organic beauty – EcoSalon

5 Flower Beauty Ingredients You Need in Your Summer Skin Care

Liz Thompson — Sat, 27 May 2017 07:00:41 +0000

iStock/pekic

Farmers market. Window box. Vertical garden. However your flowers grow, there’s one more way to get in on seasonal blooms. Find out which flower ingredients for skin and hair are ripe for the picking this summer.

Flowers signal summer’s arrival. They are not only beautiful and aromatic, but hold powerful beauty benefits, too.

You know how eating seasonally is a healthy diet practice? Same goes for beauty. The flowers of the season are perfect for solving skin and hair issues. Flower ingredients come in the form of oils, extracts, and hydrosols.

Flowers have been used in Ayurveda for centuries for their medicinal and aromatherapeutic properties, as well as for beauty. They are also used in DIY beauty recipes, like this oatmeal geranium mask for dry and sensitive skin.

5 Flower Ingredients You Need for Summer Skin and Hair

1. Hibiscus: This is one of the most common flowers used in beauty. Rich in antioxidants, rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory, astringent, keeps skin and hair hydrated, high in alphahydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the skin, tones, firms, balances oil production, high in vitamin C, decreases hair loss, gentle enough for those with sensitive hair and scalp. Try St. Tropica Organic Coconut Oil Hair Mask for gorgeously glossy hair or Brown & Coconut Hibiscus Cleansing Grains for smooth, radiant skin.

2. Geranium: The sweet-smelling oil is an effective solution for acne-prone skin. Anti-inflammatory and pore clearing qualities leave skin clear and calm. It is also used to plump and firm the skin, and is gentle enough for use on all skin types. Skin Owl Beauty Drops balance and decongest the complexion, while diminishing signs of aging.

3. Iris: This familiar bloom may not be seen as often in beauty products as the other flower ingredients noted here, but it definitely deserves a place on the list. Iris extract holds potent anti-aging benefits that make skin look firm, supple, and youthful. Weleda Hydrating Facial Lotion and Kypris Heliotropic: Pot of Shade both contain this floral extract.

4. Rose: No list of floral beauty ingredients would be complete without the lovely rose. This beauty lends more to cosmetics than its intoxicating aroma. Rose is hydrating, soothing, and rejuvenating. Perfect for those dealing with dry skin or redness, this ingredient also has anti-aging properties. Rose is also great for hair, strengthening and moisturizing your strands. Try Josh Rosebrook Balancing Shampoo for hair and Mun Anarose Hydrating Rose Toner for skin.

5. Peony: These luxurious blooms are a summertime favorite for both their beauty and fragrance. Peonies also contain skin beautifying properties. High in antioxidants, peony extract helps to diminish signs of aging, calm inflammation, and increase glow. La Bella Figura Jardin de Fleurs Skin Revitalizer with white peony extract hydrates, firms, and revitalizes the complexion. It is a veritable bouquet of skincare goodness that also includes jasmine, rose, hibiscus, and honeysuckle.

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7 Ways to Make Your Bikini Wax Less Horrible

Liz Thompson — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:00:55 +0000

iStock/portishead1

You’ve just purchased a new bikini for the season, stocked up on your favorite mineral sunscreen, and are ready to hit the beach. Wait. What’s the state of your bikini area? Whatever your preferred look, it’s important to know some bikini wax basics to prevent unnecessary discomfort and less-than-optimal results.

Let’s face it. Getting your bikini area waxed doesn’t top the list of most-loved activities. It is uncomfortable, a little bit embarrassing, and doesn’t always turn out the way you expected. And which type of bikini wax are you supposed to be getting these days, anyway?

There are as many types of bikini waxes as there are types of bikinis. In other words, you have options. While there was a definite trend toward the completely bare Brazilian over the past few years, these days (as with makeup) bikini waxes are more personalized and anything goes.

