Timeless makeup looks are always in style. Get bright red lips and cat eyes with these natural beauty brands.

Here’s how to wear these always on trend makeup styles with a little help from the best brands in natural beauty.

1. Graphic Eyes

Geometric cat eyes and other bold graphic shapes take eye makeup to the next level, and while this definitely isn’t a trend for shrinking violets, it can easily be adapted to real-world wear. Think minimalist, but not boring. Take a cue from the Rag and Bone look (top photo), which accented an otherwise clean and fresh-looking face with a curved swipe of eyeliner just above the crease of the eyelid.  At Dior, all it took to make the eyes pop were a few highlights in silver; 100% Pure has a natural and vegan pearly silver eyeliner that would do the trick.

2. Wine Lips

Lips that look like you’ve been eating berries or sipping on a glass of full-bodied red wine can be all you need to add a healthy pop of color. To get this look, use a stain on well-moisturized and exfoliated lips. Check out Vapour Organic Beauty’s Aura Multi-Use Stain in ‘Lure,’ or Tarte’s Lipsurgence Matte Tint in ‘Envy.’

3. The Warm, Metallic Smoky Eye

Peach, copper, purple and mauve bring a fresh look to the smoky eye, dialing down the drama just a tad while also contributing an extra dash of color (seen here at Gucci.) The key to a beautiful smoky eye is blending, blending, blending. You could also go for a softer neutral look with a touch of shine. Try W3LL People’s Elitist 83, a loose mineral shadow in luminous copper, or Seduce by RMS Beauty, a cream shadow that’s long-lasting and easy to blend.

4. Bold Brows

Lush, natural, statement-making brows have been de rigueur for a few years now, and it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere, so don’t pull out the tweezers just yet. Strong brows frame the face and add interest even when you’re not wearing any makeup. To make your brows bigger and bolder, brush them up and set them into place with brow gel like Jane Iredale’s PureBrow.

5. Oxblood and Classic Red Nails

Half-moon manicures, patterns and decals are definitely high on the list of trends for nails, but here’s one you don’t have to sit in a headache-inducing nail salon to achieve: ravishing red. The classic candy-red manicure wears well in any season, as is dark and dramatic oxblood. Try Scotch Naturals Stiletto for the former, and Priti’s Sympathy Rose for the latter. Pro tip: add a little cornstarch to some clear topcoat for a matte finish.

Images via: Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue

The post Get These 5 Timeless Looks with Natural Beauty Brands appeared first on EcoSalon.

Walk into a typical office supply store and you’ll be greeted with a depressing array of cheap, generic-looking plastic products emitting the oh-so-tantalizing scent of off-gassing carcinogens. But there’s a magical happy place at the intersection of sustainability and design, where eco friendly products for the office can be super useful and even decorative, and it can be found on the Internet.  Here are 8 items for both home workstations and the office, from cradle-to-cradle desk chairs to sculptural air purifiers.

Chikuno Cube Charcoal Air Purifier

Plants are one of the best, easiest and cheapest ways to purify the air in your workspace, but what about smells? You can’t control whether your colleague microwaves horrific-smelling foods for lunch or wears too much perfume, but you can control the odors in your own little work area with a small desktop purifier like the Chikuno Cube. This odorless cube is made from ultra-fine activated bamboo charcoal and clay minerals to absorb smells, and it has the look of a modern sculpture.

Atmos Geodesic ‘Cubicle’ for Desk Privacy

Cubicles are rarely pleasant places to work, but sometimes, you just need a little bit of privacy. The Atmos by Olero is a light, airy modular enclosure for any desk. Inspired by Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic structures and the triangle-frame sculptures of Do Ho Suh, it sections off your workspace while still letting in light, and it looks nice, too.

IKEA Sunnan Solar-Powered Desk Lamp

Need an eco friendly desk lamp? Look no further than your nearest IKEA. Inexpensive and frill-free, this LED lamp gets its power from the sun, even though it’s designed for indoor use. It recharges in about 9-12 hours in sunlight, emits about the same amount of light as a 15-watt incandescent bulb, and will light at full power for three hours once charged. For each Sunnan lamp purchased, IKEA and UNICEF will give one to a child in a refugee camp or village with no electricity.

