Kirstin's Blog

Foot Fetish

Kirstin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0500

I—like most busy women I know—don’t have nearly enough time to pamper myself. Instead of a luxurious bath it’s usually a quick shower or a tub filled for two (with my daughter, not my husband) where the accessories are toys, not romantic candles. Still I take what relaxation I can get and look forward to finding new products that can help transform me from frantic to serene in mere minutes. So when I discovered the bliss that comes with using the For Feet’s Sake range by Aromafloria, I was in true heaven.

I can’t even properly describe how much I adore the Double Action Spa Foot Scrub. The soft sweet mint scent hits me immediately and I happily breathe it in. It’s not overpoweringly minty, but just perfectly fragranced with organic spearmint and peppermint oils accented by organic rosemary and eucalyptus. The super thick formula gets its buffing action from organic sugar and fruit acids. So it’s naturally gentle but still tough enough to really help scrub away calluses. Treat yourself to a mini foot massage in the shower by rubbing it onto your feet for two minutes before rinsing. It’s invigorating, softening and just plain pampering. I actually think it’s a little insane to love a scrub so much.

While I easily make time for a quick two-minute foot scrub, a decadent foot soak is definitely more rare. But with the Perfectly Soft Spa Foot Soak, I’m inclined to find a way. Housed in a pretty clear jar that’s perfect for display, the little white crystals dissolve dry, rough skin, stimulate circulation and rejuvenate aching feet. Just place a handful into a large bowl of water (hot to soften and cool to reduce swelling) and soak your tired feet for 10 minutes. The aromatherapeutic organic essential oil combination of rosemary, peppermint, spearmint and eucalyptus is both calming and invigorating.

Finally there’s the multi-purpose Refreshing Spa Foot & Leg Mist. Sure the cooling formula is great to spray directly on your feet and legs to help revive, deodorize and soothe. But it also banishes odor when sprayed directly into shoes. Just a few squirts helped rid my son’s sneakers of the nose-wrinkling aroma wafting from them. And when sprayed on the body, the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial organic ingredients leave your skin feeling completely refreshed.

What I'm Loving Now: Suki Skin Care

Kirstin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -0500

A while ago Saffron Rouge debuted the Suki Color organic mineral makeup collection. With signature products like the Pure Cream Stain, the sophisticated, yet natural, range of cosmetics became an immediate hit. Since then we have also introduced the Suki skin care line. With over 20 products to choose from, it combines organic botanical ingredients including white willow, chamomile and green tea, with the marvels of modern science. Concentrated doses of active elements such as liposomes and antioxidants visibly and gently heal and treat the skin. Made by hand in small batches the formulas help change the skin’s tone and texture to show off a glowing, more youthful looking complexion. And it all happens without any chemicals or faux ingredients created in a lab.

The Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser is a great example of Suki’s philosophy of smartly mixing science with organics. The pure ingredients, like lemongrass, sugar, orange peel and seaweed extract smooth and rejuvenate skin with natural alpha hydroxy acids. It removes makeup, dirt and excess oil, but leaves behind skin’s natural moisture. Plus, the yummy fresh scent is an instant morning eye opener.

I’m a sucker for a good body oil and love to have a few versions to turn to after a relaxing bath. Right now one of my choices is the Delicate Hydrating Oil. The woodsy scent is created with an intoxicating combination of arnica, calendula, chamomile and lavender blended with apricot kernel, sunflower and grapeseed oils. Pour some into your bath or smooth it on afterwards while your skin is still slightly damp to help maintain and add moisture.

I hate days where I feel worn out, stressed and super tired. But what’s even worse is when my face shows it. Suki’s Intensive Brightening Cream combines natural active yeast collagen extract with natural antioxidants and skin brighteners to help even out skin tone, increase radiance and reduce puffiness. Essentially, it makes me look like I’m feeling great… even if I’m not. With so many choices, you may be stumped as to what to buy first. So if you can’t decide what to get, I suggest the Nourishing Mini Skin Care Kit. The eight products are perfect for hydrating dry and fragile winter-worn skin. One warning though: I do find it hard to shake the product out of the trial size containers…maybe it’s just me though.

