GreenerGirl

L'uvalla Love

I've posted about L'uvalla products before (see Spring!). They are all-natural and they work like a dream, with the most incredible naturally-derived, addictive scents and rare, rich ingredients.

Good news for you - they've recently developed a great fan page on Facebook and have been offering a really significant discount on their products (expires 10/31).  Visit them, become a fan, and take advantage of the offer to try skin care that you'll want to use forever.  Lucky me - they sent me samples of their (vegan) Milk Cleanser (a product I usually shun because they never seem to take off makeup and I ruin a lot of towels!) and their Lip & Eye Cream, which I hadn't tried before.  I shouldn't be suprised at this point - they are both delightful and I just placed my 2nd order of the week!

Olsen Haus on Bravo's The Fashion Show

I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Olsen (she's as sweet as she looks) and am mad about her vegan shoes.  So is Bravo - she is featured on The Fashion Show!  Take a look and tune in.

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

Olsen Haus: Animal & Fashion-Friendly Footwear

Times have certainly changed when it comes to making kind choices.  Think vegan shoes, and you may picture something substantially less than "hot".  The fact is that you CAN have your cake and eat it too when it comes to being conscientious and looking fabulous.  Leading the charge is Elizabeth Olsen of Olsen Haus.  Her shoes look runway, but are strictly animal-free - an anomaly in high-end fashion.  I've snagged three pairs and get stunned appreciation when I tell people that they are not, in fact, made of leather.

Check out this great interview with Elizabeth by Joshua Katcher and Chloe Jo Berman of The Discerning Brute and Girlie Girl Army, respectively.  Elizabeth spells out that leather isn't necessarily the most natural or eco-friendly choice, and shows off some gorgeous goods modeled by Chloe.

Suki Tinted Active Moisturizer

I've whined about the nightmare of finding natural hair care products (John Masters - I heart you. A LOT.) Now that I've got that issue squared away, I'm after the Holy Grail - non-lethal foundation.  Being a healthy girl, I should be able to go naked (facially!) and look spectacular - right?  Uh-uh - I've got the most reactive, dry, splotchy pink skin around.  I need camoflauge my rosy Irish fire, and the world is full of "solutions", most of which are chemical nightmares.  I've tried all of the mineral makeup, and have followed all the rules regarding application (swishingtappingswirlingdustingblahblahblah) and oh... so bad.  What I HAVE found is something that is THISCLOSE to being perfect - Suki Tinted Active Moisturizer. 

The finish is great - it's moisturizing but not greasy, sheer but definitely provides some coverage, it has natural SPF, the ingredients (primarly white willow bark and rose) are anti-inflammatory, natural and safe.  It's lovely and soothing.  Expensive, but lordy what isn't?  It would be perfect, BUT... it only comes in 2 shades, and if you are on the pinkish-white side like me, even the lighter of the two can look a little off.  It's just too dark.  Suki advises sheering it out with moisturizer (she makes lovely ones) but for me, that defeats the purpose and I lose that perfect coverage.  Now, if you are a bit more sun-kissed than I am - and most people are - definitely try it.  And Suki, if you are listening, just a wee bit lighter?  I would heart you.

Victoria's Secret Pink Body line is really Green

Victoria's Secret, far better known for skimpy unmentionables and even skimpier models, has launched a "natural, organic and 100% vegan" line of body and lip products.  Who knew?  The body washes and lotions come in 3 "vibes" (my term, not theirs) - Energizing, Soothing and Nourishing, and who doesn't need all of those?  I haven't had a chance to try them yet, but it's a great sign when big players get their green on and make healthy, cruelty-free products available to a young, mainstream audience at really decent prices ($12-15 for most items).  I wish they listed ingredients on their site, but applaud their effort and will surely scoop up some things to try - right now, Energizing is in order.  Check out the line here.

Spring!!!

