Sold Out!

Kick off the hottest season and pamper Mom with EcoSalon’s exclusive shopping event: The Box. We’ve hand-curated $507+ of summer swag, gifts and treats for just $129.00 + free shipping. They’re going to go fast because we only have 40 Boxes, so get with the seasonal program and stock up now. Buy one, two or three!

We’ve got what you want: yoga gear, nourishing wellness products, uplifting scents, and a bevy of full-sized eco-conscious goodies. Our Summer Box is chock full of just what you need to take summer by storm—with a beautiful bod, and inspired spirit.

Affirmats’ Yoga Mat

Step up your fitness practice and step onto your mat knowing you’re doing something good for the planet and your health! Affirmats’ Yoga Mats unify the spirit of an affirmative practice with a fun contemporary design and innovative, eco-conscious materials. Each mat features Jute fiber and eco-PVC construction to ensure a non-slip surface for all of your challenging poses, plus a brilliantly secure base that grips the floor and grounds your practice. Mats come in three cool colors with three accompanying affirmations: I AM WONDERFULLY MADE; LOOK HOW PRETTY YOU ARE; I AM HEALTHY, I AM WEALTHY, I AM LOVE. (Buyers of The Box will receive one of the available colors with an affirmation.)

(Retail value of $64)

Anchor Bay Entertainment’s Element: Yoga for Stress Relief & Flexibility (DVD)

Get fit and blissed-out with yoga expert and Counseling Psychologist, Ashley Turner. You’ll alleviate all those annoying symptoms of stress (think: shallow breathing, clenched jaws, furrowed brows, tightened shoulders), and increase physical flexibility. Ashley’s best-selling DVD helps you feel better and move more freely—anywhere, anytime. Filmed in a tranquil garden overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this DVD features two rejuvenating programs designed to work together as one longer practice, or individually to address the physical and mental effects of tension:

• The Stress Relief practice includes deep, conscious breathing and the opportunity to hold the gentle stretches, with lots of forward bends. Enjoy improved sleep and reduce signs of premature aging!
• The Flexibility practice helps prevent injury, stimulate circulation, remove lactic acid, and reduce aches and pains through Vinyasa sequences that link breath with movement.

(Retail value of $14.98)

Truce’s Linen Sprays + Hand Sanitizer

Keep your yoga mat or gym bag fresh with Truce’s eco-friendly line of cleaning products. Born at a local farmer’s market, Truce products are Green America approved and contain only all-natural, simple ingredients.

Two 4oz Linen Sprays (in different scents)
Spritz throughout a room on linens, pillows, or anything that needs freshening. Can even be used as a body spray. The three scents offer a just-stepped-into-a-spa scent. Great for both women and men. Made from just water, rubbing alcohol, glycerin and aromatherapeutic essential oils. Comes in Citrus & Lemongrass, Lavender & Citrus and Lavender & Lemongrass scents.
(Retail value of $8/bottle)

One 2oz Hand Sanitizer
A convenient way to soften hands while naturally sanitizing. Just spray on hands then rub until fully absorbed. Made from six simple eco-friendly ingredients: rubbing alcohol, water, glycerin,
aromatherapeutic essential oils, and aloe vera. Lightly scented with rosemary and peppermint essential oils.
(Retail value of $3.50)

(Total retail value of $19.50)

The Prime Method’s 28-day Membership

Summer is here and you’re out of excuses! Get fit for life with The Prime Method, a long-term holistic health plan for real people who seek total body transformation through intelligent movement, eating well, and nurturing the mind. The Prime Method believes in combining all three aspects of complete wellness—MIND, MOVE and MUNCH—in a comprehensive online program that anyone from the busy mom on the go, to the traveling professional can access and practice, anywhere, anytime.

(Retail value of $29.99)

Shentrition’s Herbal Superfoods Powder

Take your new summer fitness program to the next level with Shentrition’s potent Herbal Superfoods Powder. Pronounced like nutrition, “shen-trish-uhn” is a powder blend of adaptogenic and tonic herbs plus greens and superfoods. As in Chinese and Ayurvedic health traditions, the cornerstone principle of ShenTrition’s formula is that life force (qi or prana) is the foundation of health, healing, and growth. ShenTrition promotes whole health by supporting the body’s ability to adapt to day-to-day stressors, building life force and enhancing the growth of consciousness.

