I have teamed up with the wonderful people at Real Purity to come up with an incredible giveaway for you. You can win all the skin care products I reviewed in the previous post: Real Purity Organic Skin Care: Face Food For Thought.

The winner will receive four full size products:

Milk Cleanser

Honey Almond Face Scrub

Facial Masque Dehydrated

Creme Supreme

This is an awesome giveaway with products valuing $95! I hope you get a chance to take part in it. You just might win and become an instant lifelong fan of Real Purity. Please read below for details on how you can enter:

Mandatory:

• Become an e-mail subscriber to Toxic Beauty Blog by using the form in the sidebar. Leave me a comment stating you subscribed.
  
• Already a subscriber? Choose any of the other additional entry options below. Leave a comment letting me know you are already a subscriber and which entry option you used.

Additional entries:

• Tweet this giveaway. This can be done daily. Copy and paste “@organicgirl6 Toxic Beauty Blog Giveaway! http://toxicbeautyblog.com/beauty-giveaway/giveaway-real-purity-organic-skin-care/”  Then come back and leave a direct link to your tweet. (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.)
• Share this giveaway on Facebook, Delicious, Digg, Stumble Upon or any of the other social networking sites. Leave a comment with your name and a link to the “share.” You can do this often as well. Let’s get the word out!
• Write a post on your blog linking to my blog – Good for two entries. Leave this comment twice so you get both entries!

Giveaway Rules

You may enter this giveaway up until April 10, 2010. Giveaway ends on April 11.

Anyone worldwide is eligible to enter this giveaway.

This giveaway is not redeemable for cash.

Thank you to Real Purity for sponsoring this giveaway.

Also checkout my video below, discussing Real Purity!

Good luck!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Robin

Related posts:

1. Product Giveaway: My Lip Stuff!
2. Real Purity Organic Skin Care: “Face Food for Thought”
3. Health Glo Foundation by Real Purity

The beauty of nature with Real Purity

My absolute favorite skin care company is Real Purity, a family owned company who truly believe in putting YOU first. Many people have never heard of them, yet they’ve been around for many years. It is the best kept secret in organic skin care….and now I am about to share that secret!

For those of you who don’t know, even though it is not on their labels, Real Purity is organic. They have also signed the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. They are working on the labeling and entering all their products into the Cosmetic Safety Database…a daunting task indeed. In addition, they have just launched their new website: http://www.realpurity.com! There are many exciting things in store for Real Purity and I am very grateful to be a part of them.

I’ve previously posted reviews of some of my favorite Real Purity products including mascara and holistic deodorant. Not until now have I gotten a chance to try out the skin care line. After using the products for about 8 weeks, I am extremely satisfied with the results and the performance of the products. Safe ingredients combine with performance to make some very unique skin care products. Once you start using Real Purity, you may not want to ever use anything else. Real Purity cosmetics are formulated with you in mind. Their motto is always, “People before profit.” They’ve consulted with Naturopathic Doctors, Biochemists, Clinical Nutritionists, Enzyme Therapists, Natural Estheticians, and Master Clinical Herbalists to bring you safe, healthy products. Real Purity never tests on animals. This is not necessary when you know the ingredients are from nature.

And now on to the good stuff!

The products I used from their skin care line included:

Cleansing Lotion
Cleaning Milk
Honey Almond Scrub
Facial Masque Dehydrated
Creme Supreme

For some of the products, I was sent a sample…for the rest they were full sized products I continue to enjoy now.

Cleansing Lotion/Cleansing Milk

I liked both of the cleansers….probably leaning more toward the milk cleanser, as milk is incredibly soothing and exfoliating for the skin. Both of the cleansers cleaned my face completely, rinsing clean and leaving my face feeling soft and moisturized. My face did not feel dried out like it sometimes feels after washing my face. the Cleansing Milk also contains aloe and other natural ingredients. The Cleansing Milk is priced at $17.99. The Cleaning Lotion is $15.99.

