My Winter Picks: Part The Second - Ilia Beauty, Sellwood Soap, Studio 78 Paris, Splurge Skincare, Meow Meow Tweet.

Ilia Beauty's Arabian Nights - Okay, I might be a little late for this party, but you can't blame me.  I really did think that this lipstick was going to be super dark and I just can't wear those rich berry colors for some reason.  I recently saw this on green blogger, Kasey at an event recently and was shocked at how sheer and pretty it looked, so I quickly bought it and loved it.   This gives a layer-able berry/pink stain-like tint to the lips.  If you want a bolder lip, just apply more.    $24

Studio 78 Paris' Tea Time Shadow - I feel like I haven't really purchased anything fun this season in terms of eye color.  I'm a huge fan of purples/plums so I fell hard for Tea Time by Studio 78 Paris. This color is really unique.  It's like a brownish/plum/aubergine pressed shadow and it's perfect for making a less harsh smokey eye.  I also think it's perfect for Fall/Winter with a berry lip.  They've also got other gorgeous colors and I'm eyeing the gray.  Oh, and there's a mirror on the top of the shadow case, too.  $31

Splurge Skincare's The Rub  - Splurge's latest body scrub is in a Holiday scent called Winter and I was certain it was going to smell like cinnamon spice or Evergreen.  Instead, this fantastic body scrub smells like...snow!  Looking at the ingredients there's some vanilla absolute and lavender, so I'm guessing that's the scent, but to me, it smells like snow...fresh and pretty.  This pure sugar scrub is the perfect mix of ingredients that both hydrates and exfoliates the skin, leaving you soft and  moisturized.  The ingredients are super pure, too.  $26  

Meow Meow Tweet Walnut Oat Exfoliant -  Ah, the name, the look, the mission...all perfect.  This "small batch natural apothecary" is located in Brooklyn, NY and they use nothing but plant-based and food grade ingredients.  Products are housed in glass containers with biodegradable labels (you know how this excites me, right?) so I was really eager to test out some of MMT's line.  I've got many favorites which you'll hear about in upcoming posts, but I think their Walnut Oat Face Exfoliant is great for Winter skin.  This exfoliant is gentle, gentle, gentle, you'll get nothing rough here.  It smells like a delicious bowl of oatmeal and is just as comforting.  Wanna talk natural?  How do you like these ingredients?  Oats, chamomile flowers, black walnut hull and kelp.  That's it, that's the whole ingredients list.  My stars!  $18

Sellwood Soap's Coconut, Shea Butter & Beeswax Hand Balm - I'm a big, big fan of Sellwood Soap Co. Everything I've tried from chemist Rachael Gruen's Portland-based company has been primo! I've had this hand balm on my desk and apply it throughout the day because my desk is near a huge window and my fingers are freezing and dry.  With only three ingredients, you can't get purer than this.  I love how silky (yes, it's silky) it feels and how it absorbs so fast.  And, at only $8 for a glass jar that will totally last you throughout the winter, it's a magnificent deal.  

*Some of these products I was kindly given to review, others I purchased myself.  Opinions are my own.

Spill It: The Green Product Junkie's *Come As You Are* Beauty Tag. What's in your makeup bag...right this minute!

Back in the 50s and 60s, they used to have something called, "Come As You Are" parties.  Now, if the name isn't obvious enough, allow me to explain...

You'd receive an invite in the mail, and you had to show up at the party (whenever it was scheduled for) dressed exactly as you were when you received the invite.  Now, if you had any bit of personality, you showed up dressed completely ridiculously to make all of your friends laugh uncontrollably (and wonder what the heck was going on in your home).  My parents went to one and the pictures were hilarious, so now I'd love to single-handedly bring that back...in a green blogger kinda way.

My beauty tag is a "Come As You Are" party for the makeup bag.  This means that I want to see exactly what's in your makeup bag AS YOU NOW READ THIS.  However...I don't want you to add things, to run and go get something to make yourself look cooler (how would that be possible, anyway?) Just simply, SPILL IT. That's right, spill your makeup bag on the table, the carpet, the couch and take a picture and then explain what you've got and what's going on in there.  Have fun and remember...no staging, let's keep this real.  

