Go Natural With Earth Day Products

Earth Day is very soon.  One of the ways that I like to live green is by trying lots of green beauty products.  Below are natural and/or organic products for face, hair and body.  Try one or more out and be good to yourself as well as the Earth!

Melvita

Inspired by and born out of the beauty and bounty of France’s Ardèche region, Melvita was created in 1983 by beekeeper and biologist Bernard Chevilliat. Melvita – meaning “honey” and “life” in Latin – is distinguished by its brand philosophy of paying homage to the pristine elegance of the natural world. As the French pioneer in organic beauty care, Melvita offers the largest selection in the market of ECOCERT-certified products for the face, body and hair, as well as fragrances and men’s and baby collections. By responsibly reaping the best nature has to offer and giving back to the earth, Melvita delivers beautiful, expertly-formulated skincare products, enriched with only the purest natural ingredients, which are as efficacious as they are pleasurable to guarantee an incomparable sensorial experience with a clear conscience.

Above is the Melvita Rose Floral Water ($23 USD) — Rich in ingredients that naturally soothe delicate skin, Rose Floral Water is distilled from the rosa damescena petals and contains a light, refreshing fragrance. The essence also has astringent properties that help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Available at www.usa.melvita.com and through leading online beauty retailers.

Shea Terra Organics Baobab & Coconut Water Smoothing Vita-Enzyme Facial Masque

Shea Terra Organics Baobab & Coconut Water Smoothing Vita-Enzyme Facial Masque ($28 USD) Smooth dry and lifeless looking skin with a boost of vitamin rich enzymes!Taken from two of Africa’s super-fruits, baobabs and coconuts, this face masque works at a cellular level to hydrate and vita infuse skin.

This masque is vita-infused with two of Africa’s super-fruits. Wild harvested from ancient “upside-down” trees, baobab fruit contains vitamin rich enzymes that effectively break down dead skin. Young coconuts produce a nutrient water rich in electrolytes and natural sugars that makes skin glow!

Available at www.sheaterraorganics.com

Caudalie Premier Cru La Crème

Caudalie Premier Cru La Crème ($155 USD)A facial crème that contains an exclusive, highly concentrated blend of Caudalie’s 3 star ingredients to yield firmer, more radiant skin. Its packaging is recyclable and 1% of profits from all Premier Cru products purchased contribute to protecting the environment under the 1% For the Planet movement .

Ingredients include: 

Resveratrol-Oleyl – prevents Glycation

Vinefrine – prevents dark spots

Polyphenols – a highly powerful antioxidant

Available at US.Caudalie.com in March

Avalon

Avalon Organics® Lavender Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner ($10.50 USD) A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner set with a calming scent and luxurious formula that is NSF certified with 70% organic ingredients – the highest organic standard in the personal care space. The products are also completely free of Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Myreth Sulfate and the packaging is made with 100% PCR (post consumer resin) materials.  The formulas are packed with natural extracts including Lavender Essential Oil, Wheat Protein, Aloe, Babassu Oil, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, and Guar that create soft, shiny hair.

Price: $10.50, available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and www.avalonorganics.com

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Alba Botanica® Even Advanced Sea Algae Enzyme Scrub ($11.49 USD)A gentle, yet effective facial scrub designed to target discoloration and uneven skin tone while sloughing off dry and dull skin. Its formula is powered by a Marine Complex infused with sea enzymes that stimulate cell regeneration and prevent hyper-pigmentation. Free of Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Myreth Sulfate, all Alba Botanica® products and ingredients are made without animal testing, which is exemplified through the Leaping Bunny certification on their packaging – an internally recognized symbol for cruelty-free cosmetics, personal care and household products.

Available at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and www.albabotanica.com

Jason

JĀSÖN® Body Washes ($14.43 USD) – These gentle washes cleanse with botanical surfactants and safely nourish with Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5. The formulas are free of Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Myreth Sulfate and come in 30oz bottles in a variety of amazing scents to ensure that the entire family can bathe cleanly, without added harsh chemicals or preservatives.

Available (Revitalizing Citrus, Glowing Apricot, Soothing Aloe Vera, Relaxing Chamomile, Calming Lavender, Moisturizing Herbs, Invigorating Rosewater, Purifying Tea Tree, Softening Mango, Antioxidant Cranberry) at natural food stores, Whole Foods Market and www.jason-personalcare.com.

Don’t forget to enter my SeaBuck Wonders giveaway!  For more info check out https://fortyflirtyfabulous.wordpress.com/2013/04/12/top-five-mammoth-mom-myths-revealed-plus-a-fab-skin-care-giveaway/.

Enjoy!

Luxe Holiday Gift Ideas — To Give Or To Treat Yourself!

Treat yourself or someone special to a luxury beauty product.  From potent skincare, to beautiful make up to a new type of hair styler, these products are just the thing to surprise someone.  Or, give yourself the gift of luxurious beauty — you deserve it!