Check out the ingredients in the Cleansing Milk:

Purified water, proprietary blend of organic fruit & nut oils, organic vegetable glycerin, organic milk, organic hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel), organic aloe vera, organic botse™ (organic plant preservative system)

Honey Almond Face Scrub by Real Purity

After cleansing, it’s always a good idea to exfoliate with a good facial scrub, at least once a week. Many scrubs on the market today are extremely rough on the skin. When you use face scrub, it should gently exfoliate, not strip the skin completely. Enter Real Purity Honey Almond Scrub. When I first opened the jar, I didn’t know whether to put it on my face or eat it! It smells wonderful and when I used it, a bit did get in my mouth and it was sweet! The main ingredients are honey (there’s the sweetness!) almonds, and oatmeal. Now you can see why I wanted to eat it! This scrub is creamy and feels lovely on the skin. After using this organic scrub priced at $14.99, my skin felt like it had been pampered.

Here are the Honey Almond Scrub Ingredients:
Oatmeal, Raw Honey, Natural Vegetable Glycerin, Kaolin, Purified Water, Almond Meal, Almond Oil, Corn Meal, Apricot Kernel Oil

Delicious! Now you know why I wanted to eat it….no harmful chemicals, preservatives, or additives.

Me wearing my Real Purity "blue" face masque

The third step in my Real Purity facial was the Facial Masque Dehydrated ($17.50.) It’s designed specifically for dry, dehydrated skin. It is a lovely light blue color and smells very fresh. You rub it into your skin evenly, wait 20 minutes, then rinse. Unlike other facial masques, it does not dry on the skin, which to me is a good thing as I do not like that tight mask feeling at all! Again, the ingredients are organic and safe:

Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Glycogen, Mucopolysaccharides, Phyto Elastin, Phyto Collagen, Natural Clay, Evening Primrose Oil

Most of those ingredients are identifiable….except Mucopolysaccharides. Those are simply long chains of sugar molecules naturally found throughout the body. Phyto Elastin and Phyto Collagen are incredible anti-aging ingredients which moisturize and protect the skin. Evening primrose oil is high in fatty acids, great for firming skin and moisturizing dry skin. Real Purity’s scientists know exactly which ingredients to combine to help our skin look younger and more beautiful!

Super moisturizing Creme Supreme

By now, my skin was incredibly clean and glowing! There was one more step, however. After cleaning, exfoliating, clarifying…what’s next? Adding moisture, of course. My absolute favorite product I tried is Creme Supreme. This is like the “Bentley” of skin creams. It’s delicately scented with raspberry and nourished my skin unbelievably. After using it for 8 weeks, the patchy dry spots I tended to get around my mouth (in the smile lines) disappeared! Every morning after I cleanse, I use Creme Supreme and I can honestly say I look forward to putting it on. Again, phyto collagen protects with it’s anti-aging properties and sea kelp detoxifies the skin and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Peep the rest of the ingredients:

Purified Water, Safflower Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Glycerine, Sea Kelp, Phyto Collagen, Raspberry Nectar, Comfrey, Hops, Limetree, Rutin

This is a fabulous moisturizer I can see myself using for forever! It sells for $45 for a 1 oz jar. Don’t let the price scare you, a little goes a long way. I’ve had it for 2 months and it is barely even 3/4 of the way done yet!

My glowing skin...after using Real Purity organic skin products.

After using Real Purity skin care, I can honestly say my skin looks and feels better than it ever has. I use the scrub and mask at least once a week and the Creme Supreme every day. I feel good about using their products because I know each and every ingredient is from nature and will benefit not only my skin but my health too. My motto is, “If i can’t eat it, I won’t put it on my skin,” and Real Purity products meet this requirement. I came close to eating the face scrub! They prove that effective products are possible, without the use of toxins. As they say on their website…

Purity you can see-
Purity you can feel-
Purity that is real-
Simply…Real Purity®

