GreenerGirl

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!