Ilia Beauty Is A Natural Makeup Brand To Get Hooked On!

AREN'T THEY GORGEOUS, LADIES?

I have TONS of natural/organic makeup. Often I try stuff and I think it's "pretty good" or "good." It's sort of rare for me to immediately try something and just know that I'm going to be wearing it forever. But that's just what happened with Ilia Beauty's Tenderly Multi-Stick $34.

First of all, the color is gorgeous. I'm really into baby pinks and find that a lot of the green lines don't do enough in this color, so when I see it, I'm buying! 

Currently, they have four shades and my guess is there's one you'll love. This is also the first natural stick blush that I didn't have to re-apply several times in one day. I do it once, maybe twice, and I'm good. It's beautiful on the skin and the ingredients are stellar.

I also have many of their tinted lip conditioners (which are more like lipstick if you ask me).  I currently have Blossom Lady, Bang, Bang and Shell Shock.  The texture and staying power is excellent.

I also have their lipsticks in Pink Kashmir, Neon Angel and In My Room. $24.

BONUS: If you're one of those girls who needs your makeup packaging to look beautiful, you're going to LOVE this brand. The packaging is gorgeous and it really travels well.

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

Bag The Habit Helps You To Break The Habit (of Using Plastic Bags)

Nobody loves a reusable bag like I do. Nobody.

The odd pleasure I derive from saying, "Oh, I've got my own bags" is ridiculous. Forgetting to bring my reusable bags? Ohhh, that bums me out big time and, as a result, I got into the habit of stashing a few in the zippered compartment of whatever bag I'm carrying. I've owned so many of the best-selling ones out there, but nothing compares to my favorite brand, Bag The Habit. The main reason? The awesome padded handles! Don't get me wrong, I love, love, love that they're made from 100% recycled and/or organic/sustainable fabric, but the padded handles rock. Being a New Yorker, I'm always struggling with lots of groceries and the other bags that I had used were just so uncomfortable to carry as they dug into my shoulders and hands. The Bag the Habit bags are big, really comfy, look great and save on plastic and paper bags.

So, with that, I highly recommend that if you're going paper and plastic bag-free, go for these and save yourself the trial phase with other brands.  I look forward to trying their reusable produce bags, too!

Oh, and if you live in NYC and are desperate to have us be plastic-bag free, please sign the petition here. I did!

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

RMS Beauty: One of My Favorite Makeup Lines. Introducing, Karma!

MY LITTLE COLLECTION OF RMS BEAUTY

Since I can remember, I have always loved makeup. I was that girl you'd see at Sephora with a basket full of over-priced makeup and an arm covered in smudges of shadow, liner and lipstick and a big grin on my face.   I was in Heaven...or so I thought.

When I began hearing about all the toxins in the makeup I was using, I had absolutely no problem getting rid of all of it.   I was pretty disgusted with the whole idea of these harmful ingredients being absorbed into a body that I'm usually so careful with.  The only problem I did anticipate, was replacing all of it.  My favorite concealer, lipstick, blush and eye shadows would all need to be replaced.

As I began looking into new products, RMS Beauty quickly caught my eye and I ordered immediately. When my products were delivered and I opened up that little frosted pot and took a sniff of the fresh ingredients, I couldn't wait to see what else they were making. At present, I've got their Lip2Cheek in Smile, Lip Shines in Bloom, Sublime, Sacred and Moment, concealer in 01, Living Luminizer, Lip2Cheek in Smile, Modest and Demure and cream eye shadows in Lunar, Magnetic and  Karma!  

So, what makes the line so great? Ah, where do I start...it's non-toxic, organic, is great for your skin, is hydrating, looks fresh and dewy - you glow!

I just received my Karma cream shadow the other day and it's wonderful. Karma is a dark steel grey/black that is perfect for smudging, lining and shadowing the eye. I was a little intimidated at first because I'm no makeup artist, but everything in the line is so easy to spread and fix, my eyes came out beautifully.

I strongly suggest you get into this line. I'm excited to see what they'll come out with next.

*I purchased all of these products myself and all opinions (I've got a lot) are my own.

Tallulah Jane Natural Perfumes & Body Oils - YUM!

I stopped wearing perfume shortly after being with someone who didn't like the citrusy scent I was wearing at the time. Looking back, I'm actually really thankful for that because it saved me years of breathing in the nasty chemicals that make up most of the perfumes that are out there. 

Tallulah Jane 333 was the first natural perfume that I fell in love with after getting a sample from Spirit Beauty Lounge. I've always loved the smell of chamomile, citrus and lavender. Not surprisingly, I found out that 333 is made from a blend of three different types of chamomile, lavender and three citrus essences. I was hooked. So, I bought several bottles and always have someone saying, "Your hair smells so good." (I've got a habit of spraying in my hair - lasts longer).  