Now that you know all there is to know about Real Purity skin care….do you want to try them out? Well, you can because I have partnered up with RP to offer you an incredible giveaway. You can win each and every product I reviewed today. Stay tuned to Toxic Beauty Blog on Wednesday for more details on how you can win a complete Real Purity skin care set, including the Milk Cleanser, Face Scrub, Masque, and, Creme Supreme! You do not want to miss this!!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!
Robin

Related posts:

1. Giveaway: Real Purity Organic Skin Care
2. Health Glo Foundation by Real Purity
3. The “Key” To Safe Skin Care

First off, where do gray hairs come from? Your kids, your mate….stress? Maybe…gray hair results when there is a lack of melanin in the hair, which gives it color. Age is not always a factor for developing gray hair. Even children can get it! The biggest factor for getting gray hair is heredity. If your mom or dad had gray hair, you probably will too. Now that we know why we have it….what is there to do?

Many women use hair color to cover their gray. Have you ever thought about what’s in your hair dye? Commercial hair color is incredibly toxic and linked to hair loss and cancer! Hair dyes contain chemical ingredients that have already been banned in Europe. So why are they still in hair dyes in the U.S? In fact, many people attribute Jackie Kennedy’s lymphoma and eventual demise to the fact that she continually dyed her hair throughout her life. To make matters worse, darker colors are more dangerous.

Click on the link below to see an informative video about toxic hair dye.

Toxic Hair Dye?

So what are your options? I use organic hair color, which might not be available in your area. I did a little research and turns out there are natural ways to prevent gray hair. These include changes to your diet and topical solutions which use common household ingredients. Please enjoy this article and let me know what you think in the comment section below.

Natural Way to Get Rid of Gray Hair

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!
Robin

Related posts:

1. “Green” Hair Color
2. A dye job to die for…
3. Good Hair?

The first “flavor” I tried was the Organic Honey Almond lotion…my favorite one I used! It smells good enough to eat…and it probably can be eaten since 100% Pure uses pure, natural ingredients. After the incredible scent, what struck me next about this lotion was that it absorbed completely and quickly! I hate it when lotions sort of “lay” on your skin and you have to rub and rub to absorb. Not this one! This yummy organic lotion immediately softened my skin. The scent even lasted as later on I was told I smelled like pancakes! Almond pancakes, perhaps?

I also tried the Organic Honey Pear Nourishing Body Cream and it really does smell like pears. It’s a very fresh, but not too sweet-smelling scent. I usually don’t like fruity lotions, but I really liked this one! If you’re feeling tropical, you might like the Organic Pineapple Nourishing Body Cream. Between the two, I liked the Honey Pear better.

Check out these specs from the label:

• 15% Vitamin C and E

• Packed with anti-aging antioxidants

• No synthetic chemicals

• No synthetic fragrances- Made with patent pending fruit aroma technology

Why else are these organic lotions so great? You can use them as hand or foot lotion too! They immediately hydrate your skin with no chemicals or preservatives. Are you a fan of 100% Pure? What is your favorite flavor? I’d love to hear from you in the comment form below.

If you don’t know about 100% Pure, or you just want to explore their website (they always have a weekly deal so check it out!) click here:

100% Pure

Just to let you know too, I am not an affiliate of 100% Pure, just a huge fan!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Robin

Related posts:

1. Cyber Monday deal: 100% Pure
2. 100% Pure Deals!
3. 100% Pure, 100% Amazing

It’s mineral powder you should be careful of, especially mineral powder that contains titanium dioxide. Dr. Samuel Epstein discusses the dangers of powdered titanium dioxide in his book, Toxic Beauty: How Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Endanger Your Health and What You Can Do About It.

When you apply mineral powder, it is easily inhaled into the lungs because of the fine particle size. Studies show that titanium dioxide in powder form causes lung cancer in rodents. Many natural cosmetics brands contain this ingredient, still unaware of it’s dangers.

