Live Botanical Skincare Review: Fleur de Terre Calming Serum and Skin Repair Balm

When I first came across Live Botanical's skincare and body care on Instagram, the first thing that grabbed my eye was their amazingly creative and stunningly beautiful packaging. The botanical artwork on each bottle, jar, and tin was simply stunning. When I traveled onto their page and took a closer look, I was floored by the quality of their formulations and the very careful selection of ingredients in each of their products. Once I placed my order, I reached out to the company founder Carolyn to share my excitement at finding her brand. She was so helpful and added samples other things to try to my order. After using up the ENTIRE Fleur de Terre sample bottle, I knew that I was hooked.

Fleur de Terre Calming Serum

$42

PROS:

I have been using this serum day and night for the past 4 straight weeks and have noticed a calm, less red, and smoother complexion. I feel that it has really helped strengthen my skin against daily pollutants that would generally cause me to get flushing, blushing, stinging, burning, itching, and prickly sensations. For those of use that truly fit the definition of "SENSITIVE SKIN", this light weight, golden oil has truly been a gift. I've also experienced much less of the eczema patches I was experiencing on my temples and near my neck during the winter months; however, that could also be in relation to the weather. The scent is incredibly pleasant and I love that I can very easily layer this over more treatment based serums and oils for extra hydration and suppleness.

CONS:

I have no cons with this oil serum. Perhaps the scent is a bit strong? Honestly, I do love herbal scents in my products though and this would be such a nit picky thing for me to call out haha.

FIRST IMPRESSION:

With how happy my skin has been upon first using this serum to today (nearly four weeks later), my first impression is that I would highly recommend the Fleur de Terre Calming  Serum to everyone struggling to find affordable facial care for sensitive skin prone to redness and irritation. I am so beyond thrilled that I have found something that works so well for me during the harsh Winter to Spring transition. 

INGREDIENTS:

Calendula* infused Apricot Kernal* oil, Camellia Seed* oil, Pumpkin Seed* oil, Chia Seed* oil, Meadowfoam Seed* oil, Jojoba* oil and essential oils of Clary Sage*, Chamomile*, Helichrysum*, Rose Geranium*, Rose and Lavender*

*These products shown were all purchased by me personally and I was not compensated for my honest review.

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100% Pure Bamboo Blur Tinted Moisturizer Swatches and Review

Being someone that has always appreciated medium to full coverage, I have generally steered clear of tinted moisturizers. As my skin has improved over the years, however, I find myself reaching for BB creams, CC creams, and tinted moisturizers as an option for daily wear. When I learned that 100% Pure was going to be launching a new tinted moisturizer using pore diffusing bamboo silica, there was definitely a little bit of a happy dance going on in my head. With normal/combination skin, I was already using and loving the Bamboo Blur Powder from 100% Pure to set my makeup and keep my forehead and nose shine at bay during the day. Could this new formula live up to the hype of the powder? Keep reading to find out!

Bamboo Blur Tinted Moisturizer 

$45 

Purchase here

Available in 6 Shades:

Creme- Fair/Light Complexion Neutral Undertones

White Peach- Light Complexions Warm Undertones

Sand- Light Complexions Neutral Undertones

Peach Bisque- Medium Complexions Neutral Undertones

Golden Peach- Medium/Tan Complexions Warm Undertones

Toffee- Tan Complexions Neutral Undertones

PROS:

I really liked the coverage aspect of this tinted moisturizer. Unlike many that go on sheer and do little to correct redness and uneven tone, this formula seems to provide a much more build-able coverage that effectively camouflaged the redness I get near my chin and nose. The formula also set surprisingly quickly and dried to an almost semi-matte finish which was really nice. Usually, I find that my normal BB and CC creams leave a slightly dewy finish that doesn't always work well in my combo areas. Wearing this throughout the day definitely felt comfortable and I felt no tightness or itchiness (which I typically do with most foundations on my super sensitive skin). 

CONS:

Despite really liking this formula, there were a couple things that I wish could have been improved upon slightly. With the amount of bamboo silica in the formula, you have to work extremely quickly to blend the product on to the skin. I also wish that there was some slightly warmer shades to choose from as I felt completely in between White Peach and Peach Bisque. During the day I noticed some separation between my skin and the product; however, that is fairly typical for me with most foundations and tinted 

moisturizers.

Bamboo Blur Tinted Moisturizer in White Peach and Peach Bisque

FIRST IMPRESSION:

Overall, as a tinted moisturizer I did really like the Bamboo Blur formula. I think it's a great option for lightweight coverage during the warm summer months. I think it can also be a great transition for girls that are used to heavy foundation formulas that was to ease into something lighter and more breathable. For those with oilier or combination skin types, this can definitely work to your advantage. Compared to 100% Pure's typical plastic packaging and bottles, I was ecstatic to see a heavy bottom glass bottle! The pump on this product also seems like a much higher quality than the other packaging options. For those having issues with application, I found that if I applied this over a facial oil and used a damp makeup blender I got the best results. 

