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If washing your face before bed is the skin care equivalent of remembering to brush your teeth, then adding a mask to your routine is like flossing: a little extra effort, with a big result.

This summer, we’re obsessed with the Oat Exfoliating Mask from Green & Glam.  Teeny jojoba beads combine with skin scrubbing oats to leave complexions looking fresh and radiant. Especially ideal come summer months (when sunburnt skin requires a little extra TLC), this slightly sweet smelling product offers a quick fix.

Here’s a few ways to incorporate it into your routine:

•Use it as a nightly mask to unwind. Prep skin by washing with a light cleanser and apply all over the face. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off and follow-up with a light skin oil to soak in while you sleep.

•Make at-home pedicures and manicures extra special: after removing polish and letting hands soak in a bowl of warm, soapy water, generously apply to palms and peds. Rinse off and follow up with the rest of your pedicure. Your hands and feet will be extra soft!

•Spot treat rough patches in the shower. Apply to dry elbows, knees, or any other spot needing a little softening. Leave on for the duration of your shower. Post treatment, slather on a super rich body cream to maximize results.

Enjoy this all natural versatile mask and scrub made with certified organic ingredients!

As we kick off GREEN UP YOUR MAKEUP BAG month, the first thing that must be done is clearing out the old to make room for the new. This is where things start to get fun! How do we know how long products really last? Here is an easy guide that will help you get started:

Foundation and Concealer
These items last about a year, when applied with clean brushes. If you apply directly to skin or with your fingers, that time is less.

Powder
Whether for face or eyes, powder based products have the longest life of up to 2 years.

Mascara
Mascara, as we all know, is only safe to use for three months and no more. It doesen’t matter if you’ve only used it once……it’s a toss!

Cream Eye Shadow
You’ve got about six months on these shadows. After that, we recommend giving them the boot.

Pencils
Pencils can last several years if sharpened before being used with a CLEAN sharpener.

Lips
Lipsticks are good for a year and no more. Glosses that come in tubes should only be kept six to eight months.

Makeup Brushes
So when was the last time that you washed your brushes? High quality brushes can last for years if well taken care of. Wash all brushes once a week with shampoo. It’s that simple.
Take a hard look at your stash and make those calls. And remember, clearing out the old, just gives room for the new. This time we want to help you make better choices. Products that are non toxic and even good for your skin! Let the greening begin!

As the winds howl and we bundle up this season, here are a few tips to help our skin have a fighting chance this winter.

Strike It Rich with Moisture
Use a rich moisturizer that contains nourishing plant oils. Such oils as safflower, almond, and avocado oils penetrate the skin without clogging the pores. Try Kimberly Sayer’s Aromatic Night Crème during the day time. Soothing shea butter, safflower oil, and calming lavender water will give your skin the moisture your dry skin has been dying for.

http://www.organicbeautynow.com/aromatic-night-repair-cream.html

Turn down the Temp
Ahhh…there’s nothing better than jumping into a hot shower or bath to wake up on a cold morning, but the truth is nothing could be worse for your poor skin. Constant exposure to hot water actually dries out the skin and can aggravate skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. Try taking shorter showers at lukewarm temperature to save precious oils and minimize skin sensitivity. After the shower or bath, try skinnyskinny’s organic chamomile body oil. Apply while skin is still dewy. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly leaving you hydrated and replenished. A must this time of the year.

http://www.organicbeautynow.com/organic-chamomile-body-oil.html

Light on the Lip Balm
We all turn to lip balm in colder months as wind and snow often cause dry and cracked chapped lips. Make sure you use lip balms that contain nourishing healing oils and butters such as shea or cocoa butter. Balms that are heavy in fragrance, flavor, and essential oils can often cause further irritation to sensitive inflamed lips. At this time of year…keep it simple. We love Balm Balm Organic’s Fragrance Free Lip Balm. Healing calendula, organic shea butter and sunflower oil are used to nourish the most sensitive lips.

http://www.organicbeautynow.com/fragrance-free-lip-balm.html

Keep it Covered
Using gloves and hats not only keep us warm on a cold winter day but also protect the most sensitive skin areas from becoming dry and flaking. Our hands and scalp lose moisture and heat very quickly so consider your fashion accessory to also be a protective skin care aid as well.

We are soooo excited about the launching of the green&glam hair line! The key ingredient in the shampoo and conditioner is organic olive leaf extract. Hair products containing this wonderful ingredient give your hair a shinier, softer look
and feel as well as promote a healthier scalp. Gals, this stuff is HIGH PERFORMANCE and color safe. What we love the most is the salon finish without the silicone of the traditional choices that you find in a salon or store.

Right now, the hair products are 20% off. We encourage you to give it a try. You won’t regret it. We guarantee it.

