Foot Fetish

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.

Budget Beauty Buys

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. Continued...

Shadow Play

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. Continued...

Close Shave

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. Continued...

Raising The Bar

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. Continued...

Concealed Weapons

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. Continued...

See Spots Run

I have plenty of problems when it comes to my skin, but thankfully, acne has never been one of them. However, although I’m not plagued with constant spots that crop up at a moments notice, I know that plenty of people are. Recently someone asked me what products I would recommend to heal blemishes. And so, I sought out an expert to help guide me though the best organic options. Continued...

Bronzed Beauties

Although a pale face can be found here and there, it seems being tan—whether real or faux—is de rigueur when it comes to the celebrity set. From dark haired beauties like Jennifer Lopez to the blonde goddesses of Heroes, Ali Larter and Hayden Panettiere, stars know how to glow. And why not… tanned skin makes your eyes pop, your smile whiter and your complexion radiant. You feel thinner, happier and healthier. Of course being tanned from the sun is anything but healthy. So you can fake it with a few of my favorite products. Continued...

Step Into The Light

Stop right there! Put your hands up and slowly step away from the heavy moisturizer. With winter in the past, you’ve retired your snow boots, your warm mittens and that cozy hat that looks silly but keeps your head toasty. So now it’s time to tuck away the rich cleansers and thick creams, and restock your bathroom with lightweight options better suited for the season. Here are my four favorites right now. Together they’re everything you’ll need (except for a sunscreen) to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Continued...

Bath Recipes - Herbal Bath, Bath Salts Recipes and More

So you want to relax, but splurging for a high-priced bath product leaves you tenser than ever? And a pampering getaway to a five-star spa is something that will only happen in your dreams? No problem, simply grab some inexpensive essential oils along with other ingredients that are probably already lurking in your cabinets. Before you know it you'll be soaking in a luxurious, stress-relieving bath. Continued...