So Gwyneth Paltrow has proven herself a legit health and wellness professional. Her collab with Juice Beauty now has the goop brand extending to skin care. Here’s a look at GP’s new beauty products.

When I heard Gwyneth and Juice Beauty teamed up to create skin care, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them. Not only is GP hot on the health and wellness front these days, but who doesn’t want to know what she’s using on her skin?

The line includes cleanser, facial oil, moisturizer, night cream, and eye cream. Plus, the product I was most looking forward to sampling, a facial exfoliant. If you follow goop on Instagram you’ve likely seen GP modeling this product, which makes it all the more irresistible.

There are certain aspects of every skin care line that are important, aside from the contents. What do the products smell like? How do they feel? And will they look pretty sitting on my bathroom counter?

The goop products come in nice, generously sized containers (always a plus!), with a modern matte finish. They are lightly scented in a totally good way, and def look pretty enough to sit out. Now for the ultra important part … how they behave.

goop by Juice Beauty Product Line Up

Luminous Melting Cleanser: You know how a cleansing oil or balm is better for removing makeup and the day from you face? This rich balm feels so luxurious going on to skin. I recently read that massaging the face in upward, circular motions helps to keep wrinkles at bay and this is the perfect time to work that into your routine. This cleanser makes skin feel clean, soft, and supple. Comes with a muslin cleansing cloth for easy removal.

Exfoliating Instant Facial: Definitely the star of the show, this exfoliant works in two ways. It is a creamy mixture with uber tiny granules to slough away dry, dead skin. But this skin smoother also contains fruit acids, plus alpha and hydroxy acids, to really get down to healthy skin and up the ol’ glow factor. I have sensitive skin and only leave this product on for around a minute. I would recommend using this one at night for smooth, radiant skin.

Enriching Facial Oil: Always my favorite component in any skin care line, this one does not disappoint. A mixture of yummy plant and seed oils that hydrate, plump, and support the skin. This oil blend gives skin a moisturized feel and healthy glow, but is super light and sinks right into skin. An ideal one-two punch for any facial oil.

Revitalizing Day Moisturizer: A light, non-greasy moisturizer for day designed to hydrate skin, fight wrinkles, and brighten the complexion. I love the softness and supple feel this moisturizer gives to skin, and it truly does seem to make the complexion look brighter.

Replenishing Night Cream: Every decent skin care routine needs a good night cream. This one is made with aloe vera and fruit acids to be both gentle and anti-aging. Reduces lines and firms the skin while you sleep.

Perfecting Eye Cream: A puffy soufflé of moisturizing eye cream that hydrates skin without being greasy. This one could be used day and night to keep lines at bay and brighten tired eyes.

goop by Juice Beauty products are made with some certified organic ingredients, ranging from 78%-99%, depending on the product. As for price, yes these babies run toward the higher end as you likely imagined given the celeb creator. Items range from $90-140 per product and you can purchase the Discovery Set of trial sizes for $125.

Related on EcoSalon

Why Fruit Oils Are Your Skin’s New Jam
4 Ways To Exfoliate Head To Toe
6 Microbead-Free Exfoliating Body Scrubs for Rough Winter Skin

Image via goop.com

The post Gwyneth Paltrow Has Something Special for Your Skin [goop by Juice Beauty Review] appeared first on EcoSalon.

Have you switched out your spring makeup kit? If you’ve yet to add a new lipgloss, you are going to love this. Lippies bursting with springtime color and freshness.

Lipgloss may possibly be the most fun beauty product to buy. It feels good on lips, gives the best shine, and can go either casual or dressy. Love it!

Today we are not talking lipsticks, lip creams, or lip tints. This is all about the gloss, baby. Slick, shiny, gooey, lipgloss.

If you’ve been rocking a neutral lip through winter, it’s time to get your pucker spring ready. Read on for blooming beautiful lipgloss picks for the upcoming season.

6 Hottest Lipgloss Colors This Spring

1. This one will get your little ticker thumping. Ilia Beauty Lipgloss in Heartbeat is a sheer primary red that shows up as softly bitten lips. Totally spring and totally glam. Perfect for those who prefer a red lip but want something a bit softer for spring.

2. A sheer berry screams warm weather. Osmia Organics Whisper Lipgloss is super glossy, super subtle, and oh so pretty.

3. For a fruity kick of color, try W3LL People Bio Extreme Lipgloss in Grapefruit. Soothes and shines while giving off a light hit of fresh color. Mint extracts help to plump up your pucker, too.

4. Because pink makeup is such a good thing, and sparkle is so much fun, Juice Beauty Reflecting Gloss in Pink has to make this list. Sweet, shiny, antioxidant-rich, and (most importantly) brilliantly pink.

5. Nothing says spring like this sweet pea pink. Acure Organics Lip Lush in Shmexy offers petal fresh color and high shine, in a convenient tube and nifty little $5.99 price tag.

6. A little sparkle works any time of year. Wear W3LL People Bio Extreme Lipgloss in Gold on its own or layered over your favorite springtime lip color.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

Something Unexpected in Spring Makeup: Violet Hues for Every Face!

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Image of girl with pretty lipgloss via Shutterstock

The post Your Guide to the Hottest Lipgloss Colors for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

Fantasy beauty product – one that moisturizes, protects, provides coverage and anti-aging benefits, and even lends some skin clearing action. Well hold onto your knickers, this baby is a reality. Check out our best BB creams for summer skin.

BB creams. You’ve heard of them, seen actresses pushing them on TV, flipped past pages of them in magazines. But what the heck are they? And do you need one this summer?

BB stands for beauty balm and it looks like a tinted facial moisturizer. Oh, but it is so much more. BB creams offer lightweight hydration with more coverage than most tinted moisturizers, and also includes sun protection and a touch of antioxidant action. Poof! Dream come true.

