Category Archives: ‘Green’ Beauty

How to Get the Softest Skin Ever

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I think I’ve unlocked the secret to super soft skin. You know that freshly shaven out of the shower sort of feeling? It’s literally how my skin feels all the time now. First I started dry brushing (read everything you ever wanted to know about drybrushing HERE), but I used these body gloves (shown below from Body Shop $5) to sweep away flakey for about a week before switching to using them with a body wash in the shower every day.

I’ve been foaming up my gloves using my Aromafloria Kiwi Coconut Foaming Body Wash with Shea Butter $20. it’s a moisture-infused SLS and paraben free wash – important because I don’t think I’d get the same result using a harsh bar soap like an Irish Spring or whatever. With a mild and super hydrating wash like this, I’m scrubbing my skin while infusing it with good stuff to help soften it at the same time.

What I’ve found from this consistent exfoliation is that the texture and feel of my skin has completely changed. It’s always soft – especially during the dead of winter here in dry Colorado. Try it! I promise if you’re consistent you will see a huge, amazing difference.

Apple Cider Hair Treatment

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After the success of my Coconut Oil hair treatment I thought I’d tackle another DIY home beauty remedy I’ve been wanting to try for a while – rinsing my hair with Apple Cider vinegar. Gross. I think the idea of pouring warm vinegar all over my hair (and subsequently body) just wasn’t that appealing for obvious reasons, but seeing this John Masters Organics cider vinegar treatment at a recent trip to the store re-ignited my curiosity for what has long been one of the most popular (and easiest) home hair treatments out there. I convinced myself to go for it, but I’d mix my own – the John Masters version was mainly vinegar anyway with just a few natural extracts splashed in there to neutralize the scent, I thought I could get the same results at home for less than the $17 they were asking.

I thought the treatment was only used as a clarifier, something to remove reside from the hair and scalp but I was happy to find out how much more it actually does. I mixed together about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water into a plastic cup. After shampooing twice (as I always do), I slowly poured the cider over my head until I felt it reach my scalp and trickle down the length of my hair. No rubbing or massaging required – just leave it in a few minutes to absorb and give it a quick rinse. This is about the time I started to worry about my thick, coarse hair not being conditioned enough to comb it out. I was sure I’d have giant knots and dried out hair without the usual slab of conditioner I carefully work into my ends – I thought I’d have to jump back into the shower and re-wash and condition to undo the mess I thought I was making.

I was pretty shocked when I was able to comb right through my hair (after my styling products were applied) just like usual. After it dried I could see that this was the best hair treatment I’ve ever used and my hair never looked better. It didn’t leave a squeaky clean feel like most clarifiers do (a good sign that some natural oils were left in) – instead it rinsed out enough reside and build-up to create a really intense shine. Best of all, my hair had a crazy amount of softness which I didn’t expect, it felt like I just left the salon with the kind of bounce and life that typically only happens after my stylist works her magic – but nothing I’ve ever created on my own.

Not knowing if it was just some crazy hair fluke, I did it again a week later. Again, magic. I’m addicted.


After my first treatment. Click to enlarge

I’ve read varying reports on whether it strips color from hair, but I’m not concerned about it since it’s so gentle and the John Master’s version claims to neutralize your hair’s pH that can get out of whack after coloring so it’s actually good to keep your color fresh. One thing of note: I used Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar ($5.50) some of the best around, it’s unpasteurized with a low acidic level. I read that the type of vinegar you use does make a difference since a high acid cotent can actually be too harsh and not deliver the same results, so grab a good quality vinegar – it’s still a fraction of the cost of the store bought treatment and worth every cent.

How to (Hopefully) Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

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I’m at my 6 month mark in my pregnancy now, but stretch marks prevention has been something I’ve been at the whole time. As soon as my little belly started to grow I was slathering on various oils at the behest of friends who say to start early. Another good tip I got was to use a BeBand on top of the oils to lock in moisture like when you use a heavy foot cream with socks at night. We’ll see if I’ll manage to escape getting stretch marks until the very end, but for right now I’m stretch-mark free and also managing the intense itching that comes along with your skin expanding at the same time. Here are the natural solutions I’ve found to work for me so far.

