Etsy Pick Of The Week: Rainwater Botanicals

*UPDATE*
I originally posted this on Sunday May 20th. Unfortunately, for reasons not clear to me, Blogger decided to delete it. Lucky for me, it was early on after publishing, and there were no entries in Rafflecopter. Enjoy!

Happy Sunday Readers! 

This week I would like for you to meet Rainwater Botanicals! 

Image: etsy.com

Imagine this....

The scene is beautiful Pacific Beach, Washington, 1999. A group of friends are camping, and everyone is having an awesome time. There is only one problem. Every single person in the group suffered cuts and scrapes during the day's hike. They hurt. But, sigh. They have nothing to apply to their minor wounds because back then they could not find a healing, all natural salve to soothe their boo boos.

The group took this problem and created their own. Rainwater Botanicals Healing Salve  was born in 2000 and quickly gained a cult following among friends and family. Due to word of mouth, the Healing Salve's popularity grew. Inspired by the salve's new fame, the group began sending out samples of the natural healer, and the brand continued to receive positive feedback.

In 2004, the new company started to formulate several other skin care collections, and opened up their Etsy store in 2008. The company vows to only sell products that they believe in. And to take this promise even further, each and every product is tested by the folks behind the brand before selling to the public. They only buy raw materials from reputable sources, all products are free of parabens, phtalates, and sulfates. Also, all of their shipping materials are recycled and/or reused. TOTALLY GREEN COMPANY GUYS! 


I would also like to point out that the products are all reasonably priced. I find this to be truly amazing, since the formulations, ingredients, and packaging are of such high quality!

The Interview-

1. What inspired you to start making your own beauty products?

At the time when I started making natural goodies there just wasn't much available, even in the health food stores. I knew what I wanted and what I didn't but there was no place to buy it so....I made it.

2. Tell me about your biggest success since opening Rainwater Botanicals.

Probably coming up with a deodorant that is natural and works for most people. I knew there was a demand as many of the so called "natural" deodorants either don't work well or aren't exactly natural. Hopefully soon we are coming out with a sensitive skin deodorant to add to the lineup as well as a liquid for those who prefer.

3. What is the one product from Rainwater Botanicals that you cannot live without?

The Troubled Skin Serum...for sure! Without it things get real bad for my skin. Ha ha ha. I never want to be without. The soap is pretty important too!

The Products-

Troubled Skin Facial Cream

Facial Cream for Troubled Skin


$10.00 for a 1oz jar

This healing cream provides nourishing moisture without greasiness. Nature’s soothers treat redness and calm irritation. Packaged in a glass bottle with a pump dispenser. 

*Superstar Ingredients*

Tamanu Oil- Ultra-moisturizing, antimicrobial qualities, and is capable of healing acne. 
Frankincense- Antibacterial, helps treat existing acne breakouts and scars. Also fights against aging. 
Black Willow- Natural source of aspirin-like chemicals that reduce redness and cystic acne. 
Lactic Acid- An Alpha-Hydroxy acid used widely used in rejuvenation products. A gentle, yet effective anti-aging treatment. 
MSM- Softens skin and gives your skin cells the permeability to absorb beneficial nutrients while flushing out toxic waste.

Troubled Skin Facial Cream

This face cream has a very unique texture. It is light and fluffy. Almost mousse-like. I do think that this is really important since troubled skin tends to be on the oily side. The cream absorbs quickly, and leaves no trace of anything behind. You are only left with hydrated skin. The fragrance is very light and disappears after sinking into skin.

Antioxidant Facial Serum 

Antioxidant Facial Serum Woodland Berry

$9.00 for a 1oz jar
Using natural ingredients rich in antioxidants, this serum effectively combats the signs of aging. The serums natural essential oils, extracts, and plant oils make skin glow with health.

*Superstar Ingredients*
All of these beneficial, hydrating oils:
Plum Kernel, Apricot Kernel, Blackberry Seed, Pumpkin Seed, Carrot Seed, Organic Rose Hip, Pomegranate, Jojoba, Olive Squalane, and Vitamin E.
This serum has quickly become one of my favorite skin care products. First of all it smells amazing. Like fresh blueberries. Second, it truly does make you glow! I know the thought of putting all of these oils on your face terrifies you, but trust me. Your skin will look amazing! The serum is contained in a glass bottle with a dropper dispenser. I have been using it day and night. I place three to four drops in my hand, rub my palms together, and apply all over my face and neck. LOVE IT!

