natural skin care

Natural Beauty Favorites from April 2015

Natural Beauty Favorites from April 2015

Published by Barbara Sandell

Natural Beauty Favorites from April 2015Spring is here and it’s wonderfully warm here in California. Flowers are blooming and adding beautiful color around Silicon Valley. Birds are singing starting at 6 am and my bird feeders stay busy until the sun starts to fade at 8 am. I just love Spring.

A change of seasons always inspires me to mix-up my beauty routine. I start looking for lighter weight facial products and brighter colors for lips and cheeks. I discovered some new winners this past month and rediscovered my love for products I already had. Here are my natural beauty favorites from April 2015.

Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo
I really love this shampoo. It lathers easily, cleanses well and leaves my hair looking great. It’s free of petrochemicals, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, parabens, lanolin and is cruelty-free. It contains ingredients to target various scalp issues including dandruff and psoriasis. It’s full of botanical extracts, vitamins and essential oils to that naturally nourish and protect the hair. So far, I’ve just tried the shampoo so far but a Scalp Rescue conditioner and 5 (yes, I meant five!) styling products are also available.

Ingredients: Herbal Infusion [Purified Water (Aqua), Glycyrrhiza Glabra* (licorice) Root, Tussilago Farfara+ (coltsfoot) Leaf, Achillea Millefolium* (yarrow), Salix Alba+ (willow), Tabebuia Impetiginosa+ (pau dÌarco), Arctium Lappa* (burdock) Root, Berberis Aquifolium (mahonia), Calendula Officinalis* (calendula), Equisetum Arvense* (horsetail), Urtica Dioica* (nettles)], Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate (coconut derived surfactant), Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine (coconut derived surfactant), Sucrose Cocoate (sugar/coconut emulsifier), Coco-Betaine (coconut derived surfactant), Leptospermum Petersonii (lemon tea tree), Melaleuca Alternifolia* (tea tree), Lavandula Angustifolia* (lavender), Pelargonium Capitatum* (geranium), Rosemarinus Officinalis* (rosemary), Oryzanol (rice extract), Hydrolysed Soy Protein (hair strengthener), Glycerine (vegetable source), Panthenol (pro vitamin B5), Macadamia* Ternifolia (macadamia) Seed Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Phytate (from rice bran), Xanthan Gum, Ascorbyl Palmitate (vitamin C ester), Aloe Barbadensis* (aloe vera) Leaf, Mixed Tocopherols (plant derived GMO-free vitamin E). * Organic + Wildcrafted

You can find it here: $16

In Love Greece Deodorant
I recently finished a Meow Meow Tweet deodorant (it was in my March Natural Beauty Favorites). I loved that deodorant but wanted to use this product from my stash before buying something new. Deodorant application with your hands means one extra hand washing that I’m not always up for during a busy morning. I really enjoy this deodorant. It’s easy to apply (doesn’t drag on the skin), isn’t sticky (you can put your clothes on soon after application) and it does a nice job of odor control throughout the day. It smells good and it’s affordable From the In Love website: “Does not contain any aluminum, parabens, petroleum or other harmful ingredients to your body or the earth once washed down the drain.”

INGREDIENTS: PRECIPITATED DEAD SEA SALTS IN DISTILLED WATER, SAPONIFIED ORGANIC COCONUT OIL, CANDELILLA WAX, VEGETABLE EMULSIFYING WAX, GRAPESEED OIL, ORGANIC COCONUT OIL, JOJOBA OIL, WITCH HAZEL, CARNAUBA WAX, ESSENTIAL OILS OF ORANGE, GRAPEFRUIT AND LIME, SODIUM BORATE, ESSENTIAL OIL OF NEROLI(ORANGE BLOSSOM).

You can find it here: $9.50

Vapour Organics Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation in 120
I’ve really been enjoying this foundation. It has a very moisturizing consistency which makes it very hydrating with a luminous finish. 120 is a great color for me and it leaves a luminous finish. 2 tips: 1. It’s important to use sparingly and use a beauty blender or foundation brush as it doesn’t sheer out that well with your fingers. 2. It’s important to finish off with powder to matify and set for staying power. From the Vapour Organics website: “Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation is made with 70% organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments. Atmosphere nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya Complex, brightens the skin with organic Camellia, and is infused with Vapour’s face-specific infusion of soothing Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi, and calming Lotus.”

Ingredients: Organic Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Mica, Silica, Organic Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate*, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Wildcrafted Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) Gum, Solanum Lycopersicon (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Canarium Luzonicum (Elemi) Gum Non-Volatiles, Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Gum Oil, Eriocephalus Punctulatus (Cape Chamomile) Oil, Organic Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Leaf Extract, Organic Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi/Holy Basil) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Pogostemon Cablin Oil [+/-: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77492, 77499)]

You can find it here: $50

Stark Neroli Midnight Oil
This oil has just the right consistency for me as a nighttime treatment and it smells divine. The product description speaks for itself. From starkskincare.com: “Neroli oil, is also an excellent healing potion for both mind and body. It is calming and relieves anxiety while helping skin to stimulate cell-regeneration which promotes a more youthful appearance. This aromatic delight is quickly absorbed into skin, but as it contains cocoa and mango butter, also creates a light, protective barrier, perfect for a soothing night time treatment. Precious seed oils such as antioxidant-rich raspberry, pomegranate and blackberry, and black cumin –known in the Arab world for being a cure-all–, are seeped in a base of beautiful organic camellia (green tea) seed oil and golden jojoba from Argentina. Oat and cucumber seed oil are calming and soothing. Evening Primrose is excellent at treating hormonal skin issues such as acne, as well as treating scars.”

