Cucumber, tomatoes and other produce and herbs from your summertime garden can nourish you both inside and out this summer with these natural beauty recipes.  

Not only is summer produce exceptionally beneficial to your diet, it’s also good for your beauty routine too. Using your summertime produce can move you away from your dependence on store-bought beauty products too, many of which contain really gross ingredients. And that’s not to mention that you can save some money by making your own natural beauty products from your extra produce!

I know you’ve all heard of using cucumber slices to reduce puffiness around your eyes, but there are plenty of uses for produce from your garden that you can incorporate into your beauty routine. Learn about these fruits, herbs, vegetables and even dandelions that serve double duty as food and as natural beauty products.

From facial masks and hand cream to hair rinses and lip scrubs, here are some easy homemade natural beauty recipes utilizing summertime garden plants for your beauty regime.

Natural Beauty Recipes and Uses from the Garden

1. 4 Natural Beauty Products Growing in Your Garden
2. Thyme and Witch Hazel Blemish Control
3. Cold Oil Calendula Infusion and Facial Toner
4. Dandelion Salve for Summer Stressed Skin
5. Parsley Rosemary Hair Tonic
6. Tomato Facial Scrub
7. Skin Brightening Tomato  and Honey Mask
8. Homemade Carrot Face Mask for Oily Skin
9. Apricot and Papaya Face Scrub for Softer Skin
10. Moisturizing Carrot Face Mask
11. Revitalizing Sweet Pumpkin Body Scrub
12. Nourishing Honey, Strawberry and Coconut Oil Hair Mask
13. Cooling Cucumber Skin Toner
14. Cucumber Sunburn Skin Soother
15. Berry Lip Stain
16. Moisturizing Garden Herb Bug Repelling Lotion Bars
17. Homemade Fennel Under-Eye Toner
18. Beet Lip and Cheek Stain
19. Cucumber Face Wash
20. Homemade Rose Water Toner
21. Stimulating Mint Hair Scalp Rinse

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Homemade Facial Mask image via Shutterstock

The post 21 Natural Beauty Recipes Straight From Your Summer Garden appeared first on EcoSalon.

The following 5 beauty tips are inspired by the Middle East and offer only a small glimpse into the kind of beauty wisdom the region holds.

When it comes to beauty, every culture has its practices. Luckily, when we run out of exciting or effective options that are popular in our own community, we can learn from others around the world. That way, the journey never ends. Middle Eastern women, with their olive skin and thick, lustrous hair, boast strong beauty traditions that are not only effective but also delicious.

The following list of beauty tips touch upon bodily cleanliness, diet and topical treatments, so you can choose from a diverse array of approaches to optimum beauty, and without getting bored.

1. Olive Oil

Apart from being an inseparable ingredient in the Middle Eastern diet, olive oil is a beauty powerhouse. Just two tablespoons of high quality, raw, unprocessed extra-virgin olive oil each day improves heart health. Topically speaking, olive oil protects the skin from UVB exposure and can reduce the change of getting skin cancer. Olive oil’s antioxidants help to keep the skin youthful and energized. Olive oil also lowers the risk of dermatitis and other skin conditions.

Apply a thin layer of olive oil on cleansed skin prior to bed. Olive oil leaves behind a shiny aftermath, so it’s best to avoid using it as your go-to moisturizer in the morning – wait until before bedtime, so that the oil can do its magic while your sleep. For the hair, comb about 2-3 tablespoons into your tresses once a week. Let the oil sit for 30 minutes before rinsing clean. Be sure to only use the highest quality olive oil that you can find. That way, the vitamins, minerals, monounsaturated fats and antioxidants are as potent as possible.

2. Rose

Rose is a beauty staple in the Middle East and widely available in various forms – soap, lotion, tonic and oil. Rose enhances beauty in more ways than one. Stress exacerbates skin disorders, including psoriasis, dermatitis and acne. Rose to the rescue! In one study, rose oil was able to decrease the breathing rate, blood oxygen saturation and systolic blood pressure among subjects, who reported feeling more emotionally relaxed and at ease. Topically, rose products exhibit the same calming affect when directly applied to skin. The plant has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it the perfect tool for more youthful and radiant skin.

