This giveaway has ended. Thanks to all that entered!
As I was reading about companies to boycott on the OCA, I found a list of USDA approved companies. That’s when I came across Juice Beauty and thought I’d check them out. Juice Beauty products are made with real organic juices! They carry several USDA certified products, but all of their organic juices have been certified. Here is their company info:
We Have:

Organic ingredients in a base of organic fruit juices, making our total organic content up to 95%

Powerful antioxidant technology, including alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10

DMAE, peptides, fat soluble vitamin C and essential fatty acids for optimum age-defying results

Certified organic ingredients packed with age-defying potency…powerful antioxidants and polyphenols, essential vitamins, vital phytonutrients and age-defying hydroxy acids

Met the strict USDA organic guidelines for all of our certified organic ingredients

A strict no animal testing policy

A 100% vegetarian ingredients policy

We Do Not Have:

Pesticides

Petroleum or petroleum derivatives (propylene, butylene glycol)

Toxic preservatives (parabens – methyl, butyl, or ethylparaben; dizaolidinyl or imadazolidinyl urea; formaldehyde)

Harsh surfactants or sulfates (sodium or ammonium lauryl sulfate; cocamide dea/lauramide dea)

Artificial colors or dyes

Synthetic fragrances

Phthalates or dibutyl phthalate

Toluene

I was sent quite a few samples of Juice Beauty to review and once you get passed the smell, they all are amazing. My favorite by far is the Green Apple Peel. It is made with a powerful hydroxy-acid complex of certified organic apple, lemon, grape juices, raw cane sugar and white willow bark. I haven’t worn a peel or mask in probably 17 years. I have super sensitive skin and the last time I did a mask, I had a horrible outbreak. I have to be honest and say I’ve been avoiding the Green Apple Peel just because I was nervous about a outbreak. I tried the peel 3 nights ago and am so mad I didn’t try it sooner. My face hasn’t been this smooth since I was a baby. I really felt 5 years younger when I looked in the mirror! With 1 use, the peel got rid of all of my blackheads on my nose. I’ve used it twice since then and it’s seriously cleaning out my deep pores. The recommended use is once a week, but with the results I got with one use, I’ve had to keep using it to see what else it can do! You can buy a 2 oz. jar for $39 or you can purchase a sample size for $5. I seriously recommend trying this if you have blackheads or uneven skin texture.

My next favorite Juice Beauty product is the Blemish Clearing Serum. When I was a teenager, I had perfect skin. It wasn’t until I got pregnant that I started getting acne. Unfortunately the zits haven’t gone away since then. I especially break out before Aunt Flow comes to visit and Juice Beauty has been amazing during this last visit. As soon as a blemish starts to appear, you put the serum on and (for me) the next day it’s gone. Before Aunt Flow’s visit this month, I used a tiny bit of the serum where my problem spots are and no breakouts occurred! The Blemish Serum is made with a powerful hydroxy-acid complex of certified organic apple, lemon and raw cane sugar blended with vitamin antioxidants and coenzyme Q10. The Blemish Serum also helps even out skin tone and texture.

I told you I was having issues with turning 30 in 6 months. Yes, the countdown has begun. It didn’t bother me until my half birthday… now I’m dreading it and the wrinkles that follow. Juice Beauty has an awesome Green Apple Antioxidant Serum that helps smooth fine lines while rejuvenating and firming your skin. I have been using the Serum for a month now and my wrinkles are really dulling! It is made with a powerful age-defying DMAE, vitamin antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, peptides and essential nutrients. I am hoping this will hold off all of my wrinkles for ageless skin!

I also got to try the Oil Free Moisturizer and Green Apple Cleansing Gel. Both left my face feeling smooth and radiant. I have really loved all of the Juice Beauty products that I’ve tried. Juice Beauty offer clinically validated age-defying results that show 85% reduction in free radical skin cell damage while being safe and gentle on your skin.

