In a sneaky effort to get people to abandon the popular, greenwashed products on the market, I appeal to their common sense when I recommend pure argan oil for their hair, skin and nails.

• “You can use this on your hair as a styling aid or overnight treatment.”
• “I like to pat this onto my face in the morning and throughout the day.”
• “This stuff keeps my cuticles from looking ragged.”
• “It’s the perfect post-shower body oil.”

If I can get them to see the light with these multipurpose uses, then I know I can get them over the perceived price hump of trying a delicious, 100% USDA-certified organic argan oil from a favorite company (and company founder!), Olie Biologique.

{Olie Biologique sent me a sample of its 100% USDA Certified Organic Argan Oil for review. It retails for $40 for a 1.7-ounce black glass dropper bottle.}

So, we’re clear on the fact that argan oil is pretty much everywhere. But what makes an argan oil special? Is it the chic packaging? The online boutique experience? The faintly nutty smell?

All of those things factor into the appeal, but for me, what sets Olie Biologique’s 100% USDA Certified Organic Argan Oil apart is its purity.

Olie is straight up with you in its product details on the site:

“100% Certification means we don’t add anything to this pure, organically produced product. You get 100% non-processed, chemical-free, organic argan oil of the highest quality.

Embodying the “less is more” concept, Olie Biologique’s argan oil makes a statement in so many ways. I love the way it looks on my vanity, but more importantly, I love the way it feels on my hair, skin and nails.

Olie’s argan oil doesn’t leave an oily residue on your skin, instead drying to a perfectly moisturized finish. When used as a hair styling aid, it gives a glossed, not an oil-slicked, look to your mane.

I also love knowing that Olie Bioloqique has put its product to the test and achieved the coveted USDA organic seal, which is still uncommon in natural beauty products today. That extra effort speaks to me when it comes to cutting through the marketing mess of argan oils.

It also gives me a little perk to speak of when convincing people to ditch the popular, diluted argan oil mixes on the market and truly get what they’re paying for — pure product, not packaging and dirty ingredients.

What are some of your favorite argan oils? Have you tried anything from Olie Biologique? Tell me in the comments section!

Besides wanting to look fit and chic in our swimsuits, we want our skin to stay naturally beautiful and burn-free — and that means finding healthier sunscreens that protect us head to toe.

Here’s what types of products and ingredients to look for and avoid when seeking out natural sunscreens for the summer (and year-round!).

Sunscreen Products to Avoid:

Sprays, Powders, SPFs Higher Than 50

Why:

• Spray and powder sunscreens increase your risk of inhaling toxic chemicals (ever wonder why the instructions say to apply in well-ventilated areas?).

• SPFs higher than 50 tend to give you a false sense of security about how long you can stay in the sun and may discourage you from reapplying.

Sunscreen Products to Choose:

Creams, Broad-spectrum Protection, Water-resistant for Beach, Pool and Exercise; SPF 30+ for Beach and Pool

Why:

• Creams eliminate the risk of inhaling potentially dangerous sunscreen ingredients.
• Broad-protection sunscreens keep your skin shaded from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Sunscreens that are water-resistant for beach, pool and exercise allow you to have a little more fun in the sun before having to reapply.
• SPF 30 means you can stay out in the sun and be protected 30 times longer than without any protection — but you will sweat and towel off, so you may be more aware of the fact you may need to reapply.

Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid:

• Oxybenzone
• Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
• Insect Repellent

Why:

• Oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may actually lead to skin cancer, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other toxicology experts.
• Retinyl Palmitate, or vitamin A, is a wonderful antioxidant in skin care products made for use indoors, but may increase the risk of skin cancer when used on sun-exposed skin.
• Insect repellent should be applied just once a day, not reapplied the way sunscreen should be, because it can cause skin irritation and other more serious skin concerns.

Sunscreen Ingredients to Choose:

• Zinc Oxide
• Titanium Dioxide
• Avobenzone
• Mexoryl SX

Why:

• Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are both natural mineral sunscreens that provide a physical barrier to the sun’s rays.
• Avobenzone and Mexoryl SX both provide sun protection with low skin penetration risk.

Now that you know some do’s and don’ts, it’s time to dig into a few sunscreen options.

You can find more sunscreen reviews in the archive and look forward to more this summer!

{Here’s the array of natural sunscreen options I took on set with me for “Better Kansas City.”}

Makeup with SPF

Just because it’s finally sunny outside doesn’t mean you should just now be pulling out the sunscreen.

Make a commitment to wear sun protection every day — it’s as easy as finding makeup that already includes SPF 30.

