My First iHerb Haul + a Giveaway!

iHerb haul

I’m always on the hunt for outstanding products and equally awesome places to shop. iHerb is a great place to find affordable, natural and organic personal care products, food, and home goods. Not only am I a fan of iHerb’s product selection and prices, but I also admire their commitment to the environment through many eco-friendly initiatives like using recycled packaging, providing paperless orders, donating profits to various international charities, and the use of carbon neutral UPS shipments.

Read on to hear about my experience shopping at iHerb* and what I picked up in my first order. You can grab $5 off your first order using my code: BLG494. Plus, enter to win a $50 iHerb giftcard at the end of this post! (There will be 2 lucky winners!)

I know a lot of green beauty enthusiasts and bloggers who frequently shop at iHerb but I had never personally placed an order before. I was pleasantly surprised with the selection at iHerb, there are many brands I am familiar with and lots that I’d never tried before. iHerb is also affordable and easy to order from many locations outside of the U.S. Their referral program is also a simple way to spread the word about iHerb to friends and to take advantage of loyalty rewards whenever you make a purchase.

I was pleased to see quality makeup and skincare brands at iHerb like Mineral Fusion, Honeybee Gardens, Acure Organics, DeVita, Weleda, and Badger at iHerb. And at such reasonable prices, you’re spoilt for choice!

iHerb also offers free shipping in the U.S. for all orders over $20 with fast and hassle-free shipping. After placing my order, I promptly received confirmation emails regarding my items being processed for shipment and received my package within 4 business days. Super fast!

After hours pursuing all that iHerb has to offer, I decided on a mix of beauty and home good items from brands I had not tried before. Read on to hear my initial thoughts on the products I picked up:

iHerb_Earthpaste & Rosewater

Earthpaste, Peppermint: Natural mineral toothpaste is something I have tried before but not one of my priorities. As someone who’s worked in a dental practice before, I’m still dubious about many natural dental products claims. I’ve heard a lot about Earthpaste, a popular toothpaste made from food grade Redmond Clay, essential oils and natural minerals so I figured I’d give it a try. I choose the Peppermint flavored Earthpaste (there are also Wintergreen, Spearmint, Lemon Twist or Cinnamon options) and though I’ve only used this toothpaste for a short time, I’m impressed with it so far. I actually don’t mind brushing my teeth with Earthpaste as I believe it cleans just as well as my conventional toothpaste and leaves my teeth feeling fresh. The texture does need a little getting used to as it’s a bit less creamy than conventional toothpastes and the taste isn’t as strong, but I’ve gotten used to this quickly. I’m still not sold on the overall benefits, but I will continue to use Earthpaste. $5.12

Heritage Products Rosewater Mist: This is a simple rosewater mist that many people have raved about especially due to the affordable pricing. I’ve been looking for a new facial toner, one that isn’t overpriced and one that’s accessible (this brand can also be found in Whole Foods Markets). This mist is lightweight, deeply absorbing, gentle and can also be used as a body spray or for aromatherapy purposes. Some people also use this product as a makeup setting spray. The scent is also fresh and floral while not overbearing. While this mist simply keeps my face hydrated and soothed, I think the Rosewater and Glycerin formulation might be a better choice for more skin-benefitting results. Nevertheless, I love the scent, the soothing properties, and the value of this product! $4.80, 4 fl oz. (other sizes available)

iHerb_Just a Leaf Tea

Just a Leaf Organic Tea, Chamomile Blossom: I’m always looking for great loose teas to try and this Chamomile Blossom tea sounded like something I would enjoy. Chamomile tea is a soothing tea that also has many other benefits like treating upset stomachs, migraines, insomnia, and helping digestion. I personally like the taste of chamomile tea, though it’s also nice to know all the healthy benefits of this tasty blossom. This tea comes packaged in a handy resealable bag and is a nice size at an affordable price. $6.90 for 2 oz.

iHerb_Ecco Bella Lipstick Tuscany Rose

Ecco Bella FlowerColor Lipstick, Tuscany Rose: I’ve never tried any products from Ecco Bella  before but I have been curious. The FlowerColor Lipsticks (made with vegetable waxes, oils, and mineral pigments) intrigued me and even though I don’t need anymore lip products (but I’m addicted!) I decided I had to try this lipstick in Tuscany Rose. The formula of this FlowerColor Lipstick is smooth, blendable, and lightly moisturizing. The pigmentation and lasting power of the lipstick is impressive, though I do find the formula to be a bit drying as time goes on. The color does looks great with my skintone and my lipstick color preferences: Tuscany Rose is the perfect, natural cool-toned red color with pink-leaning tint. The black packaging is pretty and sleek, though I was surprised with how compact the lipstick tube was. The only thing I do not like about this lipstick is that there is a strange, balmy, almost synthetic taste when I initially apply it, though it does fade. $17.96

