My Summer 2013 Natural Loves: Dr. Woods, SkinnySkinny, Sellwood Soap & Earth Tu Face & More!

I'm super fortunate that my best friends have rented a summer home on the beach, yet again. Because I have lots and lots of natural products, I have to scale down and just bring the essentials.  This is what I find I've been taking with me the last few weekends:  

1.  RMS Beauty Lip Shine in Sublime  It's a perfect pink with a hot pink pop to it.  I don't even need a mirror...just dip my finger and dot on my lips.  I even wrote a post on it here! $20

2.  John Masters Haircare Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner   After a week in Turks & Caicos with new highlights, salt water and heavy sunshine, I realized that this is a great conditioner as my hair was in perfect condition when I got back.  I don't use this everyday, but at least twice a week when I've been at the beach or in the sun.  Hydrates your hair, but doesn't weigh it down...big plus, yes?  $22


3.  SkinnySkinny Rosemary Mint Organic Foot Scrub    This is a nightly routine for me in the summer:  Unlike most foot scrubs (I've tried 'em all) this has got lots and lots of pumice and isn't greasy.  You'll have hydrated, soft feet post scrub.  Need more details, read here!  $26


4.  Dr. Woods Pure Peppermint Castile Soap  This is great for it's many uses!  After you use most body washes you generally need to apply moisturizer.  Not true with Dr.  Woods.  This leaves your skin so hydrated and soft, there's no need for anything after.  I'm a convert.  I even purchased a large bottle for my dad because he's got dry skin and I don't see him using moisturizer anytime soon.  Can also be used as a shampoo, for face and more. $8.50

5.  Jane Iredale's Lip & Cheek Stain in Forever Pink   This stain is a must-have.   If you want a pink tint at the beach without looking made up, you're going to want to go for Forever Pink Lip Stain.  It's not sticky, it hydrates, looks so pretty and can be used on the cheeks as well.  $25


6.  Sellwood Soap Vetiver & Orange Facial Scrub In a word, it's awesome!  I was just introduced to this company (full review to follow soon) and find myself thinking each time I use it, "This line is so perfect, you need nothing else."  This homemade scrub will exfoliate and leave your skin moisturized with it's sunflower and rose hip see oils.  Oh, and when I got some on my lips, I tasted the sugar...bonus! $12

7.  Earth Tu Face Palma Rosa & Aloe Face Cleanser  I love this company.  You need so little of this super smooth hydrating face wash.  It's so easy to use and has stellar ingredients: Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E...and the list goes on.  Made by two herbalists in California, these are the kinds of businesses we want to be supporting!  8 oz. $48 (travel size $28)

8.  Solar Recover Spray hydrator full of essential oils! I use this year 'round, but most often in the summer.  It's great post-sun and pre-moisturizer.  I even use it in my hair and on my face if I forget my toner.  I've gotten a ton of people hooked on this.  A must!  $13

9.  DeVita Solar Protective Moisturizer  I don't go anywhere without this.  I've got both the face and body moisturizers and until you try them, you just won't understand how these are just like regular moisturizing lotions...nothing spf-y about them!  Read more here. $25 (but if you search, you can get it for less)

My Favorite Green & Natural Products: The All Stars!

So my last post was all about my my repurchases, but there's so many products that I just can't live without and I buy over and over.

Rahua Shampoo & Conditioner - I have lots of hair and I just find that this really cleans, hydrates and doesn't leave my hair feeling weighed down or oily like lots of natural shampoos usually do.  I always have a stash of these.

Intelligent Nutrients Plant Stem Cell Renewal Complex -  This really, really plumps up the skin, if only temporarily.  Just spot treat the areas where you need it.  I like to put this on before bed.  It smells great, too.  Full review here.  

The People's Pharmacy Milk of Magnesia Deodorant - I checked this out with my homeopathic doctor and she agreed that it's awesome.  This is the only thing that has ever worked for me.  It creates an environment where the bacteria that make you stink can't live!  It's not going to stop you from sweating, but it will stop the stink AND no staining!

Sanre Rosy Fresh Toner - By far, one of my absolute favorites.  Currently, I have about 4 of them in my stash.  The ingredients are stellar and it really hydrates.  Great, great toner and super natural!

Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub - A fairly new favorite, I love keeping this in the shower.  Lots and lots of tiny beads exfoliate your face in this seaweed-colored scrub.  Your skin will feel really, really soft and it's just so handy in the shower.

Kahina Organic Beauty's Toner - This toner really, really hydrates the skin and is a real treat.  I love everything that this company makes.  If you haven't tried it yet, go do!