I couldn’t resist picking up Goe Oil $32 when I saw it at a REI type store called Seed in Costa Mesa recently. It’s a big tube of balm that combines 20+ natural oils and butters minus parabens, PEGs, Mineral Oil, silicones, and synthetics. It’s a light balm that quickly dissolves into a rich, unscented oil that my skin just drinks up. I use it in the morning with a layer of coconut oil on top just for an added moisture boost and so I don’t have to use as much. I haven’t seen the line anywhere else before so I’ll grab another bottle before heading back home since I don’t see Colorado on their retailer listing.


Goe Oil


A balm at first.


Which turns into an oil.

At night I’ve been using my beloved Skin Savior $68 from One Love Organics that I first reviewed HERE, then highlighted it for turning your mineral makeup into a moisturizing skin treatment which it’s pretty fabulous for I must say. What makes this balm so different and effective are its cold pressed oils that make it super concentrated and good for so many things. Before bed I rub in a bit of Skin Savior with more coconut oil over top and then I wear my BeBand. When I wake up I can still feel some softness that doesn’t totally absorb – a great sign that I’m getting enough moisture.

I like getting the various oils and butters from the balm treatments on my skin first, then adding more Coconut Oil (which both contain anyway) on top so I get more use from the more expensive products. I also wanted the oils I’m using to be natural and healthy for my body since that’s what this whole process is all about.

No matter what you choose to use throughout your pregnancy, my biggest tip would be to stick with an oil or balm instead of a lotion or a bar for the best absorption and ease of use. I ordered this belly bar from Bubble & Bee a while back and didn’t like how the cold bar would drag across my skin never really warming up enough to offer any moisture. I’d also stay away from anything containing mineral oil (like this butter from Palmer’s for instance) which doesn’t absorb into the skin well and could clog pores.

Lavanila Forever Fragrance Oil and Vanilla Blackberry

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Lavanila’s new Forever Fragrance Oil comes in 3 scents; Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, and the one I’ve been using Vanilla Coconut. I can’t get enough of this buttery vanilla scent that isn’t that cheap manufactured vanilla that’s so common but a true yummy vanilla mixed with a bit of sweet coconut in an almond oil base. It’s balanced so it’s light and sexy, not like a dessert scented candle that’s overpowering and sugary and the oils are super concentrated so the scent lasts all day. I’ve been rolling it along my arms and neck and then spritzing a little of their Vanilla Blackberry on top. Both are great on their own, but used together I get a hint of the tang from the blackberry with the sweetness of the vanilla and coconut – it sounds like a recipe but it smells so light and fresh that it’s all I’ve been wearing and getting tons of compliments.

If you love Trish McEvoy’s No.9 Blackberry & Vanilla fragrance you’ll totally love Lavanila’s version which I think is a little more crisp and fresh not to mention without parabens, phthalates, synthetics and the like – oh and it’s also cheaper $58 versus $80 for the same size.

What are BB Creams?

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Have you heard about the BB Cream craze? BB Creams (short for blemish balm or beauty balm or beauty base) were first developed for women whose skin was left bruised, raw, and red from lasers and other surgical treatments. These creams were made by doctors to soothe, heal, and protect delicate skin with the added bonus of breakthrough invisible coverage to hide the irritations without having to use any traditional concealers or foundations.  Essentially they’re unique, lightweight coverage creams with sunscreen and other skin benefits built right in. BB Creams are a true marriage of skincare and color – and are often found in the skincare section and not with makeup. They’re traditionally offered as a one-size-fits-all in terms of color using a universal shade that blends into your skin tone perfecting and seamlessly covering redness instead of masking a it the way a foundation does – it reminds me a little of Philosophy’s The Supernatural which gave similar instant results (see my review and photos HERE). You’ll also see some with a PA+, PA++. or PA+++ sunscreen rating (+++ being the best) which tells you how effective the SPF is in guarding against UVA rays – the nasty ones that breakdown collagen and age the skin.

