Showing posts with label osmia organics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label osmia organics. Show all posts

Monday, January 20, 2014

Products I'm Loving Right Now: Moody Sisters' Coffee Body Butter & Polish, Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Cleanser, R.L. Linden & Co.'s Beautifying Mist & Osmia Organics' Active Gel Toner


Whatta job!  I'm so fortunate in that I receive lots of amazing products to try out.  There's been so many stellar ones of late that I wanted to share what I'm absolutely loving lately. 

Moody Sister's Coffee Body Butter & Body Polish - I'm not a coffee drinker, but I absolutely LOVE the smell of it.  So when Jess & Whitney of Moody Sisters contacted me about trying out some of their products, I was really excited to give their Coffee Body Polish and Coffee Body Butter a shot.  The gorgeous scent of coffee in a warm shower is positively perfect.  The body polish is loaded with chunky Demerara sugar, coffee-infused oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, coconut oil, shea butter, ground coffee and essential oils.  It leaves my skin exfoliated and really, really soft. The Coffee Body Butter smells dee-vine and is so hydrating, I find myself really excited to use it. I'm really loving these and highly suggesting them if you love affordable skincare, soft skin and the scent of coffee in your shower...ahhh.  Body Polish $7.50   Body Butter  $8.95

Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Cleansing OilLately I've been super into oil cleansers and I would most-definitely purchase this one.  Why do I love oil cleansers so much?  Because not only does it feel great when it's applied, but it also leaves the skin super moisturized, soft and gives it a really thorough cleaning if used the proper way.  How did I use it?  Well, I applied the Stem Cellular Cleansing Oil to dry skin, massaged it around, then added some water and wiped it off with a damp cloth (I prefer a warmer cloth).  Makeup practically melts away and your skin will just feel so smooth. This cleanser is recommended for all skin types and especially for dry or aging skin.  $32
Ingredients:  Helianthus annuus (organic sunflower seed oil)*, caprylic/capric triglyceride, polysorbate 80, vitis vinifera (organic grapeseed oil)*, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (Vitamin C), tocopherol (Vitamin E), organic juices of pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, citrus medica limonum (organic lemon juice)*, malus domestica (apple buds), vitis vinifera (grape buds) & citrus limonum (lemon bark), litsea cubeba (may chang) and cinnamomum camphora (ho wood) pure essential oils.*Certified organic ingredient

R.L. Linden & Co Thousand Petal Beautifying Mist -  I'm a huge fan of toners and was just completely taken with R. L. Linden & Co.'s Thousand Petal Beautifying Mist.  The smell is absolutely heaven, as are the ingredients.   This is a definite purchase for me in the future.  I have the small sample and every time I spray it, I'm in awe of how gorgeous it feels and smells.  This toner's scent will make you happy.  Yes, happy.   Take a look at the gorgeous ingredients.  $48
Ingredients: Spring Water; Hydrosols of Neroli, Honeysuckle (Wildcrafted) and Rose; Extracts of Rose and Calendula; Jojoba Oil; Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils of Neroli, Jasmine and Bulgarian Rose; Flower Essences of Pretty Face, Morning Glory, Hibiscus and Crab Apple

Osmia Organics' Active Gel Toner -  I've been intrigued by this product ever since I first heard about it.  Anything that gives extra hydration, balances pH levels and helps to reduce redness and irritation on the skin is a winner in my book.  From the OO site: "Active Gel Toner provides an extra layer of soothing moisture, with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to help maintain intracellular water in the skin cells.  White tea, calendula, and aloe comfort the skin, while oat beta glucan acts to smooth and maintain softness."  Osmia's Active Gel Toner is a truly unique product in that it is to be applied after washing and before your moisturizer or face oil.  This smooth gel toner feels great on the skin and is an amazing addition to my routine.  I do not want to run out!  $58
Ingredients:  Aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, glycerin*, camellia sinensis (white tea) extract*, calendula officinalis extract*, selaginella lepidophylla (rose of jericho) extract, lactobacillus/oat ferment extract filtrate, niacinamide (vitamin B3), [oryza sativa (rice) extract & water & centella asiatic a extract]*, [gluconolactone (and) sodium benzoate], lactobacillus ferment, sclerotium rolfsii gum, hyaluronic acid, proprietary blend of organic and wild-harvested essential oils.  82% organic