Try the Suti Rose Water Facial Toner ($34) and bask in its floral glory!

3. Turkish Bath

The Turkish bath (aka a hamam) is an ancient Turkish tradition that emphasizes relaxation and cleanliness – it is a truly emotional and physical cleansing process. A hamam experience starts in a relaxation room heating by dry air. In the center of the room there is heated marble stone, on top of which bathers can lie. After a period of sweating out toxins, bathers are scrubbed, washed and massaged from head to toe.

While a Turkish bath may not be immediately accessible to you, you can mimic the experience by visiting an infrared sauna on a regular basis. Unlike a regular sauna, an infrared sauna heats the body from the inside out, with ambient air remaining relatively cool. It boosts your circulation, burns calories and rids the skin of heavy metals and other toxins, revealing a more beautiful complexion.

4. Milk Bath

Ancient Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra, was famous for her milk baths and now you can reap similar beauty benefits too! Instead of pouring milk into your bathtub, reach for beauty products that contain the same ingredient that makes milk such an effective skincare product: alpha hydroxyl acid. It exfoliates the skin and keeps it smooth and soft.

5. Turmeric

Real beauty comes from within, and turmeric is testament to just that. Turmeric is a common spice found in the Middle East and South Asia that carries incredible health and beauty benefits – it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxifying properties. Turmeric also whitens teeth and gets rid of dandruff.

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Photo Credit: Steven Jackson

The post 5 Tried and True Beauty Tips from the Middle East appeared first on EcoSalon.

These 8 women celebrities have molded their artistic talent into a hybrid of sorts, assuming roles as lifestyle aficionados with a taste for healthy living, environmental sustainability and spirituality.

It’s hard not to idolize celebrities, who troll our televisions, movie theaters, fashion magazines and gossip columns with their seemingly perfect bodies and lives. While many celebrities bask in their fame and stick to what they do best – modeling or acting – others take their huge influence on the masses to an entirely new, more inspired level.

1. Gwyneth Paltrow

Detox-savvy, exercise-obsessed Gwyneth Paltrow has led the bandwagon when it comes to celebrity-branded lifestyles. Her weekly lifestyle newsletter Goop has gained a steady following since 2008. The Goop website is a straightforward portal for all things current and quality. In 2011, she wrote a book called “My Father’s Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family and Togetherness” and in 2013, “It’s All Good: Delicious Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great.”

2. Jessica Alba

Coveted for her good looks and sweet personality, Jessica Alba took her celebrity status and transformed it into a $1-billion international company, which is eying an IPO by August 2015. Frustrated by the lack of safe cleaning and body-care products on the market for her and her family, Alba co-founded The Honest Company, which is a brand that offers parents information and products that are safe for themselves, their children and the environment. Since 2011, The Honest Company has been growing steadily and in 2012, Alba released a book called, “The Honest Life”, which details her experiences in healthy living and creating a natural, non-toxic life.

3. Meghan Markle

Best known as Rachel Zane on “Suits”, Meghan Markle is also a rising celebrity-lifestyle star. The TIG is “a hub for the discerning palate – those with a hunger for food, travel, fashion and beauty” and is aptly named after a bottle of Tignanello wine. Don’t expect a portal for fitness and diet tips; instead, Markle has manicured TIG to be readers’ opportunity to explore the world’s finest, capturing quality and indulgence in new food, cultures, places and ideas.

4. Blake Lively

Blake Lively takes us back to our roots with PRESERVE, an online platform for all things hand-crafted, local and unique. The purpose of the site is to inspire us to preserve enduring traditions and the foundations that carry our past, present and future. Food, wellness, intimacy, style and home tips are filtered based on these strong ethics and make for a site that brings you closer to the source – the artisans, storytellers and chefs. Lively showcases artisans and offers a useful shopping tool so you can have access to the products she promotes.

