Belmondo Organic Skincare

One of my New Years' Resolutions is a goal to eat more cleanly. I've extended this to all aspects of my body in efforts to live more cleanly. First on the docket: my skin. I've successfully incorporated water into my daily practise, carrying it with me everywhere. I've noticed that my skin improves when I make a conscious effort to drink water regularly. It's no wonder why I instantly fell in love with Daniela Belmondo's (Vancouver-based) organic skin care line, Belmondo; it makes my skin feel just as amazing.

I am fortunate enough to be friends with some pretty wonderful people, one of whom is Nicole. My favourite shop-owner and eco fashionista recently gifted me this travel sample set and I was instantly hooked.

If you follow this blog you know that I don't often write product-heavy posts. You also know that I don't write "sponsor posts." I write about what I like and I like Belmondo. As women, we spend countless hours poking and prodding at our faces and absorbent amounts of money on products to cover them up. For me, it was time to simplify.

Enter, Daniela: "I believe that beautiful skin comes from products derived from the earth’s pure and restorative ingredients. I’ve formulated this organic olive oil-based skin care line to protect, nourish, and enhance the natural beauty of those who use my products." I dig it. (and if that wasn't enough... she, and the company she founded, love animals, respect mama earth, think local, and are helping to build an orphanage in South Africa. What a mantra).

If you're interested in having a look at these products in person (or in giving them a smell) pop into body politic. Otherwise, the products are available online. If you end up giving any a try, I'd love to hear what you think.

Which leads me to my next questions: what is your current skin care routine? what products do you love?




(Photo courtesy of Belmondo via body politic).

sun care + faux glow

In keeping with today's safe sunning theme, I wanted to share a few of my favourite products that will protect your skin and add a faux sun-kissed glow.

sun protection.

I wear sunscreen in my moisturizer 12 months out of the year.

My favourite under-all protection is Clinique's City Block Oil-Free Protector (SPF 40). It is weightless and it doesn't sting if when you accidentally get it in your eye.

Skoah's Face Skotian (SPF 30) is another of my go-to's because it's light and it smells good (& they are a BC-based company!).



bronzing.

Bronzer is fun. Unless your Snooki.

My favourite all-over bronzer is Mac's "Refined Golden" Bronzing Powder. I've been through/ smashed about 4 compacts thus far and I'm on the market for my next.

Lorac's TANtalizer is an amazing, amazing product. Grace Potter uses it so I use it. Enough said.



Here is a great article outlining what to look out for when it comes to sunscreen safety.


Do you wear sun screen and/or bronzer? What are your favourite sun care or bronzing products?



(Photos courtesy of Clinique, Skoah, Lorac via Sephora, and Mac via Style Hop).

Melanoma Awareness.

The wife of my oldest friend recently lost her courageous battle with melanoma.

Although I wasn't fortunate enough to have known her better, her story touched me. So did the nature of this disease. Up until very recently I'm sorry to say that I was absolutely ignorant to the effects of melanoma. This fact scares me because I know I am not alone in my ignorance. For this reason, I am sharing this message through every outlet I possibly can in hopes that - through education and awareness - this aggressive disease can be overcome.

I am thoroughly impressed with the work of The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund and suggest that you visit their site. At the very least, please watch the video they produced and spread the word.


Big love, Reba. Your beautiful spirit lives on through the countless lives you touched, especially Nick's. For that, I will be forever grateful. xo.



(Film by The David Cornfield Melanoma Fund).