December 19th, 2011
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.
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.
Red Clay- A mineral rich clay that is often called Moroccan clay, since it was originally found in the Atlas Mountains near Morocco. It contains a high mineral content therefore it acts as a good astringent and effectively unclogs pores. This clay is best suited for oily and congested skin. Miessence’s Soothing Mineral Mask contains rich red clay and soothing Chamomile extract to renew the skin surface.
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December 12th, 2011
Sure, he may claim indifference to skin smoothers and scrubs but your suddenly empty body lotion doesn’t lie. Has your boyfriend/husband been secretly stealing your beauty loot? This holiday, treat the man in your life to a little natural goodness. Even if he balks at the idea of beauty, we can’t imagine any guy objecting to the organic goodies on our list.
Below, my top picks for the ultimate man-approved grooming gifts:
Living Nature Men’s Soothing Shave Cream, $39
Guys hate shaving. I’d like to place the problem on products. This year, treat him to a dream cream as luxurious as it is eco-friendly. This non-irritating, non-foaming cream eliminates the odds of inflammation and is suited to even the most sensitive of shavers.
Vitamen Sea Salt Body Scrub, $46
Searching for a decidedly non-frou frou skin softening scrub? Scoop up this mega-masculine black-hued tub of exfoliating goodness. He’ll become easily addicted to this product’s all-guy natural scent, enhanced with soothing aloe vera. Perfect after a long workout or day on the slopes.
Yarok Serum 5 Triumphant for Men, $58.20
Initially, he might not be into the idea of a scalp moisturizer. Until he tries this miracle worker, that is. Packed with all-natural ingredients, this delicious oil works double-duty to condition and prevent unsightly dandruff.
Tell us, what beauty products does your boyfriend/husband secretly steal?
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December 8th, 2011
The stockings were hung on the chimney with care with the hopes that their contents wouldn’t poison the air …..
Ok perhaps we’re being dramatic but how much do we think about the items we put into our stockings? We manage to incorporate being green in our daily lives but how bout when Jolly Old St. Nick comes to town? Take a look at the average stocker stuffer item: overly packaged, artificial color & flavor and made in who knows where??? This year, choose products that are made in the USA with the finest organic ingredients. Most importantly, choose items that have been sustainably made and support small businesses that make these wonderful products. It’s a win win for everyone involved. Your loved one will get a stocking stuffer that they will actually use and you won’t pollute the planet in the process.
Here are some of my favorite stocking stuffers this year.
Badger Balm- Winter Wonder Balm.
This is my go-to remedy for colds & flu symptoms all year long. Made with cooling eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary and peppermint, this organic balm with soothe all of your aches and stop your sniffles.
100% Pure Lip Gloss-
We love these natural lip glosses made with only fruit & plant pigments. Rich vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and soothing ingredients such as shea butter and vitamin E.
Green Girl Candles Simply Lemongrass
These soy based candles use only therapeutic essential oils and no sickening artificial fragrance. I love the cleansing purifying scent of lemongrass. It is one of the few scents that can be used anywhere from bathroom to bedroom and it makes a great small gift.
Posted in Bath & Body, Face, Fragrance, Hair, Mom & Baby | No Comments »
November 21st, 2011
This holiday, enjoy your sweets in the shower instead of on your spoon. Go ahead and gorge: mega-indulgent body washes, super yummy lotions, and good-enough-to-eat facial lotions. Just because our organic beauty buys aren’t chemical-laden doesn’t mean they can’t smell and feel utterly decadent. Whether you’re planning to stuff these prettifying treats in a stocking or simply stash in your bathroom, here’s my secret recipe for a truly gourmet getting-gorgeous routine:
Shea Terra Pink Guavas and Pomegranate Whipped Shea Butter Body Cream, $18
Want to smell absolutely incredible with baby-soft skin? Post-shower, make like pumpkin pie and liberally load this stuff on. The smell is light, citrus-y, and super pretty. Plus, the frothy texture feels amazing against just showered-skin.
Karen’s Botanical’s Peppermint Pimple Zapper, $10
OK, treating your pimps isn’t always the most fun of beauty treatments. But it is a necessity, especially when navigating the super social party circuit, and especially when you’re using this zingy little miracle worker. With an intense candy cane-smell and loads of nourishing plant extracts, just a few applications and you’ll be clear and cool.
