Best of... Organics!

I love a natural product. I swear, the more I move into using natural and organic in my daily skincare routine, the more I see a difference in my skin - healthier, brighter, glowing.  I get it, you can't give up ALL of your favorite products, but there are quite a few that you can substitute out with their organic alternative that are just as good, if not better. And your skin will thank you!

As promised, here is my list of organic and natural products you need to own NOW:

The Organic Pharmacy Peppermint Facial Wash - My skin breaks out every now and again, this is the first organic cleanser I've found that keeps the breakouts at bay. It's antiseptic and antibacterial, made with tea tree, lavender, aloe and peppermint. 26.50 POUNDS

Arcona Triad Pads - Remember Clearasil Pads? Well, these are the natural alternative. Made with cranberry, vitamin e and omegas 3, 6 and 9, use these pads whenever you need to tone. Also great to remove makeup or simply freshen up. $30.00 for 45 pads

ISUN Ultra Restore - An all-natural oil for normal to oily skin types that moisturizes, energizes, repairs and promotes an even skin tone. It leaves my skin refreshed and glowing. I literally look years younger! This entire line is AMAZING! $88.00

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant in Vanilla Coconut - Smelling like a dessert, this all-natural deodorant gives you odor protection via essential oils and antioxidants, sans harsh chemicals, mineral oils, sulfates and parabens. $18.00

The Body Deli Radiance Enzyme Peel - An organic treat for your face that will have you looking years younger - and healthier. This honey resurfacing peel regenerates the complexion to give you a natural glow. All The Body Deli products are made with fresh organic ingredients and have expiration dates! $48.00

Tata Harper Restorative Eye Creme - It was a toss up, I love the serum and eye creme almost equally, but in the end the eye creme won. It leaves my eyes incredibly hydrated all day long. And the smell is pure natural. Buckwheat wax and Arnica help to reduce puffiness, while Eyebright Flower brightens. $90.00

Kate Logan Beauty Shea Salvation Balm - By far, the BEST shea balm I have ever rubbed on my body. It literally melts into my skin. And it has a natural lavender scent that radiates health. My skin is left moisturized, soft, smooth and glowing. 16.99 POUNDS


Weleda Skin Food - I cannot write a post on organic and natural products, without mentioning this long-time favorite. Weleda Skin Food is a must-have balm for dry and sensitive skin. I use it on my face in the winter, hands, knees, elbows and feet year-round. Actually, any part of the body that needs a little extra attention. It's magic! $16.95

Making the Move: Organic!

If you still have yet to hop on the organic band wagon, I'm not sure what you're waiting for. Organic isn't going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, more and more brands that we know and love are turning to natural and organic ingredients. WHY? Because they're better for you!

I asked Dara Kennedy, founder of Aylabeauty.com, to explain this worldwide shift toward organic - from the food we eat, to the moisturizer we put on our face.

Here's what she had to say (read up, especially you skeptics out there!):

"I’ve been excited to see a lot of great new organic skincare products available in the past few years: we’ve moved far beyond buying earthy-smelling balms at health food stores and can now choose from natural and organic products that are real problem-solvers for anything from acne to aging.
The reason why I think natural and organic products are becoming more popular is that we’re all so much more aware of the effect that the products we buy can have, both on our bodies as well as the environment.  It seems to start with food—you might start buying more and more organics after being convinced of their health benefits—and personal care is the next logical step, since up to 60% of what you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream (and some experts believe that percentage is actually much higher).  Then, when you realize that the cosmetics industry is largely self-regulating, and new ingredients can be used with less testing than one might imagine, you really start to think, “Maybe I should be more careful about what I put on my skin.”  When I worked in marketing and product development, I learned that consumers experience a lot of reactions that are probably the direct result of questionable ingredients in their products. 

I don’t think you have to go all organic, all the time, but switching to a more naturally-inclined skincare regimen overall makes a lot of sense.  That’s the philosophy we follow at aylabeauty.com.  We carry a variety of brands from which we’ve picked star products that really perform—many of them are organic, some not—but we make sure that none of the products we carry contain any questionable ingredients.  After all, a lot of those reactions you might have to questionable ingredients can ultimately age your skin more quickly, and who wants that?"

Dara also gave us an exclusive list of some of her favorite organic products... and if you're still unsure, "we offer them in mini sizes," she says. (Note: Aylabeauty.com is the only retailer to offer Organic Pharmacy products in mini, travel-like sizes -- a great way to test the goods!).

