Cats can clean their faces with their tongues, but us women have to use other methods!

Sometimes you just don’t feel like washing your face with soap (or cleanser) and water and this is where the oil cleansing method comes in! What is the oil cleansing method (or OCM) you ask? Well, I’ll tell ya! At first, it might sound a bit messy and you may be wondering, why on earth would I clean my face with oil?

The key here is choosing the correct oil.

Never use a low quality oil, such as baby oil. Baby oil is nothing but mineral oil, which is not good for the skin at all. I know, it’s supposed to be safe because it’s for babies, but it’s just not. I’ll discuss which oil you should choose in a few. This method is great for makeup removal or for cleansing in the morning.

The OCM has a few steps you need to follow for it to be successful, but don’t worry, it’s extremely easy and will leave your face cleansed, soft, and moisturized.

Oil Cleansing Method Steps

1. Choose a skin healthy oil which will not clog your pores. My favorite oil to use for the OCM is organic coconut oil. You can also use olive oil or castor oil. Like I mentioned earlier, never use baby oil. In addition, steer clear of using conventional vegetable oils such as canola, which is most likely a GMO product.

2. Apply the oil all over your face, massaging lightly. If I am using the oil to remove my eye makeup too, I usually wait to rub a little bit on my eyes (while my eyes are closed) last.

3. Wet a washcloth with warm water (be careful not to make it too hot or you’ll burn your face!) and lay the wash cloth gently over your face.

4. If you need to remoisten the cloth, do so and gently wipe the oil off your face (don’t rub hard!)

5. Your skin will be very smooth and clean. When I use this method, I usually skip the moisturizer since the coconut oil leaves some moisture on my skin. However, if you have very dry skin, I would follow with moisturizer.

 Why use the OCM when cleanser and water is pretty easy to use?

That’s all there is to it! So why would you want to use the oil cleansing method as opposed to just using normal cleanser and water? For me, sometimes I just don’t feel like wetting my entire face, especially when I get home late after a night out. It’s so easy to rub oil on your face and that warm towel feels so good! It removes eye makeup really well too.

How often can I use the OCM?

You can do this two times a day, or just at night to remove your makeup. I usually do it 4-5 times per week. It’s a natural way to cleanse your face and also helps you conserve your liquid cleanser since you won’t be using it as much. I want to thank Sheila Hansen of If a Goddess Wore Makeup for asking me about this and reminding me that I wanted to write about it!

So now it’s your turn!

Have you used the OCM before and how did you like it?

What is your favorite oil to use?

Share your comments below.

Please show me some love and Like, Tweet, Google+ and Stumble this post.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

My eyeshadow!

Do you know how to apply eyeshadow to make your eyes pop? I am not just talking about throwing one color on your lids and calling it a day. I must admit I am guilty of this sometimes. When you’re getting ready for work at 6:00 a.m. do you really have the time to go “makeup artist” on yourself? Probably not…but sometimes you like to really make up your eyes, whether it be for a party, special event, or date. We can get a little stale in our makeup application sometimes. For years, I always followed the same routine for my eyes: apply a light colored shadow on the whole lid. Then use a darker color in the crease. Done. It’s pretty simple, but I wanted something a little more dramatic and different. I recently went to my salon, Capello Salon to get my hair done and had a chance to sit and chat with makeup artist, Carly Jacuzzo. She gave me some fabulous tips on how to apply eyeshadow like a pro and a few more tips I am going to share with you in today’s post.

Firstly, when using makeup make sure it’s a nontoxic brand, free of paragons, talc, mineral oil, and other damaging chemicals. Capello is now carrying a wonderful line of mineral makeup called La Bella Donna. Doesn’t that name sound luxurious? The products are just as luxurious as the name implies. While my hair was processing (organic color, of course) Carly made my face up as if it was a blank canvas and she was the “artiste”! I really love the technique she used on my eyes and now I will let you in on it (it’s quite simple really):

1. Apply a light colored shadow to the entire lid up to the eyebrow line. She used a shimmery cream color.

2. Apply a color in a bit of a darker shade than the one you previously used in the middle portion of the eye. Make sure to blend using a quality makeup brush.