What does this mean for you and your situation? You no longer have to feel self-conscious if you are a bikini line wax sort of gal. That said, if you’ve grown accustomed to the full-on no hair thing, that’s okay, too. If you need an update, here are the most common types of bikini wax.

Brazilian: This baby takes it all off. Bush, labia, and buttocks are all left absolutely hair-free.

Brazilian in the Back: Like it sounds, this waxing cleans up the back end, while leaving everything intact up front.

Bikini: This classic waxing is simply removing hair from the bikini line. Ah, the good ol’ days.

Landing strip: Just like the Brazilian, but a strip, or triangle, or heart (you can get creative, here) of hair is left on top.

Whichever way you go, there are ways to make your bikini wax less uncomfortable and get the best results. As anyone who’s gotten anything waxed knows, not all wax (and waxers) are created equally. Why go through the pain and not get the gain?

7 Tips to a Better Bikini Wax

1. Go organic: Choose a salon that offers organic or sugar waxing. Much safer than those chemical waxes full of harmful ingredients, like artificial dyes and fragrance, and synthetic preservatives.

2. Let it grow: Yep, gross but necessary. Hair has to be at least a quarter of an inch long for the wax to get a decent grip. So, let that stuff grow.

3. Go in clean: This is not like when you get a haircut, showing up with second or third day hair. Do both yourself and your waxer a favor, and hop in the shower pre-wax appointment.

4. Pop a pill: If it’s your first time getting a bikini wax or you have sensitive skin, take a pain reliever, like ibuprofen, before heading to your appointment. This will cut down on discomfort and help with swelling.

5. Skip the workout: Friction from exercise can cause irritation and breakouts on freshly waxed skin. If you ever needed an excuse to not workout, this is it. Give it a day or two before hitting the gym.

6. Stay out of the sun: Of course, you don’t want to go in for a waxing with a sunburn. Ouch! It’s equally as important to avoid sun exposure on freshly waxed skin. Keep this area covered if you plan to spend time in the sun for the next few days. And as always, use sunscreen anytime you’ll be beach or poolside.

7. Soothe and soften: Try using an all natural cream to soften skin and extend the smoothness of a wax. Roots Beauty recommends Love My Muff lotion to moisturize and calm irritated skin.

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6 Hot Skincare Picks That are Like a Day at the Beach

Liz Thompson — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 18:07:15 +0000

iStock/hannamonika

A day at the beach has a way of making skin look healthy, refreshed, and years younger. And we are not talking suntan, here. You know to use nontoxic mineral sunscreen daily. Now find out which skincare tips and products lend beachy elements you may be missing.

Whether you have daily access to the beach (lucky you!) or love to soak it up on vacation, you’ve noticed the lustrous effects a day at the shore has on skin. Salt water and humidity plump, smooth, soften, and make skin look perky and youthful. Even if you rarely see the ocean, you can still incorporate these skincare tips into your regular regimen.

Salt water gives hair those beachy waves we all crave. It also makes skin feels super soft and gives a healthy looking glow. Sea salt is added to skincare to cleanse, balance oil production, boost circulation, and ward off bacteria, making it a great ingredient for those with oily or acne prone skin. It draws toxins from the skin and makes an effective exfoliant for dry patches.

Another bonus of using sea salt in your skincare routine? It may help to prevent premature aging. Studies show that high levels of magnesium in sea salt are said to improve the skin barrier function and hydration, and reduce inflammation.

The second component to this powerful beachy one-two punch is humidity. Anyone who endures a cold weather climate winter knows how it saps skin of moisture. It doesn’t take much time spent sea-side to restore hydration and plumpness to skin.

Not near a humid climate just yet? Fake it ‘til you make it by giving your skin the humidity it craves. Facial steams are an easy and effective way to cleanse, detox, hydrate, smooth, and firm up the skin. Making this ritual a part of your weekly skincare plan is an indulgent way to a healthy complexion.