Ingredients: Camellia sinensis (organic green tea) seed oil, Simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba) seed oil, Prunus dulcis (organic sweet almond) oil, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) oil, Punica granatum (pomegranate) seed oil, Rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil and/or Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) seed oil, Avena sativa (oat) oil, Cucumis sativus (cucumber) seed 0il, Mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Nigella sativa (Black Cumin) seed oil, Citrus aurantium amara (neroli) flower oil, pure essential oils.

You can find it here: $68

Zuzu Luxe Bronzer in D28
My usual go-to bronzer is a loose powder which takes a little more effort and time. I’ve been reaching for this lovely pressed bronzer which comes in a sleek compact that includes a mirror. It’s just the right color, doesn’t impart excessive sheen and is just so convenient.

Ingredients: Mica, Cetyl Palmitate, Octyl Palmitate, Silica, Kaolin,Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract,Zinc Stearate,Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*,Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride,Lecithin,Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract*,Tocopheryl Acetate,Iron Oxides,Titanium Dioxide

You can find it here: $28.30 (refillable)

Jane Iredale Lip Pencil in Spice
When The Green Product Junkie raved about these lip pencils I knew I had to try them! Katie’s insights and recommendations are always spot on. This pencil is great. It’s easy to apply (not too hard and not too soft) and come in a large array of great colors. Spice is the best neutral shade for me.

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate. [+/- (May Contain) Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Manganese Violet (Ci 77742), Mica, Carmine (Ci 75470)]

You can find it here: $13

What products did you love last month?

-Barbara

Natural Beauty Favorites from Jan 2015

Natural Beauty Favorites From Jan 2015

Published by Barbara Sandell

Well, Hi There! It’s time to start the monthly favorites rolling for 2015. I purchased a lot of new products between Nov and Feb. and I’m working my way through the stash. I’m happy to say that I’m discovering some real gems and I look forward to reporting out on my favorites throughout the year. Here are my natural skin care and makeup favorites from Jan. 2015.

Avene Eau Thermale I’ve had this product for awhile but was enjoying a few other toners with gentle mists and wonderful aromatherapy scents that I enjoyed using to set up makeup. When the spray top of my last bottle of toner went kaput, I decided to give this one a whirl. It’s been working out quite well. This product has a wet spray and I prefer to spray it on my hands, rub my hands together and pat the moisture lightly on my face. It’s also great for mixing with masks to get the get just the right consistency. $18 – Find it here.

W3ll People The Expressionist Bio Extreme Mascara  This mascara was on my must try list for quite a while and I finally purchased this during a recent Pharmaca sale. In general, I’m not a fan of plastic mascara wands (I prefer fluffy brushes that taper at the end). Despite the plastic wand, this mascara has a terrific formula. This is the closest mascara to my favorite non-green mascaras. $23.50 – Find it here.


Lily Lolo Eyeshadow in Sand Dune  I originally wasn’t a fan of loose mineral eyeshadows. They take a little extra care (primer is a must as is a firm base eyeshadow brush). I decided to really give this product a try last month and once I got the hang of it, I really enjoyed the eye brightening effects of this neutral shadow. When I’m in a hurry (which is most of the time), I sweep some Hoola Hoop bronzer in the crease and a little eyeliner or eye pencil and I’m good to go. $12 – Find it here.

Brija Cosmetics Glamorous to Go Blush in Perk This is such a pretty pink coral mineral blush. I’ve been working on the sample I bought several months ago; a little goes a long way. This blush has some shimmer to it but it’s not too much and leaves a subtle glow on the skin. $1.50 to $7.50 – Find it here.

Leahlani Skincare Mermaid Mask I’ve heard so much about this mask over the past year, I finally decided it was time for me to try it. I’m sure glad I did! It’s super unique; very green (from the Hawaiian spirulina, Chlorella, sea buckthorn, luminess algae) with extremely soothing with 15 nutrients. I adore it and as a bonus, it’s reasonably priced. $22 – Find it here.

Alima Pure Contour Powder Alima Pure calls this mineral powder Sombra and it’s the perfect taupe color to add shadow and definition to the face. It’s obvious this product was created by a makeup pro (Kristen Arnett) because it performs like a pro product. $20 – Find it here.

Kari Gran Cleansing Oil  I’ve been doing some serious testing of cleansing oils. One Love Organics cleansing oil is the bomb but this product is great as well. I love the simplicity of the ingredients and I’ll be purchasing the full size when my trial size is complete. $30 – Find it here.


W3ll People Bio Brightening Powder  I love this powder for setting my under eye concealer and brightening the general area. I don’t feel the need to look any further for a better product. $24 – Find it here.

Have you tried any of these products? What did you love in January?

Barbara