Organic Beauty Source

Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2012

2012-06-01T12:15:00.000-05:00

Last week I reviewed a couple new brands of mineral sunscreen for both effectiveness and comfort. My Summer Sunscreen Guide would not be complete without a few of my tried and true faves. You may view my Sunscreen Guide in a post I did for Feelgood Style today. I will publish the full guide here on OBS soon. I still have another product or two to review.

Hope your summer is off to a great start and let me know if you have any questions on sunscreen.

Image: Hacklock at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

2012-05-31T16:08:00.001-05:00

Finally found my copy of Domino quick fixes...at my neighborhood grocery!

VIP Product: Intelligent Nutrients Organic Total Body Elixir

2012-05-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

What’s new on the OBS VIP Board? Something yummy for the bod…

Intelligent Nutrients Organic Total Body Elixir Seductive is perfect for summer -- a light, nourishing body oil with a beyond fabulous scent. You may think that an oil is too heavy or leaves skin greasy, but this one soaks right in and leaves skin super smooth and glowing. Just a little bit goes a long way and the scent is heavenly, slightly spicy with a hint of vanilla. Yum!

I was feeling all scaly just a couple of weeks ago and looking for something to smooth out any bumps and give that supple summer skin look. Intelligent Nutrients offers several body oils, check them all out at Spirit Beauty Lounge. Made with Intelligent Nutrients Intellimune Seed Oil Complex, these Elixirs offer a bounty of antioxidants to detox and purify the skin while keeping it nice and hydrated.

Want to add your faves to the OBS VIP Board? I gave directions here on how to tag me on Pinterest, but either the tag feature is not working correctly or I am not tech savvy enough to figure it out. So...either email me your photos to liz(at)organicbeautysource(dot)com and I will post them to OBS VIP or pin them to your own Pinterest board and let me know that you have done so so that I can repin them. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below...

Image: Liz Thompson

New Mineral Sunscreen Review 2012

2012-05-24T13:22:00.001-05:00

As mentioned last week, EWG’s annual Sunscreen Guide has been published. I have been working on my own annual sunscreen review. There are a couple of new brands added to my list this year. Let’s take a look…

All sunscreens included in this review are mineral sunscreens. Why? Because mineral sunscreen is safer and provides better protection than chemical sunscreen. There are some drawbacks – usually thicker and some leave a white coating on skin – but where safety and effectiveness are concerned, mineral beats out chemical hands down.

Last year’s sunscreen guide included my faves, and I still back them up. For the new sunscreens I am reviewing this year I am going to cover the fundamentals (effectiveness) and the comfort level (how they look and feel) of each product. Here we go:

Raw Elements Eco Formula Lotion – Serious sun protection for active and water-bound users. Raw Elements is a very clean and pure brand.

Protection: SPF 30+, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
Water resistance: “Very water resistant beyond 80 minutes”
Safety: Made with organic and natural ingredients, nontoxic, non-nano particle ingredients, 100% biodegradable and reef safe.
For use by: Whole family over 6 months of age
Feel: Is slightly greasy on skin. I found this was less an issue if I took the time to rub the product in thoroughly.
Look: Very slight white cast. Again, less so if the product is rubbed in thoroughly.
Scent: Unscented

Raw Elements Eco Stick – Same protection as the Raw Elements lotion in a convenient stick. Perfect for face.

Protection: SPF 30+, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
Water resistance: “very water resistant” and can be applied under water
Safety: Made with organic and natural ingredients, nontoxic, non-nano particle ingredients, 100% biodegradable and reef safe.
For use by: Whole family over 6 months of age
Feel: This stick is pretty matte and non-greasy. Can be put on thick, or rubbed in completely.
Look: Slight white cast, less so if the product is rubbed in thoroughly.
Scent: Unscented

Suntegrity Body SPF 30 – Sunscreen is a very grey area for me. I do not love mineral sunscreen. Don’t get me wrong, I know it is totally the way to go for supreme UV protection and is, of course, much safer than chemical sunscreen. Here’s my hang up – the feel. Sure, you can get mineral sunscreens that are non-white but they are still greasy. Why oh why can’t anyone make a mineral sunscreen that feels like body lotion?