Chocolate Sun Dark Chocolate Truffle Scrub, $38
Take one part raw, unbleached turbinado sugar, mix with mineral-rich sea salts, add a Wonka-approved scent and get ready to experience a total calorie-free body-benefiting indulgence unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Apply in the shower, toss on a cashmere robe, and snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate in front of the fire. Isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
Tell us: what are your favorite holiday indulgences?
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November 14th, 2011
Beauty addictions start young. Ever swirled up your favorite lipstick to discover it in a suddenly-smashed state? Safeguard your stash by stocking up on some amazing geared-towards-the-girls play make-up kits. In addition to being the perfect stocking stuffers, these glamorous gift ideas install the importance of natural beauty at a young age AND are completely free of icky parabens and dyes (which are totally common in most kids play makeup).
Here, a list of products to will ensure the prettiest of play times:
Little Earth’s Beauty 5-piece All Natural Make Up Set, $19.99
Adorable and entirely organic, this kit mimics all the grown-up sophistication of the real deal. Inside the 4×6 clear zipper makeup bag, you’ll find a pretty pink glitter gel, creamy pink eye shadow/blush, rose tinted lip balm, 3 inch mirror, and an eye shadow applicator.
The packaging, featuring a cute butterfly design, only adds to the charm.
Priti Polishes Rockstar, $8
Is your young one manicurious? Indulge her with this totally safe and easy-to-apply pink from Priti. All polishes are non-toxic, making them totally safe for mommys-to-be, too.
Lunastar Sparkle Fair y Kit Play Make-up, $19.99
Fairy dust makes everything just a bit more magical – and the formulas in this kit are completely natural. Glittery powders and sparkling green shadows, plus a bubble gum shimmer lip balm provide your little princesses with hours of fantastical face-glamorizing fun. Everything washes off super easy with soap and water.
Tell us: what are your kids’ favorite beauty finds?
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November 10th, 2011
We all have those days when we feel as if we are losing the battle in the war for good skin. A pimple or blemish will appear, and we instantly become self conscious and less confident. For teenagers, this experience is particularly difficult. During puberty and adolescence, hormones go into overdrive often causing the skin to produce more sebum. An accumulation of sebum clogs pores and creates blemishes and acne. As a result, acne ridden teens often spend an enormous amount of money of dangerously toxic products to rid themselves of embarrassing acne. The remedy is simple. Use organic and naturally derived skin care products to establish a proper skin care routine early and you minimize breakouts and blemishes.
Abrasive toxic cleansers, oily moisturizers loaded with petrochemicals only create more of a disturbance to delicate skin. Feed your skin proper nourishment and it will reward you will healthy skin in return. Here are some of my favorite products that are great for teens:
Blemish Wash from Good for You Girls
This is a great natural alternative to the harmful anti acne cleansers you find in the drug store. Suited for teens that have problem skin or acne, it contains jojoba beads and fruit enzymes from papaya to gently exfoliate the skin.
Willowbark Exfoliating Anti-Acne Toner by Artisan Naturals
An alcohol free toner that is a teen’s best friend!! Made with organic lavender water and owhyee to sooth inflamed blemished skin. Willowbark contains natural salicylic acid which exfoliates dead skin cells. Cinnamon bark extract is a natural antiseptic and produces a calming effect on the skin.
Tags: natural skin care, organic beauty
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November 7th, 2011
It’s easy to neglect the under eye area. When it comes to skin care routines, we’re often too preoccupied with masks and moisturizers to remember the importance of dabbing on product on this delicate region. Thankfully, ridding oneself of wrinkles and unsightly under eye circles doesn’t involve the use of harsh chemically-laden beauty booty.
Check out 3 of my all-time favorite eye do’s below:
100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream, $19
This super potent blend of organic ingredients (think soothing rosehip, anti-aging vitamins, and rich powerful antioxidants) jolts circulation and instantly works to de-puff your peepers. Proof that caffeine isn’t always killer for your complexion.
Dr. Alkaitis Organic Mascara and Eye Makeup Remover, $40
I used to loathe taking off my eye makeup every night. The formulas were always so drying and it felt like the process took forever. Then I discovered this all-natural formula. It’s made of virgin almond oil and literally wipes makeup off in one quick swoop.
