Beauty Blog » Green Scene

In this age of eco-friendly, I’m sure you all have seen an all natural deodorant out there when browsing the personal care product aisle. Maybe you haven’t, but either way…they’re out there. They being the natural deodorants. I’ve seen crystals, rocks, sprays, solids. All kinds of “all natural” deodorants. The crystals and rocks do not interest me in the least. I know my underarms, and I know a rock that you splash some water on just isn’t going to do it for me. I could be very wrong, I usually am. If you see a post pop up in a few weeks claiming how wonderful and miraculous crystal deodorants are, don’t be surprised. Then there’s Tom’s of Maine deodorants. I bought the gel solid with a lavender scent to it. There’s all sorts including peach too! Didn’t work. In fact, it made the moisture under my arms worse and the lavender didn’t mask a thing. So now I’m back to my good old Soft & Dri with conditioning silk, and even that gives out mid-day. I have not tried spray deodorants. These I am curious about. Weleda makes a sage spray deodorant, and my girlfriend uses this. Never heard a complaint from her, but then again she looks like the kind of gal that doesn’t get very sweaty. I like the idea of a spray though. It looks refreshing. Sephora seems to be up on the natural and organic trend and it was on their website that I found this…

Lavanila Laboratories The Heathy Deodorant in Vanilla Lavender $18

Apparently this stick is 100% natural, but uses a beta-glucan technology. Don’t ask me what this is. The good news is it does not contain aluminum or mineral oils. These ingredients can clog the sweat glands. It’s also paraben, sulfate free and all that other good stuff–Sephora is slapping their natural seal on it. Lavanila comes in a few different scents that sound better than the tired old baby powder scent I’ve been using for years: Vanilla, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Lavender, and Vanilla Grapefruit. It’s no mystery why the company is called Lavanila. But $18 bucks? Really? I’m sure it will last long and there will be no irritation under the arms, so it’s probably worth it. Besides I would rather smell like yummy vanilla and know that my underarms are safe from harmful chemicals, trying this would be a fun experiment.

Shop though a variety of deodorant at Smarter.com.

Some of you might think I’m crazy for recommending this, but I swear by it now.  Shaving my legs with hair conditioner has changed my life!  As someone with super sensitive skin, it was impossible to shave without getting out of the shower with little red shaving cuts all over both of my legs.  But now!  The difference is amazing!

I used shaving cream for many years, and then made the switch to an eco-friendly shaving cream.  The eco-friendly one, made by Kiss My Face, smelled great but was actually worse on my skin that traditional shaving creams I had used in the past.  I was complaining about my shaving cuts one day when my girlfriend suggested using hair conditioner, I had heard of this trick before but never tried it.  I happened to have an old bottle of Charles Worthington London Moisturizing Conditioner in my shower.  A light formula, it was perfect for shaving and I’ve used it since, with no more cuts to complain of.

How is this eco-friendly?  Well, you aren’t having to buy so many different products, first of all.  You can buy one conditioner and make it last for use on your hair and legs.  This is economical.  Fewer bottles means less waste of course.  Not convinced?  Okay, if you really want to get crazy, go buy a bottle of eco-friendly, natural conditioner and use that for conditioning and shaving.  Whatever you end up using, your legs will be smooth, and I think the shave lasts longer. I  couldn’t find the exact Charles Worthington Conditioner that I’ve been using, I know it’s from Walgreens but it wasn’t on their website.  I did dig up a couple of different ones that can be used just the same…you’ll have to report results now!

Organix Hydrating Tea Tree Mint Conditioner: $6.99

Yes To Carrots Pampering Hair Mud Conditioner, Paraben Free: $7.99

Vitamin Conditioner, Blueberry Avocado: $6.99

These are just a few moderately priced eco-friendly conditioners for normal to dry hair.  You can, of course, go cheaper or more expensive based on what you like to treat your hair with.  $1.99 Suave would probably work great on your legs, but I also know this doesn’t quite do it for every woman’s hair.  As far as razors go, I don’t spend a lot of money on the fancy ones anymore.  Perhaps this is why my legs suffered?  Who knows…but they are happy now!

