Less Toxic Beauty

The End is Here

2008-11-24T16:47:00.003-05:00

I have truly enjoyed writing this blog for the past 11 months, but all good things must come to an end. Living in Detroit and having a husband in the automotive industry has finally caught up to me. While the rest of the country has been steadily on the decline in the past few months, the decline of Detroit has been real for the past several years. With that being said, I regretfully have to say my days of shopping have been numbered and my days of saving have begun. I have this URL until the end of December and will try to add a few more posts before then, but I just just wanted my loyal readers to be aware that I am closing shop coming the end of December. I want to thank everyone for your comments, input and concern and I hope everyone continues to remain inspired to stay "green", read labels and live the healthiest life you can live- spiritually, mentally and of course, physically.

Take Care,
Peace,

Julie

Boosts the Immune Function of Skin...and Controls Shine

2008-11-06T20:55:00.006-05:00

There's nothing better to calm down oily skin than a clay mask. For some reason, the clay just soaks that oil right up. For the past 2 weeks I've been using Brittanie's Thyme French Green Clay with White Tea Mask twice a week and what a difference it's made to the shine on my face. This product is gentle, not irritating, not drying and it doesn't cause redness. I originally wanted to try this for the shine effect but after doing research, I have found that "ingredients in white tea are effective in boosting the immune function of skin cells and protecting them against the damaging effects of the sun." "White tea extract protects the skin from oxidative stress and immune cell damage adds another important element in the battle against skin cancer." If you've read the post on my family history of skin cancer and my sunburn history you know how this interests me and how important this discovery is to me, so I have to say, this product rocks in performance but the protective effects of the White tea excite me even more. 4 out of 4 stars for performance and price.
**Brittanie's Thyme LLC products are currently being considered for USDA organic certification and all products are 95% organic or higher.
*Brittanie's Thyme is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 0 on the EWG scale. (all 20 Brittanie's Thyme products score a 0 or a 1 on the EWG scale).
*The Brittanie's Thyme website is: http://www.brittaniesthyme.com/.
*This product is $6.00 for a 40ml tube of this powdered product. (To be mixed with water when ready to apply).

An Oasis For My Chapped Lips

2008-10-28T20:43:00.003-04:00

Tis the season....for chapped lips that is. It's only October and my lips are already drier than the Sarah Desert in July. I've never been a fan of Chapstick because no matter what flavor it is, they all make me gag, not to mention, you know me and my make up fetish, we all know I need to have a little color on my lips even if i'm just running to the gas station. In looking for moisture and color in an all natural product, I easily found Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer (I chose the shade Papaya)at my local CVS. This product is perfect, it smells like peppermint and it gives my lips that medicated "tingle" so I know it's doing its part in healing the dried skin on my face that I call lips. The color is a nice stain to my lips and it lasts from morning until lunchtime, after lunch I usually have to re-apply it and that will last about 4 hours until I leave work. For $4.99 I just can't beat it. 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value.
*Burt's Bees is a Compact For Safe Cosmetics Signer which means "The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics — of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing."
*All color's of the Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer score a 3 on the EWG/ Skin Deep Scale.
*The Burt's Bees website is www.burtsbees.com
*This tube was $4.99 at CVS.

Forever Young

2008-10-19T10:21:00.005-04:00

Do you want your skin to glow? Do you want to look like you just had a facial or a really expensive trip to the dermatologist for a little "work"? Well, I have found the perfect anti aging product that works in 5 minutes and costs next to nothing. I have been using Healing-Scents Exfoliating Facial Peel 3 to 4 days per month (per the directions, not to be used more than once a week)and my skin just glows... and the best part, it's quick and easy and somewhat painless. This product comes in liquid form and because it's a liquid, it's easy to apply a thin coat with your fingers. The best part is, it dries in about 5 minutes. 5 minutes once a week to great looking skin....that's it. The downside, I would not recommend this product if you have really sensitive skin, it contains citric acid, lactic acid, witch hazel, etc. so it does cause redness and a bit of irritation. I would also suggest using this product on the weekend, not on a work day because your face will be red for a good half hour after rinsing it off, but once the redness dissipates and the glow kicks in, you will be hooked. 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value.
*Healing Scents is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 2 in the EWG database.
*The Healing Scents website is: http://www.healing-scents.com/.
I paid $5.95 for a 1/2 oz jar.(Much cheaper than a facial or a visit to the Dermo).