Budget Beauty Buys

Kirstin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500

There are times when I don’t mind splurging on a great organic product. But let’s face it; I’d rather score something at a great price. Many people are surprised to learn that there are plenty of organic options that won’t empty your wallet. In fact, you can get almost everything you need from face and body to hair products for $25 and under. Here are my absolute favorite organic beauty steals, so you can save your hard-earned money for a rainy day… or a swoon-worthy fragrance.

Weleda Wild Rose Cleansing Lotion

Currently my favorite cleanser, this option, filled with Rosehip oil and organic Mallow extract, is mild, creamy and effective. Plus it doesn’t dry out or irritate my skin. And I love the soft, pleasant fragrance.

Balm Balm Face Balm (Rose Geranium)

I can’t stop finding new uses for this rose scented certified organic balm. It’s perfect to hydrate the usual suspects like my hands, feet and lips. But I also massage it into my cuticles, elbows and ankles. It helps prevent chapped cheeks when I’m out in the cold. And in a pinch, it helps smooth flyaways.

Weleda Almond Facial Oil

Not all oils have to be super pricy. This one is effective at quickly nourishing the skin. After I smooth it on, my face simply glows. It also doubles as a soothing eye makeup remover too.

Dr.Hauschka Lip Care Stick

I don’t know what I’d do without this affordable, moisturizing little stick. I stash one in my bag, in the bathroom and by my bed. The protecting formula glides on and lasts through coffee and kisses. There are cheaper lip balms, but this is the best.

Weleda Birch Body Scrub

When I’m having one of those mornings where I’d rather stay in bed than face the world, I pull out this exfoliating scrub. The intoxicating lime scent is deliciously uplifting. And the natural formula makes my skin velvety soft.

Weleda Foot Balm

I’m not a fan of foot products that smell like peppermint or menthol. Instead I’d rather soften calluses and moisturize my feet with the natural blend of Myrrh, Calendula and citrus oils found in this protective balm.

Badger Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 15

The adorable label implies it’s for the little ones. But that doesn’t stop me from using the gentle formula for myself. Natural minerals keep me safe from the sun while olive oil and rosehip oil nurture.

Weleda Citrus Deodorant

If you haven’t figured it out already, I love citrus scents. And this aluminum free deodorant is no exception. It’s a non-aerosol spray with a fragrance that’s not overpowering or cloying.

Shadow Play

Kirstin — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:15:00 -0500

Eye shadow is my favorite product in my makeup bag. Like most red carpet stomping gals in Hollywood, I love to play around with color combinations. Here are some ways to get “the look” with shadow combinations ranging from absolutely easy to creatively complex, using pure organic products. When it comes to color options, Dr.Hauschka, NVEY ECO, Suki and Living Nature, are definitely worth checking out for great mineral shadows. For all the looks I mention below, you should finish with a coat or two of your favorite natural mascara.

Blues and purples are my favorite, especially since they bring out my blue eyes. Try NVEY ECO Organic Eye Shadow in 156 (heather blue shimmer) or Dr.Hauschka Eyeshadow Solo in 05 Smoky Blue. Lavenders like NVEY Eco’s Organic Eye Shadow in 164 (periwinkle lavender) work well on lighter skin tones. If you have a darker complexion, go with a deep plum or purple like Dr.Hauschka Eyeshadow Solo in 07 Smoky Violet.

For easy daytime looks, simply sweep a single shade from the lid to the crease, blending the shadow at the top. Line eyes with a blue or black shadow or liner. If you want to get more complicated, try wearing a darker blue shade at the inner corners of your eyes. Apply a lighter shade towards the outer corners and blend the shades together. Rim your lids with a smoky dark blue liner and blend well. Or instead of going from side to side, layer your hues from bottom to top. Apply a light shade from the lid to the area slightly above your crease and blend. Follow with a darker shade only on your eyelid.

Green is another color that’s fun to play with. Try variations of the looks I’ve described above substituting green for blue. Try layering a shimmery green with a great gold, which really brings out brown and hazel eyes. Line eyes with a navy or dark brown shadow or liner for more impact. I like the Living Nature Eye Shadow Duo in Ferns. Or try Dr.Hauschka’s Eye Shadow Solos in 06 Shadow Green and 01 Sunglow.