3. Choose a dark shade for this step. Carly used a beautiful dark brown. From the middle of your eyelid crease to the corner of your eye and down toward the eyelash line, sweep the brush in a v shape. This really makes the eyes stand out! Blend in, of course. In a nutshell, you’re applying colors from light to dark as you go from the inner eye to the outer.

4. As a final step, you can line the eyes either with eyeliner pencil, or as Carly did, with an even darker shade of mineral shadow. She used a dark grey, (almost black) to line the top and a bit of the bottom of my lash line.

So now you can do your eye makeup just like a pro! Make sure to check out the video posted below…I know it’s kind of hard to explain how to do makeup sometimes, so I also show you!

Carly also gave me some bonus tips which I’ve been using ever since and I know you’ll enjoy.

Bonus tip #1- To apply blush, you can use the same “v” technique used for the eyes. Apply blush in a V shape rom the top of your cheekbones to the inner part of the cheek to the lower part of the cheek.

Bonus tip #2- When doing your makeup, apply a piece of tape (just plain scotch tape) to the edge of your brow line to the bottom of your eye lid for perfect eye makeup!

Bonus tip #3- Always do your eye makeup first, then do your face, that way any mistakes can be easily cleaned up without messing up your face makeup.

Bonus tip #4- This one was in response to a question submitted by one of my readers. She asked, “What do you do when a zit pops up right when you have a night out or important event?” Carly said most people do the wrong thing which makes the zit stand out even more and we don’t want that! Instead of applying concealer then foundation, do this instead: apply foundation first! Then apply concealer and powder! Most people do the concealer first, but it ends up accentuating the blemish. Do it in reverse to hide that bad boy!

Bonus tip #5- This one isn’t from Carly…it’s from me and relates to makeup storage rather than application! Actually, it’s form my aunt…when I was visiting her, I saw how she stored her makeup and I loved the idea. She got one of those mini 3 drawer storage containers and all her eyeshadows, blush, mascaras, and lipsticks were so organized! She inspired me so much that I went and bought one the other day (on sale!) at Target. It’s so much better than throwing everything in a bag, not being able to find anything, and having everything covered with eye shadow. If you have a huge makeup collection, you can get the larger storage containers.

Many times I have wished I had access to a makeup artist to ask her all the burning questions I have about makeup application. I felt so grateful to be able to talk to Carly during my hair appointment. She did a beautiful job on my makeup when I was there, but she made me realize that if I used her tips, I can do it myself too. If you use her simple techniques, you can apply eyeshadow, blush, and other types of makeup with ease. After my makeup and hair was completed, I loved how the foundation looked so much that I ended up buying it. I don’t usually use a lot of foundation, but this one gave me a polished, yet natural look. It was La Bella Donna compressed minerals in Marianna and believe it or not, it looked as fresh hours later as it did when Carly applied it. If you’re looking for a hair artist (that’s Debbie Caruso, owner of Capello) or a talented makeup artist, please visit Capello Salon. Oh, yes, and tell them Robin sent you!

So, now it’s your turn!

Do you have a spectacular makeup application tip you’re just dying to share?

What are the methods you use to organize your makeup?

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

P.S. Don’t forget to Like, Tweet, Stumble, and Google+ this post to show your love.

P.P.S. I don’t usually sell stuff in my post, but I just had to share this one with you. This post gave you a few really good tips on how to apply makeup. But there are so many more out there! What if you could get tons of different ideas and techniques on how to apply all types of makeup, effortlessly and in the comfort of your own home? If this sounds good to you, click here to find out more: Makeup Success: How to Apply Makeup

Don't forget the distilled water (not pictured.)

Best Body Lotion (Body Butter)

 

2-3 Tbsp distilled water

1/2 cup grapeseed oil

2 Tbsp beeswax

Vitamin E oil or capsule

Essential oil(s)

 

Directions:

 

1. Combine grapeseed oil, Vitamin E oil, and beeswax. Melt over low heat on stove.

2. When beeswax is almost completely melted, remove from heat and place in glass bowl.

3. Add water, and beat with a hand mixer until it thickens a bit. If you want more of a lotion consistency, add water. I added 3 tablespoons and mine came out more like a lotion then a body butter.

