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...
Sunscreen isn't just for summer. If you want to preserve your complexion, prevent skin damage and retain a youthful glow, the number one thing to avoid is overexposure from the sun. And even just a little bit of daily exposure adds up. There are plenty of conventional moisturizer/sunscreen combos out there. But those, of course, shield your face and neck with chemicals. Many organic and natural alternatives, although effective, are hard to rub in and often leave skin with a ghostly white tint. Certainly okay for a day at the beach, but they're not an ideal everyday solution. Luckily there are a few products out there that make every day sun protection simple. Continued...
Applying makeup is easier than painting a masterpiece, but it takes plenty of the right tools and tricks. Luckily in my years in the industry I’ve discovered some of the products you’ll find in every makeup artist’s kit to help you achieve gorgeous results in minutes. Continued...
When it comes to those who make organic products there are those who know stuff and then those who really know stuff. Dr. Alkaitis is certainly one of the latter. Trained in plant-based healing as an ethnopharmacologist, he’s also a chemist and molecularbiologist. Those are the kind of serious credentials that allowed him to work with four Nobel Laureates before turning to his own masterpiece: a hand-manufactured organic skincare line called (naturally) Dr. Alkaitis Holistic Organic Skin Food. Since he has both a scientific background and a love of botany, Dr. Alkaitis was able to blend cutting edge science with the pure properties of medicinal plants. Continued...
When it comes to deodorants, for me, it's necessary to go natural. And it's one of those things that people always ask me about. Why do I use natural ones? Are regular ones unsafe? There are plenty of people out there who buy organic produce, rub on organic lotion and drive hybrid cars but still swipe on their artificial, baby-powder scented antiperspirant. They fear that deodorants without sweat-reducing and body odor masking chemicals don't work. And no matter how natural you want to be, you still don't want to smell that natural. Continued...
Having a baby is complicated. I've had three, so I can tell you with all authority that life with little ones would be so much easier if they came with instruction manuals. Since we aren't that lucky, it's simply a game of trial and error. But one thing that you don't want to error in is using harsh products and chemicals on baby's super new and super delicate skin. That's why organic baby care is the only option for me. It's gentle, safe and soothing. Continued...
Back in the 'olden' days people would cart around a steel lunch canister filled with a sandwich wrapped in a cloth napkin and some soup housed in a reusable metal cup. Then plastic became a huge part of everyday life and soon we were sending our kids off to school with a lunch box (or even worse: a disposable bag) filled with plastic baggies, juice boxes and everything else that just gets tossed away when the bell rings. And if that wasn't bad enough, it's also known that some lunchboxes and bags contain poisonous lead. Luckily, with a few small adjustments you can take your child's lunchbox from toxic and wasteful to safe and eco-friendly. Continued...
Skincare isn't one size fits all. This not only goes for skin type, but also for the time of the year. Every complexion, whether you're oily, dry or somewhere comfortably in between, needs to switch things up come summertime. So I'm starting a multi-part blog series on my favorite warm-weather ready skincare products. Continued...
By now we all know the drill. The sun is bad. Sunscreens (the natural mineral-based varieties of course) are good. Don't go out between 10am and 2pm. Wear a hat. But even the most sun-savvy person is bound to get the occasional sunburn. Maybe you forgot to reapply because of the better-than-television drama that played out after your Uncle almost set the backyard on fire at a family barbeque. Or maybe you did apply a nice thick coat of SPF but missed a spot-like behind your knees, the tops of your feet or even your armpits. (Ouch!) So even though you know better, eventually you're bound to feel the red, painful effects of the sun's powerful rays. Luckily, when you're feeling the burn there are some wonderful, organic products available to offer sweet relief. Continued...
Anne Dolbeau founded INARA with an inspiring brand mission. Based on values she learned as a child, INARA promises to appreciate the beauty of nature and its healing power, respect traditions held by others and to help those less fortunate. These core beliefs are important values for an individual, but they work on so much more a powerful scale when adopted by an entire company. Anne succeeded in her mission by using Babassu oil as the signature ingredient in the INARA organic body care line. The nurturing kernel oil has been used for its healing moisture properties for centuries. They get the oil through a fair trade co-op that makes life better for the people of Maranhao, Brazil. These people have been harvesting the Babassu for centuries. And it’s people like Anne and others who participate in the co-ops who have helped protect the land and Babassu trees and the people who depend on them. Click here to learn more about the fair trade cooperatives or about Babassu oil. Here’s what Anne had to say about creating INARA, Babassu oil and the inspiration behind it all: Continued...
