Strange Bird Beauty, Creating a Beauty Ritual

*I received product from Strange Bird Beauty in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own and as always, thank you for supporting Prim and Propah.

I was introduced to Strange Bird Beauty this Fall and immediately fell in love with the packaging and the name. We've always used the term "strange bird" in my family, sort of as a term of endearment and embracing the ways that we don't exactly conform to the norm. So when the team at SBB offered to send me their product line, a girl doesn't say no, especially when the line is made using naturally sourced, vegan, and Leaping Bunny certified ingredients. Moreover, the brand itself dedicates itself to the idea of your beauty routine being a ritual and from the product to the storytelling, Strange Bird is an absolute hit in my book... and this says a lot, I've tried a lot of products at this point so my eye has become a lot more discerning in recent history and reviews.

The Strange Bird product line currently features the Inner Clarity Cleanser, the Inner Balance Serum and the Inner Light Moisturizer. The sweet smelling combination of these luxury products has made for an incredible skincare routine. I don't want to compare something that naturally smells so sweet, to candy, but if you like a soft but sweet and delightful scented product, then Strange Bird's Skittle-esque line is amazing. I seriously covet this set, for fear it will run out too quickly.

The cleanser is gentle and something I found so interesting is that you can use it on wet or dry skin. Have I never tried something on my dry skin before? I haven't... which leads me to believe that I am not as wordly as I would think I am lol? Sigh. I do find that this product is on the pricier side, for a cleanser. Do I love that it's supercharged with quartz and I know that a lot of good energy was put into each tube? Heck yes I do. Do I also have two small children that have been known to squeeze a tube of Mama's skincare products out into a bath? Yes. When I am out of this phase of life, I would most certainly consider this cleanser as a purchase, because it really is a beautiful formulation, cleans my skin and leaves it looking glowing.

The serum is probably my favorite product of the trio. I felt like my skin bounced back from a rough day with a couple of uses of this delightful daily serum. Like was it possible for my skin to be tighter? I'm not sure but it sure seems that way. I used this after the cleanser and before the moisturizer, in a daily routine after my shower. It takes almost no time to absorb so you can move right on in your routine. It's infused with amethyst and oak, which speaks to me and serum like this, I would definitely plunk more money down for. This too is on the pricier side, but supporting small, indie beauty brands means spending money on the ingredients, the people and the effort it takes to create the products.

The Strange Bird Moisturizer has really been great, especially with the change in weather here in New England. You know when your skin just feels thirsty? That's been me lately. When I put on the Inner Light Moisurizer, it was almost as if my skin breathed a sigh of relief. It's light and absorbs fairly quickly, which I love especially on days where I want to apply makeup after. Soft and with that sweet smell consisten through the product line, this completes the trio perfectly. Again, this line is higher in price than some other products that I have tried and reviewed, but I do think that if you have the budget, the Strange Bird line is worth every penny.

So it's probably pretty clear that the Strange Bird line is a new favorite. Everything thing from the packaging, the thought exercises included in my shipment, the stickers! to the product themselves is so well thought out and mindful, which I love and appreciate. I really do appreciate indie beauty makers for their passion, the love of what they're doing and the variety that they are bringing to the market. Shopping small, in this way, makes me feel good. You know that every order that comes through, makes someone do a happy dance on the other end of it.

You can find Strange Bird Beauty online, on Instagram and Facebook!

I Tried it: Sahajan Skincare + a Giveaway!

I've actually had this Sahajan Skincare duo since this Summer but have been waiting to post about it because I truly, truly feel like it is my Fall favorite (and could be yours too). Derived from the Hindi word for "intuitive", Sahajan brings you the evidence to follow your intuition and choose clean beauty. Lisa Mattam started her clean skincare journey much like I began mine, with my/our children. While I don't create my own products, I did become more concerned with what I was putting on my children's skin then wondered why I was so discerning with theirs but not with mine. Thus brought my on my natural skincare journey which is now a sort of passion. Finding the best and then telling those I care for about the brands that mean something to me.