4. Add essential oil or oils.

5. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to thicken some more then scoop into a glass jar (empty baby food jar or mason jar works well!)

Put some pretty ribbon (or use newspaper for curling ribbon to make this an extra eco-friendly gift.) Did you ever think it would be this easy to make the best body lotion (or body butter?) I had fun making this and I hope it showed through in the video. Now I have to go make some more!

Did you try this recipe out? What were the results? Do you have an even better body lotion or butter recipe? Share them in the comments section!

And don’t forget to Like, Tweet, Google+ and Stumble this post. You might just save someone from a trip to the mall!

12/16/11

UPDATE: Many of the lotions you buy in the store contain harmful preservatives- chemicals which increase the shelf life of the lotion yet carry harmful side effects. This homemade lotion is 100% natural and preservative free. That being said, I was recently made aware by Bubble & Bee Organic Owner Stephanie Greenwood that because this lotion lacks a preservative, it needs to be kept tightly closed and in the refrigerator to inhibit bacteria growth. I was under the impression that the Vitamin E served as a natural preservative, and it does keep the oil from turning rancid, however it doesn’t stop bacterial growth. I am now looking into adding a natural preservative to this mix, thanks to Stephanie for the feedback and tips! This is a learning process for me too and I’m so glad you are here with me on this journey.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Enjoy your wine! It's good for you!

Have you been paying attention lately to all the talk about resveratrol side effects? When you hear the words, “side effects” don’t they usually conjure up bad images and terrible problems? You know those drug commercials where the announcer talks about the drug and then (quickly or even in fine print) lists all the awful side effects which may result from it’s use? Sometimes the side effects are actually worse than the disease itself! Anyway, when I refer to resveratrol side effects, I am referring to positive side effects….things you actually want to happen! And you will be very pleased with the results when you hear about the many positive side effects of resveratrol. You might not even know what this powerful substance is! If you don’t know much about it, you will definitely want to read on as it can be your new anti aging secret weapon.

Remember a few years ago when all the news reports were saying it was healthy to drink a glass of red wine each night? Apparently research showed it was quite beneficial for the heart! Well, the major ingredient in red wine which makes it so heart healthy is resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant found in the skin of grapes. And white wine will not do, as the darker the skin of the grape, the stronger the concentration of resveratrol. Over the years, more studies have been done proving that resveratrol is more effective than both Vitamins C and E! This super polyphenol has some incredible benefits for the body’s internal functioning, including (but not limited to:)

Controls inflammation

Lowers blood sugar

Anti-carcinogenic as it kills cancer cells

Protects cells from being damaged by free radicals

Keeps hormones balanced

Decreases bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol

All of these health benefits can have a positive impact not only on your inner body systems, but your outer as well. Let’s look a bit closer at one of the main benefits: resveratrol has been proven to delay cell death. What does this mean? It means it can actually slow down the aging process. This potent antioxidant has the potential to extend our lifespan and keep us younger looking, longer! This is some exciting stuff! In addition to the inner benefits, resveratrol can have a positive impact on your skin too. Resveratrol:

Keeps you hydrated (and we all know a hydrated body means hydrated skin, which means healthy skin!)

Firms and lifts skin

Promotes supple skin

Reduces age spots

You can get your resveratrol in a few ways. The first of course, it to actually ingest it through the food you eat. Dark grapes and a glass of red wine each night can give you the resveratrol naturally. You can also take a resveratrol supplement, just make sure it comes from a good source. I actually started taking a resveratrol supplement a few months ago and then, upon seeing my results and continuing to read about it, decided to write this post, because you all need to know about it! Since taking the resveratrol, I have had numerous compliments on my skin. In fact, in a recent You Tube video, a viewer actually thought I was 10 years younger than I am! I’m not tooting my own horn here, but this is something I want you all to experience too. The recommended dosage is 500 mg a day. You can also use a skin cream for topical application which contains a high concentration of resveratrol. One of my faves is Silk Moisturizing Cream, which contains the red wine antioxidant along with Co-Q 10 and alpha lipoid acid, which are all essential for maintaining healthy looking, supple skin.