Couleur Caramel Cils Long Mascara & Brow Pencil - I love this mascara, but only for the top lashes as I think it would smudge on the lower ones.  It's my favorite mascara for volume and kapow.  Oh, and I love their brow pencil.  I'm not sure why, but I always have.  It's got a great little brow brush on one end, too.  Disco!

Dr. Hauschka Plum/White Eyeliner Duo - This is my favorite liner, but for some reason they stopped making this color and this is my last one (insert groan here).  I usually just apply it on the upper lid and the inside upper lid and it naturally smudges to give a slightly smoky eye...perfect for the girl who thinks black is a bit scary.

RMS Beauty - Wow, I never noticed how much RMS I carry around.  No wonder my bag is heavy!  I've got Demure Lip2Cheek, Lunar Cream Shadow, "Un" Coverup in 11, Living Luminizer and Bloom Lip Shine.

EcoTools Retractable Foundation Brush - I love this brush as it stays nice and clean for carrying and it's eco-friendly...always my goal.

Preserve Tongue Cleaner & Mint Toothpicks - Made from recycled yogurt cups, I've got these tongue cleaners in all my bags and in my bathroom.  I love Preserve.  If you don't know about their recycling practices, you should go to their site.  I love their minty toothpicks, too.

W3ll People Narcissist Foundation - What can I say?  My go-to foundation.  Light coverage, evens out skin tone, smells great and is so easy to use.  Oh, and it doesn't cake or look dry.

Tsi-La Perfume in Fiori D'Arancio - I love this lil guy.  So great to have in my makeup bag when I just want to smell pretty...on the sly.

Studio 78's Concealer "Off We Go" - If I forget this concealer, I will implode.  Okay, that's being dramatic, but between the awesome concealer and the fantastic little mirror on the inside top cover, it's a staple.  If I'm feeling dry, I'll put some RMS "Un" Coverup on top.

Zuzu Mascara - I use this on my lower lids because it NEVER flakes or smudges.  I also use it on my upper, but find myself wanting more up volume up there, hence the Couleur Caramel.  This gives a natural, pretty look.

Alima Pure Baila Lip Tint - This is from the new Kristen Arnett Me Encanta Makeup Collection.  It's so smooth and glossy feeling, I can't wait until I beg Alima enough that they start making these in pinks and brighter colors (I've already started..hee, hee)  Oh, and the scent of Cocoa is delicious.

Living Nature Lip Pencil - The color is Laughter and it's almost done, but I have a new one in my stash. This is a great neutral pencil.  

Jane Iredale Lip Gloss in Sugar Plum - This is a favorite of mine and I always carry this around.  It's a pretty medium coverage gloss in a great hot-ish pink.

Maison Scotch Makeup Bag - I love my new makeup bag.  You can't beat getting a pretty one...when I take it out, I feel happy.

Laura Mercier Lip Brush - Someone gave me this in a mini-set of brushes.  It's the only brand here that isn't green...but it's only a lip brush, so take that!

A comb - Uhm...who cares who makes it?

Thanks for playing and the rules are that you need to tag some other green beauty bloggers, keep the title as it is and, of course, have the best time.  

I'm tagging people who are probably far, far too busy to do this, like:  Life In Blush, Pemberley Jones (don't kill me), Green Beauty Bunny, 312 Beauty and Beauty by Britanie.

Looking For A Non-toxic Medium To Full Coverage Foundation? Introducing Studio 78's Paris' Chameleon Foundation

It's no secret (mainly due to my big mouth) that I'm a huge, huge fan of Studio 78's Concealer.  It is, by far, my favorite concealer.  And since concealer was one of the last "unclean" makeup products I was looking to replace, I feel really fortunate to have found it.  So, when Hazel from NuboNau recommended that I give the new Studio 78 Chameleon Foundation "We Oxygenize."  a try, I was more than happy to go for it!

the coverage

I've gotten so many emails from women asking if I knew of a foundation with a fuller coverage since many of the "cleaner" foundations are more light with a dewy finish.  Well, I'm really happy to report back this this is, in fact, a medium to slightly full coverage foundation.  In fact, of all the clean foundations I've tried, this gives the most coverage.

