when artists collaborate...

When artists collaborate, beauty products are made to showcase. British Beauty blogger blogged about the collaboration between Avon and artist Marimekko, now I know Avon isn't exactly organic but Marimekko is a talented designer worth blogging about! The packaging is adorable, I love the mascara.British Beauty blogger also blogged about the Organic line Pur. The illustrations are fab for this packaging as well! I wouldn't mind trying the organic rose-hip moisturiser...

beautifuly exotic hibiscus...

Photo by Erika McConnell.
I tend to think tropical in the Summer months so I've rounded up a few fun products containing hints of hibiscus flower.
Indulge in scented coconut oil with Hibiscus Monoi body oil by Nude skincare (one of my personal favorites). This rich body oil is perfect for giving your arms and legs a luscious glow after a long day at the beach.


Alba offers a refreshing hibiscus toner and let John Masters Organics honey and hibiscus reconstructor work wonders on your hair.

a good solid Lipstock...

Tired of reapplying your chapstick every five minutes? For lips that can't quite seem to remain soft and supple, Lipstock is a wonderful cream lip conditioner definitely worth trying out. Made with all natural conditioning ingredients such as Watermelon seed oil, Organic Avocado oil and Shea butter. Your lips will gain everything except for that annoying feeling of dryness that comes with using the standard petroleum based lip balm.

cool down with Saaf...

Summer is quickly approaching, time for quick cool down showers. Rinsing with cool water increases circulation in the body and adds a rosy glow to the skin. Also a good trick for people with dry or itchy skin which is easily irritated with hot water. While rinsing, clean with Saaf Pure Shower Gel. Light, refreshing and just right for summer with hints of mandarin, lavender, patchouli, ylang-ylang and Clove. Available at Beautorium. For an extra treat, moisturize your skin afterwards with Saaf Body Balm.

Happy Valentines Day!

Celebrate with skin softening massage bars by Lush. The massage bars serve as a luxurious massage oil or an after-shower body moisturizer. Almost every ingredient is organic and all are safe for the skin. If you haven't been to a Lush store be sure to stop in. Honestly the shop is a little overwhelming at first glance, but the products are intriguing and the sales staff are very helpful and friendly.

time for a mask...

I want to share one of my favorite homemade masks made from almond butter. Shown in its pure form above, this mask can add a glow to skin and moisture as well. Probably most suitable for dry to normal skin. I use regular organic almond butter that I buy from the super market in place of peanut butter. I take maybe 1-2 tablespoons and mix with some dry oatmeal. This makes a non-abrasive facial scrub. If the consistency is to thick or chunky for you, mix in some honey. Experiment with different options that are suitable for what you prefer. I let the mask sit 15-30 minutes then take off with a wet washcloth and rinse my face thoroughly. That's it, affordable and good for your skin! Let me know what you think...

2$ well spent...

I guess I am going through a current trend of shedding all dry skin. Here's another great tool to help. The pumice stone from Muji. I came across this a few months back and can't get enough of it. It's soft enough to not be too abrasive on your feet yet rough enough to get the job done. The downside, the amazing Muji stores are in limited locations only. Soon I'm sure you'll be able to order online though! Hopefully you can get to a store and have the full Muji life experience...

In other events, to follow up on the Organic Avenue fast, I am on day 4! 5 days total so this is it! So far, aside from some technical difficulties with Organic Avenue the fast has been great. Good variety in drinks, I've had decent energy level and I've been told my skin glowing (thanks to all that water drinking). I am eager to see how I feel when I am completely finished...

scrub that dry skin goodbye...

I think all this freezing NYC weather has me thinking of ways to warm up and get rid of dry skin! Below is a great recipe involving rosemary and sea salt. Sea salt revitalizes the body and is always a good base for body scrubs, it also encourages the elimination of toxins. rosemary is one of my favorite oils. It is believed that Rosemary helps clear thinking, improves circulation (so perfect when your cold) and boosts the nervous system.

Mix 1/2 cup coarse sea salt with 1/4 cup rosemary oil (or adjust to your liking). Apply with hands, washcloth or body-scrub tool. This can be done in the shower or bath. Whats great about the bath is that you can soak in the sea salt and rosemary oil for awhile.

winter is here...

Winter is officially here tomorrow I believe and it has been in the 30's in New York. Time to stock up on winter products! I walk to work in the morning and find that by the time I get to the office the skin on my face feels cold and dry. I decided I had to get some heavier face lotion so at Whole Foods I picked up Weleda Everon face balm. I have to say, I am completely satisfied with my purchase. The lotion goes on thick but does not leave my face feeling coated or greasy. My skin also feels moisturized all day, even when I was running around the city outside doing errands. This product is also perfect for use during winter sports. I noticed they have a lip balm as well that I have not tried yet...

sweet beauty...

Looking for tips for beautiful skin? Try a sweet, fragrant honey mask. It's a wonderful way to moisturize and hydrate the skin. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. This mask always leaves my skin feeling soft, moisturized and creates a nice glow. Honey can also be added to the avocado mask for extra benefits or to create a smooth consistency.

Spread raw or organic honey over a clean face (be sure to always avoid eye area). Let honey sit for 20-30 minutes. To promote pore cleansing, tap you fingers over your skin in the areas your pores seem to be congested. Doing this creates tiny suctions that help clear clogged pores. Rinse and wipe face off well with warm water.

lets talk goat soap...

From what I have read, the benefits of goat milk are legendary. Goat milk has been used for centuries as a luxurious beauty aid. The low pH level of goat milk is close to our skin's pH, making it a very gentle cleanser. Goat milk also contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which are known for their restorative and rejuvenating qualities. People who have skin allergies, eczema and dry/itchy winter skin are also frequently users of goat milk soap.

My favorite thing about goat soap is how soft my skin feels afterwards. My skin also never feels dry which is why I used to shy away from using bar soaps. Basically it really moisturizes while it cleanses and is completely natural (make sure you purchase from a natural farmer/vendor). You can find all sorts of different scents, sizes and mixtures of goat milk soap. My favorite is just a giant raw bar of it, this can also be used as a base to make scented soap. So where can you get your bar of goat milk soap? I find that the local farmers market usually has a great selection of homemade soaps to choose from, or your local health food store will carry goat milk soap as well. Online you can learn more about goat milk soap and order from Natures Whey Farm and Colestin Caprines.

gentle cleansers...Kimberly Sayer

I came across Kimberly Sayer products while I was visiting my friend Hazel Grace in Santa Monica, C.A.. Hazel had a gentle facial cleanser that had the best aroma to it. She described the aroma as "like her moms fresh baked lemon cookies". She lived near Palmettos, which sells a wide range of products, so I walked over to pick some up for myself. I have also seen Kimberly Sayer products sold at Whole Foods Market.

This product is perfect for sensitive skin and below are a few highlights from the website.
This gentle creamy cleanser with a base of Soy, Seaweed and Lavender Oil, removes surface impurities and deep cleanses clogged pores. Gentle enough to remove make up, it won’t dry or irritate the delicate eye tissue. Wonderful fresh aroma leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed.

I really like this quote from the Kimberly Sayer site as well, The use of man made chemicals in skincare negate ingredients essential functions, therefore minimizing the effects. True organic products are absorbed by the skin, identified as food, therefore achieving maximum results for your skin. Something to think about...