6 Products That Give You Beachy Skin

Enlist the help of these healthy skincare products and make your skin look like it’s had a day at the beach.

1. Earth Tu Face Dead Sea Salt Scrub: Exfoliate and hydrate with this purifying body scrub. Made with healthy oils to keep skin soft and supple. Use on elbows, feet, and anywhere that could use a good sloughing.

2. Osmia Organics Recovery Salt Bath: When your body feels sore, achy, or tired, give it a soak with these indulgent bath salts. French grey sea salt is coated with organic oils and combined with wild harvested lavender for a therapeutic bath.

3. Kypris Beauty Deep Forest Clay: This beauty treat uses clay, sea salt, and algae to detox, brighten, smooth, and hydrate skin. Great for congested or dry skin.

4. Osea Sea Mineral Mist: Use this convenient mist to revive a dull, dry complexion. Algae gives a youthful look to skin, aloe vera calms and softens, and sea salt improves elasticity. May be use to hydrate, calm sunburned or irritated skin, and as a setting spray.

5. Earth Tu Face Rosemary + Salt Lotion: Give dry skin a refreshing hit of moisture with this sea salt infused lotion. Aloe keeps soothes, while rosemary and peppermint add a zingy punch.

6. Skin Owl Beauty Steam: Nothing beats a good steam for clearing pores, softening built up sebum and dead skin cells, and boosting radiance. Use at least once per week as a prep for deep cleansing, treatments, and rich hydration.

*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.

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The One Beauty Product Absolutely Everyone Must Own

Liz Thompson — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 07:00:56 +0000

istock/dragonimages

Lower maintenance is always best when it comes to beauty, right? Not that you have to go makeup free or even as low key as the ‘no makeup’ look, but fast and efficient is never a bad thing. That’s why this one beauty product is sure to be your next big favorite.

Makeup and skincare sticks are the name of the game when it comes to quick, easy application and on-the-go essentials. They are easy to stow, fun to use, and come in pretty much any beauty staple you can dream up.

Spring is the perfect time to clear out your makeup kit, purchase a few new products to freshen up your look, and stock up on sunscreen. Find out which beauty sticks you must get ahold of now.

8 Best Beauty Sticks for Spring

1. Think it’s too early in the season to purchase sunscreen? It is important to protect yourself year-round to ward off UV damage and premature aging. If you’ve been neglecting this area of your beauty routine, time to go sunscreen shopping. A stick sunscreen, like Promise Organic SPF 30 Coconut Sunscreen Stick, is not only convenient to carry and use, but well-suited for use on the face. Pack in your bag and swipe on nose, cheeks, forehead and lips if you find yourself having lunch outdoors this spring or end up taking a stroll through the park.

2. We love what highlighter does to skin … brightens and gives instant glow! But most of us use this beauty product once a day and don’t take a pot of cream highlighter along for the ride. What if you could apply highlighter whenever you wanted without getting fingers messy? Dream come true! W3LL People Bio Brightener Stick does all of those things. The perfect way to perk up midday or as an after work refresher. See if it’s at a Target near you.

3. A new pimple cropped up while you were sleeping. You treat the little rascal, then get on with your day. Only to find it’s returned over lunch break. If only you had a portable zit zapping stick on you to nix that nasty blemish on the go. Indie Lee Blemish Stick is a convenient combo of zinc, witch hazel, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid that goes on clear and helps to disintegrate zits. Yes, please!

4. Cream eyeshadow is another one of those beauty products best applied at home. Until Ilia Silken Shadow Sticks came about, that is. Smooth, velvety color for lids in six slightly metallic shades. Great for touch ups while you’re out.

5. For hydrating and smoothing skin anywhere, anytime, pick up Earth Tu Face Skin Stick. Made with olive oil, vitamin E, and flower oils, this baby is gentle enough for face, lips, and body.