Because light hydration is totally where it’s at for summer, multitasking beauty products are hot weather staples. And BB creams definitely fall into this category. Super easy to apply and practically weightless. Skin perfection on the fly.

Now imagine all this, only with natural ingredients. Healthy plant oils, pure mineral color and protection, and natural antioxidants make BB creams even more powerful. You get your flawless complexion while fighting blemishes and wrinkles too. And because they are feather weight, don’t melt or smear like heavier foundations.

So kick your heavy foundations and concealers to the curb for summer, and try a natural BB cream. You won’t be sorry.

4 Best BB Creams to Try for Summer Skin

1. Lavera Organic BB Cream

For every skin type, especially those with sensitive skin. Antioxidants protect, while calming ingredients even out skin tone and calm redness. The matte formula smooths imperfections and refines pores.

2. Haut Cosmetics BB Cream

This brush on BB cream is such the multitasker. It primes, hydrates, brightens and evens skin tone, and provides water resistant sun protection. Antimicrobial organic coconut oil helps to prevent breakouts. Choose from three natural shades.

3. Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer

Zinc SPF protection and mineral tint make this product effective. Fruit acids keep skin clear and bright. This lightly hydrating moisturizer is perfect for all skin types. Choose from four tones.

4. La Mav BB Creme

This Certified Organic BB crème offers matte finish for all skin types. Rosehip oil helps to diminish age spots and sun damage, and rosemary zaps blemishes. Kakadu Plum holds anti-aging benefits.

Related on EcoSalon

Can You Fight Sunspots Naturally?

Natural SPF Oils: Do They Provide Real UV Protection ?

3 Anti-Aging Skin Care Tricks to Protect You From the Number One Skin Ager

Image of girls in summer with perfect skin via Shutterstock

The post The 4 Best BB Creams for Summer Skin appeared first on EcoSalon.

One lucky EcoSalon reader will win a $500 gift card for Juice Beauty PLUS a free personalized consultation with one of their skincare consultants! Here’s how to enter.

Since the new year is all about new beginnings and fresh starts, why not extend that sentiment to your skincare routine? Maybe you’ve tried oodles of beauty products over the years but something still feels a little… off. Or maybe the winter air has morphed your skin into a flaky hot mess. Or maybe you’ve been on a beauty hiatus, waiting for the perfect product line to come along that actually does what it says it’s going to do.

That time is now: We’ve got a Juice Beauty gift pack to giveaway that includes a gift card valued at $500 and a free personalized consultation with one of their expert skincare consultants – and all you have to do to enter is sign up for our newsletter.

Juice Beauty products are the perfect blend of nature and science: They contain the highest organic content in skincare thanks to the brand’s unique antioxidant rich organic juice base. This means that every drop feeds your skin with powerful antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and more! With your skin absorbing upwards of 64 percent of what you put on it, you want what’s absorbed to be as healthy for your skin as it is effective.

Each product is formulated with certified organic ingredients that are primarily sourced from the Western US to ensure purity, quality, and efficacy. The chemistry goes beyond natural to match or exceed conventional formulations, which are typically filled with chemicals and synthetic ingredients that aren’t pretty for your skin or the environment.

Not only does Juice Beauty offer award-winning and clinically proven skincare, makeup and hair care products, but they do so while meeting the most rigorous organic regulations in North America – without sacrificing results. In fact, Juice Beauty‘s clinical validation results showed up to 87 percent reduction of free radical scavenging (in other words, sayonara wrinkles and sunspots!).

Here are just some of the lux products you’ll be able to indulge in if you win our Juice Beauty prize pack:

• Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer
  This powerful moisturizer replenishes and firms your skin with a brightening and refining complex of certified organic juices and an antioxidant cocktail of alpha lipoic acid, Co Q10, Vitamin C, peptides and DMAE for optimum age defying results.
• Stem Cellular CC Cream
  The ultimate multi-tasker, this one cream accomplishes 12 different things for your skin, including evening out skin tone and texture, firming and improving elasticity, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Blemish Clearing Serum
  Reduce breakouts, unclog pores and even your skin tone with one powerful serum: Its formula renews your skin for a healthy, clear complexion while adding moisture.

Ready to enter?

For your chance to win this amazing prize, all you have to do is sign up for our newsletter – and if you’re already a subscriber, you’re already entered! (Easy peasy!)

Go ahead and sign up now! Good luck!

Related on EcoSalon

5 Celebrity Favorite Natural Beauty Products

5 Unexpected Beauty Tips: New Ideas for Your Skin Care Routine

9 Natural Skin Care Products to Beat the Cold War of Winter

The post Enter to Win $500 of Juice Beauty Products, Plus a Personalized Skincare Consultation! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Your phone starts ringing loud enough to wake the dead. Despite the intense collection of rocks stationed on your forehead, you reach out and silence the noise. Sure, you silence it by throwing your phone into a laundry pile which you will frantically tear into later, searching for your phone. Then you turn your aching eyeballs to your nightstand, where a full glass of water sits within reach. It mocks you like the vodka you kicked back just a few hours before. That’s when you realize with the regret of a thousand tequila shots: the hangover has cometh.

From the occasional imbiber to the hard-partying, most of us who partake in the spirits have gone a tad overboard at one point or another. And what comes next is, shall we say, not pretty. Putting all unpleasant bodily feelings and functions aside for Web MD, let’s talk about what our face is doing. (Besides vomiting. Thanks, Web MD.)

Hangover face, like ex-boyfriends or bedbugs, manifests in different ways. Some of us have dry, papery, wrinkly skin around the eyes which are simultaneously puffy and dark-ringed. Others wake up coated in a grease slick to rival a mechanic’s garage floor. How best to fix hangover face? Here are a five solutions to feel better.

