0 In Beauty/ FYI/ Gifts

2017 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales (Cruelty-free Edition)

2017 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Cruelty-free Sales

Hello all! I don’t know about you, but I’m keeping a Black Friday wishlist of all the products I have (1) ran out of and (2) had my eye on! I typically wait to buy a lot of my favorite green beauty products until now because this week tends to be most brands’s biggest sales of the year.

Black Friday / Cyber Monday Advice = create an account for each brand you are planning to purchase from and add your desired items into your cart or wishlist now. This will save you time & stress this weekend and help you check out in a timely fashion (before your fav products sell out)!

Disclaimer = This list contains some affiliate links from which I can earn a small commission. I appreciate you going out of your way to use my affiliate links to help support my blog and fund my giveaways! ❤️

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales

100% Pure

When: NOW! Black Friday (11/24)
$10 items! Various items for just $10 each with any sale over $45! Perfect for stocking stuffers!

14e Cosmetics

When: Black Friday (11/24)
25% off entire online store with coupon code “14eholiday”

Acure Organics

When: Black Friday – Cyber Monday (11/24 – 11/27)
40% off sitewide with code “SNOWFLAKE”

AILA Cosmetics

When: NOW (11/23) through Cyber Monday (11/27)
20% off entire order with coupon code “BLACKCYBER”

Alima Pure

When: Black Friday (11/24) – Sunday (11/26)
10% off entire online purchase with coupon code “STAYCOZY”
Free shipping on domestic orders
Free mascara and eyeliner with all purchases $75+

Angela Roi (Vegan Leather)

When: NOW through 11/30
10% off entire purchase with code “2017Holiday10”

Au Naturale Cosmetics

When: Cyber Monday (11/27)
25% off sitewide! No code needed. Plus, free gifts with purchases over $50!

Beauty by Earth

When: Black Friday (11/24), Small Biz Saturday (11/25) & Cyber Monday (11/27)
Black Friday: 30% off entire online store
Small Biz Saturday: Buy One, Get One Free (Excluding Bath Bombs)
Cyber Monday: 35% off entire online store

Buckaroo Organics

When: Small Business Saturday (11/25) & Cyber Monday (11/27)
Small Business Saturday: Site-wide sale of 20-40% off! All products will be on sale – no code needed!
Cyber Monday: Starting on Sunday, 11/26 at 12am MST enjoy 20% off entire website with code. Discount code revealed to World of Buckaroo email subscribers on Saturday. Sign up here!

Calia Natural

When: Black Friday – Saturday (11/24 – 11/25)
15% off entire purchase with coupon code “BLACKFRIDAY15”

Casetify

When: NOW through Saturday (11/25)
15% off $35+ with coupon code “BLACK2017”
20% off $75+ with coupon code “BLACK2017”
$10 off your first order! –> If you’re only buying one case, this will save you more money than their Black Friday Sale!

Clove + Hallow

When: Black Friday – Cyber Monday (11/24 – 11/27)
Site-wide sale of up to 30% off! Every CLOVE + HALLOW product will be on sale – no code needed!

Crunchi

When: Thursday (11/23) 6pm EST – Sunday (11/26) 11:59pm EST
Up to 30% off select items!

Dr.Brite

When: NOW!
40% off entire order with coupon code “BlackFriYAY”

Erin’s Faces

When: Black Friday – Cyber Monday (11/24 – 11/27)
20% off your entire online purchase with coupon code “THANKYOULOVE”

Fitglow Beauty

When: Now through Cyber Monday (11/27)
15% off all orders with coupon code “BF15”
20% off orders over $200 with coupon code “BF20”
30% off orders over $300 with coupon code “BF30”

Freedom Deodorant

When: NOW!
30% off select items – no coupon code needed!

Good Being

When: Black Friday (11/24)
SIGN UP HERE to receive PRIVATE Black Friday Deals in your Inbox – for Subscribers Only!

Good Juju Apothecary

When: Black Friday (11/24): ends at midnight!
50% off entire online store with coupon code “THANKFUL”

Go Organik Box

When: Black Friday (11/24) only!
20% off your first subscription box with coupon code “GREENFRIDAY”
20% off entire online store with coupon code “GREENFRIDAYSHOP”

Gunas New York (Vegan Leather)

When: NOW through 11/26 midnight
20% off entire website with code “THANKS20”

Hynt Beauty

When: NOW through Cyber Monday (11/27)
30% off your entire purchase excluding lipstick, sets, and samples with coupon code “BLACK2017”

Kiss Me Honey

When: NOW
20% off entire online purchase with coupon code “THANKS”

Kosmatology

When: Thanksgiving – Cyber Monday (11/23 – 11/27)
30% off entire purchase with coupon code “CLEAN30”

Know Foods

When: NOW!
30% off your entire order with coupon code “BLACKFRIDAY”
Get Free Shipping On Orders $40 Or More!

Lauren B Beauty

When: Black Friday (11/24) and Cyber Monday (11/27)
Black Friday: 50% off all products & free shipping over $5o with code “BLACKFRIDAY50”
Cyber Monday: 40% off all products & free shipping over $50 with code “CYBER40”

Lily Lolo

When: NOW (11/23) through Black Friday (11/24)
15% off your entire purchase with coupon code “Black17”

Little Barn Apothecary

When: Black Friday – Cyber Monday (11/24 – 11/27)
20% off entire website!

Little Words Project

When: Thursday (11/23) 6pm EST – Friday (11/24) midnight EST!
30% off the entire online store plus free-shipping (yes, you read that right!)

Luxie Beauty

When: NOW (11/23) – Cyber Monday (11/27)
50% off entire online store with coupon code “BF17”

Matt & Nat (Vegan Leather)

When: NOW!
25% off select styles (prices as marked in online store)

Mineral Fusion

When: Cyber Monday (11/27)
35% off the entire online store!

One Love Organics

When: Saturday (11/25) 8am EST – Tuesday (11/28) 12pm EST –> this is their only sale of the year!
25% off online purchase with discount code “OLOCYBERSPREE”

Orgain

When: NOW through 11/29
15% off your entire order or 20% off orders over $100!

Organically Becca: Organic Is The New Black T-Shirts!

When: NOW through Cyber Monday (11/27)
15% off your shirt purchase with coupon code “BLACKFRIDAY”
While you’re at it, check out Becca’s amazing blog and follow her on Instagram!

Organic Bunny

When: NOW (11/23) through Cyber Monday (11/27)
15% off entire online store with coupon code “LOVE” (Kypris & Crunchi products not included)
FREE 2-day shipping on orders over $125!
Orders over $450 will get a bonus FREE gift automatically added.

Original Beauty Box

When: NOW
60% off entire website with code “blackfriday60”!

Osmia Organics

When: Cyber Monday (11/27)
20% off your entire purchase!

Petit Vour

When: NOW
Prices as marked on various skincare, haircare, and more! Plus, mystery beauty boxes!
- Spend $100 and get a free Sculp & Glow Contour Duo by Lily Lolo

Prim Botanicals

When: Black Friday through Cyber Monday (11/24-11/27)
25% off your entire order plus free domestic shipping! (after the 27th, the 25% off sale will continue but you will be charged for shipping)
Coupon Code: “YAYBLACKFRIDAY”

Red Apple Lipstick

When: Black Friday (11/24) beginning at 10am CST
You must register (click here to do so) for their VIP where you will receive a link and coupon code! Various deals, coupons, and bundles to be revealed then!

Simply Gum

When: Black Friday – Cyber Monday (8am 11/24 – 11/27)
15% off your order when you buy (3) 6-packs with coupon code “CYBER”
Read my review of this brand here. Mint & Cinnamon are my faves!

S.W. Basics

When: Black Friday – Cyber Monday (11/24 – 11/27)
10% off already discounted prices (already up to 40% off!) with coupon code “BLACKFRIYAY”

Urban Originals

When: NOW!
20% off cruelty-free bags and wallets with coupon code “BLKFRIDAY”

Vanity Planet

When: Black Friday (11/24) – presales in days leading up!
Up to 90% off the entire site!

Vapour Organic Beauty

When: Thursday (11/23) – Sunday (11/26)
30% off entire online purchase!