You can try out these products that I’ve reviewed in the Green Apple Age Defying Solutions Kit for $45. It comes with Green Apple Cleansing Gel 4 oz, Green Apple Peel Full Strength .5 oz, Green Apple Antioxidant Serum .25 oz, Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer .5 oz, Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer .5 oz

The Giveaway: Juice Beauty would like to give 1 lucky reader a Blemish Clearing Serum– a $29 value!Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST October 29, 2009 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) You must verify and be active at the time of the giveaway- those who are unverified will become disqualified4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
@Mkokopelli win a organic Blemish Clearing Serum from Juice Beauty! Ends 10/29 http://ow.ly/uHG4
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 extra entry total)
6. Become a Fan of Juice Beauty on Facebook
7. Tell me something you learned on Juice Beauty or about one of their products
8. Tell me an ingredient you found on one of your products that shocked you- for details read this post
9. Grab the Eco-Personal Care Button and post on your blog or FB page!


*New disclaimer- I was sent the Juice Beauty products for free to test. These are only my results, opinions and thoughts.

This giveaway has ended. Thanks to all that entered!
I just received my review products from Alchemilla this week, so I haven’t had a while to truly test them out. But from the several times I’ve used the Exfoliating Face Wash Cream and the Foaming Cleansing Gel, I’ve been really happy.

Alchemilla is a Ultra-Pure Skincare company that delivers the promise of a more healthy, vitalized, youthful looking complexion. The cool thing about Alchemilla is that they grow majority of their organic herbs on their property in Oregon. They decided to grow their own herbs to ensure the quality and integrity of their ingredients, while reducing their carbon footprint of shipping. Alchemilla uses organic farming and is awaiting the long process of becoming certified organic farmers. Before a farm can be certified, the soil has to be chemical free for 3-5 years. That means no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers can be used. There is a lot of logging, record keeping and monitoring involved. The herbs and ingredients Alchemilla does not grow come from certified organic farms if available, so your product remains pure.

What I love about the Exfoliating Face Wash Cream is the tiny spheres of natural jojoba. This is a gentle exfoliant that loosens and removes dead skin cells and other waste products to reveal soft and glowing skin. After I used it for the first time my face felt as smooth as baby skin and had a nice youthful glow. The Exfoliating Cream also has Calendula, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Nettles, Rosemary, Sunflower, Sea Buckthorn Berry, and Shea.

The Foaming Facial Cleansing Gel eliminates impurities and excess oils while preventing blocked pores that lead to breakouts. I haven’t gotten the chance to use the product much to really tell a difference. It did leave my face feeling smooth and it was gentle on my skin. The Cleanser is made with Tea Tree, Manuka, Linden, Aloe, Willowbark and Lavender. It is made with a coconut and corn based formula.

Alchemilla makes skin care, bath and body care, aromatherapy, and herbal care products. They are also a part of The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics! You can find amazing information on their website about their ingredients, plus lots of useful skin care articles.

The Giveaway: Alchemilla would like to offer 2 lucky readers a Skin Care Trial Kit for their skin type. The kit includes: Foaming Cleansing Gel, Aromatic Floral Water, Exfoliating Face Cream, Calendula Cream, Rosebay Willowherb Cream, Rehydrating Essence, Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, plus a 8 page informational booklet.
Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST October 28, 2009 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) You must verify and be active at the time of the giveaway- those who are unverified will become disqualified 4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
@Mkokopelli win a Alchemilla organic Skin Care Trial Kit for your skin type! 2 Winners! Ends 10/28 http://ow.ly/uu80
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 extra entry total)
6. Sign up for Alchemilla’s Email List (plus get free shipping on your first order) or follow them on Twitter (1 entry each)
7. Tell me something you learned on the Alchemilla website
8. Tell me an ingredient you found on one of your products that shocked you- for details read this post
9. Grab the Eco-Personal Care Button and post on your blog or FB page!


*New disclaimer- I was sent the Alchemilla products for free to test. These are only my opinions and thoughts.