Check out the video below by my favorite natural health expert, Dr. Mercola, on how free radicals damage cells and how resveratrol can repair them!

So if you think all the talk lately over resveratrol side effects is just hype, think again! It actually is one of nature’s most powerful secret weapons that we have to use in the fight against aging. Have you had success using resveratrol supplements or skin cream? Tell us about it!

Please Tweet, Like, Google +, and Stumble this post.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

With so many challenges facing us today, it makes you wonder how one can even begin to live an organic life. I recently had the chance to talk with an inspiring women who is doing just that: living an organic life and helping others to do the same. Kelly Teegarden of Kelly Teegarden Organics has an incredible story which she graciously shared with me. In her 30s, she was diagnosed (truly by accident or perhaps by the grace of God) with thyroid cancer. When faced with such a devastating diagnosis, most people would have just lost all hope. Not Kelly. She persevered, survived the horrendous ordeal, and went on to found her own line of chemical free, natural and organic skin care. Just how did she persist and how did her life change as a result of her cancer diagnosis? Just click on the “play” button below to listen to my conversation with Kelly on how she began her organic life. She is truly someone anyone can learn from. If any of her words rings a cord with you, be sure to leave a comment.

The Organic Life: Meet Kelly Teegarden

Please share this post on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and Stumble Upon so more people can hear Kelly’s story. Thank you.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Do you see Drew and say, "I want some Cover Girl!" ?

I was sitting at home one weekend doing one of my favorite things, watching HGTV (I admit this with no shame), when I saw  a bunch of ads with celebrities. I mean the ones where the beautiful actress or model hawks some sort of beauty product. You know the ones I’m talking about, right? The one I saw was for an acne treatment “system” which is designed to dramatically improve your skin and make it look flawless like the celebrity. And the famous singer made it sound like it was the best thing since sliced bread. First off, do you think she actually uses the product? These stars get paid big bucks to endorse products and it makes me wonder, do they actually use the product or even know what’s in them? Today’s post is a bit of an opinion piece, I lay it all out there for the world to see! I want to get your thoughts on ads with celebrities too so be sure to leave a comment.

Besides the acne products. there’s a host of other products which celebrities are lending their images to. Major cosmetics companies have been using celebrities for decades to sell their wares. It’s like they think if a beautiful actress promotes their products, consumers will think they can look like that too! That tactic does work many times….because many of us want to emulate celebrities and their makeup look. Just google “Jennifer Lopez make up” and you’ll find hundreds of thousands of makeup tutorials! I must admit I am one of those women who get inspired by celebrity makeup looks. But I choose safer products to reproduce the look. By no means do I ever use the same, most likely toxic, products they used on the celeb. Do you?

And do you think you can get the same results as the celeb? For one, they have professional makeup artists who really know their stuff. A face is like a blank canvas for them…who amongst us has the same skill? I know I don’t! At 6:30 in the morning when I’m getting ready for work, I put my makeup on quickly and minimally. And secondly, when you see these TV or print ads with celebrities, we must remember they are probably photo shopped. No one can be that perfect and it’s quite unrealistic for us to expect to look like that! I recall when I was in high school, I purchased Cover Girl because I loved how the cosmetics looked on Drew Barrymore and I thought I could look like her!

Ads With Celebrities: Cosmetics Without A Conscience?

Here’s another thought provoking question- do you think the actress or model knows or even cares about the ingredients in the products she endorses? Cover Girl uses a variety of celebs through print and television ads. In fact, I noticed they cover pretty much all markets by employing famous women of all ethnicities, sizes, and orientations. Pretty smart marketing, huh? Are these women conscious of the cancer causing ingredients in the products? And if they are, do they promote the product anyway in the name of profit? It makes me wonder too, if they even realize how they influence young girls especially about which products to use.