1. Puffy eyes and dark circles, ahoy!
For some, a night of drinking results in a curious morning mask, and I’m not talking about the one you wish you were wearing during your walk of shame. Puffy eyes or dark circles make an appearance, sometimes delightfully conspiring to do so at the same time.

For puffy eyes, or fluid trapped under your eyeballs, consider this home remedy. Grab two organic tea bags, steep in hot water, and let them cool. (If you know thyself and thy drinking habits, consider having steeped tea bags on standby.)

Then spend a few minutes relaxing with them over your eyes. Black tea is great for caffeine, which can reduce redness by restricting blood vessels. Herbal tea, like chamomile, works well to sooth redness and inflammation. Both often contain tannins, which help get the blood flowing.

You can also considering a product like Yon-Ka Phyto-Contour ($47.00), containing 94 percent natural ingredients. It offers rosemary extracts to help reduces puffiness and dark circles. Gently massage this fragrant cream below your eyes with your fingertips.

2. When your morning glow outshines the sun.
Hangover face can involve waking up with skin so oily it looks like it should have a congressional hearing to determine who is at fault. (Also see: sleeping in your makeup.) With sebum production in overdrive, consider a gentle, natural cleanser to restore your face to normal. Avoid harsh exfoliates or anything too stripping, as your body is already focused on hydrating and healing.

A great gentle cleanser to consider is John Master Organics Linden Blossom Face Cream ($22). Made with some certified organic ingredients, it contains soothing aloe vera and rose water.

3. Your skin is red and blotchy.
Another unfortunate side effect of alcohol can be red and/or blotchy skin, similar to the look of rosacea. Since alcohol causes the blood to flow closer to the skin, expanding small capillaries and already-visible veins, you make look as if your lipstick has traveled up over your nose and cheeks. It’s especially common in the fair-hued, which is why the Irish call it “drinker’s nose.”

Aloe vera is a great soother for red and inflamed skin. If you have some pure aloe vera, massage some into your face. You can also consider this Soothing Serum from Juice Beauty ($36.00). Containing organic aloe vera and white grape juice, this product contains certified organic ingredients.

4. Water, water everywhere—especially on your face.
Your parched throat isn’t the only part of your body screaming for water after a night of drinking. Your dry skin might look like it has been hanging out on a clothes line in the dead of winter. Hopefully you remember to down at least one glass of water before you collapsed into bed the night before. If not, drink up. You need to rehydrate on every level, and the free stuff coming out of your faucet is your best bet.

Also, be sure to spritz. I’m an established groupie of Thayer’s Rose Petal Alcohol-Free Toner ($9.95), which I keep in a water spritzer by my sink. This product contains tannins of witch hazel and offers an immediate, protective layer on your skin. And the best part? You don’t even have to raise your head if you have it stashed by your bedside. Which is a plus when your brain feels like it’s made of bowling balls.

5. Moisturize and moisturize.
Last, but certain not least, be sure to treat your face to a repairing moisturizer. Yes, you aptly tended to your insides with many glasses of H20. But once you’re up and about, previous drinks now a fading memory, remember to thank your skin for putting up with your shenanigans.

Take this time to indulge in your favorite moisturizer. You can also consider the Herbal Hydration Complex ($47.00) from Farmaesthetics. Made with organic shea butter and witch hazel, it’s a cooling mask designed to quench your skin in moisture while calming irritated skin.

photo credit: sidewalk flying via photopin cc,  Svadilfari via photopin cc

The post 5 Tips to Fix a Hangover Face appeared first on EcoSalon.

Simple beauty tips for a balanced budget.

Green beauty has flourished in the past several years, bringing clean ingredients to the masses. And nothing ushers forth an ageless natural beauty like products free of harmful chemicals. But the price of clean beauty can sometimes be more than a green goddess wants to pay. The good news? You can still get age-defying, top-shelf products without composting the innards of your wallet.

Here are ten green beauty products that will brighten your age-less beauty on a budget.

Raw Sugar Scrub by Strawberry Hedgehog ($20.00)
For a youthful glow, toner and moisturizer are your best friends. But a good body scrub is your wise, cool auntie who can talk about the days of Woodstock yet still crack you up on Twitter. The key to skin renewal is to make dead skin the enemy, and this organic Raw Sugar Scrub from vegan experts Strawberry Hedgehog does just that. Made with organic sweet almond and apricot kernel oils, vegan sugar, and pure essential oils, this sweet but simple products offers up an excellent exfoliation.

Not to mention it’s in a mason jar.

Sensitive Care Lotion, Chamomile, by Seventh Generation ($7.99)
Dry, flaky skin is the bane of aging—seriously, it should be wearing a cape and twirling a moustache, it’s so evil. But even the most supple-skinned maiden knows to reach for a daily moisturizer to maintain her dewy hue. Green product giant Seventh Generation offers up this gentle, 95% plant-based product which provides deep moisture with a light application.

Bearberry Oily Skin Balancing & Toning Mist by John Masters Organics ($20.00)
Toner is like the available nice guy we’re supposed to live happily ever after with at the end of the romantic comedy. We ignore toner when, the entire time, the answer is right there in front of our face. One of the best ways to maintain and brighten your complexion, toners can restore your skin’s natural pH levels while protecting your skin against stress and pollutants. This offer from organic skin experts John Masters Organics provides a moisturizing coverage made up of certified organic ingredients.