6. Give the skin a revitalized look and natural glow with Vapour Organics Aura Multi-Use Blush stick. Can be used on cheeks, lips, and eyes, and comes in a super wide range of hues. Try Charm, Whisper, or Spark for spring.

7. Suntegrity Lip C.P.R. SPF 30 has it all. It softens and smooths lips, repairs damage due to dryness, offers a wide selection of pretty colors (try Sunrise Peach or Fuchsia Flare for spring!), and has mineral SPF. A practically perfect beauty product.

8. Ilia Beauty Balmy Rays Lip Conditioner SPF 15 gives soothing protection to lips, great for upcoming sunny days. Made with healthy oils — sunflower, avocado, and jasmine — for a super soft pucker.

*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.

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Yasss! W3LL People Natural Makeup Line Launches in Target

Liz Thompson — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 08:00:31 +0000

Good ol’ Target is making strides to do its best in beauty and wellness. The most recent addition of W3LL People makeup, including some the brand’s new products, is another added bonus to a store that keeps getting better and better.

The popular super store works toward sustainability and energy efficiency, and sets new goals each year at the Target Sustainability Forum. It is also making an effort to clean up its beauty aisles by requesting that manufacturers remove some of the most toxic cosmetic ingredients from products by 2020. This nudge by the retailing giant will likely create a higher demand for transparency in labeling and safe ingredients in a great number of beauty, baby care, personal care, and household cleaning products.

As the store works its way into cleaner products, the cropping up of favorite green beauty brands on Target shelves is a welcome sight. On your next shopping trip you may encounter organic beauty favorite, W3LL People, along with the brand’s latest products.

W3LL People launched earlier this week in select stores across the country. Not only does this keep us green beauty gals ultra happy, but introduces high performance natural makeup to those who’ve yet to try it. A great way to get started with clean beauty.

W3LL People New Makeup Products Launched in Target

Now, for those new products we talked about: All of W3LL People’s products are nontoxic and work like a dream. But anytime there are new items added to an already great line, it’s a good thing.

Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer with SPF30 $28.99

The first thing I love about this product is the color. It is so natural looking and works into skin fabulously. I don’t love foundation, so usually opt for a tinted moisturizer because they feel lighter, are easier to apply, and look more natural on my skin. This one does not disappoint. Secondly, it is not at all greasy, so no problem wearing your facial oil or serum underneath. And there is the added benefit of mineral sunscreen to protect your lovely skin. Made with healthy oils, organic botanicals, and a bio-peptide complex to hydrate, smooth, and brighten the complexion.

Expressionist Liquid Eyeliner $17.99

W3LL People’s first liquid liner delivers super rich, intense color and is so much fun to apply. The smudge-proof formula doesn’t smear or flake, no small feat for eye makeup, and the precision tip means you can draw on a fine line or go for a wider application. This liner is even quick drying and water resistant, so feel free to wear wherever you go. New to liquid liner? Take a look at these application tips to get started.

Natural Contour and Highlight Duo $24.99

Is contouring dead? Not if you do it the right way. Yes, there are still plenty of women sporting the overly contoured look. I’ll admit, I was a bit reluctant to try the darker color in this duo when it first arrived. I’m now actually using it every day and loving it. As W3LL People advises, you apply the darker contouring shade to the contour of cheeks, temples, sides of nose, and jawline. The key is to use a light touch and blend the shade into skin, not create severe lines.

Here is how I use the duo. I apply the darker shade where the face normally gets a tan … cheekbones, top edge of forehead, and bridge of nose. I’m no stranger to highlighter, and love to apply it where light naturally hits the face … bridge of nose (I apply over the contouring shade), just above cheekbones, top edge of forehead, and cupid’s bow. This is a serious must-try product and will also look fabulous once summertime rolls around.

