OrganicBeautySource.com BlogWelcome to the OrganicBeautySource.com Blog! Here you will find information to help you make healthy and important choices about the best organic cosmetics, skin care products and hair care products.
Feb 5, 2010, Check Out the New OBS
Here is a sneak peek of the new Organic Beauty Source! All the great information in a more convenient location. Please let me know what you think!
Jan 29, 2010, Weekly Wrap-UpWant to know how best to choose and apply foundation? How about hot news on aging? Maybe you’d like more information on how your temperament affects your skin? Well, here you go. Check out the articles I wrote this week for Feelgood Style: How Temperament Affects Your Skin
Jan 25, 2010, Eye Shadow RevisitedSpent much time thinking about eye shadow lately? I actually have! Whether you wear it each and every day or are new to this make up item, there are many tricks, tips, colors, application methods and looks when it comes to eye shadow that I think you'll love. Read about my recent experimenatations with eye shadow on Feelgood Style. Shop eye shadows now at Lavera and receive 10% any regularly priced item when you enter code organicbeauty2010 at checkout. Discount is valid for one use per customer through Dec 31 2010.
Jan 15, 2010, Site v Blog, Round 1
The last couple of weeks have been spent on some updates around my home – kitchen, office, front closet – for starters. All fixes, updates and organizational tactics have been done by me, with the least amount of money spent and always with eco-friendliness in mind. If you would like to see what I have been up to I will be posting before and after photos on OBStoo. Which leads me to another thought. With all of the downsizing and organizing I have had on the brain around the home, it got me thinking about this site, Organic Beauty Source. In the next couple of months time I am planning to make a big decision about its future, namely Site vs. Blog, and am asking you to weigh in. So, which do you prefer reading….websites or blogs? A website is filled with information and resources, a blog would be regularly updated and timely information, reviews, news, etc. Personally, I find myself reading loads of blogs these days and prefer the simplified format. I would looooooove your input. So, which is it? Blog or Site?
Dec 20, 2009, Yet Another Dry Skin Post by Moi....and Happy Holidays!
But please... just one more... I promise (for now). And all of you have a wonderful, lovely, joyous, relaxing holiday season with your family and friends and we will meet up back here after the New Year! Image: John Steven Fernandez at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
Dec 3, 2009, Got Holiday Spirit?
So the kids have been home sick all week, my house is a wreckage, I’ve gotten next to no Christmas shopping done and am becoming less motivated by the second. So, I write this to you in my big, fat, comfy robe the hubby and kids gave me last Christmas, some Dr. Hauschka soothing mask on the face, avocado oil in my two day old hair and a healthy dose of Immune Boost aromatherapy oil. I have decided to become proactive.
I’ve doused the kids, too (in aromatherapy oil, that is) and am serving up green tea by the buckets. We are going to get healthy, and in the holiday spirit, one way or another. Last night we even whipped up a narly homemade cough remedy I found online of cayenne powder, dried ginger, cider vinegar, honey and water. Now, our family does not shy away from spicy, but this stuff is strong! It actually induced coughing in those of us who didn’t already have one.
So, I am asking for your help, dear readers…… What are your home remedies for cough, cold and other winter-time ailments? We’d sure love your suggestions! We are in dire need of good night’s sleep around here…
Nov 26, 2009, Black Friday DealsNo need to battle holiday shoppers this Black Friday. Here are a few green online beauty retailers who make getting deals easy!
Nov 17, 2009, What's Going On This Week....Jurlique goes all Jasmine and, yes, it is as good as it sounds. Check it out on Feelgood Style. And (finally!) there has been some action to get our totally lacking organic cosmetics standards updated a bit. Read all about it on Green-Blog.
Nov 17, 2009, Healing Spice
Anyway, it does seem to be helping with my neck and headache issues (I forgot to take it around Halloween and the neck and shoulder tension crept back in). Just be sure to take it after eating something to avoid stomach upset. It seems to be worth it for the ache-y-ness relief alone, but when you throw in all of the other benefits of this spice it seems a no-brainer. Image: Organic Passion
Nov 10, 2009, Perfect Little Gift
I have just the thing......head on over to my etsy store and check out my latest designs. I'm giving them to all of the ladies in my life this year, and since I love to get started on holiday ideas early, I have been felting my heart out! Happy Shopping!