Well, Suntegrity did just that! I am so pleased to fill you in on this little gem. Non-white, feels just like body lotion on skin AND offers that optimal mineral sunscreen protection. *snap* Oh yeah, it smells good too.

Received a #1 Rating for “Best Moisturizer with SPF” in the EWG’s 2011 Sunscreen Guide.

Protection: SPF 30, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
Water resistant: Not water resistant, apply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, etc
Safety: Non-nano particle zinc oxide, free from harmful ingredients
For use by: Whole family over 6 months of age
Feel: Starts out thick, but rubs right in and skin feels smooth and not at all greasy. I like the way this one feels!
Look: Goes on clear
Scent: Lightly citrus

Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Protection SPF 30 – This mineral facial sunscreen is made with healthy ingredients and (bonus!) feels great on skin. It actually feels like your regular moisturizer which, really, is what we are all looking for in a facial sunscreen. Another bonus, this one contains antioxidant ingredients (like green tea and pomegranate oil) for added protection. Suited to all skin types.

Received a #1 Rating for “Best Moisturizer with SPF” in the EWG’s 2011 Sunscreen Guide.

Protection: SPF 30, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
Water resistant: Not water resistant, apply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, etc
Safety: Non-nano particle zinc oxide, free from harmful ingredients
For use by: Whole family over 6 months of age
Feel: Rubs right in and skin feels smooth, not at all greasy. I would actually wear this mineral sunscreen on my face on a regular (non pool) day, and that is saying something.
Look: Goes on clear
Scent: Lightly citrus

If you have questions on any of the products covered here, or would like a personal sunscreen recommendation please leave a comment below or email me at liz(at)organicbeautysource(dot)com.

Image: tread at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

2012-05-23T18:47:00.001-05:00

What's on your playlist...http://feelgoodstyle.com/2012/05/17/gimme-a-beat/

2012-05-23T18:45:00.001-05:00

Refreshers for summer...http://feelgoodstyle.com/2012/05/18/summertime-skin-refreshers/

VIP Product: RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek

2012-05-21T14:26:00.000-05:00

The latest addition to my Pinterest VIP Board is RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Smile.

Every girl needs an easy makeup routine for summer. Minimal products that provide quick but fabulous looks.

My new fave is RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Smile. Love this stuff! As the name implies, you can use it on both lips and cheeks. Two products in one pretty little pot.

Smile will look good on most skin types, but I’ll warn you, it does look very orange in the jar. No fear, it goes on super sheer and natural looking. Dab onto apples of cheeks and blend, then hit your lips. Pair with RMS Living Luminizer for some serious summer radiance.

RMS Beauty make up products are created by celebrity make up artist Rose-Marie Swift, and are all nontoxic.

Image: Liz Thompson

EWG 2012 Sunscreen Guide -- How to Use It

2012-05-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

The EWG Skin Deep 2012 Sunscreen Report is out. This annually anticipated guide is a great resource for help in selecting sunscreens that are both safe and effective. EWG tests and researches lots and lots of sunscreens, rates them and even gives you the deets on which ones to totally steer clear of in their Hall of Shame.

Ok, that is all great but…let’s not get carried away. Use the guide as a resource, but please do not forget to check the ingredient listing of a product (or contact me if you are unsure) before purchasing.

Why?

First of all, because EWG ranks the sunscreens in order of protection first. This means that they take UV protection into account first over the safety of ingredients. So, a sunscreen that makes one of EWG’s “Best” lists may contain an ingredient that they would normally rank as a high hazard in the Skin Deep database.

Next, the fragrance issue. Because the term “fragrance” on a product label can mean either natural/organic or synthetic, EWG goes ahead and assumes the worst on this one and gives a product a higher hazard score if the ingredient listing contains the term “fragrance” or “perfume”. Even those that use natural fragrance ingredients.

Then there is the inhalation cause for concern. EWG feels that mineral sunscreens in powder or spray form should be avoided due to risk of inhalation of the particles. Many sunscreen sprays are not airborne and are not a concern for inhalation. I do have a mineral powder sunscreen that I LOVE and use regularly, but do not breathe in while applying, and do not have concerns over it.