Eye Serum with Carrot Seed Oil and  Olive Squalane

Eye Serum with Carrot Seed Oil and Olive Squalane

$9.00 for a .5oz jar 

Diminishes fine lines and hydrates the delicate eye area. Never oily or shiny and can be used under makeup.

*Superstar Ingredients* 
Olive Squalane- This is one of the major components in human sebum so it has a natural affinity to skin. Prevents moisture loss and restores suppleness.
Castor Oil- Rich in fatty acids and acts as a humectant because it draws moisture to itself.
Carrot Seed Oil- A long time darling of natural skin care products. Nourishes, tightens, revitalizes, and rejuvenates skin. Also reduces skin problems resulting from sun exposure due to its high level of natural UV protection.  

Again, this will not make your face oily. I absolutely loved this eye serum. My eye area is always so dry and I frequently reapply eye cream during the day. Ever since I have started using this eye serum, my eye area has been bothering me much less.  I feel hydrated and look all bright eyed. 

Walnut and Elm Facial Scrub

Walnut and Elm Facial Scrub

$10.00 for a 3 oz jar

Finely ground walnut shells, healing organic oils, and herbs exfoliate dead skin cells. 

*Superstar Ingredients* 
Glycerin and Castor Oil- Hydrate and plump skin.
Slippery Elm and Organic Rose hips- Provide gentle exfoliation.
Baking Soda- Polishes and balances skin.

Oh my, how I love a good face scrub. This scrub will most likely last me forever. It is very dense and feels like sand. You only need the smallest pea-sized amount. Wet your face, mix your pea with a touch of water and scrub. Gently though, as this is very abrasive. I like it rough though. Rinses easily.

Healing Earth Soap
Image: etsy.com
Stock Photo, sorry.

Healing Earth Facial Soap with Double Distilled Witch Hazel

$5.50 for a 3 oz bar

Treats combination skin and helps minimize the look of pores. Effectively removes makeup.
*Superstar Ingredients* 
Double Distilled Witch Hazel- Widely used in skin care products as a mild facial astringent. Treats blemishes, cleanses oil from skin, and it is beneficial for all skin types.
Kaolin Clay- Gently exfoliates and cleanses skin. Mild drying and disinfectant properties help to heal existing pimples while preventing new ones from forming.
Organic Helichrysum Extract- Rejuvenates and heals skin while antioxidant qualities reduce free-radical damage thus preventing premature aging.


I honestly thought that this would be a miss for me. Generally I am not a fan of using bar soaps on my face because they are usually very drying. When my oily skin dries out it goes into oily sebum producing overtime creating an eve oilier mess than what I had before. Speckled with pimples. Not pretty. This soap did not dry my face out though. After cleansing with it my face did not feel tight at all. Not the miss I predicted after all. It's a hit baby.


I took this picture exactly two weeks after starting my new Rainwater Botanicals skincare routine. This picture was taken immediately following use of the soap, scrub, eye serum, face serum, and troubled face cream. I really wanted to show you guys how healthy and gorgeous my skin looks. That sounds all vain and awful, but seriously! Just look at it! 

GLOWING!

I also wanted to prove by showing my face immediately after applying two oil based products to my face, day and night, for fourteen days, that my skin did not freak out. The beneficial oils used in these products did not leave me face decorated with pimples. Also, my skin is not shiny AT ALL. I dare you to find a trace of oil or shine! It's impossible!

Do you know what is possible though? Finding the worst hair ever because it's on my head in this picture. Terrible hair though. Just terrible. One of these days I will get it together and all parts of me will look good in a picture. Really great skin, really awful hair.

Monoi de Tahiti Hand and Body Cream

Monoi de Tahiti Hand and Body Cream

$12.50 for a 4.5 oz jar

Luxe hand and body cream drenches skin in moisture. The scent is a soft whisper of ultra-feminine Gardenia. The fragrance is all natural and produced using the Tahitian method of infusing coconut oil with Tiare Gardenia. The flower is placed in coconut oil and left to sit. The longer it sits, the more fragrance is infused into the oil. Divine.
*Superstar Ingredients* 
Organic Hibiscus Extract- Antioxidant and skin toning properties.
Organic Rosewater and Organic Aloe- Provide additional moisture.
Organic Olive Oil- 100% cold pressed ad extra virgin from high quality Tunisian olives.

