Saffron Rouge Blog

Introducing Lily Lolo

saffronrouge — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0500

Hello Lily Lolo!

Saffron Rouge is thrilled to announce a new addition to our family of natural makeup lines – and it’s almost as fun to say as it is beautiful to wear. Lily Lolo hails from London and is the top mineral cosmetic brand in Europe. It’s about time we introduced it to discerning customers on this side of the pond.

Naturally, if it’s approved by Saffron Rouge you know it’s free of synthetic dyes, petrochemicals and other no-nos. Quality ingredients a given, it’s ultra-fine formulations are particularly soft and luxurious, giving you that flawless airbrushed effect with just a light dusting.

Lily Lolo founder Vikki Khan became a fan of mineral cosmetics in her travels but could never find a product back home that quite measured up, despite the fact that many makeup manufacturers were jumping on the mineral trend. So she created her own company and now boasts an award winning line of foundations, finishing powders, cover-ups, bronzers, blushes and eye shaddows, attracting a bit of a cult following in the process.

Fans of the brand love how it minimizes the appearance of fine lines but doesn’t settle or cake into creases (a more diplomatic way of saying “wrinkles”, don’t you think?). It inhibits shine but still let’s light reflect and your complexion glow. Unlike some liquid or creams, these weightless powders allow skin to breath while providing natural SPF protection. Lily Lolo also offers a toolkit of fabulous brushes so you can gently sweep and swirl the makeup around your face and eyes, blending and layering until you get the coverage and effect you want.

It’s the colors that really sell cosmetics, though, and Lily Lolo has a wonderful palette with whimsical names like Gold Digger, Doll Face, Sugar n’ Spice and Ooh La La. Ranging from natural shades to vibrant hues, there’s a lot to choose from and play with.

We’re sure you’re going to love the Lily Lolo line. We always appreciate feedback on new products, so don’t hesitate to tell us what you think.

Introducing Yael Alkalay, founder of red flower

saffronrouge — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:08:00 -0500

At Saffron Rouge, we find it fascinating dealing with the very talented founders and formulators of our prestigious brands. It is now 2012 and we will be publishing monthly guest spotlight blog postings from these remarkable women.

1. What motivated you to start your own line?

When I was 27, while skiing in Coursheval, France I had a stroke. Sitting in the hospital in nearby Grenoble on Christmas Eve, I woke up to an essential message – good health is everything, and every day life is rich and beautiful. That awareness to live life to its fullest, to restore health and wellbeing, to balance and move to appreciate the everyday forms the red flower mission. Every moment should be an opportunity to enrich your life in everything you do from the daily practices of washing your hands to lighting a candle. I look to create a multi-sensory experience layering rich texture, potent natural ingredients, unforgettable aromatherapeutic scents and healthful, restorative benefits. Living healthfully, naturally and fully by transforming every day experiences continues to be the guiding force behind red flower.

2. How long did it take?

I see this as an evolution, still taking time, learning and growing along the way.

3. When was your product line ready for the general public?

My background in design and product development helped me get our first range of products (petal topped candles and organic flower tea) off the ground in about 9 months to a year with product testing being a big part of that time.

4. What obstacles did you face along the way?

Running a business is filled with obstacles and challenges. Sourcing the type of ingredients I was looking for was probably the most time consuming and challenging, finding the one ingredient I was on the hunt for often felt like finding the holy grail. Building a culture and team of like-minded individuals with whom to run the company also presented many unexpected challenges and rewards.

5. Who did you draw your inspiration from?

Beatrice Wood, the founders of Shiseido, travel, nature, architecture, the streets of New York, organic food, yoga, art, music, literature and my family.

6. What is unique, different or special about your brand?

I strive for an unparalleled experience in everything we make and put health and the environment first, from the way we sustainably source the highest quality, most concentrated and most potent ingredients to our local production practices which keeps the line fresh and truly pure. red flower is all natural, where possible certified organic, and is forever on the quest for unusual ingredients from thoughtful producers who focus on the living force of all botanicals to create exquisite scents and restorative benefits.

7. Have you or your products ever won any awards?

We have garnered countless accolades and awards from the industry, press and consumers including being the first organic perfume to be awarded in the top 5 all-time best perfumes by the New York Times fragrance critic.

8. What, if anything, would you do differently if you could do it over?

You can't really do over so you have to make mistakes and learn from them.

9. How do you feel about changes in the organic beauty movement?

I feel positive about the increase in awareness and the availability in finding quality products.

10. What advice would you offer other novice women entrepreneurs?

Start now, be persistent, live a full life (not just a work life).