Many women get taken in by a product or line promoted by a celebrity simply because of the fame factor. When I sit there and watch such commercials, it occurs to me that the endorser probably IS NOT aware of the risks, like much of the general public. Just like many of us, they’ve been led to believe that if the FDA approves it, it’s safe. It’s time to realize this is not the case!

My viewpoint on ads with celebrities is this: don’t believe everything you read, see, or hear. Just because Queen Latifah’s eyes looks amazing in that mascara, or Katy Perry has flawless skin from using skin cream doesn’t mean you will. Remember they are endorsing these products simply for the fact that they’re getting paid. They give no thought as to the consequences of promoting such products. I wonder where responsibility and values come into play? This is why I admire such celebrities as Alicia Silverstone and Fran Drescher, who strive to bring more attention to toxic ingredients in cosmetics. Now that is something to emulate!

What are your thoughts on ads with celebrities, especially when it comes to beauty products? Do you believe the ad’s claims and are you more likely to purchase because your favorite actress promotes it?

If you liked this post, please click one of the social network icons on the left to spread the word.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Antiperspirants should have a warning label!

Have you ever thought about the effects of aluminum in antiperspirant? Before we tackle this important question, let me tell you a story. When I was a bit younger, I had a sweating problem. This is embarrassing to admit! It seemed like no matter what I did, I couldn’t stop my underarms from sweating profusely. It didn’t help that I lived in South Florida, a hot sticky climate. It doesn’t take much to sweat here! I searched high and low for a strong antiperspirant so I could stop embarrassing sweat stains on my shirts. I eventually had to turn to a dermatologist for a clinical strength product. The clinical strength antiperspirant contained high levels of aluminum. This was before I was organic and I had no idea as to the health risks I was exposing myself to. At that time, I thought I had found a gold mine! Looking back, I realize it was the totally wrong thing to do. But why do we need to be concerned about aluminum in antiperspirant?

Aluminum is a naturally occurring metal in the earth. It’s actually one of the most abundant and one of the most toxic. The forms that are usually found in antiperspirants are aluminum chloride, aluminium chlorohydrate, and aluminium-zirconium. Why is it the major ingredient in antiperspirants? It prevents you from sweating and clogs pores that release sweat. By the way, sweat doesn’t smell. It’s actually the bacteria under your arms which causes the sweat to smell. Sweating is actually good for you because it helps the body release toxins, so aluminum is doing your body a disservice by helping it collect toxins. In effect, it blocks your body’s natural detoxification mechanism.

So picture it, you apply antiperspirant day after day, where do the metals go? Guess where? In numerous research studies of women with breast cancer, it’s been found in the body, especially in breast tissue. In another study, more deposits of aluminum was found in breast tissue closest to the underarm. So does this lead us to believe aluminum contributes to breast cancer? I think the evidence points to yes. Also, most deodorants don’t contain aluminum, unless it’s an anti-perspirant/deodorant. But most deodorants have other problem-causing ingredients too (but that’s another story.)

Aluminum in Antiperspirant: More Bad News

Here’s further proof that aluminum is the bad guy. When collected in the body, aluminum mimics estrogen. Excess estrogen increases breast cancer risk by stimulating the growth of breast cancer cells. This is similar to other chemicals, such as parabens, which mimic hormones and increase cancer risks as well. Most women are exposed to excessive amounts of fake estrogen through the foods they eat (soy), perfumes (phthalates), cosmetics, and plastics. Making it worse is the antiperspirants being used on a daily basis. All this extra estrogen has to go somewhere and the most likely result is breast cancer. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her life…this statistic is scary! If you knew you could reduce your risk of developing this disease by cutting out the antiperspirant, would you?

So if you’ve decided to be proactive and make the switch, you may decide to use an aluminum salt deodorant, such as the deodorant crystal. I did the same thing. I switched to one these and began to realize, even though it may be a natural aluminum salt, it’s still aluminum! This time the aluminum is potassium alum, which although safer than commercial antiperspirants, is still not completely aluminum free. What the heck are you supposed to use? First off, if you sweat a lot and it has a smell, you may want to consider a detoxification program. It may be your body’s way of telling you: it’s time to get rid of all the nasty toxins! If you cleanse your body internally, you may be able to free yourself of embarrassing underarm odor.