As I said above, EWG’s Sunscreen Guide and Skin Deep Database are terrific resources. But, as with most things green, use your noggin and read your labels. They will tell you what is going on. If a product that seems like it should not be safe rates high in the guide, check it out. Same for one that didn’t receive as great a ranking but is from a brand you thought to be safe. If you are still unsure, shoot me a comment and I will get you the answers.

What is Good About the Guide

As we’ve talked about before, mineral sunscreens are safer than chemical sunscreens and provide better UV protection. TRUE Natural sunscreens made the Best Beach & Sport list, as did a couple of sunscreens I have on my desk to try – Suntegrity and Raw. I will bring you my own sunscreen reviews next week, so tune back in for that.

Suntegrity and TRUE also made the EWG list for Best Moisturizers with SPF. I’ll also be comparing these two, plus Lavera’s, in my sunscreen review.

So, what are you looking for in a sunscreen? Something for the face? Body? Both? A good sunscreen you can use on yourself and the kids? What about the way it feels? That is a biggie for me. I prefer a sunscreen that feels just like body lotion. If it is greasy, I can’t stand it. Then there is the whole white cast that a lot of mineral sunscreens give off. Again, a no.

Do you use the EWG Sunscreen Guide? Please share your thoughts, questions and concerns on the sunscreen issue…

Image: Hacklock at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

Tips for a Smooth Spring to Summer Transition

2012-05-14T15:03:00.004-05:00

The transition from season to season can be tough on the bod, not to mention the soul. If you have been feeling stressed lately, dealing with skin rashes or irritation, irritable stomach, headaches or just feeling off, it could be due to an imbalance. We are all excited about summer, that doesn’t mean the lead up can’t be taxing.

I talked with my friend Monica, of Hey Monica B, and (like always) she had the answers to my problems. She said that entering summer can cause us to feel out of whack, and to be sure that we are keeping the body cool with lots of fresh fruits and water, and slow deep breaths. Monica also suggested laying off of meat until the bod is back on course. This article on spring to summer imbalance from last year is a good one to revisit.

Hope you all had a lovely Mother’s Day! My daughter brought me coffee in bed and then we girls hung out by the pool in the afternoon. The boys got takeout for dinner and everyone was happy. Perfect…

Image: Matt McGee at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

2012-05-10T20:20:00.001-05:00

Marketing toxic beauty to girls...http://feelgoodstyle.com/2012/05/04/hocking-toxic-beauty-to-girls/

2012-05-10T20:19:00.001-05:00

De-stress your May...http://feelgoodstyle.com/2012/05/10/how-to-relax-destress-your-may/

Natural Cosmetics Review: Eve Organics

2012-05-09T11:16:00.000-05:00

You hear about new “natural” beauty brands all of the time these days. Some are truly nontoxic, others are a big fat let down.

Eve Organics came across my radar a couple of months ago. This online shop, created by a twenty-something woman from Australia, got my attention. Not only had she created a site of truly nontoxic products, but she had done so after slogging through many products in an effort to cure her real life skin issues.

Eve suffered from adult acne and, after her trials with conventional acne treatments, turned to natural products for better results. The toxic treatments she had been using dried her skin, only to leave her with acne once she quit using them. Not only were they not working long term but were subjecting her to many toxic chemicals. Lose, lose situation.

Eve Organics was created with Eve’s concept of 100% natural products that work, in one place where you can trust anything you purchase is nontoxic. Another thing I love about this company, the sample program. You know how you’d love to try before you buy? Well Eve Organics includes samples with each purchase and is working on developing a custom sample program for their customers. Love it!

I sampled The Little Alchemist Anti Aging Defense Complex from the shop. The reason I chose this product is because it is made with sea buckthorn oil, one of my favorite ingredients. Sea buckthorn oil is light and soaks into skin without leaving any greasiness behind, just super soft hydrating. It also gives skin a little glow due to its orange color.

Anti Aging Defense Complex does not disappoint. This moisturizer is light (I’m loving it during our warmer humid weather) and leaves skin soft and smooth. Really brightens and rejuvenates the complexion. I love how it leaves skin feeling moisturized and supple, not taut or tight like some anti aging products. It is also perfect under your regular moisturizer as a night time treatment. The complex also contains Argireline, a peptide said to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and natural anti aging ingredient Hyaluronic acid.