Now, my skin is on the dry side, and being that this is pretty matte, I chose to mix it with a moisturizer before applying (I used Dr. Alkaitis Organic Day Cream).  But, if you do not have dry skin issues and love a matte look, this is the ticket.

the shades

I'm ivory with yellow undertones and I purchased the lightest shade, Sunny Terrace.  I don't recommend this for pale Ivory skin as it's got a fair amount of yellow in it.  Currently, Chameleon foundation comes in three shades. Oh, and the reason it's called Chameleon is because this mousse-textured foundation goes on white and changes into said color...don't ask me how, but it's very cool.

*I purchased this foundation myself and all opinions are my own!

Beauty Tag!

One of my makeup bins.  There's some RMS Beauty, Intelligent Nutrients, Ilia Beauty, Studio 78 & Vapour

So, every now and again a Green Beauty Blogger will send out a Beauty Tag where they answer some questions and then "tag" us and have us answer them.  This tag, a very cute one I might say, was created by Sonja of Life In Blush.

On my nightstand you'll find:  Sans Lip Balm, Lotus Wei's Inner Peace Serum & KYI Moisturizing Mask (I use it for my hands & face before bed) and my iPad.

The literary character I'm most like is: I'm blanking on this.  You tell me...I'm neurotic, chatty, funny, dramatic and driven.  Go.

I'm currently obsessed with:  Ilia Beauty's Bang Bang (didn't think I could wear red before), Mun's No. 1 Aknari Serum, Lurk's RSW005 perfume (big into rose, here) and Intelligent Nutrients' Plant Stem Cell Science Renewal Complex.  I'm also obsessed with the big plans I have for my blog in the future...can't wait!

My favorite superhero is: Wonder Woman.  Who else is there?  How hot did she look in that little outfit?  And the gold lasso?  She slays me!

Favorite beauty product of 2013: Okay, hardest question ever!  Uhm...oh, I think it's my Studio 78 concealer.  

If I could have dinner with anyone dead or alive:  I haven't met him yet, but he's around 6'2", witty and lives in NYC...and he's adorable.  I'm sure he's out there somewhere...

Winter is coming, how do you prep your skin for battle?  I dip into the SW Basics Moisturizer and start removing makeup with coconut oil.

My perfect date night makeup consists of: Crush by Vapour Organic Beauty on the cheeks, Dr. Hauschka liner and Call Me & Love Buzz by Ilia Beauty.  If I'm feeling really feisty (pretty common) I'll go for Sacred by RMS Beauty on lips and cheeks.

My go-to skin-beautifying snack/drink is: Wheatgrass.  God, I detest it, but it works.

My TV boyfriend is: Hmmm...the guy who plays Peter Russo on House of Cards (not conventionally gorgeous, but he does it for me) and uh...the main guy from Walking Dead.  Sure, I'd date him...who wouldn't?

If my evening clutch could hold only one beauty item it would be:  Time to get a new evening clutch.  No, okay, I'll play along...whatever my gloss was for that night.  I don't leave the house without some kind of lipstick or gloss.

One beauty tip I would pass on to my fictional daughter is:  "Be just like your fictional mother.  She's adorable."  Kidding.  Beyond confidence and telling her how cool she is all the time, I would pass on natural sunblock and lead-free lipstick.

The most nostalgic item from my childhood is: My doll Noo-Noo (she was the blond doll in pink that was called "Drowsy").

My favorite show of the moment is:  Well, now that Breaking Bad is over (RIP), I'm going to say I like House of Cards, although I lose the plot whenever Robin Wright saunters on the screen, hot damn!

My favorite quote is: "Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.  Be kind.  Always."  Hits home every time I read it.  

I tag:  Alexis from The Green Beauty Bunny, Kasey Michelle from Plein Vanity and Marcella from Naturally Marcy

studio 78 paris: A great natural concealer, primer and a lipstick you really should own.

STUDIO 78'S CONCEALER, PRIMER & LIQUID LIPSTICK

I'm not going to play around here, we're not going to do this little dance where I tell you I think you should try a brand; I'm straight out telling you to please try this brand.  The products are so well made, the packaging is gorgeous and they carry the ECO CERT organic certification.

