The easiest way to add brilliance to your New Year’s Eve outfit is to accessorize with sparkly (sustainable) jewelry.

I don’t care where I spend New Year’s Eve as long as I am surrounded by people I love, don’t have to make resolutions I cannot keep and get to wear something with some serious shine and sparkle. Here are our top fashion picks for a sparkly New Year’s Eve.

African Cactus Quartz Pendant Necklace
This gorgeous African Cactus Quartz pendant necklace by Mineralogy hangs elegantly from a vintage brass chain that measures 15 inches long. It will add some subtle sparkle to your outfit without becoming overpowering.
$70, Workshop

White CZ Ring by Kevia
This classic yet unusual ring features a faceted white cubic zirconia stone surrounded by 15 flush white cubic zirconias. The hammered band is made from 22k gold vermeil and is adjustable. You may find it exciting to know that Oprah has one.
$188, Olivine

Recycled Diamond Necklace
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Smile inducing and budget friendly, this recycled necklace stylishly comments on the conflict-heavy diamond industry. Made of recycled 14K gold overlay, it’s handcrafted in California by designer Kris Nations.
$39, BTC Elements

Lulu Frost G&S Mezze Necklace
Lulu Frost is something of the master of sustainably made statement jewelry. This piece, from the Modern Vintage collection is made from vintage rhinestones, gold and silver chains. Pair it with a simple dress and you’re center stage stunning.
$385, Lulu Frost

Metronome Bracelet by DLC Brooklyn
The beauty of this mixed ball chain bracelet is the simplicity of the three knots. Made in New York from nine vintage chains of various sizes in silver, brass, hematite and gold plate. Maybe sometimes a bracelet is all you need but if you feel you need more, a matching necklace is available as well.
$155, Green With Glamour

Carole Tanenbaum for Atelier-Mayer 1950s Rhinestone Necklace
Be the belle of the ball in this amazing statement piece. Wear it with a strapless gown and keep accessories minimal to let this really be the center of attention. Carole Tanenbaum started dealing in vintage costume jewelery 20 years ago. Her trained and critical eye helped her to cultivate a stellar collection of over 20,000 pieces, which includes pieces from designers like Dior, Chanel, Lanvin and Sherman. Every piece is hand selected with an eye for design, creativity, strength and exceptional workmanship.
Roughly $2890, Atelier-Mayer

Lulu Frost 100 Year Necklace
This necklace is truly one of a kind. Made entirely of vintage jewelry, it spans a century with elements from 1860-1960. This means that each necklace will vary, and you can be sure nobody will be wearing the same thing to the party.
$1925, Lulu Frost

The post On Trend: Shine & Sparkle appeared first on EcoSalon.

Since it is summer time, many of us carefully apply our makeup, step outside, and then have it instantly melt in a Joker mask of heat and humidity. Sure, there may be worse problems in the world, but we’re also allowed to be annoyed when our forehead’s oil slick gets in the way of a fun summer evening. I mean, does shiny go with our Feral Childe pleated tee dress? I don’t think so!

Luckily, there is a natural product that can assist in the battle of the shine – while nicely fitting into our handbags. Facial blotting papers by Jane Iredale are all-natural blotting papers made from organic flax seed. They come in a fashionable gold container (which can be recycled), and are designed to absorb oil, minimize pores, and give your skin a less olive oil/more matte look. And they are 100 percent natural.

Acknowledging that a paper-esque product probably isn’t the greenest item – after all, you do throw away your used slips – these aren’t a bad eco-solution. The company does offer paper refills for the container. And the use of flax seed goes back to ancient Egypt. Not to mention, Canada leads the world in their production – and what evil has ever come out of Canada?

Canadian love aside, how do the blotting papers work? Waiting until I was all greased up – see how much I love you, EcoSalon readers? – I commenced blotting. The papers worked well so well that they stuck to my forehead. Who knew my skin was such a factory of oil? I seriously feel like I should recycle the papers as candle wicks. Did they work to cut shine and give my skin a more matte look? Yes, yes they did. Will I remember to put the papers in my handbag and carry them around? No, no probably not.

Finally, if you want to combat oily summer skin pre-makeup – here’s a fun toner you can make at home. The Blushing Rose Vodka Toner (courtesy of Return to Beauty by Narine Nikogosian, you can buy the book here) is a strong, anti-bacterial combination that calms your skin. Take three tablespoons of chopped rose petals, ½ cup vodka, and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Combine the petals, vodka and lemon juice. Set aside for 24 hours, refrigerate for one week. Shake then strain. Using a clean cotton ball, swipe all over your face!

Image: jeannejo

The post Battle of the Summer Shine: Natural Blotting Papers Step In appeared first on EcoSalon.