5. Stacy Keibler

She was once a professional wrestler and still maintains a stunning figure, so it only makes sense that we take healthy living, fitness and wellness tips from Stacy Keibler herself. Her self-titled blog Stacy Keibler is an oasis of healthy living recipes, workout plans and the occasional playlist.

6. Giselle Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen is a beacon of healthy, fitness, environmental-sustainability and spirituality. She has long shown support for the environment and a lifestyle that is light, enlivening and pure. In 2010, Bündchen introduced a skin care product line called Sejaa Pure Skincare, which uses all-natural ingredients, calming fragrances, thoughtful packaging and recycled paper. Meanwhile, Bündchen launched a “green” blog, co-hosted the Rainforest Alliance’s annual gala, has been vocal and charitable in preserving South American rainforests, teamed with eBay Giving Works to garner proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund and in 2011, was named the Global Environmental Citizen. In November 2011, she was awarded Greenest Celebrity at the International Green awards hosted in London.

7. Cameron Diaz

In 2013, Cameron Diaz published “The Body Book: Feed, Move, Understand and Love Your Amazing Body.” Through it, Diaz shares her formula for becoming happier, healthier and stronger. Tips in the book are practical and backed with scientific evidence. That way, you know you are getting more than a celebrity’s half-hearted opinion and instead sound, concrete advice.

8. Alicia Silverstone

Following the publication of “The Kind Diet”, a guide to eating and living vegan, Alicia Silverstone launched The Kind Life, an online portal for an eco-friendly lifestyle – from diet to fashion to beauty.

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The post 8 Healthy Living Inspirations from Famous Faces appeared first on EcoSalon.

This Fall, equip yourself with the inspiration to attend to your beauty with more gusto, more color, creativity and sparkle, all while scrolling through the endless Instagram feeds. All you need is some extra motivation, and what better way than stunning, flawless images? These 10 Instagram feeds are devoted to beauty tips and are sure to give you enough tools to don your best makeup, hair and nails.

1. @patmcgrathreal

Seasoned makeup artist Pat McGrath uses his account, @patmcrathreal, to showcase photos of the process that goes into his creations for fashion shows, ad campaigns and editorial shoots.

2. @birchbox

If you are looking for beauty tips, deals and new products, @birchbox is your answer. Birchbox’s feed gives you an idea of what’s “in” in fashion and beauty and helps to you discover products you love.

3. @lotstar

Up-and-coming makeup artist to the stars, Lottie Stannard exhibits what she does best on @lotstar, where she provides beauty inspiration full of glitter, glow and color.

4. @mrchrismcmillan

Hair stylist to the stars Chris McMillan takes you along with him via @mrchrismcmillan as he tends to the tresses of the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Miley Cyrus and Kim Kardashian. His beauty tips speak for themselves.

5. @mpnails

Need some nail inspiration? Check out @mpnails for editorial nail artist and Sally Hansen global color ambassador Madeline Poole’s latest and greatest looks. Even if you aren’t a fan of creating your own nail art, just looking through Poole’s pictures is entertaining enough.

6. @allure_magazine

How could you go wrong with the beauty experts at @allure_magazine? Be it hair, nails, makeup and even a little fashion, this Instagram handle keeps your glam quotient satisfied.

7. @intothegloss

Emily Weiss, a former New York mag girl, runs a beauty blog called Into the Gloss, and its @intotheglass handle gives you a condensed version of what you are likely to find on the blog. Weiss inspires followers by reporting new trends, highlighting celebrity beauty looks and giving a glimpse into her own unique style.

8. @evachen212

Now the editor-and-chief at Lucky magazine, Eva Chen was once the beauty editor at Teen Vogue. Her @evanchen212 account invites you into her world, where it’s quite obvious she has a knack for affordable, “in” products and chic, but approachable styles.

9. @realbarbarapalvin

Who to trust more for beauty and style tips than a model herself? Stalk the @barbarapalvin account for looks you are destined to fall in love with.