Sahajan uses only natural and organic ingredients but also ayurvedic. If you're not familiar with the term ayurvedic it means a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian continent. It's based on a belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit. I am completely on board with that. I know that personally, I am always trying to find balance in all areas in my life, in order to be at peace, be happy, and be somewhat sane for everyone in my family.

So I tell you all this because sometimes it's not just the ingredients or the scent of a product, or even how well it works (and yes, these are all important things)... it can be the reason why a product line was started or why ingredients were sourced from a sacred lineage. It's almost or should be a ritual to take care of your skin, and I am beginning to think of it more that way, since I do value my time in the bathroom, in front of my beauty cabinet.

The protective face serum (now the radiance face serum) and the ritual body oil are the really real deal. The scents invoke a sense of meditation, of self care. The oils are fast absorbing and leave the skin so soft and feeling loved. The body oil especially, is something that I use when I want to treat myself to something that feels so special. I don't use these Sahajan oils every day though I want to. It's almost hard to describe but they are precious to me. I want you to experience these for yourself and the brand does too! They've so kindly and generously offered one Prim and Propah reader the opportunity to win a bottle of each for themselves. Isn't that awesome? Enter on the instagram photo below!

You can follow Sahajan Skincare on twitter, Instagram and Facebook!

✨GIVEAWAY✨ Learn all about this sweet @sahajanskincare duo on the blog today (link in profile). They are my Fall favorites to be sure. The scents invoke a feeling of meditation, one of self care + love. The oils are fast absorbing and leave the skin so soft and feeling cared for. The body oil especially is something that I use when I want to treat myself to something that feels so special. I don't use these Sahajan oils every day though I want to. I want to keep them special, precious to me. I want you to experience these for yourself and the brand does too! Sahajan is offering you the chance to win this duo for yourself. Isn't that so generous? ✨ To enter: 1. Follow @sahajanskincare 2. Follow @primandpropah 3. Tag a friend who needs to feel the love today and add an emoji! #greenbeauty #sahajan #cleanbeauty #makewavesmonday #womeninwellness This giveaway ends Sunday 11/12 and is not affiliated with Instagram, Good Luck!✨

A post shared by Amanda (@primandpropah) on Nov 6, 2017 at 4:04am PST

In Love with Skincando as always + a Giveaway

I like to call Skincando the gateway brand, as in, this is the best line of products to get your man to start using clean-green-eco beauty products. The Skincando Combat Balm is LITERALLY the best little jar of amazing that you can get your hands on- it's an all purpose salve that I put on every little scrape, burn, scratch, itch and bug bite. It has really served our family well with all manner of irritations as well it should. It was created for soldiers overseas to help with wind burns, sand flea bites and other environmental irritations that you could imagine them experiencing. It's really as good as I'm telling that it is. I recommend it at least once a week, seriously. Even though I received my first jar of Combat Ready Balm for free many years ago, I have bought many jars since, so that should show the passion I have for this product. In addition to the Combat Ready Balm, the line has expanded to lip balm, bar soap, bug spray and new this past week, their shower gel. The Combat Ready family is growing and I am so happy to support Sara and the Skincando team with this growth!

To celebrate the shower gel and it's awesomeness (I should know, I just tried it!), Skincando wants to give one Prim and Propah reader the opportunity to win a Combat Balm starter kit which includes it all! You'll win: a 2 oz. jar of the Combat Ready Balm, the Combat Ready Shower Gel, the Combat Balm Lip Balm, the Combat Ready Bar Soap and the Combat Ready Bug Repellant. It's an awesome set up and you'll be so happy to win, I promise you that! Head over to Instagram to enter right away!