Here are Dara's organic picks:

• Carrot Butter Cleanser: A deep cleanser that is out of this world – try it with the Organic Muslin Cloth
• Double Rose Rejuvenating Cream: A lightweight cream that leaves skin feeling fresh and looking radiant
• Antioxidant Gel: A nutrient-rich, anti-aging moisture gel that can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer in the summertime to lighten it up.  Mixed with the Antioxidant Serum, it’s an amazing nighttime moisturizer.
• Antioxidant Serum: A heavier-duty anti-aging serum, based on rose hip oil, which can add oomph to your daytime moisturizer.  Try it at night with the Antioxidant Gel.

all products are available at  Aylabeauty.com .

What's your take on organic? Love it or leave it? 

Do you have a favorite organic skin or body care range?

ISUN ALIVE AND AGELESS SKINCARE

Every now and then, I find a product line that is so fabulous, so epic, I get giddy just by the idea of sharing it with you, my readers.

Today is one of those times.

I had the pleasure of testing a truly fantastic skin and body line called ISUN Alive and Ageless Skincare and I can't stop trying out the goodies - or touching my skin! It's so soft, so smooth, so noticeably glowing.  I was sent a plethora of products in sample sizes to test - around 30 - ranging from body scrubs to shea butter (that literally melts upon touch) to eye creams, face oils and specialty masks. There isn't a single product that I wouldn't recommend. Seriously. I'm obsessed with everything I have put on my face and body.

Founder Bunnie Gulick says (about the range), "ISUN is a celebration of our belief that a dynamic luminous quality of youth can be captured without medical intervention or invasive procedures. From formulation through production, ISUN has embraced the rhythm and flow of perfection that exists in the laws of nature so that you may experience the pure magnificence of nature’s many gifts."

With eco conscious ethics, integrity packaging and fair trade ingredients, ISUN isn't simply just another line of products, it's a way of life. Treat the world better, treat your skin better. Period. Sustainable beauty.

Here are my top 5 picks of products to try NOW:

ISUN Ultra Restore - Our purest, most transforming moisturizers are teeming with energy and alive organic and natural nutrients that penetrate deeply to truly make a difference in skin. Complex blends of organic therapeutic herbs, oils and essential oils with a stable, highly active form of vitamin C. $88.00

ISUN Blue-Green Algae Mask -  The natural fragrance of organic blue-green algae from upper Klamath Lake with a hint of pure cooling cucumber distillate is a sign of this masks truly nourishing quality and cooling sensation with living gel. Blended in a base of algae and aloe gel infused with a soothing herb complex and oat milk, your skin feels hydrated, nurtured and calm. This is an excellent mask treatment for sensitive or inflamed skin. For a more cooling sensation, keep in the refrigerator. $38.00


ISUN Photo Cleanse II - The pure rosemary hydrosol base infused with other antioxidant and antimicrobial herbs such as green tea, echinacea, milk thistle, wild-crafted Tibetan goji berries and Amazon rainforest acai, Hawaiian noni and grapeskin extract protect skin and help prevent skin problems. $28.00


ISUN Antioxidant Body Butter - Luxury butters are blended with a distinctive herbal antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerating ‘Emerald Sun Oil’, and a ‘Himalayan-Rainforest Oil’ with goji berry, acai berry and urucum seed infused in sesame and rice bran oils. $56.00

ISUN Trim and Tone Body Oil - Active herbs and essential oils stimulate subcutaneous circulation and thermogenesis (heat creation or cellular energy production). These actions increase removal of fats, congested tissues and toxins. As toxins are released, an abundance of antioxidants are available to help ward off any damaging effects to healthy tissues. $48.00

Peruse the site and discover the wonderful mind, body and spirit gifts that ISUN has to offer you. Click here! Happy shopping.

5 Natural Products You Need To Own Now

I often get asked the question, "what are your favorite natural/ organic products on the market?" This is a tough one for me to answer as I am constantly trying out fabulous new products and product lines. But I thought I'd start off this week with the 5 natural/ organic products that I am currently using in my bathing regimen...

