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I’ve come across many different green and organic brands through this process. It’s really a neat thing to see how creators choose to develop products and what they choose to use and blend. This process isn’t always seen by everyone but I feel it’s important to showcase a brand when they put their heart and soul into their craft. Often times I find products that are blended with “trendy” ingredients without much thought. Then there’s the opposite type of product creating, the kind that has someone behind it that dedicates every ounce of themselves to the process. They choose ingredients carefully, with thought, and having knowledge behind them. I have never found someone more dedicated to creating than Carolyn of Live Botanical.
Live Botanical is a small batch natural beauty brand that makes the most beautiful and effective products around. Carolyn harvests many of her own ingredients from the ground herself to create this magic and believes in the power of herbs that we can find close to home. Not only are these ingredients amazing, but they are grown and harvested more locally and reduce the carbon emissions of shipping ingredients overseas. It also provides first hand knowledge of the sourcing and quality of the product from the beginning of the growing process. Carolyn also prices her products incredibly fairly. There are so many reasons why I love this brand but the major reason is the quality of product. Some of my favourite body and skincare products of all time come from this line. So I am going to share my love of these here in a full guide and review of the live botanical line.
* This post includes some affiliate links. This means that any product purchased from my links will generate a small commission (At no extra cost to you). As always, I will only recommend brands that have passed my seal of approval and that I truly love.. these commissions help to cover Bloom + Clementine’s fees so that this website can stay alive and I can continue sharing my green beauty passion with you all. Thank you for supporting my little green space on the internet. *
Fleur De Terre Calm + Hydrate Exfoliating Serum
The calm + hydrate exfoliating serum was a game changer for my skin. I require constant exfoliation or my skin doesn’t turn over well in its own and gets too “thick” so to speak. However, too much exfoliation at too high of an intensity can be just as damaging to your skin. When my skin is properly exfoliated, I notice less breakouts, more smoothness, better absorption of other products, and overall immune skin just feels better.
This serum can be layered underneath other serums and oils and applied after cleansing and toning/misting. It is lightweight, between a water like viscosity and a gel. It absorbs immediately and is best applied to damp skin (which can be achieved by misting with a goner prior to application). It gently exfoliates as you wear over time and is one of those products that could be a great staple for many. It didn’t effect the sensitivity of my skin at all and I noticed a better canvas for other products to work better. This is one of my favourite facial skincare products from Live Botanical and I LOVE pairing this with the hyaluronic acid serum. I use two pumps of each and press into my skin before applying oils/moisturizers. I HIGHLY recommend this as daily maintenance to keep skin cell turnover consistent.
If you want even more exfoliation in your routine, you could add the Luna Nighttime exfoliating serum to be used at night. See product description below.
Ingredients:
Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Juice*, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Hydrosol*, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract*, Spiraea ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Extract*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract*, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactic Acid (vegan), Water & Acetyl Tetrapeptide-40 & Caprylyl Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin*, Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract*, Viola tricolor (Wild Pansy) Extract*, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Extract*, Sodium Hyaluronate (vegan), Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Sclerotium Gum and Pullulan
*organic
Stored in 30ml Miron Glass Bottle
Luna Enzyme Overnight Exfoliating Serum
The Luna Overnight Resurfacing Oil another skincare product from the Live Botanical line that can be used to gently yet effectively exfoliate. This is more of an oil (vs. Water based serum) that also moisturizer the skin. It contains blue tansy which gives it that beautiful scent and blue hue.
This oil should be used at night time as it could cause sensitivity to UV light. The blue tansy helps relieve any redness and sensitivity in the skin while other nourishing oils work to nourish and moisturize. I use this oil after cleaning, toning, and water based serums. It layers well over other products and doesn’t pill on the skin.