11. Do you think it is more difficult for women when it comes to business?

In the beauty business I truly do not.

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" - Maya Angelou, African American Poet

Hollywood is buzzing about Saffron Rouge products

sarah — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:58:00 -0500

Flipping through the pages of People Magazine, you may have noticed recommendations for two of Saffron Rouge’s favorite products, RMS Beauty Living Luminzer and RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream.

The beauty editors at People say RMS Beauty Living Luminizer is the perfect make up accessory to “get a healthy glow,” pointing out that it can also be used to add a sexy glow over the cheekbones and can be used to highlight the collar bone and shoulders. We couldn’t agree more!

Turning their attention to Raw Coconut Cream, RMS Beauty founder and make up artist Rose-Marie Swift used her signature products to create a sexy look for Gisele Bündchen at the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala.

“We wanted Gisele to look naturally sophisticated, making the look more modern and not falling into a retro direction,” Rose-Marie told People Magazine. “Use coconut oil on your body at night. It will help soothe and hydrate your skin if you’ve stayed in the sun too long.”

RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream replenishes and refines your skin giving you radiance and moisture. This revolutionary skin care formula is made from pure, certified organic, raw, unrefined virgin coconut oil. The cream contains amazing skin healing and cleansing properties that protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging.

Visit RMS Beauty on Saffron Rouge for more information on this outstanding line.

Gifts for Guys

sarah — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:09:00 -0500

Your guy may not always take the best care of his skin, but we know how important daily skin care can be to men’s overall health.

Saffron Rouge carries a wide selection of men’s skin care items from body care to colognes to shaving lotions and accessories. We have got your guy covered from head to toe to keep his skin looking and feeling healthy on Father’s Day or any day of the year. You can help your guy using the same nursery rhyme he now sings to his own little ones… Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.

Head

Help your guys start the day off right with one of our invigorating shampoos from Dr. Alkaitis. This specially formulated Organic Herbal Shampoo gives hair a soft, full body with ingredients like aloe vera and wild Andean rose. The clean fresh scent will make your hair feel and smell clean and refreshed all day long.

Style hair with John Masters Hair Pomade. Smooth’s frizz, adds texture and boosts shine. Protects hair and scalp from environmental damage and doubles as a hand salve and cuticle softener. Contains skin healing mango butter, extra virgin olive oil and Jojoba.

Get smooth, clean skin with Leap Organics Facial Cleanser made with vitamins A, B, C and E. Enriched with jojoba, shea butter, and olive oil help replenish the skin’s natural moisture balance, while aloe juice and extracts of cucumber and green tea soothe the skin’s surface and provide nourishing antioxidants.

Shoulders

Keep him smelling fresh all day long with Citrus Deodorant from Weleda. Made from the juice of fresh pressed lemons, this deodorant offers a fresh odor fighting scent that works throughout the day. Aluminum-free and Certified Organic.

Sun damage is one of the major causes or aging. Badger Sunscreen will protect his skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Non-greasy and available in both cream and lip balm formulas. This effective sunscreen is scented and unscented. This formula is also water safe for trips to the beach. Available in SPF 15 and 30.

Knees

Does your guy have rough patches on his knees, elbows or hands? Dr. Bronner’s Hand and Body Lotion will leave his skin feeling soft and supple. Comes in a variety of scents including peppermint, patchouli lime, orange and lavender.

Heal cuts and skin irritations with Living Nature Rescue Gel. Perfect for all skin types, this unique formula also calms blemish prone skin with healing manuka oil and manuka honey.

Manuka Nourishing Body Wash gently cleanses the body while leaving it soft and refreshed. The nurturing formula revives the senses and nourishes skin with nutrients and minerals. Antiseptic manuka honey and antibacterial tea tree oil are combined with mineral-rich kelp to delicately cleanse skin without stripping away protective moisture. Has a fresh mint and kelp scent.

Toes

Get squeaky clean from head to toe with Leap Organics Lemongrass Bar Soap. An uplifting blend of organic citrus oils and lush later to get your man squeaky clean. The intensely moisturizing organic, fair-trade shea butter also nourishes the skin with vitamins A, E, and F.

Give him a little taste of everything with the Pangea Organics Peace Gift Set. Treat your man to this tranquil and fragrant limited-edition collection. It covers everything from head to toe with a unique selection of Pangea Organic favorites. Contains: Pyrenees Lavender With Cardamom Shower Gel, Pyrenees Lavender With Cardamom hand & Body Lotion, Italian White Sage, Geranium & Yarrow Bar Soap, sample of the Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange.

