Pamperin' those toes!

Detoxing beauty products can be challenging...espcially when you have become attached to a certain color. I had no issue getting rid of my products that cleanse, even finiding new make-up wasn't too bad...but finding nail polish that was non-toxic, not an arm and a leg expensive and was attractive was proving difficult. Having a bun in the oven finally pushed me to take the plunge and I purchased non-toxic polish and remover.

Let's start with the soy polish remover. I found it on Gaiam and even though it was $28 (gasp)...I'm sold! Not only did this product do it's job but my nail beds never felt better. It actually moisturizers as it removes...brilliant! The remover is naturally derived from corn and soy, plus it is free of carcinogens and petroleum.  To top it off, it is 100% biodegradable! That moisturizing feeling that I'm now obsessed with is from organge oil, which encoruages healthy nail growth while it nourishes the nail bed. Thankfully, a little goes a long way so it will be a little while before I'll have to purchase again.

This nail polish is just as fabulous as its toxic counterparts! I like to keep my nails a little more neutral so I didn't mind the slim color choices at Gaiam. My only issue with it was the price...$16...a bit pricy for polish. But great news...it is free of all carcingogens!

Although these products aren't exactly wallet-friendly...it is nice to splurge every once and awhile on products that are healthy for me and the little one growing! Even though I don't see my toes as often as I did...it's nice to know (or think) they look good!

{Stocking Stuffer} Josie Maran Cosmetics

Looking for some stocking stuffer ideas for an eco-chic lady? Check this out...

Recently, I was in the market for new make up so I purchased some Josie Maran products and color me impressed! Although they are a bit pricey, I've been using them for a few weeks now and I have to say...worth every penny. Their marketing slogan is "Josie Maran Cosmetics...Luxury with a Conscience" and after looking at their ingredient list for their products, I know they mean it. Here are the pieces I have purchased and fallen in love with...

Argan Primer Mist

Argan Oil is the Moroccan cure-all. I've used it on my hair before and was shocked by the results! I was hesitate to use on my face since I typically have oily skin, but my face has loved it, especially in these cooler months. According to their website, this primer is infused with stem cells harvested from sea fennel and stimulates new cell growth, repairs and reverses damage caused by the sun, fights signs of aging and improves skin tone for a radiant, renewed complexion. All I know, is that I've had no break-outs, my make up lasts longer and my skin stays hydrated and, in my opinion, looks and feels better! The only issue I had was with the application. Apparently, my aim is off so instead of just misting my face, I spray two shots in my hand and apply to my face.


Argan Mascara

For some reason, I am very particular about mascara. So for this product to pass my personal tests...winner. This mascara has yet to clump or go on to heavy. I feel like I'm barely putting any one before my lashes grow before my eyes. The formula is paraben and fragrance free and has organic ingredients like Jojoba oil, Argan oil and Beeswax to help condition and strengthen lashes. I got the black and have no intention of going back to any other product!

Argan Blush

I'm only semi-in love with this blush. I do feel like I have to put a little more on than other brands to get the proper coloring. However, the color I do achieve lasts longer and looks more natural. After looking at the website a little harder, I notice that they encourage you to start with a subtle veil of color and then layer until desired intensity is achieved. Apparently, the sheer consistency allows for complete control. I do like the Blossom color because I feel like I can use it almost every day.



Argan Concealer

For those imperfections that tend to pop up, especially when pregnant, concealer is a must. I've always had issues with under my eyes, but lately I've had a few discolorations pop up as well. Anyway...I really like this concealer! It is super easy to blend and it disappears to make my skin look normal.







The packaging of these products is very sleek and fancy, not to mention responsible! The products are packaged in glass, aluminum, plastic or paper that can be recycled. To take it a step further, they are also compostable! Polylactic acid (PLA) is formed into the containers and packaging. So, when you are done with the product, simply remove the mirror and toss in the compost! How cool is that?!?
 
These are the only products I've tried so far but I plan to try more soon. What about you, have you tired Josie Maran Cosmetics? Let me know your thoughts!

The Fountain of Youth

Do you know those moments when you have a realization so life-changing that you are instantly excited and happy? Well, one day a few years ago I stayed home sick from work and had one...while watching Oprah.

