Best DIY Baby Balm

Hey moms! What sorts of products do you use for your babies bum to help prevent rashes? Powder? Balm? Ointment? Cream? There are a lot of products out there, right? But are any of them actually working? Many products out there are harming to the skin and body, and some don't even work, although they may be expensive. They contain harsh chemicals that may be harmful to your sweet baby's skin. They could cause an allergic reaction, breathing issues (if using talc), and more. I decided to make my own balm for my little boy's bum. I do my best to use gentle products on him or, like with this one, I make them myself with natural ingredients. This balm is made with 3 simple ingredients and works wonders on the skin. It has helped tremendously with preventing rashes on baby's bottom, and I have used it on my dry skin several times, too! Without further ado, here is the recipe: 1-2 T coconut oil, about 5 drops of myrrh, and about 5 drops of calendula oil. I pretty much eyeball when I put my essential oil concoctions together. But it works! Why? These 3 ingredients are a mighty force when united. Between the 3, you have antibacterial, antifungal, anti inflammatory, healing, and soothing properties. How awesome is that!

Give it a try. Play with the oils and see what works best for you! Do you use myrrh or calendula oil for anything? How about coconut oil?

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Tarte Cosmetics Haul

How cute is this Pamper & Prep Makeup Ready Set from Tarte Cosmetics? I recently bought it when the sale was 20% off plus $5 via Ebates for my entire purchase from this haul (4 items...not too shabby, right?). Aren't sales and savings/rebates apps awesome?! Plus I earn reward points each time I shop through their site. More on that later, though. Right now I want to show you what I got. I am excited!

Back to my pretty set: It is an eye cream, face oil, & mosturizer that hydrates, nourishes, and preps! It is packed with vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants, and maracuja oil providing my skin with natural softness. A little goes a long way. My face has been feeling good and well nourished. I needed this, especially with this hot weather and dry winds that we get in my area. This is good for daily use, and it is perfect for when I travel. I hate it when I have to use something else during my travels just because I wasn't able to fit my original products in my bags due to their sizes, and I hate taking them out of their original jars to put them in those "travel-size" containers. I feel they go to waste!

I am happy with my little pamper & prep set!

The next item I purchased was the Rainforest of the Sea 4-in-1 Setting Mist. 

A pretty bottle that is able to do four things in one! This is definitely a crowdpleaser! It is true with what it says it does. It is a primer, hydrating mist, makeup setting spray, and refreshes your skin. I like to use it for all the above. Misting my face throughout the day to give me a fresh feel is my favorite.

My final purchase for this haul:

Tarteist Quick-Dry Matte Lip Paint

I love lipstick, but for some reason lipstick does not love me. It disappears within the hour after applying! I needed something that not only was a pretty color, but something that was going to stay ON MY LIPS. So I looked into lip stains, and found these. I first received a sample a long time ago in a birthday bag, and this lip stain became, and has been since, my favorite lip product. They have so many vibrant, gorgeous colors to choose from. They are fairly easy to apply. And they last a long time on your lips, making your lips look divine!

Take note on lip stains: you need some prepping before you apply so you can get the best look possible that will last. Here are some tips straight from Tarte Cosmetics:

• Use a lip scrub to prep and condition lips prior to each application.
• Use the lip paint's precision brush wand to trace on longwearing matte color. First, use the felt tip to contour lips by tracing along the upper and lower lip line. Then, shade inside the lip line using the flat applicator surface.
• The quick dry formula will set in seconds and adhere to lips all day.

Now that we got the tips down, you can now play with your lip stains and see which is your favorite color. I haven't really boiled that part down, yet. There are too many pretty colors. But, soon as I choose my fave, I will definitely update you!

I appreciate when a company doesn't add a bunch of harsh chemicals to their products. There are so many chemicals out there that are harming us, in and out, as well as our environment. With Tarte Cosmetics, I don't worry about wondering if I will rash or have any sort of reaction. Their beauty products tend to be cruelty free, paraben free, gluten free, sulfate free, and I believe some of it is vegan, too. I support small businesses, especially when they are natural, non gmo, and are fighting for a good cause. But there will always be a place in my heart for bigger companies that care about me, too.

If you haven't shopped Tarte Cosmetics, you should. They have a lot of good products and they always have sales! Plus, you can earn reward points which can lead to free stuff when signing up for their Reward Program! Check them out today, and let me know what you think!