Eve Organics carries a wide range of skin care for all skin types. Brands include: 100% Pure, Balm Balm, Beyond Organic Skincare, Healing Anthropology, Mokosh, Oz Goddess, Raw Gaia, and The Little Alchemist.
Image courtesy Eve Organics

Anti Aging Reader Tips

2012-05-04T04:00:00.000-05:00

Reader Request Friday

Something that is on every woman’s mind, whether in your 20’s, 40’s or 60’s, is anti aging tips. How we can keep our skin looking great and even make it look younger? Is the latter even a possibility?

Here are some OBS reader tips on anti aging:

Make sure to remove makeup every night. I don't wash my face anymore. I use wipes and makeup remover and surprisingly I have 70% less breakouts than I used to. I also always moisturize with either argan oil, jojoba, Burt's Bees repair serum or the Raven's Balm I got out of this month's green grab bag.y -Jessica

Drink lots of water and never sleep with your makeup on. I also try and sleep on my back instead of my side or stomach to reduce wrinkles, but it doesn't always work because I move a lot when I'm sleeping. –Carrie

My favorite is to exfoliate with ground oatmeal and then use raw honey for a facial. It leaves your face so soft. –Debbie

I like to do a face mask every now and again with coconut oil and raw honey. I double boil and melt it together, then rub the concoction all over my face (sometimes my hair and body too). I leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off. My skin is glowing after, even the bf said something! -Unknown

My favorite youthful beauty trick is to always make sure I remove every last trace of makeup each night, and to give my skin a breather on the weekend, which means no face makeup at all! And a great Vitamin C serum helps too. :) -S

I wash, tone, and apply moisturizer every morning and night. I try to stay away from products that have harsh chemicals and apply Burt’s Bees sunscreen. –Laura

Great tips! Remember to eat healthy, drink lots of water, get your exercise and sleep, and try to reduce stress. All of these will help you to look your best. Sunscreen is super important in preventing premature aging. While I am not big on applying sunscreen lotion to my face I do love Go!screen, a mineral sunscreen powder brush. I am currently in the process of testing out a few different sunscreens and will get back to you soon with results. And I can’t wait to try the oatmeal/honey tip above.

Have more anti aging tips of your own? Share away…

Image: milena mihaylova at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

Leonardo DiCaprio & La Colombe Coffee

2012-05-03T10:38:00.001-05:00

How many of you love your coffee? We look forward to that first cup in the morning and the socialness of a coffee with friends. Yep, it’s good stuff.

While I do like tea, I love coffee. Wish I had the same fondness for the leaf as the bean, but some things just aren’t meant to be. Coffee has gotten a bad rap in the past for its (ahem) energy-inducing properties, but more recently has been garnered as having health benefits like warding off depression and lower your risk of certain diseases. Ya, go coffee!

Another neg on coffee’s history are the conditions surrounding its growth and production. Most coffee farmers are paid low prices for their beans and work under crummy conditions.

Some coffee brands are working to better these wages and working conditions for coffee bean farmers and their employees and communities. One such company is La Colombe Torrefaction. I ran across this brand on Leonardo DiCaprio.com and guess what, Leo has partnered with La Colombe to create LYON coffee from which all proceeds go toward his foundation’s environmental charities. Read more on La Colombe’s ethics in my post for Feelgood Style this morning.

Wondering how LYON tastes? Of course I had to buy a bag of beans to do the review, and this coffee is smooth and yummy. Also purchased a couple of bottle of Pure Black cold brewed coffee. I’d buy both if I were you.

Image: @Doug88888 at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

Benecos Natural Cosmetics, Budget Friendly Beauty

2012-05-02T13:22:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite things to experiment with is makeup. New products and new looks. Natural make up can be low to high end, but I have found a line that fits any budget.

Benecos Natural Cosmetics offers an entire make up range in gorgeous, modern color. These products perform like the expensive stuff but are definitely not priced that way – all products are under $20.

Lavender hues are the thing for spring and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some purple-y makeup items. I have been using Benecos Natural Eyeshadow Duo($12.99) in Pink/Purple. My favorite look is to apply the pink shade to lash line and top with brown or black pencil. This lends a subtle freshness to eyes. For more depth, layer the purple over the pink.

