Company: Boo Bamboo
Products: Hair Strengthening Shampoo, Strengthen and Shine Conditoner, Revitalizing Conditioning Treatment 
Verdict: 5/5

Coming from someone who is constantly battling with tangled and dull tresses I can assure you I’m always on the lookout for any sort of ‘holy grail’ hair products that will give my lack-luster locks a bit more.. oomph! Fortunately for my hair (and my sanity) Boo Bamboo creates the ultimate hair products with revitalizing and restoring formulas to give your hair that perfect makeover you’ve been lusting over. 

The Hair Strengthening Shampoo should be first on your list of ‘must try’ items. It claims to help strengthen the hair follicle and retain moisture to help promote shine and vitality- I can definitely say I stand by that statement! Being a thin-haired gal, I’m constantly battling with shampoos that weigh down my hair and add product build up rather than actually cleansing it. (Never mind adding strength and moisture as well!) After lathering this baby up I definitely noticed a difference in the strength of my hair, it didn’t feel as brittle and, well, wimpy as before! Not to mention the scent of it was perfect, it didn’t smell like chemicals, but it also wasn’t over-powering-ly scented with florals or fruits either; just a simple, natural fresh scent to help relax my troubles away. 

In conjunction with the Strengthening Shampoo, The Strengthen and Shine Conditoner is wonderfully formulated with rich minerals, organic proteins, and extracts of bamboo to sooth your sexy tresses into a luscious sheet of satin. With this miracle moisturizer tangles are non-existent, and your worries of dry hair are washed away with your tub full of bubbles! 

Last, but certainly not least, is the Revitalizing Conditioning Treatment. If you are a lady with colored or chemically treated locks, you’ll want to invest in this bad boy! It helps to add the needed moisture to restore, and is formulated to help revitalize and strengthen over-processed chemically treated hair. You can use this knight in shining (literally) armor in replacement of the daily conditoner, or with it for the ultimate moisture treatment! 

Boo Bamboo is perfect for all hair types, and could definitely be the key to help your dull hair become your dream hair! Check out their website and cruise through their other products to get a feel for the opportunity of a simple hair-makeover! 

The Lowown;

Pros

• They help strengthen and add moisture to dull hair
• Adds shine to keep your frizzes away
• Made with all natural and organic ingredients
• Paraben and DEA free
• Cruelty Free and Vegan!!

Cons

• I haven’t experienced a single con! These products are definitely going on my ‘holy grail’ list. 

www.BooBamboo.com

Company: ONESTA 
Product: Create Finish Firm Hold Hairspray
Verdict: 6/5! 

For as long as I can think back my family has used TRESemme’s Super Hold Hairspray as our faithful one and only. And as we all know, too much of something is never a good thing, and the hairspray enthusiasts of my family agreed it was just not cutting it anymore. So, we began a misson to find our missing jewel.

I’m relieved to say the search didn’t last very long- I think our hair can agree we found ‘the fairest of them all’. The first time I tried a product from ONESTA’s hair care line it did far more than surpass the word ‘pleased’. So, when I tried their Create Finish Firm Hold Hairspray my hopes and expectations were already set high. 

Fortunately for my expectations, this product easily kicked my old bottle of TRESemme into the dumpster. First of all, the adorable yellow packaging was refreshing, and if you will, ‘hip’. I tell ya, you really don’t notice how bored you are of something until something cuter comes along (No, I really don’t mean someone!). Second of all the scent; who would of thought that not  every hairspray had to smell like dust? So onto the test- I spritzed the fruity delight onto my recently brushed hair and waited for it to dry. 

The verdict? A++ is an understatement! It left my hair visibly soft and flexible, with an obvious strong hold, rather than the frizzy and crunchy style most hairsprays leave you without ‘holding’ anything. 

All in all ONESTA has definitely left a lasting impression on both me and my hair. I recommend taking a cruise through their website and checking out their other products! (Check out my review for ONESTA’s Strengthening Shampoo and Daily Conditoner here!)  