This post contains affiliate links. The price doesn't change for you, it just means I get a small commission if you decide to buy. Thank you for your support!

Review: AMG Naturally Cleanser & Exfoliator

I received AMG Naturally Papaya Splash Cleanser and Rosehip Seed Exfoliator free for reviewing purposes. All opinions are 100% my own. 

I have been using these products for a few weeks now. The Papaya Splash Cleanser is gentle, natural, non-gmo, non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan. It doesn't have a strong scent like other cleansers. It is subtle. It is a foam that is very light. It is easy to wash my face with this. This cleanser washes my skin really well. It doesn't leave it feeling dry, itchy, or irritated in any way. My skin feels so hydrated and clean! You do not need a lot to get the job done. A little goes a long way. I can really feel the clean!

The rosehip seed exfoliator washes away dead skin while it repairs and leaves your skin feeling renewed and soft. It does not irritate. It contains gentle and nourishing ingredients, such as moringa oil, rosehip seed oil, and vitamin E. These are all good for your skin; they're healing, soothing, and beneficial in many ways. My skin felt and looked very nice after using the exfoliator just once. With continued use, I am starting to see my skin getting better, looking healthier, and feeling renewed.

Check out the reviews of other Moms Meet Ambassadors at Moms Meet and visit AMG Naturally for information on all their natural beauty products. For a limited time, use discount code MOMSMEET20 for 20% off.

Review: Vitamin C Toner

This toner has worked nicely on my skin. It has done a really good job at toning and softening. I was surprised to feel how tight my face felt after using this. I also noticed that my pores from my nose have shrunk quite a bit. This toner can be sprayed straight on the face or applied with a cottonball. It has a very light scent of aloe vera; it is soft and cool. You can also use it various times throughout the day. Pour some in a small spray bottle and carry in your bag. Then, whenever the need to freshen the face up arises-just reach in the bag and spritz a bit! I like to spray a cottonball and then dab on my face right after washing it. Then I spray my neck. I let it dry and then continue my skincare regimen. My skin feels nice and fresh with this toner. I feel my skin is more vibrant and soft. I like it!

This Vitamin C toner contains natural ingredients, which I am a big fan of. Due to the fact that I tend to be allergic to certain foods and chemicals, I prefer natural and healthier ingredients that are good for me and my skin. I don't use natural or organic products 100% of the time, but I am gaining more knowledge of certain ingredients that may harm me in some way, shape, or form and would rather stay away from. Back to the ingredients: there is witch hazel, MSM, Vitamin C, aloe, spirulina, pomegranate, and so many more wonderful ingredients. The ingredients have so many healing properties! MSM and Vitamin C are great at helping to heal blemishes and fight wrinkles, boost collagen. Witch hazel is great for inflammation and awesome at balancing and toning the skin. Pomegranate is high in antioxidants, which is great for anti-aging. Guess what else? There are NO parabens, alcohol, phthlatalates, or artificial fragrances in this toner! To me, this is a double plus in my book! 

So, yes, this toner is very nice to have on hand. It works well and keeps the skin feeling smooth, toned, and clean.

This can be purchased on: Amazon.com 

I received this product for free in exchange for my unbiased and honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Review: Alina Skincare Ultimate Eye Cream

This eye cream has a delicate aroma and feel to it. It is almost like a cross between a lotion and a gel. A cream is normally thick, and this one isn't. This cream goes on super light, which made me think that it would not work, but it proved me wrong. I have been using it for exactly 14 days, and it has done a good job at helping the fine lines and crow's feet diminish. I have been using it around the right eye while on the left I have been using regular face cream. My skin feels well-hydrated and healthy, but on the right side, the crow's feet are smaller and the fine lines seem to be less and less. The right side is definitely more toned. I am confident this will only continue to improve. As of today, I am going to start using it around both eyes equally...I have some catching up to do with the left side! This little cream is a gem, and I am glad I found it!

I received this item for free in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

You can purchase this at Amazon.