Another yummy shadow option from Benecos are their Natural Baked Eyeshadows($12.99). These little mineral makeup compacts come in a four shades (Melange Silver Purple my choice for the season, of course) and are baked to provide longer lasting color. They also contain plant oils to give them a richer effect, creamier than most powders.

Benecos also offers foundation, concealer, loose powder, eyeliner, eye brow pencil, mascara, lipstick, and lip gloss. The Maximum Volume Mascara($16.49) is nice and silky, and creates a rich fringe. I'd compare this mascara to Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara without the hefty price tag.

Another new fave is the Natural Lipgloss($12.99). Glossy but really stays put on lips, no slippery feel. Very moisturizing too. I’m loving Rose Garden.

Trust me, you will not be disappointed with this line of natural makeup. Nontoxic, affordable, high-performance. Perfect.

Benecos Natural Cosmetics are available at Love True Natural. Get 20% off your first LTN order with coupon code FIRSTORDER.

Image courtesy LoveTrueNatural.com.

Food and Healthy Skin, Beauty Starts Inside

2012-04-30T11:45:00.001-05:00

I am not a nutritionist. Let’s get that straight right off. But I have, like you, read about healthful eating, followed many a diet and tracked the outcome of how different foods affect my body.

What we put into our bodies shows up on our skin. As a matter of fact, by the time it shows up on the skin it is most likely a habit. Indulging in sugary treats now and then is not going to affect your complexion that much. But a daily sugar habit will, over time, leave skin looking sallow and saggy, create dark under eye circles, and possibly even cause breakouts.

Your skin gives insight into your inner health. Listen to what it is telling you. If your skin is drier than usual take a look at how much water you are drinking, whether you are consuming too much caffeine or salt, or not getting enough healthy oils in your diet. Battling frequent breakouts? Maybe you are eating too many fried foods or sweets, or stress is getting the best of you.

Skin issues are not merely surface issues, they stem from much deeper. Our thoughts (aka stress levels) are the true source of our outward issues. But our thoughts are what drive our actions, including what we eat, and the outcome ends up on our skin.

While it may be difficult to control what we think and our stress levels, it is fairly easy to control what we eat. As Dr. Pratima Raichur, ayurvedic practioner and creator of Pratima Skincare, once told me “Changing the physical [what we eat] is much easier than changing our emotions”, so making changes in what we choose to eat is a simple and effective starting point.

Doubt that food can play such a large role in our skin’s health? In my first interview with Dr. Pratima she shared her vast knowledge on the subject of skin care. My son was dealing with a bad bout of eczema at the time and I was very interested in discussing ways to solve his skin issues. To that point none of the natural remedies had worked. He had just been prescribed an ointment made with a host of chemicals which I was none too keen on him applying to his face several times each day.

Dr. Pratima did offer some skin care options for his eczema, but only after first covering thoughts on his diet. That’s right, diet comes first. And why? Because, Dr. Pratima told me, food is where we should always start when addressing a skincare issue because it is the most physical change we can make to our bodies. Stress too is a major factor in many skin care conditions, but we all know that it is much more difficult to control our thoughts than what we put in our mouths.

It turned out that my son had been eating many foods regularly from the list that Dr. Pratima suggested we avoid. It wasn’t easy as these were some of his favorite foods, but he did a good job of cutting back on them (eliminating some completely) and after a few weeks, his eczema had completely cleared up. We never even tried any of the skin care remedies Dr. Pratima suggested because his eczema started to lessen in severity right away.

These foods had caused an imbalance in my son’s body, its reaction was to flare up and become irritated. Other people may get acne flare-ups, still others may see broken capillaries or dark under eye circles.

The main point to come away with is that your skin is always telling you something. Are you eating the wrong foods? Not getting enough water? Sleeping too little? Look deeper, by the time symptoms show up on your face the cause has probably been there for some time.

While safe, nontoxic skin care is essential in maintaining the good health of your skin, skin care alone will not provide you with a beautiful, radiant complexion. Beautiful skin starts with what you put in your body. What you put on your skin enhances your natural beauty. Icing on the cake.