Pulpop Recycled MP3 Speaker

Plug your mp3 player into a USB-rechargeable speaker made of recycled pulp that doubles as desk decor. The Pulpop speaker has a ring-shaped chamber that amplifies sound way better than you’d expect from cardboard.

Desktop Bamboo Dry-Erase Board

If you’re still in the habit of writing down quick notes instead of using your tablet or phone, you can save a whole lot of paper with a desktop dry-erase board. This one at Uncommon Goods is one example of a bamboo dry-erase board ideal for your to-do lists and random scribblings, and you can also turn any bamboo surface (or virtually any smooth surface at all) by coating it with a little bit of dry-erase sealant. Get the tutorial at Imulus.

Bamboo Plywood Workstation by El Dot Designs

Minimalist hairpin legs and a smooth surface make this desk by El Dot Designs a beautiful addition to the office, but it’s more than just a good-looking modern desk. It’s made of bamboo ply with a  non-toxic, water-based finish and features a movable power supply with three outlets and two USB ports. It’s also got a magnetic dry-erase board and a bamboo bag hook on the underside.

Cobi Office Chair

Few things are more important in an office than the chair you’re sitting in all day long, day after day. There are lots of desk chairs out there that provide comfort and support for long work hours, but few of them are on their way to Cradle-to-Cradle certification. The Cobi Chair by Steelcase features a weight-activated adjustment mechanism that naturally puts you in the best position of comfort for your body, sensing your center of gravity. It’s a low-emitting product and has a sustainable lifecycle – the Steelcase Environmental Partnership program will help you responsibly resell, refurbish, donate or recycle the chair when it’s no longer useful to you.

Bamboo Zen Stand for Tablets and Smart Phones

Support your tablet or smart phone with the Lexon Zen Stand, a simple bamboo accessory with rubber stabilizers that will hold onto your gadget safely. It’s also super useful for reading recipes when you’re cooking, or using your phone like an alarm clock next to the bed.

All images courtesy manufacturers. 

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The post Eco Friendly Products for the Office: 8 Stylish & Functional Objects appeared first on EcoSalon.

Want DIY face mask recipes, honest reviews of organic cosmetics, careful scrutiny of potentially toxic ingredients and spotlights on new brands? We’ve already told you about the 10 best green organic beauty blogs (including Eco Chick, Ecouterre and Fig + Sage), and now we’re adding ten more that may be flying under your radar. If you want natural beauty tips and all the inside info of the green-beauty-obsessed, check these 10 best natural beauty blogs out.

Indigo + Canary

Writer and editor Aleigh developed a passion for natural beauty after meeting the owners of online natural and organic beauty shop Beautorium.com. Since then, she’s been devoted to finding the best natural beauty products, DIY beauty recipes and tips for an all-around healthier lifestyle.

Organic Beauty Talk

“I’m passionate about you knowing what’s in your products, caring what goes on your skin, and connecting you with brands that have the best organic, natural and eco-friendly choices,” says Brandie Gilliam, Founder and Editor in Chief of Organic Beauty Talk. Get the facts on the safety of various ingredients, recommendations for trusted brands, and lists of editor favorites.

True Beauty by Nature

Audreiana’s True Beauty by Nature blog is a great source of reviews of all the best natural and organic beauty products, from Scotch Naturals nail polish and soy-based polish remover to a range of pigments from Ilia and RMS Beauty.

The Local Rose

Actress and activist Shiva Rose became dedicated to a healthier life and planet after being diagnosed with an auto-immune condition. Her blog, The Local Rose, is dedicated to celebrating a holistic, healthy, authentic lifestyle without sacrificing taste and glamour. Posts in the ‘Allure’ category include natural beauty tips, green beauty makeovers and looking at the process behind handmade artisan skin care products.