It was one of those episodes that the audience members are just ticked they picked to visit during "that show" (being the one she didn't give anything away or have anyone famous sitting next to her). It was highlighting these women who were in their 40s, 50s or older who looked like they were in their 20s or 30s. I was intrigued. Oprah introduced each woman, had the audience guess their age, had them reveal their true age, and then had the camera man focus on the shocked, and I mean SHOCKED,  faces in the audience. She then asked each woman their secret and nearly all declared MOISTURIZING as their secret weapon. How simple...How obvious...How ingenious!

As a result, I've been obsessed with lotions and oils ever since. Who doesn't want to look younger?

All of this build up is leading somewhere, I promise. In my efforts to stay ever so moisturized, I've discovered really horrible products and really great products. While wasting time in TJ Maxx recently, I stumbled across the brand Bella B that had this adorable bee on the packaging that was obviously pregnant and I fell for the marketing immediately! They had two different products there and I went home with both.

Come to find out Bella B Bodycare is all-natural and formulated specifically for expecting and new mothers. They use clean, natural formulations free of petroleum, mineral oils, lanolin, parabens, artificial preservatives and sheep-wool by-products. And of course, no animal testing! So far so good...

The first product I tried was Body Buzz, an all-over body firming cream to help fight cellulite naturally. They market it for post-preggers, but I'm using it now and loving it! It has a really clean smell and applies easily.

My next new obsession is their Tummy to Toes, which is a cream to help those tired legs and feet. Each night(ok...early evening) as I jump into bed, I give my feet a quick rub with this stuff and it is heavenly! That nasty strong menthol smell that most foot creams have is not the case here! My feet go to bed happy and wake up refreshed!

After a little research, I found that Bella B products can be found easily at  most Wal-mart, Target, and similar stores. I'm on the look out for their Tummy Honey Butter to help prevent stretch marks, their Mama Soak for refreshing and relaxing baths and more! Preggers or not, these products are great for you and, seemingly, the environment. Enjoy!

Don't you love it when you stumble across good products!

Tom's of Maine

First of all, let me apologize for being such a lazy blogger lately. Tis the season for being swamped! Now, back to business...

I've been on the search for better personal care products...mainly toothpaste and deodorant. On a recent trip to Target, I picked up both products from Tom's of Maine. The packaging claims seemed eco-chic so I thought I would give it a whirl. After a little research, I'm glad I did!

Tom's of Maine was started because a couple didn't want to use products that harmed the environment and they couldn't find any to purchase so they started making their own. Their product line has grown from
 non-phosphate laundry detergent to natural personal care products such as the first natural toothpaste in 1975 and deodorant in 1976. Jump ahead a few decades to 2006 and this company hits the big time when purchased by Colgate-Palmolive Company. This made me a little nervous, but their original mission and approach to products hasn't changed....effective natural and sustainable solutions.

For my toothpaste selection, I chose the Whole Care Toothpaste with fluoride. The fluoride offers clinically-proven cavity protection and the naturally sourced silicas help the toothpaste whiten. On their website they describe each ingredient, where it is derived from and its purpose. I like knowing how healthy my teeth are...but, admittedly, I'm a little more concerned with how healthy they feel and look. I've been using this product for a good stretch of time and so far so good! I've gotten the pass from my dentist and I've even gotten a few compliments on my smile...Thanks Tom's!

As the deodorant goes....not so good. I picked up their Natural Long Lasting Care Deodorant Stick with the apricot scent. I don't doubt that it worked. The hops, natural sourced zinc ricinoleate and the apricot fragrance took care of any odor or odor-causing bacteria. My issue was that I broke out a bit and that was REALLY uncomfortable. I almost expected this end result because about a year ago I tried to make my own deodorant with baking soda, tea tree oil and other essential oils with the same reaction. I have pretty sensitive skin so it is always a gamble trying new products. I noticed on the Tom's of Maine website that they have a stick for sensitive skin, so I'll try that and see if the result is any different.

All in all, I'm very pleased with my purchases and the Tom's of Maine company. Without question, I'm sold on the toothpaste but I'm not giving up on the deodorant either! I hope to try many more of their products soon!

What products do you use?

The Evolution of Smooth

In an effort to waste time on Sunday, Chris and I were puttering around Target when I stumbled across EOS Shave Cream. I recently ran out of my old product full of parabens, so I was definitely in the market for something new.