iHerb_DeVita Soft Lines eyeliner

DeVita Absolute Minerals SoftLines Eyeliner Pencil, Absolute Obsidian: I didn’t realize DeVita made makeup products as I’ve only tried their popular SPF moisturizer. I’m always on the hunt for a great eyeliner that stays in place on my oily lids. First off, this eyeliner pencil is HUGE. It has a smudger on one end and the pencil on the other, but it seems so impossibly large to be a real totable eye pencil or something a normal person can hold comfortably. Not sure what they were thinking. I also hate the type of sharpener that’s doubles as the eye pencil cap, it’s sharp (I’ve nearly nicked my finger on it) and rests right on top of the pencil rather than away from. Maybe I’m being picky? iHerb_DeVita Soft Lines eyeliner closeupThe liner itself is okay: I like how the formula is thick and creamy, it glides gently on the eyes and draws neatly and the pigmentation of this shade is a really nice, deep black. However, the pencil is no match for my oily lids and does smudge on me, though not as easily as some other pencils I’ve used. Oh DeVita, next time just don’t make this pencil so strangely large and I’d maybe consider purchasing it again. $11.97

Mineral Fusion Rio Blonzer closeup

Mineral Fusion Blush Bronzer Duo, Rio Blonzer: My sister really enjoys Mineral Fusion powder products and I have been searching for a nice powder bronzer/blush compact to try. I was surprised by how much I really like using this Mineral Fusion Duo. Both the blush and the bronzer have a nice, fine powder texture with great pigmentation and lasting effects. Both sides of this product blend well and do not irritate my skin nor feel too dry or cakey. The bronzer is a really nice, iridescent copper-y color that looks quite dark in the compact but doesn’t appear severe on my cheeks. A little goes a long way though as this bronzer is quite pigmented, so I’ve learned to just apply a very small portion to my cheeks. The blush is a pretty, “just pinched” natural peachy-pink color that is sheer but buildable. I think it complements my light/olive skintone well. This duo will definitely be handy for traveling with and I can’t say enough about the great quality and beautiful pigmentation of this product. $25.49

iHerb_Mineral Fusion Rio Blonzer & Nail Top Coat

Mineral Fusion Top Coat: I still have not found a clean nail polish top coat that works, so I was curious about this one from Mineral Fusion. I’ve already used this a few times now and sadly, it does not work for me. I’ve applied this top coat right after I paint my nails and it does nothing to protect the nail polish nor does it feel like a lasting treatment. Whenever I’ve used this, my nail polish seems to chip much quicker and easier. The scent of this top coat is also very, very strong and the brush is a bit too long and floppy. Definitely not to my liking. I’m still going to play around with it and use it as I paint my nails but I do not think I’d purchase this again. $6.80

iHerb_Pacifica Smolder Eye Liner Tahitian Pearl

Pacifica Smolder Eye Lining Gel, Tahitian Pearl: I’ve not tried much from Pacifica but this Smolder Eye Lining Gel looked interesting and also doubles as an all-over eyeshadow. I chose to try this in Tahitian Pearl which from Pacifica’s website is described as a “pearlized Green/ Grey with Gold Dust” color though I find it to appears on my lids as a more deep grey shade with gold flecks. Either way, the color is very pretty and unique to me. The texture of this product is interesting, it glides on the eyes but also has a bit of pull and feels a bit like a soft powder. I find it easy to line my eyes with this product because of the creamy yet stiff formula, which allows me to get a precise shape. As an eyeliner, this product could be a bit more pigmented and long-lasting. I’ve found this product blends and covers nicely as an eyeshadow. If you’re a newbie with gel liners, this may be a good product to start with. I like that it doubles as an eyeshadow and the color is very pretty. $14

iHerb_Pacifica Stellar Gaze Mascara

Pacifica Length & Strength Mascara, Supernova: This product has been raved about by many as an affordable, accessible, green mascara. My sister actually really loves this mascara so I was curious to see if I liked it as well. The mascara wand seems pretty large and fluffy, and usually I don’t prefer this shape or size for my small eyes. However, I think the brush helps provides very full lashes. I was impressed by the formula, it coats the lashes evenly and provides nice volume without feeling very heavy. I do think the brush shape and formula amounts to more lash volume and fuller, longer looking lashes. iHerb_Pacifica Stellar Gaze Mascara wandPacifica Mascara_lashes