(Retail value of $50)

Sibu Beauty’s Sea Buckthorn Repair & Protect Facial Cream

Exercise your bod? Check! Fortify your diet with nutrient-packed superfoods? Check! Now it’s time to nourish your face—especially when you’re having so much fun in the sun! Sibu Beauty’s Sea Buckthorn Nourishing Facial Cream, with omega-7 fatty acids, creates the perfect barrier to moisturize, rejuvenate and repair sun-damaged skin, protect against environmental stress, and preserve skin tone and texture. This weightless non-greasy cream is ideal for daily use and offers a pleasing, light citrus scent. Paraben-free and cruelty-free. Contains NO dairy, yeast, wheat, gluten, sodium or preservatives. For all skin types. 1 fl. oz.

(Retail value of $20.95)

GIVESCENT’s GIVESCENT Signature

Feel deliciously beautiful this summer with GIVESCENT’s GIVESCENT Signature. Not just a fragrance, GIVESCENT is an experience. After living in Italy for two years, celebrated yoga teacher, Elena Brower, fell in love with the culture, the pace and especially the scents. She discovered a Sicilian almond oil blend that inspired her to create a scent of her own. Back in New York City, Elena teamed up with dear friend Alexandra Lyon Perelman to recreate the blend. And so GIVESCENT was born. Inspired by the first sultry summer days in Italy, GIVESCENT echoes a captivating blend of sun-ripened citrus and spicy vanilla.

In the spirit of conscious business and consumerism, Elena and Alexandra founded GIVESCENT to share not just a beautiful experience, but a way to empower women: 5% of GIVESCENT proceeds benefit Women for Women International.

Contains no alcohol, formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates and sulfates. Blend contains sweet almond—not suitable for those with nut allergies.

(Retail value of $46)

Blade Buddy’s eco-friendly razor-sharpener

Get bikini-ready for summer and help save the planet with Blade Buddy. Two-billion blades and their packaging are thrown out every year, equivalent to two-million pounds of plastic waste. The average consumer spends hundreds of dollars a year on razor blades. Blade Buddy ensures you’ll waste less razors and protect the planet—all while enjoying smoother silkier shaves, without nicks, cuts, razor burn or ingrown hairs. Go green and get close, comfortable shaves for months, instead of days. If you shave, you will want the Blade Buddy!

(Retail value of $19.99)

Primal Pit Paste’s Primal Pit Paste Jar + Primal Pit Paste Stick

As the temperatures soar, stay fresh all summer long with Primal Pit Paste: the first all-natural, organic deodorant that works. Handcrafted in Tampa, Florida, Primal Pit Paste contains only the finest ingredients, including organic shea butter, organic coconut oil, organic arrowroot powder, aluminum-free baking soda, and essential oils.

Primal Pit Paste 2oz glass jar (Retail value of $8.95)
Primal Pit Paste 2oz stick  (Value of $10.95 )

(Total retail value of $19.90)

COOLA’s COOLA Suncare SPF 30 Plant UV Body Sunscreen

Nordic Naturals’ Complete Omega 3-6-9

Kick your nutrition into high gear this summer with Complete Omega-3.6.9, for full-spectrum essential fatty acids in one daily serving. Reap all-around support for cardiovascular function, metabolism, hormone balance, brain health, skin, positive mood and a healthy anti-inflammatory response. This blend contains a combo of concentrated omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from fish oil, omega-6 GLA from borage oil, and significant amounts of the omega-9 oleic acid (OA), a beneficial monounsaturated fatty acid.

(Retail value of $18.95)

kaia naturals’ juicy bamboo facial cleansing cloths

Keep your face fresh and glowing as things heat up with kaia naturals’ juicy bamboo natural facial cleansing cloths. Soaked in vitamins B12, C and E, along with 8 citrus essential oils, organic Canadian honey and sunflower oil, these are the purest, most luxurious natural cleansing cloths around. Even the toughest mascara doesn’t stand a chance! Certified cruelty-free. Zero: alcohol, synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates.

(Retail value of: $15.50)

 

Garden of Life’s RAW Probiotics™ Ultimate Care

Your ultimate ticket to fitness this summer and beyond isn’t only achieved via the likes of lunges and downward dog, but through maintenance of your good bacteria. That’s right! Research suggests your good bacteria populations, among countless feats, make up approximately 80% of your immune system, help modulate your body’s inflammatory response (inflammation is the root of disease), and can help with maintaining healthy weight. Unfortunately, your body’s beneficial bacteria is compromised on a daily basis by stress, environmental toxins, overuse of medications, and even normal aging. Help repopulate your gastrointestinal tract with RAW Probiotics™ ‘s unique High Bifidobacterium formula, plus the clinically studied Replenish Blend, a combo of 34 RAW probiotic strains sourced from Bulgarian yogurt and Eastern European wild kefir that promote friendly bacteria diversity. Guaranteed to “Arrive Alive.” Protein digesting enzymes further boost your digestion. Helps relieve the occasional symptoms of gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. RAW means the probiotics are uncooked, untreated and unadulterated, with no carriers, binders or fillers. Once daily serving. Small, easy to swallow capsules.  30 vegetarian capsules.

