OrganicBeautySource.com Blog

Best Organic Cosmetics Blog

Welcome to the OrganicBeautySource.com Blog! Here you will find information from our website to help you make healthy and important choices about the best organic cosmetics, skin care products and hair care products. Because not all organic products are free from harmful ingredients it is important to know your source.

Liz is the founder and editor of OrganicBeautySource.com, wife and mother of two. She is dedicated to safety in cosmetics and strives to do her part for the environment. She loves reading magazines, shopping (online & off), vacationing, pilates and spending time with family and friends.

Jul 2, 2008, Primavera Natural Balance Refining Exfoliating Cleanser

I don't know about you, but when it comes to summer weather, I could stand to exfoliate more often. Well, thank goodness for Primavera Natural Balance Refining Exfoliating Cleanser! This mild, sugar-based cleanser is gentle enough to use frequently yet provides enough moisture so as not to dry out the skin. The delicate scent makes it a pleasure.

Jun 25, 2008, Skin Apricot Mango Eye Cream

We would not want to forget about the delicate skin around the eyes and Skin Apricot Mango Eye Cream is perfect for that.

It has Apricot kernel oil for the sensitive skin around the eye area to smooth and regenerate, jojoba oil for exceptional absorption, mango butter to help heal, protect, aid in wrinkle reduction, and to soften the skin, and macadamia nut oil to moisturize and help protect the skin.

Rich and emollient but not greasy, just dab a little of this gentle cream around eyes at night and you will wake up with perky peepers. And at $24.95 for one ounce (a lot in terms of eye cream), it won't break the bank.

Jun 20, 2008, Cool gifts for summer

To view a list of safe organic products that I am loving this summer check out our Summer Gifts Guide! A head to toe guide to keep you looking and feeling great this season!

Jun 18, 2008, The best exfoliant for summer...in your kitchen

For super soft skin this summer, try making your own exfoliant. Simply mix 1/3 cup organic sugar with a tablespoon of milk (organic, of course) and stir into a thick paste. Gently rub on skin in the shower and rinse. Your skin will be softer and smoother than ever.

Jun 8, 2008, Soleo Organics Sunscreen

For my son, who absolutely cannot stand sunscreen application, Soleo Organics has passed the test.

The light-weight Soleo goes on smooth and absorbs easily yet still provides SPF 30+ protection and is water proof for up to 3 hours. Better still, this organic and chemical-free sunscreen contains a special form of very fine zinc oxide, which means unlike common zinc, it won't leave your skin ghostly white.

But best of all, my eight year old does not run from sight the minute I pull out this little green tube, and he thinks the carabiner clip is pretty cool too.

May 30, 2008, Shine Off

With these warmer, more humid months come shinier faces. Jurlique Citrus Silk Finishing Powder absorbs any extra oil and shine while leaving behind smooth, fresh looking skin.

This snow white powder provides a suprisingly sheer, transclucent finish and the mild citrus scent gives you a little emotional boost. Perfect for any skin type. Also comes in Rose and Lavender scents.

May 16, 2008, Suzanne aux bains Nourishing Body Milk -- tres bon!

My latest favorite new product is Suzanne aux bains Nourishing Body Milk. I tried a sample of this light-weight (perfect for summer) body lotion while on my way out and noticed the very soft (also, perfect for summer) scent and then honestly proceeded to forget I had even put it on. It was later that night when I noticed the silky smoothness of my skin and had to think back about the cause.

This French line of exquisite organic products, which include those for face and body, are certified by Ecocert with a Cosmebio label.

Needless to say my full-sized bottle is on its way!

May 7, 2008, Not your ordinary Patchouly

Though I am not an avid perfume wearer (think headache, sick stomache) I was brave enough to try some of the scents from Florascent, makers of perfumes from natural raw materials, and was delightfully surprised.

These delicately scented perfumes are made from pure flower essences and specially produced plant extracts (macerates) and are then left to mature over several months to develop their unique and mellow character.

The fragrance seems to meld with the skin and produces a soft, warm aura. Pleasant yet subtle.

Apr 28, 2008, Do you Saffron Rouge?

A great one stop shop for all of your safe organic beauty needs is Saffron Rouge. Kirstin Binder and her husband, Jeff, are the team behind this online shop with a huge variety of organic/biodynamic brands, all free from synthetic ingredients.

Join Kirstin's Inner Circle for a reasonable $35 per year to receive monthly samples, discounts and information to keep you up to date on the latest goings on at Saffron Rouge.