Nov 6, 2009, A Question
I have been working on a little project for the holidays and thought you may like to see. Head on over to my post on Organic Beauty Rap and check it out, then let me know (here or there) what you think. I'd love your input! Have a fantastic weekend! Image: Dom Dada at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
Oct 25, 2009, Lighten and Brighten Skin Post-Sun
Well, I checked in with several green beauty experts for their recommendations on the subject. You can view my story on Feelgood Style. Image: kirikiri at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
Oct 10, 2009, More Fall HelpersTake a look at my post on Feelgood Style for more great products to help get you through the dry season.
Oct 9, 2009, Friday Again!
Not much on the green beauty front to report in my neighborhood this week -- read my post on Organic Beauty Rap and you will see why. But, I refuse to let you down due to my own distractibility. Here is a great post by Stephanie Greenwood for help with stressed tresses. Image credit: r ♥ c e y t ♥ y at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
Oct 2, 2009, Fall Essentials
This stuff is seriously like a magic potion for dry skin. I get so many compliments (the words “young”, “healthy” and “glowing” have been thrown around) when I use it. Though it kind of has a scary dark-green appearance, this combination of pure oils soaks rapidly into parched skin, plumping it up and adding a healthy radiance. IN’s own Intellimune Seed Oil Complex delivers Potent anti-aging antioxidants along with Acai and Argan Oils. Apply a small amount (about one squirt) under your daily moisturizer for an extra hit of hydration. And at night I really go for it – a couple of good squirts on top of my usual rosehip oil. Another application right when you get out of bed in the morning gets you off to a great start. Skin is smooth, soft and blemish free. This one is a definite keeper on through winter. As for those dry hands, pure argan oil is my product of choice. A good coating at bedtime will keep hands well moisturized. For daytime it’s hard to beat Weleda Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream. Never greasy, yet super hydrating. Now for cold weather hair. What are your fave remedies for dry locks? Image: Micky at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
Sep 30, 2009, Celebrate with Bubble & Bee and Get Free Stuff
Check out my post over at Feelgood Style...
Sep 24, 2009, Flavored Water Un-Polluted
Two great products that can help you out -- Herabal Water and Twist. Both super yummy, both free from all the junk. Check 'em out in my post over at Feelgood Style. And, please, let me know what you think.
Sep 22, 2009, Aroma Therapy
So, I ask you dear readers, what is your deod of choice? Is it a stick? A roll-on? A powder? A combination? What helps to keep you your freshest, driest self? Let me know and I will post your responses. Image: Lipgloss Junkie at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license. I prefer a roll on deodorant, however when I switched from an aluminum based deodorant to natural, I had problems finding a roll on that worked. I did find one product that I like, its called Funk Butter by Oyin Handmade, love the name too. This is more of a paste form, but it works for me keeping the nasty underarm odor at bay. ~Shannon
Sep 22, 2009, MOOM Natural Hair Remover
But for those of us who do appreciate a good waxing (if only for an area or two) MOOM is a must-try. This all-natural hair remover works like the conventional stuff, minus all the icky chemical ingredients. Read my post on Feelgood Style to find out more…
Sep 11, 2009, Giving It Up One More Time for the Simple Shoes Clearance SaleThe Simple Shoes Clearance is still going and,for those of you who haven't yet checked it out, this really is a crazy good sale. Simple still has lots of great styles left and at ridiculously low prices. Try $9-$20 bucks. I actually couldn't stand it and purchased another pair this week. With those awesome prices and free shipping, how can you resist?
Sep 9, 2009, A Little Summer Carry-Over
Well, though the weather is changing we can incorporate a few throw-backs to summer into our lives, and Malie Organics Jasmine Rose Beautify Facial Tonic is one great way to do it. I have actually been using this as an a.m. cleanser of late, since the heat and humidity are lower and skin doesn't need quite as much attention. Also, I just love to spritz a little into my hair to add a gloss and boost waves and body. And the smell is the best part...delicious island jasmine will keep you dreaming of warmer days. Image credit: Malie Organics
Sep 3, 2009, Gorgeous (looking and smelling) Candles by Malie Organics
Check out my post at Feelgood Style on the scrumptious selection of soy candles Malie Organics has to offer. That was a really lovely post.... even i love such candles.... ~Eco Beauty
Aug 28, 2009, Organic Beauty Rap
Well, now they are. Head on over to Organic Beauty Rap (my brand new blog) to check out my first post. Then be sure to check back weekly for more great green news. Whilst doing my (almost) daily scanning of the greatest green blogs, I will compile a list of the best of the best which I will then share with you. Don't forget to tell your friends. Image credit: Pahud at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
Aug 27, 2009, Simple Shoes at Clearance Prices, Get 'Em Cause They're Hot
Some of Simple's hottest styles are listed at super-bargain prices right now, like $8.99 for Innertubes or $7.90 for Skippies. I just bought my daughter those Gt Janies she's always wanted for under nine bucks. That's right, for a limited time you can purchase Simple Shoes and pay nothing for shipping on top of the great prices. The clearance sale includes styles for Men, Women, Kids and Babies. You may even want to stock up for next fall.