Image: TheInfamousGdub at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

2012-04-25T15:23:00.000-05:00

The weather has been lovely and I definitely have summer fever. So, for today, let's talk summertime beauty favorites...

My top pick, and this one I actually use year round, is Lavera Self Tanner. You've heard me sing this one's praises time and again. Can't help it, the stuff is awesome!

Again, you've heard it before but...Lavera FACES Summer Glow Self Tanner for Face is the bomb for giving skin a naturally sun-kissed look with the perfect amount of moisture. Get both of the above and save a couple bucks.

Acure Organics Chlorella Growth Factor + Pomegranate Night Cream is new to my line up but provides just-right hydration for warmer weather. Light and non-greasy. If I'm feeling extra dry I'll just apply a good facial oil underneath.

Mom & Doc Apothecary Skin Balm is a special little go-to for all sorts of skin issues, but it's perfection for solving the razor burn/bikini bump problem. A must-have this season.

You know how you wish for a big jug of the most basic, purely hydrating-without-being-greasy body lotion to slather on your summertime skin. Got it! Skin Unscented Lotion for Face & Body.

If you are looking for added hydration and a bit of yummy scent try these fabulous body oils – Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil and Madara Firming Oil. Love them!

With these you'll be all good for summer. What are your summertime favorites?

Image: OneGreatClick at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

Synthetics. What’s the Big Deal?

2012-04-23T11:47:00.000-05:00

You may be wondering -- If cosmetics made with synthetic ingredients and petro-chemicals are so prevalent, how can they be so bad for us? Would toxic products truly be allowed on our store shelves?

The answer is a huge YES! If you need further proof, just take a look at the foods lining your supermarket shelves that are chock full of un-natural preservatives and artificial colors. And foods are strictly regulated, unlike cosmetics.

Because cosmetics and personal care products are very under regulated in the US, the list of prohibited cosmetic ingredients is extremely short. The FDA even admits as much in this statement taken from their website:

FDA’s legal authority over cosmetics is different from other products regulated by the agency, such as drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval authority, with the exception of color additives.

— Taken from the FDA website

This means that cosmetics manufacturers can use almost anything they want in their products. And just why would they want to use these toxic ingredients? The same reason food producers use them; they give products a longer shelf life and are cheaper than healthy, nontoxic ingredients.

Less expensive and longer lasting doesn’t sound so bad, right? Think of it like this: would you rather purchase an organic apple or a bottle of highly processed applesauce with artificial sugar and colorants, and a dose of chemical preservatives? Sure, the apple will not be able to sit in your fridge as long but is the much healthier alternative. Do not be fooled by the use of less expensive ingredients, you still pay with negative health effects and hiked prices. Makers of these chemical cosmetics are getting the good deal, not you.

Petroleum-based ingredients, chemical preservatives, synthetic fragrance, and artificial colorants have been found to cause everything from allergic reactions to cancer. Feeding your skin healthy ingredients will improve the appearance of your complexion, and help to keep you healthy inside and out.

Image: kharied at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

Let's Pin It!

2012-04-18T12:03:00.000-05:00

Let’s do something fun, shall we? I found this nifty idea the other day and thought..."How great would it be to do this with my lovely readers?"

Here it is: You add a photo to Pinterest of y-o-u with your fave natural beauty product, mention me in the pin and then I will add you to my new OBS VIP pinboard.

To do this you will need a Pinterest account. Super easy, just go to pinterest.com and sign up.
Next, upload a pic of you with your prized beauty prod.
Mention me in the pin by typing @lizatobs. You will need to be following at least one of my boards to do this, but you are anyway, right?
Then I will add your pretty pin to my OBS VIP board and follow you back!

I know what my favorites are, now we’d all love to see your favorite beauty products. If you have any questions about this process please leave a comment below. If I know the answer, I will share. If I do not know the answer, I will find it.

Hope to see lots and lots of new pins!

Image: bumbs at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

Simple Summer Make Up

2012-04-13T12:17:00.000-05:00

Ready for a new warm weather make up look? It is not only a nice change of pace to freshen up your look for the season, but can be fun too.

