Earth Tu Face Makes A Truly Remarkable Natural Eye Serum...I'm Hooked!

EARTH TU FACE

A line that I've just heard of and entirely love:  enter Earth Tu Face.  

I was perusing Refinery 29 and saw a post they did on one of Earth Tu Face's products.  The brand's story, their look (simple and super modern) and purity really attracted me.

ETF STORY

The founders of Earth Tu Face are two herbalists from California, Sarah Buscho and Marina Storm.  

Their products are:

• 100% plant-based, food grade ingredients.
• Organic beeswax
• Organic, virgin cold-pressed oils
• reusable, compostable and recyclable containers (loooove that!)
• Organic and wildcrafted ingredients
• Made in the USA (woo-hoo!)

EARTH TU FACE'S

ANTI-AGING & RESTORATIVE EYE/REPAIR SERUM

I began using this several weeks ago as I had just finished my favorite eye cream.  I had never used an oil in my eye area before so I was certain that it would mess with my makeup application, but how wrong was I?   I'm now hooked.  I took this with me on vacation and absolutely LOVED using it.  It goes on so easily, dries super fast, hydrates and is so pure, your eyes will look smooth and hydrated.  You can also use this all over the face, but I've only used it on the eyes, as it's so precious to me.  

The ingredients are great...organic everything:  Olive Oil, Sea Buckthorn oil, Lavender, Chamomile, Rose Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Vitamin E.  

Another great thing about it is how little you need of it.  Just a tiny drop on your index finger.  

I'm so excited about this brand and am trying out their cleanser next.  

Bonus:  They also have a button on their site that tells you how to reuse your empty packaging from them.   

Please check out this brand.   Between their look, their products, the effectiveness of the products and what they're about, I know you're going to love it!  $56

Natural Lipstick I'm Crushing on This Summer by Ilia Beauty: Pink Kashmir and Call Me

LIPSTICK IN PINK KASHMIR

Okay, I'm seriously into pink.  Pink glosses and lipsticks look best on me because I'm fair with blue eyes and it just works.  As soon as something comes out and it looks like a wearable pink, I'm on it like a cockroach on a banana peel at midnight.

Enter Ilia Beauty's Pink Kashmir lipstick (I'm not too happy about the fact that it's a "Limited Edition" so I'm ignoring that fact).  I've been wearing this since I got it in the mail.  I was a little hesitant to order it at first as I thought it might be too lavender, but it's gorgeous.  If you love pink and you're not a shrinking violet, have at it, young lady, have at it.  $24

LIPSTICK CRAYON IN

CALL ME

The other color that I ordered was from their new Lip Crayon collection in Call Me (fourth color from the top). I loooove this as well.  How different are they? Hmmm...well, I would say that Call Me is more of a muted fuschia tone to it, whilst Pink Kashmir is more lavender-ish.  Does that help? I hope so.  The bottom line is that if you love pinks, get both.  Trust me.  I'm loving the colors and consistency. $24

*I purchased these myself, all opinions are my own!

Wickedly Wonderful Amala Hydrate Treatment Oil Takes On The Sun in Turks & Caicos...And Wins!

AMALA HYDRATE TREATMENT OIL

If you've been reading my Facebook posts, you'll see that I've just returned from a week in Turks & Caicos.  The water is amazing, weather was fantastic, but that sun!  Oy, that sun! It could've really, really fried me if I wasn't prepared, but prepared I was.  The majority of my suitcase was filled with my organic/natural skincare and makeup...love it! 

One of the products that I brought for this trip was Amala Hydrate Treatment Oil and I am so glad that I did.  Aside from a few samples from their line that I received from Spirit Beauty Lounge, I hadn't seriously tried Amala as of yet and because of this, I made sure to bring my old favorites...just in case.   But because this oil was so fantastic, I found that I never even went near my old standbys.  I'm a big fan now.

How did I use it?  I applied this each night after washing my face and first thing in the morning (I don't like to wash my face in the morning - there's no need and it's better for your skin).  I had no peeling, no dry skin, no breakouts, just hydrated, dewy skin.  I love this.  On the second to last day, whilst chatting with my roomie, I saw her skin was peeling and I suggested she try a few drops.  Needless to say, she asked me on the plane ride home for the name of the oil.  This stuff is pure and it works.  I've been doing some reading up on the company and everything I read is ultra-positive and all of their products are of 100% natural origin...gotta love it! 

I really look forward to trying out some of their other products as everything looks great.   $116

Here's the ingredients:

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil*, Punica Granatum Seed Oil*, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil*, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract*, Natural Fragrance (Parfum), Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil*, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil*, Tocopherol, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Eugenol, Geraniol, Isoeugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citronellol, Farnesol, Limonene, Linalool *Ingredient produced by organic farming

FOUND! FRESCA: An AWESOME Natural Deodorant That Really Works...Finally!