A Few Favorites

• Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Cream SPF 25
• Suntegrity “5 in 1″ Tinted Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen BB Cream

Face Sunscreen

You can choose separate face sunscreens if your skin is particularly sensitive or if your favorite makeup just doesn’t include SPF. I prefer SPF 30, but general recommendations call for at least SPF 15.

You can find face sunscreens anywhere in-between, and even ones that include matte finishes.

A Few Favorites

• MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield SPF 28 Coconut
• Consonant 100% Natural Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 15

Hand Lotion with SPF

They say that your hands tend to give away your age no matter how beautiful and youthful the face.

The way to get around this sneaky giveaway is to regularly use hand creams that have SPF!

A Favorite (Do you have any other recommendations?)

• Soleil Organique Environmental Defense Hand Cream SPF 15

Sunscreen Sticks

Sun sticks may seem a little frivolous at first, but these catch-all protection sticks are wonderful for spot-applying and reapplying to ears, noses, lips and other tricky spots.

They’re also pretty easy to find in a crowded beach bag or purse!

A Few Favorites

• Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 35 All-Season Face Stick
• Elemental Herbs SPF 30 Sunstick

Body Sunscreen

Regardless of whether you’re lying around the pool or actually swimming and playing water volleyball, you need at least an SPF 30 for your body and you want it to be water-resistant.

A Few Favorites

• Coola Sport Citrus Mimosa Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35
• Jason Pure Natural Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 30

What are your sun-care protection tips? Which sunscreens do you use? Tell me in the comments section!

Everyone has a body part that they are constantly battling; for me, it’s my stomach.

That’s why I was a bit surprised to fall in love with this Topshop swan-print cutout dress that I found in Vegas last year.

With its flirty front cutout, I’ve actually only worn this dress once — backwards — since I purchased it.

However, for Friday night’s quite-humid “Rock the Block” fashion show in Kansas City, I decided to be bold — and stay cool — by wearing my Topshop swan cutout dress the right way.

Yes, I got a few stares … and I got a handful of compliments on rocking such a fun dress for a night out on the town.

I’ll be wearing it again soon.

Here’s how to get this “staring swan” look:

Dress (similar with back cutout) //  Topshop

Jacket // The Limited

Flats (similar) // Kenneth Cole Reaction

Purse // Vintage Coach Watson via Act II Consignment, Kansas City, Missouri

Earrings (similar) // Kate Spade via Halls

Necklace // Chain via Brooklyn Charm; Charm via Romancing the Stone

Rose Gold Rings (similar) // H&M

Shell Ring // Adorned Boutique, Lawrence, Kansas

Lipstick // Mirenesse Glossy Kiss “Quick Kiss”

Nail Polish // OPI “25 Colorful Years”

How are you turning heads this month? Tell me in the comments section!

Balms, glosses, shines, conditioners — whatever you want to call the soft, smoothing stuff we smear on our lips, I like ‘em. All of ‘em.

Though I will pretty much give any lip stuff a try (my poor, overflowing beauty vanity proves this!), it’s only a few that I think about repeat-purchasing.

Why? Because, as we all know, lip balms greet us at every checkout line, online apothecary and the like, begging us to just “get an extra to toss in your bag” (or is that just me?).

Splurge Skincare is a new girl on the natural beauty block, and I really like the cutely named “lip buttahs” the company has to offer.

{Splurge Skincare sent me a sample of its Almond Lip Buttah, which retails for $7 for a 0.15-ounce tube. Photo Courtesy Splurge Skincare}

Created by two teachers in the Boston area, Splurge Skincare’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that you should be able to treat yourself to only the best every day.

If you’re like me, one product you probably use every day (maybe even multiple times a day!) is lip balm — or as Splurge Skincare calls it, lip buttah.

Splurge Skincare’s Almond Lip Buttah has found its way into my pocket, my purse and my makeup bag on several occasions during the past month, and I can’t get enough of it.

{I love the pretty green packaging on Splurge Skincare’s Almond Lip Buttah. The “Lip Buttah” font is also very fun and sassy!}

The light, subtly sweet scent of almond is evident during application, but it’s by no means overpowering. You just get a hint of almond — thanks to the combination of sweet and bitter almond oils — and a ultra-soft, thin application of moisture.

Here’s the full list of ingredients:

Babassu oil, organic cocoa butter, beeswax, sweet almond oil, organic castor oil, bitter almond essential oil, vitamin E

There’s something quite charming about this short, to-the-point ingredients list. You’ll see the usual suspects — cocoa butter, beeswax — but I’m very impressed with babassu oil as the first ingredient.

Babassu oil is a gorgeous, fatty acid-filled oil that hails from Brazil and could easily rival coconut oil. It’s incredibly moisturizing and wonderful for hair, skin and nails, but what I like a little more about babassu oil compared to coconut oil is that its a little faster absorbing.