✨GIVEAWAY✨I first discovered @skincando on my very first trip to @follain and it's been one of my best relationships ever since! The Skincano Combat Ready Balm is one of the few "green" beauty items that my husband now views as a trustworthy staple in our bathroom beauty cabinet. He automatically reaches for it when he has dried hands, burns, scratches, bug bites and more (and so do I obvi). We joke it was the gateway product. I receive a lot of samples of things but this is one product that I keep buying over and over, so you know it's something we love. Skincando just released their new Combat Ready Body Wash and to celebrate, Sara and the team want to treat one Prim and Propah reader to everything pictured here:2 oz. jar of the Combat Ready Balm, the Combat Ready Shower Gel, the Combat Balm Lip Balm, the Combat Ready Bar Soap and the Combat Ready Bug Repellant. ✨🙌🏼 To enter: 1. Follow @skincando 2. Follow @primandpropah 3. Tag a friend for good vibes! Giveaway ends Sunday night August 20th. Good Luck my lovelies! #propahbeauty #skincando #greenbeauty #cleanbeauty #makewavesmonday

A post shared by Amanda (@primandpropah) on Aug 14, 2017 at 5:06am PDT

You can find Skincando on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

Cheat Sheet: Pregnancy Skincare Must Haves

You guys, pregnancy is not the most glamorous thing to ever happen to a woman's body. I know that they say that pregnant women have a "glow" and while that may be true for some, this Mama and Mama to be has needed to keep her skin in check throughout the course of the pregnancy. I have some of my normal skincare faves that have seen me through and I've had to supplement some new items into the rotation but I've found the perfect combination of items that have kept me looking the best I can at this point! 

To make note, every woman's skin is different and heck, it changes based on our hormones whether we're pregnant or not so sometimes it's best to try different things. A lot of brands will even give you samples if you ask them. You can also head into stores like Follain or Detox Market, if you live in those areas. They are always happy to help you find what works for you. OK so back to what I recommend? I love all of these brands, for real and I urge you to check them out regardless.

Organic Bath Co.'s PeaceFull Organic Body Butter and Stress Less Organic Body Oil: First of all, the smell. So glorious and full of lavender that I just can't help but be drawn to it... pregnancy is a funny thing though. Smells are like a major deal and if something smells even a bit "off", you just won't want to use it! Besides loving the smell, this duo has kept my skin super moisturized, especially as the seasons have changed and my usual preggo dry skin is getting Winterized. I keep a large jar of body butter in the bathroom and the travel size at my work desk for any spot treatments! Full Body Honorable Mention: Thesis Beauty Organic Lavender Fields Body Oil

Khaki's Bomb Balm Flower Power Healing Toner: Since starting to get regular facials, my esthetician has given me a routine to follow after cleansing. She's especially recommended things due to the discoloration that I've been experiencing on my face due to #PregnancyHormones so I've been really trying to work things in that may not have been there before... toner is one of those things. I met Khaki at the W.E.L.L. Summit so decided to give her toner a try... and I love it! She herself is an esthetician, makes her skincare in small batches and best of all, she's local and you know that I'm always on board for that. Toner Honorable Mention: Jacques Organics Balancing Carrot con Leche Face Toner.

Thesis Beauty Lullaby for Dry Skin: I think it's safe to assume that everything I am recommending comes with the same passing grade on "smell". This face oil, being directly under my nose, smells great and isn't overpowering. This face oil has been a part of my normal routine and has seamlessly remained in said routine because of it's ability to moisturize without leaving my face feeling greasy. It absorbs quickly so that I can move on with my facial routine and my day. Facial Serum Honorable Mention: Josh Rosebrook Herbal Infusion Serum

Splurge Skincare Melted Buttah Repair Balm: This is one of those handy little jars that I've been bringing with me everywhere, especially recently because #ColdSeason. I use this for my cuticles, I use this for my raw nose nostrils (from all the tissues, glamorous I know), I use this on a itchy scratch elbow. It really is very multi-purpose and has a light and sweet scent that I love... I really think it's the smell that has made this my pregnancy favorite all purpose balm. Repair Balm Honorable Mentions: Skincando Combat-Ready Balm (my usual go to) and Organic Bath Nourish Night Balm

Derma e Psorzema Body Wash: Itchy, Itchy, Itchy, Itchy... it's what can happen when your body is all like hey, we have to keep growing this baby so something's got to give. I, personally, felt WAY itchy this pregnancy so had to combat it from a couple of different angles. This derma e body wash is technically geared towards those with dermatitis and the like but it's a natural, gentle formula that cleanses away scaling and flaking skin while soothing itchiness, redness and irritation on the bod... so yeah, thumbs up.