Review: Derma E Cream

I have been trying to improve my complexion for about a year or so. My skin became very sensitive and dry ever since I started using an acne kit that contained a facial wash, toner, and lotion. My blemishes were disappearing, but at the expense of messing up the rest of my skin. My skin was just too dry, flaky, and dehydrated. I also had stains on my forehead. I was so sad! My skin was damaged! I searched and searched for a lotion that would help my skin. One day, I went to my local pharmacy and picked up this cream, by Derma E. I have to tell you that this is my favorite beauty product! I never cared for creams until this one came along. I have been using it for about 7 months or so. This cream is rich and thick, yet breathable. I do not feel the need to reapply throughout the day. My skin is hydrated and well-moisturized. I usually mix this with other vitamin-enriched creams (like A, C, and D) along with a drop or two of frankincense, myrrh, and jojoba oils. At night, I use the vitamin E cream by itself. The stains on my forehead are only a memory. Yeah! But, I still have scars, but I know that it takes more than a night to heal. At least my skin is getting healthier, and it's feeling better than ever!

I am thankful for this vitamin E cream! I will not go without this one. It is great for my hands, too! My hands feel so soft after using this. I believe it comes in a tube, too, so I can carry it with me in my bag.

You can purchase this at Amazon.


Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you though. Thanks for your support!

Review: The Olive Tree Company Bath and Body Products

This review is for The Olive Tree Company Rosemary & Mint Shampoo and Conditioner, Olive Oil Soap, and Calendula Oatmeal Facial Grains.

I have a few products here that were sent to me so I can test and review. These products contain only natural ingredients from plants. They do not contain parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic colors, or synthetic fragrances.  This is a big plus for those who suffer from certain conditions such as allergies and eczema, or simply prefer organic and natural products. Key ingredients that are used in their products are olive oil and essential oils such as lavender, tea tree, lemon myrtle, rosemary, peppermint, rose geranium, and sandalwood; all which are soothing and contain various healing benefits for the skin and hair. I love oils and I love natural products. So, of course, I was excited to try them. So, let’s see what I got, shall we?

Rosemary & Mint Shampoo and Conditioner:

This shampoo has a very light scent of rosemary and mint. It doesn’t lather much because it does not contain chemicals that make a rich lather, such as SLS or sulphates. But, it did clean my hair very well, and it left my scalp feeling clean. My hair was soft, clean, and my natural waves stood out.  It did not dry out my scalp. My hair was not frizzy or crazy-looking. When shampoos leave my hair frizzy and crazy-looking, it is unmanageable and just crazy! It is like it has a mind of its own…some waves are facing left while other waves are facing right! Anyways, this shampoo did NOT do any of that craziness. YEY!

I used the rosemary and mint shampoo along with the accompanying conditioner. The conditioner left my hair super soft, and it smelled really nice. It was lightly scented of rosemary with a hint of mint. The conditioner added shine and body to my hair, leaving my hair with my natural waves. It helped with static and frizziness, even on cloudy days. Is it true that on cloudy or gloomy days your hair gets frizzy? I don’t know, I think so only because my hair is crazy on cloudy and gloomy days. But it is also crazy on sunny days…hmm. My hair stylist has called my hair, “cow licks.” This should tell you a little something of what I have to deal with. Well back to the shampoo and conditioner. This shampoo and conditioner is made with aloe vera, olive oil, and essential oils. All of these ingredients are soothing and have healing properties, so the shampoo and conditioner is good for all types of hair.

Olive Oil Soap:

This soap is handmade. It is as if you have just made it in your own kitchen. It has a very light, pleasant scent. Upon using this soap, it left my skin feeling very soft and well moisturized. I also used it on my face. It left my face feeling clean. It did not dry my skin, it doesn’t have a strong perfume aroma, and it didn’t leave my skin feeling stretchy. This soap did its job. I used a soap saver soap holder so it can last longer. So far so good.

Calendula Oatmeal Facial Grains

What’s this you ask?  Well, facial grains is kind of like a scrub that you use on your face. You mix the powder with a little bit of water and apply it in a circular motion, almost like a massage for your face. Oatmeal, calendula, and clays make a great team. Together they tackle many skin concerns, such as eczema. The smell is pleasant and soft. I used it twice a week. My face felt hydrated and well-nourished.

All-in-all The Olive Tree Company has some great products. Natural and organic products are great and you need not worry about them containing harsh chemicals. I will definitely be ordering some more, maybe the Rose Geranium Body Lotion or the Lavender & Sandalwood Hand & Body Wash. Bottom line: Yes, I do like.

Disclaimer:  The company sent me products for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no compensation, and I am not affiliated in any way with the company or manufacturer of these products.  All opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

You can purchase these products at: The Olive Tree Company