Talllulah Jane's Halona Body Oil - If you like the smell of citrus, you'll love this body oil.  It smells great, slides on perfectly and dries in good time.  It also comes in a beautiful glass bottle that you'll love having in your bathroom.  Super natural ingredients, too.

Naturopathica's Vitamin K Eye Cream - I have several friends hooked on this melon-smelling eye cream.  I love it;  it brightens, smells great and it works!  

Honore des Pres Love Coconut - My favorite natural perfume.  In fact, I just bought another from Spirit Beauty Lounge about an hour ago.  It's perfect for summer and the smell of coconut is rich and subtle....nothing 80s here.

DeVita Solar SPF 30 Face Cream- I added this to my last post and this one...must really like it. Does not feel like an SPF at all.  Feels like a smooth lotion and I adore it.

SkinnySkinny Rosemary Mint Foot Scrub - This really works...especially if you're going to be running around in flip flops all summer long and like the look of clean, hydrated feet.  A super scrub, your feet will be smooooooth.  Trust me.

O.R.G. Skincare's Face Exfoliator - Please check my recent blog post on this innovative product.  I find that if I'm heading out for a special night, this gives me a smooth foundation.  It's also very cool how it works...check out my review for the details.

SW Basics Moisturizer - Use before bed and wake up without any redness and soft skin.  I love this line with their 3 ingredients - olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter.  Ahhh...

SW Basics Toner - This balances the pH in your skin, hydrates and cleans up everything!  It's a staple for me.

SW Basics Cleanser - Natural ingredients, cleans, hydrates and so easy to use.  This is what they mean when they say "clean and green."

Kahina Living Beauty Argan Oil - You will need no other oil for your skin.  This is argan oil in its purest and most natural state.  A bonus is that the bottle looks gorgeous.  I've written plenty of posts about this product...click around!  

The Green Product Junkie's Natural Shower Products

THE GREEN PRODUCT JUNKIE'S SHOWER...PRESENTLY

So, I just moved into my new cute place on the East Side of Manhattan.  I've got a gorgeous new shower (modern, just like I like it) and have placed my new products in their place.  I change up what I use all the time, but right now I'm loving my set up.

Here's what I have here and what I'm currently using and loving:

Rahua Shampoo and Conditioner - you can see my review here.  I love the stuff.

Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Liquid Soap, Body Soap and Shave Gel - if you're like me and love the tingle of peppermint, you're going to fall fast for this.  My review is here.

Sebon Organics Shampoo & Conditioner - I alternate and love this line.  Super healthy ingredients and gives you such pretty hair.  My review is here.  

Ctonics Passion Shampoo - This is not for everyone.  It's super natural and it takes some getting used to.  I happen to like it, but only use it once a month.  It really strengthens your hair.

Acure Organics Brightening Scrub - I just started using this and I think it's excellent.  I'm definitely going to be reviewing facial scrubs soon...this product deserves a post.  I also think it's great for having in the shower.  Pop it open, apply in circular motion and rinse!

Preserve Razor - If you're not using Preserve, I'm not sure if we can be friends ;) .  Preserve is what everyone on the planet should be using.  Their handles are made from recycled yogurt cups...c'mon, what's cooler.  My review is here. 

SkinnySkinny Eucalyptus Foot Scrub - I will never, ever use another foot scrub.  This is serious and really, really works.  No delicate little beads in this scrub.  Pumice, pumice, pumice.  Love it.  My review is here.

Splurge Skincare Peppermint Body Scrub - LOVE!  Recently wrote a review on this new company.  When I'm feeling like a need to really scrub, I'm reaching for this.  Here's my review.

Yarok Shampoo & Conditioner - I'm at the end of these bottles.  I definitely suggest this to people who have oilier hair.  It's not a super, duper high condition conditioner.  I'm also into scents and this conditioner doesn't match the deliciousness of it's shampoo.  I use it to clean my brushes, too.

The Green Product Junkie's Medicine Cabinet

THE GREEN PRODUCT JUNKIE'S MEDICINE CABINET

Moving is never fun.  Especially if you live in New York City and are moving from 1,300 sq. feet to about 469 sq feet...yeah, like that.  So, one of my biggest issues was where to fit in all of my natural and organic skin care, makeup and body products.  

I've decided to post a picture.  Now this is just a picture of the medicine cabinet...there's several shelves of my stash (I don't like to be out of anything, clearly).  

Can you recognize any products that you know and love?  I've got my Dr. Hauschka, Pai, Dr. Akalitis, Lotus Wei, Living Nature, Patyka, Sprout Skincare, Acure Organics, Kahina Giving Beauty, Naturopathica, Preserve toothbrush, Intelligent Nutrients, Pangea, Honore des Pres, Tallulah Jane, Rahua, Buddha Nose, DeVita, Skinnyskinny and some things I can't make out!

