Healthy living is a way of life for many. Although we know that eating right, exercising regularly and drinking plenty of water is good for us, many of us fail to think about the effects that the skincare products we use are having on us. Every woman wants healthy, glowing skin, but at what cost? Unfortunately, many beauty products on the market that offer this result (even cherished brands) are full of harmful toxins and chemicals that could lead to serious health risks.

I’m not an expert when it comes to skincare or health, and I can honestly say I’ve never been loyal to any particular brand when it comes to caring for my skin. In the past I would make purchases based on which packaging looked most appealing (yes it’s true, I’m easily swayed by a pretty package). As I got a bit older (and just a little bit smarter) I started looking to more natural solutions to care for my skin, and eventually ended up very happy using a natural bar of soap to wash my face and organic coconut oil to moisturize. Yes, I really did slather my face with coconut oil, and honestly, my skin was the best it had ever looked. I have to admit though that I have never had overly-reactive skin and besides some minor acne issues while pregnant with my first child, my skin has always looked relatively healthy without any serious concerns to note. I have combination skin with an oily T-zone and minor bouts of dryness throughout the winter.

Up until five months ago, the coconut oil and natural soap was my morning and bedtime routine. In July, as I was deep into my third trimester with my second baby, I was introduced to the all-natural Odacite skincare brand by the lovely Laura Townsend (RHN, RNCP, ROHP) at The Detox Market in Toronto. The first thing that impressed me about the line was that the products are so fresh they are stored in a fridge until you take them home. Even though you don’t need to keep them refrigerated, the fact that the products contain no preservatives and have dates printed on them of when the ingredients will begin to lose potency, all made a huge impact on me.

The first products I tried were the Night Time Antioxidants Repair Serum and one of Odacite’s serum concentrates, Wild Carrot. I started using the products together every evening after cleansing, and immediately noticed that my face had a renewed glow in the morning. Even once I had my baby and many sleepless nights ensued, each morning I would wake up each with skin that looked as if I had a full eight hours of beauty rest. Even a friend asked me one day what I was using on my face because she noticed that it really was glowing. Mind you those days I did have some serious bags under my eyes (only expected being up every three hours), but my face looked flawless and fresh.

Odacite has a wide-range of serum concentrates for every skin need possible.  The Wild Carrot does exactly what you might think it would do, since carrots are so good for your skin.  The extremely concentrated, hand-pressed oil is chock-full of antioxidants and helps to improve skin’s overall health and restore a youthful, vital glow. I add a drop or two (depending on how much my skin needs a boost) to a couple pumps of my Night Time Antioxidants Repair Serum and mix together in the palm of my hand, then apply all over my face and décolleté.  Immediately my skin feels moisturized, but not heavy or weighed down. It absorbs quickly and immediately feels clean and refreshed.

About two months ago I added the Oleosomes Time Release Delivery Crème to my daily routine. I use this crème as my day-time moisturizer, also adding a drop or two of the Wild Carrot serum. Oleosomes are energy storehouses found in seeds that release their contents throughout the day. This leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized for the entire day.

One area I have to admit that I’ve always neglected is the delicate eye area.  Until now that is. Now that I am quickly headed into my mid-thirties, it’s about time that I stop the little crow’s feet starting to make their appearance. I probably should have started this a long time ago, but better late than never, right? The Odacite Ultra Effective Eye Cream protects and treats the eye contour area. Full of organic extracts and antioxidants, the cream helps to restore elasticity and fight fine lines and wrinkles.  Since it’s so concentrated, a little goes a long way and just a small dab patted in and then smoothed around the eye area is all you need. I have been using it every night before bed as part of my nighttime routine and am determined to keep it up. Nothing shows your age quite like fine lines around your eyes, so I would like to keep these at bay for as long as possible, or at least minimize their appearance.

Although I still use my beloved coconut oil to remove eye makeup and a natural bar of soap to wash, I have finally graduated to using a skincare line that I am happy and confident with. I love knowing that the products I use on my body are safe for my health, certified organic, and actually do work! Of course, not every single product I use on my body is organic or toxin-free, yet slowly but surely I am making inroads to an overall healthy lifestyle.


The Odacite line is available at The Detox Market’s two locations in Toronto. 367 King St. West (relocating to 420 King St. West in 2016) and 96 Scollard St. in Yorkville, as well as online.

Want to win one of Odacite’s most exclusive serums for yourself?  I’ve partnered with The Detox Market to give away A Winter in Paris, an intense and ultra-potent age renewal serum for optimal skin hydration, firmness and elasticity. Valued at $175!

Here’s how to enter:
1. Comment below about why you love natural beauty products
2. Follow @themintedmama and @detoxmarketcanada on Instagram
3. Like my Instagram photo related to this post and tag a friend who would also love to try the serum
Contest runs from Monday, December 7, 2015 to Wednesday, December 9, 2015. Open to Canadian residents only.

*UPDATE DECEMBER 10, 2015 – Congratulations Nicole Jubleew on winning this giveaway*

* Thank you The Detox Market for collaborating on this post
* All thoughts and opinions are my own