Product Review: CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm

This is the third product from the CV Skinlabs line I’ve tried so far. I was really happy with not only the effectiveness, but the product’s versatility. It’s a 100% organic and natural petrolatum-free balm that nourishes, softens and moisturizes severely dry skin, lips and cuticles, while calming sensitive, irritated skin. It’s the ideal remedy for not only replenishing moisture, but also healing and soothing cuts, scrapes, burns, IV areas, and new scars.

I use it most frequently as a super rich nighttime lip balm. I love mixing raw honey with sugar and using that as a homemade lip scrub, then applying the CV Skinlabs Restorative Balm. It leaves my lips feeling soft, supple and moisturized all day. I also use it a lot on my cuticles. It doesn’t have a strong scent, and absorbs quickly while still providing long-lasting moisture to my skin.

It’s derived from 100% organic and natural ingredients, and free all synthetic fragrances & dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxiane, hydroquinone, phthalates, mineral oil/petrolatum, silicones, propylene glycol, SLS/SLES, PEG/PPG, triclosan, disodium EDTA, hydroquinone, talc, MEA-DEA-TEA or chemical sunscreens.

Key Ingredients: Calendula, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Arnica—a powerful trio of plant-based antioxidants, fat-soluble vitamins and sesquiterpene lactones (a class of naturally occurring plant terpenoids), all of which are known for their healing, immune boosting, antiseptic and skin-regeneration properties.
+ Carnauba + Bee’s Wax—safeguards the moisture barrier.
+ Vitamin E—powerful, proven antioxidant; aids in wound healing.

Along with those potent key ingredients, this advanced therapy balm is infused with the exclusive CV Skinlabs Tri-Rescue complex; a blend of turmeric, alpha-bisabolol and reishi mushroom. Together these ingredients provide anti-inflammatory, wound-healing and skin-soothing properties that enable repair and healing of damaged skin.

A .5oz tube of the Restorative Skin Balm is available for $26.00 at CVSkinlabs.com! A teeny bit goes a long way so .5oz will definitely last a while. This balm makes the perfect winter go-to for dry skin, cuticle and lips, but can also be used year-round to sooth and heal minor cuts, scrapes, burns, IV areas, and new scars. Overall, I really love this product, and would definitely recommend it!

If you liked this review, be sure to check out my other CV Skinlabs product reviews, and my interview feature with CV Skinlabs’ owner and founder, Britta Aragon!

Rescue + Relief Spray Review

Calming Moisture Cream Review

Interview Feature: Britta Aragon 

Also be sure to follow CV Skinlabs and Britta Aragon on Twitter, and visit the Cincos Vidas blog!  

Product Review: CV Skinlabs “Rescue + Relief Spray”

Here’s the next product review from the amazing, nontoxic, safe skincare line, CV Skinlabs!  If you had a chance to read my last product review of the “Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp” cream, or my interview feature with the founder/creator of CV Skinlabs, Britta Aragon, then you already know how much I love and support this skincare line. 

I’ve been using the Rescue + Relief Spray for a few months now, and I was beyond impressed.  It’s a milky emulsion that refreshes, soothes, hydrates and calms even the most sensitive skin. It provides immediate cooling relief from sun exposure, rosacea, eczema, rashes, laser treatments, chemical peels, shaving, waxing, minor burns, and radiation treatments. It can also be used as a daily toner! I use it after washing my face, and before applying my moisturizer… it’s also great to use in the mornings if you don’t need to wash your face, but want to wake up and refresh your complexion! 

This miracle spray has been featured in US Weekly Magazine, People en Espanol Magazine, and Real Simple Magazine. I’m so happy I discovered this in time for winter when my skin is the most sensitive and dry. I’m also really excited to have a safe, natural product to use this summer… even though I always wear plenty of SPF, it’s nice to have something like this in case I get a little too much sun! 

Key Ingredients - All of CV Skinlabs products are infused with their exclusive Tri-Rescue Complex… a unique blend of turmeric, alpha-bisabolol and reishi mushroom. 

Other Key Ingredients…

• Chamomile + Cucumber – together deliver calming, cooling and skin-softening benefits.

• Water Lily – possesses purifying and heat-removing properties.