Yesterday at work, a woman came into my shop and asked if we carried “all natural mascara“.  I declined unfortunately because not only does the store carry hardly any eco-conscious cosmetics (it has mostly cool art and eco-friendly home stuff), but I have yet to see a mascara that would fall into this category.  What it did bring my attention to though were the eco-friendly, chemical free nail polishes and nail polish removers that we sell.  I never paid much attention to this line of products while working.  I guess because I am not completely convinced that chemical free nail polish removers work really.  Either way, it sparked an interest in the company that makes them and I started to do some research.  Priti is a New York based company that creates organic, chemical free skin and nail care.  Kim D’Amato, the founder of Priti has a 100% eco-friendly, sustainable, non-toxic, organic spa in New York’s Lower East Side.

The spa offers manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and waxings using only organic products and non-toxic polishes.  In 2005, D’Amato launched Priti Polish, a line of nail polishes that are formulated without DBP and formaldehyde.  The polishes are $12.50 and come in fun colors like Magic Man Iris, White Ballet Dahlia, plus the bottle is completely recyclable.

Along with the polishes, Priti makes a soy-based nail polish remover that is 100% biodegradable, derived from farm crops and does not contain any petroleum ingredients.

4 oz. Soy Polish Remover: $11.25

All products available at PritiNYC.3DCartStores.com

A friend of mine makes her own all natural skin salves.  Amazing!  I was and still am in awe of this talent she possesses in creating her own moisturizing skin salves from her apartment here in Los Angeles.  I don’t have the details on the exact process or ingredients she uses but I was inspired to go out and hunt down some of my own little recipes for natural beauty remedies and perhaps try concocting a mixture of my own.  After just eating an entire small carton of strawberries from the local farmer’s market, I thought it appropriate to seek out a formula that calls for strawberries and I found a good one for exfoliation:

The Strawberry Hand and Foot Exfoliant:

• First you will need 8-10 ripe strawberries, two tablespoons of olive oil, and one teaspoon of course salt such as sea salt.  You could probably even substitute this with some of the Epsom salts.  I highly recommend Walgreens Apothecary Natural Mineral Epsom Salt.

Buy 2 for $3!

• Mash up the strawberries, and mix with olive oil and salt.  Apply over hands and feet, rinse, and pat dry.

For those of you who like taking indulgent baths, you know…the kind that you see offered at fancy spas with rose petals and stuff like that?  Well now is your chance to create your own!  Creating your own rose water bath is easy.  You will need one cup of rose petals, OR one half cup of rose water which should be fairly inexpensive, and one half cup of coconut milk.

Home Health Rose Water is basic and should do the trick, it usually retails for about $4.69 (Lowest price on Smarter.com).

Add all ingredients to a warm bath and sink in!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Epsom salt.
Discounts on Home Health products.

Pacifica products are rad.  You can usually find some of their body butters, candles, or fragrances at your local Whole Foods markets and other fine establishments.  The prices range anywhere from $2 to $32 so when I found a few travel sets for a mere $14, I was surprised at the sweet deal.  A little history on these fabulously packaged goods:  Pacifica was founded in 1996 by a young surf couple Brook and Billy Taylor.  Inspired by nature and the ocean they spent so much time in, Brook began concocting her own fine fragrances with natural oils and ingredients and put them into candles.  Needless to say they were a hit and twelve years later, Pacifica is a thriving little company with excellent products that they stand behind.  The packaging (made with recyclable content) is eye-catching to say the least, using bold and bright patterns and colors, they are inspired by multiple elements including surfing, sunshine, travel, romance, history, world cultures, art, kids, and flowers.  The products are made with natural ingredients, essential oils, consumer safe, sustainable raw materials. The company itself has high standards for quality, fairness, safety, sustainability, and anti-cruelty–no animal ingredients are used so it would be safe to call this company vegan friendly.