Here are the 5 Natural Products You Need To Own (or, at least, have in your bathroom cabinet) Now:

1. Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant - One of my favorite, affordable organic lines and a terrific all-natural deodorant sans aluminum. It's a spray that smells like a delicious rose garden and does the job to mask unwanted other scents. $14.99

2. Jason Chamomile Satin Soap For Hands & Face - A paraben and sulfate free natural wash that revitalizes and moisturizes dry and irritated skin. Smells non-synthetic yet incredibly intoxicating like a freshly brewed tea. I use it as a body wash in the bath and shower. $8.99

3. Aubrey Organics Eucalyptus Rejuvenating Bath Soak - This is a spa in a bottle; your entire bathroom will smell like eucalyptus, not just the tub. Take caution -- not for the faint of scent. Soothing, relaxing and utterly invigorating for body and mind. 100% natural ingredients. $9.33

 4. Yes To Carrots Deliciously Rich Body Butter - A paraben free, whipped body delight that moisturizes very dry skin with carrot seed oil, carrot juice, pumpkin, sweet potato and dead sea mud. And, no, it does not smell like carrots, it does smells faintly sweet. $12.99

5. Beauty From Flowers Iris Elixir Serum -The finishing touch in your skincare routine, this all-natural, made-to-order elixir contains Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Green Tea and White Tea to clarify, refine pores, soften skin and restore radiance. It's lightweight, absorbs quickly and leaves skin soft and glowing. $60.00

Slather Me With --- La Natura 100 % Organic Shea Body Butter

What exactly is shea butter, you ask? Well, it's a noun, first and foremost.
And here's a definition I found most useful:

This fat obtained from the fruit of the African karate tree has moisturizing and healing properties. It has been used for centuries in Africa to protect and condition skin damaged by the sun and wind. It is naturally rich in vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a number of other vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, which help soothe, balance and hydrate the skin. Shea butter is an intense moisturizer and is great for revitalizing dull, dry or chapped skin on the body or scalp. It is known to promote skin renewal, help increase circulation and accelerate wound healing.
Origin:
1840–50
*source*

Okay. So, now that we got that out of the way -- shea butter is super good for the skin, especially in these dry winter climates -- let's talk about shea butter that I'm loving to slather all over my body. La Natura 100 % Organic Shea Body Butter in Vanilla Flower. I adore the smell of vanilla, especially in the winter time - it has a strangely familial and soothing effect on me. And this particular butter goes on with a nice and even creamy consistency but, like all 100 % shea butters, it's still hard and not as maluable as other lotions.  But the more you rub, the softer the balm becomes. It's a great butter for really dry areas like knees and elbows, feet and hands! I, however, like to use it all over my skin directly after a hot bath before putting on my PJ's!

The La Natura Butters come in a variety of scents including cucumber, peppermint, white tea and chocolate with about a dozen more to choose from.

To Use: "Apply daily, melt in palm by rubbing hands together and apply to provide immediate relief from dry itchy skin. Apply to damp skin after a shower, use as a daily skin moisturizer for face, neck, and body avoiding eye area."

PRICE TAG: $20.00

Pharmacopia Natural and Organic Bodycare

I am so excited about my latest bathing discovery: Pharmacopia Natural and Organic Bodycare is TO DIE! It's made without parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances or dyes, and contains only the natural, most healthy ingredients.

I'm currently using the Verbena & Green Tea Body Wash, a deliciously unisex citrus smelling plant-based wash, and the Verbena & Green Tea Body Lotion (comes with a pump and all!). I love this fresh scent -- and the boys do too -- but if you are more in the market for something a bit floral you can choose from jasmine or lavender or there's a citrus one too.

Also available in the line: hand cream in tubes or jars, fragrant bath salts and relaxing massage and body oils. The packaging is tres chic, almost reminiscent of C.O. Bigelow with its "at-home" remedy-like bottles and labels. And all of the products are so affordable ranging from 9.99 to 19.99.

The bath gel and body lotion retail for $11.99 and contain 20 percent certified organic ingredients! Peruse the website here and treat yourself to a new bathing experience! New Year, New You!

Sante Naturkosmetic

There's a new organic color line on the horizon and it's about to hit BIG! Sante Naturkosmetic has everything you'd want in an organic collection: wearable hues without synthetic colorants, fragrances, preservatives, petrochemicals or silicone oils.

A word (or several...) from the company:

"The entire natural cosmetics line of SANTE Natural Cosmetics satisfies the strict criteria for Certified Natural Cosmetics in accordance with the guidelines of BDIH. All products are free from synthetic colorants, fragrance, and preservatives, petrochemicals, and silicone oils. Many items from the line also qualify as vegan cosmetics.