Other new items to the W3LL People makeup line are Nudist Multi-Use Color Duo, Bio Brightener Invisible Powder, and Bio Extreme Lipgloss in Candy Apple Red. All products are vegan and cruelty-free. To get in on a chance to win a $500 Target shopping spree, follow W3LL People on Instagram and watch for the contest announcement and guidelines. A winner will be selected on March 3rd. Good luck!

Image via W3LL People.

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How to Shop the New Nordstrom Natural Beauty Outposts

Liz Thompson — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 08:00:34 +0000

iStock/sanjeri

Any natural beauty enthusiast has dreamed of walking into a department store and seeing a whole counter dedicated to natural beauty. This wish has come true with Nordstrom Natural Beauty Outposts opening in select stores.

Once upon a time we were left with a selection of the most basic natural items or, worse, pseudo naturals when shopping larger retailers. Well, leave it to department store rockstar, Nordstrom, to be the first to offer not one or two, but a sexy, solid variety of natural beauty products in-store. Starting this year, Nordstrom Natural Beauty Outposts will be popping up in select California stores.

Demand for natural beauty has grown exponentially in the past few years. Organic skincare sales clocked in at more than $3 billion in 2015 and are predicted to reach $13 billion by 2018. While millennials make up the largest portion of women shopping for natural beauty, almost half of women say they are interested in purchasing organic beauty items.

To meet the increasing demand for safer products, Nordstrom shoppers can now shop natural beauty in-store. Wondering what you’ll find at the Nordstrom Natural Beauty Outposts? The likes of Tata Harper, Odacité, Kypris, and Herbivore Botanicals.

Our Favorite Picks From Nordstrom Natural Beauty Outposts

1. Herbivore Botanicals Brighten Pineapple Enzyme + Gemstone Instant Glow Mask

Fruit enzymes are the gentlest way to go about getting your glow on. Brazilian white tourmaline gemstone brightens skin, rice powder softens, and rose water tones and calms. Use weekly for a healthy, gorgeous complexion.

2. Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Facial Oil

Searching for your new favorite facial oil? Look no further, this is it! Blue tansy and squalene moisturize, while toning down redness and inflammation. Jasmine sambac oil improves elasticity and tone.

3. Kypris Pot of Shade Heliotropic Treatment Primer SPF 30

Skin primer and mineral sun protection in one. Sweet iris stem cells plump up skin, tamanu and sunflower oils hydrate, and algae softens and soothes. A daily must have.

4. Kypris Cleanser Concentrate

Everyone needs an oil cleanser in their beauty kit. It is simply the best at removing makeup and gives a gentle clean, perfect for all skin types. This beauty contains baobab oil, great for keeping pores clear and giving skin a youthful look.

5. Odacité Pf + O Passion Fruit-Orange Dull Skin Facial Serum Concentrate

We could all use a bit of dullness relief right about now. Use this concentrated serum, either on its own or added to your daily moisturizer, to restore radiance and support skin. Passionfruit boosts glow, while orange oil firms and tones.

6. Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil

Keep skin soft and supple with this fast absorbing oil blend. Improves skin’s elasticity while it moisturizes.

7. Tata Harper Aromatic Irritability Treatment

Get your nerves under control with this little rollerball aromatherapy. Small but mighty, this baby packs a powerful punch with potent essential oils. Carry one with you to relieve stress on the go.

Topanga, Del Amo Fashion Center, Santa Anita, The Grove, and Santa Monica Place locations will include the outposts as of January 12, 2017. Not in CA? No problem! You can shop Nordstrom’s natural beauty online.

*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.

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7 Post-Holiday Organic Beauty Products to Make You Feel So Good

Liz Thompson — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 18:29:57 +0000

istock/sanneberg

We have our daily beauty essentials. Then there are the occasional use items. But don’t forget about organic beauty products that pamper, soothe, and revitalize. Just what you need to kick off a brand new year.

How many products in your beauty cabinet are designed specifically to make you feel good? No must-haves or items to treat specific skin issues. We are talking those that rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit–all at once.

