Review: InstaNatural Argan Oil Products

Hello! How is your 2015 so far? Mine has been fabulous. I've been super-motivated to get my apartment in shape. It's been driving me bonkers, so a new year felt like the perfect reason to refresh my living conditions, my wardrobe and my personal health! I bought some new jams (Sam Smith & Nicki Minaj) and I've been cleaning up old projects & organizing closets; I took a bags of stuff to Value Village and Buffalo Exchange, and now I'm focusing on inner and outer health.

 As always, I'm a huge proponent of organic beauty products. The more natural, the better! This latest Brand Backer campaign I've signed up for involves some generously-sized samples from InstaNatural. 

Over the summer, I fell in love with Josie Maran Argan Oil, but at $48 for 1.7oz., her product is not something I can afford to buy all the time. While InstaNatural's Argan Oil isn't as glam as something from Sephora (I got it through Amazon), it's just as naturally good for your skin, and the earth, as any other brand. (Or so the site claims). It's certified organic and you get 4oz for $19! That's a crazy-good deal.

The one downside is that it has a weird smell. It's cold pressed and unrefined, so you're getting pure argan funk. The smell doesn't last, though, and with use, I'm getting accustomed to it. I use it all the time. It's perfect for my sensitive skin, so I wear it under my make up. I also use it as a hair conditioner, pre-blowdry hair smoother, body lotion, bath oil, etc. etc. And I have so much of it, I don't mind sharing anymore!

The company also sent me a giant tub of their Argan Oil Hair Mask. It's super thick and smells like orange creamsicles. You're supposed to leave it in for 5-15 minutes, but I rarely have that much time in the shower, so I reserve it for my weekend baths. My hair has certainly felt softer and has been very shiny. I just have to be careful to thoroughly rinse everything, or else I'm left with hair that's a touch too shiny, if you get my drift. I wouldn't recommend it for fine hair, unless it's processed (permed or bleached). It doesn't seem to strip the color from my hair, which is another plus, but the product description doesn't say anything about it being color-safe, so be careful if you color yours.

A clean apartment, soft, healthy hair, some new accessories and new (thrifted) duds, and I'm ready to take on the rest of 2015!
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The 1.2.3. Facial

This facial is simple, natural and perfect for every skin type! The only ingredients you need are skin-friendly oils and a bowl of steaming hot water. Jojoba oil works to break up make-up and dirt, all without stripping your skin of moisture. The lavender oil gently draws out impurities. The hot water works wonders for your skin, especially if you use a lot of make-up. It opens pores, breaks up dirt and oils, and, if you have allergies or a cold, it can do wonders for a stuffy head.

Follow these easy steps to gorgeous skin:

Step 1: Oil up

 Massage 1/4 tsp Jojoba oil and 2 drops lavender oil into your skin and let sit for 5 minutes

Step 2: Steam

Boil some water and then pour it into a bowl. Sitting at a table, place a clean towel over your head and the bowl. Relax and breathe deeply. (Scalding yourself is not relaxing, so be careful!) 

Step 3: Wash

Use warm water and a gentle face soap to wash it all away.

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DIY Beauty

Skincare doesn't have to be a science and I've learned, the simpler the better. Here are two of my favorite recipes. 

 This first recipe is from a magazine, maybe Bazaar, but now I can't remember. Anyway, it's not my original idea and I'm not claiming it as such.

I got the recipe for this great facial scrub from my lovely sister. It's soothing and softening, and has a gentle cleansing effect. It's perfect for all skin types.

Recipe:

1 tsp honey

1 tsp baking soda

1-2 drops lavender oil

2 drops warm water

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Massage gently into skin in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water.

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