I have tried several of Pacifica’s products including their solid fragrance, soap, candles and body butter.  The Mediterranean Fig and Tibetan Mountain Temple fragrances are among my favorites.  This past winter while shopping for Christmas gifts, I picked up a jar of the Winter Solstice Body Butter that smelled of lavender, bergamot, and cardamom.  I loved this stuff!  It was smooth and incredibly moisturizing, not greasy like many body butters out there.  I wore it all winter long and always received compliments on how great I smelled which leads me to the conclusion that when a company can perfect a body butter, you know their doing something right.

I’m planning on picking up a few of these Pacifica travel sets soon…they will make for perfect Mother’s Day gifts ringing in a great price, $14 sephora.com. I like the Tuscan Blood Orange, but it’s the Lotus Garden that is the newest scent addition to the family, smelling of lotus blossom, cassis, green violet leaf and pink pepper.  Packaged neatly in a beautiful box, the set comes with a soy candle, body butter, a solid fragrance  and some matches.  Mom will love it!

Pacifica Lotus Garden Travel Set: $14

Tuscan Blood Orange Travel Set: $14

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more body butter.
Discounts on fragrances.

We are all aware of the bad effects of phthalates in hairsprays, lead in lipsticks, parabens in moisturizers, and countless other toxic chemicals in skin care and makeup lines that are harmful to the human body. Non-profit health organizations like The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have worked diligently to urge the cosmetic market to make full disclosures of ingredients, conduct pre-market safety tests and move away from harmful chemicals.  Many leading brands have come up with their versions of eco-friendly lines.  But we have to remember that since there is no government regulated authority to certify organic or natural products, there is no guarantee that the product line is 100% natural and safe.  Here are eight promising eco-friendly skin care and makeup lines that I found recently that are worth looking into:

1) KaiaHouse.com

An online beauty retailer who carries products that are safe, animal and environmental friendly.  It consults with the Environmental Working Group to verify the safety of every ingredient that goes into the products.  Kaiahouse has a wide assortment of makeup, hair care, skin care, anti-aging and vegan products. Every bottle of its “Save Your World” product saves an acre of rain forest in one year.  Another noteworthy product is “Speak Freely for Humanity” Vanilla lip balm (pictured above), every purchase of which contributes $1 to humanitarian organizations such as the Carter Center to help war and human rights victims around the world.

2)  CosmeticsDatabase.com is a safety guide to cosmetics and personal care products compiled by researchers at the Environmental Working Group.  It has a searchable database of cosmetic and skin care lines with scores of 1 to 10 for product safety and levels of toxicity. So we can either type in the name of the product we are interested in and verify it’s safety level it or simply search for a safe product line from the listed categories for hair, skin, nail etc.

3)  TeensTurningGreen.com is a non-profit organization that educates young women to make healthy choices and commit to a healthy environment.

A division of the org called Teens for Safe Cosmetics works to bring about greener alternatives in cosmetics.  They have been vociferously active in trying to ban the presence of lead in lipsticks which is associated with learning disabilities, miscarriages, low IQ and behavioral problems.  Teens Turning Green collection of safe cosmetics consisting of facial masks, body butters, cleansers, toning mists etc is sold at Whole Foods Market (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/).

4)  Kahina-GivingBeauty.com

Kahina Giving Beauty is a line of natural skin care whose main ingredient is argan oil, derived from the Argania Spinosa tree indigenous to Morocco.  Argan oil has come into wide prominence recently for its anti-aging properties due to high content of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, ferulic acid, sterols, polyphenols, and vitamin E.  Argan oil is even suggested to protect against skin cancer and improve the appearance of some skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.  The ingredients of the Kahina line come from women’s cooperatives from around the world and 25% of the profits go toward initiatives that improve the lives of the women. The line includes serum, cleanser, lotion and plain argan oil which is said to be the secret weapon of Moroccan women to reverse signs of aging.

5)  100PercentPure.com

As the name suggests , 100% pure is a line of skin care and makeup derived from 100% pure, vegan ingredients without addition of any synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or unhealthy toxins.  Their exhaustive collection includes tinted moisturizer with SPF 20, lengthening and conditioning mascara, caffeine eye cream, pure peach pigmented concealer to name a few and can be found at ULTA , Skin-One (with free shipping) or its website.

