Below, I tackle two of your latest inquires:
Q: Dear Tara, I am seeking a great summer fragrance and I don’t know where to start. I want something sophisticated, but nothing too intense. Any ideas?
A. You’re right in seeking a fresh substitute for your heavy wintertime scents – in the warmer months, they’re totally out of place. Still, you don’t have to resort to smelling like a resort just because it’s suddenly sunny. Stay sophisticated yet soft with a juicy herbal fragrance like A Perfume Organic’s Green. It’s citrus-y and soothing and not at all cloying or expected. Think a fresh hike in the woods versus a day at the beach. I love dabbing a bit behind the knees on warm summery nights.

Q. I need a great sunscreen for my kids that will stay on during a day at the beach. Any suggestions?
A. Of course! Right now I am loving Episencial’s Sunny Sunscreen. It’s a totally kid-friendly formula free of chemicals and toxins. Plus, it doesn’t leave behind any white residue and works for both face and body. Beeswax and shea butter do an amazing – and natural – job of water protection to boot.

Got beauty questions? Send them in and I’ll answer in a future column.

Truly Organic Cleanser by Jiade ($23)
This is truly one of the most absolutely luxurious cleansers I’ve ever encountered. The pink clay helps to draw out impurities without majorly drying the skin while gentle lavender soothes. I love rinsing with gentle circular motions and leaving this on for a few minutes before washing off to exfoliate the skin. The pretty bottle looks perfect to dress up bathroom counters.

Hydrating Anti-Oxidant Mask by Kimberly Sayer ($26)
I love this mask because the results are instant. Loaded with rose and amazing-for-you vitamin antioxidants, it nourishes, diminishes wrinkles, and leaves skin looking supple and dewy. You can even leave on a light layer while you sleep and wake up looking visibly younger.

Radiance Night Oil by Living Nature, $70
Let the magic happen while you’re not even awake with this skin-saving serum. I squeeze a few drops, heat up in the palm of my hand, and gently apply to face after toning and cleansing. This serum is wonderful because it’s light and ultra-effective, working double time to firm and moisturize the face. Bonus: you can even use a bit on hands for a mid-week manicure pick-me-up.

What new skin care products are you most excited about this season?

Shea Terra Miombo Mango Indigenous Shea Butter Gift Set ($46.56)
The summer beauty equivalent of a salad in a bag, this juicy kit is destined to become your go-to for prep and polish. Inside a chic case (amazing for summer weekend getaways), you get a shower elixir, a dead sea salt scrub, and a moisturizing lotion – all scented with the ripe flavor of mango.

Organic Bronzing Shimmer Oil by Lucy B. ($45)
Despise bathing suit shopping? One way to take the sting out of the season’s necessary evil is to load up on self-tanner before you hit the dressing room. Our favorite is this pretty oil by Lucy B. You know how naturally pretty you feel on vacation after a day in the sun when you’re getting ready for a quiet dinner outside? This gorgeously-scented product will give that for you every time –e ven if you’re just in your bathroom and not a remote hut in Bora Bora. It is truly wishful thinking in a body.

Spring forward – ‘tis the season for pretty pastels, naturally gorgeous glows, and softer hues. We’ve researched the top spring beauty trends and put a gorgeously green spin on our favorite trends to try. Here, our favorite picks and the products you need to score the style.
The Look: Soft, flushed cheeks

There’s nothing green or glam about caked-on rouge, which is why we’re psyched to see a return of pretty, flushed cheeks. We’re totally crazy about [Fruit Pigmented Pot Rouge](http://www.organicbeautynow.com/fruit-pigmented-rouge-blush-7.html)from 100% Pure. The pinky rogue swipes on for a quick just-went-for-a-run glow and lasts all day long. We love mixing with a touch of moisturizer for a flawless application.

The Look: Slightly Glossy Lips

Pause from last season’s bold orange hues and make the switch to a shimmering gloss this spring. [Madara’s decolips moonkissed tinting lip gloss](http://www.organicbeautynow.com/decolips-moonkissed-tinting-lip-gloss.html) is the ultimate pout plumping product. Application is sheer and provides a subtle jolt of shimmer. Try it over your favorite winter shade to de-intensify the color or apply on bare lips for a quick hit of glimmer.
The Look: Pretty, pastel nails
This spring is all about soft lavender digits. The upside of a naturally pretty manicure is that color lasts longer and is less resilient to chips and cracks. Check out Priti’s non-toxic formula in [Ballerina Peony](http://www.organicbeautynow.com/ballerina-peony.html). The color is sheer and subtle, taking you from the office to out.

Tell us: what spring trends are you looking forward to trying?

• Skinnyskinny Organic Chamomille Body Oil, $22 I love waking up with this deliciously floral scented oil. It’s the beauty world version of herbal tea with a comforting blend of chamomile, lavender, roses, and calendula in a begs-to-be-displayed bottle. Try rubbing a bit on shoulders, elbows, and knees to nourish dry skin and enjoy a subtle scent.

• Shea Terra Tamanu Face and Body Oil, $22 Sourced from Madagascar, Tamanu oil is my favorite all-natural weapon against wrinkles. The amazing oil also works to kill bacteria and help heal scars. I use this product almost every day in countless ways. Try dabbing on the delicate under eye area or blend a few drops with your favorite facial moisturizer. The barely-there scent makes it a perfect addition to your medicine cabinet as well.
What are your favorite uses for body oil? How are you getting your skin ready for summer?