Citrusy Soft

2008-10-15T07:53:00.006-04:00

For the past couple of weeks, I've been using Brittanie's Thyme Organic Citrus Facial Cleanser. This product is made with all of four non toxic ingredients you would find in your local health food store (aloe gel, jojoba oil, vegetable glycerine and essential oils) and is "free of chemical additives such as parabens and other harmful agents."
Thanks to the organic aloe gel and jojoba oil, this liquid cleanser really softens my skin without making it super oily or causing blemishes. My skin has been really soft, yet clear.
I always use a toner on my skin after washing my face to see if the cleanser I'm using really gets out the dirt, grime and makeup and I've noticed on the days where I am wearing light makeup, my skin feels super clean after using this product, but on the days when I have that "full face" of makeup on, (yesterday for example) I had to use extra toner because this mild cleanser just doesn't seem to get every last ounce of foundation and powder off of my skin.
Basically what I'm saying is...this is a great gentle product, non toxic to me and the environment. It's great for dry or oily skin and really does it's job for the most part. If you are a Vegas showgirl or on TV and always wear tons of makeup, just be sure to use a little extra toner just in case....3 out fo 4 stars for performance and value.
**Brittanie's Thyme LLC products are currently being considered for USDA organic certification and all products are 95% organic or higher.
*Brittanie's Thyme is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 1 on the EWG scale. (all 20 Brittanie's Thyme products score a 0 or a 1 on the EWG scale).
*The Brittanie's Thyme website is: http://www.brittaniesthyme.com/.
*This product is $12.00 for a 4 oz pump bottle.

Just in time for the cold and flu season, get $1.50 off Cold Comfort Crystals now through October 31, 2008.

It's About Thyme

2008-10-06T08:51:00.005-04:00

Who needs chemicals and petroleum based products to make your hair sleek and smooth? For the past several days I have been using Brittanie's Thyme Organic Hair Silk...and I'm loving it. Used on wet hair this product helps to smooth and protect my hair while blow drying. Used on dry hair, it makes my hair silky and smooth every time. This product is made with organic oils (just 2-3 drops will do you) and nothing else...no chemicals, no mineral oil, nothing irritating to you or the environment. I also love the delicious lavender scent which helps brighten my didn't want to get out of my cozy bed, morning mood. I've finally found the "perfect' leave in conditioner/hair serum I've been looking for- at no cost to the environment. 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value.
**Brittanie's Thyme LLC products are currently being considered for USDA organic certification and all products are 95% organic or higher.
*Brittanie's Thyme is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 1 on the EWG scale. (all 20 Brittanie's Thyme products score a 0 or a 1 on the EWG scale).
*The Brittanie's Thyme website is: http://www.brittaniesthyme.com/.
*This product is $7.50 for a 1 oz pump bottle.

Sweat Happens...Fight It Naturally

2008-09-30T08:19:00.010-04:00

Not that I'm usually a sweathog or anything, but sometimes, no matter who you are, sweat happens...and when it does, you just have to hope and pray that those evil little sweaty bacteria guys don't cause a stink.
I guess I chose poorly when I decided to try the Weleda Sage Deodorant (the other choices are Citrus or Wild Rose) because the sage is a tad on the masculine side for me. The other problem is, the scent dissipates quickly...I go from highly scented to no scent at all in about a half hour....If I wanted no scent, I would have chosen unscented deodorant.
On the other hand, I have yet to stink. This aluminum and phalate free deodorant really keeps the bacteria at bay. Per the package "Natural essential oils of Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, and Thyme, along with the extract of Licorice Root, prevent and neutralize unpleasant body odors caused by bacterial action", and trust me, it works for a full 24 hours if not longer.
I also like that this pump spray is packaged in a recyclable glass bottle, (remember it takes petroleum to make plastic), so I have to give kudos to that.
I do notice a few seconds of sting if applied right after I shave, but really after a few seconds, it's gone. All in all, I like this product and am going to have to give it 3 out of 4 stars for performance and 4 out of 4 stars for value.
*Weleda is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product either scores a 1 or a 2 on the EWG scale. Per the EWG site the WELEDA DEODORANT-SAGE SPRAY scores a 2 and the WELEDA SAGE DEODORANT scores a 1...I have no idea what the difference is between the two, maybe one is an older formula?
*The Weleda website is: http://www.weleda.com/index.php?id=85&L=1
*I paid $10.99 for a 3.4 oz pump spray bottle at Whole Foods, however, this is a huge bottle and should last me several months.