I credit the babassu oil (combined with luxe moisturizers cocoa butter and beeswax) with giving Splurge Skincare’s Almond Lip Buttah that slicked-on, smooth feeling; it’s not too thick or heavy, and you really don’t feel like you have anything on your lips!

Beyond the ingredients in Splurge Skincare’s Lip Buttahs, I really like the packaging. In addition to the cute colors and design, I like the shape of the tube; the oval-shape makes it less likely to slip out of your pockets — but it may not save itself from falling out of a purse or makeup bag, depending on where you carry your 17 different lip balms.

Seriously, is this just me?

Have you tried anything from Splurge Skincare’s line? How many lip balms do you own — or carry around everyday? Tell me in the comments section!

Julia Noik, co-founder of African Botanics, couldn’t have been more succinct:

When I started this blog, it was a hodgepodge of everything I liked — fashion, pop culture, beauty, home decor and food.

While it’s obviously become more focused in the lifestyle and natural beauty space, I can’t help but continue to think about our bodies’ connection to food as it pertains to beauty and overall wellness.

Starting very, very soon, I’ll be sharing my tips, questions and other musings on beauty food, supplements and wellness with you.

Today, Julia shares a few of her own beauty tips as well as her naturally beautiful routine.

As usual, I’ve starred the items and activities I also use and do!

{Julia Noik was inspired to create a wellness line of beauty products that captured the exceptional beauty and pure floral wealth of Southern Africa. Photo Courtesy Julia Noik}

Julia’s Inner & Outer Beauty Tips

“*Eating healthy, exercising and hydrating are the key for a healthy body and skin.”

“*Practice yoga. Exercise stimulates the whole system and feeds the body with oxygen, which stimulates the skin.”

“Start each day with a glass of water and the juice of half a lemon for a vitamin C, antioxidant, antibacterial, detoxifying and alkalizing boost.  Lemons contain powerful cleansing properties, and drinking fresh lemon juice each day can really help clear up a breakout and contribute to glowing skin! I also love incorporating raw organic juices every day.”

In Julia’s Bathroom

Amala Purifying Gel Cleanser

“This very gentle, refreshing, light and natural cleanser leaves my skin with a soft matte finish and a radiant, healthy glow.”

Amala Jasmine Hydrating Toner

“This toner is amazing to use before I apply neroli-infused marula oil. It softens and comforts the skin.”

African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil

“I use this omega-rich beauty oil as an anti-aging moisturizer, an overnight treatment and make-up primer for its high antioxidant properties and naturally high levels of vitamins and nutrients. It is fast-absorbing, hydrating and smells divine. Miracle in a bottle.”

Trinity Candle By NuboNau Organika

“For a euphoric experience and total relaxation, I love that this candle is made from plant wax and infused with real aromatherapy oils. The scent transforms the mood and uplifts your well-being anytime.”

African Botanics Marula African Muti Mud Mineral Body Scrub

“This unique mud scrub is great for detoxifying the skin, increasing circulation and improving skin texture. Wild-grown South African marula and avocado oils hydrate and tone the skin. South African green rooibos tea extract with cocoa and cooling peppermint create a sensory experience, taking you on an African journey.”

African Botanics Marula Firming Botanical Body Oil

“Love the fine aroma of South African green rooibos tea extrac,t which is infused with wild-grown marula and grapeseed oils. The dry oil blend improves elasticity and firmness, providing antioxidant defense against free radicals. It absorbs instantly, leaving the skin glowing.”

African Botanics Marula Botanical Body Hydrator

“I use this daily for retaining moisture and an overall glow! Cooling peppermint, lavender, neroli and tea tree essential oils soothe, soften and revive.”

Inside Julia’s Cosmetics Case

{Julia stores her natural beauty products inside a handmade cosmetics purse from Mjita in South Africa. Photo Courtesy Julia Noik}

*African Botanics Pure Marula Oil

“This helps restore elasticity and protect skin from the hard effects of the environment. I also use it on dry hands, lips and my face when traveling.”

*RMS Beauty Living Luminizer

“Perfect highlighter. It really brightens my eyes and adds just enough sheer glow!”

*RMS “Un” Cover-Up Concealer

“Gives you that subtle, flawless, even coverage. It contains all the ingredients to treat your skin as it covers.”

Sephora Classic Concealer Brush #46

“Applies and blends my concealer smoothly and evenly.”

Jane Iredale PureLash Lengthening Mascara

“Non-irritating mascara, lightweight and clump-free. Like it for the length and volume, too!”

ILIA Illuminator in Sway

“Love this product as it contains a lot of organic, healing ingredients! Also doubles as a beautiful cream shadow to illuminate the eyelids and contour the face. Gives my skin a fresh, dewy glow anytime!”