• Valerian + Comfrey – provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits; help support skin healing.

I have to say, this is another really fantastic product that I would definitely recommend to any of my clients. One of my favorite things about the CV Skinlabs line, is that the products are so compatible and effective on so many different skin types. You can get a 6oz. bottle of the Rescue + Relief Spray for $34.00 at CVskinlabs.com! 

Also be sure to check out Britta’s blog, Cinco Vidas… follow her on twitter @Britta_Aragon, and follow the line @CVskinlabs! 

Product Review:  CV Skinlabs “Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp”

CV Skinlabs is a safe, nontoxic, nourishing skincare line created and founded by NYC based natural beauty expert, cancer survivor and author, Britta Aragon.  If you read my interview feature with Britta, then you know how incredible the story behind her skincare line is.  She is such a beautiful person inside and out, and when it comes to safe, natural and effective skincare, she is definitely someone I trust!  All of the CV Skinlabs products are 100% free of synthetic fragrances and dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxiane, hydroquinone, phthalates, mineral oil/petrolatum, silicones, propylene glycol, SLS/SLES, PEG/PPG, triclosan, disodium EDTA, hydroquinone, talc, MEA-DEA-TEA  or chemical sunscreens.  

Over the past month, I’ve been using a few different products from the CV Skinlabs line. I’m absolutely in love with all of her products… I decided to review them one at a time, so I could really go into detail about each product.  

The first product I wanted to review was the Calming Moisture cream for face, neck and scalp.  It’s a whipped wet cream that calms and hydrates all types of skin, leaving it radiant, dewy and evenly toned. It formula is 99.4% natural content, with 57% of that being organic ingredients… 

Key Ingredients - Include Beta Glucan, which helps promote collagen production, speed wound healing and diminish signs of lines and wrinkles with the soluble fiber found in the cell walls of oat kernels… Aloe Vera, soothes, calms and moisturizes dry and irritated skin… and Oat Extract, which helps to reduce redness and itchiness. 

Tri-Rescue Complex - CV Skinlabs’ exclusive Tri-Rescue Complex ingredient blend is infused into all of their products. It’s comprised of a unique blend of turmeric, alpha-bisabolol and reishi mushroom.  Together, these ingredients offer anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, while encouraging skill cell repair, healing, and restoration.

I have incredibly sensitive, dry skin so it’s difficult for my complexion to find balance; especially during the colder seasons.  After washing my face with my favorite cleanser (Indie Lee’s Carrot French Clay Cleansing Bar), I applied the CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture cream to my face and neck.  When I first began using it, I was amazed at how quickly it absorbed into my skin, yet provided long-lasting moisture all day; even with my dry winter skin.  It’s nourishing yet lightweight, an leaves my skin feeling calm and fresh, while looking supple and glowy all day! 

Overall, I absolutely love this product, and would definitely recommend it. The cream comes in a 2oz. bottle, and sells for $49.00, which is not bad at all considering the quality of ingredients and effectiveness.  Not to mention, a little goes a long way, so a 2oz. bottle will last a few months! If you’re interested in trying the Calming Moisture cream, or any of the CV Skinlabs products, just visit CVskinlabs.com! 

Also be sure to check out Britta’s blog, Cinco Vidas… follow her on twitter @Britta_Aragon, and follow the line @CVskinlabs

Interview Feature: Britta Aragon, founder of CV Skin Labs

Britta Aragon is a NYC based natural beauty expert, cancer survivor, and creator/founder of a safe, nontoxic skincare line called CV Skin Labs.  Britta is also the author of the book, When Cancer Hits.  The story behind her skincare line is so incredibly inspiring…  I feel honored to have had the opportunity to interview her for my blog.  I’ve also been using some products from the CV Skin Labs line, and they are nothing short of amazing.  I have really sensitive skin, so my skin doesn’t react well to many products.  Every product I’ve been using from the CV Skin Labs line has left my skin calm, balanced, moisturized and glowing!  I’ll be posting individual reviews over the next few weeks of each product, so stay tuned!  In the mean time, take a few minutes to read the feature and get to know Britta!

How Britta Began….