She Just Gets Me

2008-09-21T21:11:00.005-04:00

Samantha, you just get me....you know what I like in a skin product and you seem to know how to make me happy. For the past couple of weeks I have been using Samantharoma facial soap with calendula, not only on my oily face, but I've also been using it to moisturize the dry skin on the rest of my body. When used on my face, it doesn't clog my pores or cause blemishes. When used on the rest of me, it moisturizes the skin all over my body, thanks to the olive, coconut, palm & castor oils along with shea butter. This soap is unscented so there perfumy after scent..it just leaves my skin, soft, smooth and clean. This product is just pure and natural; chemical and toxin free... just how I like it. I may not be psychic, but I would bet if you tried this product, you would realize that Samantha gets you too. 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value.
*Samantharoma is a Compact for Safe Cosmetics signer, which means "The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics — of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 1 on the EWG/ Skin Deep website.
*The Samantharoma website is: http://samantharoma.com/home.htm.
*This product is $6.00 for a 4 oz bar of soap which last quite a while, it's been 2 weeks and I've barely made a dent .

*Samantha is participating in the Komen Lowcountry Race For The Cure in memory of her mother who lost her fight to breast cancer 15 years ago. If you would like to donate to a worthy cause, please copy and paste the link below.
http://race.komenlowcountry.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1151761&pg=personal&fr_id=1030&et=-5exoasy5FQHx0DVqauB6w..&s_tafId=3582"

Mmm Good

2008-09-14T19:23:00.005-04:00

Mmm Good, may be the slogan for Campbell's Soup, but that's exactly what I have to say about Tom's of Maine Natural antiplaque plus whitening gel (I got the spearmint)- it really is Mmm Godd! Not only is this gel delicious and minty fresh, but it leaves my teeth slick all the while keeping the plaque from forming for several hours after I use it. Normally when I eat junk or drink wine I can feel the fuzzies forming on my teeth almost immediately, but not this time. I had a party the other night and ate a few too many cookies, a few too many brownies, and one too many glasses of wine, but I swear, my teeth really felt clean even after all of that junk. I'm an absolute believer that the antiplaque properties of xylitol really work. This product contains no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives (it does contain sodium lauryl sulfate) or animal ingredients (you can't say that about Colgate or Crest, check out the animal ingredients in their products). The antiplaque properties are all natural and really do the trick to keep my mouth fresh, literally all day.
I give this product 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value.
*Tom's of Maine is not a Compact for Safe Cosmetics signer.
*This product is a 2 on the EWG/ Skin Deep scale.
*The Tom's website is: www.tomsofmaine.com
*I paid $4.49 for a 5.5 oz tube.