10. @goop

Goop goes beyond beauty in outward appearance and instead presents a lifestyle that finds beauty in all things, from a gluten-free chocolate cake to a well-manicured working desk. But of course, if you are looking for inspiring seasonal looks and new products, you can be sure @goop is one step ahead of you.

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Photo Credit: @patmcrathreal, @birchbox, @lotstar, @mrchrismcmillan, @mpnails, @allure_magazine, @intothegloss, @evachen212, @realbarbarapalvin, @goop

The post 10 Instagram Feeds for Fall Beauty Tips and Inspiration appeared first on EcoSalon.

Fact: Beauty products are expensive. Here’s how to make your natural makeup last just a teensy bit longer.

Considering the cash we shell out on beauty products, there’s nothing worse than having to let go of a product because it’s giving us attitude. Whether you’re saying goodbye to a razor after two shaves because it’s gone rusty or tossing your blush because it’s turned into play-doh, learning how to make your natural makeup last longer (or at least, until your next trek to Makeup ‘R Us) is key.

Here are 9 ways to stretch your natural makeup without sacrificing results:

1. Practice portion control
A little goes a long way: You only need a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo and a nickle-sized of conditioner. When it comes to your body wash, you don’t have to suds up every inch of your bod – concentrate more on the areas that get sweaty or trap odors, as too much soap can lead to dry skin. Near the tail end of a bottle, just add a little bit of water so the rest comes out easily.

2. Purchase pump/squeeze bottles instead of jars
When you can help it, purchase your natural makeup in pump or squeeze bottles instead of jars. The air that hits the surface of your creams and lotions can make them go bad faster, and this can be alleviated in your choice of packaging. That being said, trying to get the last remnants of lotion out of a tube can be a little… well, annoying. Invest in a paint tube wringer and leave nothing behind.

3. Just add oil
If your cream eye shadow, blush or concealer are starting to cake up (and they haven’t expired yet), warm up a couple of drops of coconut oil and mix it in to bring your natural makeup back to its former glory.

4. Bring on the pliers
If your favorite makeup brush is starting to go bald, simply use a pair of pliers to secure the metal part and keep those bristles from slipping away.

5. Dry your razor after use
After you’ve used your razor, shake it dry and soak it in oil. The oil will prevent the minerals in your water from hanging out on your blade and keep it from rusting.

6. Keep them cool
To keep your lip and eyeliners moist and firm, store them in your fridge between uses.

7. Choose hard-working natural makeup
You multitask a good 23 hours a day, so why shouldn’t your natural makeup?

• Let your lipstick pull double-duty by using it as a cream blush.
• Use your plain lip balm to tame unruly eyebrows.
• Use a smidge of hand cream to tame frizzy hair when you’re oot and aboot.
• Use eye shadow instead of an eyebrow pencil for a more natural look.
• Use eye shadow as eyeliner when black’s feeling a little blasé.

8. Invest in empty containers/pallets
Most makeup companies sell empty pallets that are just waiting to be filled. These really come in handy when you’re crunched for cash and your lipstick tube’s running on empty. Using the tip of a cotton swab (sans cotton), scrape the remaining lipstick into a pallet and use a lipstick brush to apply. When it comes to your lotions and creams, transfer what’s left into small, clean jars to give you more bang for your buck.

9. Transform old makeup into new
Turn leftover powdered blush into a chic lip gloss by mixing it with cocoa or shea butter. The same goes for powdered eye shadows: By turning them into crème eye shadows, not only will the colors look bolder and richer, but it’ll feel like brand new natural makeup (you know, without the hefty price tag).

How do you make your natural makeup last?

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The post 9 Ways to Stretch Your Natural Makeup So it Lasts Longer appeared first on EcoSalon.

How many times has it been jammed down your throat that coconut oil is absolutely, positively the most amazing miracle oil to ingest and slather all over your body? More times than you’d care to count, I’m sure. But is it really true? Is coconut oil good for your skin or just a crock of coconut sh… You know where I’m going with this.