Vera Bradley

Wednesday (11/22) – Saturday (11/25): Take 50% off Hundred of Styles!
Wednesday (11/22) – Sunday (11/27): Take 30% off Top Gifts! & Receive an Iconic Grand Tote for only $44 ($88 value) in select patterns!
Sunday (11/26) – Monday (11/27): Cyber Monday! 50% off all Sale Styles!
Shipping Deals:
- Now until Saturday (11/25): Free Shipping on orders of $75 or more!
- Sunday (11/26) – Monday (11/27): Free Shipping on all US orders!

W3LL PEOPLE

When: Black Friday – Cyber Monday (11/24 – 11/27)
25% off your entire purchase!

Wet Brush

When: Now through Saturday (11/25)
25% off entire online store!

Wholesome Culture

When: Thursday (11/23) – Sunday (11/26)
10% off purchases $25 and over with coupon code “BF10”
15% off purchases $50 and over with coupon code “BF15”
20% off purchases $80 and over with coupon code “BF20”
Free shipping on orders $75 and over to the U.S. and Canada

Zoe Organics

When: Black Friday – Sunday (11/24 – 11/26)
25% off entire purchase. No code needed!

I will do my best to update this page with sales as I hear about them and get more details. Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

November 21, 2017 By Caitlyn

1 In Beauty/ Face

Erin’s Faces Rosewater Tonic Review

Rosewater Tonic | Erin's Faces | smelltheroses.com

Hello everyone! If you follow me on Instagram, you may have noticed I attended Indie Beauty Expo NYC in late August. While there, I had the pleasure of meeting some of the people behind my favorite beauty brands including Erin from Erin’s Faces (yes, Erin herself)! She recently launched a new product that, for obvious reasons (🌹), I could not resist buying! That product was their new Rosewater Tonic.

Rosewater has become a staple in my daily beauty regimen.There are few things as refreshing as spraying cool rosewater on your face and smelling its beautiful natural scent. The use of rosewater even dates back to ancient Egypt when Cleopatra, known for her beauty, was said to have used rosewater on both her face and body. It is one of the most versatile products I own and has done wonders for my skin.

You can read all about the benefits of rosewater and other hydrosols in my previous post, “Everything You Need to Know About Hydrosols“. I guarantee you’ll be looking to buy some for yourself after you read about all their benefits and uses!

Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored and I have not been asked to write it by Erin’s Faces. I purchased this product at the show because I genuinely wanted to try it out. 😊 There are no affiliate links in this post.

Erin’s Faces Rosewater Tonic

Why I Love It

High Quality Ingredients – I’m picky when it comes to my hydrosols. This rosewater tonic has become one of my favorites due to its simple and high quality ingredients. When Erin made this product, she put a lot of time and effort into picking the perfect rosewater supplier to ensure it was the highest quality!

Natural Scent – This rosewater has the most beautiful yet subtle rose scent naturally occurring from the roses used to distill it. That means there is no need for added fragrances.

Effectiveness – I’ve been using this product since I bought it a few months ago and have zero complaints about it! It does exactly what I want it to and makes my skin feel beautiful.

Ingredient Breakdown

Rosa Damascena (Rose) Hydrosol Water – self explanatory, this is the actual rosewater; the rosewater they use is steam-distilled and not diluted with water!

Linatural – a broad-spectrum preservative naturally derived from corn that is paraben free; used in this product to prevent growth of mold/bacteria (any product containing water MUST contain a preservative for this reason)

You will notice there are no synthetic fragrances added to their rosewater which is one of the reasons I love it! Not all rosewater products are the same so it’s important to find a quality product like this one.

Certifications

Cruelty-free Certified – As with all of Erin’s Faces products, this product is 100% cruelty-free meaning at no point is it tested on animals.

Vegan – This product contains no animal derived ingredients making it vegan friendly!

How to Use Rosewater Tonic

Apply all over face/neck after cleansing and drying your skin to help your moisturizers and oils absorb better. Products absorb into the skin more effectively when applied to damp skin.
Set your makeup by spraying rosewater on your face after application. If you have oily skin, this will help prevent oil build-up throughout the day or if you have dry skin, it will help moisturize your skin! Reapply throughout the day as a refresher or to restore moisture (perfect during the winter months).
Apply to a cotton pad to gently remove makeup at the end of the day.
Puffy eyes? Soak a cotton pad with chilled rosewater and apply to your eyes to reduce redness and decrease puffiness.

A Video from Erin Herself!

As always, thank you for reading! Let me know if you try this product and what you think of it.

October 2, 2017 By Caitlyn

0 In Beauty/ Face/ FYI

Everything You Need to Know About Hydrosols

Hydrosols (aka herbal distillates, hydrolats, or floral/herbal water) have become a common staple in many people’s skincare routines. Personally, I have fallen in love with rosewater and use it multiple times a day. Whether you use hydrosols or not, I would bet you have seen them advertised in stores or online by your favorite beauty bloggers. So what exactly are they and do they actually do anything? Below I answer these questions while filling you in on everything you need to know about hydrosols and which ones I recommend!

What are Hydrosols?

In the beauty and health worlds, a hydrosol is the water left behind after extracting an essential oil from a plant through water/steam distillation. In other words, it is the natural byproduct of making essential oils! They are distilled from various parts of plants such as the leaves, petals, roots, seeds, etc.

How Hydrosols Are Made | smelltheroses.com

Photo: LisaLise

Essential Oils vs Hydrosols

When you water/steam distill a plant, you are left with 2 products: the essential oil and the hydrosol (see picture above). The essential oil is the fat soluble elements of the plant while the hydrosol is the water soluble elements of the plant. Both essential oils and hydrosols provide us with countless therapeutic uses and benefits!

Key Difference: Unlike pure essential oils that must be diluted prior to application, hydrosols are naturally very gentle and can be applied directly to your skin without any sort of dilution. That is why you will usually see them sold in spray bottles or advertised for facial use.

Quality Matters.

Not all hydrosols are the same. Sometimes, companies will manually blend essential oils with water and sell them labeled as floral waters or falsely as hydrosols. The key to finding a high quality hydrosol is to read its ingredients.

What to Avoid

“Water” as the 1st ingredient – This is the #1 sign of a poor quality hydrosol! Either the product was not produced from distillation or the company diluted the product to save money.
Added fragrance or perfume – A true hydrosol is naturally aromatic/fragrant so it does not need fragrance added back in. Plus, who wants to be spraying a synthetic fragrance across their face?! Not me.
Added colors or dyes – Not all hydrosols will have a color and that is okay! Colors can vary from batch to batch or depending on the specie of plant so don’t worry if you notice subtle colors differences. However, added color is completely unnecessary so avoid products that have it.

What to Look For

“Hydrosol” is listed in the ingredients! – A high quality hydrosol’s primary ingredient should be the actual hydrosol and not a mixture of water and essential oil! Genuine hydrosols are listed as “____ (plant name) hydrosol”, “____ (plant name) hydrolat”, or “____ (plant name) distillate”.
- I want to note that it is okay if there are other listed ingredients in your hydrosol. Many companies add additional essential oils for their therapeutic effects.

Mario Badescu vs. Little Barn Apothecary

Shown above is a popular conventional “rosewater” product versus a true rosewater hydrosol. Both advertise the same beauty benefits but which one is better? Let’s take a look at their ingredients:

Mario Badescu Ingredients
- Aqua (Water, Eau), Propylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Rosa Canina Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Citronellol, Geraniol, CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 42090 (Blue 1)
Little Barn Apothecary Ingredients
- Aloe leaf juice*, Rose damacena hydrosol**, witch hazel distillate*, Leuconostoc (radish root ferment filtrate) ((*Organic, **Sustainably wild harvested))

The Mario Badescu product lists water as its first ingredient while it’s only mention of rose is from rose extract. It also contains synthetic fragrance and artificial coloring. In comparison, Little Barn Apothecary’s first two ingredients are organic aloe leaf juice and rose hydrosol which happen to be exactly what is advertised on the front of the bottle. There are no artificial fragrances or colors. While the Mario Badescu may be more popular and affordable, its overall formula and quality doesn’t come close to Little Barn Apothecary’s!

