Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Wash, Deep Cleansing Coconut Milk Review | Cruelty-Free

I finally been able to get my hands on an Alba Botanica skin care product. I chose the Deep Cleansing Coconut Milk facial wash because my skin seems thrive anything coconut. I've been using this awhile and I'm excited to share my thoughts on it.

Claims:
"Your skin will worship this smoothing, miracle milk cleanser.  Creamy, rich and abundant in Mother Nature's nourishment, it gently washes away any traces of the day with deeply cleansing coconut milk and pore-refining papaya enzymes.  Revitalizing ginger and soothing aloe balance the skin for a refreshed, clean feel without tightness.  Slip into smooth."

Product Details:

• Facial Wash with Deep Cleansing Coconut Milk
• Hypo-Allergenic
• No Parabens, Phthalates or Animal Testing
• pH Balanced
• 100% Vegetarian Ingredients
• Bottle Made with 100% Recycled Material  

Ingredients:

Water, C14-22 Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Certified Organic Ingredient), Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract (Certified Organic Ingredient), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (Certified Organic Ingredient), C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Panthenol, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol (Certified Organic Ingredient), Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Coumarin, Fragrance

Pros:

• Gentle to the skin
• Leaves skin feeling clean
• Leaves moisture to the skin without feeling greasy
• Doesn't strip the skin or leaves a tight, uncomfortable feeling 

Cons:

• Doesn't remove stubborn makeup

My thoughts:
This is life saver for those who deal with dry or sensitive skin due to how gentle and hydrating it is. As a person who uses makeup removing wipes (I use the Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes), I have no issue with the cleanser not removing my makeup. My skin feels bouncy and hydrated!

Would I repurchase? YES!


You can find Alba Botanica products at Walgreens or Target.

Catherine Opie at MOCA

I visited MOCA in West Hollywood on Tuesday. I got see the amazing photograph's she took of Elizabeth Taylor 's home. I absolutely adore Elizabeth Taylor! I was estatic after my visit and couldn't wait to show you all. I only narrowed it down to 5 of my favorites.

An Andy Warhol piece she had framed in her home.

Elizabeth Taylor's make up/vanity. 

Photos of her and her loved ones.

Her closet. Isn't it breathtaking?

The other side of her vanity and of course her signature perfumes displayed in the back (White Diamonds, Violet Eyes, Forever and Gardenia).

Beauty Blender vs Real Technique's Complexion Sponge

Are these sponge dupes, similar, or is one a dud?

Most of you may know about the ever so loved Beauty Blender that retails for $20. This is an amazing gizmo to blend foundation, concealer, cream products, etc. When the Real Techniques released their Complexion Sponge, which retails for $7, I had to get my hands on it. The question is; is it a dupe?

Hint: I prefer one over the other.

Does the RT sponge expand when you dampen it? 

 Yes, it expands twice it's size when it's dampened.  

Is the RT sponge soft and spongey like the Beauty Blender?

Yes. The RT is very soft and spongey. I even think is even softer than the Beauty Blender.

Does the RT sponge absorb product?

No, just like the Beauty Blender, you must dampen the sponge and product won't be absorbed into the sponge.

Do you clean the RT sponge just as you would clean the Beauty Blender?

Yes. Same concept!

Does the RT sponge stain?

No, I've had mine for 6 months or so. I have not experienced any staining.

Tip: I do clean my sponges with warm water.

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As I said before I prefer one over the other. These sponges are exactly the same but the Real Technique's sponge wins my love. What does it have that the Beauty  Blender doesn't? The flat end!

  

Well, the $13 dollar difference is a plus too.

It's perfect to press and dab product into the skin. If you want more coverage on a particular area, the end is great for that!

If you have any two products that you would love for me to do comparisons, comment down below or tag on Instagram/Twitter @nessmarg.

Daiso Haul Jan. 2016

I've abandoned my blog for a great amount of time. For those who have been awaiting a new post, I'm so sorry that I've been MIA.

On another note, I've gone a little crazy at Daiso Japan. If you haven't heard of Daiso, it's a store that sells a huge selection of imported good (mostly from Japan). A majority of the products are merely $1.50. If you love Japanese goodies, check your local Daiso.

Top; left to right

•  Moist Face Towelettes
• Pink acrylic vase (my makeup brush storage)
• Pink acrylic tray (storage for my makeup sponges)
• Peach Jelly candy
• Charcoal face mask
• Makeup remover wipes
• Exfoliater face brush (cheap alternative for Clarisonic)
• Face massager (great to tighten and plump up skin)
• Black volumizing mascara
• Brown eyebrow pencil (dupe for ABH's Brow Definer)
• Faux eyelashes (great for small eye)