My Deodorant Recommendation

Even though sweating is good for you, we still don’t wanna do it! I’ve found the #1 best natural deodorant ever. I am not kidding. I’ve been using it for years and whenever I switch to something else just to try it, I always end up going back. The good thing is, though, it’s a deodorant, yet it keeps my sweat at bay. It’s Holistic Deodorant by Real Purity. I usually buy 2 bottles at once because I love it so much. It’s not only designed to keep you fresh, but the ingredients actually contribute to your good health. Shouldn’t your deodorant do that? Instead of having the risk of giving you cancer?

So if you’ve been wondering about whether aluminum in antiperspirant was dangerous, now you have more of the facts. Many websites (and even our federal government) say aluminum is safe. However, the countless studies done proves this is false. If anything even has the slightest chance to promote cancer and safer alternatives exist, would you seek them out? The problem is the breast cancer industry is a multi-million dollar business, so when they rant and rave about “the fight for the cure”, are they really wanting to cure it? Because there’s no money in the cure.

Check out this great article by Dr. Mercola on why you need to avoid aluminum in antiperspirant and how you can prevent breast cancer.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Do you know the true price you're paying when you buy cosmetics direct?

Are you one of those ladies who like to buy cosmetics direct? You know what I mean…your eyes peep the little booklet or catalog full of colorful cosmetics, skin care, perfumes, and the like. You then get in touch with your rep or order online, and it’s usually at pretty good prices. I’m wondering if you know the true price you’re paying for buying cosmetics directly from a representative or a catalog? I’ve been on both sides of the fence so I can tell you the truth behind this highly lucrative industry.

A few years ago, I was at a teacher workshop and decided to wear my shirt which read, “Green is the new pink!” I am a proud “greenie” and not afraid to show it! A fellow teacher saw my shirt and approached me. We started talking and I found out she was a representative for a natural cosmetics company, the kind where you could only buy through her. We eventually set up a lunch date where she introduced me to the company and its line of products. I thought this would be a great opportunity to earn extra money while promoting safe and healthy products at the same time. I was so excited! My excitement quickly turned to skepticism as I noticed in the catalog (and online) there were no ingredients listed. This immediately brought up a red flag and my excitement turned into disbelief. When ingredients in most beauty products are not readily disclosed, there’s usually something shady going on. Wouldn’t you agree?

Just to make absolutely sure my judgment was correct, I attended a product expo where she gave me a printout (available only to reps) of the ingredients. When I saw the ingredients, I immediately told her I couldn’t continue working with her. I’m normally not a quitter on anything I’ve started but I do have standards! One of my standards is to not promote anything I wouldn’t use myself. Believe me, this has closed more than a few doors for me, business wise, but it’s something I WILL NOT compromise.

I have a big issue with companies which market themselves as “natural” and claim they use safe, botanical ingredients but forget to list the other man made petrochemicals in their products. I have found this to be the case for many natural cosmetics products. Is this an innocent oversight on their part? I’ll let you call it. When I noticed this at the product expo, I confronted the rep about it and she continued to insist the ingredients were safe. What it comes down to is you really need to be informed so YOU can judge for yourself and make a more informed decision. So my question to you is, “When you buy cosmetics direct, do you really know the risks you’re exposing you and your family to?”

Cosmetics Direct- What’s the Big Deal Anyway?