“I remember being interested in beauty and skincare from a very young age.  My grandmother, a beautiful Mexican woman, always told me to stay out of the sun to avoid damaging my skin. She also bought me my first eye cream when I turned 15, which gave me a clear message that skin care was important.  My mother, as well, was always into fashion, and I always looked up to her and wanted to look just like her.  So it was natural for me to become a makeup artist, but what really encouraged me to seek out natural ingredients and nourishing oils and extracts was my experience with cancer.  

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease when I was sixteen years old.  I went through chemotherapy, which successfully treated the cancer, but also severely dried out my skin.  Later, my father was also diagnosed.  He had colon cancer, and went through chemotherapy and radiation, and suffered severe side effects.  One was an acne-like rash on his skin.  Being a makeup artist, I bought him high-end creams for dry, sensitive skin and they ended up burning and irritating his skin further.  That’s when I started looking at the back of these products to see what was in them.  I read the names of all these chemicals that I couldn’t pronounce… I started to research all these ingredients and was shocked to find out some of them to be carcinogens.  And most of all that these that these potentially dangerous ingredients were in high-end products, where they could make compromised skin worse, and even potentially cause other health problems.  I knew then that I had to change that!”

What inspires you and your skincare line…

“I am inspired by all the stories I have heard over the years of other people who have overcome extremely difficult odds to triumph in their own lives.  I feature many individuals and organizations on my blog, cincovidas.com, who have suffered through cancer or other health difficulties and have used their experiences to reach out and help others.  Giving back is really what fulfills me, and that’s what I’m trying to do with my skin care line.

I don’t want anyone else out there with cancer, or rosacea, or psoriasis, or medically challenged skin, to have side effects or otherwise harmed by products like my father was.  So I’m inspired to create safe, nourishing formulas that use the magic of nature to soothe, heal, and repair without any potential adverse effects. It’s amazing what nature can do, but oftentimes we don’t see it because manufacturers would prefer to cut corners and save money with cheaper chemical options.  I get excited about seeking out oils, nutrients and extracts that get amazing results on the skin and work naturally with the body…

…like our Tri Rescue Complex  which is infused in all my products.  It’s a powerful blend of Turmeric, Reishi Mushroom and Bisabolol from the plant chamomile.”

What are some of your favorite products and why? 

“My favorite products are those that make me feel good all the way through and work, you know?   It’s simple, but so many times we have products that don’t do that, at least not entirely.  They may make us look better, but we know they have harsh chemicals in them, so we may not feel great about using them.  Right now, I am loving all products that leave a glow and radiance to the skin.  For body, I love my the Body Repair Lotion from my own line… it’s amazing how long my skin has a radiance even after a few hours.  For face and especially now in the winter, loving Indie Lee’s Squalane Facial Oil or Kahina’s Aragn Oil.

Some others I love include chemical-free perfumes, like those made by “A Perfume Organice” or “Give.”   When I use them, I know I’m enjoying a natural scent made with herbs, fruits, and pure oils, rather than risking my health by exposing myself to potentially dangerous fragrance chemicals.”

What goals and aspirations do you have for yourself as a natural beauty expert, and for your line?

“For the line, I’m just looking forward to continuing to expand with new products that will meet the specific needs of my customers.  That means that each new product will use safe ingredients that help repair skin, feel luxurious and bring back a healthy glow.  I also am a strong believer in self-care, as when we feel good, we tend to be of the most help to others, so I want to create products that nourish people inside and out and bring a little light into their lives.

For myself, I am excited about learning more about the natural wonders that are out there.  We are just now beginning to study all the options that the plant world has to offer us, and that will be a continuing growing field that reveals new miracles all the time.  Turmeric, for instance, has only recently become known for its ability to heal, and I expect we’ll see a lot more of things like that in the future.

In addition to learning, I look forward to continuing to spread the word through my blog, book, and speaking engagements about the importance of safe self-care.  As more of us learn about the potential dangers in certain chemical ingredients, more of us will demand safer options, and that’s the way we’ll make important changes in the industry.”

What are some of your biggest frustrations with the cosmetics/beauty/skincare industries?