Aug 25, 2009, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and Save
Even some ‘natural’ toothpastes contain nasty ingredients, like Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), chemical preservatives and (the controversial) fluoride. Well not these guys. Only safe, natural ingredients and they do the job of keeping teeth clean and healthy. And they come in a variety of options – for those with sensitivity issues, tartar build-up and even a special tooth gel for children (so yummy they will be begging to brush their teeth). No more morning or bedtime teeth-brushing blues.
More good news…Saffron Rouge is currently running a special so you can try out those natural toothpastes and save a little dough. Now through August 31st use coupon code TOOTH1 at checkout and save 10% on your entire order.
Aug 15, 2009, Lavera + Natural Solutions Magazine = Perfect ComboLavera is currently running a promotion with purchase. Buy over $75 in Lavera products and receive a one year subscription (8 issues) of Natural Solutions Magazine. This is for a limited time only so hurry on over and use promo code NATSOL at checkout.
Can’t decide which products to purchase? Here are a few of my favorites:
BODY EFFECT Anti-Cellulite Body Lotion
BODY EFFECT Anti-Cellulite Oil Spray
Sunless Tanning - Self Tanner Lotion
FACES Summer Glow - Facial Self Tanner
FACES Calendula Exfoliating Wash Revolution-Organics-Freedom-Collection"> Aug 2, 2009, Revolution Organics Freedom Collection
The hottest new product to come across my desk lately; Freedom Glow Beauty Balm creamy blusher sticks come in gorgeous colors that you can use on cheeks, eyes and lips. And luscious Freedom Gloss lip glosses, available in five fabulous shades, keep lips slicked, pretty and tasting yummy, too. The Beauty Balms are perfect for beauty on the go. Stash one (or all) in your purse or gym bag and you are ready for a pick me up with just one product. Blend into cheeks, eyelids and lips for a fresh, glamorous glow. These beneficial balms are smooth, creamy and hydrating, leave skin looking dewy and youthful. My fav right now for summer is Sunkissed on cheeks for a peachy glow and Bronzed on eyelids for a little drama. Can’t wait for fall to try Blushed, a rosy pink, on cheeks and lips. Freedom Glosses are one of the best lip glosses I have tried yet. Stay put without being sticky, these slicks are super shiny and come in a beautiful array of colors. I like Innocent (a “soft baby pink”) for day and Integrity (“shimmering golden rose”) adds a bit of sparkle but is also such a perfect neutral mix between tan and pink that it truly goes with anything. That one goes everywhere with me. Revolution Organics products are free of toxins and contain healthy ingredients like olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil and aloe vera. All products are 100% natural and made with 85% certified organic ingredients and mineral-based pigments. Packaged in recyclable material. Image credit: Saffron Rouge. DIY-Leave-In-for-Stressed-Tresses"> Jul 28, 2009, DIY Leave-In for Stressed Tresses
While searching online for a good non-toxic leave-in, I came across this recipe by Johnny Lavoy, who does hair and makeup for such major designers as Michael Kors and Kenneth Cole, and it is super easy to make. Simply mix one part conditioner to four parts water in a spray bottle and add two or three drops of lavender oil. Shake well and spritz onto hair. I used Sante Brilliant Care Conditioner and it works like a charm. This concoction is great on wet hair (detangles my daughter's long locks effortlessly) or dry (I use it the day after a shampoo to add softness and re-boot my waves) and hair just drinks it up. Who knew it could be this easy? Thanks Johnny! Image credit: [nati] at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
Jul 21, 2009, My Nude Love Affair is (kind of) Over
That said, the Night Replenishing Oil (one of my favs) is simply a healthy mix of oils with no nasties. So, if you must insist on going Nude, use that one! Image credit: shimmertje at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