Apple Brightening Cleanser by MyChelle Dermaceuticals ($13.39)
As we age, our skin can take on a dull tone which only works to add years to our complexion. This product from MyChelle Dermaceuticals promises to gently cleanse away the look of discoloration and sun damage, all the while offering up a fun, fruity scent. It is free of sulfates and gluten and is vegetarian-friendly.

Organic Coffee Bean Eye Cream by 100% Pure ($19.00)
Nothing ages you more than puffy, dark-rimmed eyes that look like they just dragged themselves through the sewer after a night of partying. (Or sitting up with a baby, without the sewer part.) This Coffee Bean Eye Cream from 100% Pure offers up anti-inflammatory, caffeine-rich green tea, great for reducing puffiness and increasing circulation. It is 100% natural, 100% vegan, and gluten-free.

Certified Organic Leave-In Conditioner by Intelligent Nutrients (Travel Size—$12.00)
Dry, brittle tresses do nothing for a youthful visage, so it’s important to keep locks feeling hydrated and healthy. From eco-beauty giant Horst Rechelbacher (founder of Aveda) comes this fantastic conditioner from Intelligent Nutrients. Certified USDA Organic, this conditioner offers the mysterious Intellimune ingredient, described as a “blend of nature’s powerhouse antioxidants.”  It is vegan and gluten-free.

Baking Soda and Lemon Teeth Whiteners (Less than $5)
Bright pearly whites are a key indication of youth, but who wants to use the harsh, chemical whiteners gracing our drug store shelves? Try lemon juice and baking soda as a simple, home remedy to freshen up your choppers. In a small bowl, mix together the juice of one freshly-squeezed organic lemon with a small amount of baking soda. After using a tissue to wipe excess salvia from your teeth, apply the mixture. Leave it on for one minute before brushing it off with your toothbrush. (Note: Do not exceed the one minute mark. You don’t want the lemon acid to damage your tooth enamel.)

Bronzer by Alima Pure ($20.00)
Sun-kissed skin is seen as the signal of health and youth in our culture. However, some bronzers can make you look more Snooki than siren. This bronzer from Alima Pure offers a light color in multiple shades to produce just the right hint of health. Alima Pure is a preservative-free line with a BDIH natural cosmetics certification, putting it on standard with European brands.

Fingerless Gloves by Coolibar ($19.00)
Did you spend your youth, like most of us, waving your hands in direct sunlight with nary a sun block smudge to be had? These fingerless gloves from Coolibar can help halt the march of time across your hands. With a UPF rating of 50+, they keep your hands sunshine-free and, while driving, offer up a nice grip on the steering wheel. Not to mention, they serve as a great visual reminder to keep the sun block flowing. (Here are our picks for green sun blocks.)

Correcting Concealer by Juice Beauty ($18.00)
Dark spots from sun damage are the enemy of the clear, even skin many of us covet. But mainstream lightening products can contain chemicals such as hydroquinone, which is so toxic that the FDA has proposed banning it. Instead, consider this correcting concealer from Juice Beauty, which offers up coverage with certified organic and natural ingredients.

Image: pedrosimoes7
FTC Compliant 

The post 10 Ways to Look Younger for $20 or Less appeared first on EcoSalon.

ExclusiveEnter to win a free Summer Luxe Edition of The Box on Refinery29!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, sold out in 11 hours. We’re thinking it’s probably because we offered $600 worth of sensational summer eco-goodies for just $99! We did bank one very highly coveted Box, however, for a Refinery29 giveaway. Yes, I said we have one Box left you can get for free. Just follow this link to Refinery29 and sign up for the giveaway. The winner will be announced on July 18th.

Now what are you waiting for, see what’s in The Box here and then get over to Refinery29 to register for it!

Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses

Summer is the perfect time to increase your pucker potential with Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses, a 4-pack of glossy color including a light champagne, pretty pink, sumptuous fig, and juicy sweet guava. Juice Beauty’s products are all organic and are made without parabens, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances.

These lip glosses are part of The Box but if you purchase something from their site and use the code “EcoSalon,” you’ll also receive a full size hydrating mist.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Kayu’s Bamboo Rawa Sunglasses

Kayu’s sunglasses feature 100% UV gradient lenses framed elegantly in bamboo and includes a case and cleaning cloth. For every pair of sunglasses purchased, KAYU donates $20 to fund one sight-restoring surgery in the developing world. The collection has received rave reviews and has been featured in Vogue, InStyle and Elle, but this month it is all EcoSalon. Peruse the Kayu site for beautiful bags as well.

Go here to participate in an exclusive EcoSalon only sale with Kayu!

(Retail value of $130)

Bright Young Things Everything Halter Top

Eliza Starbuck, designer and founder of You Bright Young Things, recently created a capsule collection for Urban Outfitters and this Everything Halter is one of the pieces. Known for her inspiring creation of the LBD for Sheena Matheiken’s Uniform Project, Starbuck is offering her micro-tencel halter which converts into a number of different pieces (including a skirt), to us for The Box and we love her for that.

One size fits most and half will be black while the other half come in a burgundy (see the link to the Urban Outfitters site to see colors) – specify which one you’d prefer. First come first serve on this!

(Retail value of $89.00)

Recycled Cement Sack Tote

I’m not sure I can write this piece about the Recycled Cement Sack Tote better than the Global Girlfriend site did: “Make a concrete statement about your support for women in need in Bangladesh as they work to cement a new future! This shopper tote is a great bag for trips to the grocery or for daily use and you’ll feel good knowing your purchase has enhanced the lives of women artisans.” Handmade and fairly traded from Bangladesh and now, ready to hold all your summer 2011 beachy items.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Lucy Siegle’s To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World?