Even Dr. Oz, a popular TV doc and writer, has discussed the risks associated with mineral powders, especially fine particle mica. He also gives you three additional ingredients you should avoid and better alternatives.  Click here to read his article. Dr Oz- The Price of Beauty

Now that I know about this, I am discontinuing my use of powdered titanium dioxide. What to use, you ask? No fear, other options exist, including liquid makeup, pressed powder or cream foundation. You can still be beautiful….naturally! Click here for more ideas – Health Glo Foundation

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Robin

Related posts:

1. Natural make-up
2. Why that powder puff is bad stuff…
3. How to Get FREE Organic Makeup and Beauty Products

I was doing some research recently and read about how even mineral salt or crystal deodorant is not good for you! Apparently the type of alum in the deodorant is the same type found in commercial, toxic antiperspirants and deodorants. This aluminum is the same aluminum that has been linked to cancer and Alzhemier’s Disease. Now you might be saying, GEEZ, what can I use then!? I have a solution for you. I have been using Real Purity deodorant for some time now (over 2 years) and I am so satisfied with it’s performance and protection. It keeps me dry and fresh throughout the day with all natural ingredients. It is the one product I would take with me on a desert island. Yes, I am serious! Visit my favorite online beauty store to read the ingredients and many customer reviews raving about this wonder product and to get your own.

On another exciting note…Tomorrow is the big day!! On Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 I am making my radio debut on Blogtalkradio! I will be interviewed by Charly Leetham from stretchyourmindandbody.com. This is a chance for me to share my message with others and I would like to thanks Charly for this great opportunity. I will be sharing some tidbits about my upcoming ebook, so I hope you can call in…if you can’t make it, the call will be available for later listening.

Click here to read the press release and learn how to call in to the show.

Toxic Beauty Goes Down Under

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Robin

Related posts:

1. The Beauty of Homemade Deodorant
2. Pure holistic deodorant…it does exist!
3. Dangerous deodorants

Keys was created by Wendy Steele after her survival of melanoma. Many skin care products are too harsh for delicate skin, especially after cancer recovery. I applaud Wendy for her creation of  “Clean Green Therapy.” Keys promotes “Beauty and Healing Naturally Chemical Free.”  The products are free of man-made chemicals and are derived from fruit, vegetable, botanical and herbal ingredients that contain no sythetics, fragrances, or compounds.

All the ingredients in each product are listed by amount and function on their labels, like how the USDA lists nutrition facts on food. I totally agree with this practice, as skin care products are absorbed into the body the same way food is. Keys products are not just for cleansing, moisturizing or conditioning. They actually can heal and cure certain skin ailments, according to Keys customers. Keys products are vegan with absolutely no animal testing. If the ingredients come from nature, animal testing is just not needed.

I used the complete line of Keys skin care products including:

Galleyon Naturally Antibacterial Spearmint Foaming Castile Soap
Island Rx Therapuetic Foaming Facial Cleanser
Luminous Hydrating Moisturizer
Eye Butter
Solar Rx Broad Spectrum Sunblock

My absolute favorite Keys product is the Galleyon Naturally Antibacterial Spearmint Foaming Castile Soap. It comes in a foaming pump and lathers up amazingly in the shower. The scent of spearmint is wonderfully refreshing and all natural. It cleanses without harsh sulfates or detergents.If you like Dr. Bronner’s castile soap, you’ll love Keys. It left my skin soft and very refreshed. This soap is quite versatile as well. You can use it on yourself, your kids, your pets, and even in the kitchen to wash utensils! It also has therapeutic properties to remove sap from poisonous plants, such as poison ivy. I give this product a 10!

I am also in love with the skin care line. Most of the products have a slight citrus scent. The Island Rx Therapeutic Foaming Facial Cleanser is castile soap with clary sage and blood orange oil. These natural oils left my skin moisturized and toned. It is also great for treating acne prone skin! After cleansing, I used the Luminous Hydrating Moisturizer. It’s a light cream which left my skin soft and made an excellent base for applying makeup afterward. It leaves a “soft focus” effect which makes your skin look beautiful and improves your skin with every use.