Just Plain Irritating

2008-09-08T09:31:00.005-04:00

This my friends, is a strange product. Have you ever heard of a conditioner that you mix with water? Well, Dr. Bronner's Citrus Conditioning Hair Rinse does just that. Per the directions, you "Stir 1-2 capfuls of this rinse into a cup of water, close eyes and slowly pour while massaging into hair. Keep hand combing hair feels entirely sleek (~30 seconds. Rinse out well. Repeat if necessary in extra hard water conditions or with longer hair."
As far as I'm concerned, who has the time to do all that?? I tried to use it per directions but I have to tell you: after bringing in a squirt bottle into the shower and mixing this product with water and combing my hair whole doing all of this... this was a lot of effort for my hair to not feel conditioned or sleek. I then decided to cheat and just throw a dollop of this product on my hair while sticking my head under the running shower water to continue adding water, I kept combing and combing and you know what....My hair STILL didn't feel the least bit conditioned or sleek. No matter how I use this product, my hair just didn't feel good.
I also noticed every time I got a drop of this full strength product on my skin, like the back of my neck, it burned like crazy (hence the reason they tell you to dilute with water I am assuming). So I decided to read the label to figure out if there are any warnings about irritation and saw it: "Concentrated Keep rinse out of eyes and wash out with water. Consult a physician if irritation persists. The lemon juice may slightly sting abrasions of the scalp & skin but goes away with rinsing." OUCH!!
I'm all for organic, non toxic and non synthetic, but this product just didn't do it for me in the least. This product is irritating to skin, and considering my short hair still felt tangled, I can't even imagine how long hair would feel after using this product. I'm sorry Dr. Bronner but I have to give this product 1 out of 4 stars for performance and value. I just didn't like anything about it.
*Dr. Bronner's is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*Per the EWG website, this product scores a 1 on the EWG scale.
*The Dr. Bronner's website is: http://www.drbronner.com/
*I paid $9.99 for an 8 oz bottle. *If you purchase $20 worth of products from the Dr. Bronner's website they offer free shipping.

Dirt and Grime Have Met Their Maker

2008-08-31T11:30:00.007-04:00

I have to admit, when it's hot and humid outside like it's been this summer, I don't always wear my "full face" of make up. I may just throw on a little powder and mascara and call it a day, but even so my skin does get dirty and grimy from the heat and sweat. For the past month I have been using Encoura Facial Toner Calendula Orange Blossom and after a little getting used to, I like it quite a bit. "The base of Encoura’s Facial Toner is aloe juice infused with botanicals and essential oils" and it is truly gentle on my sensitive skin without drying it out. I also enjoy the mild citrus scent. Because there is no witch hazel or alcohol, I have to use a bit more of this product than the usual alcohol based toner (which cleans my face with one swipe), but in the name of being less toxic, I'm ok that. I may have to use a bit more than I am used to, but my skin looks good, I have no blemishes and I know I am supporting a company that believes in pure, natural and safe products. I give this product 3 out of 4 stars for performance and 3 out of 4 stars for value.
*Encoura is a is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*Per the EWG website, this product scores a 1 on the EWG scale.
*The Encoura website is: http://www.encoura.com/
*I paid $6.50 for a 2 oz spray.

Ghostly Safe

2008-08-24T10:49:00.005-04:00

With my family history I am fanatical about putting sunscreen on myself and my daughter, yet I am also aware of the hormone disrupting chemicals in most commercial sunscreens. I had tried Burt's Bee's Sunscreen in the past and hated it for two reasons: # 1 it stained clothes, even after washing them, they had permanent white stains on them and #2 it stunk like dead fish and made the person wearing it smell like fish.
With that being said, I was thrilled to find Badger Balm Sunscreen at my local health food store. This product smell just fine, it has a mild almost unnoticeable scent and although it seems to stain the clothes while you are wearing them, the white stains do come out in the wash. This product is really thick and concentrated so a little goes a long way. Most of these "natural, physical barrier sunscreens" are pretty difficult to rub in, so be honest, after applying this product you can definitely tell you are wearing something white on your skin (we call it the ghost lotion in my house). However, the fact that it smells fine, doesn't ruin clothes and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes....I happen to be more than happy with looking like a ghost for a few hours.
I give this product 4 out of 4 stars for performance and 3 out of 4 stars for value because it is EXPENSIVE!!!
*Badger Balm is a Compact for Safe Cosmetics signer, which means "The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics — of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*Th 15 SPF and above Badger Balm Sunscreen score a 2 on the EWG list and the Baby Sunscreen SPF 30 scores a 0 on the EWG/ Skin Deep website.
*The Badger Balm website is:http://www.badgerbalm.com/default.aspx.
*This product is $16.00-$18.00 for a 2.9oz. tube, so yes, it is pricey!