Helichrysum (aka Everlasting or Immortelle)

Natural antibiotic/antifungal which helps fight acne & other skin conditions
Reduces the appearance of scarring
Assists in skin renewal
Sunburn relief (hydrating & soothing)

Rosewater

Helps control oil production & pH balance of face
Works as a lightweight moisturizer
Anti-imflamatory benefits which reduce redness/puffiness
Naturally antibacterial to help fight acne & other skin conditions
Rose aroma is a natural mood enhancer

Lavender

Soothes irritated skin (great for sunburn or bug bites)
Helps to heal/repair so can be used to clean minor cuts & burns
Anti-inflammatory benefits which reduce redness/puffiness
Natural aroma is relaxing

Witch Hazel

Gentle astringent which protect skin cells
Natural mild cleanser
Soothing and calming to skin which makes it great for use on eczema and psoriasis
Anti-inflammatory benefits which reduce redness/puffiness

Frankincense

Gentle astringent which protect skin cells
Helps fight blemishes
Reduces the appearance of large pores
Helps prevent wrinkles and smooths out tiny lines
May decrease the appearance of scars

Rosewater is my favorite hydrosol and I use it multiple times a day. Here are a few ways you too can integrate hydrosols into your beauty regimen:

Sprits on your face throughout the day to replenish your skin and relieve dryness.
Apply to your face after showering to help your skin absorb the products you apply afterward (facial oils or moisturizers).
Spray on your face to set your makeup! This is perfect after applying powder makeup so it stays in place and lasts all day.
Use it in place of water when mixing your powdered masks for added benefits!
Use hydrosol on a cotton pad to remove makeup.
Each hydrosol has its own therapeutic effects so choose one based on your skincare needs (see above)!

Shop My Favorite Hydrosols

I hope this post was informative and you learned something new about hydrosols! As always, if you have any questions or comments please leave them below or send me a message on my contact page. Thanks for reading!

September 29, 2017 By Caitlyn

50 In Beauty/ GIVEAWAYS/ Wellness

Smell the Roses Turns 1: Birthday Giveaway!

Smell the Roses is officially 1 year old and to celebrate I am offering an AWESOME birthday giveaway valued at over $115! These 10 products are some of my all-time favorite cruelty-free products that I have been using ever since I made the switch to a cruelty-free lifestyle. This giveaway is my attempt at thanking all of you for your support over this past year. I am so grateful for each and every one of you!

*This post contains affiliate links in which I earn a small commission. I have not been paid or compensated to feature any of these brands in this giveaway. All opinions are my own!

WE HAVE A WINNER..

Amber B.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED.

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!

How to Enter the Giveaway:

Complete at least one entry option in the Gleam plugin provided on this page. Remember, the more entry options you complete, the better your odds of winning but additional entries are not required. Certain entry options are weighted more heavily than others.

Smell the Roses Birthday Giveaway

Rules & Disclaimer:

Open to the U.S. and Canada to anyone 18 or older with a valid mailing address.
You may enter the giveaway anytime between August 16th and August 31st 11:59 pm EST.
The winner will be randomly generated using the Gleam Plugin and announced September 1st at approximately 12:00 pm EST on this blog post, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
All entries requiring following/liking will be checked and verified before the winner is drawn – any missing likes/comments will not be credited as an entry.
I run giveaways for my readers who are genuinely interested in the products I am offering. Entries completed with social media accounts used solely for giveaways will not be counted. Although the giveaway winner is randomly generated, if you are chosen as the winner and I see you did not follow this rule, I will manually invalidate your entry and have a new winner randomly generated.
Once a winner is selected, I will personally contact him/her with the email address he/she used to enter the giveaway in order to obtain his/her shipping address. If no response is made within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
I have not been paid to feature any of these brands although this post does contain affiliate links through which I earn a small commission.
No purchase necessary.

What I’m Giving Away:

1. Buckaroo Organics | Soapberry Suds Organic Laundry Detergent (2 Load Sample)

This year I finally switched over my household items to cruelty-free/natural alternatives. In place of my Tide Pods, I started using Soapberry based laundry detergents. Included in this giveaway is a sample size of Buckaroo Organics’s Soapberry Suds. This is a powder form of detergent made with only 4 ingredients, one being 100% Certified Organic Soapberries. The soapberry not only cleans your fabrics but also naturally softens them. I still can’t believe how well this detergent works! It feels good knowing I’ve eliminated countless chemicals from my home and the environment.

2. Acure Organics | Brightening Facial Scrub = $4

This is the best natural facial scrub I have come across. I use it bi-weekly to gently exfoliate my face without drying out my skin. After using, I am left with a more even skin tone and baby soft skin. Best part? It’s 100% cruelty-free and vegan.

3. 100% Pure | Bright Eyes Mask = $7

I am in love with these little eye masks from 100% Pure! I put them under my eyes in the morning after washing my face and leave them on for as long as possible. They are infused with caffeine to depuff and brighten your under-eye area while also providing intense hydration from organic aloe water. These are a great addition to your morning routine and truly make a HUGE difference! Since they are a little on the pricey side, I only use them on the mornings when I really need to depuff my under-eyes (i.e. after a late night working in the ER or after watching the Notebook 😂).

4. Beauty by Earth | Muscle Relief Bath Bomb = $8

If you read my bubble bath post, you may remember these bath bombs from Beauty by Earth. Unlike other popular bath bombs, these are 100% natural and made without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a chemical used for foaming), artificial dyes, colorants, or synthetic fragrance (all found in the Lush Bath Bombs 😕). Each of their bath bombs are designed to fulfill a different need. This giveaway features their “Muscle Relief” Bath Bomb!

5. S.W. Basics | Rosewater Spray 1.8oz = $13

If you can’t already tell from the name of my blog, I love roses. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they have become a staple in many people’s beauty routines. This Rose Water from S.W. Basics is made from pure, steam-distilled rose water with no other additives or ingredients. I spray it all over my face and neck after washing to serve as a toner and gentle moisturizer. It is also great to spray on before applying makeup, as a setting spray for your makeup, or to simply keep in your purse to freshen up when on the go.

6. Little Words Project | Peace & Love Bracelet = $28

If you have been following my blog all year, you know what a huge fan I am of Little Words Project. Their bracelets feature inspirational words surrounded by a strand of Swarovski crystals. Each bracelet comes with a unique numbered tag so you can register it on their website/app (so cool). You wear the little word for as long as you need and then pass it on to someone else who could use a little inspiration. Talk about a beautiful concept 🙂

7. Lauren B Beauty | Blushing Bridesmaids 7-Free Nail Polish = $18

This is the prettiest light pink nail polish I have ever come across so I knew I had to include it in this giveaway. This color is just one of Lauren B Beauty‘s gorgeous colors from their new Bridal Collection. All of their polishes are cruelty-free and made without 7 of the most dangerous chemicals still lingering in most popular nail polish brands (i.e. Toulene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Palate (DBP), Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, TPHP, & Xylene… yuck). I have an entire post on this brand coming soon so keep an eye out!

8. David’s | Premium Natural Toothpaste = $8

I have been using this toothpaste for over a year and it is definitely my favorite! I love it because it naturally whitens and removes plaque without destroying your enamel. Its formula is of fluoride-free, sulfate-free, and made without artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, & preservatives. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and American made!

9. Carefull Candles | Smell the Roses 100% Soy Wax Candle (3oz) = $3

You may remember this brand from my Fall Scented Candle Giveaway last October. Until last year, I never put much thought into what my favorite candles from stores like Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works had in them. Unfortunately, when burned these candles release toxic fumes into the air which are harmful when inhaled. Luckily, brands like Carefull Candles make amazing smelling candles using 100% Soy Wax and essential oils. This candle was inspired by this very blog so I had to include it in this giveaway!

10. 100% Pure | Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara (Black Tea) = $26

This was one of the first cruelty-free, non-toxic mascaras I ever tried and it has since been a favorite of mine. The pigment comes from actual black tea rather than harmful chemical-filled dyes so it’s perfect for anyone with skin/eye sensitivities. Its natural ingredients actually condition your lashes instead of drying them out and making them susceptible to breakage. As with all of 100% Pure‘s products, this mascara is 100% natural and cruelty-free!

I hope you are as excited about this giveaway as I am! Let me know what your favorite product is in the comments section below. I’d also love to hear which of my blog posts over the last year was your favorite or what kind of posts you’d like to see this year. As always, if you have any questions you can email me through my contact page.

This giveaway ends August 31st at 11:59 pm! Good Luck!