It works wonders, they told me. It’s great to use as a facial moisturizer, they said. So now here I am with a face I almost don’t recognize. Who does this skin belong to? Certainly not me. I did everything they said. I followed steps and regimens. But alas, this is my skin… My comedone sprinkled and inflamed skin. It’s pretty upsetting when you’ve gone most of your life having primarily flawless skin. Then it finally dawned on me one day. Nothing else in my beauty regimen had changed except… My moisturizer. I caught myself staring in the mirror, bewildered and perplexed, asking myself: “Is coconut oil good for your skin or have you just made a grave mistake?!”

Upon my frantic internet research, desperate for an answer, I came to terms with the unfortunate fact that not nearly enough websites or blogs acknowledge the negative characteristics or side effects of coconut oil. Instead, too many online sources dedicate their entire existences to worshipping and praising this oil. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m actually a huge fan of the stuff. I use it for cooking and baking, as a replacement for butter on my toast, and as a moisturizer for my hair. I’m not completely bashing it, but I felt largely disappointed that basically only two or three blogs were actively trying to bring to light that coconut oil ain’t all that and a bag o’chips (maybe I should’ve just wiped chips all over my face instead?).

After what I thought was turning out to be a fruitless attempt to find an explanation for my dilemma, I finally stumbled upon a blog for all things coco-related. A post I saw about coconut oil clogging pores sang to me like an angel from above. What I learned completely blew my mind. It turns out coconut oil is not as universal as it’s been made to seem.

After being fed so many pieces of general and misleading information, I read on to find out that using coconut oil on your face is actually person-specific. Meaning, not all of us will have the same reactions. Some of us will see positive results and others (myself included) will have a much less desirable experience to report. It apparently all comes down to what type of skin you have. So if you’re asking, “Is coconut oil good for your skin?,” I recommend thoroughly examining your skin and doing a little detective work online.

Image via Veganbaking.net

Coconut oil is considered a comedogenic. I KNOW. I was just as surprised as you to read something not so nice about this popular oil. A comedogenic substance is one that can possess the ability to clog pores. This is where it’s beneficial to know if you have larger or smaller pores. Larger pores are undeniably more susceptible to clogging. Wait a minute, smaller pores. You’re not in the clear yet, either. Small pores can still get clogged, and when they do, it can be much worse.

The rumors aren’t always true. Yes, coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties. No, it is not always the perfect solution for acne prone skin. Coconut oil can actually have a negative tendency to be unconducive to acneic skin. If dirt and oil are getting all up in your pores’ business, coconut oil might decide to join the party and become trapped with everything else, further exacerbating the situation instead of fighting to clear it up. Now cue the painful breakouts and bumpy textured skin.

If your skin is naturally pretty oily or you aren’t a stranger to blackheads that generally means you have larger pores so it may be unwise to go slapping the CO on your face. It’s also been said that overuse of coconut oil on the face is not very successful due to its high fat content which can instead lead to the transpiration of future skin issues. If you’re going to use it, use it in moderation. I also read some suggestions stating that mixing a bit of coco oil in a cleanser is a much better idea than just using it solo. So if you’re hell-bent on continuing to use this stuff, you shouldn’t use it alone!

My final tips to you, fellow readers, coconut oil enthusiasts and critics alike, are to fully research the effects of coconut oil being used topically, study your own skin thoroughly, and don’t believe everything you read or hear. Don’t let the coco get you all cuckoo! Good luck!

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Top image: Just another wretch

The post Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin or Just a Pain in Your Pores? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Here’s what beauty companies aren’t telling you about vitamin C serum – and what to do about it.

Vitamin C is a big deal in skin care products: Among its many benefits, it enhances collagen production below the skin’s surface, helping to prevent and soften wrinkles and fine lines. It also brightens skin, prevents sun spots and fights free radicals. For these reasons and more, vitamin C serum has become an uber-important staple in our daily beauty routine – it’s practically a Jill of all trades… right?

Wrong. While it’s true vitamin C does all of these wonderful things for your skin, your vitamin C serum isn’t doing you any justice – either it contains too little of the active ingredient to be effective, or the vitamin C oxidizes and loses its potency. In other words, don’t waste your money.