If the answer is none, we need to talk. Yes, there is absolutely a place in your regimen for pleasure products. Like making time for meditation, getting a massage, or fitting in your morning workout (when you know you should get to work), feel good organic beauty products are important. And what better time to take them for a test run that after the festivities frenzy?

The holidays can put a drain on more than your wallet. Skin takes a hit from too much junk food, spirits, late nights, and (we mustn’t forget) stress. Let’s get you back in fighting form with some luxe, indulgent organic beauty that’ll give you all the feels.

7 Feel Good Organic Beauty Products

1. 100% Pure Green Tea Water Bomb Mask

Moisture mask: Dehydration causes an array of skin problems. It’s responsible for dryness, flakiness, redness, irritation, sagging, wrinkling, and pallor. Yikes! A hydrating infusion comes to the rescue with this super skin pampering (and fun to use) sheet mask. Green tea tones down inflammation and protects the skin, while aloe delivers soothing moisture. Guess you’ll just have to lie down and flip on some Netflix while this mask does its job.

2. Lake & Skye Jasmine Floral Water

Yes, facial mists do beautiful things to skin. But this delightful jasmine hydrosol also holds antidepressant and aphrodisiac qualities. Need we say more?

3. Elderflower Farmacy Beauty Butter

Not your ordinary body cream, this whipped up treat melts into skin and smells delicious. Mango butter has a luxe feel and this dreamy moisturizer also contains skin healing honey. A thick, rich butter that magically disappears when applied. All it leaves behind is supple skin and a yummy scent.

4. Tata Harper Soothing Muscle Gel

Tension and fatigue make for sore, stiff muscles. If you are struggling with post-holiday neck, shoulder, or back pain, this gel will relieve discomfort, cool, and hydrate all at once. Arnica, nature’s salve, is used along with refreshing citrus oils and spicy essential oils. Tough on aches, gentle on skin.

5. Deep Steep Candy Mint Foot Stick

Have you ever used a minty foot cooler? It’s amazing how soothing your feet makes the rest of you feel good, too. This handy stick contains refreshing peppermint leaf extract to revitalize tired peds. Healing oils soften skin, too. A refreshing treat for tired tootsies.

6. Province Apothecary Sleep Well Therapeutic Roll On

Sometimes it is difficult to drift off, even when you are totally tired. Ensure a good night’s rest with this small but mighty roll-on, featuring soothing essential oils. Great for banishing anxiety, take it with you to help ease back into the weekly grind.

7. Yuni Body Balance Aroma Concentrate

We all work to live in the moment. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could, like, rub something on your skin for instant centering and clarity? This little beauty is a blend of select essential oils that help to kick distractions to the curb and reconnect you with the now. Everyone needs one of these.

*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.

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Why Yes, You do Need Sun Protection in Winter

Liz Thompson — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 08:00:23 +0000

istock/Eva-Katalin

Is your sunscreen currently hiding behind winter skin balms and healing hand lotions? It may not seem like a winter skincare necessity, but it is important to use sun protection on your skin year-round. Including dark, chilly winter months.

If you haven’t used sunscreen since the last days of fall (ok, summer) it’s time to bust that stuff back out. Skin is not exempt from the damaging effects of UV rays just because it’s cold outside.

We’ve talked about the difference between UVA and UVB rays here before, but here’s a breakdown: UVA rays can cause skin cancer, sagging skin, and wrinkles. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. Obviously, our skin is still susceptible to these consequences no matter what the temp.

If you doubt UV damage is a thing in winter, research backs it up. A study by Australian researchers published in 2013 proved that sunscreen helps to prevent photoaging – the process that creates loss of skin elasticity, wrinkling, and dark spots. Participants who applied SPF 15+ three to four days each week showed less skin aging after four and a half years than those who used sunscreen irregularly.