“I think my biggest frustration is that they are more concerned with profit than they are with safety.  For big corporations, the goal seems to be the bottom line, no matter what.  Of course, I understand that businesses need to be profitable.  What frustrates me is when companies drag their feet on things that relate to safety.  We know that several ingredients that are typically used in personal care products today are linked to health problems like hormone disruption and even cancer.  The companies say they use very little of these ingredients, so that makes it okay, but the truth is most of us use these products several times a day, every day of our lives.  What is that doing to our health and our environment?  No one really knows, but already we are seeing evidence of these chemicals in our waterways and in our systems.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have done several studies proving that we have things like parabens and phthalates in our bodies. 

My thinking is that if there is a risk—shown in scientific studies, no less—that companies owe it to their consumers to make a change. But they tend to drag their feet until the public makes a huge outcry before they do anything, and I just think that’s irresponsible.”
 
How did your book come together…

“I wrote my book, When Cancer Hits, because I hope that my experience and my father’s experience can help others out there who are going through this very difficult journey.  In my life, I learned that my doctors were very concerned with saving my life, and saving my father’s life, but as for all the difficulties we would face while going through treatments?  They weren’t that helpful.  So my book is full of tips on how to deal with things like hair loss, skin rashes, mouth sores, nerve damage, dry skin, missing eyelashes and eyebrows, nausea, radiation burns, night sweats, fatigue, and all the things that we have to deal with when we’re going through chemotherapy and radiation.  

A big part of my book talks about avoiding harsh chemicals, because skin is so sensitive during that time.  I give ideas for home remedies for most side effects, and talk a lot about making your own self-care a priority.

Another big part of the book is dealing with the emotional side effects of having cancer.  It’s such a huge change in our lives.  We have to learn how to deal with the fear, and the anger, and the despair, and everything else that comes up.  And we have to learn how to live with the fear that the cancer may come back, and the depression and sense of loss that we may feel as survivors.  So I hope that when people read my book, they’ll regain a sense of control in their lives that will help them emerge from the whole experience feeling stronger and more sure of themselves.” 

 
Some words to live by…

“I think what I’ve learned most of all through my experiences in life is that we have to learn to listen to that little voice inside us, and we must always believe that we’re worthy of the best life has to offer.  Over and over again, particularly when I was interviewing cancer survivors for my book, people told me stories about how listening to their intuition benefitted them.  Some knew there was something wrong, but the doctors and medical tests determined everything was fine.  It was only through persistence and unflinching belief in themselves that these survivors saved their own lives.

I think in the end, we do know what’s best for us, but we often don’t trust ourselves, or don’t believe we deserve what’s best.  So I try to encourage people to understand that self-care is not selfish.  Everything we have to give comes from within, and we must tend to and care for that person so that he or she can then turn around and give their best to others.  Kindness and encouragement must begin at home, within ourselves, and only then are we free to give it to others.”

Connect with Britta & CV Skin Labs on Twitter:  @Britta_Aragon  & @CVskinlabs

Check out Britta’s blog: Cinco Vidas 

 Learn more about Britta’s book: When Cancer Hits & follow the twitter @WhenCancerHits

I hope you guys enjoyed learning about Britta!  Stay tuned for the CV Skin Labs product reviews that I’ll be posting over the next couple weeks! 

PRODUCT REVIEW: KORRES “Magic Light Contouring Trio”

I recently discovered KORRES, a natural cosmetics company based in Athens, Greece. Aside from their super chic packaging and design, their products are formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMO’s and Triclosan. 

Their “Magic Light Contouring Trio” comes in two different shade options… “Mykonos” (left), and “Santorini” (right).  I have a light/olive toned complexion and ordered the “Santorini,” but from the other reviews I’ve read, they both compliment an array of different skin tones, so I’m definitely interested in trying the “Mykonos” next!

It gives your complexion a beautiful subtle glow, that looks natural and effortless.  Contouring powders are designed to accentuate the bone structure of your face. This trio is great because it provides a blush that gives you a touch of sun-kissed color, a natural-looking bronzer, and a subtle highlighter that illuminates your complexion without looking too shimmery. 

Overall, I really love this products and would definitely recommend it for personal use, or to use in your kit if you’re a makeup artist. You can purchase it for $28.00 from Sephora.com or at your closest Sephora store. 