True Moringa Calming Bath Soak: Taking a bath... it's a small luxury that I don't take advantage of quite enough but I did enjoy trying one of my fave local brands newest creations and used my delicate state as a reason to take the time out for the extra self care. This calming bath soak has THE MOST AMAZING smell (see a theme here?) and when you sprinkle this under your hot water, it makes for the most aromatic and relaxing bath that just calms and soothes the skin. I've also got it in my head that I can do a facial steam with this over the sink but haven't yet tried it... but me thinks it will be amazing. It's really one of my fave "new finds" and it's like creating a spa at home!

21 Drops Sleep Blend: I can't say enough about 21 Drops, especially the sleep blend. It's absolutely the best at calming me down at sleepy time. I've tried other essential oil blends and this one is my favorite. Roll a little on my wrists, under my nose and at my temples and breathing deeply as I lay down is a great calming routine in itself but I truly believe that there is power in essential oils.

What are some of your favorite recommendations for Mama's to Be? I'd love to get your feedback, though this may be the last time I'm personally pregnant! 

`

Winter Skin Must Haves

For as long as we had a mild and luxurious weather here in the Northeast, or up until last week that is, we still have to deal with the change of the season affecting our skin sort of negatively. Yes, dry and itchy skin is a problem. I have been honing in on the products that help me achieve maximum comfort when the air is fuh-reezing outside and the heat is turned up, making the air dry inside. I am sharing with you so that perhaps, in your search for the product line up that makes your skin it's most wonderful Winter self, you might find a nugget or two of wisdom from lil' ol' me. These are in order as I apply them after bathing but you may find a different routine works for you.

For My Body: Organic Bath Co. Stress Less Body Butter

I have been using this body butter for almost a year and while in the warmer weather, I will use it very sparingly (after yoga or a relaxing bath) in the Winter, this boss body butter is what is getting my skin through. It's luxurious but most importantly, it is keeping my skin hydrated all day long. I will use after my shower and give it a little time to soak in while I am getting ready before getting dressed. It's earned it's place in my routine for very good reason, it keeps the itchy skin at bay! The Stress Less has a gorgeous lavender scent but the Drenched and Zesty Morning may offer you what you need.

Face It, Baby: Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator, Thesis Beauty Lullaby for Dry Skin Serum and Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream

I've got my face moisturizing almost down to a science, with my only weakness being complete coverage (sometimes I don't complete my forehead which haunts me later in the day). After my shower, I pat my face dry and spritz the Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator on my face and neck. This amazing, lightly scented (mmm marshmallow) spray acts as a foundation/catalyst to keeping your skin hydrated. It's a gentle toner and light moisturizer all in one. I love it #BigTime.

I give it a minute or two and apply the Thesis Lullaby for Dry Skin serum. I've loved this serum for awhile now. It's great daily moisture and it does NOT leave your face feeling greasy, which is something that I find a huge turnoff in face oils. It's amazingly fast to soak into your skin so the daily skincare routine isn't held up because your face oil is whack. It's also powerful enough on it's own so let's say I have to dash, one pump of this serum will do the trick in a bind. Plus, totally excellent under makeup (if I actually wear makeup that day!)