Since we all try to avoid the dreaded skin aging for as long as possible, be sure you add sun protection to your winter skincare routine. And not just any sunscreen, but products made with natural mineral sun protection and healthy ingredients. Here are the best sunscreen products for the season.

Best Sun Protection for Winter Skin

Tinted Moisturizer: A tinted moisturizer with sunscreen is an essential wintertime beauty hero. This multi-tasker handles moisture, coverage, and UV protection in one. Try Lily Lolo BB Cream for a radiant look with SPF 15 protection that includes anti-aging ingredients. Comes in three natural shades.

Facial Powder: Dust a layer of facial powder with sunscreen over your makeup for added protection. Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation creates a soft, smooth finish with SPF 15. Choose from a wide range of colors.

Facial Moisturizer: Hynt Beauty Sun Prep is moisturizer, primer, and sun protection in one product. Put down as a non-greasy base layer prior to applying foundation for a flawless look that keeps skin healthy.

Skin Hydrator: For added moisture with sunscreen, that is also customizable, turn to Kari Gran Three Sixty Five SPF 28. Made with red raspberry seed oil, which has natural sun protective properties, this blend is gentle on skin. Try mixing with mineral powder for a made-to-order foundation.

*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.

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Cosmetics for Black Women are Way More Toxic than the Rest

Liz Thompson — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 09:00:53 +0000

iStock/MesquitaFMS

Clean beauty is becoming more mainstream, and convenient, by the day. But are some women particularly disadvantaged in the beauty department? It appears cosmetics marketed to Black women are coming up more toxic than the rest.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), the nonprofit organization working to uncover toxins in cosmetics, recently added more than 1,000 products marketed to Black women to its Skin Deep database, an online resource that ranks products on a low to high hazard scale. The report included an analysis of ingredients in 1,177 personal care products and cosmetics for Black women, around one in twelve of which received a “highly hazardous” rank.

According to the report, less than one-fourth of the products analyzed scored low in potentially hazardous ingredients. Compared to the nearly 40 percent of products listed in Skin Deep marketed to the general public, this suggests a major lack of healthy products available to Black women. And since Black women appear to use more cosmetic products, this significantly ups exposure to dangerous ingredients.

The most toxic products analyzed in this study are hair relaxers, hair color, and bleaching products, all ranked as high potential hazard. Since these types of products generally require multiple steps, exposure to hazardous chemicals goes up again. In categories of concealer, foundation, lipstick, and makeup with SPF, none received a rank of “low hazard”.

via EWG Skin Deep®

Main ingredients of concern showing up in these products are parabens, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, and fragrance. Parabens are commonly used preservatives with links to hormonal disruption and fetal impairment. Formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, like those used in hair relaxers, are shown to increase the risk of developing cancer. And synthetic fragrance ingredients have been associated with cancer, asthma, headaches, dizziness, eye and skin irritation, and hormonal disruption.

With an astounding 78 percent of beauty products designed for Black women scoring a moderate to high hazard rank, there is reason to opt for healthy alternatives to many of the products listed in the EWG report.

Yarok Feed Your Moisture Shampoo is super gentle and designed for curly hair. Use Feed Your Moisture Conditioner to tame curls and frizz.

St. Tropica Organic Coconut Oil Hair Mask is the best solution to treating dry, damaged, or unruly locks. It infuses hair with rich moisture and gives a lustrous shine.

Gressa Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation offers tone balancing coverage in a wide selection of hues. Like serum and foundation in one.

One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser is suited to all skin types. Gives a clean feel without stripping skin.

Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30 is a lightweight facial moisturizer with UV protection. Perfect for daytime use.

Acure Organics Ultra-Hydrating Body Wash contains argan oil to moisturize while it cleans. Follow up with Nourishing Body Lotion for smooth, soft skin.

Soapwalla Original Deodorant Cream is the best of the best in absorbing wetness and keeping you fresh all day. Completely natural and freshly scented.