Ingredients:
Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) wax*, Argania spinosa (argan) oil*, Borago officinalis (starflower) oil*, Squalane (olive derived), Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil & Ananas sativus (pineapple) fruit, Lactobacillus/papaya fruit ferment extract & Carica papaya (papaya) seed oil, Punica granatum (pomegranate) seed oil*, Vaccinium oxycoccos (cranberry) seed oil*, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)*, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, Tanacetum annuum (blue tansy) essential oil*, Eriocephalus punctulatus (cape chamomile) essential oil* and Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil*
*organic
Luna Rose + Honey Glowing Mask
The Rose + Honey Glowing mask can be used daily to cleanse the skin or once a week as a deep treatment mask. It smells so beautiful thanks to healing herbs and raw honey. It is a thicker consistency thanks to the raw honey. This mask also contains fruit enzymes which work at exfoliating the skin of you wear it as a mask.
Honey is antibacterial, antimicrobial, a natural humectant, and a gentle natural exfoliant. This mask is great for all skin types but would be especially great for those dealing with acne. Not to mention, it is priced REALLY well for a face mask.
Ingredients:
Raw Honey*, Vegetable Glycerin*, Rosa centifolia (rose) flower*, Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) flower*, Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root*, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, Populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract*, Carica papaya extract*, Rosa canina (rose-hip) supercritical extract* and Salvia hispanica (chia) seed extract*, Matricaria recutita (chamomile) essential oil* and Rosa damascena (rose) absolute
Aer Aloe + Green Tea Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid has gained a claim to fame in the skincare world and it’s not surprising as it can really takes your skincare to the next level. Hyaluronic acid can hold 1000x it’s weight in water, making it an incredible hydrator for the skin. It’s also well known to speed wound healing, so would be a great addition to a routine for acne prone and redness skin types.
Live Botanical has created this vegan hyaluronic acid serum which is blended with the soothing effects of aloe Vera and green tea. This serum is between a water like consistency and a gel. It absorbs right into the skin and is best applied to damp skin. You should be applying this serum after cleansing and toning/misting and before heavier oils, moisturizers and balms.
This hyaluronic acid will help the skin retain its water content which means it’s a great option for those with dehydrated skin. It is also a great option for winter time when the seasonal changes wreak havoc on our skin barrier.
As mentioned above, I LOVE applying this with the fleur de terre exfoliating serum. I mix two pups of each and press into my skin following cleaning and misting with a hydrosol toner. I follow up with a facial oil and/or balm. The whipped babassu oil (balm) created an amazing trip with these two serums (see product description below).
Ingredients:
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Juice*, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) hydrosol*, Lactobacillus Ferment and Sodium Hyaluronate (vegan)
Luna Nourishing Cleansing Oil
I adore the Luna Nourishing cleansing oil AND the oil cleansing method in general. I rarely use regular cleansers (they have to be REALLY good for me to sway from cleansing oils). Oil cleansing is an incredible practice for the skin and is especially great for those with unbalanced oil/sebum production or acne. Oil cleansing helps the skin balance out oil production, it does not leave the skin stripped from natural oils which could cause your skin to over produce oils and could lead to clogged pores or blemishing.
It is SO nourishing and is one of the most effective and gentle ways to remove make up. If I am wearing make up I ensure that I double cleanse, if not, one cleansing is enough (this rule should go for all methods of cleansing.. you don’t realize the amount of makeup you leave behind sometimes).
The Luna nourishing cleansing oil is so lovely. It is a less viscose cleansing oil, meaning it isn’t too thick. Those who are new to oil cleansing would appreciate the texture of this oil cleanser as it is a good transition from regular cleansers. It has the most intoxicating herbal scent thanks to all of the organic herbs that help nourish and calm the skin while washing. The blend of carrier oils in this cleanser are also impressive and deliver extra nutrition to your face.
How to oil cleanse:
1. Add 5-7 pumps of oil cleanser into the palm of your hands.
2. Apply to dry skin and rub in circles to loosen debris, makeup, pollutants from the surface of the skin.
3. Use a warm wet cloth to remove the oil.
4. Follow with either a double cleanse or continue onto toner/mist, serum, moisturizer.
5. Enjoy supple and fresh skin!
Ingredients:
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil*, Camellia sp. (green tea) seed oil*, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) wax*, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm)*, Lavandula angustifolia (lavender)*, Prunella vulgaris (heal-all)*, Rosa damascena (rose)*, Matricaria recutita (chamomile)*, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract
Aer Blue Tansy + Babassu Balancing whipped Oil
The Balancing Whipped Oil is such a unique skincare product and it added SO much moisture to my skin. I used this for extra moisturizing and applied it OVER my face oils as a balm but this could be used on its own as a face oil of sorts. The consistency is a whipped balm that melts into a viscose face oil in the warmth of your hands. The texture is so luxurious and the blue hue and beautiful tansy smell is intoxicating.
