Filed Under (Eco-beauty) by Veronica on 16-10-2008
I am slightly obsessed with exfoliation. Living in the desert, the lack-o-humidity might be great when I blow dry my hair straight, but it also sucks the moisture right out of my skin so I resemble the lizards I’m watching right now outside my window as they play tag. So exfoliating gives me baby-soft skin, but I also know some of the other benefits such as stimulating blood circulation, it removes toxins from our skin, and promotes skin regeneration. Trick is, to find a body scrub that doesn’t ADD toxins to your body. Well, I use four that I love and would suggest you try immediately. If you don’t use a salt scrub yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. 

Yes-To-Carrots: I have been a fan of Yes-To-Carrots body butters for quite some time now, so I could hardly wait to try out their Carrot Rich Moisturizing Body Scrub. These people only use natural ingredients, and they make sure they get them from certified organic farmers. The fresh scent smells natural, not like cheap perfume you might find at Walgreens (which I might add, is smart enough to carry Yes-To-Carrots). Made with goodies like anti-oxidants Ginkgo and Green Tea, Dead Sea water, avocado and olive oils, and of course carrot juice, this scrub is brimming with all things good for us; but don’t think for a minute it isn’t tough on dry skin. This stuff will wage war on your rough spots and you’ll come out softer than a baby’s behind.

Sensatia Botanicals  is proud to produce 100% natural products and to support and employ many of the Balinese people. This company is one you want to patronize. This is already good to know, but wait until you get a hold of this scrub. This amazing Balinese Lulur salt comes from the original remedy from rice farmers in Bali. They would take this crushed spice and rub it on their legs after the many hours of standing in the rice fields. This version includes lush ingredients such as sandalwood, fennel seed, and star anise to smooth the skin and relax the muscles. I especially like the hand-weaved palm leaf box it comes in. You can’t help but feel like an exotic goddess on an island when you use this stuff. I don’t know about you, but Dr. McDreamy is on my island.

 

Kimberly Sayer of London All-in-One Invigorating Lemon Scrub: I came across this product while skimming through Brides.com - not sure why I was doing such a thing, but I digress. Kimberly herself returned my inquiry email and was nice enough to send me some of this delicious, lemon-scented cream. The scent wakes me up in the morning (making me want to run to Dunkin’ Donuts for one of their lemon-filled pastries) while the organic lemon oils and vitamins A,C, and E work together with jojoba beads to scrub away the dry skin I want gone a.s.a.p… which will help me look good going to the gym to work off those donuts.

 

Seacret Spa: Salt from the Dead Sea is what you get in this scrub, which carries 21 minerals. Among them: magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc, and potassium. These minerals heal the skin and aid in cell metabolism. They also add Chamomile for relaxation and antioxidant benefits, as well as essential oils in the scents of Ocean, Apple, Vanilla, and Lavender. I like that this scrub is different in that it isn’t drowning in thick oil like some salt scrubs I have tried, but is simply the delicious smelling salt that you use on damp skin for the best effect.

 
Image credit (top) Flickr

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Filed Under (Eco-beauty) by Veronica on 29-09-2008
I once read that women digest umpteen tubes of lip balm in their lifetime; merely from wearing it. They listed an actual number, but I don’t remember it and I’m not going to look it up. Just know it was a lot, okay? Anyway, once I stopped my gag reflex I immediately considered throwing out every tube I own, including lipstick (quickly decided against it when I thought about how much money I spent on some of those tubes). Next, I at least swore that the ingredient list will be taken into consideration on any future tubes I buy. Here are some of the balms I found that are made up of substances much more edible than those such as Oxybenzone (known to cause everything from hormone disruption to low birth weight), lead (I like L’Oreal, but some of their lipsticks are loaded with the stuff), and other poisons that you would need a degree in chemical biomolecular engineering in order to even pronounce it (try to say that three times fast). To boot, the companies that are making them are doing many other things that deserve a kiss.
Badger Balm almost just had me for the fact that they have a picture of company employees whitewater rafting on their website; they’ve gotta be cool. But then I ask, how does Organic Madagascar Vanilla, Wild African Shea Butter, fragrant Golden Yellow Beeswax sound for exotic ingredients to grace your smacker? Well, that’s the kind of stuff you will find in these lip balms, along with the main ingredient, Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  They scout the world seeking these organic elements and support sustainable agriculture by making responsible purchasing decisions. This may be my new favorite.