RMS Beauty Lip & Skin Balm is a must in every girl’s beauty kit. It not only keeps your pucker healthy but can be used to treat dry, cracked skin too.

*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.

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Experience the Best Clean Beauty Samples Delivered to Your Door

Liz Thompson — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 09:00:27 +0000

iStock/PeopleImages

Know what’s more fun than splurging on a bunch of brilliant natural beauty products? Sampling them first! Credo brings the best clean beauty to your door in its first ever Discovery Kit.

There are so many amazing clean beauty stores, both online and stop-in shops. Credo is one such shop that offers the best of the best in natural and organic beauty. And it just got even better by delivering a sampling of those products we all want to try.

We are talking big green beauty brands, like Tata Harper and De Mamiel. I was lucky enough to try out the first Credo Clean Beauty Discovery Kit and would love to share my experience with you.

What’s in the First Ever Credo Clean Beauty Discovery Kit

The cute kit arrived in a handy canvas travel bag, perfect for toting your beauties along on your next stay away from home. Or throw it in your bag for midday freshen-ups. It contains seven items for skin, hair, and body. All from brands you’ve been itching to get your hands on.

De Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm: We’ve talked about cleansing balms and how they work wonders at removing makeup and keeping skin soft. De Mamiel is a UK brand based on ancient Chinese medicine to infuse skin with the healthiest ingredients and lots of good energy. Restorative Cleansing Balm is made with rich oils and butters that clear away dirt and debris, and soothing oils to keep skin feeling supple and balanced. The balm has a light, fresh scent that I love and my skin feels soft and smooth after using, not slippery or greasy. This item is a winter skincare must-have. Perfect for those with dry skin.

Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream: When I think of Pai, I think super gentle. When people ask for a line that suits very sensitive skin, this is the one I offer up. And this facial cream totally fits that profile. Rich and smooth, it offers a boost of hydration but seems to evaporate straight into skin. A thick cream that doesn’t leave behind an oily feel is difficult to come by but this one does just that. And my skin feels so baby soft after using, perfect under makeup. Calming Day Cream contains apricot and jojoba oils (two that are especially good at softening skin) along with a dose of rosehip for anti-aging benefits.

Skin Owl Eye+: I couldn’t test this product out due to an aloe allergy but so wish I could. This gel type eye treatment contains a wealth of natural ingredients for eye area issues. Cucumber soothes and cools, hyaluronic acids smooths, and licorice tightens. But this product includes another ingredient you don’t often come across: periwinkle. It is great for reducing inflammation. One lucky friend is going to score themselves this beauty of a sample.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask: We love anything Tata and this mask is a favorite. Fruit extracts and fermented ingredients work to slough away dry, dead skin cells, while French pink clay refines the complexion. This is your go-to product for instantly gorgeous skin. Keep handy for date night, holiday parties, or whenever your skin is in need of refreshment.

Evolvh UltraShine Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner: How many organic hair care lines have you tried, only to be disappointed? I’d heard good things about this brand and was excited to see it included in the kit. It leaves my fine hair soft and easy to comb through, and these products smell fantastic. One note on ingredients. You will notice the shampoo contains disodium sulfosuccinate and the conditioner contains stearylkonium chloride. These are surfactants and a preservative, and are considered safe in lower amounts and in rinse-off products. They won’t make any clean beauty ingredient lists but as those of you with finicky hair know, a completely natural hair care products sometimes won’t do the trick. I will likely use these in the future on a semi-regular basis just because I love the way they make my hair look and feel.

Lovefresh Grapefruit Deodorant: These sweet little deods have been on everyone’s radar this year. Deodorant seems to work best if you rotate between a few brands regularly. Since I had never tried a Lovefresh deodorant I was glad to give this one a go. The citrus scent is balanced with the right amount of other essential oils to keep it super fresh and light. This deodorant kept me smelling fresh for most of the day. As for warding off wetness, not so much, but I’ll definitely use on less active days.

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