Author Lucy Siegle is a weekly Observer columnist, an environmental columnist for Marie Claire and a regular contributor to a number of other publications, television and radio. Her recent book To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World? is a look at the inhumane and environmentally devastating story behind the clothes we so casually buy and wear. Luckily, you’ll be reading this on a beach coated in non-toxic sunblock and in a skimpy bikini when you get to read about the impact your wardrobe choices make.

(Retail value of $25.00)

Yala’s Bamboo Dreams Beach Towel

We think something you just can’t be without this summer is a great beach towel and when we saw these from Yala, we knew we’d found the perfect one. Enjoy your time beachside, poolside or at the spa with your own natural towel made from bamboo and organic cotton. We love the Koi fish swimming among water lilies in cheerful colors. If you choose to purchase The Box, one of these three towel colors will be yours.

Go to the Yala site now and get 25% off these beach towels with EcoSalon25 code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $39.50)

VivaTerra Flowered Thermos

This lightweight, reusable enameled picnicware from VivaTerra is 34 ounces of double-walled thermos heaven. An antique look bows to a long gone era’s ornate enamelware design but still borrows from today’s technology to keep liquids hot or cold for many hours. Which, when you’re enjoying the beach all day and need liquids, this is vital (so is looking stylish drinking from this while there).

(Retail value of $55)

Blissoma Amend, Antioxidant Sprayable Lotion

The last thing we want to promote is ruining your delicate skin, and the summer sun will take your luster away if you let it. Irie Star let us give you Blissoma’s Amend, an antioxidant spray lotion designed to replace those sticky aloe gels with a power-packed formula of superfoods and herbs to regenerate skin. Organic Rooibos tea, Acai oil, organic Linden flower and Comfrey soothe and rebuild skin cells to be more resilient to resisting UV damage. Soak its minty-fresh cooling sensation in, sister.

Go to the Irie Star site now and get 2o% off Amend with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $16.99)

Pawling Print Studio’s Geometric Notebooks

Sometimes sitting under a shady beach umbrella or taking a hike on your favorite trail gets you inspired. Pawling Print Studio’s notebook will help you make those thoughts linger in private (we hope) infamy. Their 32-page notebooks are printed with soy-based inks onto a chipboard cover and feature a wrap-around, hand drawn geometric illustration. The Box will have two of these mini notebooks which are perfect to jam in your back pocket or beach bag.

Go to the Pawling site now and get 15% off these notebooks with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $8.00)

$50 Gift Certificate For Vegan Eco-Boutique Mission Savvy

Mission Savvy is a vegan eco-boutique that curates ethical designs for the conscious consumer. 5% of all sales go to animal rescue and wildlife conservation projects around the world so you can double up on feeling good about your purchases. $50 can go towards any item on the site over $100 which could include an organic cotton dress or pants, vegan heels, bamboo top or great accessories. You decide – but you’ll have a hard time doing that with how many great options there are!

Send us pictures.

Got to Mission Savvy’s site now to get 20% off all spring/summer. Enter ecosalon at checkout.

(Retail value of $50.00)

Coola Chemical Free Sunblock

Coola’s mineral sunblock with an SPF of 30 is a sheer and natural mineral sunblock that delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for the whole body. Says Coola: “This unique formula gives your skin an army of time-released Vitamin C – nature’s powerful antioxidant that helps reduce visible aging by battling damaging free radicals.”

Rated by EcoSalon Beauty Editor Katherine Butler as one of her top eco-friendly suncare products!

(Retail value of $34.00)

FluffyCo T-shirt

FluffyCo’s premium apparel line unites organic cotton and eco-heather blends printed with FluffyCo’s signature graphic prints. Printed in small batches in the Bay Area, some styles using water–based inks. All shirts have a fabulous soft, luxe feel and cute hand–printed hangtags. They did this adorably hip bird pattern tee on an eco-heather exclusively for The Box and we now love them even more (if that’s even humanly possible).

(Retail value of $34.00)

Skincando Luxe Brew Lip Balms

Each Skincando lip balm is filled from small hand spun batches and is guaranteed to give your lips a magical glow. We loved how they were described to us from the company as smelling and tasting like Pizzelle cookies. The key essential oil in the balm is Myrrh, which has been used by royalty for centuries to heal and beautify the skin. I imagine this might be the best pre, during and post sun lip balm we may ever try.

(Retail value of $15)

$50 Gift Certificate From A.D.O. Organic Clothing

A.D.O. designer Angelika Krishna infused her spring line with impressionistic pastel hues derived from turmeric, sandalwood, pomegranate and Indian basil. 100% Organic knits and cottons are then treated to Ayurvedic ingredients to make buttery yellows, summer blues and hues derived naturally, from nature. The end product is a non-toxic, sustainable soiree of comfortable, breathable separates for spring and summer. $50 towards a beautiful dress or breezy tunic will go a long way here towards having something extremely beautiful in your warm weather wardrobe.

Go to the A.D.O. site now and get 25% off with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $50)

Global Girlfriends: How One Mom Made It Her Business To Help Women In Poverty Worldwide

From the Global Girlfriend site: “In 2003 Global Girlfriend founder Stacey Edgar had a $2,000 tax return and a deep desire to help provide economic security for women in need. She knew that of the 1.3 billion people living on less than $1 per day, seventy percent are women. What she didn’t have was a business plan. Or a passport. But that didn’t stop her from creating a socially conscious business that has helped poor women in five continents feed their families and send their children to school. ”

It’s true, Global Girlfriend has since grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise that specializes in handmade, fairly traded, eco-conscious apparel, accessories, and items made by women all over the world. Stacey’s Global Girlfriends book is her inspiring story of following ones convictions. Sounds like a perfect summer read while snuggling in a hammock, oh, and then going to take over the world.

