Evercle̅n Skincare

Of all of the skin problems that ail us, among the most tenacious is sensitivity.  If you suffer from sensitive skin, you know that even a search for facial cleanser alone means an hour or two spent in the beauty aisles, hunting down a soap-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance free concoction.  Unfortunately, if you're trying to do the whole natural beauty thing, this is even more of a challenge, especially if you're particularly sensitive to essential oils.

But, the sensitive skinned among us can rejoice because Evercle̅n has the answer to your prayers with their line of products that "say no" to soap, fragrance, parabens, gluten, phthalates, petroleum, colors, DEA’s and sodium lauryl sulfate.  Shew! What a mouthful! But you get it. Evercle̅n is basically giving people with sensitive skin a chance at using natural products and I love it!

Their line includes a face cream, facial cleanser, facial toner, hand cream, eye cream and body lotion.  Of all of these products, I favored both the face cream* and the body lotion*. Though I couldn't use the face cream all over my entire face due to a glycerin sensitivity, I used it as an eye cream and it was light and incredible.  Actually, if you're looking for a natural alternative to the not-so-natural sensitive skin favorite, Cerave, this would be an amazing option.

*Photo via betterlife.com

Another of their products I really loved was the body lotion.  Very similar in texture to the face cream, the body lotion is non-greasy, but very moisturizing. It's not often that one comes across a combination like this in a body lotion.  Usually you're left sacrificing moisture for non-greasiness or vice versa.

*Photo via betterlife.com

If you've got sensitive or intolerant skin, I highly suggest you take a look at Evercle̅n's products.  The entire line can be purchased here (and at very reasonable prices, if you ask me).

Have you tried these products? Are you as happy as I am about a natural line that isn't fragranced?

The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost.  Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Paxton 1345

When it comes to loungewear, everyone has their preferences.  Some like a comfy sweatpant and others prefer the flannel approach. I myself am a cotton boxer kind of girl. My love of boxers all started with this one pair I bought from American Eagle for no reason in the ninth grade.  They were covered in gold fish and beer, which is not exactly a winning combination if you're looking to feel cute or girly.  Eventually, though, I graduated to different patterns: striped, neon cassette tapes, etc., but something was always lacking in the structure and style.  Thankfully, my recent discovery of Paxton 1345 has been a total boxer game changer.

The Nevis Boxers  *Photo via Paxton1345.com

Paxton 1345 is one of the best companies to go to if you're looking for lounge pants and boxers structured specifically for women (and men too!). With a slogan like "Not your daddy's boxers!," you can expect anything but stiff or boring from Paxton 1345. Plus, the Turkish cottons they use are so incredibly soft, creating the perfect boxer experience every time. 

The Matira Boxers *Photo via Paxton1345.com

As far as styles and colors go, Paxton 1345 offers a variety.  I had the chance to try out a pair of both the Nevis* and Matira* boxers from the Nautical Collection. The Nevis boxers are covered in an adorable nautical pattern and the Matira boxers are a cotton chambray in a light red color.  I love both pairs, but I am especially fond of the Matira boxers.  There's just something I love about cotton chambray. 

Me and my faves on Christmas morning!

But, if all this talk of patterns and soft cotton wasn't enough to interest you, there's more. All of Paxton 1345's boxers and pants are monogrammable, meaning you can personalize each pair with your own initials or with your sorority's letters, amongst many other things. So, although it may be a little late to purchase Christmas gifts, these would make the perfect gift idea for your boyfriend's birthday or you sister's wedding shower! Plus, I've got a sweet discount for you.  Use the promo code: SimplySkin15 and receive 15% off your purchase on Paxton1345.com!

What about you? Do you have a preference when it comes to loungewear? How do you feel about boxers?


The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost.  Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Makeup Crush Monday: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color

Happy (almost) holidays, lovely readers.  If you're like me, you've fully begun to embrace the Christmas spirit and are swapping study time for hot cocoa-and-movies-with-the-roomies sessions despite the fact that yes, finals are coming.  Actually, it's funny how much more productive I am in school unrelated matters when school should be the only thing that matters.

For instance, I had time to paint my nails this weekend (something I haven't done since September). And, instead of going to the oxblood trend of the season, I went with my trusty Diamonds and Rubies by Sally Hansen.  You say passé, I say classic.  Plus, it reminds me of stockings and Santa's suit.  What can I say? I'm a sucker for the holiday season!

What nail polish are you sporting today? Have you decided to go with the trends or get back to the basics like me?

Weekend Ramblings: Binchotan Charcoal by Morihata

Just a few weeks ago I was rambling on about The October Union's Charcoal Detox Mask + Spot Fix, and today, I have a couple more charcoal gems to share with you.  My latest and greatest discoveries include the Binchotan Facial Puff* and Binchotan Toothbrush* by Morihata International.

Morihata, started by Kaz and Yuka Morihata, is a wholesale business with a Japanese twist.  They began by selling mostly home goods and similar products, but after they discovered all of the benefits of charcoal for the body, they developed a line of charcoal products to add to their offerings. Binchotan Charcoal originates from the Kishu region of Japan where artisans have been heating and rapidly cooling oak branches to create it for centuries. It's known for purifying and enhancing blood circulation.  The Morihata Binchotan Charcoal product line includes: Kishu Binchotan Charcoal Sticks, Binchotan Toothbrush, Binchotan Pumice Stone, Binchotan Facial Soap, Binchotan Facial Puff, Binchotan Charcoal Body Scrub Towel and Binchotan Eye Mask.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try the Binchotan Facial Puff* because I am already addicted to konjac sponges (see this post and this post).  I was even more pleased to discover that this particular "facial puff" is one of the more cleansing ones I've tried. The Binchotan Charcoal is definitely a contributing factor in this.

Also, another of their products that I was particularly fascinated by is the Binchotan Toothbrush*.  Not only were the black bristles cool, but the fact that this toothbrush is infused with actual charcoal is pretty awesome as well.  I haven't found that it cleans my teeth and better or worse than my trusty Crest toothbrush, but it definitely has a little more sex appeal (if toothbrushes can have that).

If you would like to try out the Binchotan Charcoal products for yourself, they can be purchased here.  And even if you don't buy anything, I would highly suggest a visit to Morihata's website.  They have some incredible and unique products to offer.

So, what is your opinion on these charcoal products?  Do you believe the hype?

The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost.  Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Wednesday Roundup

A little prancercising here and some black booties there, check out this Wednesday Roundup to see what I'm loving this week!

Work It
As a YouTube connoisseur, I was surprised when my friends showed me this video I'd never seen before. I wouldn't workout like this in public myself, but I can totally appreciate her confidence (not to mention her killer pink cardigan and ankle weights).

Watch It
Tell me this: is there one single person alive who doesn't appreciate an adorable puppy/baby interaction?  I think not.

Wear It
Today's "Wear It" is a smidge biased as I just bought something similar to the shoes below, but as many of you know ankle booties are very in as of late.  This adorable pair by Jessica Simpson is affordable and also available in dark brown and a lighter taupe-y brown.

Want It
When it comes to holiday festivities, you always want to look like the best, most sparkly holiday version of yourself.  The Marc Jacobs Beauty Lightshow Luminizing Powder will help you achieve a glow which rivals that of someone who just found 50 Tiffany's boxes beneath her Christmas tree.

How are you working, watching, wearing or wanting it this week?