Talk About Multitasking!

2008-08-16T12:43:00.007-04:00

Exposure to toxic chemicals might not kill you or compromise your health immediately, but the effects of environmental toxins (like that Glade room deodorizer or Reed diffuser you use in your powder room) can accumulate over time and eventually make you sick.
I remember back in the day I would buy those Glade Products and reed diffusers for my powder room and I couldn't figure out why I was always having headaches and coughing fits. I then read about the toxins in these products and disposed of them immediately, but the effects on my lungs continued for a days after I got rid of them. I don't know what it did to my lungs but I will never use that stuff again!
With that being said, I am so happy I found Samantharoma Peace AromaSpray in Lavender & Tangerine. This product is a body spray//room deodorizer and can be used in an oil warmer...now that's what I call multitasking at it's finest! This products is made with essential oils (not toxic chemicals) and it smells fabulous! A few pumps of this delicious lavender scent does my nose good. (I personally don't smell the tangerine, just the lavender, which is fine with me). I use it as a body spray on the rare occasion I go out with the girls and I love it because it's not too strong like most perfume and cologne. I not only use it as a bathroom spray, I also spray it in the air a few minutes prior to when I have company over too, and boy do I get the compliments on how good my house smells. I have a cat and a dog and you know how bad animal scents can be, well this product cancels out those nasty animal smells so my house smells as fresh as a lavender garden, and who wouldn't want their house to smell like a fresh organic lavender garden?
I give this product 4 out of 4 stars for the multiple uses and the wonderful performance for the body and home. I also give this product 4 out of 4 stars for value. A 4 oz. bottle has lasted me close to 6 months and I'm not quite done with it yet... now that's value!
*Samantharoma is a Compact for Safe Cosmetics signer, which means "The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics — of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 0 on the EWG/ Skin Deep website.
*The Samantharoma website is: http://samantharoma.com/home.htm.
*This product is $8.95 for a 4oz. bottle.

It's Magical

2008-08-10T13:11:00.004-04:00

Dr.Bronner knew what he was doing when he called this product Dr. Bronner's Magic All-One Organic Fair Trade Shikakai Soap. This soap really is Magical! This product is USDA certified organic and made with organic-fair trade sugar, coconut and olive oil, mixed in with the famous Dr. Bronner's castile soap. I love that it's thick and creamy and really coats my skin. Although there is no SLS, foaming agents, synthetic detergents or preservatives, this product has a beautiful lather and you know I love my lather. It smells great too, I've tried the lavender, lemongrass, tea tree, spearmint and baby soap and trust me, each scent smells good enough to eat, but what I love best of all....you guessed it this product softens my skin better than any lotion I've ever used and there's nothing better than soft, smooth skin as far as I'm concerned. I truly can't think of anything I don't like about this product, so of course I have to give it 4 out of 4 stars for performance and 4 out of 4 star for value.
*Dr. Bronner's is a Compact for Safe Cosmetics signer. "The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics — of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing."
*Depending on the scent, this product scores a 1 & a 2 on the EWG scale.
*Dr. Bronner's website is: http://www.drbronner.com/index.html.
*This product is $7.99 for a 12 oz. pump bottle and 14.99 for a 24 oz pump bottle. (The bottles are 100% post-consumer recycled bottles).

Smooth To Remove

2008-08-09T08:51:00.006-04:00

I love my mascara, and luckily for the past month I can say I love my eye make remover too. I've been using Healing Scents Eye Make Up Remover and I can't complain. This chemical free- toxic free product smells great while getting rid of every last drop of my make up. Thanks to "Jojoba, evening primrose, sunflower oils; lavender, rose otto, sandalwood & essential oils", this product conditions my skin and lashes without the sting. It is a tad greasy so I would recommend that you make sure to wash your face after using this product, but trust me on this one, this product rocks!
I give this product 3 3/4 stars for performance and 4 out of 4 stars for value.
*Healing Scents is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 0 in the EWG database.
*The Healing Scents website is: http://www.healing-scents.com/.
I paid $8.25 for a 2 oz bottle which has lasted me a month so far and I still have some left!