Living Pretty, Naturally

Lucky Mag contributor Kate focuses on combining non-toxic beauty finds and recipes with healthy, holistic living. “I’m a firm believer that true beauty on the outside comes from what is going on in the inside,” says Kate. “It is for this reason I’ll also blog about recipes that are packed with beauty-enhancing nutrients, yoga and other health and wellbeing tips.”

Dragonfly Beauty

Learn the story behind various brands, participate in giveaways and get the scoop on non-toxic products at Dragonfly Beauty, a blog run by natural beauty enthusiast Tiffany.

Pemberley Jones

If you’re looking for really thorough, honest reviews of natural beauty products, or want to discover new products from lines you’ve never heard of, check out Pemberley Jones. She maintains a beautifully designed blog packed with great info that’ll have you wishing you had a much bigger budget for buying beauty products.

Chic & Green

Green blogger, esthetician and makeup artist Karley Ziegler Mott uses her expertise to examine the ingredients used in cosmetics, and whether or not they live up to the hype. She also offers DIY recipes for makeup, skin care, body care, hair care and health.

Green Beauty Team

International makeup artist Kristin Arnett leads a panel of natural beauty and health experts providing advice, a glossary of toxic ingredients, product features and personal consultations for finding just the right non-toxic cosmetics and personal care products for you. Learn how to organize your makeup like a pro, choose cruelty-free brushes and make a homemade antioxidant berry booster for your skin.

The Clean Beauty Blog

Make your own face mask with Manuka honey and Indian healing clay, learn more about controversial ingredients and get info about what to eat to get clearer skin at The Clean Beauty Blog.

All images courtesy their blogs.

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What can’t you find on Etsy these days? The online marketplace of handmade goods offers everything from the perfect 1940s fashion finds for a Katherine Hepburn look to planters made out of reclaimed shoes, and it’s a great source of lovingly crafted organic beauty products, too. Artisans around the world mix up tinted lip balm, facial oils, perfumes, bath salts and other personal care items using vegan, organic and environmentally friendly ingredients. Here are seven notable natural beauty shops on Etsy.

Naked Eye Beauty

Totally vegan, handcrafted in small batches and made with eco-friendly and organically sourced ingredients, Naked Eye Beauty’s beautiful selection of personal care products includes bath soaks, lip balm, facial cleansers, mineral makeup and more. Try three of Naked Eye’s most popular products with the ‘Best of NEB Bundle,’ which includes hair powder in your choice of color, rose tinted lip balm and herbal deodorant cream.

Herbivore Botanicals

Herbivore Botanicals offers a range of 100% natural, vegan bath and beauty products hand-crafted in small batches using no artificial colors or fragrances, animal products, parabens, SLS or chemical preservatives. Bamboo charcoal soap, rose lip balm, pink clay floral face mask, sea salt hair spray and coconut milk bath soak are among the goodies you can get from this Seattle-based business.

Crush Cosmetics

With a wide range of rich and dramatic colors, Crush Cosmetics is a great source of mineral makeup on Etsy. Their products are free of parabens, silicones, fragrances and phthalates, with no nano or micronized ingredients. Many items are vegan-friendly.

Phoenix Botanicals

Phoenix Botanicals is a Brooklyn-based shop selling wildcrafted herbal balms and remedies as well as botanical perfumes. ‘Faerie Balm’ is a natural liden-infused moisturizing salve for the lips, face and other sensitive areas, while Sweet Birch Balm offers cooling anti-itch properties.

Borne Cosmetics

Borne Cosmetics creates organic mineral makeup formulated with antioxidants, jojoba oil, kaolin clay and crushed pearl. For a limited time, you can get sample baggies of mineral silk foundation (about two months’ worth) for just $4.99, making it easy to try out a few things. Other products include blush, eyeshadow, facial cleanser and anti-aging face cream.

The Pure Apothecary

Simple, natural and local: The Pure Apothecary’s organic beauty products are made with the environment and health in mind. Try the organic pumpkin flavor lip balm, which is only available seasonally, or the invigorating Peppermint Eucalyptus essential oil body lotion.