After my spritz and pat of oil, I use the Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream. This was introduced to me while I was on a lil' trip to Follain this past November. I was still looking for that moisturizer that met my needs and won my heart. For now, my heart belongs to Osea. It's super lightweight and has a silky feel. Of course, it meets all my moisturizer needs (not too heavy, agreeable scent, actually moisturizes) but what I love the most is that it's great for all skin types and can be combined with my foundation for a more even coverage (again, if I actually wear makeup that day!).

At My Desk: Skincando's Combat-Ready Balm and Beautycounter's Rosewater Uplifting Spray

Sometimes it's just one of those days where no matter how much you moisturized in the morning, come 2pm you're feeling a little uncomfortable. Whether your hands are dry and cracked or your face is a little itchy, I keep a couple of little things at my desk to aide in a little last minute moisture pick-me-up! When I need to attack a specific spot, the Skincando Combat-Ready Balm is there (read my full review here) waiting for me. The Beautycounter Rosewater uplifting spray applied to the face can provide that cool, refreshing pick me up that your skin might need. These are mainstays at my desk (along with Minka Home's Miracle Hand Salve not pictured, because sometimes you want a little delicious scent!.)

Tell me, what are your Winter Skin "go to's"?

Hello Beauty!, Natural Beauty and a New Outlook on my Beauty Biz

I went to a beauty event at the Wholefoods in Lynnfield, MA a couple of weekends ago. I haven't written about it because dang it, I've been really busy, guys! Along with the 21 Day Fix and my spending freeze, I have been trying to make our family unit better and more healthy. Being that this event was at Wholefoods, I popped the baby in the car and made a Sunday afternoon out of it. Since then, I have been really (I mean REALLY) inspired to start cleaning up my act as far as my skincare and beauty routines are concerned! My eyes were opened up to a whole new world of brands that keep your skin and body happy, without pouring on the chemicals, which happens all too frequently.

I mean, I am mindful of what I am bathing my baby in, I should be mindful of what I am putting on my own body right?  I know some of my friends have made changes in their skincare due to sensitivities and allergies, which is a great catalyst to make a switch up in your beauty batting order. Unfortunately for my inner motivator, I haven't had much of a need to break the status quo, Until now...

There were some local brand on hand at the Hello Beauty! event, Laughing Tree Organics, Shamanuti and Thesis Beauty, all with the women behind the lines on site (which was awesome)... These gals put on some great presentations about what natural and organic skincare can do for you and how it helps the environment, all the way from conception, to creation and even the packaging. These women are thinking about everything, bottling it up and giving us the opportunity to live a little more healthy. I am thinking you might be hearing from a couple of these gals in the near future, here on Prim and Propah! 

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am going to try to turn over a new, and more natural, leaf. I can make changes which will then become habit. I grabbed my ticket to the 1st Inaugural W.E.L.L. Summit Tickets (being held this November in Boston, MA) this week and am really looking forward to connecting with other like minded and well seasoned natural living people, since this a journey that I am just starting to take. I am not saying that everything in my life is going to make a complete turnaround right away or even ever but I can make some easy changes now that should help in the long run.

Do you make an effort to include more natural things into your every day? Was it a choice or do you have allergies? Do you have any recommendations for me?

Local Lovin': Java Skincare

I am all about the local lovin' lately. If you are a creator and you happen to live near me, then chances are that I would love to support your business. It's important to shop small and local whenever possible. If you are encouraging small business in your area, isn't that just making it better? Of course. This brings me to the topic of the day, my newest local lovin' shoutout. I was recently introduced to Java Skincare out of good ol' Rhode Island. The owner/creator/coffee infused beauty biz extraordinaire, Stephanie Addition, is a shining example of what a little hard work, an awesome idea and and even more awesome product can take you. I am excited to share with you the Java Skincare line in all it's glory.

JAVA BENEFITS (or what Stephanie calls the "Java Effect")

• Super-Hydrates

• Firms and tightens the skin 

• Reduces appearance of wrinkles 

• Slows the appearance of aging & protect from free radicals 

• Repairs sun damage & regenerates healthy cells 

• Restores a youthful glow