Clarisonic Black Opal Sonic Infusion System with Arcona Eye Dew ($185 USD) — Opal Sonic Infusion is a breakthrough in eye care that uses proven sonic technology to apply eye serum better than manual application. In one minute, Opal gently delivers serum beneath the surface with 7500 gentle micro-massages. Developed by the lead inventor of Sonicare® and Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing. Use Arcona’s Eye Dew in the morning and Clarisonic’s Anti-Aging Sea Serum at night.  Visit www.drugstore.com to purchase.

Opal Sonic Infusion System Contents:

  • Opal Sonic Infuser
  • Anti-Aging Sea Serum, 1.7oz
  • Universal Voltage Charger
  • 2 Replacement Applicator Tips
  • Wristlet
  • ARCONA Eye Dew, Repair/Protect AM 0.3 oz (9 ml)

Caudalie Once Upon a Vine  ($38 USD) — A collection of four products for an at-home spa experience that leaves skin renewed, revived, and glowing.  With the Once Upon a Vine set, Caudalie writes a fairy tale for perfect skin. Fight your way through the wicked dead skin cells with the Crushed Cabernet Scrub. Awaken your body’s hydration with a kiss of Vine Body butter and Hand and Nail cream. Break the curse of chapped lips with the Lip Conditioner. Your skin will be glowing happily ever after. This set contains: – 2.1 oz Crushed Cabernet Scrub – 0.14 oz Lip Conditioner – 2.5 oz Hand and Nail Cream – 6.7 oz Vine Body Butter.  Visit www.caudalie-usa.com to learn more.

Ellis Faas Winter Set 2011 ($85 USD). For the 2011 holiday season, Ellis has selected a gift set of three, best-selling products that can be combined to create several looks. The set contains ELLIS RED Milky Lips L201 for gorgeously blood-red lips; black Creamy Eyes E103 for an easy smoky eye and/or to be used as a black liner; and the light Milky Eyes E209 for fresh accents.  Purchase at www.ellisfaas.com.

Laura Geller Festive Treats: This trio of travel-friendlyLaura’s Light Beam Lip Glosses offers brilliant, yet non-sticky shine ($24.75 sale, $39 value at QVC and QVC.com).   These ultra-versatile and decadently sheer glosses are infused with natural fruit and plant oils including Cranberry, Pomegranate, Apricot and Grape Seed, along with Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter that deeply condition and soften lips.  The kit features the follow festive (and universally flattering) shades:
  • NEW Cinnamon Spice – a honeyed burgundy
  • NEW Clementine– ashimmering sunset orange
  • Fairy Dust – aneffervescent pale pink

Wild & Chic Best of MAKE UP FOR EVER Kit ($55 USD $103 Value) — A limited-edition kit featuring six bestselling MAKE UP FOR EVER products for creating the perfect everyday look.  Wild and Chic Best of MAKE UP FOR EVER includes all of the essentials needed to create a flawless face. Prepare the skin for makeup application using HD Microperfecting Primer and follow with HD Microfinish Powder to even out the complexion with a soft focus effect. Highlight the eyes and cheeks using Aqua Cream’s long-lasting, waterproof cream formula and add dimension with award-winning Aqua Eyes. For added drama, create ultra-black lashes with Smoky Lash mascara and finish off your look with Lab Shine for the perfect pout.
This set contains: – 0.17 oz HD Microfinish Powder – 0.21 oz Aqua Cream in 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer)
– 0.04 oz Travel Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L (black) – 0.09 oz Lab Shine in Star Collection – S4 (pearly pink beige) – 0.5 oz HD Microperfecting Primer – 0.23 oz Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara.  Purchase at www.makeupforever.com or Sephora.

The TopStyler by InStyler ($119 USD) reinvents the way you create curl, wave, texture and body in your hair. Create fun and innovative movement to your hair, explosive texture and even red carpet looks.The secret is the patent pending design of the 100% solid ceramic lined shells called C-Shells. When the C-Shells heat on the rapid heat Thermal Base, they create the perfect temperature to reshape and set the hair, safely. It works on all hair types and most lengths, and is based on forming your hair section into a simple finger curl. Unlike most round or flat heat styling tools that press the hair with a really high temperature, TopStyler works with a gentle heat that cradles the hair evenly from root to end. It can also enhance many of the styling and conditioning products that you use, because it provides a gentle, activating heat. 100% solid ceramic plates conduct heat efficiently to ensure that the C-Shells are able to retain heat longer to fully permeate the hair shaft and set the style.  Visit www.topstyler.com to learn more and purchase.  Enjoy!

Fab Anti-Aging Skincare By Caudalie — Plus Their New Website!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($16.00 USD) — Inspired by the “elixir of youth” used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this treatment smoothes features, tightens pores, and gives the complexion a burst of radiance. an excellent base for make-up, this water
awakens the skin in the morning and livens it up before a night out.  For all skin lacking radiance. Beauty Elixir is an exceptional anti-dull complexion treatment and a wonderful after-shave for men.