*I was kindly given these products for review.  All opinions are my own, gosh darn it!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Gorgeous Rose: The Modern & Cool New Rose Scent by Lurk Perfumes, Mun, Osmia Organics and NYL Skincare


Why does rose get such a bad rap?  Well, it shouldn't when we're talking about natural skincare and fragrance.  A real, beautiful rose scent is absolutely gorgeous, a synthetic one?  Not so much.  I've compiled my favorite rose products and hope you'll try them out because ahhh, they smell wonderful!

Lurk Perfumes - I recently wrote about Lurk here.  After writing the review, I became so obsessed with several of the fragrances that I just had to have 'em.  So, I ordered two of the ones that I found myself reaching for most throughout the day, RSW005.  This sandalwood/rose scent is so lovely, it's probably the prettiest perfume I've ever smelled.  Just to be clear, natural perfumes don't last as long as synthetic ones, so you'll be re-applying often.  Honestly, I use Lurk just for myself.  I put a bit on the tip of my nose and walk throughout NYC like I'm in an English rose garden.   Check out Lurk here. $55

Mun - Mun No. Aknari has been getting a lot of buzz lately and it's all well-deserved as this eye and face serum is both effective and heavenly.  Other than the fact that it hydrates perfectly, it smells amazing; a powdery rose that's so modern and pretty.  This serum is 100% organic and contains only three ingredients: Prickly Pear Seed, Argan Oil and Rose Essential Oil.  To read my full review of Mun, please visit here.  Get 10% off now using code:  TGPJMUN $95

Osmia Organics - No one (other than maybe Laurie from 312 Beauty) was more excited about Osmia's new Linden Rose Hand Cream coming out than I was.  I'm always so impressed with how professional, yet completely handmade, all of the products from Osmia are.  Linden Rose Hand Cream is what I would define as the perfect consistency.  It's of medium thickness, dries quickly and leaves your hands really hydrated without that greasy feel (I know you know what I'm talking about). With pure ingredients like aloe barbadensis leaf juice, shea butter and sweet almond oil, you know you're in good hands (ugh..bad pun).  $24

NYL Skincare - NYL's vegan cleanser smells just like a rose.  It's so pretty and light, a true pleasure to cleanse with.  So pure, this formula contains only organic rosewater, organic vegetable glycerin and organic castile soap.  This would be wonderful for super sensitive skin types.  The consistency is water-like and it's very gentle.  I like to use this in the shower with my Japanese Konjac Sponge.   To read my full review of NYL (Know Your Ingredients) visit here.  $28

*All of these products were sent to me for review.  All opinions are my own! 

Monday, December 23, 2013

Okay, I'm Going For It. I'm Going To Tackle What I Think Are The Best Natural Deodorants: Fresca, Milk of Magnesia, FreshBod, Schmidt's, Osmia Organics & Meow Meow Tweet



I am either thee worst person on Earth to be doing a full-on summary of natural deodorants or perhaps I'm the best because I, my fellow greenies, have something called Hyperhydrosis, which basically means that my temperature gauge in my body is off and I'm always sweating.  I can be cold, but I'm still sweating.  Yes, it's the bane of my existence and takes a lot of my energy, but we've all got our things, haven't we?  I consider myself incredibly lucky in other areas, so that's that!

Now, as we all know very, very well, a natural deodorant that works well on one person, could make another person smell like a petting zoo after a rainstorm.  So, I'm going to give you my opinion on these deodorants and you can see which ones sound like they might be something that could work for you.  Keep in mind that none of these are antiperspirants.  Sweating is a very healthy and normal bodily function, so we're just looking to keep the odor at bay, here.   And please remember to read all labels and decide what product might be best for you and your precious lil pits!