Here are 5 of our favorite ways to use the product, plus new amazing new formulas to try.

1. Blend with your favorite highlighter or face shimmer. Apply to apples of your cheeks, collarbones, legs, or any place you want a little glow.

2. Apply under your brow bone and on lids before applying shadow.

3. Mix with your favorite lip balm for a natural lip-plumping primer or use to temper down a dark lipstick.

4. Blend with your favorite eye cream. We love 100% Pure’s Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream. Dab 3 dots under the eyes and lightly blend to fake a great night’s sleep.

5.  If you’re looking for a little more coverage, mix your own perfect foundation by blending your concealer with a little tinted moisturizer.

TRY:

100% Pure’s Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer ($32) Super easy-to-blend and available in 5 shades, this entirely eco-friendly formula smells as good as you’ll look.

Living Nature Tinted Moisturiser ($37) Chic packaging makes this product entirely portable (key in the busy summer months).  Mega-moisturizing manuka honey and macadamia seed oil nourish and protect.

These A-list additions to your make-up bag will help anyone to score an A-list appearance.

STAY BALM

A bold red lip (as seen on Best Actress nominees Michelle Williams and Rooney Mara) never goes out of style. What’s totally NOT chic? Sloppy ‘stick that strays away from your mouth. I love Balm Balm Organics Rose Geranium Face Balm ($11). Bonus: you can stash in your bag for use as an emergency hand cream.

GLOW ALL THE WAY

I’m obsessed with multi-functioning products, especially when they have the power to make you look younger, instantly more awake, and completely amazing. Trick Stick by Vapour ($20) deserves a standing ovation. Application possibilities are endless: smear on the inner corners of your eyes, rub on cheekbones, or dab in the center of your lower lip to fake a fuller pout. This is one product I could imagine stashed inside every actress’ make-up bag.

SPRAY DAY

Sticky, crunchy hairspray is anything but natural. Channel Angelina Jolie’s bouncy locks with a stay put product that won’t leave behind gross residue. I’m crazy about USDA Perfect Hold Hairspray by Intelligent Nutrients ($29) – the flexible-yet-effective formula leaves hair totally touchable.

Tell me – what are your favorite big day beauty tips?

Exfoliation can be done in two ways by either physical or chemical exfoliation.

• Physical exfoliation involves using pumice stone, loofah sponge or a naturally abrasive ingredient like jojoba beads, almond meal, or raspberry seeds that will buff away dead skin cells. It is necessary to physically or mechanically exfoliate the skin by using a circular upward motion to remove the dead skin cells.

• A chemical exfoliant uses acids or enzymes (AHA, or BHA) to remove dead skin cells that are on the skin. Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic  acids are examples of chemical exfoliants used in skincare to remove dead skin cells.

Generally people in their 30’s and older would see the greatest benefits of regular exfoliation. Teens and those in their twenties who have good skin do not need to exfoliate as often. Since their skin is rapidly rejuvenating, it is likely that they would not see the benefits of regular exfoliation.

It is best to exfoliate at least once a week. If you have particularly oily or congested skin, you may need to bump up your regimen to twice a week. If ever your skin becomes overly dry or irritated, discontinue use or exfoliate less frequently. Always remember to pile on the sunscreen after you exfoliate. Newly exposed skin is more sensitive to the sun and chemical exfoliatants such as AHA and BHA’s increase your likelihood for sunburn. As always…read your labels before you slough away

Here, a few of our favorites: 

Kimberly Sayer’s Gentle Almond & Lavender Face Scrub

Sweet Almond oil and grains, luxurious jojoba beads and organic French lavender oil provide gentle cleansing and exfoliation. Skin is left feeling silky smooth and radiantly vibrant. A must have for the most sensitive skin.  

Red Flower’s Bioactive Berry White Peat Exfoliate

Rich mineral sea salts, soothing aloe vera and coconut oil  and bioactive white peat moss create a delicious treat for the skin. Skin will feel rejuvenated.

• Increase your water intake. Everyone knows that water is necessary for healthy skin metabolism. By adding just a few extra glasses a day, tissues will get more of the precious fluid they need to function more properly. Your glowing skin will thank you!
• Wear SPF Every Day! Yes rain or shine, slather on the SPF, since UVA and UVB rays cause damage every day, it is necessary to protect the skin on a daily basis. A quick way to cheat is to pick a moisturizer with natural SPF. One of our favorites is Kimberly Sayer’s Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer with SPF. This light crème applies a veil of moisture while providing essential protection from the elements.
• Wash your face before going to bed!!! This seems to be one of the hardest resolutions to keep all year long…especially after a long day. We recommend Red Flower’s Lymphatic Phytopower Sea Cleanser. Nourishing sea plants and aloe vera soothe the skin while mushroom extract and white peat revitalize. Your skin will look forward to this daily treat!
• Toss out that old makeup!!! Old makeup can be loaded with bacteria which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Make sure to throw out old makeup especially natural or organic eye makeup that is over 6 -12 months old. Ditch the old tube and replace it with 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara. Using only natural pigments from black tea and conditioning vitamin E, this mascara lengthens and thickens lashes using only natural ingredients.

 Did we miss any top resolutions that you have? Let us know!