INGREDIETNS:

• Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Rose Hydrosol, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado Seed) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Extracts of Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit, Camellia Sinensis (Organic White Tea) Leaf*, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Bean), Lycium Chinense (Goji Berry) Fruit and Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Extracts of Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla Wax), Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf, Origanum Vulgare (Oregano) Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Hydrastis Canadensis (Goldenseal), Turmeric Root Extract, Bamboo Silica, May contain Iron Oxides , *Certified Organic
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*I was sent product for my honest review. I did not receive payment for my review and the opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

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Wabi-Sabi Botanicals Budhi Sacha Inchi Eye Nectar

Who doesn't want smooth, youthful, and bright under eyes? Wabi-Sabi Botanicals has come to my rescue with their gorgeous red-orange Budhi Eye Nectar and given me some of the best results I've seen from an eye serum. Continue reading for the full details!

Budhi Sacha Inchi Eye Nectar
Purchase Here.  
Retail: $52

• Vegetarian 
• Vegan
• 93% Organic
• Cruelty Free

PROS:

I really liked the lightweight dry-oil texture of this eye serum. I was able to use one drop for both eyes and press the remainder onto my neck. Within in couple of days of daily use, I noticed a noticeable smoothing of the skin under my eyes so it is definitely moisturizing. When I massaged this serum under my eyes in the morning, I was pleased to get a nice well-rested look. I cannot say that it was a dramatic de-puffing, but it was a certainly noticeable effect. It has a very deep coffee scent, which I happen to love; however, if you are not a coffee fan you may not be able to handle the roasted aroma. Ive been having so many eye problems lately thanks to over use of contacts and I felt completely comfortable using this product near my eyes. I found no irritation, rashes, or eye issues in the slightest.

CONS:

It's going to sound ridiculous, but the deep orange tint of this oil is probably what strikes me the most strange. It is absolutely gorgeous in the bottle, however, some of the reddish-orange tint does show up on the skin. After a while you no longer notice it, but I'm sure those with fair to light skin tones will be a bit shocked with the tinge of red. I also feel as though I still prefer eye creams and balms to eye oils. It can be a bit difficult to apply concealer shortly after this oil and I need to make sure that it has absorbed really well into the skin.

FIRST IMPRESSION:

Over the course of the three to four weeks that I was regularly using the Budhi Sacha Inchi Eye Nectar, I truly did notice a pleasant change in the skin under my eyes. Everything seemed smoother and more firm. My little fine lines were much less noticeable and some of the dry patches from my eczema were basically invisible. The care that went into blending this formula and the results I saw, make me believe that this serum is an excellent option for those who are just starting to see tiny fine lines or are noticing the very beginning of slackening skin.

Ingredients:

Peruvian Sacha Inchi Oil*, Seabuckthorn Fruit Supercritical CO2*, Evening Primrose Oil*, Coffee Fruit Oil*, Olive Squalane*, Guava Seed Oil*,  Prickly Pear Seed Oil**, Non-GMO Mixed Tocopherols, Cacao Bean Absolute**, Tonka Bean Absolute*

*Certified Organic Ingredient **Wildcrafted ***Ethically Grown/Sourced

Ingredient Breakdown:

• Sacha Inchi Oil- With an impressive concentration of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Omega 6 Fatty Acids this lightweight oil provides excellent hydrating, barrier enhancing, and anit-inflammatory beneftis. Also present in the oil of the Sach Inchi seed are large amounts of anti-aging and skin regenerating Vitamin A and potent hydrating and anti-aging antioxidant Vitamin E.
• Seabuckthorn Fruit Oil- The oil contains fruit acids similar to AHA’s to help improve hydration. It is a rich source of vitamin c and beta carotene, and helps to support natural collagen production in the skin, promote healthy cell turnover, and improve radiance. 
• Evening Primrose Oil- Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help to reinforce skin’s natural barrier function, soothe and calm sensitive skin, soften fine lines, and improve texture. Contains Gamma-Linoleic Acid and Omega-6 fatty acids which make it excellent for it's anti-inflammatory benefits and ability to aid in the management of inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.  
• Coffee Fruit Oil- A potent source of polyphenols and ferulic acid antioxidants, can help strengthen skin’s defenses against environmental stressors, and minimize the visible signs of aging. The natural caffeine content can help to visibily tone and brighten skin. 
• Olive Squalane- Similar in structure to skin's natural sebum, this highly refined, olive derived, fast-absorbing oil provides balancing moisturization and antioxidant protection to skin.
• Guava Seed Oil- High in Omega 6 Linoleic Acid, guava is an excellent moisturizing oil to help soothe acne and improve the moisture barrier of the skin. It's lightweight texture absorbs quickly and can help to minizimze the visible appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars with it's natural regenerating Vitamin A and collagen boosting Vitamin C content.
• Prickly Pear Seed Oil- Prickly Pear or Barberry Fig Seed Oil contains the highest concentration of Vitamin E of any carrier oil available. Vitamin E is one of the most effective regenerating and anti-aging antioxidants for dry and mature skin types. With a high concentraion of Omega 6 Linoleic Acid, prickly pear seed oil is lightweight and easily abosorbed by the skin. It is an excellent emollient and can help to improve moisture retention in even the most dehydrated skin. 
• Mixed Tocopherols- Antioxidants to help extend the shelf life of oils
• Cacao Bean Absolute and Tonka Bean Absolute- natural fragrance absolutes

*I purchased this product myself and was not paid for my review. The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own :).

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