Not long after that, I got a sample of their Halona Body Oil and immediately loved that, too.  It's got such a citrusy smell (lime and ginger) and the oil absorbs really fast, so you don't have to stand around waiting to get dressed.  The other day my Halona perfume arrived (different packaging - small with a roller ball) and I love it. About the size of a lipstick, it's so easy to carry around.

I haven't tried their other fragrances, but I'm sure they're all amazing and you'll find one or several that you'll love. The company uses only 100% natural ingredients, no synthetics, all products are Vegan and are free of parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals.

Oh, cute story: one day I was in Bigelow Chemists in NYC and as I was exiting, the owner of Tallulah Jane, Eleanor Jane, attempted to stop me to chat about her brand as they were new to Bigelow. I was in a bit of a rush as I had an appointment and quickly said, "Oh, yes, I have several bottles of the 333 at home and of your body oil that starts with an 'H'." "Halona?" she said surprised. "Yes." She was beaming and told me how much that made her day and I knew exactly how she felt. I find that there's nothing cooler than buying from small, local companies making great, natural products. Being an independent musician myself, I understand how good it feels when someone gives you a chance...and loves what you do.

I purchased these products myself and all opinions are my own!

The Best Natural Mascaras - Couleur Caramel, Dr. Hauschka & Zuzu Luxe

The majority of people that are into clean or green makeup say they have a huge problem trying to find a great natural mascara.   I have to admit that I did try lots of them before I found great ones, but it's not impossible.  These are my favorites, in order of adoration:

COULEUR CARAMEL

Couleur Caramel

This is a mineral and plant-based mascara and I have to say, you'd never know the difference between this and one filled with chemicals. It's paraben-free, phenoxyethanol-free and coal free.  99% of it's ingredients are natural.  Plus, the entire case is recyclable. So, how does it hold up vs. other mascaras? Perfectly. In fact, I love it.  There's no flaking, no smudging (unless you use a very emollient concealer like RMS Beauty) and it can be layered easily.  Oh, and it also comes off in a snap.

Dr. Hauschka's Volume Mascara

DR. HAUSCHKA

I think this mascara is great and definitely gives Dior Show Mascara a run for the money. It creates big, dramatic lashes and comes off easily. The only gripe I have with this is that if your concealer or under eye cream is too oily, it will definitely smudge. I also wouldn't wear it if I knew I was going to be sweating. I usually wear this on the top lashes only and wear my next favorite mascara on my lower lashes.

ZUZU LUXE

ZuZu Luxe Mascara

I like this mascara...a lot. In fact, I just purchased another one today. I use it when I know I can't have any smudging and usually use it daily on my lower lashes, giving the upper to my Couleur Caramel or Dr. Hauschka as they just seem to give more volume and drama. For some reason, no matter what happens, this doesn't smudge at all and for that, it's a favorite.

I hope you try and love some of these mascaras.

Lovin' Me Some Lotus Wei Infinite Love Perfume

LOTUS WEI'S DELICIOUS PERFUMES

Have you tried Lotus Wei yet?  I've fallen deeply in love with the stuff.

To be honest, I wasn't sure exactly what these products were until they came out with perfumes (in addition to their mists and serums) and I decided to give them a try.

I purchased Infinite Love Perfume, Inspired Action Mist and Joy Juice Energy Mist and I absolutely love them! I find myself reaching my wrist up to my nose several times a day to get a sniff of my Infinite Love perfume and spraying my mists whenever I get the chance.

Without getting too detailed here, Lotus Wei uses the power of flower essences to increase happiness, productivity, calm the mind, give added energy and the list goes on.  I stopped using artificial perfumes and products with chemicals about two years ago and I'm always on the lookout for something that smells great and isn't harmful to breathe in. These are perfect. To find out more about Lotus Wei (they explain themselves waaay better than I ever could) please visit them here.  

Oh, and I have yet to try it, but they also incorporate their flower essences into chocolate...oh, my!

I purchased these mists and perfumes myself.  All opinions are my own, sister!

My Favorite Natural Foundations: W3LL People, The Organic Pharmacy

Finding a great natural (read that as toxin-free) foundation has been quite the task. I've tried so many of them and want to let you know about my favorites. Be sure to let me know which ones you like...I'm always out for giving new products a shot.