This cream has also become a favorite. It sits on my nightstand and I coat my entire body with it before going to sleep. The fragrance is TO DIE FOR. I find it calming while falling asleep. When I wake up, my skin is soft, moisturized, and has a gorgeous, toned appearance. In fact, the cream is so intensely hydrating that it even my always dry feet are now smooth. 

Sweet Almond Body Lotion

Sweet Almond Body Lotion

$10.00 for a 6 oz tube

A non-greasy, light lotion scented with delicious Bitter Almond, Vanilla, and Bergamot essential oils.
*Superstar Ingredients* 
Organic Aloe, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil and Organic Geranium- Efficiently hydrate and soften skin.

Are you eating something???

This is a very light-weight lotion that absorbs very fast, and leaves skin super silky and smooth. It smells so good! Like yummy cookies! As you can see from the picture, my dog Buster sprinted into the bathroom right after I applied this to my leg. Coincidence? I don't think so. The Almond Body Lotion smells so realistic and sweet, that he thought I was hiding in the bathroom eating scrumptious cookies without him.  

Madagascar Big Bath Soap

Madagascar Big Bath Soap

$6.75 for a 6 oz bar

Madagascar is scented with warm Vanilla and spicy Ylang-Ylang. Does not contain artificial soap dyes or irritating fragrance.
*Superstar Ingredients* 
Kaolin Clay- Helps the soap produce a cushiony lather.

Just like the bar facial soap I talked about earlier, the Madagascar soap blew my mind. What a giant bar of soap! A whopping 6 oz people! HUGE! It was super moisturizing and I was able to use the lather to shave my legs without drying or irritation. Oh, and the smell....sweet and clean.

Dead Sea Salt Spray with Virgin Coconut

Dead Sea Salt Spray with Virgin Coconut

$9.00 for a 4 oz bottle

Dead Sea Salt is a fantastic natural way to make your hair look all "just spent all day at the beach sexy." 
*Superstar Ingredients* 
Dead Sea Salt- Nutrient rich ingredient that keeps hair silky and adds fullness.
Organic Virgin Coconut- Nourishes and hydrates hair. Enhances the beachy feel with its unmistakable summery scent.
Organic Aloe- Adds an extra layer of much needed moisture to the hair.

OMG. I DIED. 


First of all I feel like I have mentioned before that one of my daily beauty goals is to smell like I am surrounded  by a fluffy vanilla and coconut scented cloud. Rainwater Botanicals Dead Sea Salt Spray is impeccable, and helps me get one step closer to my goal. Hair care perfection beach bunnies! Obviously, I have been using this non-stop. When used on wet hair it helps my mane to dry shiny, full, and helps my natural wave look gorgeous. On dry hair this miracle spray refreshes and adds fullness to my limp mid-day hair. I also use it wet before blow drying. The Sea Salt adds lush texture and the Coconut smooths. This product is absolutely a must have. In addition to the Coconut formula, there are two other versions of this spray. One contains only Dead Sea Salt and the second is a Monoi de Tahiti version, which if the cream is any indication, probably smells out of this world. All soft and feminine. It's on my list!


Phew! That was a lot of reviewing, but SO WORTH IT!

I really and truly LOVED everything that was sent to me. The standouts in my opinion were the Woodland Blueberry Serum, the Carrot Seed Oil Eye Serum, and the Dead Sea Coconut Spray. Now that I know that these game changing products exist, I can never life my life without them. And the fact that they are all natural and made using top notch ingredients makes me smile. I can be obsessive and indulge in these products as much as I want to without worrying if I will experience a reaction or if yucky chemical ingredients will cause long term damage.

Want to find out even more about the delightful brand? Visit Rainwater Botanicals on their website or browse their Etsy Shop. To stay in the loop with all of their latest news and specials, like their Facebook page.

Huh? What's that?

You want to try Rainwater Botanicals for yourself??

Well my sweet readers you can! Along with some other stuff!

Check it out!

I am giving away an awesome set of stuff! If you are the lucky winner your prize will include:

Set of deluxe samples from Rainwater Botanicals including Madagascar Perfume Oil, Natural Deodorant in Lavender Vanilla and Patchouli Citrus, Brightening Facial Cream with Zinc Sunscreen, and an adorable tiny jar of the Intensive Eye Cream.

A full size tube of the Sweet Almond Body Lotion.

A full size tube of Beecology's Buzz Balm Peppermint Lip Balm. You can read my review of it here.

And a brown pouch containing a mystery item! Ooooo! What could it be?? Only the winner will know!