6)  JosieMaranCosmetics.com

This line of pure, gentle but effective makeup founded by the well known model Josie Maran, claims to be different from other earth friendly lines in the sophistication and luxury that it delivers.  It comes complete with bio-degradable packaging and is talc, paraben and petrochemical free.  You can check out this collection at Sephora and Barneys.

7) IAmaPeacekeeper.com

Peacemaker Causemetics ‘s line of eco and health friendly cosmetics was founded in 2002 and has been featured in numerous magazines like Marie Claire, Teen Vogue and The Oprah Magazine.  It is the first cosmetics line that donates 100% of its profits after taxes to women’s health and human rights advocacy organizations.  Shipping is free on all their orders.

8)  JuiceBeauty.com

Juice Beauty, offers organic beauty solutions created from an antioxidant rich organic juice base backed by age-defying technology.  All its ingredients are 95% certified organic and are procured from sustainable and organic farms from around the globe.  It offers a wide array of products including it’s best selling Apple Nutrient Eye Cream and SPF 30 Mineral Light Moisturizer. Featured in Allure, Vogue Japan, Elle and other top Magazines, Juice Beauty can be ordered online from the website or can be found at Sephora.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more organic makeup and organic skincare.

We are thick into a cultural phenomenon that will be practiced and celebrated hopefully for the rest of time…of course you guessed it, the Green Movement!  Green this and that, eco-friendly this and that.  You’ve heard it over and over and probably “get it.”  But many often wonder, are my small efforts making a difference?  Am I contributing?  The answer is YES my friends, whether its recycling or wearing beauty products that won’t harm the environment…you’re efforts help!  Eco-Beauty is just something that is fun and interesting to consider, especially if you are one of many beauty junkies.  I’ve had excellent results with natural products, and of course there will always be some that aren’t so excellent.  Some of my favorite eco-brands that create products that are environmentally conscious are Burt’s Bees, Weleda, Thayers, The Super Salve Co., and Pacifica.  All of these companies makes great products for skincare, some of which I use on a daily basis.

Witch hazel has been used for centuries as a neutralizing toner for the skin, Thayers Natural Remedies creates an Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner that is awesome! Made with certified organic aloe vera and vitamin E, the toner is ultra moisturizing and will leave your skin smelling like roses.  Along with being alcohol-free, it is also paraben-free too.  Not only is this stuff perfect for all skin types, but you can dilute it with a bit of water and fill a small spray bottle, creating a refreshing spritzer to use throughout the day.  Witch Hazel is also good to smooth onto shaving cuts, or scrapes.

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Haze Toner - 12 oz. bottle $6.36 -Lowest Price on Smarter.com

After toning, I moisturize with Weleda Skin Food ($5.95), good for dry and rough skin.  This German based company creates some of the best, all natural moisturizers and oils out there.  The best part is you don’t have to trek to a health food store to find them because they are now sold at Target (for cheaper prices I might add!)  Skin Food is made with certified organic pansy, rosemary, and calendula flower extracts.  All of which soothe skin irritations, and inflammation.  It’s working wonders with my roseacea for any of you red cheeky gals.

Okay skin freaks…the following is a product that I recently purchased upon a visit to Flagstaff, Arizona and I am obsessed with it!  The Super Salve Co. is a small company that makes herbal skincare products that are 100% natural, does absolutely no animal testing, and is completely chemical free. I am hooked on their Scent of the Comfrey Leaf Hand and Body Lotion. Made with African shea butter and hemp seed oil, this stuff not only smells amazing but will leave your skin glowing…I swear!

8 oz. $18, supersalve.com

Now that you’ve given your skin an excellent dose of nature’s gifts, treat yourself to the Smashbox Mother Earth Palette. The palette contains four certified organic eyeshadows and blush packed neatly inside a compact and sleeve both made from sustainable materials. With each purchase, a tree will be planted by non-profit organization Trees for the Future creating sustainable environments through forestation around the world. Beauty with a benefit!