Take your gold to the next level for a gilded look that’s perfect for extra nighttime sparkle. NVEY ECO Organic Eye Shadow in 167 (bronzed marigold shimmer) is universally flattering. Apply from the lid to the crease and then use a liner brush to sweep the shadow on your lower lash line, ringing the entire eye with a thin line of shadow. Use a dark brown shadow (or eye liner) like the Suki Triple Cream Eye Definer in Mocha to apply a thin line to your top lash line only.

A fresh take on a chic evening look is a soft pink shadow paired with black liquid liner. Try Living Nature’s Eye Shadow Duo in Blossoms. Apply the petal pink shade to your entire lid and blend above the crease. Then add a bit of the darker shade only to the outer crease for definition. Finish with a thin line of Dr.Hauschka Liquid Eyeliner to your top lash line only. Or if you prefer to be sultry as opposed to sweet, go with a classic smoky eye using daring shades of dark green, blue and purple. Mineral makeup is great for achieving this look because it can go on sheer but will get darker as you layer. Apply one layer from the lid to slightly above the crease and blend up towards your eyebrows. Apply a second layer only on your eyelid and blend at the edge into the crease. Then you can get even more intensity by wetting the shadow and using it as a liner, blending it in.

Eco-Celeb: Angelina Jolie

Kirstin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Angelina Jolie has received three Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and an Academy Award. She’s also considered one of the world’s most beautiful women. Oh, and she shows up on the red carpet accessorized with Brad Pitt. But what really makes Jolie stand out (at least in my humble opinion) is her humanitarian efforts. And she doesn’t do it for the sake of the press either. Jolie is truly committed to making our world a better place, which is why she continues to personally plead for the lives of those less fortunate. Jolie even admitted to donating a third of her increasingly large income to charity, resulting in millions of dollars earmarked towards her favorite causes.

Jolie’s first big humanitarian effort occurred in 2001 during a trip to Tanzania and Sierra Leone when she experienced for herself the shocking living conditions of the refugees. Shortly after she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Actively helping refugees seek asylum and fighting for their basic rights, the UNHCR is currently helping approximately 34 million people in more than 110 countries. Part of that includes evaluating the environmental damage that occurs in refugee camps.

Along with her partner, she created the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation (more commonly known simply as the Jolie-Pitt Foundation) in 2003. Focusing on conservation work in Cambodia’s endangered Cardamom Mountains, the foundation started by helping save the region’s forest, freshwater ecosystems and endangered species. Currently it has expanded with reforestation, park management and rural development projects throughout Cambodia.

From handing out presents to Colombian refugees on Christmas day in Costa Rica to witnessing first hand the destruction in Pakistan after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, Jolie has visited more than 20 countries to help aid refugees. She also regularly visits Washington DC and meets with the country’s top politicians. And she co-chairs the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which connects over 40 organizations to help children caught in areas of war, natural disasters or other conflicts.

In fact realizing that many refugee children are without families or have families unable to care for them, Jolie adopted Cambodian refugee Maddox in 2002 and Ethiopian refugee Zahara in 2005. Her growing clan expanded once more in 2007 with Vietnamese orphan Pax. And when I see photographs of Jolie out with her kids (including her three biological children she shares with Pitt), I get a true sense of her vision for the world: all nations, all races and all religions perfectly united.

Close Shave

Kirstin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500

I’m not one for short shorts. And short skirts and dresses aren’t my thing either. But all summer long I peeled off the layers to reveal a bit more skin. And even though cool weather is almost here, I’m not quite ready to relinquish bare legs just yet. So until my legs go in hibernation for the winter, and my shaving routine slows down (just a little), I make sure my bathroom is stocked with the most pure and delicate shaving products. Mainstream brands will lead you to believe you need to sizzle off the hair with a chemical cream or smooth on a synthetic-filled shaving cream, but there are alternatives. They’re gentle, they’re safe and they really work.

You can get a close, easy, and nick-free shave without the harsh chemical ingredients with organic options like Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lemongrass Lime Shaving Gel. Certified organic by the USDA (currently the strictest body care standard around) and Fair Trade certified too, this effective non-foaming gel removes hair while hydrating with shikakai, hemp and jojoba. And the crisp invigorating scent made with lemon, lime and lemongrass essential oils is perfectly refreshing.

In my shower you’ll find Weleda’s Shaving Cream. The lather gets really creamy and soft, which helps the blade glide over my skin. It’s extremely gentle and helps prevent any post-shave irritation (especially helpful in the bikini region). Plus it soothes and nourishes with goat’s milk, almond extract and pansy extract. Since organic shaving creams don’t foam up, you have to massage it into your wet skin to create a slick lather before reaching for the razor.