Talk about a stocking stuffer that’s better for you than a bunch of candy canes! Kiss My Face will have you ready for the mistletoe with their Holiday Lip Balm Duo Pack. One is naughty (Cheeky Cherry) and the other one nice (Vanilla n’ Ice). Both of them tasty and never use artificial colors. Santa will be happy that these balms are only for our lips; never being animal tested… apparently lipstick is not even fit for a pig.
Being ranked as “one of the safest cosmetics lines in america” as well as working to support women’s health advocacy and human rights issues, Peacekeeper Cause-Metics is a company you want to think of when giving gifts this year. They will even send your thoughtful gift in a customized gift box. You can feel good about this one.
  
Knowing that what goes upon our lips ultimately can make it into our bodies, Dr. Bronner’s organic lip balms doesn’t use harsh SPF chemicals to shield our delicate smackers from the sun, but rather a natural barrier made of jojoba, avocado, and hemp oils. So your lips will be edible and protected! They have creative flavors such as Orange Ginger and Lemon Lime. Pucker up!
 
I always have a couple tubes of Burt Bee’s lingering around the bottom of my bag with the dirty Altoids and loose change. Cocoa Butter and beeswax are just a couple of the natural ingredients that make this stuff so creamy and luscious.
 
Love thy Lips is what they call it and we love it! Mountain Sky Soap started their company in order to stay home with their children who have the middle names of Mountain and Sky. I dig these people. Starting in their basement in 1993, they now use the water from the Canadian Mountains where you can also find their 7000 square foot facility, to make every tube. They come in four flavors: Blackberry, Mint, Raspberry, and Mountain (which is unflavored). I think they need to start working on a Sky flavor now. I think I’ll email them about that. 
One of the best- Our grandmothers knew best when they would slather us with Vaseline. Vaseline’s Lip Therapy Petroleum Jelly Advanced Formula, is made with only one ingredient: petrolatum. Good stuff.
My great aunt swore by Crisco. I can’t promise I’ll be carrying around a can of Crisco anytime soon, but I will be sticking with the above lip balms to keep my kisser organically smooth!

By Veronica Cannon

Top image credit: Flickr: LeannzOr

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Pure Luxe

Seeking a more natural and chemical free make-up? Well seek no more with Pure Luxe Mineral Based Cosmetics. Everything from demure to bold. The color selection is vast. And the best part, you can sample all for a small price. You don’t have spend a lot of money to get all glamed up. Just purchase samples to see which one you like. For a dollar a pop, you can get a small sampling in a jar. With so many colors to choose from; it’s hard to pick just one. All the colors are luscious and rich, yet feels and looks more natural. The glitz is on with Pure Luxe.

All the ingredients are listed on the website. Most of the eyeshadows are comprised of mica and may contain the following ingredients: sericite, kaolin, iron oxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, tin oxide and ultramarines. No additives are chemicals are added so you know you are getting the real deal. I am in love with the White Diamonds eye shadow which according to the website  is pure white shimmer with millions of micro-diamond-like shimmers. And shimmer it does. I wear it during the day when I need a little ooomph and at night to get all dolled up. This has quickly become one of Jolly Green Girl’s favorite picks.

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Natural Personal Lubricant

Oh yes we went there. Get your carnal pleasures in order and say Yes Yes Yes with the world’s first and only certified Organic personal lubricant. It’s totally natural that is water based. I love the herbal like scent that’s totally relaxing while pleasure inciting at the same time. It’s glides on very smoothly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind. I received a sample from Future Natural to try out for Jolly Green Girl. Oh, the things we do in the name of research. I can honestly say that we will be ordering more very soon. 