If you are currently using or going to begin using a deodorant with baking soda, just keep in mind that some people can develop irritation under their arms.  Meow Meow Tweet has recommended using Olive Oil to soothe the area and I think it's a brilliant idea.  Also, some cream deodorants with baking soda can be grainy, so just remember to apply it gently.  Hard rubbing won't do anything more than irritate the skin.

THE ROLL-ONS

FRESCA NATURAL DEODORANT  It's not my first time writing about Fresca, so you can read my full review here.  This Australian company hand makes their deodorant and it works!  There's no aluminum, no parabens, no alcohol and it's blended with pure essential oils.  There's also six scents to choose from: Citrus Fresh, JaisaraOcean, Unscented, Valley Rose, Wild Lavender and Wooden Spice. $15 - $18

How does it hold up?  I found this to work wonderfully.  And while it does contain baking soda, I didn't find that it irritated under my arms as much as some creams have.  The scents are great, too.

Ingredients:  Hand-made from food grade ingredients of purified water, vegetable gum and an aerated salt (sodium bicarbonate base mineral salt) which is then blended with the highest quality essential oils. 

MILK OF MAGNESIA DEODORANT  I'm always researching new deodorants and this is a favorite of mine mainly because deodorants with baking soda (and this is just MY chemistry, many people don't have this issue at all) turn my clothing temporarily yellow (insert loud groan here).   So, I kept researching to find a deodorant without baking soda and I found this on The People's Pharmacy site.  This absolutely works for me.  Why Milk of Magnesia?  Well, since Magnesium Hydroxide is alkaline, it creates an inhospitable environment for microorganisms (the little guys who feed on your sweat and create odor).  So, if there's no microorganisms, there's no odor.    

How does it hold up?  I find that this deodorant works perfectly for me and remember,  I sweat a lot.  I also showed it to my homeopathic doctor and she gave the ingredients the thumbs-up and started recommending it to her patients, so I 'd say that's a pretty nice endorsement.

Ingredients:  Magnesium Hydroxide, Water, Bentonite (natural clay that suspends the Magnesium Hydroxide and keeps it from compacting in container) and Ethylhexlglycerin & Capryl Glycol (naturally derived preservative system that also contributes to deodorancy).

THE SPRAY

Fresh Bod Natural Deodorant  New kid on the block over here!  This is working AMAZINGLY for me.  I like to try out any natural deodorant I read about and when I saw this posted online recently, I was really intrigued.  Being that it's a spray, touch-ups during the day are so easy and the packaging is great for just throwing in your bag.  $7.99

How does it work?  I've been using this everyday since I got it and it's fantastic.  I don't have any irritation under my arms (even though there's baking soda), there's no odor and you can also spray this on your clothes as well.  It's become a fast favorite.  It's completely unscented as well, so spray away.  I just ordered a few more bottles for myself!

One of the ingredients in this deodorant is Colloidal Silver.  I asked Erica Thomas, the one of the founders of FreshBod, for her take on this ingredient:  "Colloidal silver is a non-toxic, natural antibacterial solution. Most body odor results from bacteria mingling with sweat and oil. Our colloidal silver and hydrogen peroxide combination create a powerful “1-2 punch” in destroying this odor-causing bacteria, making FreshBod a safe and effective alternative to standard chemical-laden deodorants. We think a lot of the silver controversy centers around its internal use – those who ingest the solution for medicinal purposes. FreshBod isn’t in a position to speak (positively or negatively) about the practice of ingesting colloidal silver as our product is strictly for external use." 

Ingredients:  Sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, purified water, hydrogen peroxide and  colloidal silver.
