FRESCA NATURAL DEODORANT IN VALLEY ROSE

Wow.  Somehow, after years and years of searching, I feel that I've finally found a fantastic natural deodorant that actually really works.  This coming from a girl who is always hot and often perspiring.

Yes, I have something called hyperhydrosis, which, in a nutshell, means that my internal temperature gauge is off.  Whereas you can probably leave a room that's a good temperature and go into a slightly warmer one without getting all heated up, I can't.  I'll immediately start perspiring.  So, it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone as to why I've been on the search for a super hard-working, natural deodorant for so long.  As many of you know, finding one that works is near to impossible.

So, a few weeks ago I saw a review of Fresca Natural Deodorant.  I had never heard of the brand and quickly went about trying to learn more about the line.  The founder, Elda Kingston is an incredibly warm woman who has truly created a fantastic line of deodorants.  I've been using the Valley Rose scent this week and I've been through a lot:  a full day of helping my friend move into a new store in NYC, a serious Pilates class, several meetings where I'm pitching a TV show and several fast-paced trips from the East Village to the West Village in the heat...I still smell like roses.  I am shocked.  

The line, which is probably why I hadn't heard of it, is located in Australia.  Now, initially I thought this might be a problem for many readers until I saw that shipping is free with the purchase of three of these deodorants which are $15 each.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

"The active ingredient that makes Fresca Natural deodorants work so well is the inclusion of a special aerated salt (nahcolite or sodium bicarbonate). This special salt creates a non-acidic environment in which bacteria cannot thrive, and is the reason that you do not smell any body odour. It will allow your body to cool itself the way nature intended and does not block your pores." 

SCENTS  

Citrus Fresh

Jaisara (jasmine & ylang ylang)

Ocean (clean and crisp)

Unscented

Valley Rose (if you like rose...you'll love)

Wild Lavender

Wooden Spice (sandalwood, cedar wood)

INGREDIENTS

Let's talk ingredients...from their site:

"Fresca Natural deodorant is 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. 

It is body friendly and contains NO aluminium, NO alcohol, NO parabens, NO synthetics, NO nasty chemicals, NO artificial fragrances or preservatives.

Our products are vegan friendly and contain NO PALM OIL.  Fresca Natural deodorants are 100% ALL NATURAL."

So, if any of you are struggling to find a working natural deodorant, I hope you'll try out Fresca. If it worked for me, I can only imagine how it'll work for someone who doesn't have any big issues with perspiration.  Oh, and Fresca is the winner for Best Natural Deodorant 2012 from Nature & Health Natural Beauty Awards...pretty cool, eh?

*I was sent this to test.  All opinions are my own.

NYL Skincare: 100% Vegan and Gluten-Free Skincare That Are MAGNIFICENT!

nyl's starter kit

I'm always happy when a natural/organic/vegan brand contacts me about their products and I look at the ingredient list and packaging and absolutely love it.  So was the story when the Founder of nyl skincare (pronounced nil, as in "nothing") Carol Sondesky reached out to me.  I loved the simplicity of the ingredients, the fact that it's all handmade (at this time) and the simple and clean look of their brand.

I was sent their Starter Kit ($45) which includes:

Whipped Hand & Body Lotion, Organic, 2 fl oz
Velvet Transformative Serum, 1/4 fl oz
Gentle Sugar Body Polish, Organic, 2 fl oz
Organic Rosewater Face Wash, Organic, 2 fl oz 

Whipped Hand & Body Lotion $34
Since I just got back from a short trip and my hands (as we all know when you return from a trip) looked and felt awful, I scrubbed my nails and then applied nyl's Whipped Hand & Body Lotion to my hands before bed.  That would be the test for me...how my hands looked and felt in the morning. They were great - hydrated and soft, but what really impressed me was how super-fast this cream absorbs.  I'm not a fan of creams that feel sticky or slick after you apply.  This is a whipped hand cream that works, feels great and has a very, very light, clean scent.  


Velvet Transformative Serum $60
Usually I'm not a fan of trying new facial oils/ serums as I feel that I already have my favorites (yeah, I'm a face oil snob), but I wanted to try the whole nyl Starter Kit.  This face oil is excellent AND probably the fastest-absorbing oil I've ever used.  If you're one of those people who don't like the feel of oil after applying it, this is for you.  My skin feel super soft (like velvet), hydrated and clear after using it.  And, with these ingredients, you're getting the best of the best:  

Organic Grape Seed Oil, Organic Meadowfoam Seed Oil
 Acai Oil
 Organic Argan Oil
, Blackberry Seed Oil
, Blueberry Seed Oil
 Carrot Seed Oil
, Organic Cranberry Seed Oil
,Marula Oil
, Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil
, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil
, Vegetable Squalene, Vitamin E, Organic Watermelon Seed Oil, Essential Oils

Gentle Sugar Body Polish $34
You know when body polishes have lots of oil that leave you feeling really greasy like you need another shower?  You know when you're slipping in the shower because the container is 1/2 full of an oily mix?  Yeah, well, not here.  This body polish smooths and hydrates and is very easy to use.  Scoop up the gorgeously gold sugar and scrub away.  Love it.  My skin felt really, really soft post-use.