French Girl Organics

Inspired by the effortless, chic beauty of French girls, French Girl Organics is a handmade collection of organic, vegan bath and beauty products made with no animal testing. Facial care, lip tint and solid perfumes are infused with ingredients like activated charcoal, neroli, wildcrafted rose hip seed and organic white tea extract.

Images courtesy the brands

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The post Indy Organic Beauty Products: 7 Etsy Shops for Natural Makeup & Body Care appeared first on EcoSalon.

Low sunlight, the absence of most greenery and being stuck indoors breathing recirculated air can leave the best of us feeling a little blah during the cold months of autumn and winter. Little pops of nature around the home or office not only give us a psychological boost, but help purify the air. Indoor house plants also offer an opportunity to spice up a space visually with an interesting color or shape. Get inspired with these 8 modern planters, including recycled and handmade options as well as a couple cool DIY projects.

Urban Zeal Indoor Vertical Planters

Urban Zeal offers a range of vertical garden solutions for indoor house plants, including self-watering options and modular sets that can be expanded into entire walls of greenery. The Living Wall Planter has a self-watering tank and is made from 100% recycled, BPA-free plastic, while the Wally One Vertical Garden is an individually sold wool felt pouch that’s super easy to hang. The Framed GoVert Living Wall Kit is an all-in-one set of ten planter boxes in a wooden frame with a water collector tray at the base to ensure that care is relatively mess-free.

Porcelain and Leather Hanging Trio

Etsy is a great source for beautiful modern planters in virtually any shape, color and size. Brooklyn artisan Farrah Sit of Light and Ladder offers a variety of porcelain planters  including this  hanging trio, tiered planters and wall-mounted planters.

DIY Mason Jar Garden

Reuse some old mason jars and reclaimed wood in this wall-mounted planter project – the only other material, aside from the plants and soil, is a type of pipe clamp sold in the plumbing section of hardware stores. Model Summer Rayne Oakes goes through the whole (fairly simple) process in a video over at Inhabitat.

Diamond Hanging Planters

UK-based RawDezign offers these geometric hanging planters in a range of colors, individually cast by hand in a natural resin. Hang them in groups for an even bigger visual impact.

3D-Printed Aqueduct Planter System

This cool 3D-printed planter system for indoor house plants is especially striking when installed in a window. One set includes 10 individual planters, which are strung together so that water poured into the top one will irrigate them all. Components are available individually, too, so you can customize the look and size.

The Art of Kokedama

Want to get ultra-minimalist, yet still earthy and organic? Try your hand at the Japanese art of kokedama, or moss ball planters made with string. The results are especially impressive with trailing plants that have a bit of pep to them, like ferns, or a mixture of trailing and vertical plants. This process is a bit messy, but surprisingly easy. Get the tutorial at Design Sponge.

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The post Modern Greenery: 6 Stylish New Ways to Keep Indoor House Plants appeared first on EcoSalon.

Trimming your own bangs and even your dead ends is easier than you might think.

Stylists tend to recoil in horror when clients admit to snipping their own hair at home. But while it may not be the greatest idea to give yourself a drastic new cut, a bit of a trim here and there is quick, easy and totally indistinguishable from a pro job once you know what you’re doing. Here’s how to trim your own bangs, from blunt cuts to side-swept fringe.

How to Trim Straight-Across Bangs

It may seem like getting blunt bangs trimmed perfectly straight would be impossible to do on your own, but there are a few tricks to it. First of all, don’t cut your hair while it’s wet; it tends to shrink after drying, so you can trim more than you bargained for.

Blow dry bangs (straight, if necessary), and then comb them into place. With a pair of small, very sharp scissors (cuticle scissors work well), cut vertically into the ends of the hair starting from the middle and moving out to the sides. Use the comb to maintain a straight line. Brush your bangs into place with your fingers to style them, and trim any additional pieces as needed if they’re not even.