This giveaway has ended. Thanks to all that entered!
In 6 months I will be 30. I feel like I’m in the body of a 23 year old but when I look at pictures I think, “Man, I’m getting old.” I know that 30 isn’t old at all, but it’s a big change and time to start taking care of my body. I never cared about facial care products until now. I notice myself photoshoping out wrinkles more and more, which isn’t a good sign. After doing some research on organic skin care, I realized there is something I can do for my skin to preserve my youth, while using safe products. I’ve gotten to try 2 different skin care companies with different products over the the past month (there is a 3rd, but I just received it this week) and I’m excited to share what I’ve found! Since I was trying products from 2 different companies, I decided to be fair and use one product on my right side and one on my left to see the results.

organoderm was created by Dr. Edward Jonas Domanskis, a practicing plastic surgeon in New Port Beach, CA. He has worked on the product development for organoderm for over 10 years! organoderm also contributes a percentage of all products to the Breast Cancer Research- in memory of Dr. Domanskis’ grandmother who died from breast cancer. Here is how they got their name:
O organic, natural bio-actives products with outstanding results
R recyclable, environmentally conscious packaging
G goal to give you the best skin possible
A awareness and responsibility for our planet is part of the company’s philosophy
N nutrition for healthy, glowing skin
O offerings for consumers that are exclusive to Organoderm users
D dr. developed, approved, and recommended
E education on all aspects of using green products and living green
R research ongoing for expanded organic products
M money saving product sizes and free recycling program for users

I thought that was pretty cool!! The first thing I notice in pictures is my wrinkles in my forehead and eyes. Luckily organoderm has 2 great products just for that! organioderm’s Age Signs Corrector Green Energy Serum is fantastic! I’ve been using it on my forehead and in my T spot and I’ve noticed my wrinkles dulling over the past month. I didn’t even have to Photoshop my last pictures!! Now if I only can find something to help my broken blood vessels- I’d be really set. The Serum’s key ingredient is Certified Organic Olive Fruit Extract. It is rich in polyphenols which are chemical substances found in plants with antioxidant characteristics and health benefits. It also has Certified Organic Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract which is harvested from the beech tree. This helps reduce wrinkles and in test studies it showed wrinkled were reduced by 10% in a 4 week trial. Another key ingredient is Certified Organic Aloe Leaf Extract- known to soothe and heal and it has anti-irritating qualities. Another wrinkle reducing ingredient is the Pea Extract/Bamboo Extract and Glucosamine Complex. It is a fast acting wrinkle reducer which increases procollagen synthesis, elastin synthesis, and hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin. Firms skin and makes deeper wrinkles appear less visible.

The other wrinkle reducer product is their Eye Rejuvenator Younger Eye Gel. The gel helps reduce puffy eyes, dark circles and dulls lines. I think it will take a while of use to help get rid of my crows feet. They are pretty bad, but I have noticed my eyes less puffy and the lines are beginning to dull. The gel is a little bit sticky at first, so I suggest using it an hour or two before going to bed. Especially if you have pets. I made that mistake and got cat hair stuck in my eye! I have started using my products when I put Ella to sleep. Plus you don’t want your product to rub off on your pillow when you sleep. The Eye Rejuvenator has Certified Organic Aloe Leaf Extract, Certified Organic Chamomile Leaf, Certified Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract and Certified Organic Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract. The Chamomile Leaf is anti-irritant, it soothes and has anti-oxidant properties. The Green Tea is a regenerating anti-oxidant which helps fight free radicals from pollution, sunlight, and carbon monoxide which damage and prematurely age skin.

I also got to try the Olive Cucumber and Watercress Fresh Foaming Cleanser. It can be used on your face and body. Since I tried another facial cleanser and this can be used for your body, I chose to use it as a body wash. I have noticed in the past I usually get a lot of dead skin around my neck and chest. Since I’ve been using the cleanser I’ve noticed no dead skin when I scrub. It smells amazing, especially when you are taking a hot shower and the steam carries the scent. The cleanser’s key ingredients are Certified Organic Apple Juice, Certified Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Certified Organic Olive Oil, Certified Organic Shea Butter, Certified Organic Cucumber Extract, Certified Organic Watercress Extract and Certified Organic Sweet Orange Oil. The ingredients are meant to heal, energize, purify, sooth and give you a healthy balance. This product proudly displays the USDA organic certification seal!

organoderm lists all of the ingredients in each product on their website if you’d like to see more. The USDA is tricky when it comes to skin care. If the product contains 95-100% organic ingredients, it can display the USDA label. If only 70% of the product is made with organic ingredients, they can’t display the label but are allowed to claim the organic ingredients as long as they are certified. organoderm is also certified through A Circle of Green.