THE CREAMS

Schmidt's Natural Deodorant   I've already expressed the love I have for Schmidt's in my full review here.   Schmidt's deodorant really does work for me.  Many people that I've recommended it to have loved it.  Now, it does contain baking soda, so if you're prone to irritation, I suggest that you use Olive Oil under your arms to soothe the skin.   Also, apply this deodorant gently as it's texture is a bit courser than others.  All of the scents are absolutely wonderful and I can't say enough good things about it.  $8

How does it work?  Really well.  I find that this definitely keeps odor at bay.  I often like to switch back and forth with my Milk of Magnesia (and now my FreshBod) just so I don't get irritated.  

Ingredients (Cedarwood Juniper):  Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Cedrus deodara (Himalayan cedar) essential oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Juniperus (juniper) essential oil, Humulus lupulus (hop) extract

Osmia Organics Deodorant  I'm a big fan of Osmia Organics for many reasons, but mainly because I know how much time and research creator Sarah Villafranco puts into creating all of her handmade products.   This deodorant is 91.9% organic and the ingredients are stellar.  It feels great going on, is very smooth and is perfect for carrying in your bag.  $12

How does it work?  I would recommend this to someone who doesn't sweat a lot.  I used this on days when I knew I wasn't going to be in high-stress situations and it was effective and felt great.  It's light, smooth and perfect for that chick who doesn't sweat excessively, and wants a well-made (and handmade) natural deodorant.  

Ingredients:  Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter*, tapioca starch*, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil*, sodium bicarbonate, fuller's earth clay, callophyllum inophyllum (tamanu) oil*, vegetable glycerin*, and a proprietary blend of certified organic and wild-harvested essential oils


Meow Meow Tweet Tea Tree Deodorant   I had tested the Tea Tree Deodorant Cream which, if you love Tea Tree oil, you're going to be in heaven.  This cream is super, super soft.  Probably thee softest deodorant cream I've tried yet.  It feels wonderful going on.

How does it work?  Again, I think this would be perfect for someone who sweats like a "normal" person (unlike myself).  I like to carry around deodorants like this for touch-ups during the day, but again, you may not need that.  If you're looking for a really creamy, natural deodorant, you probably are going to want to give this a try.  I could wear this on low-stress days or days when I wasn't running around a lot.  $12

Ingredients:   *Olive oil, *virgin coconut oil, *jojoba oil, *shea butter, *arrowroot powder, baking soda, kaolin clay, tea tree OR lavender essential oil.  *certified organic

Have favorites?  Have some opinions?  Let me hear you in the comments below, woman!

*Some of these deodorants I purchased, others were kindly and generously given to me for review.  All opinions are my own.  I hope you find something here that works wonders for you, stinky!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Need an excuse to get some new green skincare? Winter. SW Basics, Osmia Organics, Napa Organics & Alima Pure!

Looking for a good excuse to pick up a few new skincare and makeup products?  Winter.

These are some new products that I'm really excited about (almost type 'jazzed about' whew!)  Oh, and stick around for some fun discount codes from SW Basics and Napa Organics and little extra surprises from Osmia Organics!  This is going to be a two-parter because there's so many things I think you'll love this coming Winter season.

ALIMA PURE with Kristen Arnett

Me Encanta Collection - I recently hung out with Kristen Arnett (green beauty makeup artist, Instagram filter pro) in my dear olde East Village 'hood.  When she emailed me about her new makeup collaboration with Alima Pure called Me Encanta, I was giddy; yeah, I love makeup!  Inspired by beautiful flamenco dancers during a recent trip to Spain, this makeup collection is so much fun color-wise, I was so thrilled when I opened it up.

Me Encanta includes:

From top Sombra Contour, Pink Satin Matte Blush & Flamenco Shadow
Black Natural Definition Mascara - Now I haven't had the opportunity to fully test this mascara yet (I'm certain I'll have a review in the future), but I wore it yesterday (upper lashes only) and loved it. What I can talk about at this point is how much I love the brush.  You can get such nice control with it...excellent.  

Flamenco Limited Edition Eye Shadow -  A gorgeous, gorgeous navy mineral shadow.  This will be such a cool change from the typical black smoky eye.  It's deeper than the picture here...more like a midnight.  I'm so happy that Kristen chose a blue as opposed to going for the token brown or black.  This look so much less harsh than black and, in my opinion, makes creating a smoky eye so much easier. 