Jul 17, 2009, You Asked...Could you please e-mail me a full list of the ingredients in Soleo Organics Sunscreen? Also is the zinc encapsulated in any material? Beth Zinc oxide is a mineral sun block which sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays, is less irritating than chemical sunscreens and has a wider range of protection from UV rays. But zinc itself has to be coated to be used safely. As Dr. Tony Kovacs of Skin Elements USA, makers of Soleo Organics Sunscreen, states: “Uncoated zinc has approx 3-5% photoreactivity and may produce free radicals as a result. Coated zinc is below 1% photoreactivity and the chance of free radical production is reduced significantly.” Soleo Organics Sunscreen contains zinc oxide coated with a derivative of coconut oil. The majority of companies use dimethicone or aluminium to coat zinc oxide, while others use uncoated zinc. Here is the full ingredient list for Soleo Organics Sunscreen as taken from Saffron Rouge online store… grapeseed oil, macadamia oil, green tea extract, roman chamomile extract, sunflower oil, capric/caprylic triglycerides (plant oil derived), beeswax, theobroma butter, candelilla wax, lecithin, vegetable oils, cucumber extract, tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) ACTIVE INGREDIENT: zinc oxide 22.3% You can purchase Soleo Organics Sunscreen at Saffron Rouge (they also have a physical store in Guelph, Ontario) or Caren Online.
Jul 3, 2009, Rare El'ements Healthy Salon Quality Hair Care
I may be particularly in love with these because of my never ending quest to find all natural hair care products that work on my hair for an extended period of time. My hair is the needy type and most leave it dry and blah after a few uses. My friend Terri over at The Nature of Beauty – awesome green beauty shop which, if you haven’t already checked out, totally should – suggested this line and since I always love a personal recommendation, tried it out. Expecting the usual results but hoping for the best, I was more than pleased with the way Rare El'ements works on my hair. It’s soft, shiny and even enhanced my wave while toning down the frizz. And, best of all, worked time and again. Finally, I have found a natural hair care line that doesn’t compromise great looking hair for safety. Eat your heart out silicones!
Jul 2, 2009, Get Buff(ed) for Summer
So, you’ve got your skin care regimen down for summer, switched out a hair product and found a new warm weather scent that you love. Now, what’s missing? Maybe those lumps, bumps and scratchy parts on the ol’ bod gotcha down? True, summer is the time to show a little more skin and you can have your body beach-worthy with very little work and almost instantly. Lavere Body Effect to the rescue. Seven fabulous products to get your body smooth and soft and even contains ingredients to help diminish the appearance of cellulite. The line consists of a shower cream, body scrub, body lotion, body cream for more intense hydration, a body oil mist and hand cream. I love the whole line but my favorites are Body Effect Anti-Cellulite Body Scrub, Body Effect Shower Cream and Body Effect Anti-Cellulite Oil Spray. I have sensitive skin and the skin on my body is fairly fussy, as well. It needs lots of hydration but certain lotions and oils irritate or make it break out. With Body Effect my bod is truly happy, healthy and looking good. I buff when needed, use the shower cream almost daily and let’s just say that awesome little bottle of oil spray is never far from where I can get my hands on it. It gives your skin this yummy, silky glow that is positively addictive, and the smell is a mouth-watering combo of minty, limey goodness. Now, I know I have said this at least a couple of hundred times, but if you are not already using Lavera Sunless Tanning Lotion you are missing out on a really natural-looking, safe tan. It truly is the best sunless tanner I have ever used. Lavere Body Effect is an easy and satisfying way to get yourself buffed and glowing for summer. You’ll be wearing that bikini in no time.
Jun 23, 2009, A scent that makes sense
Thankfully, there are several nontoxic fragrances on the market, but my problem with them is usually my scent-sensitivity. You know how some people are sensitive to loud noises or bright lights? Well, mine is a scent issue. Most of them make me headache-y and sick to my stomach. My rule of thumb is, If it smells drinkable I can probably wear it. Such is the case with Lavanila Pure Vanilla Healthy Fragrance ($56). This stuff is yummy smelling (think warm vanilla bean, not sickeningly sweet vanilla cookie) melts into the skin and lasts all day. And…totally healthy. Lavanila fragrances are made from 100% natural ingredients and contain vitamins and nutrients which actually make wearing them good for you. How about that? The fragrances come in a variety of scents, like vanilla grapefruit and vanilla coconut. As for me, I am sticking with the pure stuff.
