll just let you check this link for some clarification and get on with the review of this particular brand of Roman Chamomile essential oil.

From reading the product info page on Amazon, in addition to general info I found online, I learned what really interested me about this EO;

Few drops of Roman chamomile Oil can be added to your favorite moisturizer or lotion to promote youthful looking skin or can be added to shampoo or conditioner for beautiful glowing hair. 

That's what I'm talking about!

The page also mentioned something about using the EO in a diffuser (or what I call my "humi-diffuser") for getting a restful sleep. I can get down with that too. But back to the skin and hair issue...

As you know, I have done another "big chop" on my hair. It's looking and feeling great because I have a bunch of new EOs and oils to baby it. Until I get another chance to do a wash or condition, I won't be able to tell you much about the hair part. Still, I couldn't' wait to see if this R.C. could do something special for my skin.

The R.C. EO has a very pleasant smell. I wasn't expecting that from the name. I could only expect it to smell like chamomile tea ~shrug~. The scent of the EO reminds me a little bit of Myrrh oil, but sweeter. It's woody and, well, sweet.

Instead of adding it to one of my other skin and hair oils (coconut, kukui, jojoba or emu) because I thought that would defeat the purpose of seeing how well this worked, I added it to some regular lotion.

I like my purse-sized tube of Jergen's hand lotion, but it can fade after a while and it sometimes feels a little tacky on the skin. When I added the R.C., I couldn't really tell anything at first. I noticed later that (and I hope this isn't just my imagination) my skin  hadn't lost any of the initial softening/moisturizing from about and hour and a half before. I'm sorry but I didn't pay a great deal of attention to the times.

Another thing I can tell you about this is that is really is soothing when I use it in the humi-diffuser. Of course, I was dog tired the night I tried it, but it seems like I fell off to sleep with less tossing and turning. I do know that I slept all through the night, which is unusual for me.

Next week, I'm going to be working at blending some of the various EOs I've collected. I can''t wait to try this in a blend (maybe with some Ginger or Ylang Ylang), and I'll have to get back to you guys on that. Also, I will let you know when I do the hair treatments using this one.

This particular EO is from First Botany. I think I've gotten 2 EOs from them recently. So far, I really like the quality. The price for this one is up there, but I think that it could be because of quality since I noticed the same range of pricing for the same EO from my preferred brands. This one is backed by a 100% refund guarantee.

Peace
--Free




DISCLOSURE:
In exchange for providing my fair and honest review, I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or at a discount using AMZ Review Trader. Regardless, I only review products that I have personally used and can give an opinion of.

**REVIEW** Kukui Nut Oil

Kukui Nut Oil is, obviously, from the Kukui nut. It's one of a few oils that I've been wanting to try but knew so little about. One of the first things I learned is that the Kukui nut and Candlenut are one and the same. Wha-???

This is what a kukui nut tree looks like:

And this is what a kukui nut looks like:

Those nuts are, of course, made into a necklace.

At any rate, I did have an idea that Kukui Nut Oil was from an Hawaiian tree. I got a bit of a discount to try this one in exchange for an Amazon review.

I'm trying to be more consistent in the way I present reviews, by the way, so let's get to it.

What is it commonly used for?

Because if its essential fatty acids and antioxidants, this has been used for a long time as a natural moisturizer. It protects that skin against salt and sand (in historical Hawaiian use, I guess) and it feels amazing.

Before I even did any research, I was immediately impressed with how this oil absorbed so fast. My niece and her friend also tried it with me and we all loved how "silky" it felt on the skin. Sure enough, that's one of the first things I read about the effects.

What's it like on the hair and skin?

Unlike argan or olive, this oil has almost no greasy feeling to it while applying. After about a minute of slathering some onto my face and hands, it was completely absorbed.

It's also a great hair moisturizer. The absorbency factor is one reason but, for me, the biggest thing was that it softened my hair. Love that.

If you check out that link I just used, you'll see that it's great for protecting the skin in lots of ways: sunburns, windburns, chapping, etc. My niece used some on her dry elbows and loved that it absorbed so fast and worked so well without staining her clothes. Her friend used some on her scalp in a spot where she has problems with dryness. (I will have to check back with her to see how long the effects lasted.)