In a pinch (if I’m out of shaving cream or I forget to pack it on vacation) I’ll use my hydrating Santaverde Aloe Vera Shower Gel. It’s creamy enough to really protect my skin while I’m shaving. And the line up of softening ingredients–including almond oil, wheat protein and aloe Vera juice–leaves me legs feeling soft as silk.

Raising The Bar

Kirstin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:00:00 -0500

These days it seems that liquid shower gel has overshadowed the bar of soap when it comes to tub-side popularity. But like a little black dress or a classic trench coat, a good old fashioned bar of soap will never go out of style… especially if that bar includes luxurious organic ingredients. So whether your looking for a bar that will go the distance or one that will leave your skin delectably scented, here are my picks for the best bars.

The Certified Classic

Bar none, one of the best bars is also one of the oldest around. Dr. Bronner’s Classic Organic Bar Soap is USDA certified organic and Fair Trade certified. Formulated with extra virgin Coconut, Olive, Jojoba, and Hemp oils, this 100% biodegradable blend comes in eight pleasing scents.

The Longest Lasting

Weleda’s bar soaps are by far the best when it comes to longevity as they are French-pressed and triple-milled. Each scent blend creates a rich creamy lather that cleans and nurtures. Try the zesty and invigorating Rosemary Soap for a revitalizing morning wake up. Or, for a softer scent choose the delicate, floral fragranced Iris Soap.

Best Use of Packaging

When you look at Pangea Organics bar soaps the first thing you’ll notice is the exotic ingredient combinations. Who could turn down Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom, Indian Green Tea with Mint & Rose Petals, or Malagasy Cinnamon Cassia with Cloves? But what’s completely genius are the boxes that contain organic seeds to grow your own plant.

Most Pampering

Take your shower experience to the next level with Living Nature Luxury Body Bars. Handcrafted in New Zealand with organic pure indigenous ingredients including Kowhai flowers, Manuka honey, and Harakeke, these delicately nurturing soaps are luxurious, lightly fragranced, and skin softening.

Best For Baby

Erbaviva Organic Baby Soap is blended with milk, honey, and Lavender to produce a rich lather that gently cleans without drying delicate skin. Plus it comes in an adorable pouch, which makes it a perfect gift.

Concealed Weapons

Kirstin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Not all concealers are alike. In fact, even once you’ve weeded out the not-so-natural options you still have, well more options. You have to figure out what formula you want to use and even then you’re not done. There’s the task of choosing a shade. After all, not all concealers are alike. And obviously not every shade will work for everyone. To pick your shade, choose one that’s one or two shades lighter than your foundation. If your skin looks ashy when wearing the concealer, it’s too light. However, if it doesn’t brighten the area it’s too dark. It also may be smart to keep two shades in your beauty kit for working with extremely dark circles or on days your skin is more tanned than usual. It also may be necessary to blend two shades together to get the perfect color.

When it comes to choosing a formula, it can all come down to simple preference. However, if you don’t have a preference (or a clue), here are a few simple guidelines. If under eye circles are your main complaint, try using a liquid concealer. Suki’s Liquid Formula Concealer is a great option. And Dr.Hauschka’s Concealer Pen is easy to apply. The formula is thinner than a cream or stick, so it won’t settle into the lines of your eyes as much. Also, since you’ll be covering a larger area, you want the end result to look as natural as possible. To use it, apply several small dots under your eyes. Then use your fingers or a brush to lightly tap the color in. If you rub to harshly, the color will just smear away and off the area you’re trying to conceal.

The secret to using any type of concealer anywhere on your face is blending. So make sure to blend the outer edges of the concealer area well. If you can’t seem to master blending, try using the Suki Eye Shadow/Concealer Brush to help you out. It’s soft and flat and will help tap in the color. After one layer has been finished, check to see if you need another. It’s better to add a few sheer layers rather than one thick, noticeable layer. After you’ve tackled your eyes you can use the liquid to help mask red areas around your nose, mouth, or anywhere else as well. Finish with a sheer powder to set the concealer. Use a very small amount, as too much will settle into the lines, making you look older.