Jun 19, 2009, Check out this good stuff!
Stephanie Greenwood (Bubble and Bee Organic) just started Today's Chemical, a daily review of chemicals used to make cosmetics and why you do or do not want them in your products. Even for those of us who are pretty well down with chemical ingredients, this is an invaluable resource. I know I'll be checking it out. You can even ask Stephanie an ingredient question which she will answer personally. Read my write up. Another cool idea from a very well informed green beauty expert is the Emerald Awards by Terri Bly (The Nature of Beauty) for Feelgood Style. So far she has handed out Emeralds for the best of the best in Lipstick/Lipgloss, Foundation and Mascara. And I have been sampling tons of great products this summer. From fragrance to day cream with SPF, so stay tuned for my reviews.
Jun 12, 2009, New from Down Under
Mom absolutely loved the line. Here is her report: Janika Nouveau Facial Cleanser – a light, yet creamy, cleanser that leaves skin lightly hydrated Janika Revival Facial Toner – a mist toner that cools and refreshes Janika Suave Eye Gel – very refreshing, is more like an eye cream than gel Janika Nutri Facial Moisturizer – very light but hydrating, and has a fresh, subtle scent, great under make up Janika Nuit Night Serum – put this on at night before bed, smells wonderful Though I did not get to sample the products personally, I did devour the ingredients labels, and they are astoundingly free from anything synthetic or nasty. Rather, chock full of healthy, natural plant extracts and essential oils. All products are cold processed to preserve the nutrient value of all the nourishing ingredients. So, in the end, my mother had a refreshingly satisfying experience with Janika. And so did I.
Jun 9, 2009, You Asked....The line Origins has organic products, but after reading all the articles on your website I am confused whether to go with Origins or not. Can you please inform me about this company or suggest something else? You are wondering about the purity of Origins organic line and rightly so. When a cosmetic manufacturer does not display a full product ingredient list on their website (as is the case with Origins organic products) it should raise your suspicions that the products may include ingredients that you may not want to use. The next concern is when there is no mention of the product being free from harmful ingredients – i.e. “this product contains no sulphates, petrolatum, parabens…”. I could not find an ingredient list for the Origins organic products online (and I did a lot of searching) and that in itself is enough to make me skeptical. Skin care brands who are made without toxic ingredients are proud to display their full ingredient lists on their website. So, I took a trip to a local department store that carries the line so that I could get a look at the ingredient list first hand. The cleanser is reasonably safe as is the toner (toners by nature have very few ingredients), but the moisturizer contains a few not-so-virtuous ingredients (benzyl benzoate and magnesium aluminum silicate). The deodorant contains benzyl salicylate and most of the products had “
Permalink -- click for full blog post "You Asked...."
eos products come in lip balm sticks and (this is where they go new age) lip balm spheres. And they don’t stop there, both sticks and spheres are housed in this soft-to-the-touch packaging which makes it hard to keep your hands off of them. Smart! Though the bright colors, funky shapes and oh-so-touchable exterior of these balms are what draws you in, most importantly is what’s inside. Made with vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil to keep lips super soft and smooth, the balms are free from harmful ingredients (like petrolatum and parabens) USDA Certified Organic and all natural. All this and at only $2.99 a pop. Can’t beat it with a stick (or sphere!). Image credit: eosTM
The set includes: Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange Facial Cleanser, Egyptian Geranium With Adzuki Bean & Cranberry Facial Scrub and Italian Red Mandarin With Rose Lip Balm. They have also added one of my favorite beauty products ever, Japanese Matcha Tea With Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask, I am sure you have heard me rave over this product before. And I cannot wait to try the brand new Turkish Rose & White Tea Eye Cream, which they have also generously thrown into the mix. If it is anything like the other Pangea products, it will not disappoint.
The Radiance Gift Set is available now for pre-order and will ship around June 15th.