How to Trim Side-Swept Bangs

Trimming side-swept bangs requires just a slightly different technique, still starting with dry hair and cutting vertically into the ends. Pull one-inch sections of hair out away from your face on the opposite side from where they will fall. Avoid trimming more than half an inch at a time.

How to Cut Your Own Bangs

Do you dare to cut your own bags, without the aid of a stylist? This is definitely going a bit further than a trim, and it’s a bit risky, but if you want to try, the technique above makes it pretty simple. The twist-cut trick results in bangs that are slightly longer on either side.

How to Trim Your Own Hair

This video from Cosmopolitan explains how to trim dead ends without taking a trip to the salon.

Photo: gomainstream

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The post DIY Hair: How to Trim Your Own Bangs from Blunt Cuts to Side-Swept Fringes (Videos) appeared first on EcoSalon.

“Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world.” – Marilyn Monroe

In 2013, we’re a lot more aware of where diamonds come from, and the dumb blonde act isn’t so cute anymore—but we still can’t resist the charms of Marilyn Monroe. In Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, one of her most iconic roles, Marilyn played Lorelei Lee, a woman with a passion for diamonds who saw bagging a rich guy as the only way a woman could succeed in the ’50s. Aside from Marilyn’s breathy sex appeal and comic chops, what we remember most about this film is her glamour: that perfect platinum coif, her flawless red lips and the figure-hugging costumes that are still mimicked all these years later. Here’s how to copy  Marilyn Monroe’s vintage glam look with natural beauty products.

Marilyn Monroe Makeup: Red Lips and Illuminated Skin

Winged eyeliner, perfectly arched brows, scarlet lips and radiant skin came together into one trademark look that defines Hollywood glamour to this day. Marilyn always looked like she was glowing from within, yet there was never a flaw visible: no red spots, no undereye circles, no blemishes. Most of us aren’t starting with a perfect canvas, but we can fake it. Apply a light moisturizer to eliminate any dry spots and ensure an even application of foundation, and then cover any imperfections with a concealer like Josie Maran’s Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon or Jane Iredale’s Circle/Delete concealer, making sure to blend well.

Using a foundation brush (Eco Tools and Tarte offer cruelty-free options), apply a layer of light foundation. Then, use a highlighter stick along the tops of your cheekbones, down the center of your nose, and just below the arch of your eyebrows. Some quality organic options include W3LL People’s Universalist 2 Color Stick and Ilia Beauty’s Illuminator.

Winged eyeliner can be a little tricky if you’re not used to doing it, so follow along with a YouTube tutorial or two to practice. A swipe of red lipstick finishes off the look – check out our red-lip recommendations and tips.

Iconic Blond Curls: Recreating Marilyn’s Hair

Not everyone can achieve or pull off Marilyn’s pale platinum, but you can get the general effect with some rollers and volumizing products. You can try the pin curl method, which is what Marilyn did herself, as illustrated at Va-Voom Vintage Blog, or use the quicker modern method offered by XO Jane. To boost volume at the roots, try Intelligent Nutrients Organic Volumizing Spray, or Aveda’s Volumizing Tonic.

Forget Diamonds: The Finishing Touches

While there are plenty of ethical alternatives to blood diamonds, you don’t need anything that expensive to get Marilyn’s sparkly look. Raid thrift stores, vintage boutiques, Etsy and eBay for pre-loved costume jewelry – the hunt is part of the fun! The same goes for opera-length gloves.

Marilyn’s costumes in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes were so racy for the times, one particular deep-plunging gold dress didn’t make it past the censors. They were all designed to cling to her body in all the right places, showing off her curves. Look for vintage or vintage-style dresses with halter-style tops, nipped waists and flowing skirts that skim the hips.

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Red might be the boldest and most vibrant shade that ever sprouted naturally from anybody’s head, but it’s also elusive. Getting the perfect red (using non-toxic dyes, naturally) can be a difficult prospect, and keeping it is even harder, as it tends to fade quickly.