I prefer more overall definition in my lashes which I do not see from this mascara but it is overall, a well-performing product. I also liked how long-lasting and non-irritating this mascara was, it does a great job of keeping my lashes curled. This mascara doesn’t smudge, was also easy to remove and didn’t damage my lashes at the end of the day. For a mascara that is pretty affordable, well-performing, and available at tons of physical stores (like Target and Whole Foods), I’d say this lives up to the hype! $14

EcoTools False Lashes Soft & Dramatic

EcoTools, Soft & Dramatic False Lashes: I don’t wear false lashes, I’m not even sure if I know how to apply them correctly, but these affordable, eco-friendly falsies from EcoTools peaked my interest. I wanted something a bit more natural and subtle-looking, so I chose the Soft & Dramatic (Style 1259) which are flared, tapered lashes. I think they are a bit fuller than I’d envisioned but they really do make my eyes pop! I’m still a bit scared to wear them out in public though. This pack of lashes comes with a slant-tip applicator (that also has a spoolie brush on one end) and lash glue that is “safe for everyday wear” as it is “paraben free, phthalate free, latex free, formaldehyde free, cruelty free, and never tested on animals” (as described on the EcoTools website).EcoTools False Lashes closeupEcoTools False Lashes comparison_PleinVanityThe lashes and glue are pretty comfortable from my quick testing and actually easier to apply than I’d imagined. (Yes, I know you can see my real lashes underneath the falsies in my photos above, I obviously still need work on more precise application.) EcoTools also describes the lashes as “hypo-allergenic, and dermatologist tested”. These lashes are pretty but quite bold for me, I think I may have to trim them because they’re way too long on me. $5.99

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the generous folks at iHerb, I’m excited to give away a $50 iHerb shopping spree to two lucky readers! To enter, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below.

The giveaway is open to participants anywhere that iHerb ships (please check HERE first). Winners must have an iHerb account (register with iHerb) to claim the prize. Shipping will be taken care of by iHerb but winners located outside the US, are responsible for any additional taxes/duties/brokerage fees levied to them by their Customs Agency and/or Postal Service. See all contest terms/conditions in the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This post is sponsored by iHerb and contains some affiliate links. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting this blog and sponsors so that I can continue to provide fun and fresh content like this for Plein Vanity!

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54 Comments

  1. Reply

    Nat

    February 19, 2016

    Love it! I shop at IHerb pretty regularly and they have some great skincare finds as well as some decent prices on food and supplements. Thanks for the giveaway!

  2. Reply

    Sarita Coren

    February 19, 2016

    Brave lady! False eyelashes are like some mysterious advanced beauty technique that I can’t seem to master. I actually like how those look on you but may have to see it in person to tell you if they’re really too long. The Pacifica mascara made it to my top picks too. Nice haul and lovely review as always! XO

    • Reply

      Kasey

      February 20, 2016

      Hahaha, Exactly how I think of false eyelashes too Sarita! 😉 I may or may not have decided on trying these lashes out solely because I was thinking of my upcoming wedding…agh! It’s still a mystery to me how ladies wear falsies everyday! Thanks for reading my dear xo

  3. Reply

    Carolyn

    February 19, 2016

    The bronzer sounds like a winner to me and those falsies look great on you! I’ve been looking for a place to get natural products. I’ve switched over from chemical cleaners for my house to natural products and the difference has been very impressive. I’m most interested in trying some makeup such as foundation and face products since I have very sensitive skin.

    • Reply

      Kasey

      February 20, 2016

      Thanks Carolyn! I’m glad you’ve had such success switching to natural products 🙂 I also have a few posts regarding other great shops where you can find clean and natural products. Good luck!

  4. Reply

    Valeriya

    February 19, 2016

    Earthpaste is amazing! After I developed a sensitivity to most drugstore brand toothpastes, I felt out of luck and that I wouldnt find anything that would be great in the more natural toothpaste category as I was always left so underwhelmed. I had heard a lot about clay toothpastes and gave this one a go. So glad I did! Its the best thing I’ve tried and it cleans so well and I feel safe using it. I use it with an electronic toothbrush to really deep clean and I have no complaints. Definitely try the lemon flavor one – its surprisingly great.

    • Reply

      Kasey

      February 20, 2016

      Thanks for your comment, Valeriya! I’m glad Earthpaste has worked so well for you, I’m definitely pleased with my experience so far. I’ll have to try the Lemon flavor too! 🙂

  5. Reply

    Johanna

    February 19, 2016

    I love iHerb! Fingers crossed!