ANTI-DARK CIRCLES CONCEALER, "OFF WE GO"

As I've mentioned many times before, Studio 78 makes thee best concealer I've ever used. Ever. Yes, toxic ones included.  You can read about my love for it here.  I love this concealer so much that  before I leave the house, I check to see if I have my phone, keys and concealer. Truth.  And the little mirror on the top of the compact is so fantastic for touch-ups during the day.  $31

So, now that that is out of the way, let's get on to the new products that I tried from Studio 78 that you can purchase at NuboNau (an excellent online store for natural and organic makeup and skincare).

STUDIO 78'S LUMINOUS PRIMER, "WE TAKE SOME AIR"

First off, the numbers...99% of the total ingredients are from natural origin and 22% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming.  

I love this primer and have found myself reaching for it as soon as my moisturizer is set.  The scent is a light coconut that I just love.  It's super light but what's really great about this primer is the luminous look it gives to the skin.  It's not frosty, but more of  pale gold-toned look that is just so pretty and makes the skin glow.  I'm fair-skinned and I think this would work well on all skin tones.  This is not a heavy look, but rather very natural and fresh.  $38

LIQUID LIPSTICK, "LET'S GET MARRIED"

The numbers...100% of the total of the ingredients are natural and 40% of the total of the ingredients are from organic farming.

I was sent this to test and although the color was in the brown family and I wear pinks/reds/corals, I had  tested it for a week in my apartment to see how it looked, felt on the lips and wore.  

For starters, the packaging is beautiful.  With a few clicks from the bottom of the lipstick, you're good to go.  The applicator is perfect and it's so easy to apply. 

I love this lipstick.  I think that if you're the kind of woman who likes an opaque lipstick that isn't going anywhere, this is for you.  The color is bold, it feels hydrating, but isn't too glossy on the lips.  I would say this is a semi-matte, full-coverage lipstick.  $32

01 - Ivory Wedding, Classic Nude

02 - Satin Wedding, Pink Nude

03 - Rose Wedding, Rose Pink

04 - Coral Wedding, Summer Orange

05 - Ruby Wedding, Parisian Red

06 - Velvet Wedding, Pretty Purple Plum

NuboNau has pretty much the entire line from Studio 78.  Head on over there to check out their blush, foundation (which I'm going to try next) and eyeshadows!

*I was sent the primer and lipstick to test.  All opinions are my own and I only write about that which I love and think you need to know about!  

My Natural Beauty Q & A...with Myself!

I just read Chalkboard's Q & A with green makeup artist, Katey Denno and I found myself answering all of the natural beauty questions as I read them.  So, I wanted to do my own Q & A...with myself!  Yes, there's probably a straight jacket fitting I need to get myself to, but it's fun.

Obsession of the Moment:  My Earth Tu Face Eye/Repair Serum.  I'd been using another eye cream for a long time, Naturopathica's Vitamin K Eye Cream, which I still love, but started using this after I was sent it for review.  

Can't Travel Without:  My DeVita Solar Moisturizer in SPF 30 and Solar Body Block SPF 30.
Everyone knows how much I love this stuff.  Feels like a lotion, but it's an SPF...using anything else is a total drag...and sticky!

In a Pinch I:  I'll use organic Coconut Oil to take off my makeup, to hydrate my hair, to moisturize my body, to hydrate my skin.  I find that I wake up with thee most gorgeous skin if I use this all over my face, wipe it off and go to bed.

Always in My Evening Clutch:  A pink gloss.  I'll use either Sublime by RMS Beauty, Revolution Organics' Truth or Jane Iredale's Sugar Plum.  I'm also loving Call Me by Ilia Beauty.

Beautifying Snack/Meal:  My morning smoothie:  Almond Milk, coconut oil, calcium/magnesium, flax seeds or chia seeds, a banana and berries!  Also, good fats - avocado and olive oil.

Beautifying Drink:  A tall glass of powdered organic wheatgrass from Amazing Grass.  It tastes like someone emptied their lawn mower into your water, but you'll live.