A complete list of all our men’s skin care products can be found on our website at www.saffronrouge.com/men.

Beautify, Relax, Energize: Ultimate Baths for Every Mood

saffronrouge — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:02:00 -0500

It’s no secret that baths provide an opportunity to unwind after a hectic day. However, what you add to your bath water can help to beautify your skin, calm both body and mind, cure a common cold and even energize your senses.

No matter what your mood, it’s always a great time for a bath. Check out some popular baths below, and discover exactly what you need to create your ultimate bath experience.

Milk Bath

Some people will tell you that bathing in camel’s milk was the secret to Cleopatra’s gorgeous skin. While we can’t say for sure whether the infamous Egyptian pharaoh did in fact frequently bathe in milk, it is true that milk baths positively affect your skin’s appearance.

Milk baths have a beautifying effect on your skin because milk contains nutrients that rejuvenate the skin, making it appear younger and softer.

Relax your mind and body with Weleda’s Pine Bath Milk, or get a burst of energy with their citrus scented milk bath mixture, ideal for use prior to any physical activity.

Moms-to-be can also can enjoy an invigorating milk bath. Erbaviva’s USDA certified formula is safe for both mom and baby, and has a lovely lavender and herb scent.

Aromatherapy Bath

The essential oils of an aromatherapy bath penetrate the skin and enter the nasal passages as a vapor, calming your mind and instantly relaxing tense muscles. Aromatherapy baths also improve blood circulation and moisturize dry skin.

Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath helps to soothe sore muscles and reduce the look of red, irritated skin. Dr.Hauschka’s Lavender Bath dissolves quickly in warm water. Or, if you can’t find time for a soak in the tub, relieve shoulder tension by adding small drops of the lavender oil to a hot compress and place it on the back of your neck.

If you’ve got a cold, an aromatherapy bath can help clear congested respiratory systems. Primavera’s Eucalyptus Cold Therapy Bath Oil helps to ease symptoms of a common cold while in the bath.

Energizing Bath

Most people are aware that baths can be incredibly relaxing, but baths can also give you a boost of energy while still softening, strengthening and moisturizing your skin. Primavera’s Energizing Ginger Lime Bath Oil uses organic ingredients that do just that!

Ginger invigorates the body with its unique warming effect, while lime awakens the skin with its mild astringents and antiseptic properties. Jojoba and olive oils hydrate and protect your skin by increasing its natural moisture barrier.

Create your ultimate vath experience today!

Run some warm water, grab your fluffiest towel and jump into the bath that best suits your mood.

Toners 101

saffronrouge — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:35:00 -0500

Facial toners are an important part of your skin care regimen. However, they are often overlooked. This is likely because people today are more familiar with the toner that goes into their printer than that which can soothe and moisturize their skin. Trust me, you don’t want to mix up the two. It’s not pretty.

But pretty can be used to describe your glowing complexion after using an organic toner as part of your daily skin care routine. Just be sure to choose the appropriate toner for your skin type. Not to worry, we’re here to help you with that.

There are three types of products that fall into the ‘toner’ category: traditional toners, astringents and fresheners.

Toners

Traditional toners contain moisturizers, extracts and essential oils that soothe your skin and restore its moisture. The Concentrated Balancing Toner by Suki is packed with vitamin C and soothing aloe, helping to balance normal to oily skin types and offer gentle relief after a day out in the sun.

If you have dry skin, check out Pomega5’s Daily Purifying Face Mist. The invigorating toner replenishes the skin’s moisture with citrus essential oils.

Astringents & Fresheners

Astringents are alcohol-based and use the harsh chemical to tighten pores and remove oil – you won’t find any of those on Saffron Rouge. However, if you are looking for something to naturally tighten your pores, fresheners work similarly to astringents but use organic ingredients instead of chemicals.

The natural ingredients like organic grape alcohol (from the fermentation of grapes) and Atlantic seaweed in Dr. Alkaitis’ Organic Herbal Toner work to tighten pores while still lightly moisturizing and protecting the skin. This Saffron Rouge customer favorite is ideal for all skin types and can also be used to soothe sun scorched skin.

For best results, use toners twice a day – once in the morning and once at night – after washing your face. Shop Saffron Rouge toners now!