Sombra Contour Powder  - Kristen has got a video of how to apply Me Encanta makeup collection right here and I have to say a big thank you to her, because I was absolutely clueless about contouring before viewing.  This powder is really natural looking and it warmed up my face.  Oh, and I have a picture of me on my Instagram feed wearing the look, too!

Pink Satin Matte Blush -  I already have been raving about my Rosa blush by Alima Pure.  This blush, called Pink, is a matte and gorgeous pink that I imagine everyone could use.  It's a classic color and I love it.

Baila Lip Tint -  Smelling of rich cocoa, this lip tint is, in a word, luscious.  Truly.  This does not have a balm-like feel, but rather a juicy and smooth feel.  The color is a  warm brownish rose and goes on so smoothly, it feels like a dessert.  I can't wait to check other the other colors, too.  $50 for the collection.

SW BASICS

Cream - I've written about this several times, but I have a thing for repeating myself, so here goes. Sure, I could've just written about the mask, but I want you to have one of the best creams for Winter and this is it.  Honestly, your skin will never be softer than this.  Soft, creamy and so effective, this cream is perfect for the upcoming colder months.  It smells heavenly and again, has only three ingredients:  Fair Trade Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil and Olive Oil.  I give this out to friends like it's candy and everyone gets hooked on it.  Do yourself a favor.  $32 for a big jar!  


NAPA ORGANICS
Organic California Almond Oil  - This is a totally new company for me and the only problem with Napa Organics is that there name isn't all over the place yet.  Hilary Glass' family has been ranching in California since the 1880s.  This is a family-run business and everything is so natural and affordable, I'm excited to share this with ya'll.  I've been using their Almond Oil as a body moisturizer for the past week and it's gorgeous.  It's so pure and feels so wonderful on the skin.  There's just nothing like organic oil.  The thing that I also love about this is that so it's so multi-functional;  this can be used as an intensive hair conditioner, massage oil, body oil and, when applied lightly, a face oil.  $16  

Prune & Walnut Face Scrub -  Prunes (more antioxidant power than blueberries) are mixed with finely ground up walnut shell powder.  This product is a "booster" meaning that you can add it to your cleanser or mask to give yourself some extra brightening or exfoliation.  I love the idea of that.  This can also be mixed with the Organic Almond Oil above for a master hydrating and exfoliating party for your skin.  $12 for what I think is a jar that will last forever!  
OSMIA ORGANICS
Coffee Mint Soap - The first time I learned about Osmia was on Pinterest when I saw a picture of their soap.  I couldn't click quick enough to figure out what the gorgeous pattern was on the top of it.  I am now hooked.  After hearing about how it's made, the care and craft that goes into it, well as a girl who is a huge fan of homemade soap, it was a no-brainer.  I recently purchased three bars and started off using Coffee Mint.  Why am I recommending it?  Because it's a big, gorgeous bar o' soap that smells like mint and EXFOLIATES with fresh coffee.  I just love an exfoliating bar of soap.  $12

Night Body Oil - I fell in love with this immediately.  So much so that I emailed Sarah (creator of OO) and asked her what the heck was in this magnificent body oil.  Turns out that it's some of my favorites, lavender, roman chamomile and some wild atlas cedar.  This is so calming and pretty, I can't get enough of it.  In fact, I have it on my desk because there's a teensy little bit left in the bottle and I sniff it throughout the day.  Suggested use is before bed and I can understand why.  If I had to give it one adjective, I would use "peaceful."  2.0 oz. $20 / 7.5 oz. $65


*I was kindly gifted several of these products and happily purchased others.  My opinions are all my own.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Some Of The Best Non-Toxic Perfumes...Woman, You're Gonna Smell SO Good!

