GreenerGirl

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.

I love some Evan Healy

If you have access to it, I highly recommend trying Evan Healy's skin care.  This stuff is all-natural heaven and the scent and quality of ingredients alone is worth the naturally significant price.  Everything is hand-made in small batches from carefully sourced botanicals, and falls into 2 lines, Rose and Blue.  Theoretically, the Rose is for mature or combo skin, and Blue for sensitive skin, but all of the products were great on my slightly dry, very sensitive and most definitely maturing skin, so I really just pick the products that smell the best to me and mix it up.  Favorite from the line: Orange Blossom spray tonic - OMG this stuff moistens the skin and smells SO good that I use it the minute I wake up in the morning - kind of like a happy drug (did you ever see Brain Candy?!).  Least favorite product: Chamomile Eye Cream.  Lovely if you want to wear eye cream to bed (which Evan, like Dr. Hauschka and Jurlique, do not recommend), but far too heavy for day.  My eyeliner ended up in the middle of my cheek by 11 a.m.  The line is available at my Whole Foods, but they don't seem to replenish the stock very often.  A few online retailers carry it, including Smallflower.com and Innatesource.com. Pick up the starter kit packed with samples and enjoy.

an experiment in "greening" a beauty junkie

So, I've been talking about this blog for so long, but real life has been very much in the way.  In any case, here it is.  This past New Year's Day - in a fit of reflection and self-evaluation - I wondered if I (a die-hard expensiveshiny-beauty-product junkie) could change my vapid ways and go completely green with my routine.  I can't say it's been easy (or cheap) but I've been doing a lot of trial and error and would love to share.  I've found some amazing products, and am still searching for winners in some categories.  And because I'm undeniably imperfect, I've occasionally buckled under the allure of the witches brew that is the Chanel counter, only to be plagued with regret and self-loathing afterward.  So this is the start of my musings on what's out there for girls who love to look great, but don't want to poison the planet (or themselves) to do it.  If you're curious about any particular product, just ask - I bet I've tried it!