The Lowdown;

Pros

• It left my hair feeling soft and flexible, while still giving my hair the needed hold to keep my hair do looking fresh
• The smell of the hairspray was so refreshing, (it was almost fruity) AND the scent is 100% natural! 
• The can is made up of 30% post consumer steel and is 100% recyclable 
• Free of CFCs, parabens, and propylene glycol 
• They are cruelty free!! (To both humans and animals :) 

Cons 

• Once again, I have yet to experience a con with ONESTA, and I’m confident to say I don’t think I will any time soon :) 

www.ONESTAhaircare.com

Company: Liz Earle
Product: Instant Boost Skin Tonic
Verdict: 5/5 

Have you ever seen a trend and thought to yourself, “What is the point of that?” (Ed Hardy anyone?) Well that was my exact reaction when I first learned about toners. For those of you who don’t know, toner is meant to even out the color of your skin, AKA, tone it. In attempt to get rid of the blotchy redness on my face, I tried toner after toner, after toner, and after many empty bottles and wasted cotton pads later, I felt like throwing my hands in the air and giving up.  Each and every toner I tried just felt like I was putting water on my face, and my somach couldn’t help but feel queasy about the thought of wasting my money on something so… ridiculous! 

Fortunately, my knight in shining armour came at just the right moment. Liz Earles Instant Boost Skin Tonic- my hero! (Check out my review for Liz Earles Hot Cloth Cleanser!) The scent of the toner was my first indication that it was different than all of the others I tried. It smelt fresh, and clean… like it was actually meant to do something for my skin! 

I applied this beauty day and night to cleansed skin with a cotton pad. After a short period of time I noticed a huge difference in my skin! The toner not only helped my patchy red skin reach an even color (a task I had desired to be completed for years), but it also helped visibly remove excess makeup that a cleanser just can’t get. In turn, my skin appeared clearer, smoother, and a heck of a lot cleaner!  

I’m proud to say I use Liz Earle’s Instant Skin Boost Tonic Toner in conjunction with Liz Earles Hot Cloth Cleanser, and Skin Repair Light Moisturizer- which is a whole other review in itself ;) I cannot stress enough of how much I recommend checking out Liz Earle products! (Which you can find on their website, here) There is something formulated for every skin type and you are guranteed to not be dissapointed! 

The Lowdown;

Pros

• The pros of this product is simple- it actually works! 
• The scent is refreshing and rejuvenating  
• Alcohol free- which means it wont dry out your skin
• Natural
• 100% cruelty free!!

Cons

• Once again, I have nothing to complain about with this product- it’s nothing short of a skin-care dream in a bottle! 

http://uk.lizearle.com/

Company: Kiss My Face
Products: Peaches & Creme Ultra Moisturizer and Peaceful Patchouli Moisture Shave 
Verdict: 5/5 doesn’t describe how much I loved these products

Finding products that not only agree with my ridiculously sensitive skin, but also happen to smell delicious, feel luxurious, and are generally down right amazing almost seems like a fairy-tale dream. But after discovering Kiss My Face, my dreams have definitely come true!

Ever since I started shaving my legs (we won’t mention how old I was…) I’ve had terrible problems with angry razor burn bumps taking over my legs.  Believe me when I say I’ve tried all there is to try, expensive razors, cheap as dirt razors, creams, gels, exfoliators- you name it I’ve tried it. Life was grim in those days- that is until I tried Kiss My Face’s Peaceful Patchouli Moisture Shave. The moment I tried this product I swear the light shone down on me- we were meant to be. I used about a toonie sized amount of the product for each leg, which was definitely more then enough to give a rich and creamy lather. (The light scent of patchouli was enough to make me swoon!) After I shaved, rinsed, and dried I could already tell that my legs felt hydrated and smooth- not patchy and dry like the usual! And best of all, after less than a week’s use, my razor burn was history!! 

After drying off I grabbed the Kiss My Face Peaches & Creme Ultra Moisturizer and applied it everywhere. Be forewarned- once you apply this you cannot stop! It’s so hard for me to describe the beyond delicious smell of this, I feel like I could start hyperventilating. A sweet blend of peaches & creme combine together to give you the sugar rush you want (need) without the added guilt!  Not to mention it’s extremely moisturizing abilities- it doesn’t glop on and feel greasy and ‘thick’ like most ‘ultra-moisturizers’ do. And to tie it all in it has such a delicate, creamy texture I feel luxurious as soon as I smooth it on my skin.

All in all-I’m extremely impressed with Kiss My Face products and I can be sure there will be several more reviews to come! So as I’m sure you’ve guessed- I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend both the Ultra Shave Moisturizer and the Peaches & Cream Ultra Moisturizer. You can find both products, and many more amazing ones, on Kiss My Face’s website and most drug stores and health stores as well! (Might I add- each of their products come in several different scents- GO WILD!) 