Apr 22, 2008, It's that time again

Yes, it's time to get out the sunscreen! Sometimes when the air still has a bit of chill we forget that the rays are just as strong. Until, that is, we come home from a few hours outside with a hint of sunburn.

One I love is Lavera Hawaii SPF 20 Natural Sunscreen - Spray. Smells great and the convenient spray makes it easy to apply. No chalky white residue either.

Right now when you buy 3 Lavera Sun products you get a Lavera Sun Lip Balm for free!

Apr 12, 2008, What are you doing for Earth Day?

With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd we are more aware than ever of the things we can do to make a positive change in our lives and for this earth we share. Some companies have come up with incentives to help us make better choices.

Hamadi Beauty will donate 5% of their proceeds for the month of April towards NRDC and give each customer who spends $75 or more a free 2oz. Hair Wash.

Pangea Organics will be giving a discount of 20% on all online orders for the month of April. Just enter "GOGREEN08" as the discount code at checkout.

Apr 11, 2008, Lavera mascara to the test...beats the rest

I have been sampling different mascaras lately and am always eager to get back to my Lavera Volume Organic Mascara.

The fluid consistency ensures that it goes on smooth and clump-less everytime and the gentle formulation never irritates eyes.

This product is versatile too! Use one coat if you are going to the gym or grocery store, add a couple of layers for evening.

Choose from black or brown for a natural look.

Apr 4, 2008, Weleda Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream

My fav hand cream right now is the new Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream made by Swiss-based brand, Weleda.

This slightly citrus smelling cream is thick enough to hydrate parched skin but --and this is the best part-- doesn't leave even a hint of greasy film behind.

I have been going through tubes of this awesome stuff like rapid-fire and, needless to say, keep one in my bag, another in the kitchen and one on my nightstand.

Yes, you truly can have soft hands and still run your fingers through your hair.

Mar 19, 2008, John Masters to the rescue

Combing out my daughter’s long, fine hair after bath time is a least favorite activity –hers and mine- and I thank John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler for coming to our rescue.

A nickel-sized amount of this silky, mildly fragrant product and we are through those locks in no time.

Leaves hair shiny and manageable without a bit of that “greased” look. I wouldn’t dare be caught without it.

Mar 15, 2008, Jurlique brings citrus to spring

One of the most innovative, not to mention practical, new products I have tried recently is Jurlique Citrus Purifying Mist. An invigorating facial mist which adds a soothing layer of moisture to the skin while balancing oiliness.

It can be difficult to find the perfect moisturizer for our skin in this in-between time when we are attempting to transition from winter to spring weather. Our winter cream may be too heavy for daytime but anything lighter may leave skin feeling a little parched.

A few pumps of Jurlique Citrus Purifying Mist and the skin feels hydrated and looks brighter and healthier, while the fresh scent of Tangerine and Lemon essential oils add a nice little pick-you-up. Also perfect for traveling or when you may not have gotten all of your zzzzzs the night before.

A fine compliment to the facial spray is Jurlique Citrus Silk Finishing Powder. A light dusting of this translucent, lightly scented powder will keep you shine free and refreshed.

Mar 14, 2008, My aura loves ila!

I recently had the pleasure of trying the new ila Skincare Products, a wonderful experience at that. The Sanskrit word for Earth, ila products contain only ingredients which come from plants or minerals.

The sleek, impeccably clean look of the packaging is first to catch your senses, but one whiff of the products and you are smitten. With a delicately sweet scent all its own these products are as pure as they come.

Made mostly with organic ingredients, except where ingredients of even 'greater purity' have been found from sources using ancient growing and manufacturing conditions. The three main ingredients used in the ila product line are Rose Damascene from India, Salt Crystals from Kashmir and Argan Oil from Morocco, all ethically sourced, combining to create the unique and beautiful ila scent.

The brand was born from Denise Leicester who trained in yoga, was nurse to the royal family in Dubai and has more than 20 years experience in the development of aromatherapy products. Manufactured in the English countryside under the purest conditions are ila bath salts, body scrubs, a balm and oil for the body and complete skincare line.

Not only do ila products smell and feel great on your skin, not to mention look great sitting in your bathroom, research shows they positively affect your energy. That’s right, we are talking auras and chakras here.

My favorite is ila Energy Spray for an Aura of Confidence, a soft spray said to refresh and bring about clarity of mind, which truly does seem to give me more energy. And even if it didn’t I would use it simply because of the exquisite smell it leaves on the skin.

With my mind and aura clear I can’t wait to try all of the ila products.

Mar 10, 2008, Crazy Rumors...