(Retail value of $49.95)

Essential Patch’s Health and Wellness Patch

Keep your body and mind revved with Essential Patch, the all-natural, organic, aromatherapeutic way to immediately relieve your body’s most common ailments and boost immunity. Essential Patch also increases mental accuracy, boosts metabolism, speeds up slow digestion, and improves microcirculation. Boasts many attractive features for the eco-conscious consumer: they’re hypoallergenic, latex-free, preservative-free and made with 100% USDA certified organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Specially formulated to absorb both through the skin and directly through aromatic inhalation. Top all those features off with Essential Patch’s dedication to social responsibility: the company donates a percentage of every product sold to The Medicine Abuse Project.

(Retail value of $14.98)

ESP (Essential Safe Products)’s $15 eGift Card

Stock up on everything eco-friendly and toxin-free for your healthy summer lifestyle. ESP makes it easy for people to learn about toxins and find products that are toxin-free—it does the research so you don’t have to! The company’s “Learn” section of its website offers consumers tips, like how to avoid toxins, and how to cook chemical-free. Choose from a variety of products, including kitchenware, lunch gear, baby and kid gear, body products, beauty products, and more. New products are constantly being added to the ESP website.

(Retail value of $15)

DermaEarth Skincare’s SugarBerry Skin Resurfacing Cleanser + discount on future purchase

Help mom pamper her skin so it stays as vibrant as her smile. DermaEarth’s SugarBerry Skin Resurfacing Cleanser gives off an intoxicating, natural aroma of sweet sugar cane extract as it decongests pores, refines texture, reduces skin shine, diminishes appearance of wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation, and moisturizes to help maintain plump, supple skin. Perfect twice-daily indulgence for all skin types.

Mom will love the Rx-grade formulation based on technology that harnesses the potent restorative power of natural ingredients, while minimizing any unwanted side effects and toxicities. All DermaEarth products are free of natural and chemical ingredients recognized as—or even suspected of—being undesirable, including chemical preservatives, parabens, sulfates, artificial colors and fragrances. Never tested on animals.  Packaging and components are American-made, recyclable and made of post-consumer recyclable material whenever possible.

(Retail value of $18)

alex+von’s Gift Card for clean skincare + beauty products

Welcome to the motherload of treats for summer! alex+von curates boutique natural and organic beauty and personal care brands with the help of its passionate community of beauty consultants. The company supports passionate entrepreneurs who believe in building socially responsible companies. Each brand featured on alex+von’s website is carefully researched, as well as all brands’ product ingredients and manufacturing processes, ensuring both safety and efficacy. Featured brands are cruelty-free (no animal testing from ingredients to finished product), actively work to reduce their impact on the environment, and give back to the community.

(Retail value of $15 + free shipping on order)

AllergEase’s AllergEase (3 boxes)

Don’t let allergies keep you from maximum fun in the sun or amped up workouts. Created by a medical doctor looking for alternatives to help his family and friends battle allergies, AllergEase contains a unique blend of herbal extracts individually used for centuries to relieve allergy symptoms, plus a full daily dose of Vitamin C—all in a simple and yummy honey lemon lozenge. This unique blend is sure to provide that extra boost you need. 3 boxes, containing 21 lozenges each. (Retail value of $5.99/box)

(Total retail value of $17.97)

GoGreenMarketplace’s $15 Online Gift Certificate

The Go Green Marketplace, a member of GreenDeals.org, is your online shopping hub, featuring eco-friendly and sustainable products for home, office, family, pets, health, wellness and more. ). Go Green Marketplace helps you start living a greener life today. Featuring over than 7,000 products from top eco-friendly brands to choose from, including Bambu, Mrs. Meyer’s, Seventh Generation, Citrus Magic, Clean Well, Green Toys, Preserve, and more.

(Retail value of $15.00)

Total retail value of Box: $507.66

Sold Out!

How to get it + the fine print:

The post The Box: Bringin’ Summer Back Edition appeared first on EcoSalon.

Are organic sunscreens comparable in quality to their non-organic equivalents?