August 16, 2017 By Caitlyn

2 In Beauty/ Body

LOLA: 100% Organic Cotton Tampons, Pads, and Liners

LOLA 100% Organic Cotton Feminine Products - Review | smelltheroses.com

Allow me to introduce you to an amazing company that has drastically improved my monthly visit from Aunt Flo. 😉 LOLA offers women 100% organic cotton feminine care products that come in customized assortments and are delivered straight to your door each month! (Get $5 off your subscription through this link – it will also earn me $5 which is awesome!)

Okay so you may be thinking, what’s the big deal? Aren’t all tampons and pads the same? My answer is no, definitely not! Let me explain…

One day, I decided to reorganize my bathroom vanity since I had just finished purging all my old conventional non-cruelty-free products. I felt so proud looking at my vanity and knowing everything in it was natural and free from animal testing! However, I came to my feminine products drawer and paused. I had never thought about what was in my tampons and pads. I decided to do some research…

What I Learned About Conventional Feminine Products

To my surprise, there are no laws requiring companies to publish the ingredients used in their feminine care products. The FDA merely “recommends” companies disclose what their products are made of. Therefore, if a company does not believe in complete transparency, there is no way to know what your tampon or pad is made of. Is it just me or is that extremely concerning?! To make matters worse, there are no laws requiring companies to test the long-term effects of their products.

Materials: From what I could find, most companies make feminine care products from a mixture of cotton, rayon, and various plastics (although it’s unclear what other undisclosed additives may be in there). There have been countless debates over the safety of these materials and the answer is still unclear. Due to the controversy, most reputable brands address peoples’ concerns and claim their ingredients are the same as their competitors and therefore safe for use. However, in 2014, Women’s Voices for the Earth tested four types of Always menstrual pads and found the pads emitted several toxic chemicals and carcinogens. Unfortunately, until adequate research is conducted on this topic, we have no way of knowing how these ingredients affect our bodies in the long term.

Infographic via mylola.com/about

Why I Switched to 100% Organic Cotton Products

If you are like me, you do whatever you can to limit the number of potentially hazardous products from your life. That means choosing nontoxic makeup, deodorant, laundry detergent, households cleaners, and so on (see a list of my favorite products here). If I make such an effort to clean up all the other products in my life, why wouldn’t I want to choose the cleanest option for my feminine care products? Especially taking into consideration that a woman uses around 10,000 feminine products in her lifetime! It was a no-brainer for me to find a cleaner option.

Allow Me to Introduce You to LOLA!

LOLA is an amazing feminine products brand made by women for women. They offer both applicator and non-applicator tampons, pads, and liners, all made from 100% organic cotton! LOLA was the first natural pad/tampon company I found that held the same values as I do. After my first delivery, I immediately fell in love!

Why I Love LOLA!

Transparency

LOLA goes out of their way to disclose the ingredients in all of their products. They even provide information on the materials used in their packaging!

Organic Cotton

The major difference between organic and nonorganic cotton is the use of pesticides. Despite purification processes, tampons and pads made from nonorganic cotton may contain traces of these hazardous chemicals. Considering a woman’s private area is one of the most absorbent parts of her body, it is important to make wise decisions about what goes in, near, and around that area!

Environmentally Conscious

Since LOLA‘s products are made from biodegradable cotton and other plant-based materials, your environmental footprint will be much smaller than it was with conventional feminine care products! I love that they offer their tampons without the plastic applicators (what I use – the thin plastic wrap on each tampon is also recyclable)!

Customizable Subscription

I cannot stress how nice it is to not have to think about buying pads/tampons anymore (no more emergency trips to the store)! LOLA offers day/night pads, liners, and applicator/non-applicator tampons in light, regular, super, and super plus. I love the various tampon absorbencies and the fact that LOLA sells liners and pads (when I first signed up, they only had tampons).

When you subscribe, you get to pick the exact quantity of each product you want based on your individual needs. You can also change these preferences each month as you figure out what works best for you. Have leftover product and want to skip a month? No problem! You can also choose to get deliveries every other month. These features are what really set LOLA apart from their competitors.

Performance

I am proud to say LOLA‘s products work just as well, if not better, than my old big-name brand pads and tampons! Even on my heaviest days, my tampons (using super or super plus) and pads have not leaked. It goes to show you the controversial ingredients the other guys put in their products are not necessary.

Let’s Take a Closer Look

The following pictures are from my own personal subscription. I currently receive my subscription every other month and that works perfectly for me!

What I order:

1 Box of Non-Applicator Tampons: (4) Super Plus, (8) Super, (6) Regular
1 Box of Ultra Thin Pads: (7) day, (5) night
1 Box of Liners

Non-Applicator Tampons

Here is how my custom assortment of non-applicator tampons came boxed. Each tampon is individually packaged and labeled with a recyclable plastic wrapper.

Both their applicator and non-applicator tampons come in a box of 18.

It is safest to use the lowest absorbency tampon whenever possible. Tampons should be changed at least every 4-8 hours.

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection (usually Staphylococcus aureus). It is associated with superabsorbent tampons and extended use (+8 hours). Working as an ER nurse, I have sadly seen the deadliness of TSS and urge all women to be careful when using tampons and alternate between tampons and pads.

Ultra Thin Pads with Wings

Pictured is how the pads come boxed. I choose an assortment of both day and night pads!

Composition: LOLA ‘s pads are made of a 100% organic cotton top sheet/core with a plant-based leak-proof backing. Their non-toxic adhesive is made of an aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbon resin, SIS rubber, and mineral oil.

Both the day and night pad are made of the same material but the night pad is structurally longer and a bit wider.

Liners

Liners come boxed in a pack of 28. They are made from the exact same materials as LOLA‘s pads.

LOLA‘s liners are perfect for your light-flow days or for daily use. They are breathable to help prevent excess moisture and bacteria growth.

Subscription Service

Your subscription will arrive at your doorstep in a discreet package. To learn more about their subscription service, click here!

LOLA Gives Back

Imagine it being your time of the month and having to choose between buying yourself menstrual products and feeding your family. For millions of women in the United States, this is a reality. Do you know feminine products are among the highest requested products at homeless shelters but are also the least likely to be donated? #TamponsAreNotALuxury … they are a necessity!

LOLA uses part of the proceeds from every purchase to donate menstrual products to low-income women in the United States. Since their launch in 2015, LOLA has donated over 100,000 tampons!

LOLA Organic Feminine Products | smelltheroses.com

Photo via mylola.com/givingback

First Period Kit

LOLA just launched this adorable kit designed for young ladies to make their first period experience easier! I wish this kit existed back when I first got mine! If you are a caregiver of a pre-menarche girl, I recommend purchasing this kit and having it ready for when mother nature arrives!

What’s in the kit:

(6) Day pads for medium to heavy days
(6) Night pads for overnight coverage
(10) Liners for light days or backup
(10) Light tampons for slim-fit protection
Instructional card for each period product
(1) Canvas pouch for days on the go
(1) Sheet of stickers for period tracking
(1) Keepsake box for at-home storage
$5 LOLA credit towards a new subscription

They even created a free, downloadable, e-book which outlines everything a young lady needs to know about her period! Check it out here.

Try LOLA for Yourself!

Interested in trying LOLA ‘s subscription service for yourself? New customers get 1 box free on their first order of a 2+ box subscription!

If you use my any of the links in this post, you will get $5 off your first order (and help me earn $5 off my next subscription). Plus, shipping is always free so it’s totally a win-win.

SIGN UP HERE

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new! This post is in no way sponsored by LOLA – I wrote it as a real fan of their products!

April 7, 2017 By Caitlyn

52 In Beauty/ Body/ FYI/ GIVEAWAYS

Beauty by Earth Suncare Giveaway & Review

WE HAVE A WINNER..

Jaime D.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED.

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!

*This post contains affiliate links in which I earn a small commission. The products in this giveway were supplied by Beauty by Earth but I have not been paid to feature them. All opinions are my own.

I have teamed up with my friends at Beauty by Earth for an awesome Suncare Giveaway! 🌞 If you read my post on staying safe in the sun, you may have noticed I recommended their sunscreen as an alternative to conventional brands and for good reason! Their products are completely natural, cruelty-free, reef-safe, non-toxic, and, most importantly, effective! I used them on my last trip to Hawaii and quickly fell in love. I have no doubt whoever wins will love them too!