Didn't Capture My Heart

2008-08-02T08:31:00.003-04:00

Being such a huge fan of Healing Scents products I was a bit disappointed in their Cinnamon Toothgel...it just didn't capture my heart. Although I love the delicious flavor and the fact that this product doesn't contain saccharin, whiteners or bleaches, glycol, silica, SLS or other harmful ingredients, I don't love that my teeth don't feel squeaky clean when I finish brushing with this gel. Per the website: "The essential oils, Myrrh and Thyme are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. We also utilize the wonderful properties of cold-pressed Neem Seed Oil to help heal any mouth and gum issues you may have". Thankfully I don't have issues with my gums or mouth so I can't judge how well it works on anything but teeth, but when I finish brushing, I have to feel like my teeth are squeaky clean or I just can't love a product. It does taste great and freshen my breath so I think 2 out of 4 stars for performance, and 3 out of 4 stars for value is fair.
*Healing Scents is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 1 in the EWG database. * The toothgel comes in other flavors, some of which score a 2 on the EWG site.
*The Healing Scents website is: http://www.healing-scents.com/.
*I paid $8.50 for a 6 oz. tube.

Frash as a Lavender Leaf

2008-07-28T08:33:00.003-04:00

It's summer in Michigan and that means every day is between 80 and 90 degrees. I have to admit when it's hot out I may break a sweat, but I haven't had to worry about stinking like a sweaty sock as long as I've been using Healing Scents Natural Aluminum Free Toxin Free Deodorant. This products comes in a roll on, stick and spray. I ordered the spray which goes on wet so you have to give it a minute to dry, but it smells fabulous. It's made with "bergamot, geranium, lavender, lemon, tea tree, spruce, sage essential oils and neem seed oil to control odor and wetness". I really notice the lavender smell above the rest, the scent only lasts about an hour but once the scent disappears, I still have no problem, because I know I am going to be odor free all day. I feel FRESH!!
As you may have guessed, I give this product 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value.
*Healing Scents is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 2 in the EWG database.
*The Healing Scents website is: http://www.healing-scents.com/.
*I paid $8.50 for a 4 oz. spray bottle.

Miracle on a Stick

2008-07-24T07:59:00.008-04:00

I've been caught off guard. Although I love the Encoura Insect Repellent, it didn't occur to me to wear it in the house every night in case a mosquito sneaked it's way into my domain. Well, this is exactly what happened last week and I was a delicious snack for this devious creature. This thing left me with several bites on my neck, one on my knee, one on my shoulder and I was out of my mind itchy! Luckily I was prepared for such an invasion, I had just purchased Healing Scents Anti Itch Stick about a week prior to being dinner for this mosquito, so of course this was the perfect opportunity to try out the Anti Itch Stick and see if it really does what it's supposed to do. Lo and behold, this all natural, chemical free product worked instantly. It's looks like a little tube of chap stick, and you just rub this stick on the bite (no fingers, no mess) and voila, the itching IMMEDIATELY dissipates for several hours. I think this product should be called Miracle on a Stick.
As you would guess, I give this product 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value. At $7.95, it's worth every penny.
*Healing Scents is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 0 in the EWG database.
*The Healing Scents website is: http://www.healing-scents.com/.
*I paid $7.95 for a Chap Stick sized stick which I am sure will last at least until next year, probably longer if it doesn't go bad.

Lavender and Mint Soothing to my Skin

2008-07-18T08:35:00.008-04:00

I hate winter and I love summer! In the winter my skin gets so dry, the skin on my hands even cracks and bleeds. Usually I have to worry about these concerns but not this year. I've been using Healing Scents Lavender Minty Ultimate Body Lotion and I love it. At first I wasn't so sure I was going to like it because I am used to thick and rich lotions and this product is very thin, almost runny, but believe me when I tell you, my skin just soaks it up immediately. I put this on my hands a half hour ago and can still feel the moisture, so needless to say, this is long lasting, pretty much until you wash it off. This product smells great too, I smell more mint than lavender but it's not too menthol or tingly. Now if only I had discovered this product last winter I would have been in great shape!
I give this product 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value.
*Healing Scents is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 2 in the EWG database.
*The Healing Scents website is: http://www.healing-scents.com/.
*I paid $2.75 for a 2 oz. bottle. This product is also carried in an 8 oz. bottle for $13.95.