In a press release by Yes 

At last you can enhance your intimacy with plant-based lubricants that have been created with care and conscience. Stylish in look, uncompromising in purity, and offering all the reassurance of a certified organic product with the premium performance of a synthetic one. Designed for pleasure, performance and purity. Containing certified organic butters, fine oils, aloe vera gel and more, Yes® is completely free of parabens, glycerin, hormones, silicones and petroleum products. 

If you are seeking a more natural, organic, and petroleum free personal lubricant. I think you found the answer in Yes. Made with only pure plant extracts; it is good not only for the planet but to yourselves. Widely available in the U.K (where it was invented) and exclusively available at Future Natural in the U.S. Future Natural carries all the organic beauty products you can want… so check them out to get Yes and natural beauty tips and tricks.

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natural hair conditioner

The Summer is almost over; however, if you want to keep that summer like tresses (and smell) all year long… then try the Coolaulin, the pure and natural hair conditioner made with coconut oil. It’s surprisingly light weight yet super-moisturing, and one of Jolly Green Girl’s favorite picks. Brought to you by Lush, an Eco-conscious company based in the U.K. The socially minded company hand make all their natural and pure concoctions thats good for your body and the planet. Lush is a company that is VERY cruelty free by actively using and seeking companies that produce their ingredients without the use of animal testing. 

Coolaulin is excellent for dry and coarse hair. I can attest; I have an arid dry skin and hair (I am a Vata) , yet this hydrating conditioner does its job and does it well. Its great for those modern, funky hair cuts that needs weighlessness and defiance of gravity. There’s no need for wax or gunk. Just use Coolaulin to get weightlessness and hydration. Should I mention how divine it smells. Reminds me of the beach, the sun, and quintessential endless summer. Now you can have Summers bottled with Coolaulin.

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eco-friendly razor

Seeking a closer shave that doesn’t fill up the landfills with more plastic? Mother Earth will thank you if you consider the Eco-friendly razor, Triple Preserve from Recycline. Made with 100% Post Consumer Plastic including Stonyfield Organic Yogurt cups; it conserves and reuses which is vital to the Environment. It does a pretty good job at keeping stubbles at bay too.

Other reasons to consider the Triple Preserve

  • Titanium coated triple blades with Vitamin E and Aloe lubricating strip offer a close shave
  •  Are easy to replaceReplacement blades available in packs of 4Handle
  • Also works with Personna® Acti-Flexx® and Gillette® Sensor® blades
  • Cruelty Free
  • BPA Free
  • Recycleable

Keep a close shave and be even closer to the Environment with Recycline’s Triple Preserve. Comes in stylish and quirky colors like lime, burnt orange, and neon yellow. Shaving has never been so green and fun. We bought ours at Whole Foods but you can also order it online or find a store near you.

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organic leave-in conditioner 

I always watched the Pantene models with wonder. How could anyone have such wonderfully silky, shiny hair? Come to find out it was silicones that did it. Fake Fake Fake and SO not good for you or the Planet. Giovanni Organics have come to the rescue. You can have frizz less hair without all the chemicals. Using a blend of Organic Oils and harvested from renewable plants. It’s Eco-conscious beauty inside and out. Their organic weightless leave-in conditioner is as good as it gets; pure, natural, and good for the environment.

I love the botanic smell and it really does feel weight-less, yet substantial enough to condition my asian persusian mane. It’s quite unmanageable at times. Did I mention it was cruelty free? I love how natural beauty companies take our furry little plants into consideration and not use them for things like animal testing.

Some of the ingredients listed are: Rosemary Oil, Chamomile, Thyme Oil, Clary, Lavender, and Soybean protein. Treat yourself to Pantene like hair without damaging your tress or Mother Earth.

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