If you've ever said that you can't replace your favorite perfume with a natural one because you don't know where to look for one, I hope I can guide you in the right direction.  I've gotten so many emails from women saying that fragrance is the one thing (along with mascara and concealer) that they can't seem to replace.  Nonsense, I say!  Not only will you find something you'll love, but once you start wearing a natural perfume, your nose will get itchy when you smell someone get on the elevator with something you used to think smelled so darn good. 


THEE FLORALS

Jasminas by Intelligent NutrientsMust love Jasmine. We're talking serious Jasmine here. Pretty and super concentrated, this opaque amber perfume comes in the perfect little bottle.  You need just the tiniest bit to smell so pretty and fresh.  Apply behind the ears or in the hair.  $45

Prima Ballerina by Strange Invisible Perfumes - I'm constantly sniffing my wrist while I'm wearing this as I keep getting a faint hint of rose and I'm liking it.  With rose, sage, lime and botanical musk, it's a gorgeous rose powderish perfume with a modern twist!   $150


EARTHY & HERBAL

Prima by Osmia Organics - Okay, I'm highlighting Prima, but I have to say that I found all of Osmia Organics' perfumes to smell earthy, herbal, fresh and just full of nature.  Sarah, the line's founder, definitely gets inspired by her Colorado surroundings.  If you're an Earthy girl, put your bags down as you've arrived, woman.  $75

Woodland by Forager Botanicals - This unisex fragrances has notes of cedar wood, high alps lavender and sweet, rich herbs.  Casey Coyle, the woman behind Forager Botanicals, is a Brooklyn-based graphic designer who longed for more natural, simple fragrances. $120


FUN, PLAYFUL & SEX-AY!

Love Coconut by  Honoré des Prés - My favorite perfume.  No, you won't smell like you've just slathered on tacky sun oil from the Eighties.  It's light, subtle and just so pretty...ah! 100% natural and organic.  $95

Vamp `a NY by Honoré des Prés -  How to explain?  Hmmm...fun and feisty, it's described as having Tuberose and rum.  Allow me to just say that if you can get your hands on a sample, chances are you'll fall in love pretty fast & will be getting yourself a bottle, you sexy woman!  $98

CHAMOMILE

333 by Tallulah Jane - If you like chamomile and lavender, you're going to love this.  I got hooked as soon as I tried a sample and have been through many bottles.  Eleanor, the creator of Tallulah Jane, also has these available in awesome body oils and Eau De Parfum.  $58



CITRUS

Halona by Tallulah Jane - Lime, fresh ginger and spices.  This is a gorgeous scent that is uplifting and happy.  If you like citrus and peppy scents, you'll love Halona.  I also have the body oil...I highly recommend.  $48

Urban Organic by A Perfume Organic - With lemon sorbet, bourbon, lime peel, basil ginger and smoky vetiver, I think this is next on my list to purchase.  I'm a citrusy girl, what can I say?  $65

Trip by Honoré des Prés - 100% natural and organic, this delish perfume is all about pure tangerine extracts, Mediterranean oranges, yellow and green lemons and spicy pepper taken from trees in the Philippine Islands.  Although I love this, keep in mind that citrus scents don't last very long and will need to be reapplied.  $84

WARM & SPICY

Trusque by Osmia Organics - Fruity, Spanish lavender and plant-based musk. Perfect for the upcoming cooler months...seriously well-made perfume here.   $150

Mejica by A Perfume Organic - I'm smelling gorgeous spices (clove?) mixed with Vanilla...but real Vanilla, not what synthetics have made us believe it smells like.  This is the real deal.  I'm thinking this is going to be perfect for Fall/Winter.  $65


ELIXIR/BODY OIL

Aiyana by Tallulah JanePure Moroccan Rose,Vanilla, hints of pear and Rock Rose all brightened with a delicate scent of Italian Lemon. This is super feminine and hard to describe.  I love wearing it.  Also comes in a perfume, but I covet the body oil!  It's hydrating and feels amazing on the skin...you'll love sniffing your forearm during the day!  $38

Lina Hanson Global Body Serum - Again, not a conventional perfume, this body oil smells so good that I had to add it in here.  With Vanilla, Yuzu and grapefruit, I'm looking forward to Lina making this a perfume soon...and if I'm correct, I think she's doing just that!  $63

Nuture by Intelligent Nutrients Not a conventional perfume, this is an anti-aging total body elixir serum and it smells just wonderful.  Lavender, sweet orange and geranium.  Subtle, pretty and relaxing.  $30



Tuesday, August 6, 2013

super cool osmia organics...like rockstar cool. yeah, like that.