What We’re Giving Away…

Sunscreen SPF 25 (4 fl oz) = $14.99
Facial Sunscreen SPF 20 (2 fl oz) = $16.99
Aloe Vera Gel (8 fl oz) = $14.99

Enter the giveaway using the Gleam plugin below and then keep scrolling to learn more about each prize! 😊

How to Enter the Giveaway:

Complete at least one entry option in the Gleam plugin provided on this page. Remember, the more entry options you complete, the better your odds of winning but additional entries are not required. Certain entry options are weighted more heavily than others.

Beauty by Earth Suncare Giveaway

Rules & Disclaimer:

Open to the U.S. and Canada to anyone 18 or older with a valid mailing address.
You may enter the giveaway anytime between March 22th and March 31st 11:59 pm EST.
The winner will be randomly generated using the Gleam Plugin and announced April 1st at approximately 12:00 pm EST on this blog post, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
All entries requiring following/liking will be checked and verified before the winner is drawn – any missing likes/comments will not be credited as an entry.
I run giveaways for my readers who are genuinely interested in the products I am offering. Entries completed with social media accounts used solely for giveaways will not be counted. Although the giveaway winner is randomly generated, if you are chosen as the winner and I see you did not follow this rule, I will manually invalidate your entry and have a new winner randomly generated.
Once a winner is selected, I will personally contact him/her with the email address he/she used to enter the giveaway in order to obtain his/her shipping address. If no response is made within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
The products in this giveaway were supplied by Beauty by Earth. I have not been paid to feature this brand.
No purchase necessary.

If you have been following my blog, you know I love Beauty by Earth. They are passionate about creating products that are not only safe for you and your family but also effective. They leave out all of the chemicals and harmful ingredients found in conventional products and use only the best natural, non-GMO, and organic ingredients! On top of that, all of their products are proudly made in the USA and cruelty-free. 🌿

Beauty by Earth’s Sunscreen

While looking for a green sunscreen option, I came across rave reviews for Beauty by Earth’s Sunscreen. Already a fan of their products, I immediately ordered their Sunscreen Bundle and packed it for my vacation. Here’s why I fell in love with it…

Broad Spectrum Protection

As covered in my sun safety post, one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing sunscreen is whether or not it provides broad-spectrum coverage. Both the Beauty by Earth SPF 25 Sunscreen and SPF 20 Facial Sunscreen are labeled broad-spectrum!

Reef Safe & Biodegradable Formula

Since they do not use synthetic ingredients like oxybenzone, their sunscreens are deemed reef-safe! Feel free to wear these products in the ocean without stress or guilt. 🐠

Cruelty-free Formulation

As with all of their products, Beauty by Earth’s sunscreen is certified cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny Program. 🐰

Immediate Protection

Although it is recommended you apply your sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, one of the benefits of Beauty by Earth’s sunscreens being formulated with Zinc Oxide is that they work immediately. While chemical sunscreens need time to be absorbed by the skin, physical sunscreens work like a shield to the sun’s rays.

Environmental Working Group Recommended

What I consider one of the best sources for product safety, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has included Beauty by Earth on its list of “Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens”. Both products scored a squeaky clean 1 on their scale! Read their reports here: SPF 20 Facial Sunscreen | SPF 25 Sunscreen

EWG Rating

smelltheroses.com

SPF 25 Sunscreen (Body) | Beauty by Earth

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (Non-nano)

Inactive Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Vegetable Glycerin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Organic Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, Organic Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Fruit Extract, Organic Camellia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Pulp Extract, Vanilla Tahitensis (Vanilla) Fruit Extract

Application

This sunscreen is the best Zinc Oxide-based sunscreen I have found so far. The formula is definitely going to seem thick to someone who is used to conventional sunscreens but that is normal for Zinc Oxide-based sunscreens (I’ll take a thicker formula that is clean over a thinner chemical filled formula any day). Still, I do find the sunscreen fairly easy to rub in. It can leave a very subtle white tint on the body but I found this only happens when my legs are very dry. When I was on vacation, there was no whiteness if I had moisturized that morning. However, I actually liked when it was slightly visible because it showed me if I missed a spot or needed to reapply!

How to Use: Apply a liberal amount to all exposed areas of the body. Rub in until sunscreen is no longer or barely visible. Reapply every 2 hours or after prolonged time in the water.

Why I Love It!

Rubs in easily compared to other Zinc Oxide sunscreens.
Doesn’t leave you looking like a ghost. 👻
Effective immediately!
Water resistant up to 40 minutes.
Provides excellent sun protection!
Mostly organic ingredients.
Gentle enough for kids!
Reef safe 🐠 & cruelty-free 🐰

Beauty by Earth Sunscreen Review | smelltheroses.com

Initial Application | Beauty by Earth SPF 25 Sunscreen

Almost rubbed in! | Beauty by Earth SPF 25 Sunscreen

Fully rubbed in! No white appearance! | Beauty by Earth SPF 25 Sunscreen

smelltheroses.com

SPF 20 Facial Sunscreen | Beauty by Earth

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (Non-nano)

Inactive Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Vegetable Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Organic Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), Xanthan Gum, Organic Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil, Organic Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Organic Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cupressus Sempervirens (Cypress) Leaf Essential Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Pink Grapefruit) Essential Oil

Application

This facial sunscreen is light enough for everyday wear but strong enough for a full day at the beach.

Beach Day: I use one pump (about a pea size amount) and spread it all over my face until completely rubbed in. If I feel I need to add more, I do so only after the initial application has been rubbed in. Using this method prevented my face from turning “white” like we are all afraid of! Reapply every 2 hours while in direct sunlight.

Everyday Wear: Apply one pump to the entire face until completely rubbed in. Wait 5-10 minutes for sunscreen to dry. Apply makeup as usual and set with a finishing powder to prevent shine (I recommend the “Un” Powder by RMS). *If exposed, apply to neck and chest too!

Why I Love It!

Great for sensitive skin!
Rubs in easily & feels lightweight.
Doesn’t make my skin feel greasy.
Leaves no white tint – perfect for under makeup.
Effective immediately!
Water resistant up to 40 minutes.
Mostly organic ingredients.
Pump dispenser prevents waste.
Gentle enough for kids!
Reef safe 🐠 & cruelty-free 🐰

Beauty by Earth SPF 20 Facial Sunscreen | smelltheroses.com

The amount I use on my face at a time. I build up the coverage a little at a time to prevent whiteness. | Beauty by Earth SPF 20 Facial Sunscreen

Completely rubbed in on my face! No whiteness! | Beauty by Earth SPF 20 Sunscreen

Light enough to wear under your makeup! | Beauty by Earth

smelltheroses.com

Aloe Vera Gel | Beauty by Earth

Ingredients

Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C), Xanthan Gum, Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Sodium Citrate

Application

For Burns or Sunburn: Apply a thin layer over burned area. The burn will immediately feel cooled and soothed (some people like to put the aloe vera in the fridge for additional relief). The aloe vera will keep the skin moisturized and help speed the healing process. Reapply 2-3 times a day until the burn has healed.

For Minor Cuts: Apply a thin layer 2-3 times a day. The gel will act as a natural disinfectant!

As a Moisturizer: Apply a thin layer to the area you would like to moisturize. The gel is nongreasy so it can be applied before makeup. It is also a great aftershave product – softens skin and will heal tiny cuts!

As a Makeup Remover: Apply a small amount of gel to a cotton ball to gently remove makeup around your eyes and face.

For Hair: Treat dandruff and dry scalp by applying the gel to roots/scalp at nighttime. Wash hair normally in the AM. Some people also use the gel as a hair styling product!

Other Uses: diaper rash, acne treatment, eczema, bruises, poison ivy/oak, soothe bug bites, etc..

Why I Love It!

Can be used for so much more than sunburn!
Non-sticky, fast-drying formula.
Love using on my legs/armpits after shaving.
My fiance can use it as an aftershave too!

I hope you loved this review as much as I loved writing it! Make sure to enter the giveaway and come back each day for bonus entries. If you’re interested in shopping for these or other products from Beauty by Earth, code “SMELLTHEROSES” will save you 15% off your entire order in their online store.

Want to learn why I ditched conventional suncare products? It’s not just because they weren’t cruelty-free… Read this post!

This suncare giveaway ends March 31st at 11:59 pm! Good Luck!

