LIGHTER THAN AIR: Vapour Organic Beauty

Making an eco-overhaul of my skincare favorites was an easier task than letting go of the makeup I loved. But after an impromptu makeup session by my 6-year-old cousin, I realized that I didn’t want her covering her face in toxic chemicals or harsh dyes anymore than I wanted them on mine. And while I’d found several lines I loved which eliminated the “worst offenders,” I had yet to find a truly organic cosmetic company that was as luxurious as it was healthy. Until now.

Vapour Organic Beauty is the brainchild of Eric Sakas, co-founder of Kevyn Aucoin Beauty with the late, great Kevyn Aucoin (Eric worked on the amazing Aucoin books, too), and later the Director of Color for Philosophy (whose Little Black Book was a favorite once upon a time). The mission in launching Vapour was to create certified organic formulas that would suit the needs of the professional makeup artists as well as consumers. All products are 100% chemical free with a minimum of 70% certified organic ingredients. As a huge Aucoin fan, I was thrilled to check out the line.

I am so loving the Lux Lip Conditioner, I may need to buy it in bulk. 95% organic with a blend of Jojoba, Evening Primrose and Shea Butter, it is ultra moisturizing yet isn’t sticky like some balms. And it comes in the same great tube as the lipsticks making it perfect to throw in my purse (or on my nightstand, in the car, on my desk…).

After years of trading in lipstick for gloss, I was surprised by how much I loved the Siren line of lipsticks. Made with food grade, 70% organic ingredients (remember those pounds of lipstick we consume in a lifetime?) and without petrochemicals, it is super moisturizing and the colors long wearing (I’ve been wearing Tempt).

The Aura stick is made for cheeks, lips and eyes and it goes on with a light, powdery texture. It’s subtle cheek color, and it’s not only certified organic but carries the EcoCert seal. Because EcoCert status is difficult to achieve, I am truly impressed that it also can be found on their highlighting illuminator Trick Stick as well as the Elixir line of lip glosses.

My favorite just might be the Stratus Skin Perfector, a big chunky crayon-like stick that can be used as a primer but even on it’s own does wonders to brighten skin, even out tone and smooth out fine lines. It’s also wonderfully hydrating (the organic ingredients include Evening Primrose Oil, Frankincense, Lotus Petals and Papaya) but didn’t cause any breakouts.


Vapour cosmetics contain no water. Nada. It sounds bizarre but water breeds bacteria and in makeup you really only need topical moisture. Vapour’s comes from the plant oil and beeswax base they’ve created that “locks in the skin's own moisture and is anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and skin softening.” Plus, what could be better for the environment than saving a little H20. xo alex.

Vapour cosmetics are currently available online at Vapour Organic Beauty or www.ShopNBC.com.

30% off KORRES for Beauty Banter Readers

Efharisto means thank you in Greek. And I can't think of a nicer thing to say to our wonderful friends at KORRES Natural Products. Beginning in Athens in 1996, KORRES has combined environmental consciousness and luxury into an impressive line of skincare and cosmetics. As they celebrate the launch of their new website, Beauty Banter readers will receive 30% off all online orders placed between now and September 15th!

Sarah and I are both huge fans of KORRES. I've written about my love of their products, including the leave-on conditioner, watermelon scrub, and makeup primer. If you're already a fan, I hope this gives you an opportunity to stock up on some of the things you love. If you've never tried KORRES, consider this the perfect reason to give eco-beauty a try. I think I might check out some new makeup colors for fall....

Shop www.korresusa.com.
At checkout, enter promo code BANTER.
Have fun! xo alex.

PRIME TIME

I think face primers are absolutely genius. Most days I wear little more than a tinted moisturizer with SPF but adding a primer means the color goes on smoothly, reduces appearance of pores and lasts all day. I’ve found several brands that make a great product but most contained less than eco-friendly ingredients. So, when KORRES created a face primer, I was intrigued. I love, love, love the KORRES brand but could a silicone-free primer still do the job?

Absolutely. It was lighter than anything I’d ever used, closer to the Laura Mercier Foundation Primer than Smashbox Photo Finish. With a light, citrusy scent (probably the grapefruit peel oil), I applied the same amount I would with a heavier primer. I added Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, some mascara and check tint and faced the heat of LA summer. My skin looked great all day. I am hooked.

What amazes me is how much it does while leaving out so much. No parabens, silicone, synthetic fragrance, sulfates, phalates, GMOs, mineral oils, synthetic dyes or phalates. All things our bodies and the environment do not need. While it isn’t oil free, my combination skin has had no problems. Personally, I’ve often found that what causes skin breakouts and irritations are the synthetics and petrolatum based ingredients in products.

Ninety-nine percent natural with 11.19 % organically farmed ingredients, and dermatologically tested, KORRES Face Primer carries the coveted seal of ECOCERT. While it prides itself on “skin soothing botanicals and Vitamin E that refine skin texture, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce pore size,” you can be assured it also passed the highest international standards for ecology around. That’s beauty inside and out.