  6. Reply

    Michele

    February 19, 2016

    I really want to try the Pacifica mascara. I love the brands they have at iHerb! (I use Earthpaste as well)

  7. Reply

    Adrienne

    February 19, 2016

    I just did my first iHerb haul last month, and in obsessed. I bout some Aroma Naturals candles, they are made with essential oils. I use then when I take a bath. I also bought some Everyday Shea bubble barh, it smells divine and has really good bubble action for an all natural product. I bought Andalou Naturals clarifying starter kit, it dried me skin out a little too much. But I’m going to use during the time of the month I break out the most. Finally I got some George’s Aloe, it is really amazing stuff.

    • Reply

      Kasey

      February 20, 2016

      Good to know! I was going back and forth on which Aroma Naturals candles I wanted to try, I will have to pick one up in my next order 🙂 Good luck Adrienne!

  8. Reply

    Michelle

    February 19, 2016

    I would love to stock up on eco friendly home and body products

  9. Reply

    Patricia

    February 19, 2016

    I would love to try that mascara! Natural mascaras that actually work are so hard to find. Have you tried Priti NYC Speedy Dry Top Coat? It’s a natural top coat I’m using and so far I’m liking it! The link is below.

    http://www.amazon.com/Polish-701-Speed-Topcoat-Clear/dp/B003ZMP70S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1434737874&sr=8-1&keywords=priti+nyc+speedy&linkCode=sl1&tag=genuglow-20&linkId=M7XKH2DLOXELJXMW

    • Reply

      Kasey

      February 20, 2016

      Thanks for the link, Patricia! I have not tried the Priti Top Coat but will put it on my list to try 🙂 As for natural mascaras, there are a lot of luxe ones that I love. The ones from Kjaer Weis and Lily Lolo are 2 of my favorites, I highly recommend both. Good luck!

  10. Reply

    Jan

    February 19, 2016

    I have been eyeing the Nutrex and Acure brands. I would also like to try the Natrol Dieters Tea

  11. Reply

    Mercy (@GreenbyMercy)

    February 19, 2016

    iHerb is amazing! I believe i’ve been a customer for almost 2 years and I’m always making frequent repurchases for the necessities like shower stuff, oral care etc. I would pick up a few makeup items because I don’t typically buy makeup from there. They have a lot of eco-friendly houseware that I’d love to try to!
    Also, did they change their free shipping minimum? It’s been $20 for as long as I can remember, I hope it didn’t go up!

    • Reply

      Kasey

      February 22, 2016

      Hi Mercy, I can’t believe I hadn’t shopped at iHerb sooner! The selection of products is great. Oops, I fixed my mistake: the minimum for free shipping is $20+ for orders in the US and it looks like $40+ for International shipping. Good luck!

  12. Reply

    Kassie

    February 19, 2016

    I’ve really been wanting to try the new Pacifica Stunning Brows Eyebrow Gloss and Set in Golden Brown. I’m also in need of a new eye cream and I’ve never tried Devita and their Revitalizing Eye Lift Crème looks really nice!

  13. Reply

    Jean

    February 19, 2016

    Thanks for the close up pictures! Most curious about Devita’s sunscreen after hearing so much about it and Earthpaste.

  14. Reply

    Rebecca

    February 19, 2016

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity, would love to win!

  15. Reply

    Jackie Mercer

    February 19, 2016

    I love the idea of gummy vitamins for my kids!

  16. Reply

    Michelle Castagne

    February 19, 2016

    The other product I like is the Rainbow Light, Gummy Vitamin C Slices.

  17. Reply

    Andrea : soulandheartbeauty

    February 19, 2016

    iHerb is a lifesaver for me. As I’m trying to not buy too many new skincare/bodycare products for a while as I use up what I’ve already got, I tend to gravitate more towards the iHerb grocery section. I love some of the Larabars and Now Foods is amazing for all its health food options. Oh, and coconut oil. Can’t buy that where I live so iHerb keeps me happy 🙂

    • Reply

      Kasey

      February 22, 2016

      Regarding new skincare/body products I’m trying to do the same as you, Andrea! Can’t live without coconut oil either 😉 Good luck dear!

  18. Reply

    Thea

    February 20, 2016

    I would like to try Acure Organics Argan Oil, Acure Organic Facial serum and Xlywhite toothpaste 🙂

  19. Reply

    Lulu

    February 20, 2016

    I would buy Reviva Labs glycoluc toner and AHA cream!

  20. Reply

    Despina Veneti

    February 20, 2016

    I’d love to try Acure Organics, Earthpaste and Avalon Organics, thank you!