Vitamin C comes in many forms, the most popular for skin care being L-Ascorbic Acid because of its potent anti-aging effects on the skin. The problem is, LAA is highly unstable: Once it comes in contact with water, it oxidizes in the presence of air and light (you know, like Superman to Kryptonite). This is why beauty companies charge so much for vitamin C serum, as if they’ve created some magical unicorn formula to prevent LAA from being rendered useless the second you open the bottle.

Yeah. Right.

“I don’t believe in vitamin C serums,” says Jean Seo of Evolue Beverly Hills. “Even if the serum itself is airtight, after you do the first pump and air gets into the bottle, the serum’s pretty much ruined.”

So what’s a girl to do? Seo recommends making your own vitamin C serum. Not only will it be a big reward for your skin, you’ll save oodles of money. Simply purchase a container of Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid in powder/crystal form from your local grocery store and mix it with oil. Seo suggests fish oil, and I’ve also read that coconut oil is quite popular. Use it as an exfoliant or a mask.

The final step: Preparing yourself for all the complements you’re going to receive about your skin. You know, no pressure.

For more information on the beauty benefits of vitamin C, check out the video below by Seo and Tony Vargas of Tilth Beauty:

How do you feel about Vitamin C serum?

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The post The Shocking Truth About Vitamin C Serum (and the DIY You Should Use Instead) 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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The post 10 Best Natural Beauty Blogs 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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The post Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes: Get This Look with Natural Beauty Products appeared first on EcoSalon.

Rosewater adds a subtle, feminine scent to lingerie, flavor to cakes, and anti-inflammatory moisture to a range of beauty products.

Cleopatra so loved the scent of roses, she impregnated the sails of her ships with rose water, and doused her face in it for a flawless complexion. It’s been a Persian beauty secret since at least 800 B.C.E., and an Ayurvedic health tonic for even longer. Today, the essence of rose petals can be used in everything from aftershave to martinis. Here are 20 unusual uses for rosewater, including beauty applications, culinary delights and household recipes that take advantage of its calming, classic aroma.

The best quality rosewater is obtained either by distilling rose petals yourself, or purchasing a bottle of pure rosewater created as a byproduct of the commercial rose oil distillation process. Quality brands include Mymoune, Elma Sana Moroccan Rosewater and Organic Bulgarian Rosewater. Avoid rosewater with lots of unnecessary ingredients, and those made using artificial fragrance, which won’t have any of the soothing benefits of the petals.

1. Moisturizing, Pore-Reducing Facial Toner

Rosewater naturally helps skin retain moisture content and tightens pores, so it’s a great toner for dry and mature skin when simply wiped on the face with a soft cloth at full strength. It can also be used to balance combination and oily skin, with the addition of 3:1 witch hazel for a bit more astringent, oil-fighting power.

2. Makeup-Setting Mist

Pour full-strength rosewater into a small bottle with a fine misting nozzle. After applying your makeup and allowing your mascara to dry fully, spritz your face. The rosewater will eliminate any unnatural ashiness from face powder, giving you a youthful glow, and help hold your makeup in place throughout the day.

3. Relaxing Bedtime Drink

In Malaysia and Singapore, rosewater is mixed with coconut milk, sugar, and pink food coloring to create a relaxing drink called bandung. Mix a couple tablespoons of edible rosewater like Cortas (or homemade rosewater made with organic rose petals) and a tablespoon of sugar or honey into a cup of coconut milk, and warm if desired. You can use the kind of coconut milk beverage that comes in a carton for a lighter drink, or the canned stuff for a special, extra-creamy treat.

4. Pillow Spray

The same mood-enhancing benefits that make rosewater a relaxing addition to a bedtime drink will help you drift off to sleep at night. Just spritz your pillow right before you go to bed and you’ll be ready for pleasant dreams.

5. Acne Relief

Rosewater has an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect, so it can help reduce redness, swelling and irritation from bothersome acne. Mix one tablespoon of rosewater with one tablespoon of lemon juice and apply to affected areas after washing your face. Leave it on for ten minutes, then rinse. If your skin is too sensitive for the acidity of lemon juice, use honey instead.