Our skin-friendly formulations are enhanced by precious plant extracts of our own production.
Extracts of Organic Chamomile provide gentle, soothing care
Organic Pomegranate seed extracts contain beta-carotene and essential fatty acids known for their skin-protective qualities
Organic Jojoba oil protects and hydrates, leaving skin soft and smooth"

The collection ranges from eyeshadow sticks to eyeshadow trios, nail polishes to lipglosses, foundation to blush.

Prices range from $7.00 for a Lipstick Balm to $17.50 for Pressed Powder.

I love the Eyeshadow Sticks ($11.00). They give great color without being overpowering or having the effect of too much makeup. They come in earth-friendly tones and are super easy to apply. Great for a bit of color during the day.

While the packaging looks more like drugstore than department store, there's no mistaking that organic just does a face good. And it's all about the face, naturally.

Tata Harper Natural Skincare

I get crazy excited when I discover a new natural skin or body care company and my latest gem is making me all giddy inside. I can't take credit for it, however, it's actually thanks to actress Lake Bell, who I was interviewing for a style.com feature I wrote. She mentioned Tata Harper's Hydrating Floral Essence Water as one of her beauty bag essentials. "I'm proud that this product is from my Colombian friend Tata's 100 percent natural skincare line," says Lake. "She hand-makes every batch of products on her farm in Vermont - no joke! The Floral Essence Spray is essential on long flights or hot days."

Naturally, east coast weather as it is, interest was piqued.

Tata sent me some goodies to try and I've got to say, I love them! The Hyrating Floral Essence Spray is as refreshing as Lake said it would be. And it smells so darn floral. I keep it on my desk and spritz multiple times throughout the day. ($65.00)

Another must-try is the Regenerating Cleanser, a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that cleans the skin without drying it out. It contains pomegranate extract, apricot seed to cleanse, willow bark to exfoliate and grapefruit to refresh and balance. Again, hand-made and smelling like pure citrus bliss. ($50.00)

The entire line is pretty amazing, nothing synthetic about it, just natural and harmonious. Other products include a Resurfacing Mask, Rejuvinating Serum, Revitalizing Body Oil, and so on. To check it out, click here and stock up on some goodies for fall. Healthy skin = happy face!

The Moroccan Method.

I spent this past weekend in the Hampton's with my dear friend, Arden Wohl, and I couldn't help but notice how incredible her hair looked. It was mildly wavy, shining and completely healthy. When I asked what she'd been doing to get her hair in such great shape, she quipped, "The Moroccan Method." Now, I like to consider myself an avid beauty enthusiast but even I lamented, "oh, Moroccan Oil. Yeah, that stuff is awesome."

Well, trusted readers, The Moroccan Method is not to be confused with Moroccan Oil, as I soon discovered. So, I asked Arden to review and explain the products in her own words. Here's what she had to say:

"I find that my friends and I are constantly thinking about putting the purest and cleanest elements inside of our body but not so much when it comes to our beauty products. when I discovered the Moroccan Method hair products my entire view of appropriate beauty regiment changed. This is the most graceful RAW product hair. You can get it at Organic Avenue. Why just eat raw/vegan, shampoo raw!!

The Moroccan Method leaves hair non frizzy - flaxen, shiny,  - it doesn't foam up - at all - and you can't tell the shampoo or conditioner apart. They both look like thick, sludge and mud. They have green algae and other aquatic plants in the recipe. If you've lost curl due to damage and color damage it will bring the curl back without frizz. It seems to feed the hair.

Since using these products, I've never had more compliments on my hair. The hair looks alive and full of structure and shine. Full integrity to the hair!

Its definitely not a sexy product and you have to clean the shower well after using. However - its the cleanest most amazing, truest product I have ever used!"


The Moroccan Method is 100% Natural, Wild Crafted Organic, Raw - Vegan and Gluten Free Hair Care.

SPOTLIGHT: Vapour Organic Beauty

Ah, the joy of discovering a new color line. This infant cosmetic company, on the heels of its first birthday, deserves some major notice. Vapour Organic Beauty is amazing. First of all, it's organic and all-natural. Huge bonus. It's also made entirely of sticks, meaning the makeup comes in roll-up tubes instead of bottles or jars which makes it SUPER EASY to apply -- a little dab on your skin, blend with your fingers and you're good to go. And the colors are spot on (pun intended). They simply look great on everyone... easy to wear, beautiful to look at, nothing too bold or trendy, these are classic, staple beauty pieces.