Sarah Villafranco, creator and founder of Osmia Organics...gorg or what?
I tweet back and forth with a lot of green beauty goddesses who run their own companies, but I have to say, Sarah Villafranco of Osmia Organics is pretty damn cool.  The kind of cool where you wish she lived in NYC so you could yap green with her and watch her create all of her awesome skincare products.  I mean, this woman even discusses the recyclability of each of her products here.  I wanted all of you to get an idea of who Sarah is as a person, so I asked her a few questions which follow my review.  

DETOX EXFOLIATING MASK  Dare I say it's the best mask I've ever used?  Yes, I dare.  Please don't think this mask is for oily skin because it's got the word "Detox" in its name.  I have skin that can easily become dehydrated and I found this to not only clear my skin and make it bright and fresh-looking, but also leave it hydrated.  It comes in a bottle along with a little ceramic mixing bowl and spatula (love).  I find myself reaching for this whenever my skin is looking a little dull and clogged.  This is a favorite.
Key Ingredients:  Purifying clay, raw cacao, manuka honey and activated bamboo charcoal. $50

FACIAL CALIBRATION SERUM  This serum is pure, the consistency is light and not at all thick.  This serum is designed to help skin become more even and smooth and assists in regulating sebum production. It's a serum is for all skin types, but I love the fact that it will calm down skin that's acting up...something that happens often with women and our hormones!  $50
Key ingredients:  Olive squalene, kukui oil, powdered acai and organic black seed oil.

LIP LUSTER  I'm a sucker for a lip gloss or lipstick, so when I had read that Osmia's gloss that gets its color from beet root, well I just HAD to know about this company.  The scent is a subtle vanilla and I would say the color is like you were eating some blackberries.  You can make it as deep or light as you wish, depending on how much you apply.  I loved the consistency of this - not too thick, not sticky.  $15  Key ingredients: Beet root, Castor bean oil.

FOREST BODY OIL First off, this body oil comes in several scents, I just tested Forest.  One thing that strikes me about Osmia is that many of their products have an Earthy scent...creating scents in Colorado will probably inspire that!  This scent smells exactly like a bunch of evergreen trees in a forest.  It's bold and rich, but softens when on the skin.  This oil gave me that glow that celebrities have on their legs when they cross them on Dave Letterman. You know what I mean...just a pretty glisten, not oily.  It absorbed quick and was wonderful to wear.  I would love to try the Flower oil one day! $20
Key ingredients:  Ambrette seed oil, evergreen oils.

MY Q  & A WITH SARAH:

What new products are you working on now...if they’re not Top Secret, of course!  They are SO top secret, but I'll tell you anyway.  I'm working on a vitamin C lifting serum and a beautifully simple, organic exfoliant, both of which are pretty divine. 

What do you have in your makeup bag?   I have an eyelash curler and tweezers, my two most important items (I'm 40 now - I get whiskers).  I have our Luster lip gloss, RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, and some Chantecaille eyeliner.  The next on my list to try is Kjaer Weis mascara. 

What green beauty industry women would you love to sit around and talk shop with?  I'd love to chat with Rose-Marie Swift, Gwyneth (does she count?), Mandy Aftel (smart and funny), and pretty much every green beauty blogger out there - you guys keep it real, keep our egos in check, and seem to find as much joy doing what you love as I do!  When should we do it?

Name three adjectives to describe yourself.  Go.  Motivated.  Fun.  Alive.