EOS, the evolution of smooth, is made of natural aloe, shea butter, and antioxidant vitamins E and C. It is a non-foaming cream that leaves your skin feeling moisturized and smooth...plus, it allows for a closer shave. It is also packaged in a recyclable bottle...gotta love that! Apparently, you can use it to wet or dry shave..dry shaving freaks me out, so have fun with that!

I purchased the pomegranate raspberry fragrance and loved using it this morning! My legs feel excellent and the smell made me smile! I am a little unsure about some of the ingredients listed on the website, but I know it is a step toward something better, so for the interim, I'm ok with it.

Ladies, what do you use to shave?

Lush-ious Beauty!

Since I buy everything I possibly can in bulk, it is a long and winding process for me to get rid of the last of my harmful, chemically-filled beauty products. I'm not one to waste so I decided to use everything I had and just replace needed items with more natural and eco-chic options.

Last week, the time finally came for me to purchase new shampoo. I'm weird about my hair products because my hair is so....what is the word....not-awesome! I have the blessing of true combination...oily roots and dry ends...thanks genetics! I stopped dying my hair about a year and a half ago...so at least it isn't completely damaged anymore...baby steps!  Anyway...my search brought me to Lush (in the Mall of Louisiana) and I was immediately hit by the wonderful scents of the hand-made, completely natural products!

Trying not to get distracted, I went straight to the shampoo products and was dumb-founded by what I found...solid shampoo! Maybe I'm behind the times...but this baffled me! No packaging, what a wonderful thought!

I purchased the Seanick Shampoo Bar which is made of fine sea salt for volume, Nori seaweed to soften and nourish, lemon oil to cleanse and help with shine and then fragrance of mimosa and orange blossom absolutes. WOW! The scent is to die for and, after one use, I was sold on the volume and shine aspects as well! My hair feels great and, at the risk of sounding vain, looks pretty good too!

Since I can't leave with only one purchase, I picked up some solid perfume as well. I was running dangerously low and wanted to pick a scent that was more natural and appropriate for me.

I went with Karma Solid Perfume which is a blend of patchouli, orange oil and lemongrass essential oils. I'm obsessed with it and put it one multiple times a day...sad, I know!

And because I was such an excellent customer...despite all my nagging questions...they gave me a sample of Lemslip Soap which is a conditioning body cleanser with lemon, lime, cocoa and coconut butters...yummy! My skin feels clean and silky...love it!

I'm now utterly in love with Lush and cannot wait to get more of their wonderfully natural and hand-made products!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...who is the fairest of them all?

Me, Me, Me...pick me! OK, I'm not the "fairest" in the sense that the wicked Queen meant it...but I do have some of the fairest skin ever!

I believe I am an expert in sunburn prevention and the do's and don'ts of sunburn healing! If there is a product, odds are I have tried it! I am currently obsessed with Burt's Bees products....especially their natural sun-care line.

Their sunblock isn't greasy or stinky! It takes a little work to get it really good and rubbed in but it works and is worth the effort! It is 100% natural and chemical-free. Just be careful if you are heading into the water, you will need to reapply after. SPF 30 is the way to go!

Now, if the deed is done and you need a sun soother, look no further! I find that it really cools the skin, especially if you put it in the fridge for a little while before using! Talk about refreshing! This is one of my favorite products because it isn't sticky like most after-sun lotions...and it doesn't smell like fake coconuts! It is 99.5% natural!

A couple summer's ago I got SOOOO burnt that I had really, really bad scars on my shoulders. Nothing I did worked...all because I was too cool to put on sunscreen...dumb! The scars were a constant reminder of my dumbness but I found something that really helped dull them. These homemade products worked for me:

Salt Scrub

1 cup fine sea salt

1/2 cup almond oil (olive oil will work too)

a few drops of your favorite essential oil (I like orange, rose or lavender...depends on my mood!)

Simply take a hand full during your shower or bath and rub into your skin to exfoliate and then rinse off. You could also buy similar products (salt and sugar scrubs) but why when you can make it easily and for a fraction of the cost!

Moisturizing Night Oil

Fill your container half way with either Almond Oil or Sesame Oil (I prefer sesame for night moisturizing)

Pour a few drops of pure Vitamin E Oil

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil

Apply to skin after shower/bath. Keep in mind that a little goes A LONG WAY!

I purchase all of my oils from Mountain Rose Herbs because the prices are not that bad and the products are of great quality! I'm sure you can also find most oils at Whole Foods or your natural food store.

I love making my own beauty products! If you have recipes, please pass them on!