For Ultra-Glamorous Effect:  I take my Dr. Hauschka Plum/White Duo Liner and use the white highlighter in the corners of my eyes.  I'll also line the inside upper lid with the purple and as the day - or night goes on, it smudges to give a slight smokey eye.

A Perfect Pout:  Jane Iredale's Lip & Cheek Stain in Forever Pink with a gloss over it.  You can't lose.

Beauty Tool:  My Eco-Tools Retractable Foundation Brush.  I love this because you can keep it in your bag and it stays clean.  I also love it because the aluminum has been recycled.

Weirdest Beauty Habit:  Covering my face with plain, fatty yogurt.  It leaves my skin so bright and pretty that if I have a date or party, I'm definitely making the time for this before I have to apply my makeup.

In The Shower I Keep:  My Preserve Razor, NYL Gentle Sugar Body Polish, Dr. Bronner's Organic Peppermint Shave Gel, SkinnySkinny Rosemary Mint Foot Scrub, Acure Brightening Facial Scrub Sea Kelp, Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner, Sebon Organics Shampoo & Conditioner, Vetiver Rose Sellwood Soap and my own Turbinado sugar and coconut oil body scrub!

On My Bedside Table:  S.W. Basics Cocoa Lip Balm, KYI Chamomile Lavender Whipped Shea Butter Mask (I use it for my face and hands) and Badger Foot Balm.

Once A Month I:  I put on an exfoliating enzyme mask by Naturopathica's Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel just to give my skin a fresh start and follow with my Kahina Argan Oil.  

After A Long Night Or Rough Weekend:  I need my sleep, lots of water and a good foot scrub in the shower.

On Little Sleep I Rely On:  Amala's Hydrate Treatment Oil to moisturize and my Studio 78 Concealer to cover up any bags...it's my favorite concealer, hands down.

The Best Green Beauty Products That I Purchase Over and Over Again

THE GREEN STAPLES

I love trying new products (but detest samples - am I the only one?) and recently found a post by Naturalla Beauty where she posted about products that she buys over and over again. I've finally gotten around to posting mine...and this is only a few of them.

1.  RMS BEAUTY LIVING LUMINIZER, UN-COVERUP & LIP SHINES

I think the only reason I haven't re-bought everything is that I still have lots of product, but what I buy often is the Un-Coverup, Living Luminizer and Sublime Lip Shine.  I'll forever love this line.

2.   DR. HAUSCHKA PLUM/WHITE LINER DUO

*Note:  This might be a discontinued color...bummer!  I wear plum/white duo pencil each and every day.  I find that black can be a little too harsh and the purple on this pencil looks pretty and is easy to work with.  The white is gorgeous for inside the corner of the eye.  I'm on my third so far.

3.  W3LL PEOPLE FOUNDATION
I really love this foundation and I suggest you give it a whirl.  I've written a more detailed review on it, but it's non-drying, gives great coverage and has pure ingredients.

4.  KJAER WEIS CLOUD NINE EYESHADOW
Just your basic, great base eyeshadow.  Neutral in color, and I love it.  I also love the packaging.  If you haven't held one of these little gems, you're missing out.

5.  VAPOUR ORGANIC BEAUTY STRATUS SKIN PERFECTOR
This is my primer.  Whenever I am performing or going somewhere where my makeup needs to stay on just a bit more, this is my go-to product.  Sets a nice foundation for your makeup.

6.  STUDIO 78 FOUNDATION
This is going to be a "buy it again before it runs out."  I really love this foundation.  Again, a detailed review is on this blog.

7.  REVOLUTION ORGANICS LIP GLOSS IN TRUTH
I love the smell of this shea butter gloss...it might not be everyone's favorite scent, but it just screams "natural" to me.  This goes on super smooth and the color is a sheer-ish hot pink that still packs a punch.  You can re-apply this all day.

8.  ZUZU COSMETICS LIP GLOSS IN COSMOPOLITAN
This is a Summer pick!  I love this pink gloss that's got a pretty, and slight iridescent sheen about it.  I buy these several at a time as I use them up very quickly.  