The name “whipped oil” might confuse some as it is not a liquid but a whipped balm. I would say it’s a medium viscosity in terms of face balms and it just melts into the skin. This is a product I would use at night mostly. When I layer this over other facial oils, I wake up in the morning with the most dewy and plump skin that’s filled to the brim with moisture. You can use this after serums as a moisturizer without other oils as well if you prefer not to use both. It’s just pure skincare magic.
I love layering this whipped oil over the Fleur De Terre Exfoliating Serum And Hyaluronic Serum. My skin is VERY happy with this trio. Redness is reduced incredibly, my skin turnover is on point and the moisture barrier of my skin is happy happy. Highly recommend this trio to anyone with sensitive skin that requires a little extra love. It does the trick without being too harsh and potentially angering the skin.
Ingredients:
Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil*, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Vitus vinifera (Grape) seed oil*, Passiflora Incarnata (Passionfruit) Seed Oil*, Lavandula Spp. (Lavender) extract*, Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Extract and Prunella Vulgaris Extract* and essential oils of Tanacetum annuum (Blue Tansy)*, Juniperus communis* and Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender)*
*organic
Fleur De Terre Clary Sage + Chamomile Calming Serum
The Fleur de Terre Calming Serum is a real winner in my books. I adore facial oils, they have helped tremendously in curing my acne years ago and they deliver so much glow and suppleness that I just cant see myself living without them. Your skin needs oil and if it doesn’t feel it is getting enough, it will overproduce sebum to rectify the deficit. So instead of allowing your skin to overwork and create acne causing sebum, break it’s cycle and give it healthy doses of beneficial oils that will do the opposite. This oil contains one of my absolute favourite skin care ingredients, chia seed oil. I don’t know what it is about this oil but my skin agrees with it wholeheartedly. I can always tell when chia seed oil is blended into a product because it creates a luminous texture like no other. This facial oil is a blend of organic oils, essential oils and herbal infusions. It delivers the same cooling and anti-inflammatory effects as the toner with the addition of Calendula and Clary Sage. The smell of this oil is very herbal but so intoxicating (in the best way). It reminds me of being at a spa and sinks so quickly into my skin to create a silky finish. This oil would be ideal for anyone with rosascea, redness prone, or acne prone skin.
Ingredients:
Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil *, Salvia hispanica (chia) seed oil*, Camellia japonica (green tea) oil*, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil*, Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) wax, Calendula officinalis (marigold) flower extract*, Rosa centifolia (rose) flower extract*, Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) flower extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) flower exract*, Eriocephalus punctulatus (cape chamomile) essential oil*, Salvia sclarea (clary sage) essential oil*, Helichrysum italicum (immortelle) essential oil*, Pelargonium graveolens (rose geranium) supercritical extract* and Rosa damascena (rose) otto*
*organic
Oceania Body Cream
The Oceania body cream has been a favourite of mine since I first tried it years ago. There’s nothing like it in green beauty. If you love body butters, this one is magical! So many beautifully mixed ingredients for the skin with a scent that is so heavenly I cant stop smelling myself when I use it! The scent is so similar to the infamous ‘coconut and lime’ aroma that has been used for years in bath and body products and considering this was one of my go to’s back in the day, I am happy to be reunited with something that brings the same aromatic experience. In fact, I would vouch that it smells even better as I can sense a slight addition of vanilla to the blend which rounds it out beautifully and creates a richer aroma. The body butter is something I’ve added to my daily ritual and it has transformed my dry winter skin to soft and supple. The smell is so intoxicating and it lasts for hours after applying which is a rarity when dealing with some natural beauty brands. On days where I have to run out of the house quickly, I always manage to at least melt some of this butter into my hands so I can experience the calm that this bouquet brings me throughout the day. This is green beauty luxury at it’s finest and in this case, a virtual scratch and sniff sticker would be a dream (I’m not sure the world of technology is there yet so you’ll just have to take my word on this one).