6. Hair Rinse

Make your hair extra soft and shiny (and of course, infused with an absolutely amazing scent) by applying a final leave-in rosewater rinse after  you’ve washed and conditioned. Add three tablespoons of rosewater to two cups of cool water and either pour it over your hair, or mist it on with a spray bottle.

7. Cocktails

Rosewater – or rose syrup, made at home with rosewater and simple syrup – makes for an exotic twist in cocktails. Try the Cardamom Rose Cocktail by Design Sponge, the Ginger-Rose Sparkler by Eat Boutique, or the Rose Martini by Renee Rodriquez.

8. Lingerie & Linens

Beds aren’t just for relaxing, after all, and rosewater is an enticingly feminine scent. Use that same spray bottle full of rosewater to mist your lingerie and sheets when you’re expecting some company.

9. Aftershave

The same benefits that make rosewater great for acne control help soothe skin after shaving. Use it straight on your legs, underarms and bikini line, or mix it with distilled water, a little bit of 100 proof vodka and a few drops of rose oil for a more conventional aftershave product.

10. Rosewater Clay Face Mask

Mix 1/3 cup of powdered clay like bentonite of French green clay (Mountain Rose Herbs has several options, or check your local health food store) with 3 tablespoons of rosewater and 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply to your face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on until fully dry. This rejuvenating facial mask will clear pores while infusing the skin with moisture.

11. Cookies and Cakes

Infuse sweet treats with a little bit of the scent and flavor from fresh rose petals in the form of rosewater shortcake cookies, English rose cake or fluffy rosewater frosting on dark chocolate chiffon cake.

12. Sunburn Soother

The anti-inflammatory action of rosewater makes it a soothing topical treatment for sunburn. Mix it with a little bit of aloe, let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes and then apply with a cotton pad.

13. Bag-Reducing Eye Compress

Reduce swelling and water retention around your eyes with a cold compress of frozen rosewater and witch hazel. Mix 1/3 witch hazel to 2/3 rosewater in a small container, soak cotton pads or a terrycloth eye mask in the mixture, and then place the pads or mask in the freezer for ten minutes before applying to the eye area.

14. Rosewater Bath

A cup or so of rosewater really enhances the scent of a bath, even more than simply adding fresh rose petals to the water. It also makes the water softer on the skin.

15. Rose Syrup

Add rose flavor to pancakes, drinks, or anything else you’d use syrup on. Making your own rose water syrup is very simple, requiring just a handful of ingredients. Get the recipe at Epicurious.

16. Rosewater Glycerin Skin Balm

Nourishing rosewater combined with glycerin, an ideal oil-free moisturizer, makes for a lightweight skin balm that smells beautiful. Mix 1 cup of rosewater with 3 teaspoons of glycerin in a sterilized jar; store it in the refrigerator and use within a month or so.

17. Room Freshener

While rosewater doesn’t quite pack the odor-quashing punch of, say, white vinegar, it’s a great way to temporarily infuse a room with a pleasant scent. You can either spritz full-strength rosewater wherever you’d like to smell it, or add a few teaspoons of it to a spray bottle of vinegar and mist away.

18, Lemonade

A teaspoon of rosewater adds a subtle floral flavor to a pitcher of fresh-squeezed lemonade (or, if you feel like cheating, a bottle of the pre-made stuff.)

19. Leave-In Conditioning Spray

If your hair needs a little extra moisture and detangling, or you prefer light leave-in conditioners, try diluting some of your normal conditioner with 60-70% rosewater in a spray bottle. The ratio of conditioner to rosewater will vary depending on the viscosity of your preferred conditioner.

20. Ice Cream

This might be one of the most delicious uses for rosewater of all: adding it to homemade white chocolate ice cream. Get the recipe from Yuppie Chef.

Photos: audreyjm529, bali mandira

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The Essence of a Rose: How to Make Rosewater

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