Cream concealers are wonderful at hiding blemishes. It just takes a little practice. Try the Dr.Hauschka Pure Care Coverstick or NVEY Eco’s Organic Erase Corrective Makeup. For best results, you’ll also need a firm, thin, pointed concealer brush like the one from Alima Pure. After all, the trick to hiding acne spots is dotting the concealer only on the spot. And even if you have tiny, steady hands this can be difficult. Get a small amount of the cream on the end of the brush and dot it into the center of the blemish. Then slowly blend it outward towards the outer edge of the blemish. A second layer may be needed. Then finish with a light dusting of powder to set the concealer.

Eco-Celeb of the Month: Morgan Freeman

Kirstin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0500

Morgan Freeman’s distinctive voice stands out among thousands of others. From Shawshank Redemption to Batman Begins, his talented acting ability can be seen in dozens of films, but there’s one that’s special to me that you can’t see him in. In the English version of the Oscar-winning March of the Penguins, Morgan’s authoritative and empathic voice narrates the story of this heartwarming and inspiring documentary. For another visual dose of environmental empowerment, check out the website for Earth Communications Office (ECO). Freeman–along with Gene Hackman, Patrick Stewart, and others–narrate short video messages, seen in over 100 countries by over a billion people annually, in an effort to bring awareness to environmental concerns.

Freeman also uses his voice to help provide relief for disaster victims. After hurricanes wrecked Grenada in 2004, he created the Grenada Relief Fund to help publicize the terrifying disaster and bring attention to the destruction storms can bring to communities all over the world. In 2007 the fund was renamed PLAN!T NOW, and Freeman continues to work hard to improve disaster relief efforts. Along with helping small businesses and communities rebuild after disasters and providing scholarships for students in hurricane-affected areas, the foundation’s new goal is educating the masses about being prepared for disasters. Through the fund, communities are gaining the tools they need to save lives and reduce destruction. After all, you can’t prevent a hurricane, but you can build walls, reinforce buildings, and do everything else in your power to prepare before something happens.

PLAN!T NOW and Freeman recently teamed up with the Sierra Club to create a public service announcement to raise awareness about being prepared for storm-related disasters. You can support this cause by donating to the foundation. Or, if you love to cook like me, purchase his cookbook Morgan Freeman and Friends: Caribbean Cooking For A Cause. Freeman, along with Katie Couric, Michael Douglas, Hillary Swank, and more than a dozen others contribute their favorite Caribbean-inspired recipes to raise money.

Another one of Freeman’s projects is Earth Biofuels, an alternative energy company that produces and distributes biodiesel. Freeman sits on the board of directors and is a spokesperson for the eco-friendly company, which uses vegetable oils in place of traditional diesel fuel to improve the environment and reduce our dependency on foreign oil. Beyond his environmental causes, he also supports Artists For A New South Africa (ANSA), a nonprofit organization helping to promote democracy and combat AIDS in South Africa. Also an animal lover, Freeman supports the Mississippi Animal Rescue League and donated money to create the Morgan Freeman Equine Reproduction Research Unit at the Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine.

Playing in Sprig Hallow

Kirstin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:00:00 -0500

I’m not a fan of electronic toys that require little interaction and even less imagination. So I’m always on the look out for something that will inspire a little creativity while also being eco-friendly. Right now my youngest son is completely digging (literally) Sprig Hallow toys. Available in three sets that can be mixed and matched with each other, the DuneBug’s Sand Truck, Bee and Butterfly’s Farm Playset, and Dragonfly’s Helisoopter Playset are perfect for boys or girls, and are recommended for ages three and up.

Each set comes with removal parts that can be snapped together to form trucks, barns, etc. and adorable little ‘bug’ characters that can ride on the vehicles when assembled. Plus, each set has parts that can be removed to be used separately as a funnel, rake, and scoop—perfect for a sand box or playing at the beach.

They’re made with an unusual material known as Sprigwood, which is a biocomposite of recycled wood and recycled plastic. So they’re waterproof, resilient, and able to withstand hours of not-so-gentle playtime while also being colorful enough to grab a child’s attention. They’re paint-free and kid-powered. In truth, I think the fact that Jules can take them apart and reassemble them in multiple ways is what draws him to the Sprig Hallow toys in the first place. And that’s exactly the sort of imaginative play I love to see.