The Lowdown;

Pros:

• It helps destroy my nemesis- razor burn
•  Extremely moisturizing without feeling greasy
• Great for sensitive skin
• The smells are heavenly 
• All of the products are affordable
• There are no parabens or artificial colors
• NO animal ingredients
• And they do absolutely NO animal testing! 

Cons

• As I’m sure you’ve guessed, I have zero complaints about either of these products! 

www.kissmyface.com 

Company-Milcu
Product- Magic Puff, Sports, and the 2-in-One Underarm and Foot deodorant
Verdict: 5/5 

 One of the things I have struggled with the most since I began my journey of a cruelty-free lifestyle has been a deodorant that actually works. I’ve purchased deodorant after deodorant believing their ‘All natural, super-power’ speech, and nothing good ever comes of it. That is until I discovered Milcu- an all-natural, cruelty free deodorant company that specifically specializes in powder deodorants.

 So far the one that surpasses all others is the Magic Puff. This deodorant is unscented, which is ideal for those who have sensitive skin or who just simply prefer something scentless. It also comes in a compact powder case, with a small white powder puff and a purple ribbon handle- adding the perfect touch of girly-ness to an otherwise very ‘un-girly’ product! In terms of the deodorant actually doing its job, it is formulated to prevent odor and perspiration, and I found the Magic Puff worked just as good, if not better, then popular brand stick deodorants.

 Next in line is the 2-in-One Underarm and Foot Deodorant Powder.This deodorant did wonders for those unbearably hot days when I choose to wear runners or flats. Sprinkling a bit unto the bottoms of my feet is enough to keep them from getting sweaty, sticky, or smelly during the day, which is a huge bonus during the hot summer months! I also love how it is fragrance free; Deodorants usually have a strong scent that is usually far to overpowering for me to handle. (Either that or they mix with my pretty perfumes- yuck!)

 Last but not least, comes the Sports Deodorant. This deodorant is meant for all over the body- basically dab it wherever you feel you need it most. Ideal for the vigorous athlete (unfortunately, I’m more of the sit on the bench type of gal) it ensures long-lasting protection, helping to prevent both odor and perspiration. I also think this deodorant would be perfect for outdoorsy people - people who are gardeners, construction workers, or have an all day event in the heat would definitely benefit from this product!

 I highly recommend trying out a deodorant from Milcu, they’re natural, cruelty free, and most of all they actually work! Check out their website to see what else they offer!

 The Lowdown;

 Pros

• They actually work, unlike other ‘natural’ deodorants
• They’re all natural
• Eco-friendly
• 100% Recyclable
• And Cruelty free!

 Cons

• My only con would be that the 2-in-One Underarm and Foot Powder and Sports Deodorant are kind of messy to apply without a powder puff- but it’s definitely worth it in the end!

www.milcu.com

When I first became a vegetarian I was literally clueless about the amount of time and energy it would take to get to the stage of an easy, healthy vegetarian diet. So after researching and researching, the basics finally became pretty easy and a healthy diet was finally formed! Here are a few of the necessities a vegetarian/vegan needs to keep a healthy, balanced diet:

• Beans- Beans are my go-to grocery item that can be put into pretty much anything. I love using them as a base for veggie burgers or meatballs, a filling for tacos, or just having some beans on toast for lunch. The best part is they come in so many different flavors and syrups. Just be sure to read the label to make sure there aren’t any animal additives! 
• Fruits and Veggies- This should already be a given. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, fruits and veggies are going to be your snack savior. Adding a few pieces of fruit or veggies to each meal and snack can’t hurt, and because there is such a huge variety of flavors you can switch it up as much as you like! 
• Whole Grains- A simple habit that I’ve gotten into is always, always buying or ordering whole grain/12 grain bread. Kicking the habit of eating starchy white breads will help add a bit of nutrition to your diet in the simplest ways such as eating a piece of toast for breakfast!  
• Mixed nuts- Not only do these little super foods fill you up quickly but they give a nice variety of flavor by themselves, but you can throw them in a boring salad to give a kick of texture and taste to satisfy your hunger. (I use a medley of almonds, cashews, and sometimes peanuts for a pinch of protein).
• Dairy or Dairy Replacements-Before I even became a vegetarian I was never really one for cows milk, so when I discovered soy milk I was in heaven! Replacing your milk with soy milk, or even almond milk (yum!) is a healthy way to cut down the cholesterol and boost your taste-buds with different flavors of soy milk. Cheese however is one of my weaknesses. Fortunately, Daiya cheese’s are available in several different flavors to satisfy your cravings! 
• Plant Oils-  I used to only think that there where only the basic types of oils- vegetable, and olive oil. However, after lots of research I have learned there is a huge variety of plant oils on the market. Grape-seed oil, hemp-seed oil, sesame oil or avocado oil, your choices are pretty much limitless when it comes to choosing your favorite to work with. 
• Sweets- Something that I learned long ago has helped me keep my diet plan in check without caving to my candy cravings and bingeing on unhealthy foods. Do NOT restrict yourself to never eating any candy ever again. Doing so will only make you want to eat them more. Instead, set a time and allow yourself to indulge in one of your favorite treats. Life is no fun when it’s all work and no play ;) 