Living Nature Firming Eye Cream, $47
Just a teeny dab of this lush cream is all it takes to leave the under eye area dewy, plump, and noticeably firmer. I love blending a bit in the morning with my concealer to start the day with super alert eyes.
Tell us, what are your favorite eye area products?
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October 20th, 2011
The art of making perfumes dates back to antiquity and evidence suggests it began in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Many Egyptians adorned their tombs with perfume to ensure an aromatic spirit in the afterlife. Throughout history men and women have used perfume or burned incense for sacred rituals and to self beautify.
Traditionally all perfumes were naturally derived, containing essential oils, plant or wood resins and even secretions from certain animals.
With the advent of modern technologies, scientists were able to isolate particular chemical constituents such as vanillin from vanilla, to create synthetic substitutes of real oils. The synthetic varieties of chemicals were cheaper to manufacture and the perfume industry exploded. Over the years, many of us became used to the noxious smell of someone wearing strong perfume in the office or out in public. For some, physical symptoms such as headaches arose from these synthetic chemicals being sprayed
on our bodies. Luckily, as we move into greater awareness of toxic and synthetic chemicals we also discover true artisan perfumers who are doing it the old fashion way…Naturally and Organically!!!
Organic perfumes are made with organic essential oils, resins, and spices and usually combined with certified organic alcohol, fractioned coconut or jojoba oil. Since the perfumes are natural, they absorb into your skin more quickly and do not “hover over” your body like a cloud. With natural perfumes, you don’t smell someone a mile away; more over; the scent of a natural perfume bonds with a person’s unique body chemistry to give a natural and distinct scent just for you! Here are some of our favorites:
Fleur Savage by Tsi La-
Made with intoxicating jasmine, neroli and rare tuberose, it is a floral masterpiece and can be used for day or night.
Mejicca by Amanda Walker
They say that vanilla is the most seductive scent and with this perfume, you’ll have no problem in the seduction department. Made with three different types of rare vanilla and a exotic variety of spices, this warming sweet fragrance is soft and delicate.
Tags: natural beauty, natural perfume
Posted in Fragrance | 1 Comment »
October 18th, 2011
When it comes to all-natural beauty, it’s never too soon to start. Spoil your organic beauty aficionado-in-the-making with products that are safe, eco-friendly, and totally delicious.
Here are a few of my current favorites:
Baby Bear Shop, Baby Bird Soap, $12
In addition to being entirely adorable, this circular handmade soap is also packed with mega-gentle oils like coconut and aloe vera. The pretty bird design makes it completely gift-worthy, which is always a plus.
Badger Baby Oil, $15
This stuff is destined to become your newest go-to for everything from chapped skin to diaper rash to eczema prevention. Soothing Calendula and calming chamomile are as safe as they are effective. Bonus: the super chic packaging makes it look amazingly luxurious.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Angel Body Lotion, $18.95
Stay away from icky artificial fragrances or dyes and reach for this all-natural wonder potion. The formula, with skin saving rooibos extract, literally soaks in at the touch. The heavenly scent is so addicting you’ll want to steal it for yourself.
Tell us: what are your beauty-for-baby musts?
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October 13th, 2011
As the weather gets colder, our skin needs more moisture to protect from the elements. Whether it’s a lip balm to keep our pucker in tip top shape or a gorgeous body butter to soothe all over, it’s time kick up the nourishment this season.
A body balm is generally oil based and contains a variety of rich plant oils such organic olive, jojoba or avocado oil. These oils tend to be very moisturizing to dry and chapped skin. One of our favorite balms is The Evolving Body Balm by WS Badger. This certified organic balm contains a variety of healing essential oils such a Calendula, French Lavender and Steam Distilled Rose Oil which give it a wonderfully aromatic scent.
A body butter is a cream (or as we like to say here…crème) type of body lotion with a higher percentage of nourishing oils and waxes. The consistency of body butter is more thicker than traditional body lotions. Moisturizing plant emollients like shea butter and cocoa butter are often found in body butters as well as nourishing healing essential oils and extracts. Body butters are great to use year round on areas of the skin that need the most moisture including elbows, knees, feet and hands. One of my favorite body butters is The Organic Body Butter by SkinnySkinny. Made with organic cocoa and shea butter this crème takes luxurious moisture to the next level. Healing rosehip and pomegranate seed oil also repair dry and damaged skin.
Tags: organic beauty, organic beauty gifts, organic beauty products, organic skincare
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