Squeaky Clean

2008-07-15T11:02:00.003-04:00

I have been having flashbacks of my childhood every morning for the past few weeks, thanks to Encoura Natural Shampoo Almond. It smells just like the old Vidal Sassoon Shampoo I used as a child, very almondy. I like this product because it not only smells good, it also gives a tad bit of lather (considering there are no chemicals or lathering agents) and it also gets my hair squeaky clean. Per the website "10% Jojoba being used in the shampoo you avoid the coated, heavy feel you get with most soap based shampoos", and trust me, there is no coating on my hair whatsoever. The downside is, with my hair being so squeaky clean, my hair feels a tad dried out so I need to use a good conditioner after shampooing. All in all I'm pretty satisfied with this product as it "does not have any detergents" and "It is completely natural." I give it 3 out of 4 stars for performance and 4 out of 4 stars for value.
*Encoura is a is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 1 on the EWG site.
*The Encoura website is: http://www.encoura.com/
*I paid $8.50 for an 8 oz. bottle.

Encoura is Encouraging

2008-07-07T21:32:00.005-04:00

It may be hot & humid outside, but you would never know it by the look of my skin. I've been using Encoura Facial Cleanser for about three weeks now and I love it. My skin isn't dry or flaky, nor is it oily or blemished....it's just right. This liquid cleanser comes in a large 8 oz. bottle and seems to last forever! It has a nice citrusy scent too. It gives a nice lather without nasty chemicals and it just makes my skin glow. According to the Encoura website: " Our herbs come from certified organic sources. Our oils are food grade, extracted by pressing the seed or nut without the use of chemical solvents. Our whole leaf Aloe Vera juice is used in place of water or alcohol. By using aloe we avoid the drying effects of alcohol and aloe is much better for your skin. Our scents are pure essential oils extracted without alcohol or solvents. Our colors are either herbs and spices or cosmetic grade natural mineral pigments. Our other ingredients such as Salts, Milk, Oatmeal, Soda, Starch and Butters are all food grade. No animals were used in the testing of our personal care products".
You guessed it, there is nothing negative I can say about this product, I guess I have to give it 4 out of 4 stars for performance and at $8.00 for an 8oz. bottle, I have to give it 4 out of 4 stars for value.
*Encoura is a is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 1 on the EWG site.
*The Encoura website is: http://www.encoura.com/
*I paid $8.00 for an 8 oz. bottle.

Lovin the Coast

2008-07-05T11:27:00.004-04:00

I'm just going to come out and say it....I love everything about Coastal Classic Creations Goat's Milk Soaps. In the past month I have used the Coastal Olive Oil and Tangerine Moon Body Bar and Goat's Milk Contour Soap in Lavender and I think they are both amazing. They are both super moisturizing and somehow the goat's milk creates a nice chemical free lather that even I approve of. They both smell great, especially the lavender, the delicious, mild scent really stuck to my skin. I do have to admit the lavender soap melted pretty quickly but I like it so much I still think it's worth every penny. 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value for the Contour Bar in Lavender and 4 out of four stars for performance on the Olive Oil and Tangerine Bar and 3 out of 4 stars for value on the Olive Oil and Tangerine Bar because it is a bit pricey.
Per the Coastal Classics website, their products "are cruelty-free, biodegradable, and pH-balanced. They are free from irradiation, organophosphate residues, alcohol, detergents, fragrance oils, phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, FD&C colorants, cocamide DEA, animal fat, sodium lauryl sulfate, urea, petroleum, lanolin, titanium dioxide, lead, and formaldehyde to name a few." They "do not use Germall II, a preservative whose chemical composition is Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, and Propylene Glycol." They "use recyclable jars and biodegradable packaging products in an effort to eliminate the strain of excess waste on our environment" and lastly, they "support improvement in the lives of farmers and only buy our raw materials from suppliers who share our fair trade philosophy." As far as I'm concerned, how can I not want to buy from a company that has such high standards?