The Many Benefits of Coconut Oil…

Coconut oil is one of the best, most versatile all natural substances you can find.  It not only does wonders on your skin and hair, but is incredibly beneficial for body when incorporated into diet.  In this post I’m going to give you a quick breakdown of why Coconut oil is so great, how to use it, and which brands to trust! Enjoy!

Skin & Hair

Natural oils are the only thing I trust on my skin when it comes to moisturizing.  If you read my recent post on Aura Cacia’s All Natural Skincare and Essential Oils, you’ll see that each natural or essential oil has its own unique functionality and benefit.  Coconut oil is a little different than most all natural oils, because it isn’t in a liquid form.  It’s a solid, but as soon as it comes in contact with any kind of heat, even body heat, it melts instantaneously into a super lightweight, clear liquid. Its molecular structure makes it ideal for skincare because it absorbs quickly, leaving the skin nourished and moisturized without feeling greasy, and without clogging pores.  Most people are a little apprehensive to begin using all natural oils on their skin because they automatically associate oil with clogging pores.  Super processed oils such as baby oil (mineral oil), clog pores because they are very refined, and have no nutritional benefit.  When it comes to skincare, you want to feed your skin like you’re feeding your body.  The best types of natural oils are the ones that are minimally refined and organic. This way, all of the vitamins, antioxidants, saturated fats and other skin-nourishing components still remain, so your skin care absorb them! You can use Coconut oil many different ways when it comes to skin and hair care. I love using it as an all-over body moisturizer (especially in the summer!). It gives my skin a natural glow, has a subtle and light sweet scent, and absorbs quickly.  It also is my go-to makeup remover! I put a teeny bit on a cotton square, and it takes off even the most stubborn water-proof eye makeup.  It also is a great way to nourish dry hair. After you get out of the shower, brush through your hair and use a small amount of Coconut oil to moisturize the ends of your hair.

Body & Health

Coconut oil has so many health benefits!  It can boost your immune system with its antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid. All of these have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties which help fight harmful bacteria and illness in the body. It can also help to control blood sugar levels by improving the body’s use of blood glucose and secretion of insulin. Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid, also known as a medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).  Most other vegetable and seed oils are actually long-chain fatty acids, or long-chain triglycerides (LCTs).  The difference between the two is how your body breaks them down and stores them. LCTs have a large molecular structure, so they are much more difficult for your body to breakdown, and as a result they are stored as fat. MCTs have a smaller molecular structure so they are more easily digested and burned for energy by your liver, opposed to being stored.  MCTs also boost your metabolism, so they can actually make you slimmer. The healthy saturated fats  in Coconut oil can improve your heart health, boost your thyroid, and improve the absorption of important minerals such as calcium and magnesium. You can cook with coconut oil or use it as a healthy alternative to butter! It has a really light and subtle taste, so for those of you who aren’t crazy about Coconuts, don’t be afraid to try it! 

Which Brands to Buy…

As I mentioned earlier, it’s really important to make sure your natural products are high quality. My favorite brand to use is Dr. Bronner’s, I trust their products because they are certified organic, fair trade, very afforable and work really well. You can choose from Organic White Virgin Coconut Oil, or Organic Whole Virgin Coconut Oil, both are $10.99 for a 14oz. jar. I personally prefer the Whole Kernel one because it has a higher saturated fat content. If you’re going to be using Coconut oil for both cooking and skin/hair care, I would definitely recommend getting separate jars haha! 

All Natural Summer Skin Care!

As the seasons change, your skin care routine also needs a little adjustment! Your skin endures a lot during the summertime, so you need to take extra good care of it in order to keep it healthy and beautiful!  Practice these 5 simple things in order to keep your skin glowing, soft and sexy all summer long! 

1)  Hydrate - This is not only important for your physical health, but for your skin’s health too! Keeping your body hydrated will flush out toxins and keep your skin clear, supple and beautiful! If you find it difficult to consistently drink water throughout the day, add some fresh fruit. This is a great way to get some extra vitamins in your diet, and make the routine of hydrating a little easier. Some of my favorite things to add to my water during the summer are sliced strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice or slices of cucumbers! 