The Giveaway: organoderm would like to give 1 lucky reader all 3 products I tried! The winner will get the Eye Rejuvenator, Olive Cucumber and Watercress Fresh Foaming Cleanser, and Age Signs Corrector Green Energy Serum!
Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST October 27, 2009 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US and Canada

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) You must verify and be active at the time of the giveaway- those who are unverified will become disqualified4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
@Mkokopelli Win organic Cleanser, Eye Rejuvenator, and Age Signs Corrector from organoderm! Ends 10/27 http://ow.ly/uhkS
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 extra entry total)
6. Sign up for organoderm’s newsletter
7. Tell me something you learned on organoderm– it can be about the company, product or an ingredient!
8. Tell me an ingredient you found on one of your products that shocked you- for details read this post
9. Grab the Eco-Personal Care Button and post on your blog or FB page!


*New disclaimer- I was sent 3 organoderm products for free to test. These are only my results, opinions and thoughts. You may or may not get the same results. But, hopefully you will!

This giveaway has ended. Thanks to all that entered!
Who doesn’t love lip balm? Especially in the colder months when the wind is harsh. I’m a lip balm freak! You’ll find various lip balms scattered throughout my house, car, and stashed in multiple purses. I’m always on a search for the most perfect lip balm. When my lips are really chapped and dry I use Medela Lanolin nipple ointment. I have a bottle left over from when breast feeding and thought if it worked for my nipples, why wouldn’t it work for my lips? And it truly works! But, I feel odd walking around with a tube of nipple ointment in my purse and do love flavored lip balms.

I found eos through Free Sample Freak when they were giving away free sweet mint lip balm smooth spheres. I contacted them to find out if they’d like to participate in a review and giveaway and was sent a vanilla bean lip balm stick and a sweet mint smooth sphere. I love the smooth sphere. The shape is totally different from all lip balms I’ve ever tried. The sweet mint is refreshing- especially in colder temps. The sphere almost glows and is easy to find in your purse. It doesn’t really fit well in your pocket, but the lip balm stick does.

Both are made with 95% certified organics and 100% natural ingredients. They are packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil. eos keeps my lips feeling smooth for about an hour. Which is definitely longer than most brands. The sphere’s come in 3 different flavors- sweet mint, summer fruit, and honeysuckle honeydew. The stick comes in pomegranate raspberry, vanilla bean, and sweet mint.

Here are the ingredients:

INGREDIENTS: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Beeswax (cire d’abeille)*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract*, Tocopherol.
*ORGANIC Certified organic by VOF. NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS

eos also sells shaving cream and in 2010 they will release a lotion!

You can find eos in stores near you! If you click here you can get a $1 off coupon.

The Giveaway: eos would like to offer 1 lucky reader 2 sweet mint smooth spheres

Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST October 26, 2009 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open only to the US

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) You must verify and be active at the time of the giveaway- those who are unverified will become disqualified4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
@Mkokopelli win 2 eos sweet mint smooth sphere lip balms! Great for cold weather! Ends 10/26 http://ow.ly/uhmC
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 extra entry total)
6. Sign up for eosphere to get your $1 off coupon– then send the coupon to your friends on twitter, facebook or in an email
7. Sign up for the eos newsletter
8. Tell me an ingredient you found on one of your products that shocked you- for details read this post
9. Grab the Eco-Personal Care Button on your blog or FB page

*New disclaimer: I was given 2 lip balms by eos for free for this review. These are only my thoughts and opinions. You may or may not get the same results since every body is different.