A word (or several...) from the company:

"Vapour’s range of high‐performance cosmetic and skincare products utilize an exciting new 
delivery system – not a powder, liquid or cream, but a unique formulation that imparts a light as‐air texture while providing skin treatment benefits and rich mineral color. The Vapour difference begins with its signature therapeutic treatment base of certified organic, light, dry plant 
oils that are non‐comedogenic."

Products include:

For Face: Vapour has created the must‐have essentials for creating flawless, radiant skin –  
Atmosphere Luminous Foundation ($38), Illusionist Perfecting Concealer ($20) and Aura Multi‐Use 
Blush for Lips, Cheeks and Eyes ($28). Utilizing the signature therapeutic base of light, dry plant oils, 
Vapour Beauty has added a face‐specific nourishing botanical blend of anti‐inflammatory 
Frankincense, anti‐oxidant Tulsi and moisturizing Lotus flowers, as well as pure mineral pigments for 
the perfect balance of color and care. 
 
For Lips: Vapour offers two distinct textures for lip color that are completely petroleum and chemical 
free, Elixir Lip Gloss ($20) and Siren Lip Stick ($19). Utilizing unique plant oil‐based co‐polymers and a 
lip specific nourishing blend of healing Lemon Balm, hydrating Myrrh, anti‐oxidant Green Tea and anti‐
bacterial Iceland Moss, Vapour has created lip colors that enhance both the look and health of the lips. 
 
For Eyes…and More: Vapour launches two innovative products that define and enhance—Trick Stick ($18) and Mesmerize Eye Color Treatment ($16). Both contain their nourishing, eye‐specific botanical 
blend comprised of anti‐inflammatory Chrysanthemum  and Eyebright and circulation enhancing 
Horsetail for silky color and firm, smooth skin.

Next up to try: their skincare range. If it's at all like the cosmetics, I'll be in beauty bliss.

WEEKLY MUST HAVE: Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant

Deodorant is a necessary step in every woman's beauty routine. But the effects of antiperspirant (to stop sweating)/ deodorant can be paramount on one's health. You see, many of the non-green, drugstore brands contain aluminum which basically plug up pores, trapping sweat and bacteria in the arm pit. This can cause major infections as well as, some say, seeping into the lymphatic system. Not pleasant.


I'm trying desperately to make the switch to "green" deodorants and am so happy to have found the Lavanila Healthy Deodorant. It comes in 4 scrumptious flavors: pure vanilla, vanilla lavender, vanilla grapefruit and my personal fave, vanilla coconut. They are free of aluminum, parabens, harsh chemicals and propylene glycol.

A word (or several...) from the company:
"Lavanila uses beta-glucan technology to effectively fight odor while soothing, conditioning, and strengthening the skin. It goes on clean, with no sticky wetness, and delivers long-lasting, luxurious results."

The Healthy Deodorant is my new choice. I love the smell, I love the feel and I love that I am not contaminating my body. I urge you, too, to make the switch.
PRICE TAG: $18.00

Spotlight: Ava Anderson Non Toxic

At 14 years-old, Ava Anderson set out to do what no skin care company had yet to do: create the first ever complete line of skincare products that are 100% non-toxic. At 16, the Rhode Island Native launched her line, Ava Anderson Non-Toxic consisting of a Cleanser, Toner, Exfoliator, Moisturizer, Lip Scrub, and Eye Makeup Remover Pads.

Every ingredient in the list scores a 0 on the Cosmetics Database Toxicity Scale (www.cosmeticsdatabase.com). No parabens¸ No PEGs, No phthalates, No SLS, No 1,4 dioxane, No “Fragrance,” no toxins.

Here's her incredible story:

"I was a typical 14 year-old in 2008 when my Mom and I saw a report on a study about hazardous chemicals found in the bloodstream of teens that were believed to have been from ingredients commonly found in cosmetics and skin care products. The study was performed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). We were shocked. I immediately began what would turn into months of research. The more I learned, the more alarmed I became.