Many of us need to use eye cream to soften and moisturize the delicate area around the eyes. Introducing Keys Eye Butter. It contains shea butter and organic cucumber and contains no water, thereby eliminating the need for harsh preservatives. With 100% safe ingredients, it reduces fine lines and increase skin tone.

A refreshing change from poisonous chemicals sunscreens, Solar Rx Broad Spectrum Sunblock protects your skin from the sun naturally with zinc. It received the lowest (meaning safest) score on EWG’s Skin Deep report! Since I live in a climate where it is 80 degrees or above about 350 days of the year, I am always looking for safer sunscreen and Keys delivered. It’s perfect for under makeup, although it is not waterproof or for strenuous activity.

Do you have sensitive skin, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea or acne? They also offer a Topical Healing Therapies line containing natural oils to soothe, nourish, and regenerate the skin. Try Keys products and your skin will thank you for it.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Robin

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review however, I received full sized Keys products for my use and review. My reviews are based on my experiences. I am an affiliate of Pure Body Solutions which proudly carry Keys Soap Products.

Related posts:

1. Real Purity Organic Skin Care: “Face Food for Thought”
2. Giveaway: Real Purity Organic Skin Care
3. Winter Skin Blues? Try an At Home Facial

It was recently found that many companies with the “ecocert” organic certification contained many ingredients that have no business being in a product labeled “organic.” Ingredients such as sulfates, preservatives, and phenoxyethanol. These are all substances that are harmful to the body, causing irritation, organ problems and cancer. Many of the ingredients in such products are tainted with pesticides and can produce 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogen. And they are labeled “organic?” You have got to be kidding me. I don’t know about you, but this pisses me off! We put our trust into these companies and they are pulling the wool over our eyes! Now you see just how important it is to become knowledgeable about ingredients and be a vigilant label reader. Look for my Toxic Beauty ebook soon- Saving Face: Exposing Toxic Beauty Products. It will be your must-have guide so you know what is in your products and what diseases these chemicals can cause.

I urge you to take a look at the ingredient labels of your most trusted products. Is it labeled organic? Does it have ingredients that are far from organic? For a list of the offending companies and how to take action so green washing of cosmetic products can be stopped click here: Organic Consumers Association. You may be surprised at the companies you see on the list! Any thoughts? Please leave a comment below.

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Robin

Related posts:

1. Is Natural Always Good for you?
2. A Misguided Trust
3. Poison Products

In this month of love, I am feeling so grateful for the supportive readers of Toxic Beauty Blog and I want to share with you the special events that are upcoming.

Mark your calenders! I will be appearing on the Stretch Your Mind and Body radio show on Blog Talk Radio on February 23! On the show, I will be discussing many aspects of toxic beauty so be sure not to miss it. Check out the details here: blogtalkradio

Also look for reviews for really incredible products, including Real Purity, who you all know I am passionate about! In fact, you will be able to win your own set of Real Purity products, so stay tuned to Toxic Beauty Blog for all the details!

Have a great Valentine’s Day!

Stay natural…stay beautiful…go green!

Robin

Related posts:

1. Crystal Deodorant is the Pits
2. Giveaway: Real Purity Organic Skin Care
3. Pure holistic deodorant…it does exist!

Even before I went organic, I used it after sun exposure.  It’s anti-inflammatory properties are healing for sunburned skin. Aloe also contains 18 amino acids, vitamins and minerals making it the perfect food for your skin. You can drink aloe vera juice for the internal health benefits but did you know you can use it topically as a face and body mask? You only need 3 ingredients and it’s really affordable too!

You will need:

• Aloe vera juice (organic)

• Aloe vera gel

• Rose essential oil (pure, not synthetic)

Visit From Nature With Love for affordable beauty ingredients, including aloe vera gel.

Watch the video below for exact instructions on how to make your own soothing, hydrating aloe mask. Let me know your results!

Related posts:

1. Winter Skin Blues? Try an At Home Facial
2. The Honey Skin Cure
3. Real Purity Organic Skin Care: “Face Food for Thought”