What I think:  This is such a nice and refreshing face mist. I use it after cleansing in the morning and I can tell it tightens my pores before I apply my Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15  (see below).  It has a bit of a strong, herbal scent, though so it is not for those who do not enjoy strong fragrance in their skincare.

Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15 ($68.00 USD)  — This oil-free moisturizer instantly regenerates for a baby-skin
effect and radiant glow. Smooths lines, minimizes pores and reduces dark spots. Ideal primer for all skin types.  Formulated for those who wish to enhance their skin’s radiance, tone and clarity.

What I think:  I am loving this and use it every morning as my moisturizer and primer.  I find that it evens out my skin tone and makes lines and pores much less noticeable. It does give a little glow, but covers any shiny, oily spots on my face (hello, my forehead!). So awesome!

Premier Cru The Eye Cream ($95.00 USD) The ultimate anti-ageing eye cream for immediate and long-lasting visible results. Targeting all the visible signs of aging around the eyes: wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dehydration, dark circles, puffiness, dark spots
and loss of radiance, Premier Cru The Eye Cream, immediately brightens and correct dark circles thanks to silvery, coppery and iridescent pearlizers. For those who wish to combat all signs of ageing: wrinkles, lack of firmness, lack of radiance and dryness.

What I think: If you are looking for a luxurious eye cream, this is the one for you!  It feels fabulous — so cool and soothing once applied.  It also instantly makes the eye are look brighter and less puffy.  Use it morning and night — and go all around the eye with it — especially at night.  Your eye lids firmer and smoother in the morning.

Caudalie has also recently announced the new online home of Caudalie in the US – www.caudalie-usa.com!  There are so many new features for the Caudalie lover to explore:

• “Notes from Mathidle” – a new blog featuring insider scoop, expert advice and inspirational observations ( coming in early August)

•  Chat Live with a Caudalie Expert

•  The luxury of free ground shipping on orders over $50

•  Read and write product reviews

•  Access to Le Club, featuring exclusive offers, ability to store information and history and create and share wish lists.

•  Sign up to receive email newsletters with product news & previews, special offers and exclusive event invitations

If you shop online until August 26, 2011, enter the code SUMMER at checkout and you will receive 20% off of your order.  Enjoy!

 

Dry Skin Driving You Crazy This Winter? Soothe It With New Products for Hands and Body

When the weather gets cold and dry (and blizzards like it did in Kansas City this week), skin and nails really need to be nourished.  My hands and feet especially have been cracked and my cuticles are peeling. I have taken this opportunity to try new products (or ones that are new to me) to get my skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Cures by Avance Hydrating Body Silk ($26.00 USD) is a weightless body milk which claims to transform the skin. I like to use this after a shower to lock in the moisture. My skin feels silky and soft afer use. To purchase, visit  www.curesbyavance.com

It’s a known fact that winter air completely zaps the essential natural oils found in  skin and hair but unfortunately, attention to the nails has long been neglected. Due to the sub-zero effects outside and the bone-dry heat that is pumped indoors, the nails take a real beating – quickly becoming dry and brittle which results in cracks, painful splits and very short-lived manicures (the shame!)
 
In order to prevent and combat these harsh effects, protect nails with Perfect Formula’s Daily Moisture ($29.00 USD)– a tried and true treatment that keeps nails long, strong and healthy. Formulated with Keratin, the main protein that makes up nails, Jojoba Oil, an excellent moisturizer that is similar to the natural lubricant of skin, and Vitamin E, this product instantly nourishes and strengthens dry, thirsty nails even in the most treacherous conditions. 
 
To use, simply brush Daily Moisture on top of nails, under nails and on cuticles daily. Can be used on polished or natural nails. purchase at http://www.perfectformulas.com or QVC.com.

Caudalie Vine Body Butter ($36.00 USD) is deeply hydrating, with a delicious light scent and velvety texture melts into skin and provides all the therapeutic benefits and efficiency of Vinothérapie Spas. This lotion is perfect for anyone with very dry to damaged skin wanting an ultra nourishing, repairing and luxurious treatment. Apply morning and evening, massage gently into skin in upward motions.

I love the scent of this lotion, it is a bit fruity and is very refreshing. I like to apply it to my hands, feet and legs after shaving. Visit www.caudalie-usa.com to purchase.

Enjoy your hydrated skin!

Soften Your Dry Winter Skin With Caudalie Hand And Nail Cream


I seem to be slathering on hand cream constantly in this cold, dry, winter air. I have been looking for a hydrating, but not greasy, hand cream that smells great. And I have found it! Caudalie Hand And Nail Cream ($19.00 USD) is my new favorite winter hand cream.

Why? Because is it nourishing for both hand and nails and it is also anti-aging. It contains patented grapevine polyphenols, organic shea butter from equitable trade, grape-seed oil, avocado extract, Vinolevure® and plant-derived glycerin. It is also infused with a sweet orange fragrance that smells fantastic!

Visit www.caudalie-usa.com to learn more and to purchase. Enjoy!