I started searching for safe products but after hundreds of hours of research it was apparent that, although the market was flooded with “organic”, “natural”, and “pure” products, they almost always contained toxic ingredients and chemicals. And this doesn’t even include those hidden in the ingredient “fragrance.” Nothing was truly non-toxic. I began relying on EWG’s www.CosmeticsDatabase.com to identify products that had only “0” hazard scores, on a scale of 0-10. Even those 1’s, 2’s and 3’s had concerning implications.

By this time I had thrown away numerous unsafe products of mine, my mother and both grandmothers, but was unable to provide anyone with replacements. Where to begin? I knew that it was possible to create a product line that was free from toxic ingredients – I just needed to find the right people to help me. A family friend introduced me to a manufacturer that could develop and produce products to my standards. Once we had our product formulations, everything else began to fall into place. Next came packaging design, and then one of the biggest decisions of all – where to sell? We decided to sell directly online and through independent consultants, which allows us to explain what is so special about the line."

While I haven't tried the complete line, I have used the exfoliator and am loving it. It smells like an orange peel and feels so smooth and healthy going on my face. Apricot and pomegranate seeds exfoliate while vitamin e and anit-oxidants remove dead skin. It's completely non irritating and leaves my face glowing.

This is the perfect starter line for anyone going green. It contains all of the essentials (cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer) and is completely non-toxic. Great for mommy's-to-be and children alike.

Bravo to Ava Anderson, a girl who followed her dreams and, in turn, is changing our world.

Double Duty: Eye and Lip Cream from The Organic Pharmacy

How I love a multi-tasking product. Couple that with my adoration for all things eye cream and you have true, unrequited love.


Enter The Organic Pharmacy, a British import, and my newest favorite organic line of skincare goods sans artificial preservatives, fragrances, colorants, petrochemicals and animal ingredients.

The Lip & Eye Cream is a super nourishing, dual action cream that replenishes moisture to the lips and eye area, strengthens cells and acts as a protective barrier for the sensitive skin. It's gentle enough to use every day and perfect for mornings as it brightens and helps to reduce puffiness and dark circles. The cream smells slightly medicinal and literally leaves eye and lip area plump, refreshed and glistening. I'm obsessed!

Here are the highlighted organic ingredients and their effects:

• Eye Bright: a wonderful tonic and anti-inflammatory for the eye area
• Fennel: antibacterial, decongesting and toning action
• Evening primrose oil: high essential fatty acid content helps repair dry cracked lips
• Frankincense: anti-wrinkle and anti-inflammatory action
• Bilberry: high in anti-oxidants and gentle fruit acids that reduce redness while toning and rejuvenating the skin
• Rosehip: clinically proven to reduce scarring and the appearance of wrinkles, while conditioning the skin
• Marigold: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, soothing and healing

If you're in the market for a new eye cream, I urge you to try this one. Besides the green factor, which I heart, it really does open your eyes to bigger and better things! I've been using mine every day and have never received so many compliments. I swear, the wrinkles are dissipating (well, maybe that's wishful thinking!).

PRICE TAG: $71.92 for 35 ml (a little dab goes a long way)

Vera Farmiga’s Green Golden Globes Glam

Starring opposite George Clooney in Up in the Air, actress Vera Farmiga plays a frequent-flying saleswoman carrying her life in a no-nonsense, airline approved carry-on. But this Golden Globe nominated actress stepped out of the wrinkle-free suits of her character Alex, and into true eco-glamour for her role as best Supporting Actress nominee. Here’s how Vera got Golden Globe gorgeous:

Pre-awards, Vera visited the Arcona Studio, where spa luxury is free of petro-chemicals, parabens, sulphates and synthetics (I’m a huge fan of the Cranberry Gommage) for their exclusive Facial Contouring Treatment with esthetician Brandi Brown. Other Arcona fans include Emily Deschanel and Joan Allen.

Jenna Hipp, The Green Celebrity Nail Stylist, did Vera’s nails for the big night, “For shape, I narrowed the sides a bit to elongate her fingers and rounded the corners ever so slightly with a glass file to avoid snagging her dress.”

For color, Jenna used Orly’s Angel Face topped with Deja-Vu
(paired with Bonder Basecoat and Sec n Dry Topcoat). Said Hipp, “Working with Vera is always a pleasure...it reminds me of when I was a little girl watching my big sister get ready for a big date. Though she's naturally glamorous and sophisticated, her demeanor is also very soothing.”