Does an organic sunscreen work? Don’t I want the highest SPF possible? Will I burn more easily if I use a green sunscreen? Sometimes it seems like organic sunscreen is just one giant enigma surrounded by a sea of chemical rumors. But the truth is out there. Yes, sunscreens containing organic ingredients are as effective as others. You will not burn more easily with a green sunscreen, (unless you don’t apply it correctly), and there is no evidence that any SPF higher than 50+ works better than others.

In fact, green sunscreens work really well. To celebrate this fact, we asked several of our green comrades to share their favorite eco-friendly sunscreen.

Episencial Sunny Sunscreen SPF 35 ($14.99)
Anna Getty, author and green living expert, recommends Episencial Sunny Sunscreen SFP 35. Another top-rated product from Skin Deep, this product uses natural minerals like zinc and titanium with no harmful nanoparticles. It’s also fortified with organic green tea, as well as organic sesame, safflower and avocado oils.

Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+ ($25.95)
Aysia Wright of Chartreuse PR is a Devita Solar devotee. As Aysia tells me, “It’s great for everyday use.” This product received a #1 rating from the Skin Deep database, offering full spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection with a SPF of 30+. Best of all, it goes on extremely light and is virtually free of any sticky residues.

Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm, SPF 15 ($29.70)
What does Laura Klein slather on her face? The founder and publisher of Organic Authority shares, “My preferred sunscreen is a hat, long sleeves, and glasses. But when I use sunscreen, it’s Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm.” This product, which scores a rating of #2 from Skin Deep, does not contain any nanoparticles. Further, it creates a physical sun block that bounces the sun’s rays off of your skin, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb rays.

Badger Balm 30+ Lightly Scented Lavender Sunscreen ($16.00)
Kristen Arnett, makeup artist, Ecosalon columnist, and the founder of Green Beauty Team, recommends this sunscreen for both face and body.
As she tells me, “It does go on rather white, but it’s safe, natural, works well, and lasts for quite a long time. It also doesn’t clog pores and is very hydrating.” This sunscreen also gets a #1 ranking from the Skin Deep database.

COOLA Face SPF 30 Matte Finish Cucumber Natural Mineral Sun block ($36.00)
We’ve made no secret that we’re big fans of COOLA here at Ecosalon. But we’re not the only ones. Another admirer of the brand includes Melissa Tournay, green beauty expert and co-owner of Primrose Organics Salon and Boutique in Los Angeles. This product, which rates a #2 from Skin Deep, is 95% natural with 70% certified organic inactives.

Jurlique Sun Lotion SPF 30+ ($20.00)
Our fearless leader here at EcoSalon, EIC Sara Ost, loves this product from Jurlique. As she tells me, “I adore Jurlique’s products, which are biodynamic. They just smell amazing, and their sun block is nice because it isn’t oily or greasy.” An Australian company, Jurlique is certified under different standards and does not fare as well in the Skin Deep database. However, along with biodynamic principles, the company does employ several sustainable initiatives.

Josie Maran’s Daily Sun Protection SPF 40 with Argan Oil ($32.00)
Anna Griffin, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Coco Eco Magazine, recommends this intense moisturizer from Josie Maran. (Skin Deep rating not available.) Containing some organic ingredients, this product is free of parabens and fragrance.  It’s an extremely hydrating product that is lightweight and fast absorbing.

FTC Compliant

Image: 15472273@N07

The post 7 Favorite Green Sunscreens for Summer appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sunscreen can be, well, complicated. It’s like the bad boyfriends of our earlier twenties. We were told they were necessary at the time, but were they really worth the hassle in the end? As we recently reported, the Environmental Working Group declared that skin cancer is on the rise partially due to the extensive chemicals found in common sunscreens. Common sunscreens are causing damage on the cellular level. Just like our ex-boyfriends did. See how it’s all circular?

So it’s imperative to keep our sunscreens as chemical-free as possible. This brings us to the tactile portion of your reading experience – and that is how the sunscreen feels. I’ve been lucky enough to sample organic and natural sunscreens galore, so I feel like I’ve run a marathon of sunscreens. Texture is everything. A sunscreen may be made from wild berries grown organically on Venus, but if it’s too oily, I’m out. And if it has a hint of chalkiness to it, it might as well be battery acid. “˜Cause I ain’t using it.