So what do you have to do to win this amazing prize? Just complete the entries on the Rafflecopter below and keep your fingers crossed!



a Rafflecopter giveaway






*The products featured in this post were sent to me directly from Rainwater Botanicals in exchange for my review/consideration/promotion. Please know that the opinions and thoughts expressed by me in each and every one of my posts are of my making, and always will be. I promise to my sweet readers to guide them through the wonderful world of beauty with truthful content that helps, rather than hinder their decision making processes.* 

Etsy Pick of the Week, Baltimore Edition, Volume 2

Happy Sunday Friends!


Are you ready for my Etsy Pick of the Week? Grab a snack, kick back, and relax.


This week, the second Baltimore edition, I would like to introduce you to Becca and Mars.

Image: etsy.com

The brand's philosophy is "Have fun, relax, feel good. Treat yourself or someone you love". 


I can get down with that!


Becca and Mars started a few years ago among friends with similar interests. The group took their love of natural beauty and combined it with their knowledge and passion for aromatherapy, formed a plan, and started handcrafting gifts for friends and family. Their creations were adored by all who were lucky enough to receive them, and eventually the demand for their beauty products became so large that they decided to develop their own line of bath and body products using 100% natural ingredients. Becca and Mars products are made in small batches to ensure freshness and then packaged in recycled materials. The goal of the brand is to make products to help you look and feel your best. Honestly who doesn't want a little help when it comes to that?

Winter Night Collection
Image: etsy.com 

I was sent three products to try. Two from the Winter Night Bath and Body Collection and one from their Mask and Scrub Collection. 

When I read the fragrance description for Winter Night I knew I would fall in love with it. I love warm spicy fragrances and this one was exactly what I was hoping for. Imagine a chilly night, you are sitting near a fire, sipping warm chai tea....No wait! Even better.... it smells like Christmas. Yes. That is what Winter Night smells like. Cozy and toasty with warming spices of clove and ginger blended with winter citruses orange, lemon and bergmont. It is gorgeous and perfect.

Winter Night Bath Oil $13.00/80z

Winter Night Bath Oil
Image: etsy.com

This fragrant oil is formulated with rice bran oil to soften and nourish the skin. The comforting smell of Winter Night surrounds you and soothes your mind and body. I have been using a few capfuls in my toddlers bath at night and it really works well at leaving her skin hydrated after toweling off. The oil has been great for moisturizing my cuticles, and has come in handy when I treat my husband to a back massage. In fact, this was the only oil I have used for massages that he has not complained about the smell. So bonus points there! I love this oil and am really happy that I found so many ways to use it. The only thing I would change about it is the packaging. I love the amber hued bottle but pouring the oil out can get a little messy. Adding a pump would make dispensing much easier. 

Winter Night Hand Candy Sugar Scrub $9.50/8oz

Winter Night Hand Candy Sugar Scrub
Image: etsy.com

Yes you read that price right! $9.50 for a whopping 8oz jar of this delightful scrub! Becca and Mars Hand Candy Sugar Scrub Collection was inspired by the owner's small children. Small children mean germs and grime. And these germ nervous mamas wash their grimy hands (and their children's) frequently. They found themselves wanting a product that would effectively clean their hands without drying out their skin. Enter Hand Candy Sugar Scrub.

This was hands down the most unique scrub I have ever experienced. The exfoliator is obviously sugar and it is part of what makes this scrub different from other sugar scrubs I have used. I have no idea how Becca and Mars make this magic happen, but the texture of the sugar is like the fluffiest, softest snow you have ever touched. The sugar is super fine and totally non-abrasive. The second thing that makes this scrub stand apart from others is the fact that you cannot see or feel any oil at all. But oil is what makes up half of the scrub. Apricot Oil moisturizes and essential oils add the warm Winter Night fragrance. It's amazing to see. I really think that if I turned my jar upside down the tiny particles of sugar would just pour out. The sugar particles don't stick together or harden up like the sugar does in any other scrub I have used. It's mind blowing!

I have been using the scrub on my hands since receiving it and it really has made a difference in how my hands look and feel. I no longer find myself running to find hand lotion after washing my hands, and scrubbing down before a manicure makes the polish look a thousand times better. You can also use this on your body (which I have been doing as well) and the results are the same. Smooth, glowing, hydrated skin without irritation. Also, you don't look like you coated yourself in Crisco. Crisco glow is never a good look.