To preserve dyed red hair as long as possible, wait 24-48 hours after coloring to shampoo, and then use the four-pronged approach below, involving gentle cleansers, color-depositing products, protective styling serums, and oil-absorbing hair powders for those in-between-washing days.

Color-Preserving Hair Products

The cleansing agents in many shampoos, especially those made to clarify or volumize, can be way too harsh on color-treated hair, causing that coveted red hue to fade faster than it should. Products that are specifically formulated for dyed hair are typically gentler, and often contain extra ingredients that can help protect hair from the damaging effects of sun, chlorine and heat-styling. If you need extra moisturizing power, check out Lavera’s Mango Milk Shampoo for Color Treated Hair, which contains organic cocoa and shea butter for lusher locks. Aveda’s Color Conserve line prevents fading and keeps hair soft without being too heavy, while Alterna’s Bamboo UV + Color Protection Vibrant Color Shampoo might work better for oilier scalps. All are free of harsh sulfates and sodium chloride, as well as parabens, synthetic dyes and phthalates.
Oil-Absorbing Hair Powders

It’s best not to shampoo your hair too often if you want to preserve your color for as long as possible between dye jobs, but if you need a little help to keep your hair from looking a little limp, there’s a product that will seriously change your life: hair powder. Lulu Organics offers all-organic, talc-free hair powder that absorbs oil and imparts a heavenly fragrance. It’s available in lavender + clary sage, jasmine, patchouli + amber and vetiver + black pepper. Another organic, all natural hair powder from Sisters of the Black Moon manages oil with arrowroot powder and kaolin clay.

Heat-Styling Protectants

Use a protective product when heat-styling to prevent the kind of damage that can make dyed red hair weaker and more porous, which leads to uneven color retention. Josie Maran’s Argan Oil Hair Serum reduces frizz, boosts shine and helps seal the hair cuticle. PHYTO’s Phytomist Color Protect Radiance Mist is a lightweight leave-in conditioner that detangles, and also prevents color from fading by protecting hair against oxidation.

Red-Enhancing Shampoo, Conditioner & More

Color-enhancing products for red hair can definitely help keep your hair from fading, but should be used sparingly to prevent over-saturating your hair with color or significantly changing the shade you prefer. Aveda’s Madder Root Shampoo & Conditioner contain a vivid red pigment that brightens red tones; the effect is subtle in the shampoo, but the conditioner is so powerful as to almost be a dye in itself, and it will tint blonde or gingery highlights pink. Test it out on a small section of your hair first, or dilute it with regular conditioner to reduce the color depositing effects. Another brand, Shikai Color Reflect in Warm, contains just a little bit of henna for a subtler result.

Want to go totally natural? Try tinting your hair temporarily with a spray made from red hibiscus petals. This works on natural red hair as well as colored hair, adding warm red tones, and it’s easy to make. Andrea Drugay offers the simple instructions to make it yourself.

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Photo: Stefanie Neves

The post Keep Dyed Red Hair Colorful with Natural, Non-Toxic Treatments appeared first on EcoSalon.

Infuse your home with the essence of autumn with these all-natural air freshener recipes.

The faintest hint of burning leaves in the wind, or the scent of warm cinnamon and sugar in a welcoming home can instantly transport us back to treasured moments of autumns past, conjuring images of cozy sweaters, carved pumpkins and gold-dappled forests. “For the sense of smell, almost more than any other, has the power to recall memories and it is a pity that we use it so little,” wrote Rachel Carson, author of the book that inspired the modern environmental movement, Silent Spring. Maybe that’s why so many of us run out to ye old candle store as soon as the nights get cool, ready to envelop ourselves in all of those delicious nostalgic smells. Too bad we’re also inhaling toxins in the form of petrochemicals, artificial fragrances and lead (contained in many candle wicks.) 

There’s a way around all that. Making your own fall room scents is super easy and scent can be disbursed in a variety of ways, including simmering stovetop scents and room sprays. Try these six recipes that incorporate autumn fragrances like caramel apple, figs, nutmeg and vanilla. Bonus: research has shown that many of these scents have major brain-boosting stress-reducing benefits.