If you like a full coverage foundation you might find that these aren’t enough so use them as a primer to get more skin benefits than what basic silicone formulas provide.They’re really different from anything else out there so go to Sephora where the selection is the best and ask for samples of a few before you commit. I also want to try Lauder’s new BB Cream they’ve incorporated into their Daywear collection which I’ll review separately once I give it a try. For now, here are the 3 I sampled at Sephora and the pros and cons of each.

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream $37:

-Pros-

Oily skin can benefit from its mattifying properties.

SPF 30

A good shade (01) that would work for very fair skin tones – the lightest I found.

-Cons-

It was the heaviest of the 3 and it settled into the skin making pores look more noticeable.

No PA rating.

I couldn’t figure out what the added skincare benefits were (what a BB is all about).

Their site refers to it as a ‘weekend makeup’ along the lines of a quick tinted moisturizer, but it’s called a BB. Not sure if it’s a true BB or just marketing.

Its radiance was a little unflattering (at least on my skin) where it bordered shiny instead of healthy.

Overall:

I liked the thick, creamy texture and easy blendability. It’s probably best for those with good skin who favor a tinted moisturizer or quick powder for their daily routine.

Boscia BB Cream SPF 27 PA ++ $38:

-Pros-

Great skincare benefits (help for fine lines, dryness, and large pores), which is what a BB should offer.

SPF 27 and a PA++ rating

It has a natural formula without parabens, phthalates and other chemicals.

It did give my skin an immediate boost.

Good coverage.

-Cons-

It has these tiny bits of shimmer that, although slight, might not be a fit for oily or mature skin.

Like most BB Creams, the one shade isn’t for very fair or very dark skin tones.

Overall:

This was my favorite and the only true BB of the bunch, it made my skin look better and covered redness well. It’s something I would buy and recommend to those looking for quick and easy coverage.

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm Multi-Benefit Skin Care Makeup $32:

-Pros-

Shade range; if you have darker skin you’ll have the best luck finding a color to suit you here.

It gave the most coverage of the 3 I tried, almost as much as some foundations.

You’ll get a pretty glow from its finish.

-Cons-

It does contain some vitamins and minerals, but overall it really is more of a quick makeup than a true BB Cream.

No PA rating and an SPF 20, the lowest of the 3.

Overall:

These are along the lines of what you’ll begin to see more and more of – a foundation with a built in primer and less of a BB Cream but marketed as such. It’s not a bad thing since I really liked the look and coverage, but if you want more of the skin treatment this one will leave you wanting more. Best for those who want great coverage from a tinted moisturizer and don’t care as much for the added skincare bonuses.

A few others to consider:

Sephora now carries Dr Jart’s signature BBs which are favorites in Asia where competition is big. Check out their Premium BB SPF 45 PA+++ $39 for more mature skin and the Water Fuse BB PA++ $32 for normal to oily skin. They’re both great for the skin formulated without synthetics and are exactly what BBs are supposed to be – skincare/makeup hybrids.

Garnier launched the first drugstore BB for just $13 that comes in two shades – Light/Medium and Medium/Deep. I’m can’t find its skincare benefits (or SPF), but it’s getting some good reviews for its light, even coverage. Look for it in the skincare aisle, not next to the makeup.

What to look for in a BB Cream:

- Sunscreen, PA ratings are a bonus.

- Vitamins and minerals.

- Enough coverage so you aren’t using concealer or anything else over it (unless you want to use it as a primer).

- Adequate moisture for your skin.

- Added benefits whether it be for skin lightening, acne, moisture, or whatever- find one that’s helping to target what your skin needs most.

For a full listing of the popular Asian formulas, check out THIS article from 08′ before the US versions hit the stores.