Would love to hear about what you love, what you think I should try and see your green medicine cabinet!

Excessive? Perhaps, but everyone's got their thing, right?

Get Yer Mask On! Amal Oils Moroccan Rhassoul Clay Mask...cleans and brightens.

THE AMAL OILS MASK

For me, there's nothing like putting a mask on, scrubbing my feet in the tub (with my skinnyskinny Foot Scrub, natch) and then sitting down to read my iPad while it works its magic.  I then wash it off, apply one of my favorite toners, Kahina Giving Beauty Toning Mist, pick a face oil, put on some eye cream and call it a night.

I've tried so many masks and a lot of them are just okay.  On the other hand, there are some real winners out there like then ones I have already blogged about - Pangea and Naturopathica.  The latest mask I have to tell you about is the Amal Oils Moroccan Rhassoul Clay Mask with Plant Extracts.

I was first introduced to this mask when Pure Citizen hosted them.  What's great about this mask is that it clears your skin like a clay mask should, but DOES NOT dry out your skin like you'd expect it to.  In fact, I find it hydrating and when I rinse it off, my skin feels soft, clean and moist...it's the first clay mask I've found that does that.  This mask can also be used on the hair. From their site:   

Quarry mined deep beneath the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and sundried, this clay naturally contains high levels of silica, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and sodium. Renowned for its remarkable ability to absorb impurities and cleanse, Moroccan Rhassoul Clay with Plant Extracts eliminates oils and toxins from skin and hair, improves skin elasticity, minimizes pores, improves skin clarity, extracts blackheads and gives body and shine to hair.

It's $35, but will last you forever as it's a big container - 8.5 oz.

Ingredients:  Ingredients: Moroccan Lava Clay (Hectorite), Extracts of Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Myrtus Communis (Myrtle), Urtica Dioica (Stinging Nettle), Rosa Centifolia (Rose), and Homolathecium Aureum x Hypnum Crupessiform (Rock Moss), Eugenia Caryophyllata (Clove), Essential Oil of Lavandula Angustifolia x Latifolia (Lavendin), Linalol

PS: A friend of mine was going through a difficult time and her skin broke out big time.  I gave her several masks-worth and when I saw her the week following, her skin was clean and clear. She's a big fan now.  Let me know how you like it. 

The Skinny on SkinnySkinny Organic & Eco-friendly Products

MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE SKINNYSKINNY PRODUCT

I have SO many products from SkinnySkinny and everything that I've purchased from them has been high-quality, organic, effective and clearly made with love. They are 100% carbon-neutral and use recycled, reclaimed and sustainable materials for their packaging...gotta love that!

THE FOOT SCRUB
I'm going to recommend a few of their products. For starters, the Rosemary & Mint Organic Foot Scrub rocks.  Literally. I'm talking PUMICE, people! I live in NYC and like anyone who lives here in the summer knows, the streets can do some serious damage to your feet after a day of sandal and/or flip flop-wearing.  Whenever I've purchased a foot scrub, they're usually so gentle, they barely smooth my feet, let alone give them a silky, hydrated feel after. SkinnySkinny's foot scrub does...and how! It's fantastic. It has a thick, grainy consistency (not liquid) with lots of pumice, sea salt, olive oil, coconut oil and essential oils.  If you like to scrub between pedicures, try this.   I'm serious.  $30 9 oz. jar.

THE SOAP SET

If you need a gift for someone, I highly, highly, recommend their Organic Soap Set which comes in the most adorable tree-less gift box made to look like a book.  I actually purchase these sets for myself as I love having lots of lots of soap to choose from (odd, but true). I really don't have a favorite skinnyskinny soap as I love them all. The soaps are organic and are in thee prettiest recycled paper you can imagine. Each soap feels like you're opening a little present! $54 for 6 bars with box

THE LIP BALMS

Skinnyskinny has thee most incredible lip balms. I've tried each one and have them all over my house (by the bed, in my desk, in the bathroom). They are incredibly soft and smooth. They feel so great on the lips and they're organic, so no worries about licking your lips. $6

THE DRY SHAMPOO
Finally, I'd like to mention their Organic Grapefruit and Cardamon Dry Shampoo which has saved me several times when I've either used too much conditioner, my hair needed volume or my face oils got on my bangs...not a good look. It smells delicious and is so easy to use. The packaging here is entirely eco-friendly, too...labels and all!  $32 4.2 oz.

*I was not given these products to review, I purchased them myself. All opinions are mine.