2) Nourish - Your diet has an enormous impact on your skin’s appearance and health. It’s important to make sure you’re eating enough foods that will help to protect and nourish your skin, especially during the summer months. Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to skin damage and aging. Make sure you’re getting plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats and oils in your daily diet. Eat foods such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, carrots, spinach, avocados, salmon, nuts and olive oil… these types of foods have high nutritional value and can repair damaged skin cells, protect against free radicals and UV damage, and give your skin a natural glow from the inside out! 

3) Protect - Everyone loves to have sexy sun-kissed skin, but the long-term health of your skin is so much more important. Not to mention, sunburns are the worst! So no matter how long you’re planning on playing in the sun, always protect your skin! Find a good all-natural, chemical-free sunscreen that you love, and get in the habit of applying it. One of my favorite natural sunscreens to use is by True Natural. Their products are made with certified organic ingredients, and contain zero chemicals. 

4) Exfoliate - This is something that is super easy, and super affordable! Try making your own all-natural body scrub to keep your skin soft, even, and glowing all summer long. You can make your own using things like sugar or sea salt, then adding things such as natural oils, honey, or lemon juice! Here is a great DIY body scrub recipe from Aura Cacia you can try! Or, if you don’t have time to mix your own, I highly recommend “The Body Scrub” by Indie Lee. Indie’s products are 100% all natural, and super luxurious! Your skin will thank you! 

Grapefruit Lavender Sugar Scrub

24 drops lavender oil

24 drops grapefruit oil 

¾ cup avocado oil 

1 cup fine grain natural sugar

Mix essential oils with avocado oil, pour over sugar and stir. Apply to damp skin after using a gentle cleanser. Buff gently. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

5) Moisturize - Keeping your skin moisturized is important, but what’s more important is what you’re moisturizing with. If you’re using a chemically-based lotion or even a super processed oil (baby oil), you’re not doing much good for your skin’s long-term health. Use pure, minimally-refined natural oils to keep our skin supple and radiant. My favorite natural oils to use in the summertime are avocado oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil and jojoba oil! If you’re not sure where to find high-quality natural skincare oils check out Aura Cacia. They offer an excellent selection of natural skincare products! You can also check out The Moisturizing Oils by Indie Lee! They’re also all-natural, and smell amazing! 

I hope you enjoyed these 5 simple tips! Get in the habit of practicing them, and you will have beautiful, healthy skin all summer long! 

Product Review: Aura Cacia’s Natural Skin Care Oils, Organic Skin Care Oils, Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Mists!

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it absorbs literally everything you put on it. If you’re using a moisturizer that contains synthetic ingredients and chemicals, you’re not only damaging your skin, but those chemicals are being absorbed and stored in your body’s tissues and organs. In this post, I’m going to give you the breakdown of how natural and essential oils can be used to nourish your skin, and calm your mind. Some oils can be directly applied, blended with others, added to baths or homemade scrubs, and much more! 

Skin Care Oils: These 100% natural skin care oils are minimally refined to ensure that all of the key nutrients and vitamins remain. You can use them individually, or mix them together! 

Sweet Almond Oil - Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, this is the perfect moisturizer to use by itself, or to mix with other skin care oils!

Apricot Kernel Oil - Contains essential fatty acids Oleic and Linoleic Acid that are amazing for your skin. It is also high in vitamins A and E, ideal to sooth irritated skin while also moisturizing!

Jojoba Oil - This super light weight oil has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an ideal ingredient to use for treating acne-related skin problems. It balances your skin’s production of oil, by keeping it moisturizes without clogging pores. I love mixing Jojoba Oil with Apricot Kernel Oil and/or Sweet Almond Oil. 

Grapeseed Oil - Super rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and powerful antioxidants such as procyanidolic oligomers (PCO’s) and Polyphenols, which help to slow the process of aging and have anti-inflammatory properties. Grapeseed Oil is very nourishing for your skin, hair and diet too!

Avocado Oil - This deeply penetrating, rich oil acts as an emollient, and promotes soft and supple tissue, which makes it ideal for dry or irritaed skin. This super oil also aids in the production of skin collagen, and reduces the appearance of age spots. 

Sesame Oil - Contains high levels of vitamins A and E, which are essential for healthy skin. It acts as a detox agent by absorbing toxic substances, protects against UV damage, known to prevent acne breakouts. 