Winter Night Essential Oil Aromatherapy Blend $15.00

Winter Night Essential Oil Aromatherapy Blend
Image: etsy.com

I should mention while I am talking about the Winter Night Collection that the last product in the trio is the Winter Night Essential Oil Aromatherapy Blend. While I did not try this product I can tell you that it contains the same essential oils as the other products and therefore  smells exactly like the other Winter Night potions.  I am going to guess that this is the essential oil blend that Becca and Mars uses to infuse the Bath Oil and Hand Candy Sugar Scrub with the wonderful Winter Night fragrance. Ginger and clove essential oils are used for warming and anchoring, and the citrus essential oils are uplifting. You cannot apply this undiluted to your skin, but there are plenty of ways you can use it! Add twenty drops to a teaspoon of milk or oil and pour into a steamy hot bath. Or add ten or so drops to your favorite fragrance diffuser. I think I will purchase the Aromatherapy Blend for this reason alone. I use a diffuser every day to fragrance my home and I cannot think of a better "home" smell than Winter Night.

The last product I am going to talk about before I get to the interview is....

Lavender Love Mask And Scrub $10.00/4oz and $18.00/8oz

Lavender Love Mask and Scrub
Image: etsy.com

The Lavender Love Mask and Scrub is a multi-tasking miracle formulated with cornmeal and almond meal to provide gentle exfoliation, and Becca and Mars' pure essential oil blend to revitalize skin and clear your mind. It smells heavenly. The lavender smell is not at all artificial (I really hate artificial lavender smells!) and it is so calming. The scrub is dry and grainy, and by adding the liquid of your choice, the product can be tailored to meet the needs of your skin type.

Combination/Oily/Sensitive Skin should use milk, yogurt or water.

Mature Skin benefits from using honey or carrot juice.

Dry Skin will turn into hydrated skin by using olive oil, cream or honey.

Using Lavender Love is simple and could easily be used either in the shower or at your bathroom sink. I have been pouring about a tablespoon of the grains into my palm and slowly adding water to it to create a creamy paste. Then, I apply it to my slightly dampened skin and massage the scrub around in soft, circular motions. Now here is where you need to make the choice about if you want to continue on to use the scrub as a mask. If the scrub was enough for you then simply rinse your face with warm water. To use as a mask, after scrubbing, allow the paste to dry completely, then rinse it away with warm water. After using this (as both mask and scrub) my complexion looks renewed and rosy. There is a "lit from within" glow that only exfoliation can bring to your skin, and the lavender scent is so relaxing. This is one phenomenal product! I love the fact that it is a multi-use skincare product that can be adjusted to fit your needs. There aren't many (aren't any?) products on the market that allow you to adjust the formula to your skin type. Personally I teeter between combination and oily skin. Plus my cheeks are always dry, no matter what. So knowing that I can change how this works for me by simply changing what I add to it is really awesome!

To dig deeper into the brand, I asked Erica of Becca and Mars a few questions.

Describe Becca and Mars in six words. 

Fresh scents, therapeutic products, all natural.

What product are you most proud of and why?


I would say the Hand Candies. The response from people has been phenomenal. They tell me how delicious they smell and they love how supremely soft their hands feel after washing with it. Our testers are always delighted to get a new scent to try. We even have a couple of people who say they are quite tasty, though we don’t recommend actually eating the Hand Candy.

What do you love about living in Baltimore?


I've lived in Baltimore for 7 ½ years, which in Baltimore terms is about 3 months, but anyway…I really didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. My favorite thing is that the city is so eclectic. There are so many groups and cultures within this small area. I’ve enjoyed learning about the history and traditions of Baltimore and I’ve really loved the arts community here.


I will leave you with some awesome news! Becca and Mars is currently running a sale on their Winter Night Collection! From March 11th through March 20th, all Winter Night products will be 20% off! This is the perfect time to take my advice, and try out these delicious scented bath and body products! I am for sure purchasing the entire Winter Night Collection when I run out of my current jars and bottles. Now that I have tried it and fallen head over heels in love with how they smell, I am not sure I can live without them.

Join me next week for The Etsy Pick of the Week, Baltimore Edition, Volume 3! I am going to be featuring an Etsy seller who creates beautiful mineral makeup! See you next Sunday!!


Becca and Mars can be purchased at their Etsy store on etsy.com. In addition to being purchased individually, Becca and Mars' Winter Night Collection can be purchased as a set for $33.75. And don't forget about the Winter Night Sale!!!!