March 22, 2017 By Caitlyn

0 In Beauty/ Body/ FYI/ How to...

Staying Safe in the Sun: Nontoxic Sunscreen & Sunbathing Tips

Aloha, Smell the Roses readers! Spring is officially here and that means it’s time to start preparing for warmer weather! For some, that means wanting to slim down or get organized. For me, it means making sure I have everything I need to keep my skin healthy and protected when outside in the hot sun. ☀️️ This post outlines my sunbathing tips and recommendations for nontoxic, cruelty-free, & natural sunscreen.

The Importance of Proper Sun Protection

Skin Cancer

It is common knowledge that excessive sun exposure expedites skin aging and increases your risk of skin cancer. In the United States, skin cancer is the most common cancer. Despite this knowledge, rates of melanoma are on the rise. As seen in the graphs below, rates are steadily increasing and highest in white men and women. Although these demographics are at highest risk, anyone of any race can develop skin cancer. (Source: CDC)

Melanoma Rates (CDC) - smelltheroses.com

Sources: CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries and National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program.

You may have noticed incidence and death rates are higher in men. In 2013, almost twice as many American men died from melanoma as women. A suggested explanation comes from a survey that showed only 48% of men report routine sun avoidance, compared to 68% of women. (Source: EWG)

Skin Damage

Even if you do not develop skin cancer, excess sun exposure will show in your appearance. What’s the worst part about it? The damage does not show up right away. It is a cumulative effect that develops over time and is worsened by every incidence of sun exposure.

Pictured below is a side by side comparison of the same person photographed in both regular and UV lighting. Although UV images do not predict skin cancer, they still highlight the consequences of excess sun exposure (ex. wrinkles, sunspots, red blotches, texture, pore size, etc). By visualizing skin damage normally invisible to the naked eye, these photos raise awareness to the gradual and drastic damage caused by the sun. (Source: EWG)

Canfield UV Camera Photos - Your Sun Damage Wake-Up Call - smelltheroses.com

Source: Canfield UV Camera Photos (EWG)

Vision

Growing up, we were warned to not stare directly into the sun and for good reason. The sun is extremely damaging to the eyes and can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium. To keep our eyes healthy and vision strong, the National Eye Institute recommends we wear sunglasses that block out 99 – 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation. The addition of a wide brimmed hat is helpful too! Now you have an excuse to wear more accessories! 🕶️ 👒 (Source: NEI)

Infants & Children

Infants (0-6 months) – Babies under six months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight because their skin does not contain enough melanin to protect them from the sun’s harmful rays. Their skin is also too sensitive for sunscreen. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that small amounts of sunscreen can be used on infants only as a last resort when shade cannot be found.

Toddlers & Children – Proper steps should be taken to prevent sunburn.One blistering sunburn before the age of 18 can double a child’s risk of developing melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF 15+ are best to use in addition to shade and protective clothing. Avoid spray sunscreens due to the dangers associated with inhalation. (Source: Skin Cancer Foundation)

smelltheroses.com

Buying & Using Sunscreen

Our skin is the largest organ of the body, and it absorbs nearly everything we put on it. Let that fact soak in for a minute. Although applying sunscreen seems like a health-conscious action, it all comes down to which one you are using. If you are not careful, I believe your sunscreen can be causing more harm than good (for both you and the environment)!

Ingredients To Avoid

Sunscreens can provide one of two forms of protection; chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens contain synthetic ingredients that are absorbed by the skin to block or reflect UV rays. These have the highest incidence of skin irritation and cellular toxicity and therefore should be avoided.

Try to avoid these harmful ingredients:

Oxybenzone | Sunscreen Agent – UV light absorber
- Hormone disruption (i.e. mimic or alter hormone levels)
- Linked to reproductive and developmental issues
- Endocrine disruption – associated with endometriosis in women
- Known skin allergen
- Accumulates in people – difficult to excrete
Octinoxate | Sunscreen Agent – UV light absorber
- Hormone disruption (i.e. mimic or alter hormone levels)
- Linked to reproductive and developmental issues
- Endocrine disruption
- Produces free radicles that contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer
- Accumulates in people – difficult to excrete (has been found in mothers’ breast milk)
- Ecotoxicity
Vitamin A (aka Retinol) | Skin-conditioning Agent
- Tumors and lesions develop sooner on skin coated with creams containing vitamin A when exposed to direct sunlight (Source: EWG)
- Produces free radicals that contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer
- Known human reproductive toxicant
Homosalate | Sunscreen Agent – UV light absorber
- Hormone disruption (i.e. mimic or alter hormone levels)
- Accumulates in people – difficult to excrete
- Endocrine disruption
- Ecotoxicity
Methylisothiazolinone | Preservative – Paraben
- Linked to serious allergic reactions (especially in children) (Source: EWG)
- Named Allergen of the Year in 2013 by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (Source: EWG)
- Hormone disruptor
- Linked to reproductive and developmental issues
- Ecotoxicity
- Neurotoxicity

Ingredients To Look For

Physical sunscreens are generally considered the safer form of sun protection. They are made from natural minerals which sit on top of the skin and are not readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Be aware, due to the nature of these ingredients, they do tend to have a white appearance on the skin (some brands are better than others – my recommendations are listed below).

Safe sunblocking ingredient to seek:

Zinc Oxide (non-nano) | Sunblock Agent – Colorant
- Offers moderate broad spectrum UV protection
- Low skin penetration – low health risk in lotions

Other Factors to Consider

Broad Spectrum Coverage – There are two types of UV light that can harm your skin — UVA and UVB. Too much exposure to either can cause skin cancer. A broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum, sunscreen protects your skin from both. Sunscreens will have this labeled on the bottle! (Source: Mayo Clinic)

SPF Protection – There is a misconception that higher SPF levels equal better sun protection. Unfortunately, SPF only applies to UVB rays (those responsible for burning) and does not take into consideration the harm associated with UVA rays (those responsible for age spots and wrinkling). For this reason, the Mayo Clinic recommends rather than focusing on a sunscreen’s SPF, choose one that is broad-spectrum. They state, even the worst burners will get adequate protection using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 when applied properly! (Read more about this topic: Mayo Clinic)

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 but no greater than 50!

Reef Safety

Over the years I have seen first hand the effects of sunscreen on our oceans. While vacationing on the tourist-dense beaches of Waikiki, there were days you could see a film of sunscreen on the top of the ocean water. I couldn’t help but feel immense guilt as I watched little fish swimming through their chemical infested home. The pollution in our oceans from Oxybenzone has had toxic effects on our coral reefs and has contributed to coral bleaching.

Hanauma Bay Infographic - Reef Friendly Sun Protection | smelltheroses.com

Hanauma Bay Education Program | Hawaii Sea Grant

Pictured above, is an infographic from Oahu’s Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a popular snorkeling spot known for its vast coral reef and diverse sea life. I found this posted when vacationing on my most recent trip and was so happy to see them making a stand against chemical sunscreens. I hope chemical sunscreens will eventually be banned but for now all we can do is try and educate the public on the importance of reef safe sunscreen.

Zinc Oxide has no known negative effects on our oceans and its inhabitants.

Application Types

Lotions | good for dry skin, best for application on large areas, can be messy

Stick | good for application on areas that require precision (i.e. around the eyes)

Spray | extremely dangerous if inhaled (apply in a well-ventilated area and be conscientious of those around you), easy to apply (especially on children), must apply a generous/even coating to ensure proper coverage and to tell where it was applied, great for quick reapplication after an initial coat of lotion

How To Apply

Pick one you like because you’ll be more likely to use it. If it’s hard to apply or messy, I doubt you will be reaching to reapply it as often as your should!
Apply your sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure. Physical sunscreens are typically effective immediately where chemical sunscreens need time to be absorbed.
Reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming or excessive sweating.

Extra Sun Bathing Tips

The best sun protection is avoidance! Always have a beach umbrella or shaded area to retreat to during the hot hours. ⛱️
Sunscreen should still be applied on a cloudy or overcast day! ☁️️
The sun is strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. At these times, try to avoid direct sun exposure! (This is the perfect time to go grab lunch in the shade or indoors). To put it into perspective, the following exposures may result in the same amount of solar energy:
- one hour at 9:00 a.m.
- 15 minutes at 1:00 p.m.

smelltheroses.com

Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Search for Non-toxic Sunscreen

Listed below are two databases that offer a color-coded rating system for product toxicity. Scores are applied based on each products’ ingredient composition. As a general rule, any product that falls in the green range is a safe choice!