Argan Oil - Amazing for the health of your skin, hair and nails! This nourishing and healing oil has been known to treat eczema, psoriasis, acne, wrinkles, dry skin, calluses, dandruff, and hair loss. 

Rosehip Oil - This nutritious oil consists of 80 percent essential fatty acids, and is known for it’s skin healing benefits. It is especially helpful to reducing/healing scars and acne marks. It also reduces the appearance of wrinkles, repairs damaged skin cells, and re-hydrates and tones your complexion. 

Tamanu Oil - With its silky texture and refreshing smell, Tamanu Oil has been used in countries all over the world for healing cuts, bites, eczema, sunburn and dry skin. It leaves your skin soft and smooth. 

Baobab Oil -  Contains high amounts of vitamins A, D, E, and F which are all important for healthy skin. These nutrients also contribute to the rich moisturizing properties for both skin and hair. It absorbs quickly, improves elasticity and promotes the regeneration of new cells.

Essential Oils: Pure essential oils can be used for many things such as aromatherapy and skin care. Not all essential oils can be used on your skin though, so I picked out my favorite oils that can be used in skincare! These oils are much more concentrated, so you only need a few drops. Some may need to be diluted, while others can be directly applied. You can do so many different things with these… add them to your bath to moisturize and relax, add them to a homemade body scrub to nourish and refresh skin, dilute them to make moisturizing body mists or skin rejuvenating toners, or mix them with other essential or natural skincare oils! 

Carrot Seed - This skin-nourishing oil balances both oily and dry complexions, and can heal and prevent acne. It heals damaged skin and replenished aged skin. It blends well with other essential oils such as geranium, citrus oils, clove bud and cinnamon leaf. It tones and balances, and contains a high level of antioxidants to help protect your skin from damaging free radicals. 

Roman Chamomile - This sweet, apple-like smelling oil, soothes skin flare ups and body soreness. When blended with Lavender, it’s great for a relaxing bath, or diluted with water it makes a calming mist. 

Tea Tree - This essential oil has many amazing skincare benefits, it is a natural antiseptic, germicide, antibacterial and fungicide. It is very effective in healing and preventing acne. With it’s germicide and antibacterial properties, Tea Tree Oil is a staple for every all-natural first aid kit. It’s fungicidal properties make it ideal for healing certain skin conditions such as dandruff and athlete’s foot by reducing the particular fungus to grow. 

Lavender - This essential oil is ideal for skincare and aromatherapy. It blends well with other floral and herbaceous essential oils. In aromatherapy it calms and relaxes the mind. Some essential oils need to be diluted when they are used in skincare, but not Lavender. You can use it for a spot treatment for acne and blemishes, apply it to burns to help heal and prevent scarring, add a few drops to cold water and use in a spray bottle as a body mist to heal and sooth sunburns, and much more! 

Vetiver - This is earthy and sweet oil balances and centers when used in aromatherapy as well as skincare. In aromatherapy it promotes stress relief, eases tension and alleviates anxiety. It moisturizes skin and provides anti-inflammatory and anti-septic benefits. It is the perfect essential oil to add to your bath, or to mix with other oils to use in massage or body care. 

Geranium - This uplifting essential oil provides balance to both oily and dry complexions. It can also be used as an effective astringent. It blends well with other oils such as Lavender and Clary Sage. 

Patchouli - A soothing and sensual oil that is ideal for skincare, hair care and , aromatherapy. It soothes and softens dry and irritated skin, and balances oily hair. Its stability makes it an excellent fixative, prolonging the life of other essential oil blends containing Geranium, Lavender, Clary Sage, Clove Bud and Cinnamon. 

Clary Sage - With a sweet and intriguing aroma, Clary Sage has harmonizing and relaxing effects on the mind. It has effective skin-toning properties, and it ideal for balancing oily skin. It blends well with other essential oils such as geranium and citrus oils. 

Aromatherapy Mists: Aura Cacia’s line of mists can be used for both your home and body! They are great for traveling, and they have a mist for every mood! They even provide the recipe on the bottle for refills. You can always creative your own aromatherapy mist, but I love the ones Aura Cacia offers! 