*Coastal Classic Creations is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics — of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*The Lavender soap scores a 2 and the Olive Oil and Tangerine soap scores a 1 on the EWG site. All of the 102 Coastal Classic Creations products that are in the database score between a 0 and a 2.
*The website is: http://www.coastalclassiccreations.com/
*I paid $12.00 (a little steep, but it's a really great product) for a 3.5 oz. bar of the Olive Oil and Tangerine Bar and $8.00 for a 6 oz bar of the Contour Bar in Lavender through the Coastal Classic Creations website.

Chemical Free AND Bug Free

2008-07-04T21:48:00.005-04:00

I live in an area where there are several lakes within a few miles from my home. I love this area, especially around July 4th because all of these lakes have beautiful and exciting fireworks at dusk all week long. As you would imagine being on or near the water at dusk, there are tons of bugs....especially the dreaded mosquito. In years past, I have had to either suffer from the itchiness of mosquito bites all week or worry about toxic chemicals in the insect repellent I've been using. Luckily, this year is different. Thanks to Encoura Safe Insect Repellent, my friends, family and I have had a happy and itch free Fourth of July. This product is made without the use of chemicals, yet I can honestly tell you I have not one bug bite on me. It's made with "Aloe Vera, Glycerine, Essential Oils of Citronella, Cedarwood, Lavender, Patchouli, Rosemary, Teatree, Sandalwood, Ginger, Peppermint, Thyme, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Cajuput and lime" and it smells wonderful. This stuff is a miracle in a bottle....no chemicals and no bug bites, how can I not give it 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value?
*Encoura is a is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 1 on the EWG site.
*The Encoura website is: http://www.encoura.com/
*I paid $15 for an 8 oz. bottle.

Tingly and Refreshing

2008-06-29T10:19:00.003-04:00

I'm in love....with a toothpaste that is. Tom's of Maine Natural Anticavity Plus Whitening Gel Toothpaste, Peppermint- rocks! It is super refreshing. My mouth tingles and my teeth sparkle. My teeth feel really slippery and clean and my breath is as fresh as fresh peppermint. I'm not sure about the whitening properties of this product, I've been using it for about two weeks and my teeth don't really seem to be a different color but they are pretty white anyway so maybe I just can't judge that well. As far as performance, I give it 4 out of 4 stars for performance and taste and 4 out of 4 stars for value.
*Tom's of Maine is not a Compact for Safe Cosmetics signer.
*This product is a 1 on the EWG/ Skin Deep scale.
*The Tom's website is: www.tomsofmaine.com
*I paid $4.29 for a 5.5 oz tube.

Buh Bye Eczema

2008-06-25T09:27:00.003-04:00

About a month ago my daughter started getting red patches behind her knees and the inside of the elbows. I'm no doctor, but it sure looked like Eczema to me. I'm a fan of Healing Scents products and saw a product on their website called Eczema Healing Oil, so naturally I decided to purchase it to try on her. WOW, what a great product!! I rub it on the spots three times a day and voila! This light blue oil smells fantastic and by the next day her red patches looked so much better. This stuff works great, now if only they could formulate a product to prevent Eczema we'd be in great shape, but no complaints here, as long as I can control her Eczema naturally, without steroids or chemicals, I'm a happy camper.
I give this product 4 out of 4 stars for performance and value.

*Healing Scents is a Campaign for Safe Cosmetics signer— of which EWG is a founding member — is a coalition of public health, educational, religious, labor, womens, environmental, and consumer groups working on the ground in communities, in the halls of lawmakers, and directly with cosmetic manufacturers to encourage reformulations and safer ingredients. Over 500 companies have voluntarily signed a pledge called the campaign's "Compact for Safe Cosmetics," a pledge to formulate products that do not use ingredients that are known or suspected to cause certain health harms within three years of signing.
*This product scores a 1 in the EWG database.
*The Healing Scents website is: http://www.healing-scents.com/.
*I paid $4.95 for a 1/2 oz. bottle.