GET SMART: Eco-Beauty with EarthSmart's Kim Carlson

I love sharing my eco-beauty finds and helping people understand why it’s so important to green your beauty routine. But I am definitely not alone in this and continue to be inspired by those who were championing the cause way before me, like Sophie Uliano over at Gorgeously Green and Kim Carlson of EarthSmart Consumer. Kim founded five green companies, has a national radio show “Livin The Green Life” and is NBC’s “EarthSmart Expert.”

At EarthSmartConsumer.com you can learn more about eco-conscious living and, if you like quizzes like I do, take her Green Quiz to find out how green your lifestyle is. And remember, going green doesn't mean sacrificing your sense of style. Kim “has one foot in earth-friendly idealism and the other in style-conscious living. And she’s wearing stiletto heels.” She shared her favorite beauty picks with Beauty Banter for morning and night.

Kim’s morning routine:

- Tom’s of Maine Whole Care Toothpaste
- Kiss My Face bar soap for the shower (because bar soap have little to no packaging)
- Belegenza shampoo and condition (free of parabens and sodium lauryl sulfates)
- Alba Very Emollient Body Lotion
- Makeup by Dr. Hauschka, including eye shadow (containing black tea leaf which is rich in antioxidants and skin soothing), Dr. H’s mascara (with anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory Neem leaf) and Dr. H’s lipstick (with Rose Hip Fruit extract to protect and soothe chapped lips).

Kim’s bedtime ritual:

-Remove makeup with an Aveda Shammy Cloth and water
-Soak in Avalon Organics Lavender Bath & Shower Gel
-Replenish moisture to face and hands with Organic Shea Butter from L’Occitane

Kim believes, “one thing at a time is the best way to green your beauty routine.” And I agree. Same goes for clothing (Kim’s eco-friendly picks include jeans by Karmel & Alden and earth-friendly frocks like the Chitin dress by Linda Loudermilk). What I love about Kim’s philosophy is that she knows that a) change is hard, and b) you don’t have to suffer to look and feel good. With that in mind, her advice is “starting with small changes can make a big difference and impact.” Switch out one or two beauty products with eco-friendly counterparts and you’re on your way! Kim’s new book Green Your Work: Boost Your Bottom Line While Reducing Your Eco-Footprint, is in stores now. And check out her website for great articles and videos as well. I love all the recipes for homemade scrubs and masks. xo alex.

MUM'S THE WORD

Morgan is a talented filmmaker who writes about life in the City of Angels at her site, The 818 (the area code for the San Fernando Valley where we grew up). She’s always had great style, as a kid she’d wear jelly sandals when we all wore Keds, donned baby blue Converse with her Vera Wang wedding gown and has the rare ability to pull off just about any hair color. After living in the 212, she returned to her old neck of the woods, married her high school sweetheart and is expecting her own Valley Girl in just a few weeks.

At The 818, she muses on everything from pop culture to politics to prenatal facts of life, including waxing woes, designing her crib (it’s amazing), and remaining stretch mark free into her third trimester. That’s right, no stretch marks. Though she's busy writing, blogging and preparing for baby, she took the time to share her must have products with Beauty Banter. Whether you’re expecting, know someone who is, or just want to file this info away for future reference, readers take note. Thanks, Morgan.


What are your top 5, can't-live-without products right now?
1. Mama Mio Boob Tube (because the girls are precious to me)
2. L'Occitane Almond Belly Oil
3. Bliss Minty Moisture milk (yes, I'm basted up like a thanksgiving turkey)
4. Chantecaille Aquablush in "Brilliance" (is) an all-in-one makeup bag. It's eyeshadow, it's blush, it's cleavage enhancer - it's really amazing stuff.
5. I'm going to say my Snoogle, because sleep is just as important to beauty as any product you can buy off the shelves as far as I'm concerned.

What's the one product you don't leave the house without? Perfumeria GAL Lavender Lip Balm. My lips have been crazy dry in pregnancy.

What product do you buy in bulk? L'Occitane Almond Belly Oil. I'm going through that stuff like it's my job.

You moisturize your face with: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti Aging Moisturizer

Favorite beauty secret you've picked up along the way? Tinting your eyelashes. I'm blonde under all the haircolor, so without mascara, my eyes tend to blend in with my face - Tinting saves me the hassle. One step better? Eyelash extensions. I'm dying to get them.

Beauty icon you admire? Liv Tyler always makes it look effortless.


Not only is Morgan using some fabulous products, most are made with incredibly eco-friendly ingredients. For instance, Mamma Mio maintains a “No Nasties” policy, which means all products are free of parabens, phalates, petro-chemicals, Sodium Laurel Sulfates and synthetic fragrance. L’Occitane offers natural products and environmentally sound packaging, and Chantecaille is deeply committed to eco-philanthropic efforts. Making these products beautiful inside and out. xo a.

Photography by Sara Moe.

WEEKLY MUST-HAVE

L'Occitane Foaming Bath Base with Essential Oils in Neutral is a God-sent bathing treat. To be used as a bubble bath or a shower gel, the essential oils moisturize while the mild scent that relaxes and invigorates. The best part about this bathing experience, is that you can actually add your own favorite oils or scent into the "neutral" base. Love it!

A word (or several...) from the company:
"A mild coconut foaming agent makes this luxuriously rich, fragrance free foaming base perfect for customizing with any pure essential oil. A delicate foaming base which can be enjoyed on its own or blended with essential oils of your choice. Or for a totally personalized moment of relaxation, combine it with an extract of your favorite fragrance."

500ml for $23.95