9.  COULEUR CARAMEL MASCARA
Excellent mascara for the upper lids.  I don't wear on my lower lids because I find I smudge, but on the upper, you're getting a perfect lash.  I also LOVE the smell...a clean baby powder scent.  I know, mascara doesn't need to smell great, but I love taking a sniff!

10.  JANE IREDALE  JUST KISSED IN FOREVER PINK 

I have bought this too many times to count.  Imagine a lip stain that gives you a gorgeous pink pout, doesn't dry out your lips and won't change colors on you.  This hydrates and is so easy to apply.  It's a big, big favorite of mine.

11.  DEVITA SOLAR FACE MOISTURIZER SPF 30
*Update:  I believe they changed the formula...not sure how it is now as it is different.  This face cream feels light like a lotion, leaves no residue and feels nothing like it's got an SPF.  I usually detest sunblock as it breaks me out, feels heavy, etc.  This is awesome.  It's my everyday moisturizer over my Kahina Argan Oil.  I also use their Solar body cream in the summer.  

12.  ZUZU MASCARA
This is a favorite of several Green Bloggers, it seems.  There is NO smudging here.  It's actually the perfect mascara.  Often I like a little more drama on my upper lashes, so I'll use this on the lower, knowing there's no chance of flaking or smudging.

13.  JANE IREDALE ACTIVE LIGHT CONCEALER
I love, love the Active Light Concealer.  It brightens up the eye area and the color matches perfectly.  I usually put this on first and if I need more coverage, put RMS on top or Studio 78's (which I should have added to this...their concealer is a big keeper!)

Let me know what you've tried and loved.

*I have purchased all of these products myself & all opinions are my own!

Oh, my word! Studio 78 is rocking my world! Natural Foundation & Concealer City!

Because I perform on stage, there's been a few "dirty" products out there that I haven't been able to shake, mostly due to their staying power and finish.  These two products are concealer and foundation.   Now, I have a daily foundation that I love and has been a favorite of mine, but I'm always in the market for trying out new stuff.

Out comes a post from No More Dirty Looks in which they review a clean makeup line called Studio 78.   They've apparently been around since 2010, but no one was carrying them until the magnificent online natural beauty boutique, NuboNau started carrying them. I love NuboNau, by the way.

So, I went and did what I always do when a new line comes out and I'm intrigued...I ordered the foundation and the concealer.  Girls...I am so happy I did.

STUDIO 78 CONCEALER
I must admit that I do love my RMS Beauty concealer, but because I find that it smudges my mascara a bit when too close to my lower lashes, I find that I only use it in certain areas under my eye.  The other concealer that I've been using on a daily basis has been Cle de Peau, which is not green by any means and super, super expensive.

I was very eager to try Studio 78.   Okay, so on to the concealer.  Because I'm fair and like a yellow base, I ordered the lighter, At Dawn color.  It goes on powdery, but it's not drying, oddly enough.  It's so much like the consistency of my Cle de Peau.  It's not dewy like RMS, but it has great coverage and I haven't seen any creasing and I haven't had to re-apply several times a day.  If you like the dewy look, I say you mix it with a little RMS.  This definitely has a matte look to it, fyi.   As mentioned by the girls on No More Dirty Looks, the packaging is also great as the cover has a little mirror inside, so it's so easy to touch up.   Get it here for $31

STUDIO 78 FOUNDATION
I love, love, love this foundation!  As you can see from the picture to the left, this foundation needs to be shaken.  It comes with a little makeup sponge, but I preferred just shaking it and applying with my fingers.  You need so little of it and it gives you a flawless look...but your skin is still showing through.  It's not dry looking and it's just so pretty.  I throw a little RMS blush (love Smile & Modest) and Living Luminizer, and my skin is glowing.  As I said, I'm fair, so I got the lighter one called, "Energizing Mist."  This is wonderful and I really hope that I works for all of you.  It's not thick at all and it goes on like water, but just creates a pretty, balanced look on the skin.  I'm not sure this would work for people who have lots of blemishes to cover up.   I would say it's light to medium coverage.  Let me know if you get it and love it!  Get it here for $50.



* I purchased these products myself and all opinions are my own, gosh darn it!