(Retail value of $24.99)

Aurea Golden Grass Earrings and Mini Box

Aurea is a fair trade business that brings jewelry and accessories made of golden grass handwoven by skilled artisans in Brazil to women all over the world. The company sources directly from artisans and producer-owned associations that decide on their prices and are in control of their production. The result is a collection of jewelry that has its own shimmer and shine from nature itself. Sustainable fashion writers Abigail Doan, Kestrel Jenkins and others (cough, us, Sara Ost and Amy DuFault), are often seen wearing Aurea jewelry. Light and pretty, they’re the perfect piece paired with a pretty summer dress.

The box below is a good place to store them so no sustainable fashion writers can sniff them out and try to steal.

(Retail value of both is $90)

Aurea’s Golden Grass Mini Box

How to get it + the fine print:

The Box is available now through July 31 or until supplies last and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. (International shipping is not available at this time.) There is a $20 shipping and handling fee. All sales are final. Please allow up to two weeks for shipping. To purchase The Box, email thebox@ecosalon.com directly with “The Box” in your subject line. Supplies are extremely limited – this debut offering is available to the first 25 shoppers only. Please limit 2 orders per person. Payment accepted through Paypal or credit card.

The post EcoSalon Exclusive: Refinery29 and EcoSalon Partner for The Box Giveaway appeared first on EcoSalon.

ExclusiveIntroducing the Summer Luxe Edition of our dreamy discount shopping offer, The Box.

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is back. We’re offering $600 worth of sensational summer eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. This is a guarantee.

Featuring full-size gorgeous green goods, we advise you hop on this now or miss out!

Whether you’re off to one of our favorite eco tropical retreats or not, every sustainable babe needs these cool summer finds:

Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses

Summer is the perfect time to increase your pucker potential with Juice Beauty’s Organic Kisses, a 4-pack of glossy color including a light champagne, pretty pink, sumptuous fig, and juicy sweet guava. Juice Beauty’s products are all organic and are made without parabens, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances.

These lip glosses are part of The Box but if you purchase something from their site and use the code “EcoSalon,” you’ll also receive a full size hydrating mist.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Kayu’s Bamboo Rawa Sunglasses

Kayu’s sunglasses feature 100% UV gradient lenses framed elegantly in bamboo and includes a case and cleaning cloth. For every pair of sunglasses purchased, KAYU donates $20 to fund one sight-restoring surgery in the developing world. The collection has received rave reviews and has been featured in Vogue, InStyle and Elle, but this month it is all EcoSalon. Peruse the Kayu site for beautiful bags as well.

(Retail value of $130)

Bright Young Things Everything Halter Top

Eliza Starbuck, designer and founder of You Bright Young Things, recently created a capsule collection for Urban Outfitters and this Everything Halter is one of the pieces. Known for her inspiring creation of the LBD for Sheena Matheiken’s Uniform Project, Starbuck is offering her micro-tencel halter which converts into a number of different pieces (including a skirt), to us for The Box and we love her for that.

One size fits most and half will be black while the other half come in a burgundy (see the link to the Urban Outfitters site to see colors) – specify which one you’d prefer. First come first serve on this!

(Retail value of $89.00)

Recycled Cement Sack Tote

I’m not sure I can write this piece about the Recycled Cement Sack Tote better than the Global Girlfriend site did: “Make a concrete statement about your support for women in need in Bangladesh as they work to cement a new future! This shopper tote is a great bag for trips to the grocery or for daily use and you’ll feel good knowing your purchase has enhanced the lives of women artisans.” Handmade and fairly traded from Bangladesh and now, ready to hold all your summer 2011 beachy items.

(Retail value of $16.50)

Lucy Siegle’s To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World?

Author Lucy Siegle is a weekly Observer columnist, an environmental columnist for Marie Claire and a regular contributor to a number of other publications, television and radio. Her recent book To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out The World? is a look at the inhumane and environmentally devastating story behind the clothes we so casually buy and wear. Luckily, you’ll be reading this on a beach coated in non-toxic sunblock and in a skimpy bikini when you get to read about the impact your wardrobe choices make.

(Retail value of $25.00)

Yala’s Bamboo Dreams Beach Towel

We think something you just can’t be without this summer is a great beach towel and when we saw these from Yala, we knew we’d found the perfect one. Enjoy your time beachside, poolside or at the spa with your own natural towel made from bamboo and organic cotton. We love the Koi fish swimming among water lilies in cheerful colors. If you choose to purchase The Box, one of these three towel colors will be yours.

Go to the Yala site now and get 25% off these beach towels with EcoSalon25 code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $39.50)

VivaTerra Flowered Thermos

This lightweight, reusable enameled picnicware from VivaTerra is 34 ounces of double-walled thermos heaven. An antique look bows to a long gone era’s ornate enamelware design but still borrows from today’s technology to keep liquids hot or cold for many hours. Which, when you’re enjoying the beach all day and need liquids, this is vital (so is looking stylish drinking from this while there).

(Retail value of $55)

Blissoma Amend, Antioxidant Sprayable Lotion

The last thing we want to promote is ruining your delicate skin, and the summer sun will take your luster away if you let it. Irie Star let us give you Blissoma’s Amend, an antioxidant spray lotion designed to replace those sticky aloe gels with a power-packed formula of superfoods and herbs to regenerate skin. Organic Rooibos tea, Acai oil, organic Linden flower and Comfrey soothe and rebuild skin cells to be more resilient to resisting UV damage. Soak its minty-fresh cooling sensation in, sister.

Go to the Irie Star site now and get 2o% off Amend with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $16.99)

Pawling Print Studio’s Geometric Notebooks

Sometimes sitting under a shady beach umbrella or taking a hike on your favorite trail gets you inspired. Pawling Print Studio’s notebook will help you make those thoughts linger in private (we hope) infamy. Their 32-page notebooks are printed with soy-based inks onto a chipboard cover and feature a wrap-around, hand drawn geometric illustration. The Box will have two of these mini notebooks which are perfect to jam in your back pocket or beach bag.