Organic Rosewater Face Wash $28
I would recommend this face wash to those of you with really sensitive skin who want something super pure to cleanse with.  I would also recommend it to those of you who don't like a creamy or overly foamy cleanser.  This a very pure, simple cleanser that would never irritate your skin.  To get an idea of how pure it is, check out the ingredients:

Organic Rosewater, Organic Vegetable Glycerine, Organic Castile Soap 
(Contains: water, organic coconut oil. sunflower oil, castor oil, citric acid, and rosemary extract)

With vegan, gluten-free, organic ingredients that are as effective as they are pretty to look at, I think nyl skincare is going to be one of the big brands in this industry...quote me!


*As mentioned, I was sent the Starter Kit for review.  All opinions are my own.

LOVE! SustainU Clothing Made From 100% Recycled Materials AND made in the USA! Free Tee for your Green Pals!

SUSTAINU'S SUPER SOFT TEE

"Using recycled over conventional cotton saves around 712 gallons of water per shirt."

SUSTAINU CLOTHING

Long before I became interested in natural beauty products (there just weren't that many out there only a few short years ago) I was interested in environmental issues: recycling, composting, bringing my own bags, the works.  It just made perfect sense to me and I worked hard at trying to live as "clean" a life as I could here in New York City.  That also included buying items made from recycled plastic bottles.  

Now, on this site, I'm usually reviewing skincare and makeup and some green cleaning products, but when SustainU contacted me, I was very intrigued.  Clothing made from 50% recycled cotton scraps and 50% recycled polyester from plastic bottles?  Uhm...yes.  Definitely yes.  

My t-shirt came in the mail and I have to say that this is some super-soft cotton.  This is not one of those t-shirts that you get for being part of the neighborhood softball team...stiff and boxy.  This is a modern, cool, t-shirt with a great cut that would give American Apparel a run for their money. But of course, what I love best is what it's made of and that it's made in the United States by the hard working people of North and South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.  As Trey Dunham of SustainU wrote, "These regions are making a comeback after decades of outsourcing that saw 65% of the industry (over 1 million jobs) eliminated."  C'mon, what's cooler than this?  This is the kind of company we should be patronizing!

BUY A SHIRT & GET A FREE T-SHIRT FOR YOUR FRIEND WITH THEIR WEAR 1 SHARE 1 PROGRAM

"SustainU looks to use generosity as a way to spread the message of environmental and social sustainability."

Online customers can receive a free 100% recycled T-shirt to give to a friend with each SustainU purchase.  Awesome way to get the word out!     Get all the information here.

So, in a nutshell, what's so great about what SustainU is doing?

• Uses 100% recycled cotton scraps and post-consumer polyester waste materials bound for a landfill
• One shirt saves: 712 gal of water, 1/2 gal of petroleum, 12kg CO2 and 3oz. Agrochemicals
• Made in the USA & bringing jobs back!
• Only clothing company making 100% recycled clothing entirely in the USA.
• They make custom tees, too so companies, bands and that neighborhood softball team with the tacky tees can take it up a notch!

*I was sent this t-shirt for review.   All opinions are my own and I think this company rocks.

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!  

True Beauty Box: Love Green Surprises & Trying New Products?

MARCH TRUE BEAUTY BOX

If you're the type of girl who loves trying new products, feeling surprised and getting something in the mail that feels just like a present, I'll tell you that True Beauty Box is something you want to be looking into.  I'd heard about these boxes, but had no idea what they were.  I think it's an excellent way to be introduced to new brands, skincare and makeup.

True Beauty Box delivers full-sized chemical-free skincare and makeup products to you in a gorgeous little box each month.   I, myself, detest samples, so I was happy to see that these are actual full-sized products as opposed to a bunch of little packets.  I know I'm probably in the minority for my take on samples, but for me, it's all or nothing.  Go big or go home!  If you do like samples, not to fear, there's always some placed in your box each month along with your products.  

Okay, so here's how True Beauty Box works:  you take a fun little test to see which box might be good for you, they send you options and then you choose your box style: Flirt, Indulge or Veganista.

What I also liked about this is that it is a month to month commitment, so there's no drama.  Also, as a member, you get 15% off of LoveTrueNatural.com and you're in on their special promos and giveaways.

I received the March True Beauty Box and received: 

Lavera Gentle Eye Makeup Remover $19

True Natural Sweet Grapefruit Organic Soap Bar $6.50

Lavera Basis Lip Balm $5.50

Benecos Eyebrow-Designer $9.99

Benecos Nail Polish $11.99

And samples of natural self-tanner & sunscreen.

The box itself is $30, so this is a great deal.  Even more than that, I got to try brands that I hadn't heard of before.  I think this is a great idea.  Have any of you tried the True Beauty Box before?

*This box was sent to me for review.  All opinions are my own.

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!