The look I am using most and loving right now is super simple and fresh. It is the red(ish) lip on bare(ish) face. Why the ish? Because "red" here can mean pink-leaning-toward-red and "bare" does require a couple of essentials.

Start with a healthy glow by using either Lavera Summer Glow Self Tanner for Face. Next, use concealer where necessary. I almost always dab some under my eyes and around my nose to even out complexion. Right now I am using Vapor Illusionist Concealer, but Lavera makes a good concealer if you are into liquid.

For eyes, I know we are going bare here, but my bare look is brown pencil (a little smudged) with no mascara. The pencil adds a little bit of oomph and color to eyes without being make up-y.

Now for lips. You may be totally comfortable in true red lipstick. If so, go for it here! Benecos makes really smooth and long lasting lipstick in two different shades of red -- Just Red and Dark Red. More of a pink loving gal? I've been using Marie Natie Lip Gloss lately in Love Struck. This one is a dark, vibrant pink that really sinks into lips and gives a soft red look without being at all harsh. It feels and tastes awesome too.

Since we are going low maintenance here put away that blow dryer, spritz in a little Acure Leave-In and tuck hair back into your favorite Twistband. Polished, pretty and...so simple.

Image: Siza Padovan at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

Get Your Sunscreen On

2012-04-04T12:46:00.000-05:00

Last summer I told you about True Natural Mineral Sunscreens. I love these sunscreens because they are non-nano but still go on clear (due to some innovative technology), water-resistant and give that super-effective-yet-safe mineral protection from UVA and UVB rays. They are very affordable too. What’s not to love?

True Natural offers Daily Moisturizer SPF 20 that includes anti aging ingredients and Active Sunscreen SPF 40 for Face & Body, both at only $14.39. The brand new product to their line-up is a broad spectrum SPF 50 for babies and those with sensitive skin that I am trying out. So many people are sensitive to sunscreen and I can’t wait to give you the deets on this one. Stay tuned.

Oh yeah, a friend of mine swears by their Self Tanner for Face & Body. It’s just $14.39 too. Get some!

Image: Raissa B. at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

How to Fade Sun Spots

2012-03-28T13:58:00.000-05:00

The weather has been so nice and we’ve been spending lots of time outdoors. It can be especially difficult this time of year, before we are in the heat of summer, to remember our sunscreen. Whether running outdoors, watching a sporting event or just sitting on your patio, remember to apply sunscreen if you are going to be out for a while.

Mineral sunscreen is more effective and safer than chemical. Here is a rehash of my fave sunscreens from last summer. I’ll be reviewing a couple of new ones for this year and will share with you once I try them out.

One problem that I have from past sun damage is sun spots – those darker, freckle-looking spots on face, chest and arms. My main concern, of course, are the ones on my face.

There are some natural ingredients that help to fade sun spots, and though they may not make them disappear entirely, they do help to lighten them up. One of my favorite ingredients is rosehip oil. It is a lightening ingredient that is also lightly moisturizing and has anti aging ingredients. It also gives the complexion a nice glow. I just love the stuff.

A new addition to my skin care regimen is Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil. Pai makes very pure products and I have tried certain items from their line before. This oil is perfect for use under your daily or night time moisturizer, or could be used on its own if your skin is not as dry. This oil also contains Vitamin E, another known lightener and scar fader, so it offers a double whammy. Super gentle, but highly effective.

Obviously, protecting skin from sun damage in the first place is best. But some of us have a weakness for sun and tan, so for us a little spot fader is just the thing. A great way to get your tan on safely is with a natural self tanner. My favorites are Lavera Sunless Tanner and True Natural Self Tanner Face & Body, made with natural (not chemical) tanners. Always natural-looking and easy to apply.

Image: kirikiri at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.

2012-03-22T12:13:00.001-05:00

What's your workout?...http://feelgoodstyle.com/2012/03/15/whats-your-spring-time-workout/

2012-03-22T12:10:00.001-05:00

My face new springtime cleanser...http://feelgoodstyle.com/2012/03/16/acure-organics-olive-mint-facial-cleanser-perfect-for-spring/

2012-03-22T12:08:00.001-05:00

Easy, yummy ways to get your antioxidants...http://feelgoodstyle.com/2012/03/22/eat-your-antioxidants/