Baby Shower Gift Ideas: Totally Natural and Free of Harmful Chemicals

Wei — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:13:00 -0500

Stop! Step away from that diaper bag. Or stroller. Or whatever baby-type-gift you were thinking of buying for that fast approaching baby shower. We’ve got something that will get the ladies ‘ooohing’ and ‘aaahing’ faster than Taylor Lautner’s abs.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, but yes it is possible. At Saffron Rouge, we have lines of all natural soaps, shampoos and creams just for babies. (oooh!) They’re made without harsh chemicals, and are completely safe to use on a baby’s soft, delicate skin. (aaah!)

See?

Just for those lucky moms-to-be, we’ve put together a list of what we think are the ‘Top 5 Organic Baby Shower Gifts.’ But don’t just take our word for it – we’ve included reviews from real moms who have already tried the popular all-natural baby products.

Weleda Baby Starter Kit

Introduce the new mom-to-be to this diaper bag staple. Weleda’s calendula baby collection is so soothing and nurturing it can be used on newborns and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. The collection includes trial sizes of Calendula Baby Cream, Diaper Care, Shampoo and Body Wash, Baby Lotion and Baby Oil.

“I added this to a diaper bag for a shower gift and my sister-in-law LOVED it! This stuff smells so good (without being perfumy at all) and is very mild. When my kids were babies it was all I would use. All natural, no gross stuff.” - Krissy. More reviews

Erbaviva Sniffles Chest Balm

Soothe coughs and colds with this natural USDA certified organic formula. Babies, children and adults will get relief from this all natural balm equipped with eucalyptus, tea tree oil and cypress oil. Gently rub on to your neck, chest and back to get instant natural relief from the common cold.

“This is the one product that I couldn’t go without when my little guy was born. He had a stuffy nose that would cause him to wake up and this sniffle balm was gentle and non-irritating to his skin but cleared his nose up right away so he and mommy could both get some sleep!” - Pixie. More reviews

Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel

Yes, a baby shower may be a little early to start thinking about teeth – but this product is so great, we didn’t want to leave it out. Fluoride free, this gel has been developed by dentists to care specifically for those delicate baby teeth. Best of all, Weleda’s tooth gel contains no artificial fragrances, preservatives or sulfates and has a natural spearmint taste that kids love.

“I bought this when my oldest began brushing, but they ALL (three of them now!) still love it and prefer it over all other products they have tried. I buy several at a time so we never run out!” - GLS. More reviews

Erbaviva Sunscreen

Safe for children and even effective on adults with sensitive skin, this non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into your skin and is synthetic free. Nurturing your body with sweet almond and avocado oils, Erbaviva’s sunscreen is synthetic free and offers full protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

“This sunscreen is supposed to be for babies, but it rocks for adults too. It has a great light non-greasy texture, is not too white, and smells AMAZING! …” – Renee. More reviews

L’il Badger Duet

Chemical free and totally biodegradable, this perfect pair of baby balms not only soothes the skin, but also helps to relax a child’s tired mind. Healing everything from diaper rash to chapped cheeks, the herbal-scented balm nourishes a baby’s skin with its buttery texture and soft scent. The Night Night Balm eases children to sleep with its therapeutic blend of chamomile, lavender, mandarin, sandalwood and spearmint.

“This makes a great baby gift - and I use both of these products on my two children all the time and one is three years old. They both have had bouts of eczema and these two balms are both very nourishing and calming.” – Kate

View our full range of organic baby products!

Spring 2011 Makeup Trends

karen — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:27:00 -0500

Bold, bright, and gold. Spring 2011’s makeup trends are a breath of fresh air – and yes, a little sunshine too.

Updating your look can often be as easy as changing your lipstick and that holds true for spring 2011. Bold lips make a statement this season, in bright red, pink, and coral shades. Get the look with Nvey Eco’s Organic Lipstick, #369, or Revolution Organics Lip Gloss in Freedom and Truth, and pair your hot lips with natural eye makeup and a chic ponytail.

However, bold lips aren’t the only source of glamour this spring – bright eye popping shadows are in full-effect for 2011.

If you’re a rookie when it comes to colorful eye makeup, remember that choosing a contrasting shadow can really make your eye color pop. For example, since orange and blue are complementary colors, coral shades will really bring out your baby blues. The same goes for purple hues if you have green eyes, or blue shades if you have brown eyes.

Gold tones in lipstick, eye shadow and blush provide a slightly more natural take on the otherwise bold spring style. Create a dramatic evening look by layering metallic shadow across the lids to the corner of your eye. Or, for a daytime look that’s still right on trend, simply brush a little gold shadow into your eye’s crease. Alima Pure’s line of Luminous Shimmer Shadow has lots of glistening shades to choose from.