Crazy Rumors Lip Balms have to be my absolute favorite. They are soft (not waxy) so they glide right on and stay put for an amazingly long time.

These fun little vegan-friendly balms are made with high-quality naturally derived ingredients but with a twist. Natural coffee (Perk) and tea (Brew) flavors, evocative of the current coffee house popularity, pack a delightful punch and the fun packaging makes them even more user friendly.

Not to ignore the tried and true, Crazy Rumors uses moisturizing Shea Butter and soothing Jojoba Oil. Available in 12 unique flavors for coffee --or tea-- on the go.

Mar 2, 2008, Blemish be gone

You've seen them and probably tried them and they almost never fail to disappoint -- until this one, that is! I pride myself in having easy to manage skin that I take good care of, but who doesn't have the occasional blemish? When I received Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum my first inclination was to think --Oh no another product that either dries the skin around your zit into a bigger, redder, much nastier mess than you already have or does absolutely nothing.

Well, as if on cue, one cropped up on my chin and I thought maybe it was fate calling me to try this new product, and was it ever worth it. It took my pimple away in just a few days (noticeably better by the next morning) and, unless you were me, you would never even have noticed it was there. I will definitely keep a bottle of this around.

Jan 6, 2008, Help for rough, dry hands

The greatest find of the winter so far has to be Hand Cream by Dr. Hauschka Skin Care. It moisturizes and heals dry, irritated skin without leaving a greasy film. Has a subtle fresh scent too. I keep a tube on me at all times!

Dec 29, 2007, Solving those winter hair woes

Dry, staticy, fly-away hair is a bothersome side effect of the colder months, but you don't have to live with it. Put some shine and softness back into your locks with Hamadi - Shea Leave In . Made with shea butter, the Hamadi products leave hair smooth and conditioned and enhance natural curl without crispiness -- great for every day use. The naturally occuring sunscreen in shea butter helps to protect the hair as well.

Dec 16, 2007, Keeping up appearances

If you have yet to try one of the hottest new products from Pangea Organics this year, Pangea Organics - Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask , you don't know what you are missing. This muddy green scrub does a beautiful job of exfoliating and moisturizing at the same time. Leaves skin with a healthy glow, while the growable packaging has you glowing from the inside. Use once or twice a week to keep up good appearances all winter long. Great gifts for the girlfriends!

Nov 2, 2007, Yes, the holidays are right around the corner

It seems the minute Halloween is over stores start whipping out the holiday decorations. For something sure to get you in the mood visit Love Lula the organic apothecary and check out their holiday catalogue, chock full of safe organic products for a beautiful, stress-free, great-smelling season. Tons of gift ideas for those you love (that includes you, too!)

Oct 17, 2007, Primo Primavera

Love Lula now carries the exquisite Primavera line. Luxurious body products, must-have aromatherapy items and their signature essential oils all made from the highest quality organic ingredients. And, when you buy from Love Lula the organic apothecary, not a bad price either. Go ahead and indulge yourself today.

Oct 12, 2007, Get your Kimia Glow on

Don't we all secretly (or not so secretly) wish to look a little like Victoria Beckham? Well, now that wish may be granted -- for our skin anyway. With many adoring celebrity fans, Kimia is making its way into homes across Europe and now the US as well. Super moisturizing without looking greasy, this oil-based range is said to show a noticeable difference in the skin instantly. Let's just say I am anxiously awaiting my Kimia samples!

You too can snag some free Kimia samples during the month of October at Love Lula the organic apothecary .

Sep 28, 2007, Caught the latest buzz?

You have probably caught the latest buzz over the benefits of caffeine in cosmetics. Green tea and coffee supply the caffeine used in skincare products like 100% Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream, Lavere Anti Cellulite Body Control and Lavere Ultimate Eye Care

Caffeine as a skincare ingredient is said to reduce swelling, brighten the complexion, improve circulation to reduce cellulite and fortify tissue to firm the skin.

So, it turns out caffeine does more than help you get going in the morning. One more reason to love the coffee bean!

Sep 22, 2007, Don't overlook your feet

By now you have probably purchased a few new things for your fall/winter wardrobe and, if you are anything like me, are wondering what shoes you should where. Well the GT Jane from Simple Shoes are super cute and comfy and they really do look better on than off. They come in several styles and colors too. The perfect compliment to any casual outfit.

Sep 21, 2007, Everyone needs a tube of this

Z-Gel is a multi-purpose first aid remedy for mind and body. A secret weapon amongst doctors in its homeland of France, this all natural organic gel can be used to treat everything from bites and stings to bumps and bruises to emotional stress.