Many women want part time jobs or other streams of income to supplement their earnings. One of the easiest ways to do this is to being a cosmetics rep. It’s an awesome way for many stay-at-home moms or ladies who have their own businesses to supplement what they already do. But do these women really know about the cosmetics they promote? When is the line drawn between profits and responsibility? I think the main problem lies somewhere in ignorance. What do I mean by that? Well, many of these women use the same products they sell, naively unaware of the dangers they’re exposing themselves and their customers to. For example, the rep who was trying to recruit me had no idea her supposedly natural cosmetics contained toxic chemicals. Most of the women pushing products don’t know they contain cancer causing ingredients such as parabens, sodium laurel sulfate, and lead. If some of them do know then they’re in denial about it. They figure, if it’s being sold, it’s safe for use. That’s not necessarily the case. When I see people selling this stuff, I just shake my head and politely decline their catalog or offer. I then think to myself, “If they only knew.”

Reduce Skin Age by 30% Revive – DNA Rejuvenation Cream Special Promotion

Cosmetics Direct- Why oh Why?

It has to make you wonder…why do cosmetic companies sell products with ingredients proven to cause disease? They even sell products stamped with a “pink ribbon.” We all know what it means…breast cancer awareness. Isn’t it ironic that the lipstick or lotion stamped with the pink ribbon caused the cancer in the first place? They’re marketing to the women who need safe makeup with an unsafe product …and people eat it up out of ignorance. This is why I boycott all products with a pink ribbon. It’s not that I don’t support women with breast cancer, I just don’t support the marketing of breast cancer from greedy corporations whose products cause disease. The big question is why do the companies use ingredients they know will make you sick? I have a theory…It comes down to one word: profits. Of course, using lower quality ingredients will keep their costs down, allowing them to earn more revenue. Its always profits before people for most corporations. I don’t think ignorance is a factor at all here. I believe they know exactly what they’re doing. They choose the toxic ingredients because they’re cheaper and most consumers don’t know the risks, so they figure, we have nothing to lose. Well, that’s about to change with groups like the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Teens Turning Green, and folks like me bringing more attention to the toxic ingredients in cosmetics. Are you someone who’s ready to be open to the truth?

Is the wool over your eyes when it comes to unsafe cosmetics?

Cosmetics Direct- Guidelines for Safer Cosmetics

What’s the true price for a cheap tube of lipstick or giant bottle of artificially scented vanilla lotion? You’re trading a few dollars for skin problems, cancer, hormonal imbalances, and more. Is it really worth it? You might be saving a few dollars now, but you’ll be paying a bigger price later. There are ways to avoid the cosmetics direct problem. Look for small, independent companies, many who are family owned but don’t necessarily have to be. You can also seek out indie brands which are started by people who have had enough of the mainstream. People who create indie products usually create safe mixtures they wouldn’t hesitate to use on themselves or their own families. The best way to avoid the cosmetics direct “film flam” is to be an educated consumer. You have to know your ingredients like the back of your hand and use sites likes mine and the Skindeep Database. Never forget this mantra: if you can’t pronounce it, don’t put it on your skin!

What are your thoughts on buying cosmetics direct? Are you for or against it? Are you or have you ever been a rep? Strong opinions are welcome. Feel free to leave your comment below and let’s start a dialogue!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Want healthy hair like this? Keep reading!

Today I’m sharing a great article on how to attain healthy hair naturally. These healthy hair tips will revitalize your mane and make you feel beautiful again. Do you already do any of these tips? Do you do anything different and have lovely locks to show for it? Please share in the comment section below!

Healthy Hair Tips: Top Tips for Healthy Hair

By Jacqui Alarie

The tips below are simple… you may already practice some of them. But it all adds up. Everything from your comb to your shampoo can make a difference in the appearance of your hair. Just a small amount of daily attention will pay off in healthy, shiny locks.

Trivia

* The scalp contains approximately 100,000 strands of hair, on average.

* We lose about 100 hairs a day. So don’t panic when you see strands in your brush.

* Hair grows at the rate of 1/2 per month.

* Each strand lasts about 4 1/2 years… all the more reason to take care of your hair!

Shampoo and a Massage

The first tip is to treat your hair gently. Excessive washing and blow drying are harsh. Shampoo often enough to keep clean, but no more. This may be daily for oily hair… less often for dry. For shiny, healthy hair, treat your scalp to a mini-massage before you shampoo. My hairdresser does this and it feels so good!