Go to the Pawling site now and get 15% off these notebooks with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $8.00)

$50 Gift Certificate For Vegan Eco-Boutique Mission Savvy

Mission Savvy is a vegan eco-boutique that curates ethical designs for the conscious consumer. 5% of all sales go to animal rescue and wildlife conservation projects around the world so you can double up on feeling good about your purchases. $50 can go towards any item on the site over $100 which could include an organic cotton dress or pants, vegan heels, bamboo top or great accessories. You decide – but you’ll have a hard time doing that with how many great options there are!

Send us pictures.

Got to Mission Savvy’s site now to get 20% off all spring/summer. Enter ecosalon at checkout.

(Retail value of $50.00)

Coola Chemical Free Sunblock

Coola’s mineral sunblock with an SPF of 30 is a sheer and natural mineral sunblock that delivers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for the whole body. Says Coola: “This unique formula gives your skin an army of time-released Vitamin C – nature’s powerful antioxidant that helps reduce visible aging by battling damaging free radicals.”

Rated by EcoSalon Beauty Editor Katherine Butler as one of her top eco-friendly suncare products!

(Retail value of $34.00)

FluffyCo T-shirt

FluffyCo’s premium apparel line unites organic cotton and eco-heather blends printed with FluffyCo’s signature graphic prints. Printed in small batches in the Bay Area, some styles using water–based inks. All shirts have a fabulous soft, luxe feel and cute hand–printed hangtags. They did this adorably hip bird pattern tee on an eco-heather exclusively for The Box and we now love them even more (if that’s even humanly possible).

(Retail value of $34.00)

Skincando Luxe Brew Lip Balms

Each Skincando lip balm is filled from small hand spun batches and is guaranteed to give your lips a magical glow. We loved how they were described to us from the company as smelling and tasting like Pizzelle cookies. The key essential oil in the balm is Myrrh, which has been used by royalty for centuries to heal and beautify the skin. I imagine this might be the best pre, during and post sun lip balm we may ever try.

(Retail value of $15)

$50 Gift Certificate From A.D.O. Organic Clothing

A.D.O. designer Angelika Krishna infused her spring line with impressionistic pastel hues derived from turmeric, sandalwood, pomegranate and Indian basil. 100% Organic knits and cottons are then treated to Ayurvedic ingredients to make buttery yellows, summer blues and hues derived naturally, from nature. The end product is a non-toxic, sustainable soiree of comfortable, breathable separates for spring and summer. $50 towards a beautiful dress or breezy tunic will go a long way here towards having something extremely beautiful in your warm weather wardrobe.

Go to the A.D.O. site now and get 25% off with EcoSalon code at checkout (expires July 31st).

(Retail value of $50)

Global Girlfriends: How One Mom Made It Her Business To Help Women In Poverty Worldwide

From the Global Girlfriend site: “In 2003 Global Girlfriend founder Stacey Edgar had a $2,000 tax return and a deep desire to help provide economic security for women in need. She knew that of the 1.3 billion people living on less than $1 per day, seventy percent are women. What she didn’t have was a business plan. Or a passport. But that didn’t stop her from creating a socially conscious business that has helped poor women in five continents feed their families and send their children to school. ”

It’s true, Global Girlfriend has since grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise that specializes in handmade, fairly traded, eco-conscious apparel, accessories, and items made by women all over the world. Stacey’s Global Girlfriends book is her inspiring story of following ones convictions. Sounds like a perfect summer read while snuggling in a hammock, oh, and then going to take over the world.

(Retail value of $24.99)

Aurea Golden Grass Earrings and Mini Box

Aurea is a fair trade business that brings jewelry and accessories made of golden grass handwoven by skilled artisans in Brazil to women all over the world. The company sources directly from artisans and producer-owned associations that decide on their prices and are in control of their production. The result is a collection of jewelry that has its own shimmer and shine from nature itself. Sustainable fashion writers Abigail Doan, Kestrel Jenkins and others (cough, us, Sara Ost and Amy DuFault), are often seen wearing Aurea jewelry. Light and pretty, they’re the perfect piece paired with a pretty summer dress.

The box below is a good place to store them so no sustainable fashion writers can sniff them out and try to steal.

(Retail value of both is $90)

Aurea’s Golden Grass Mini Box

How to get it + the fine print:

The Box is available now through July 31 or until supplies last and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. (International shipping is not available at this time.) There is a $20 shipping and handling fee. All sales are final. Please allow up to two weeks for shipping. To purchase The Box, email thebox@ecosalon.com directly with “The Box” in your subject line. Supplies are extremely limited – this debut offering is available to the first 25 shoppers only. Please limit 2 orders per person. Payment accepted through Paypal or credit card.

The post EcoSalon Exclusive: The Box Is Back, Baby (and It’s Summer Luxe) appeared first on EcoSalon.

You know the times you’ve run a fingernail down the side of your face and small bits of face have rolled off with it? The ick factor is huge, right? And most of that ick is dead skin.

Sure, you can moisturize with the best organic lotions out there. (And for the best green lotions to use, click here.) But those dead skin cells have to absorb the lotion before it can penetrate the skin underneath.

No amount of organic skin lotion is going to raise your skin cells from the dead. But before you conduct a green funeral for your face, try sloughing off with your best tool of choice – a scrub.

Bringing out the healthy, alive layers of skin on your face will improve your skin immensely. You’ll be less prone to break outs. Your skin will be smoother and have a healthier glow.