Why am I admitting to be a total sunscreen diva? Because I know I have secret sisters out there who have the same worries. Well worry no more, my divalicious brethren! I’ve found a face sunscreen that serves up the best of all worlds. Coola Suncare’s Mineral Face Matte Finish SPF 30 is like the holy grail of sunscreen. It’s free of parabens, preservatives, and chemicals, and it is made with certified organic ingredients. It offers both UVA/UVB protection.

And best of all? It goes on like air. Due to the matte finish, it offers up an almost powdery application that leaves your skin feeling like you just dusted with cover up, not slicked with sunscreen. It was so ingenious that I immediately contacted the founder of Coola Suncare, Chris Birchby, to ask the secrets to this matte finish. (Full disclosure: Chris is also a friend of mine from Lafayette College. Does this mean I’m biased? Only against Lehigh University – Go Pards!)

I asked Chris to explain how the “matte” concept came about for this sunscreen. According to Chris, “While our chemists were experimenting with the best way to achieve a transparent zinc and titanium dioxide based sun block, they developed this wonderful powdery matte formulation. The cashmere powder feel immediately hooked us!”

Chris goes on to explain just what makes this matte so special. As Chris told me, “All our products are unique in their own way, but this matte powder cream offers a perfect counterpoint to our ultra sheer SPF lotions and is ideal for normal to oily skin types.”

Now, this product isn’t cheap at $36 for almost two ounces. Coola’s Suncare is preservative free, so you’re going to want to use it and use it well. You can order it here or find a store near you.

FTC Compliance

Image: Adam Witwer

The post Meet the Holy Grail of Sunscreen appeared first on EcoSalon.

So Memorial Day came and went, and we were left looking over our skin to see if we got any color over the weekend”¦despite six different organic sunscreens we continually slathered on our bods”¦between hiding under an umbrella and dodging into the sunlight like a crazy person. Wait, you didn’t do that? Well, I did, and allow me to share the fruits of my sunscreen obsession.

First, we brought you the world of organic face sunscreens. Now let’s take a look at the best protection for our bodies!

Total Body Plumeria SPF 30 by Coola

My favorite of the bunch, this product gets high props for three reasons. First, it smells fantastic with a sweet, floral scent. Second, it goes on smooth and doesn’t leave you feeling greased out or chalky. And finally, it works like Brad Pitt juggling babies! (That means well!) I wore one application for an entire afternoon and didn’t get burned, despite hopping in and out of the water. It is a certified organic product with a UVA/UVB broad spectrum. And it is hypoallergenic, water resistant and paba/paraben free.

Sun Lotion SPF 30+ by Jurlique

This product out of Australia is so light (not to mention delicately packaged in a glass bottle) that I’ve been using it for both my face and my body. It looks, smells and feels like a regular moisturizer. It also has an interesting, tangy scent. (Can scents be tangy? This one is.)  Jurlique specializes in their “living energy blend, which is a custom blend of our biodynamically and organically-grown herbs and flowers, that when combined in our formulas, re-balances skin, naturally.” They also source from biodynamic or organic farms.

Complete Sunblock Spray SPF 26 by Jason

This spray was the most classic of the bunch, as it reminded me the sunscreen you used as a kid. It has a beachy smell, (like something between coconut and pineapple) and it is intensely moisturizing. It also gets props for being easy to apply (yay spray). It offers full UV protection and contains certified organic ingredients. It is also paraben-free. Best of all? Only $7.

Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 by John Masters Organics

If you want the visuals that your product is working, then this is the sunscreen for you. It goes on so white that you will need to work it in. And it will leave you as shimmery as a Twilight vampire. (This is not the worst thing when you’re worried if your sunscreen is still there”¦.)  There is a light, nondescript vitamin-y scent. This product contains certified organic extracts of green tea, shea butter and jojoba oil hydrate.

High Protection Sunscreen Emulsion for Children SPF 30 by Korres

This product is probably the thickest of the lot. It goes on white, but it doesn’t leave you chalky. (You know that feeling when your skin feels like a chalkboard and you feel like you want to go dip your entire body in oil? Yeah, that feeling.) It does have a nice, floral scent.  It contains a natural filter of titanium dioxide plus shea butter for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection and moisture.

Sun SPF 30 by Alba Botanica

If you want the heavy-duty experience, this is a good product for it. It goes on thick and you can feel it sitting on your skin. The smell is pleasant – I sampled the lavender – but it does leave you with that chalky feeling. This product contains an infusion of certified organic lavender, aloe vera, chamomile, ginkgo biloba and green tea. Retailing for around $10, it offers UVA/UVB protection and does the job well.

The post Best Eco Sunscreens for Your Beachy Body appeared first on EcoSalon.