Carmen wrote in wondering where she can find Soleo Organics Sunscreen in BC Canada. Saffron Rouge, located in Guelph Ontario, carries Soleo products and ships to all parts of Canada as well as internationally. They also have a boutique in Guelph. Soleo is currently out of stock everywhere for the next 2-3 weeks due to some restructuring of packaging and product sizes. You can pre-order Soleo at www.saffronrouge.com. Soleo is a terrific and safe sunscreen. It is free from harmful ingredients and doesn’t leave a white film on skin. Vivesana is a new sun care line on the market and is very similar to Soleo. Read my article on Vivesana on Green-Blog.org and use the coupon code at the bottom of the post for a 25% discount.
Enter Nuworld Botanicals Aromatherapy Personals($17). This cool new line out of Canada was created by Natalie Cascella and includes 11 unique aromatherapy blends, packaged in convenient little rollerball vials for on the go aid. Each combines aromatherapy and acupressure, along with health benefits of antioxidants, vitamins and 100% certified organic essential oils. Nuworld Botanicals uses a base of 100% certified organic Jojoba oil to dilute the essential oils for safe use.
Read the rest of this entry...
Graduation parties, weddings, spring flings; all of these warrant the same thing...a new dress. And Lara Miller has the perfect one. After looking high and low (online and otherwise) for a cute new item to add to my warm weather wardrobe I must say not one thing fit the bill. That is until I stumbled upon Lara Miller's Spring 09 collection. Made from a blend of organic bamboo and cotton these pieces are not only sustainable and eco-friendly but absolutely adorable, comfy and (possibly the best part) machine washable. Looking for something for a casual gathering? The clean and simple Frances Dress fits the bill. Or maybe you need something a bit fancier? The spectacularly modern Tiered Ronnie Dress is perfect (I would invent a place to wear this one it's so cool!). NIMLI carries much of Lara Miller's Spring '09 collection. There are a few items that I didn't find there (wide-legged pants, shorts) and when I find out where to get them, will let you know.
If you too are a jungle-dweller during the months of April and May, you may want to try a few different approaches to this skin care dilemma. A gentle foaming cleanser that doesn’t strip the oil from your skin will clean and remove any excess oils and bacteria created from humidity, sweat and pollen. A great choice is Lavera Basis Cleansing Gel
($15) As for toner, my latest fav is good ol’ green tea. Brew up an extra cup and store in the fridge for up to a week. Use the chilled tea on a cotton round or keep in an atomizer and spritz onto skin. Super refreshing and green tea is absolutely chock full of powerful antioxidants to fight free radical damage and help ward off sun damage. Incorporate a cup or two into your daily diet for whole body health benefits. If you are using a gel cleanser you won’t want to forget to hydrate the skin afterward or you will end up with a sapped, unhappy complexion. Right now I am using Nude Replenishing Night Oil ($78) and Age Defence Moisturizer ($100), both of which I posted on a few weeks ago. This entire line is truly fantastic and, though kind of pricey, I really can’t imagine living without it. Can’t wait to try the Miracle Mask. A less expensive alternative is Organic Apoteke Rejuvenating Face Cream ($45). Both the Nude and Organic Apoteke moisturizers are hydrating, but have a lighter almost serum-like consistency and are very concentrated. When those zits do crop up, zap them with tea tree oil. This is strong stuff, so be careful to keep it away from your eyes and lips. Angelina Organic Skincare Tea Tree Facial Toner is milder than the straight stuff and will diminish your blemish in just a couple of days. So, as you get out the shorts and flip-flops don’t forget that you will probably need to change your skin care habits as well. As for the frizzy hair, that is another post. Let’s just say, a hair tie and head band are good friends right now! Image credit: Whirling Phoenix at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
I have absolutely no idea what other products Kelly will feature on the show, so cannot attest to their "green-ness", but with Bubble & Bee in the line up I kind of can't wait to find out.
In honor of Earth Day the California couple are giving everyone who purchases a bottle of Further Soap ($18.50) a free bottle plus free shipping. Can't beat that!
From now through June you can turn in any old bottles of nail polish (brands other than Zoya) that you have lying around and Zoya will dispose of them following EPA guidelines and replace them with a Zoya nail polish. All Zoya nail polishes are formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dibutyl phthalate free and there are over 300 shades to choose from. So round up those half-used bottles and hit the Zoya nail polish exchange today!
|
Gosh, it has been along time since I’ve written anything here, hasn’t it? Well, I do apologize for that, but have been experimenting with some new organic beauty products (and techniques) and will share them soon.
Ok, ok I know that dry skin posts may get a little old for those of you who are sebum-gifted.