Makeup artist Tina Turnbow for tarte (her clients include Amanda Peet and Claire Danes) created a look for Vera that was “Old Hollywood meets ethereal naturalist. Think feminine beauty with a healthy flush.”

“I love Vera's porcelain complexion, so I wanted to keep it simple," Tina explained. Here’s what she used (all makeup by tarte):

On skin she applied smooth operator tinted moisturizer SPF 20 in façade
and provocateur mineral pressed powder SPF 8 in fair. For cheeks, "Just a pop of pink made for a healthy blush." with Tina’s flower child natural cheek stain and multitasking pink peony shadow from the flower child eyeshadow palette as a highlighter on top of cheekbones. Both available as part of tarte's Spring 2010 collection.


For eyes she "used warm coppery-bronze tones to enhance Vera's beautiful blue eyes," from her eyeshadow palette. On Vera’s crease and lid she blended shimmering firewheel, matte buttercup, and shimmering ecru hibiscus; using the double-ended brush apply pink peony on browbone. She lined the rim of her eyes with matte brown natural liner and new multiplEYE™ natural lash enhancing mascara.

Finishing it off, Tina thought "a sweet pink pout really complimented her look," and she did so with a combo of natural gel lip stain in charmed and vitamin infused lipstick in bikram.

Jenna was thrilled with Vera’s look, “I'm so glad Vera decided on this very clean neutral nail because it doesn't compete with her incredible dress and makeup.” Jenna also loved the eye makeup and was thrilled to learn the shadows used will be released in the flower child palette designed by Tina for tarte this spring!

Once finished, she set the look with Arcona's Lavender Hydrasol for a natural glow. In all, a perfect example of just how glam going green can be! xo alex.

Eco-Trends 2010

The trend reports are in predicting what will be hot in twenty ten. And we at Beauty Banter don’t see any reason why you can’t have your cake and eat it too, as eco-beauty trend setters. Here are my picks for following the trends while keeping it green.

The Spring 2010 shows were filled with vibrant lip colors. From lipsticks to glosses, you can find fabulous eco-gorgeous shades worthy of any runway. Check out Vinyasa from tarte, Jane Iredale’s Nicole and Coral from KORRES.

For eyes, we’ll be seeing pastel shades with black mascara for a bit of contrast (making me think of the film Umbrellas of Cherbourgh). KORRES Abyssinia mascara in black would be a perfect match for tarte’s lock and roll creaseless shadow in lavender or Josie Maran’s perfect pink Parfait.

While lips are bold, nail polish is all about muted tones from gray to blush pink. Lately I’ve been wearing Pasha by Zoya. I’m also loving eco-laquers like Acquarella’s Bikini and Butter London’s perfect putty Fash Pack.

Pierce Mattie PR’s annual trend report says this year fragrance is all about stopping to smell the violets and carnation (which can be found in single note sprays at Sarah Horwitz Parfums). But since fragrance is such a personal choice, and rarely something I follow by trend, I recommend 2010 as the year you green your fragrance. Check out lines like Pacifica Perfume, Strange Invisible Perfumes and Red Flower. Or, visit someone who can custom blend oils to create the perfect fragrance for you (locally, I like Pure Sense by Paula).

TIP: Describing scent is best done through the senses rather than with words. Whether it be a perfume, a candle or even dryer sheets, bring the scents you love with you to help explain what it is you’re after.

While it may seem like a trend at the moment, green beauty boutiques will soon become a classic. Here in Los Angeles check out Vert, Green Line Beauty and The Organic Pharmacy. And let Beauty Banter know about the great eco-shops in your part of the world. We’d love to share your finds!

While online shopping is fabulous, shopping locally reduces packaging and fuel used in shipping, and most importantly you’re supporting local businesses.

Lastly, pick up some great reusable bags for the New Year! I adore BAGGU bags (and the new baby Baggu is perfect for smaller items), though I am loving the look of these metallic bags my friend Erin just told me about. From Anya Hindmarch to FEED bags, find a tote that you love and give up the shopping bag habit once and for all!

Have a happy, healthy, GREEN new year! xo alex.

Eco-Lux Hair Care with SexyHairOrganics

I’ve tried a number of different eco-friendly hair products on my wavy-easier-to-just-throw-in-a-ponytail hair. Now it’s become a bit of an obsession. Like the search for some holy grail. Really, all I want is to get rid of frizz and create body without my hair looking crunchy or greasy. And I want it to be low maintenance. Sadly, it seems that to get fabulous just rolled out of bed tousled locks you need about an hour of prep. So, the search continues.