Pick a scrub that can make best friendsies with your skin. It is possible to over-exfoliate so be forewarned! If you over scrub, you can sand paper away the natural, protective barrier of your skin.

For sensitive skin, you’ll want a gentle exfoliating scrub. If your skin can take a sand blasting, go for the deep pore scrub. Depending on age and sensitivity, some people scrub daily, some only once or twice a week.

Best Scrub to Lessen Your Carbon Footprint:

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub ($32.00)
This gentle scrub is organic and, even better, fair trade. It contains Egyptian geranium with adzuki bean and cranberry. The smell is interesting – a combination of mud with bits of fruit buried in it. It’s light enough to use daily but strong enough to feel like you’re getting a good exfoliation. It is free of parabens, sulfates and any synthetic preservatives.

Best Scrub to Brighten Your Face:

John Masters Organics Jojoba and Ginseng Exfoliating Cleanser ($28.00)
This fantastic product contains certified organic jojoba beads (to exfoliate!) and ginseng (to revitalize!). And the best part? It will leave your face noticeably brightened. It seems to contain almost light-reflective properties that sit atop your skin and make it glow.

Best Scrub to Pretend You’re at the Beach:

Juice Beauty Exfoliating Cleanser ($22.00)
This is another gentle cleanser/scrub that has a rich pineapple base. The fresh fruity scent will bring you back to the beachy memories of childhood or that vacation you once went on where you blacked out from pineapple margaritas. It also contains certified organic extracts of white grape and aloe vera.

Best Scrub for Your Buck:

Noah’s Naturals Face Scrub with Jojoba Beads ($7.99)
This is a great, all-around scrub. You’ll feel like you’re getting a good wash while scrubbing out the baddies. It gives off a pleasant, old-school scent that’s almost floral, without being perfumey. It contains no parabens or sodium lauryl sulfate. It’s not organic, but it’s a good choice if you want an affordable, natural cleanser.

Best Scrub to Love Your Sensitive Skin:

Avalon Organics Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub ($16.95)
This product offers up a light, lavender scent. I used it daily for about a week and my skin did feel smoother after a couple of days. It’s free of parabens and preservatives. It is 100% vegetarian, and contains certified organic ingredients.

Best Scrub to Blast Your Skin:

Burt’s Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub ($7.99)
If you’re looking for a scrub to really tear it up, this is the product for you. It has a fresh, peachy smell but it does leave a bit of a waxy, leftover feeling. It’s made from ground peach stone to exfoliate and also contains willowbark, a natural source of salicylic acid. 98.45% natural, it is free of sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

Best Scrub to Use Daily:

Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser ($29.00)
This product works really well as a cleanser, but if you want a vigorous scrub, look elsewhere. It is not organic but it does contain “naturally-derived” exfoliating beads and certified organic lavender and geranium oils. And it’s tourmaline charged. What, pray tell, is tourmaline charged? Tourmaline apparently “acts as a conductor for the plant energy and the crystalline energy, while energizing the skin and boosting it with moisture and vitamins.”

Best Scrub to Simply Wash Your Face:

Exfoliating Wash by Kiss My Face ($15.00)
This scrub”¦er, wash got high marks for smell. It reminds me of lime and mint, and really makes me want a Mojito. It’s clean and refreshing, but doesn’t feel like a scrub.  It works more like a gel and feels gentle on your face. It’s not organic, but does contain several “certified natural” ingredients.

The post Re-New Your Skin: 8 Best Organic and Natural Scrubs appeared first on EcoSalon.

If you live in a place where water likes to go icy, your skin is probably suffering.  Trust me, I know your pain.  You feel like you’re going to fall into a snow drift, freeze for the next thousand years, and wake up to alien scientists commenting on just how dry your face is.  But worry no more!  Whether your winter involves wind chill or lows in the 50s, we have the moisturizer for you.  So treat your face to our review of these great, green moisturizers.

Mandarin Maximum Moisture by John Masters Organics

This fragrant, concentrated moisturizer is, in a word, outstanding.  (Did I say outstanding?  I meant amazing.)  It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave you with the greased-out feeling that you could cook bacon on your forehead.  It also contains glycoproteins which “stimulate cell growth for long-term reversal of damage.”  (Take that, sunspots!)  And you can rest easy with John Masters Organics exacting standards.  It contains strictly organic botanical ingredients. And no artificial products are ever used.

Nutrient Moisturizer by Juice Beauty

This product from Juice Beauty is excellent if you want deep, rich moisturizing results.  It has a sort of neutral scent – the kind of smell that makes you think there’s something powerful and vitamin-y in the mixture.  For dry, sensitive, or mature skin, this moisture contains replenishing organic grape juice, vitamin-rich carrot juice and essential fatty-acids.

Infuse Nourishing Multi-Vitamin Moisturizer by Pure and True

This was the most intense of the moisturizers that I sampled.  In fact, if you’re suffering from razor cheeks (a loving term for when you get those winter dry patches), this is the moisturizer for you. I just traveled back east to 20-degree weather and got razor cheeks in what felt like a matter of minutes.  (It was more like two days.)  One application of this intense moisturizer cleared it right up.  This product is free of artificial color, fragrances, parabens, petroleum products and toxic synthetics.

Green Apple Antioxidant Moisturizer by Juice Beauty

This moisturizer lives up to its green apple moniker by being amazingly fruity and sweet-smelling.  If you are into natural fragrances, then this is the product for you.  It is very creamy – use it sparingly, because a little goes a long way.  It contains antioxidant-rich organic apple and grape juices.  And it combines these organic nutrients with enzymes to even your complexion.

The post Get Your Green Face On: Best Eco-Moisturizers for Winter appeared first on EcoSalon.