Well, it is 26 degrees right now but it is sunny, and my backyard is filled with robins and squirrels (probably because I feed the little sweeties and have made little "homes" for them to take shelter in)  Spring is, technically, around the corner.  Which means it is time to switch it up - heavy, protective creams aren't going to do your skin any favors once the weather is warmer and more humid.  Some of my spring favorites:

Luvalla: Luvalla's products are 100% Natural, no less than 95% Organic, VEGAN, and COSMEBIO-certified. All winter long, their Age-Defying line keeps me soothed and comforted against winter dryness.  Their Age-Defying Day Cream, formulated with extracts of Calendula, Sage, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang flower, Thyme, Lavender, and Lotus, actually smells like Roses, and not fake perfume rose - this is heaven for the senses.  For Spring, I'll switch to their Balancing line.  The Balancing Day Cream is formulated with Sunflower, Lemon, Cypress, Hazelnut, Cinnamon, Lavender, and Lotus Extract and smells so refreshing and springy - definitely lifts the spirits.  My Whole Foods carries the line (and I had the opportunity to meet the president of Luvalla there - what a passionate and inspiring woman), but if you can't find it you can buy online.  And you should!

John Masters Organics: I talk about this line so much you would think I work for them (hmm.. dream job)  John makes the most fabulous, natural, nasty-chemical and cruelty-free hair, skin, body and pet products.  My baby-fine, long and dry/damaged hair is transformed by Evening Primrose shampoo and Lavendar Avocado Intensive Conditioner.  Come Spring, I will use Lavender Rosemary shampoo and Citrus Neroli Detangler (much more conditioning than you would think) and say goodbye to my blow-dryer and use their Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray with Lavender to get natural wild waves that hold all day (and smell great).  Another product that I love in the warmer months - well, actually any time - is Blood Orange Vanilla Body Wash - it smells so delicious but not at all overpowering.  And get your favorite pooch outside for a bath under the sun with John's Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Dogpoo (not a typo) - you'll both have a blast. 

Juicing: Beauty from the inside out

OK - I've become obsessed. I may be addicted to juicing - and it's better than any serum or cream I've ever bought (and my oh my I have bought a lot). 

I'm a born skeptic, so when lovely people like Natalia Rose and Sarma Melngailis extol the virtues of juicing, I think "um yeah, but you are almost UN-naturally gorgeous".  Well, I'm not in their league, and will never be, but I've got to say that it's not hype.  Starting the day with fresh living goodness has made me feel, and look, better.  For the price of a tub of LaMer, get thee to Williams-Sonoma or any number of online retailers and get a decent juicer.  Mine cost about $299, and has brought MUCH joy.  Carrot-strawberry-orange juice will get you glowing.  Kale-granny smith-lemon will wake you right up.  And you'll feel a lot better than if you had some claggy omelet or greasy sugar-bomb.  Or LaMer!

Buyer Beware

The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) in conjunction with Dr. Bronner's is targeting brands that you may think are truly safe because you'll find them in your favorite health food store.  They have taken legal action, alleging that many popular brands, including Avalon, Nature's Gate and JASON, carry quantities of a known carcinogen, 1,4 Dioxane.  Read about the campaign here, and as always, question everything and read those labels!

Green hair?

Of all of the products that I've experimented with, shampoo and conditioner have been the most challenging.  My hair loves chemicals! (but I do not)  Years of abuse have left my locks limp and thin, with dry, damaged (and slightly orange) ends - a tough combination.   Many natural hair products have only exacerbated the problem and left me with "bird's nest" hair - a dry, un-comb-able tangle.  About six months ago I dug deep into my wallet and purchased John Masters Organics products.  After sampling most of the line, I've found a combo that really works (and it all smells amazing).  I'm quite happy with Evening Primrose shampoo for dry hair and Citrus Neroli detangler.  I assumed that a detangler wouldn't cut it, but it actually worked better than heavier conditioners at smoothing my hair without weighing it down.  I also love the Honey Hibuscus shampoo and conditioner, but can only use it once a week or major limpness ensues.  I highly recommend parting with the $$ and giving this line a try.  No horrid chemicals, just lovely botanicals and great hair.

Walk of shame

Was in NY yesterday so had to stop by Saks.  Grazed the perimeter of the Bobbi Brown counter, and was ensnared by the promise of the PERFECT lipstick for me - they had an irresistable little wheelie-selector thing (i love those!) that noted the six best lipsticks for me.  I folded like a house of cards and bought two.  Walked out with my head hung low...not so green today.