W3ll People's Narcissist Stick Foundation is my everyday foundation.  I absolutely love it.  I've found that a lot of the natural foundations are drying (maybe it's the minerals) and I'm not a fan of that cakey, dry skin look. Narcissist is creamy, but doesn't leave you looking shiny.  It's just a great, solid, foundation that I also use for under the eyes or for covering up spots.  There's no artificial preservatives, parabens, chemicals, dyes, fragrance, silicone, dimethicone, pthalates, sulphates, petroleum, talc, bismuth oxychloride or non particles...how can you go wrong?  And the stick?  It's super easy to use and carry around.  $38

The Organic Pharmacy's Luminous Antioxidant Foundation  Okay, for those of you who love a liquid foundation, I'm sure you're going to love this one.  I use a beauty blender sponge, wet it and then put some of this foundation on it.  This gives pretty, natural coverage and never looks cakey or dry.  It really just becomes one with the skin.  I love this when I'm going for a light coverage look.  This was a recommendation from Jessa Blades and so far, everything she's suggested, I've loved.

Vapour Organic Beauty's Atmosphere Luminous Foundation is also one of my favorites. It leaves a clean, somewhat glow-y look behind and blends in well. I just run it down the center of my face and then blend outwards.  Vapour also makes great primers: Stratus Instant Skin Perfector in a stick or Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector in a pump.  I have both and switch on and off.  This foundation has 70% organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments and vitamins.  $40

I purchased these myself!  Opinions are my own!

The Companion I Take Everywhere: My CleanWell Wipes. Plus, Get 10% off Cleanwell Canisters!

CLEANWELL

First off, it’s important to note that many sanitizing products contain a chemical called Triclosan. It’s a chemical that’s put in everything from toothpaste to toys, liquid soaps to shaving gel.  Just the fact that they think that it might mess with the endocrine system and don’t advise children and pregnant women to use products that list it as an ingredient, is enough to send me running in the opposite direction…which brings me straight to CleanWell.

Ever hear anything negative about the use of thyme?  You know thyme, the aromatic plant of the mint family? Used for cooking and for it’s medicinal oil? Yeah, didn’t think so. Well, CleanWell uses thyme oil to kill bacteria without the use of harmful chemicals.

I’m  always carrying several CleanWell wipes packs in my handbag.  I buy the bulk pack of wipes because I go through them like crazy.  If I’m out of my CleanWell, I’m not a happy girl.  I use the big canisters in my car. 

(DEAL:  you can get 10% off canisters now until October 13, 2014 using code:  CANISTERAA.  Click here for the deal!) 

CLEANWELL SOAP

Each sink in my apartment has a jar of the foaming CleanWell hand soap, too. The scents are awesome and they look gorgeous.  The hand soaps come in both a foaming and a liquid soap. The scents are light and pretty and they’ll never leave your hands feeling dry….just clean and sanitized, naturally.  The scents are Lavender, Orange Vanilla and Peppermint.

BOTANICAL HOME CARE

Up next on my list to get is Cleanwell’s Botanical Home Care Kit.  I’m not sure when they came out with this, but I know that when I’m finished up with my other home cleaning products, this is next on my list.  The pack includes their All Purpose Cleaner spray,  Bathroom Cleaner spray, Fabric Deodorizer and a canister of Disinfecting Surface Wipes and it’s a steal at $18.99.

DEAL!
Get 10% off canisters now until October 13, 2014 using code:  CANISTERAA.  Click here for the deal!





First off, it's important to note that many sanitizing products contain a chemical called TRICLOSAN.  It's a chemical that's put in everything from toothpaste to toys, liquid soaps to shaving gel. Just the fact that they think that it might mess with the endocrine system and don't advise children or pregnant women to use products that list it as an ingredient is enough to send me running in the opposite direction...which brings me straight to CleanWell.

Ever hear anything negative about the use of Thyme? You know Thyme, the aromatic plant of the Mint family? Used for cooking and for it's medicinal oil?  Yeah, didn't think so.  So, CleanWell uses Thyme oil to kill bacteria without the use of harmful chemicals and I love it.

Currently I'm carrying several of the wipes (pictured here) in my handbag and the big canisters are in my car. If I'm out of my CleanWell, I'm not a happy girl.  Each sink in my apartment has a jar of the foaming CleanWell hand soap, too. The scents are awesome and they look gorgeous.

When I recently found out that my sister-in-law was pregnant with twins, I rushed to my bag immediately to give her all that I had in my bag, "Please use these and don't use anything else to wash with. You can get them at Whole Foods or online if you run out!" I recommend them to everyone, but especially for women carrying babies and parents in general.

PS It's no surprise to me that this awesome company was begun because of the needs of a child. Once again, a child saves the day!

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.