  21. Reply

    diealex

    February 20, 2016

    I’ve ordered at iherb before. I love the opportunity to order brands that are not available in Europe like Andalou Naturals, Mad Hippie or Desert Essence. I’m also very interested in Derma E but I have to check first how green they really are.

  22. Reply

    Li Na

    February 20, 2016

    I would love to try Andalou Naturals and Avalon Organics products.

  23. Reply

    Roberta V

    February 20, 2016

    I’d love to try weleda products! 😀 Finger crossed!

  24. Reply

    Peta Kovarikova

    February 20, 2016

    Definitely I´d like trying something from Mineral Fusion, some oil by Now Foods, sunscreen by Badger company, Mad Hippie Vitamin C serum and Ecotools Domed Bronzer brush 😉

  25. Reply

    Amber B

    February 20, 2016

    I love iherb! Last time I bought a few Everyday Minerals products and Natural Vitality’s Natural Calm (way cheaper than in stores!). Beside that I love ordering Garden of Life, Acure Organics, Hurraw, and Pacifica products by them. I’ve yet to try any mascaras from Pacifica but hope to soon!

  26. Reply

    Isabel

    February 20, 2016

    iHerb stocks so many great brands but I’ve had my eye on a few bits from Acure Organics, Andalou Naturals and Mychelle Dermaceuticals x

  27. Reply

    Sharon Sjordal

    February 20, 2016

    I would love to try blueberry green tea from yogi!

  28. Reply

    Ma. Elinor Semira

    February 21, 2016

    I would love to try Real Techniques brushes and Herbatint Permanent Hair Color

  29. Reply

    Clare O'Brien

    February 21, 2016

    I really want to try their mascara.

  30. Reply

    Jen (@jensgreenskin)

    February 22, 2016

    I’d stock up on Acure products, especially shampoo & conditioner!

  31. Reply

    manda

    February 22, 2016

    I am interested in a few grocery items.

  32. Reply

    valerie

    February 22, 2016

    i’m actually most interested in trying the earth paste! i just got into essential oils and was thinking about making my own toothpaste….but to be honest, between housework and trying to cook food every day for my hubby and baby, i don’t have time and would rather nap if i did have time ;). but i really would love to opt for a more natural toothpaste and all of the diff. flavors you mentioned from them sound really good too! i think i would try the spearmint.

  33. Reply

    consciously.clean

    February 22, 2016

    I need to restock my cleaning supplies and this would be the perfect place to do it!

  34. Reply

    Anna

    February 23, 2016

    I’d like to try Aura Cacia organic tamanu oil.

  35. Reply

    Cindy A.

    February 23, 2016

    I want to try everything Pacifica makes!

  36. Reply

    Josie

    February 23, 2016

    would love to try the bronzer

  37. Reply

    Nikki

    February 24, 2016

    I would love to try the Sea Minerals, Black Mud, All Natural Facial Mask.

  38. Reply

    latanya t

    February 24, 2016

    I would get Now Foods, Vitamin D-3, 5,000 IU, 240 Softgels

  39. Reply

    Brenda Penton

    February 25, 2016

    I am interested in trying the Thayers, Witch Hazel Aloe Vera Formula, Alcohol-Free Toner and the Acure Organics, Moroccan, Argan Oil Treatment

  40. Reply

    Patricia

    February 25, 2016

    Everything looks amazing…I would like to try Pacifica …..thanks for this awesome giveaway

  41. Reply

    Maranda Hymes

    February 25, 2016

    I’ve somehow never given in on buying a Pacifica product. Really all of them. I’m so indecisive and love trying new products.

  42. Reply

    annie

    February 25, 2016

    I have ordered from Ecco Bella several times and have always been pleased with their products. That said, I’m always looking for new, natural cosmetic sources as I have some severe allergies and it can be hard for me to find products I can use. Especially foundation and tinted moisturizers, which I prefer. 🙂

  43. Reply

    DeniseJ

    February 25, 2016

    The Blueberry Green Tea sounds delightful. I’d love a bronzer, especially this time of the yea for my fair, even skin tone.

  44. Reply

    Laura m

    February 25, 2016

    I would love to try nellies laundry soda!

  45. Reply

    loredana1309

    May 27, 2016

    Waw it looks amazing! I love to shop from iHerb. My favorite product is D-Mannose, it helped me to don’t have a UTI for months! I love it!! I bought it from here:

    http://www.iherb.com/now-foods-d-mannose-pure-powder-6-oz-170-g/57185?rcode=zrt065

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