I was in a store the other day and the words organic caught my eye on a line of hair care products. SexyOrganicHair is the latest collection by Sexy Hair, whose signature red cans of BigSexyHair hairspray can be seen at many a hairdresser’s station. This new line is made with up to 95% organic ingredients and there isn’t a paraben, sulfate, petrochemical or synthetic dye to be found (the chocolate brown bottles are made from 25-25% post-consumer recycled material, too). I bought the two products that I thought would be best for my hair, the leave-in conditioner and a styling crème.

SexyHairOrganics Leave-In Conditioner ($18.95) comes in a pump (still unsure if I like these or the spray conditioners better…any thoughts?) and is made with 90% organic ingredients including aloe vera juice and organic goji berry, avocado and sunflower oil extracts. I ran it through towel-dried hair and it definitely helped tame the frizz. It also smelled great which can be hit or miss with organic products since they skip the synthetic fragrances we’ve all come to love (and I admittedly miss). But Sexy Hair has created Pureganic,™a USDA certified combination of essential oils including mimosa, lily, and sage that add scent without harsh chemicals.

The Styling Crème ($18.95) can be applied before you blow-dry your hair but I love that it works to control frizz on dry hair, too. Even on days when I wear my hair up, I apply it to the ends of a low ponytail to moisturize and tame any frizz. With 75% organic ingredients, the cream moisturizes with a combination of oils including coconut, avocado, jojoba, sunflower and olive. And it smells great thanks to the Pureganic™ signature scent..

You can find SexyHairOrganics full line of products online here and here. Or find it at a salon near you by using the SexyHair store locator here. xo alex.

BLACK FRIDAY PAMPERING at The Organic Pharmacy

From London to Los Angeles, The Organic Pharmacy has set up shop in Beverly Hills and invites Beauty Banter readers to indulge post-feast at their Black Friday shopping event. Incredible gifts with purchase, mini treatments and 10% off treatments booked that day! Plus the chance to win a five-night getaway to Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas (which happens to have its own fabulous natural and organic product-pampering spa).



For more information about The Organic Pharmacy click here. Happy Thanksgiving! xo alex.

Drugstore Find: Makeup Remover

Just in case you still have some makeup left over from Halloween night, this post will come in handy.

Physician's Formula Organic Wear has created a 100 % natural origin Facial Makeup Remover Towelette and I'm LOVING them. They're perfect for taking off makeup -- non abrasive, non irritating, great for sensitive skin types -- and amazing for cleaning makeup brushes as well. I loathe a dirty makeup brush. Not anymore. Use once, wipe on the towelette and I'm good to go. But my favorite part has got to be that these towelettes -- 25 in a case -- are free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives, parabens, synthetic color and fragrance and cruelty free. They're also infused with organic aloe vera extract to condition the skin, Eco-Olive to shield the skin, OrganiSoy to nourish the skin and Organic Lavender Essential Oil to calm the skin.

The concept also comes in Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Eye Makeup Remover Pads specifically designed with Organic Cucumber Extract to soothe the delicate skin of the eye area while removing makeup without the greasy residue.

I love me a product that's good for the environment and good for my skin too. Sigh.

PRICE TAG: $9.95

Burt's Bees Acne Free

I receive more questions about how to rid the skin of those pesky little pimples than any other concern so I am dedicating this entire post to a new acne-free regime I've been using.

Burt's Bees recently launched an amazing collection of acne products that, when used in conjunction, actually leave skin blemish free sans the stripping and drying of traditional acne medications.

The new Natural Acne Solutions line—the first FDA-approved natural acne care system -- includes a gel cleanser, scrub, spot treatment (genius), and daily moisturizer all featuring the key ingredient of Willowbark, nature’s answer to Salicylic Acid. Bye bye medicinal flaking skin. This stuff leaves your complexion smooth and glowing while still working deep into the pores to clean them and free them of dirt and grime. I love it, possibly even more than ProActive. This is definitely a natural alternative for all of you who are greening your skin care regimine. And as I always say, my skin simply reacts better to the natural stuff. It's like the difference between eating a meal from McDonald's or Whole Foods. We are what we ingest, ladies and gents.

Fans of the line include Julianne Moore, Jessica Stroup, Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, Julia Roberts, and Kristin Cavalleri.

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.