Ingredients:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil*, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Styrax Benzoin Resin, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil (bergaptene free)*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Citrus aurantifolia (Lime) Oil*, Citrus aurantium (Neroli) Oil* and Amyris balsamifera bark oil
*organic
Oceania Coconut Milk Bath
The Oceania Coconut Milk Bath partners the Body Butter perfectly. With the same scent profile, these two products used in conjunction will have everyone wondering why you smell so enchanting. The milk bath is the perfect self care ritual (especially for the busiest of women who need a little ‘relax and rewind’). After the bath, I noticed just how soft my skin was from absorbing the coconut milk’s rich vitamins and minerals. Coconut Milk naturally contains magnesium which has long been known for its ability to relax and calm our senses, nervous systems, muscles, joints, and mind. The Coconut Milk is blended with essential oils of Bergamot, Lavender, Lime and most uniquely Benzoin essential oil (which is responsible for the soft vanilla-esque aroma). This is my first time ever hearing of Benzoin EO and after discovering that it has a plethora of benefits (anti depressant, relaxant, sedative, vulnerary, disinfectant, antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties) I am so happy that it’s finally found its way into my beauty routine. This Coconut Milk bath is a little ‘dip of the toes’ into heaven and the perfect addition to anyones self care routine (particularly before bed due to its calming effect).
Ingredients:
Dehydrated Coconut Milk*, Pink Himalayan Salt, Acacia Fiber*, Tapioca Maltodextrin (from yucca root*), essential oils of Benzoin*, Bergamot* (bergaptene free), Lime* and Lavender*
*organic
Arnica & Clary Sage Moon Cycle Cream
The Moon Cycle Balm is something I was eager to try as I have always had painful cramping surrounding my cycle. In the last 5 years I have found some non-pharmaceutical healing from castor oil packs, but these can be messy and take quite a bit of time. Not to mention, I don’t have much luck sitting with castor oil soaked flannel on my stomach while a toddler climbs all over me, that would be a mess! A balm that I can apply and let work its magic is something I never knew I needed until now. As soon as those deep cramps came on in my abdomen and lower back, it was game time. I rubbed the balm over the areas where I was experiencing pain and felt a subtle shift in intensity after about 30 minutes or so. I almost didn’t notice as I was going about my busy day while the cramping was lessening. I used this balm for about 4 days and I continue to be in awe of how herbs and homeopathics can alter physical and mental ailments. In fact, Arnica is a homeopathic I use quite often with my daughter, little did I know it was something that would benefit me as well. This balm is a favourite among Live Botanical customers and stockists, and I can certainly see why. Our cycles are a natural process, and while they do come with some unwanted side effects, using pharmaceutical intervention will only mask the issues, cause further health problems, and affect your hormones which in turn cause symptoms to worsen in a ironic circle of events. As someone who has dealt with her fair share of hormonal imbalances and all of the baggage that comes with that, I have never felt so free of those pesky symptoms as I do now that I live a natural lifestyle. Many times, intense hormonal symptoms are a product of what goes in and onto our bodies. Before reaching for that bottle of pills, perhaps shift your thinking and ask yourself what the root of the problems could be. Then work at making small shifts in your self care routine to locate possible problem areas. I am delighted that Moon Cycle Balm worked so well and will be a part of my monthly self care ritual.
Ingredients:
Arnica* and Goldenrod* infused Pumpkin Seed* and Sunflower Seed* oils, Beeswax*, Jojoba*, essential oils of Frankincense*, Clary Sage*, Rose Geranium*, Myrrh, Lavender*, Helichrysum* and Rose Absolute
*organic
I will continue to add more Live Botanical products to this post as I test them. To shop Live Botanical you can find the shop HERE.
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