EWG Sunscreen Database (download app: Apple or Android)
Think Dirty (download app: Apple or Android)

EWG Rating System

Think Dirty Rating System

smelltheroses.com

My Recommendations!

Beauty by Earth

Facial Sunscreen SPF 20 | Sunscreen SPF 25 | Face & Body Bundle | Aloe Vera Gel

*Code “SMELLTHEROSES” saves you 15% on your online purchase

smelltheroses.com

Badger

Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 25 | Unscented Sunscreen SPF 30 | Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF35

smelltheroses.com

I put a lot of time and research into this post because I am so passionate about this topic. I hope you learned something new and will improve your sunbathing habits as a result of this post! If so, please let me know in the comments section below!

March 21, 2017 By Caitlyn

52 In Beauty/ GIVEAWAYS

January Giveaway: Petit Vour Beauty Box Subscription!

WE HAVE A WINNER..

Rhonda H.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED.

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!

(ALMOST 4,000 ENTRIES INCLUDING INSTAGRAM — THIS WAS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL GIVEAWAY TO DATE!)

When I first switched to cruelty-free/natural beauty, I spent SO much time researching brands and trying to find replacements for my conventional products. At the time, my mother was receiving the Ipsy Glam Bag and I remember wishing there was a similar subscription service that only included cruelty-free/natural products. I did some research and, to my surprise, I found SEVERAL subscription services that fulfilled my wish.

One of the subscription services I decided to try was the Petit Vour Monthly Beauty Box! Each month I received 4 personalized beauty products ranging from sample to full size for only $15/month (shipping included). This subscription introduced me to brands I would have never found on my own and to several of my favorite products that I still use today.

Since this subscription service was so helpful to me, I figured what better giveaway for the first month of 2017 than a subscription to Petit Vour!?

That’s right, I’m giving one lucky winner a 3-month pre-paid subscription to the Petit Vour Beauty Box!

GIveaway: Petit Vour 3-Month Beauty Box Subscription

How to Enter the Giveaway:

Complete at least one entry option in the “Gleam” plugin provided on this page. Remember, the more entry options you complete, the better your odds of winning but additional entries are not required. Certain entry options are weighted more heavily than others.
After completing at least one entry option in the Gleam Plugin, there are opportunities to earn bonus entries:
- Tag your friend(s) on this Instagram picture and receive 1 bonus point per friend! You may tag as many friends as you would like but tagging brands/blogs/inactive accounts will not be counted.

Rules & Disclaimer:

Open WORLDWIDE to anyone 18 or older with a valid mailing address.
You may enter the giveaway anytime between January 12th 8:00 pm EST and January 26th 11:59 pm EST.
The winner will be randomly generated using the Gleam Plugin and announced January 27th at approximately 12:00 pm EST on this blog post, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
All entries requiring following/liking will be checked and verified before the winner is drawn – any missing likes/comments will not be credited as an entry.
I run giveaways for my readers who are genuinely interested in the products I am offering. Entries completed with social media accounts used solely for giveaways will not be counted. Although the giveaway winner is randomly generated, if you are chosen as the winner and I see you did not follow this rule, I will manually invalidate your entry and have a new winner randomly generated.
Once a winner is selected, I will personally contact him/her with the email address he/she used to enter the giveaway in order to obtain his/her shipping address. If no response is made within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
The 3-month subscription will begin in either February or March depending on Petit Vour’s processing time.
This giveaway is in no way sponsored or paid for by Petit Vour.
No purchase necessary.

ABOUT PETIT VOUR:

Since 2013, Petit Vour has served as a “luxury vegan destination” to women by offering cruelty-free beauty products, skin care, and accessories. Their monthly subscription box has become popular as a mechanism to introduce women to ethically responsible vegan brands. Any products featured in their boxes or sold in their online store are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made without “the dirty thirty“.

What does “petit vour” mean?

Petit Vour is a Frenglish word made by combining the French term “petit four” (meaning a small bite-sized confectionery) and the English word “vegan”. Therefore, “petit vour” means a small vegan luxury (in reference to the types of items included in their subscription boxes).

Who should subscribe to their monthly Beauty Box?

I believe their subscription box is best for anyone interested in learning more about the vegan beauty market. This may include, but is not limited to, people switching from conventional to cruelty-free beauty.

What kind of products do you receive each month in their Beauty Box?

Each box contains 4-5 vegan & cruelty-free beauty products, ranging from sample to full-size. Typically, you’ll receive 1 color item, 1 hair care item or fragrance, 1 skincare item, and 1 body care item. Each box is valued at around $35-40.

Learn more about Petit Vour’s monthly beauty box at PetitVour.com or check them out on Instagram!

Be sure to get all your entries in by January 26th at 11:59 pm! Good Luck!

xo Caitlyn

Disclaimer: This giveaway is in no way sponsored by Petit Vour. There are no affiliate links included in this post. All opinions are entirely my own!

January 12, 2017 By Caitlyn

2 In Beauty/ Home/ Mental Health/ Wellness

The Perfect Natural & Cruelty-Free Bubble Bath!

Bubble Bath Essentials via smelltheroses.com

Although I don’t recommend taking a bath frequently (not the most eco-friendly form of bathing), I do feel it’s okay to occasionally treat yourself to one! Few things help you destress as well as a warm bath with candles and a good book! 😌 (Fun fact: January 8th was National Bubble Bath Day!)

A warm bath is always nice on its own but there are several products I recommend if you want to take your bathing experience to the next level. As always, all of the products I feature are 100% cruelty-free and natural so you can feel good using them!

Disclaimer: This post is in no way sponsored by the featured brands. Some links are affiliate links.

My Bath Essentials 🛀

Deep Steep | Classic Bubble Bath (Lemongrass-Jasmine)

I did a lot of research to find the best natural & cruelty-free bubble bath and this product from Deep Steep definitely takes the crown! I bought the Lemongrass-Jasmine scent and found it really light and refreshing. You have to use a generous amount but your entire bath will become filled with bubbles that last for a good amount of time! Great for all ages!
Facts: No Animal Testing | Gluten Free | Non-GMO | Made in Small Batches
Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Organic Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract, Coco Glucoside, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycerin (Vegan), Aroma, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Caprylic Acid (Coconut Fatty Acid), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid

Beauty by Earth | Bath Bomb Gift Set (6-pack)

I first discovered these bath bombs in one of my Organic Bunny Boxes and immediately fell in love! Unlike other bath bombs, these are 100% natural and made without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a chemical used for foaming), artificial dyes, colorants, or synthetic fragrance (all found in the Lush Bath Bombs 😕). Even better, each bath bomb is designed to fulfill a different need. Options include Joint Relief, Bedtime Ritual, Just Relax, Get Well Soon, Muscle Relief, and Relaxing Detox. I love them all! These may not turn your bath all cool colors, but at least the ingredients will nourish your skin instead of harming it!
Facts: Non-GMO | Mostly Organic | No Animal Testing | Gluten-Free | Made in the USA
Ingredients: view here under “Additional Information”
PROMO CODE: “SMELLTHEROSES” saves you 15% in their online store!

Beauty by Earth | Konjac Body Sponge

I’m a huge fan of Konjac sponges and use one with facial cleanser to wash my face every night. They have worked wonders on my face so I was so excited when I saw Beauty by Earth made a larger sponge for your body. We often pay most attention to our faces and neglect the rest of our body’s skin. Made from the Konjac plant root fibers and infused with charcoal, these sponges allow you to naturally exfoliate/detoxify and rid your skin of dirt/grime. To use, soak the sponge for a few minutes, rub in a circular motion over your skin, squeeze out excess water and hang to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Facts: Vegan | Natural | No Animal Testing | Made in the USA
Ingredients: Konjac Glucomannan, Activated Bamboo Charcoal Powder
PROMO CODE: “SMELLTHEROSES” saves you 15% in their online store!

Bath Dreams | Luxury Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray with Extending Sides

This bath caddy is worth every penny. It may seem excessive, but it has made my bath-time experience so much better. With a special holder for a book/tablet and wine glass, this is the perfect organizer for all your non-waterproof items. It is constructed from 100% bamboo and has extending sides which allow it to fit most bathtubs. I use it to hold a candle, book, and my phone and absolutely adore it! I highly recommend a bath caddy if you do not have one already!