I was recently asked by a customer if nighttime products were important and if they were different than ones for they day? Do we really need to buy 2 products for each day? Here is how I responded:

Nighttime is a great opportunity to nourish your skin. Skin is in repair and regenerate mode.

Skin does go through some changes during the night as you sleep. Cells show increased production and a reduced breakdown of proteins, which is all good news for those of us wanting to wake up looking younger. Also, blood flow is higher which increases the area of absorption…..so whatever you are using will be penetrating your skin more than during the daytime. Using serums under your night cream just makes good sense.

One of my favorites is. Its packed with essential oils, including vitamin C, one of my pRed Flower’s Essential Omega Fresh Berry Oil Serumersonal anti-aging favorites. It delivers tons of moisture with visible difference in the morning. To follow, Restore Anti-Aging Cream by Kimberly Sayer is always a winner. The sea algae extract combined with borage oil really packs a punch as an anti-aging weapon. The skin is penetrated and moisture retained.

Sweet dreams!

Summer is arguably the best time of year. But perhaps not for our skin. Our skin suffers dryness and cellular damage from the elements of summer. Whether it’s exposure to the sun, swimming at the beach or pool or even air conditioning, summer is hard on our skin. As we transition into fall and cooler weather our skin care routine should work to relieve and repair our exposure to these elements…..sun spots, fine lines, dry skin and even just dull tired skin. Yikes!

Start with Gentle Face Cleanser by Kimberly Sayer. This cleanser is gentle enough for all skin types and promises not to strip or dehydrate.

Follow with Replinishing Toner by Artisan Naturals. This toner is great for all skin types. The luxurious blend of Neroli, Cypress, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, and Linden Blossom replenish, tone and clarify the skin.

Next up, Rejuvenating Facial Serum with Ester C by Karen’s Botanicals. This wonderful anti aging serum is not only great for turning back sun damage, but also for fighting wrinkles……can be used day and or night.

One of my favorite night creams is Organic Nourishing Night Cream by Jiade. The combination of oils leave your skin super supple instantly. Love that!

Don’t forget the eye cream. You won’t be disappointed with Acai Berry Anti Aging Eye Cream by 100% Pure. Between the cucumber juice, green tea, calendula and rose hip oils, your delicate eye area will feel the instant hydration. Yum.

With this new fall regime, you are sure to see quick results. Let us know any of your own secrets for recovering from the dog days of summer……

Does the thought of a soaking in mud, or smearing colored clays on your face typify the image of health and beauty? It should!! Clays and muds have been used for thousands of years dating back to ancient Egyptians, Romans & Greeks. It was long believed that mud and clays found in certain locations contained specific healing powers. These properties are now thought to be due to the rich mineral content and plant substances dissolved in the clay and mud sediments of certain areas. Some of these treasured clays are still considered the most therapeutic and used today:

White Clay or Kaolin clay is one of the most versatile clays and is often used in skincare due to it soft fluffy texture and gentleness. It easily draws impurities from the skin while effectively exfoliating and can be used on all skin types. White Clay can be found in SkinnySkinny Organic Rose & Black Pepper Dry Shampoo. The white clay absorbs extra oils from the hair and scalp and hair is left feeling refreshed and smelling great. http://www.organicbeautynow.com/organic-rose-and-black-pepper-dry-shampoo.html

French Green Clay is a very absorbent clay and is considered to be one of the most detoxifying. The clay contains trace minerals such as silica, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, such selenium, cobalt, manganese, and silicon. In addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits, it stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation while removing impurities. Try Kimberly Sayer’s Deep Cleansing French Clay Mask. With detoxifying montmorillonite clay and essential oils, skin will be smooth, clear, and radiant. http://www.organicbeautynow.com/deep-cleansing-french-clay-mask.html

Whether you’re planning an event or putting together an event, fragrance can become the powerful, yet invisible, touch that ties it all together. Think: a subtle lavender satchel tossed in a lingerie drawer, or a simple woodsy candle burning during the holidays. Here are some of my favorite ways on how to insert a little aromatherapy into your everyday life.
BERGAMOT: Don’t underestimate the healing powers of this citrus scent. A sexy-sweet hybrid of orange and grapefruit, Bergamot is revered for its healing properties. I love to utilize this while traveling, as it contains anti-bacterial properties as well. Toss a tiny vial into your travel tote next time you’re jet setting for on air rejuvenation.
LEMON: The essential ingredient for the ultimate summer sipper is also known to protect against harm. Reach for a little lemon-aid whenever you’re on the verge of illness. The scent also doubles as an all-natural insect repellent.
LAVENDER: Not one for oils? Reap the scentual benefits with a soy candle by Green Girl. My favorite? Lavender. Soothing and stress-relieving, it’s known for increasing inner peace and clarity. I love lighting a few of these before bed time to ensure sweet dreams.
Tell us, what are your favorite scents?