This a great article on the benefits of turmeric at 
Looking for great holiday gift ideas for your girlfriends, sister, kids? And wouldn't even be better if they were unique and handmade?
Several people wrote in this fall asking how to lighten their freckles/sun spots and brighten their skin.
Ah, it's Friday....
Waking up with tight skin? Looking a little chalky and sallow? Me too! Fall has arrived here in the Midwest and with it comes dry skin. Thank goodness for 
Don't miss out on some free, new products from Bubble & Bee, now certified organic!
Water...gotta have it. But sometimes it is nice to have a little flavor to go along with it. Real flavor, from an actual organic ingredient, rather than something chemical or from loads of sugar.
Deodorant. A sticky subject. We know we don't want to use one with parabens, those nasty synthetic preservatives that have been found in the tissue of breast cancer patients. And the aluminum-issue aside....the general consesus is that natural, aluminum-free deodorants really do help keep you smelling fresh longer than an antiperspirant/deodorant. The problem being, most don't really help to keep you dry.
Ah, hair removal. We all have to deal with it in one way or another and many still cringe at the thought of ripping it out by the root with a sticky substance. If this is you, go off happily with your razor and read no more.
If it were up to me summer would last forever. Sunshine, warm skin, fresh air.
Don't you just love a great candle? One that smells so good you could bathe in it, but comes without the guilt and toxicity of petroleum?
Not long ago, while searching through the long list of feeds that I suscribe to, I thought how nice it would be if the highlights from these blogs were in one neat and tidy spot each and every week.
School has begun, you've purchased the clothing, backpacks and whatever else and, low and behold, guess who just outgrew their shoes. Never fear, 
Always wanted to try an all natural toothpaste but don’t know where to begin? Well, your best bet is going to be with Weleda and Dr. Hauschka brand oral care products.
There are times when I am in the mood for the earthy, wholesome goodness of a pure and gentle skin care product, leaving my face void of makeup and drinking up the luxurious feeling of treating my skin to a few days of bareness. Other times I want high glam, glossy cosmetics that make me feel elegant and fixed up. Well, now is that time and 
Hair tends to take a beating during summer. Exposure to sun, chlorine and more frequent shampooing can leave locks dry, frizzy and lack-luster. Well, I have found a great remedy for this tress dilemma that not only repairs parched strands but is super inexpensive and can be made by you... in your home... with items you probably already have on hand.
Well, I have been touting the goodness of Nude Skincare to anyone who would listen for the past several months. Today, as I was looking through their website, I realized that they use phenoxyethanol (which is made of carcinogenic compounds) as a preservative. Many “green” cosmetics companies use this synthetic ingredient as a preservative or in their fragrance and then advertise themselves as paraben and phthalate-free. Yes, even green beauty experts can make mistakes reading those pesky labels.
Lots of truly terrific all natch products pass my desk and I honestly love trying them all out. But every so often a true star comes through. Such is the case with 
Fragrance can be one of the worst offenders when it comes to the use of harmful ingredients. Synthetic fragrances are made with phthalates, an extremely toxic compound dangerous to us and the environment.
My friends have been very busy coming up with all kinds of new ways to help you choose and learn about the best green beauty products out there.
We always have room for yet another great lip balm, right? I never tire of trying a new product for the ol’ pucker and the latest in my arsenal are the ones from 
Right now, through June 15th, Pangea Organics is running a pre-order special on their new 
You know how the idea of aromatherapy seems so indulgent and pampering and healthy? Yet most of us never get around to actually doing it. It always seems so technical and time consuming, like acupuncture or ear candling. And it is a science. You certainly should not start rubbing yourself down with essential oils unless you know exactly what you are doing. Pure essential oils are very potent, and can even be toxic when used improperly, which is why makers of aromatherapy products who know what they are doing use a base oil and choose the appropriate oils for each aromatherapy need.
If you have ever dreamed of living in the Rain Forest just visit the Midwest in the spring. The drippy, humid, cave-like outdoors of late are taking their toll on my hair and skin, as well as my attitude. The hair does one thing –wavy/frizzy—no matter what products or form of styling goes into it. The minute I step outside it goes back to that lovely state. And my usually fairly well-behaved skin has gone into shock over lack of dry weather.
Be sure to DVR the Today Show on NBC tomorrow morning! On Friday, April 24th Kelly Magill of 
Not long ago I wrote about 
Just in time for Earth Day, 