Shop them on Amazon:

Steps to the Perfect Bath Experience:

Gather everything and anything you need for your bath (caddy, book, candle, wine, tablet, etc.)
Set up your bathtub caddy.
Fill your bath 1/2 way with warm water.
Get in! 😌
Drop in one of your Beauty by Earth Bath Bombs! Watch it fizz and turn your bath into a beautiful smelling little piece of heaven (video demonstration below!).
Breathe deep and relax for as long as desired.
When ready, pour in a generous amount of Deep Steep Bubble Bath! (I use about 1/5 of a 17-ounce bottle which fills my entire bath with bubbles!)
Once your bath is full of bubbles, use your Beauty by Earth Konjac Body Sponge to wash and exfoliate your skin!
Relax in your bubble bath until all your stress melts away 🙂

A Closer Look at Each Product:

Beauty by Earth Healing Bath Bombs (6-pack)

This bath bomb gift set from Beauty by Earth comes in the cutest packaging and each bath bomb smell amazing. They are individually wrapped/labeled and have their corresponding ingredient list printed inside the box’s cover. You can keep them all for yourself or easily gift them to friends/family individually. You can also buy each bomb individually in their online store!

Beauty by Earth Healing Bath Bombs (6-pack)

Each bath bomb is made with ingredients that serve a special purpose.For example, “muscle relief” contains organic sea clay, an ingredient often used in mud wraps to help relax and soothe tired/achy muscles!

Beauty by Earth Relaxing Detox Bath Bomb

Beauty by Earth Healing Bath Bombs (6-pack)

How cute is this packaging!? You could easily add this to a home spa gift basket or pack it for a bath on vacation! Under the paper wrapper, the bath bomb is wrapped in a vacuum-sealed plastic to keep your bath bomb safe and intact!

Beauty by Earth Healing Bath Bombs (6-pack)

This is what the “Relaxing Detox” bath bomb looks like completely unwrapped and ready to be used! All of their bath bombs are accented with essential oils and flower petals. Once dropped in your bath, they fizz and their beautiful aromas quickly fill the room. On the top half of my bath bomb, you can see one of the flower petals sticking out!

Beauty by Earth Healing Bath Bombs (6-pack)

Here is a view of the gift box’s inside cover which lists out the ingredients in each bath bomb. As you can see, there are no hidden scary ingredients in these babies! Each ingredient serves a unique purpose and does so without harming you!

Beauty by Earth | Konjac Body Sponge

This is how the Beauty by Earth Konjac Body Sponge comes packaged. As with all Konjac sponges, when dry it feels hard as a rock. Once wettened or soaked, the sponge expands and becomes super soft but strong enough to exfoliate your skin. This Konjac sponge is 100% natural and infused with bamboo charcoal.

Bath Dreams | Luxury Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray with Extending Sides

This picture makes me want to take another bath! How relaxing does this scene look and the tub isn’t even full of bubbles yet?! The stand-out item in this picture is definitely the bamboo bath caddy. Made from eco-friendly bamboo, this bath caddy has a place for all your bath-time essentials! The sides even expand for wider bath tubs.

Bath Dreams | Luxury Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray with Extending Sides

Above you can see the little slot you can slide your wine glass into! (how cool!?) The candle shown here is the “smell the roses” scent from Carefull Candles.

How fun are these bath bombs! They work just like the main brand’s but without all the scary ingredients. They don’t turn your bath into a sea of colors but they do have little flower petals throughout which is a fun surprise! I recommend using 1 entire bath bomb per bath.

Deep Steep | Classic Bubble Bath (Lemongrass-Jasmine)

Did you ever think a completely natural bubble bath soap could make that many bubbles!? I am in love with this product from Deep Steep. It has amazing reviews online and I can definitely see why. As with most bubble baths, you have to use a generous amount (I used about 1/5 the bottle) but you end up with a tub FULL of beautiful NATURAL bubbles. This product is even great for kids.. who wants to be bathing their child in a sea of chemicals?? Also, the lemongrass – jasmine scent is so light and refreshing (some people felt their lavender scent was too strong).

Deep Steep | Classic Bubble Bath (Lemongrass-Jasmine)

This konjac sponge actually doubled in size once completely soaked! The video above shows it in action. It is super soft (safe for sensitive skin) but strong enough to thoroughly exfoliate your skin. After using, my skin felt much smoother; the same way it does after I use a konjac sponge on my face! I definitely prefer this sponge to a regular plastic luffa.

I hope you enjoyed this post and will try some of these amazing products!

Beauty by Earth was generous enough to offer my readers 15% off their online purchase with promo code “SMELLTHEROSES”! (shop their online store here)

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below or send me an email on my contact page. Have a wonderful day!

xo Caitlyn

January 10, 2017 By Caitlyn

0 In Beauty/ GIVEAWAYS

November Giveaway: Original Beauty Box

WE HAVE A WINNER..

STEPHANIE A.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED.

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED!

Enter the Giveaway:

Open to anyone aged 18+ who has a valid U.S. mailing address.
You have until Sunday, November 27 at 11:59 pm EST to enter.
A winner is randomly generated through the Gleam Plugin.
A winner will be announced Monday, November 28 at 12 pm EST via this blog post, social media, and email.

Instructions:

Use the Gleam plugin below to enter the giveaway (may take a few moments to load).
The only mandatory entry requirement is to submit your name and email address. Please acknowledge, by doing so you grant permission to be added to the Original Beauty Box Newsletter. Once you have done so, you are officially entered into the giveaway with +1 point!
There are opportunities to earn extra entries and increase your odds of winning!
- Simply pick and choose as many or as few as you would like.
- These are completely optional and not required for entry into the giveaway.
- Certain options are weighted more heavily than others.
- If you are already following on any of the social media platforms, that is fine – just list your name/username for it to be counted!
- All entries requiring following/liking will be checked and verified before the winner is drawn – any missing likes/comments will not be credited as an entry.

Original Beauty Box Giveaway

This month, I have teamed up with the Original Beauty Box to give away their standard Original Beauty Box. This company specializes in premium high-quality makeup organization products. Besides their acrylic makeup boxes, they also carry a spinning lipstick tower, eyeshadow palette holder, lipgloss holder, brush holder, brush drying-tree, lighted vanity mirror, brush set, and accessories!

Code “SMELLTHEROSES20” saves you 20% off your entire online order!

What You Will Win:

Your very own, brand new, Original Beauty Box Acrylic Makeup Organizer (valued at $119)!!

Features:

100% crystal clear acrylic (no yellow tint or fogginess!)
Smooth sliding drawers
4 drawers
- Narrow 1″ tall top drawer – ideal for lip/eye products
- (2) 2.25″ tall middle drawers with removable dividers
- 3.25″ bottom drawer with removable divider
Overall Dimensions: 10” L x 7” W x 9.5” H

Why it’s Better than Other Acrylic Organizers:

I purchased a couple other acrylic organizers before finally buying my Original Beauty Box (OBB). The alternatives were less expensive and it showed in their quality. Both of the ones I purchased came with cracks and I found their acrylic was easily scratched. The drawers also did not slide smoothly and often got stuck. I was also disappointed that if I wanted to divide the drawers it was either not available or an added cost.

Last year, I decided to treat myself and buy the Original Beauty Box after reading tons of great reviews and watching countless YouTube reviews. I am proud to say I believe the hype and feel this is the best acrylic makeup organizer out there! Because I love mine so much, I knew I had to reach out to the company and see if they would do a giveaway with Smell the Roses!

My personal Original Beauty Box filled with only 100% cruelty-free and natural products!

How I Use Mine:

Top Drawer: lipsticks, lip glosses, and chapstick
Second Drawer (left side): eye shadows and concealers
Second Drawer (right side): mascaras and eye liners
Third Drawer (left side): mineral foundation, bronzers, and blushes
Third Drawer (right side): primers, serums, and oils
Bottom Drawer (left side): jarred moisturizers/creams
Bottom Drawer (right side): various tubed products – pimple remedies, moisturizers, under eye treatments, etc.
On Top of Organizer: frequently used products – hair oil, perfume, lip scrub, etc.. (this constantly changes)

I recently switched all of my lip products into the top drawer where I used to hold my mascaras/eyeliners. I love how easy it is to see all the products and find which one I’m looking for.