Company: ONESTA (a vegan company)
Products: Strengthening Shampoo, Daily Conditioner
Rating: 5/5

 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I have been… blessed, with unruly fine, tangly, straight hair. I’m practically a prime example of a walking talking ‘the grass is greener’ billboard. All my life I have always wished for voluminous, full, smooth hair, and fortunately, ONESTA has just the right miracle cure for my hair blues.

 One dose of the specially formulated Strengthening Shampoo (for fine hair) and I was already seeing and feeling instant improvements on my precious locks. I poured about a nickel-sized amount in the palm of my hand and I was instantly drawn to the delectable fruity aroma that was quickly filling up the room, so I leisurely massaged it all over my scalp. It has an extremely silky-smooth texture that just makes you want to dump the whole bottle on your head and massage it in for hours. But I’ll save that for another day.

 After rinsing out the shampoo, I apply a small, dime sized amount (who’s idea was it to compare product amount to coins anyways?) of the Daily Conditioner all over the ends of my hair (think- right above the ears to the very end of your hair). This conditioner is literally divine! It has a perfectly concocted light floral scent that instantly refreshes your luscious locks. It immediately adds moisture and completely detangles the bird’s nest that once lived in your hair.

 Shortly after I rinsed out the conditioner I did what is commonly known as the happy dance- my hair has never felt so free! I highly recommend checking out ONESTA’s website!

 The Lowdown;

 Pros:

• Each product leaves your hair feeling completely refreshed, renewed and 100% soft
• 100% Vegan Products!
• They do not test on animals

 Cons:

• I have yet to experience a con, and I highly, (HIGHLY) doubt I will any time soon.

www.ONESTAhaircare.com

Company: Skinvac 
Products: 3-step acne treatment- Daily Cleansing Cloth, Exfoliating Cloth, and Pore Gripper 
Price: $9.75 Each
Verdict: 4/5

Skinvac’s (vegan!) acne treatment consists of three different products, a Daily Cleansing Cloth, Exfoliating Cloth, and finally, a Pore Gripper (oOoo!) When I first tried this skin care line I was completely baffled as to how three little wash cloths could seriously help my skin. Well I’m officially un-baffled (you heard me) the ‘Three Little Cloths That Could’ completely changed the way I look at my skin. Without the added use of chemicals, and unnecessary ingredients, these cloths use fabric fibers to diminish your unruly skin problems. 

The Daily Cleansing Cloth can be re-used up to 200 times, and is suitable for any skin type. I use this cloth day and night, first opening my pores with warm water, and then ‘wash’ my face with the cloth. Immediately after I use it my skin feels like it came out of a car wash, (in the best ways possible!) it feels that clean!

Then I use the Exfoliating Cloth every 3rd day, which can be re-used up to 100 times. I scrub this bad boy on my face for about 3 minutes (Scrub lightly though, we’re primping not pruning!) and then I rinse my face with warm water. Then I remind myself that no, that is not velvet on my face, thats my skin.

Last, but most definitely not least, comes the Pore Gripper. I  also use it every 3rd day, and it can be re-used up to 100 times. Believe me though, you will wish it could be used a thousand more times than that! The Pore Gripper is really as badass as it sounds, it literally grips onto your black or whiteheads, and pulls them right out! If you have trouble with clogged pores (like me) this is definitely something I suggest investing in. Besides, last time I heard miracle workers were a lot more expensive then $9.75…

You can buy these wonderfully vegan cloths at www.skinvac.com 

The lowdown;

Pros:

• They are completely affordable compared to thousands of other skin-care lines
• Not to mention they all work extremely well
• No added chemicals
• Non-comedogenic (It won’t clog your precious pores)
• VEGAN AND CRUELTY FREE!

Cons

• My only con is I can’t figure out where to store these cloths. If I put them near my bathtub they are bound to be stolen. So instead I’ll take on the stairs a few more times a day and store them in my room, where they will be safe.