Pumpkin Spice

The smell of pumpkin pie is more about the spices than the pumpkin itself. Just add about a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, two cinnamon sticks and a teaspoon of vanilla to a pot of boiling water and let it simmer on the stovetop over low heat. For a spicy room spray, add 5 drops of cinnamon essential oil, 5 drops of vanilla 3 drops of clove to 1/3 cup alcohol (low-quality vodka is a popular choice) in a mister bottle, shake vigorously and spritz where desired.

Caramel Apple

Hands down, the best (and tastiest) way to make your home smell like caramel apples is to actually cook them in a slow cooker, letting the fragrance slowly take over throughout the day as the apples soften. Buttery Yum has a recipe that incorporates dark brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also do this simmer-pot style using apple cores left over from other recipes.

Orange, Ginger & Almond

A site called The Yummy Life has a range of natural room scent recipes that can be stored in pretty jars and reused 2-3 times. This one, with oranges, ginger and cinnamon, has a powerful fragrance that can help banish bad odors in the home. These jars make great gifts and can be warmed in a variety of ways, from the stovetop or slow cooker method to candle warmers.

Cranberries, Cinnamon and Rosemary

Add three sprigs of fresh rosemary and two cinnamon sticks (or a tablespoon of ground cinnamon) to two cups of cranberry juice and simmer on the stovetop over low heat. The addition of fresh or frozen cranberries, a touch of lemon juice and a little sugar would easily turn this into a delicious cranberry sauce with an herbal twist.

Lemon, Rosemary and Vanilla

The signature smell of Williams-Sonoma, this blend is bright and fresh. It works great as a year-round natural air freshener. Get the recipe at Inspired to Share.

Lavender Nutmeg Cardamom

Nutmeg and cardamom extract can be found, along with many other relatively obscure essential oils and extracts, at Mountain Rose Herbs. Mix three drops of each with six drops of lavender and 1/3 cup alcohol, shake and spray. On the stovetop, add 4 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers to 2 cups of water along with a teaspoon of each spice.

Top photo: evilerin

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The post The Smell of Fall: 6 Natural Air Freshener Recipes for the Home appeared first on EcoSalon.

The fashion trends of the future could involve living, growing textiles, or even accessories implanted into our bodies.

By 2082, couture will be made not from fabric, but from cells. That’s the vision of designer Amy Congdon, whose Biological Atelier project explores how the same sort of medical biotechnology set to revolutionize skin grafts and prosthetics can be carried over into the world of fashion. In fact, her idea is pretty similar to the controversial effort to grow meat in a lab so no animal has to be harmed, and test-tube leather. Cultured ivory bracelets or cruelty-free cross-species fur, anyone?

Congdon’s Extinct Collection uses a sort of embroidery ‘scaffolding’ upon which cells can be grown—whether plant, animal or mineral. The idea is that in the future, fashion trends could be grown from the ultimate commodity: life itself. Congdon aims to explore the ethical issues surrounding this sort of manipulation of life, and the seemingly sci-fi concept of integrating and implanting fashion and technology right into our own bodies.

Considering the social and environmental impact of the textile industry, even the most unlikely sounding ideas deserve a good look – and while Biological Atelier is intended for bespoke luxury garments, similar technology could possibly be used on a wider scale. When grown in a lab or made from waste materials rather than farmed, biological-based textiles could potentially replace fabrics made from unsustainable materials, like polyester – as long as they don’t require too much chemical manipulation in the process.

One admittedly weird example is fabric grown in a soup of green tea, sugar and other nutrients, which bacteria then transform into long cellulose filaments that can be woven once dried. Scientists have also managed to produce a fabric by letting microbes go to work on wine, fermenting the alcohol into fibers. A similar process turns proteins from spoiled milk into fabric. Unfortunately, none of these weird new bio-textiles smell too pretty, but researchers are already working on eliminating that problem.

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