Smashbox Mother Earth Palette: $45, sephora.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more organic beauty products.

If I were to categorically count the number of makeup items splattered all over my bathroom counter top, lip products would win the race hands down. Lip glosses, lip balms, lip tints, lipsticks…somehow beauty products targeted for other facial parts never seem to give that instant boost of vitality that those for the lips give us. But ever since I’ ve tried to go green with my makeup, I’ve become most paranoid about what I put on my lips.

Can you imagine how much of the product we must be taking in when we eat, drink, lick our lips, kiss …just thinking about it gives me the creeps. So I went on a mission to find an organic lip product, that delivers and is not expensive, after all most of us just cannot stop with just one or two and so affordability is important.

Something that has been catching my eye recently is Yes to Carrots. They feature a set of Paraben free skin and hair products that are made of organic fruits, vegetables and Dead Sea Minerals. They are not tested on animals and are do not contain the dreaded Ps-Phenol, Petroleum, Phthalates and Parabens. In fact their lip balms which are USDA organic sealed were recently featured in the Oprah Magazine. According to dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD, author of “The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Reverse Stress Aging and Reveal More Youthful Beautiful Skin”,  many of us develop an unhealthy addiction to lip products containing Phenols which remove our natural protection nudging us to constantly reapply the product. Parabens have long been associated with tumors and reproductive abnormalities, while phthalates have been linked to lung, kidney and liver damage.

Yes to Carrots have a suite of nominally priced lip balms, tints and glosses that can be found at Target, Walgreens, Ulta and Rite Aid. Also check out drugstore.com and amazon.com for some good deals. Depending on the store they retail anywhere from $2 to just under $7.

Not bad at all considering that you are paying for good health.

The funny part is when I think “beauty products” the last thing that comes to mind is “DIRTY HIPPIES”.  Don’t get me wrong I love me a furry tree hugger, but that is sort of the point, being a hippie usually entails a disdain for all things superficial and materialistic. Historically hippies do not shower much,  shave much, comb their hair much .. so on and so forth. Of course, this is a gross generalization but that is the general consensus. Which is why I can’t decide whether these “Dirty Hippie Products” are a stroke of original marketing genius or doomed to failure?

Well in my quest to feature more organic beauty lines I wanted to showcase their line of completely VEGAN chapsticks!

Called the Kissin’ Sticks - these chapsticks are all vegan-certified. Comes in three flavors: hemp (of course, lol) cool crush with orange and mint, and orangecickle with orange-vanilla blend.

Price $3.25

(If you are interested in checking out these Dirty Hippie Products, click on the image or links above)

Also, if this does not tickle your fancy there is apparently a ton of Discount Organic Lip Balms to choose from - Click the link & have fun!

Check out  ecoTOOLS, the premiere mass eco-conscious cosmetic brush and bath accessories collections are not only affordable but chic! These professional make-up brushes do the job of any salon-quality brush at half the price! The ecoTOOLS cosmetic collection features animal-free taklon bristles (made from soft and pliable synthetic hair, with the metallic ferrule made from recycled aluminum cans.) The beauty brushes are housed in reusable pouches and printed with plant-based ink, utilizing resources that minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Some great new products are the Retractable Kabuki Brush ($7.99), which is perfect for applying face powder or bronzer. It also features a sleek retractable case made of recycled aluminum.

TIPS FOR HOW TO GET GORGEOUS  WITH ECOTOOLS!
Perfectly pretty rosy cheeks are a girl’s best accessory this holiday season. The ecoTOOLS Blush Brush ($6.99) is expertly-tapered to apply your blush evenly along your cheekbones. To re-create Reese Witherspoon’s effortless definition, sweep the brush lightly across your cheekbones to gradually highlight your natural features. The slight contrast will make a glamorous difference that will keep you glowing morning, noon and night.

ecoTOOLS products can be found at select Walgreens, Kmart, and Ulta stores or online at Smarter.com, or EcoTools Online.