A scalp massage will:

* Stimulate blood flow

* Nourish hair follicles

* Encourage skin cell renewal

Have thinning hair? Try INFUSE – Hair Strengthener & Thickener to regrow healthy, beautiful hair.

Using your fingertips and thumbs on dry hair, begin the massage at your forehead. Work in a circular motion, pressing the scalp beneath your fingers. Continue massaging, moving on to the crown. Finish at the back of your head.

(Side note: Stressed? Don’t wait for shampoo time. A scalp massage is a great stress reliever anytime.)

Next, rinse with plain water to remove dirt and residual product. Then apply shampoo to the scalp. Work through to ends. Rinse thoroughly. Finish by applying conditioner as needed… again, rinse thoroughly.

To avoid potentially toxic ingredients, choose natural shampoo. The best shampoo is free of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). SLS and SLES are harsh detergents found in most shampoos, shower gels, and liquid soaps. Their job is to make suds. Unfortunately, they may irritate your scalp in the process and may contribute to hair loss.

Be gentle!

Wet hair is especially delicate. Use a wide toothed comb, not a brush, to gently untangle hair. Work from the ends up. Combs and brushes should have round, smooth tips and widely spaced teeth or bristles.

Fun in the Sun and Swimming Pools

Sun, wind, chlorine, and salt water can be harsh. Dry, chemically treated hair is particularly vulnerable. The sun harms hair protein while salt water and chlorine rob moisture from the cuticle.

Minimize exposure when in the sun for extended periods. The best protection is a hat. Alternatively, wear hair up or in a ponytail. And replenish moisture with conditioner after swimming.

Healthy Hair Tips: Aromatherapy for Hair

Here’s a tip you’ll love. It’s a simple pleasure with dual benefits. It will enhance your hair and your well-being. Rub 2-3 drops of pure essential oil onto your hair brush and gently work through.

Yes… it’s that easy!

Choose an essential oil for your hair type:

* Dry – Rosemary or Sandalwood oil.

* Oily – Eucalyptus, Lemon, Cedarwood, or Sage oil.

* All types – Geranium, Rose, or Lavender oil.

Experiment by mixing two or three of your favorite oils together.

Now that’s a tip you and your hair will both love!

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Product buildup can dull hair. A simple solution is a homemade hair rinse. Apple cider vinegar is ideal as it encourages blood circulation as it corrects the PH balance of your hair.

Healthy Hair Rinse

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

2-4 drops essential oil (optional)

Mix ingredients in a glass or plastic bottle. Shampoo and rinse hair thoroughly. Use the apple cider mixture as a final rinse. Allow to soak into hair for a few seconds. Rinse with cool water.

Voila… soft, shiny hair!

Treat your hair to this rinse once a week.

Does your shampoo contain toxic ingredients? Read All Natural Shampoo to find hidden health hazards. Discover natural solutions for beautiful hair and skin at http://www.naturalskincaresecrets.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacqui_Alarie
http://EzineArticles.com/?Healthy-Hair-Tips—Top-Tips-For-Shiny,-Healthy-Hair&id=3764964

Get lucky at Lucky Vitamin!

Today I am going to do something a little bit different and share with you my favorite online wellness shop. What do I mean by wellness shop? It’s a fabulous place online where you can get just about anything you can think of in the nutrition, wellness, and beauty realm. I want to share this with you today because of one simple reason. The biggest answer I get when I ask people why they aren’t buying organic or natural beauty products yet is because they cost more than conventional products. I’ve found a way to buy organics and still have a few dollars left over. I’ve often posted on Facebook or Tweeted about my shopping online again (to the dismay of my significant other!) It surely is one of my favorite pastimes! The absolute best place to buy wellness and beauty items is Luckyvitamin.com. I recorded a screen capture video to give you a personalized tour of how I go about finding those good deals and I’m also letting you in on some of my “finds.” I hope you enjoy the video…it’s a little different form what I usually post, but definitely has  useful info you can use to save money and go green with your beauty routine. Leave your feedback in the comment section and be sure to show some “luv” by sharing this post.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

My Favorite Wellness Shop Online