Prefer a more natural look? Beautiful skin is always in fashion and Living Nature’s Luminous Pressed Powder contains natural minerals that give your skin a lovely subtle glow. For an easy, sun-kissed look for spring, Dr.Hauschka’s Warm Breeze color palette has everything you need – from eye shadow to lip tint!

Kiss the winter blues goodbye, and get ready to embrace the bright and bold colors of spring!

Winter Hair Care Tips

karen — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:30:00 -0500

Counting the days until spring returns and sandal season along with it? So is your hair. Although, probably not for the sandals.

The combination of harsh winds, cold, and indoor heating can be extremely hard on your tresses. While most of us are aware of the effects the winter climate has on our skin and amp up the moisturizer usage appropriately for the season, few of us do the same for our hair.

If you’re looking to get hair that will sparkle in the sun upon the return to spring, we’ve got a few winter hair care tips that will prevent your ‘do from looking like it was left out in the cold.

Minimize washes with dry shampoo

Washing your hair every day can strip your scalp of natural oils, causing your hair to lose its shine. Instead, use a dry shampoo in between washes. A dry shampoo, like Lulu Organics’ Organic Hair Powder, will return volume to your ‘do and prevent your hair from looking greasy.

Avoid the temptation of a hot shower

Admittedly a hot shower is just too good to pass up in the cold weather – but don’t keep your hair under the heat too long, as hot water will quickly dry out your lovely locks. Do your best to wash and rinse your hair under lukewarm water. It’s an easy way to help restore your hair’s natural luster.

Always use conditioner

Conditioner is essential in the cold weather and should be used every time you shampoo. A nourishing conditioner, like the one by Living Nature, restores essential moisture to your hair, revitalizing its shine. To fully allow the conditioner to penetrate your hair, wait for at least one minute before rinsing. For best results, pair with Living Nature’s Nourishing Shampoo.

Blow dryers and curling irons and straighteners – oh my!

If you really need to use hot styling products on your hair, moisturize with a leave-in conditioner first. The Rahua Finishing Treatment from Amazon Beauty contains a highly concentrated blend of oils that work to prevent hair from breaking during styling and blow drying. Apply the leave in conditioner to damp hair, and be sure to pay special attention to the ends. Your hair will thank you!

Do It Yourself Facials: Spa Relaxation at Home

Wei — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 06:38:00 -0500

Facials are not only great for your skin, they can also reduce stress. While getting a professional facial can be expensive, you don’t need to splurge at the spa for a relaxing treatment to moisturize and revitalize your skin. It’s actually quite easy to give yourself a facial at home. All you need is about 30 minutes and a few basic skin care essentials.

A Good Cleanser

The first step in any facial is to cleanse the skin, so you’ll need a good face wash to get started. Finding the cleanser that works best for you is all about knowing your skin type.

If you have dry skin look for cleansers with added moisture, like Dr.Hauschka’s Cleansing Milk face wash. Or, if your skin is sensitive, try a mild face wash, such as Welada’s Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion. For normal skin types, a gentle all purpose cleanser, like the Vitalizing Cleanser by Living Nature, will leave your skin healthy and well nourished.

A Gentle Exfoliate

Exfoliators help to remove dead skin cells which allows your moisturizer to better penetrate your skin. However, be on the lookout for exfoliators with harsh chemicals, as they can damage your living skin cells. Instead, try an exfoliator like Pangea Organics Facial Scrub. It’s good for all skin types, and promises to leave your face looking radiant. Simply rub on the exfoliator in a circular motion, and be sure to rinse well.

A Soothing Facial Mask

Avoiding your eyes and mouth, cover your face with the facial mask and relax for 10 – 20 minutes, depending on the directions on the product. Facial masks are a great way to help hydrate your skin and promote a healthy complexion.

A mask like Primavera Revitalizing Antioxidant Mask, uses natural ingredients to repair tissue and prevent the signs of aging for most skin types. However, like cleansers, it is important to find the mask that best suits your skin type.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

Moisturizer should be applied immediately after the mask to replenish your skin with natural oils that may have been washed away. A good moisturizer will leave your skin feeling soft and help to protect it from environmental damage.

A non greasy cream that will lock-in moisture, like Qunice Day Cream by Dr. Hauschka, will revitalize normal to dry skin. However, those with sensitive skin should look for lightweight organic moisturizers, such as Weleda’s Calendula Facial Cream, which nurtures the skin while maintaining its essential moisture balance.

Get Started

Now that you know exactly what you need to give yourself a nourishing facial at home, go for it! Relax, de-stress, and revitalize your skin.