I used it on my hair and face right off. This morning, I applied some after cleaning my face with castor oil and a baby wipe. No heaviness to it at all.

This reminds me a lot of Marula oil, but seems a bit more moisturizing.

I have to say that this is one oil that I am going to want to get more of. I really do like it.

Other positives

The oil naturally contains good stuff like:

• Vitamins A, C, and E, 
• Fatty acids -  Oleic (25.5%), Palmitic  (6.5%), Alpha-linolenic (25.1%),  and Linoleic  (40%)

5-Star Ratings:

5 of 5 for smell. There is none that I could detect once it was applied. Right out of the bottle, my niece said it had a slight "warm and nutty" odor.
5 of 5 for softening (I'd give it 10 stars!)
5 of 5 for moisturizing (because it can be worn under makeup without shine, stickiness or greasiness
5 of 5 for the pricing. (It's not a cheap oil, but it earns its keep.)
10 stars just for being such a really good oil.

This is so multi-use that I need to do more research on why it works so well. I can't rave enough about the softening effect it had on my skin and hair.

This is also the first time I've tried something from Renewalize, but I now want to try more. I like the way the packaged this so well and I think I can put the quality of this oil up there with some of my favorite brands.

I will update this review when I've gotten the chance to use this over time

Peace
--Free


DISCLOSURE:
In exchange for providing my fair and honest review, I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or at a discount using AMZ Review Trader. Regardless, I only review products that I have personally used and can give an opinion of.

**REVIEW** Majestic Pure Pale Pressed Castor Oil

Yes, I know. I just did a castor oil review a couple days ago. That was for what's called a "cold pressed" castor oil. This is for a "pale pressed" castor oil. Specifically, this one:

                    Majestic Pure's 100% Pure Castor Oil (cold pressed & hexane-free)

I have to admit that, before now, I never paid attention to the different oil "pressings". What I did notice immediately when I got this pale pressed oil is that it's so much thinner in texture.

When I saw just how thin this was, I worried that it wouldn't be a "good" castor oil. Except for Jamaican Black Castor Oil (BJCO), all the castor oils I've used have been either thick or super thick. This one was as thin as table syrup. I love me some Majestic Pure, as you guys know, but I was trying to give this item the side eye at first!

Because I was curious about this (and the color, which is a yellow-ish hue), I went looking for info. All I could come up with was that different "pressings" produce differences in oils.

Okay.

To be honest, I really only care the most about whether this would be moisturizing. It is, and the good thing about it's thinner texture is that it makes a great skin moisturizer.

Thick castor oil (like the one I just recently fell in love with) is great for dealing with hair and skin at it's driest. Because a thick oil is heavier, it takes more time for it to absorb. What I learned using this thinner oil is that it's easier to apply on my skin in place of lotion because it absorbs much faster. It still does a the job of moisturizing my skin (and holding in more hydration from, say a shower or bath).

When I applied this to my hands, it only took a couple of minutes before it was absorbed and I could touch paper without staining it. Cool.

I decided that there's a place for both types of oils in my routine. Still, I wanted to understand more about this whole "cold vs pale" pressing thing. I'm no expert, so take what I learned with a few grains of salt:

• Cold pressing leaves the oil more "virgin" because there's no heat used in the process.
• Pale pressed oil has a lower acidity. Pale pressed oil is from the first pressing of the castor bean.
• (source for info includes this specific page)

Um, that's about all I learned! Sorry. Hahaha...

If any of you know more about the subject, be sure to fill me in. 

For now, I am loving this oil. I like the fact that I can apply this to my hands and the rest of my body just before I get dressed. I like that it absorbs almost like a lotion (I just need to fill a small bottle to fit in my purse and gym bag), and most of all, I like that it really does work.

One warning: Don't over-apply. Just because this is thinner, I went a little overboard when I put some on my hair. My body heat begin to warm the oil and I had it dripping down my neck! A little bit goes a looong way, trust me.

Again, I have to say that I've used quite a few products from Majestic Pure by now. They seem to be a real stand-up brand and they do stand behind their products. By the way, this castor oil, other than being "pale pressed" is also hexane free.  There is a 100% refund guarantee.

Peace
--Free


Disclosure: 
In exchange for providing my fair and honest review, I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using AMZ Review Trader. Regardless, I only review products that I have personally used and can give an opinion of.