Green Your Routine: 6 steps to beginning a more natural routine/lifestyle…

When I first began researching natural skin and hair care about a year ago, I remember feeling so overwhelmed with all of the information out there. I would find a “green” or “natural” brand that was free of certain harmful chemicals, and later learn about some other toxic ingredient that it contained.  After a little more extensive research, I realized that I needed to stop reading labels, and start analyzing ingredients. You should be able to pronounce every ingredient in the products you use… If you can’t pronounce it, it’s most likely not good for you.

If you take the time to read the next few paragraphs, and incorporate these things into your lifestyle, I can guarantee you will be able to transform your skin, hair, and the way you feel from the inside, out. Many of the chemicals in cosmetic and personal care products have some pretty toxic effects on our bodies… Understanding these ingredients, and how to avoid them is absolutely key to a embracing a more natural and non-toxic lifestyle. 

Green Your Routine: The Ugly Truth…

The FDA not only allows companies to disseminate products that contain harmful ingredients, but they also allow these companies to “greenwash” their products… which means a company can call their products natural, if there are a few naturally-derived ingredients in the formula. When I explain this to people, they look at me like I’m crazy… which is fine because I understand their initial logic… “How can a company put products on the shelves if they contain toxic or harmful chemicals?” …It’s simple, these companies are using such small amounts of each chemical, that the FDA doesn’t consider them to be at a harmful toxicity level… but what they do not take into consideration when analyzing the toxic effect of an ingredient, is that we are not just using that one singular on occasion. We all use multiple personal care and/or cosmetic products on a daily basis. So the more products you use, the more you increase your exposure to these toxic chemicals. Everything from your toothpaste, to your deodorant, shampoo, lotions, makeup and etc. all have toxic chemicals… many of these ingredients are considered carcinogens (meaning they can cause cancers) while other ingredients are respiratory, immune, neurological and reproductive toxins, just to name a few.

Formaldehyde (the stuff they use to embalm dead bodies) is a common ingredient in soaps, laundry detergents, lotions, shampoos, toothpastes and even BABY WIPES. Companies will use different names for chemicals so that it’s not so apparent that you’re washing your hair with Formaldehyde… Formalin, Methanal, Oxymethyline, Urea, 1,3-Dioxetane, Quaternium 15, Methylaldehyde, Methylene Oxide, Formic Aldehyde, Oxomethane Formalin, Phenol Formaldehyde are all different names used for Formaldehyde on ingredient labels. 

Green Your Routine: Making the Change…

(1) Do your research… Understand what certain ingredients and chemicals are, what kind of products they are used in, and why… Then pay attention to ingredient labels. Click here for my favorite list of “Ingredients to Avoid” on IndieLee.com…

(2) Find brands that you love and trust. You want your products to be all-natural, not just partially natural. My favorite skin and hair care brands are Indie Lee, Dr. Bronner’s, and Aura Cacia. There are a lot of companies who “greenwash” their products, by advertising natural ingredients in their products, but still use still synthetic chemicals. I know brands such as Indie Lee, Dr. Bronner’s, and Aura Cacia are dedicated to non-greenwashed, 100% natural, safe and absolutely amazing products! 

(3) Start by replacing the items you use the most… shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, toothpaste, face wash, astringent, etc… 

(4) Explore at home, all natural remedies and DIY recepies. Things like honey, lemon juice, witch hazel, cinnamon, various teas, apple, egg whites, raw potatoes, oatmeal, avocado, banana, and many more, work very well to balance many different skin types.

(5) Research and follow green beauty bloggers for recipes and tips on which items are best for your specific skin type! Some of my favorite sources to find information on natural and green living is the Environmental Working Group (EWG), and also Charmaine Leah, blogger and owner of Glamology.com, MintandBerry.com, and PeppermintSpa.com!

(6) Be mindful of all of the products you expose yourself to. Whether it’s laundry detergent, air freshener, hand sanitizers, cleaning products and etc. There are natural alternatives to everything, you just have to take action and commit to a non-toxic, green lifestyle. Some other great green companies and sites to look into are… ECOS, Seventh Generation and Aura Cacia also makes products for your home!

If you want to know more information about toxic ingredients, here is an amazing 7 minute video called, “The Story of Cosmetics,” with Annie Leonard. 

Product Review: The Eye Balm from Indie Lee

I absolutely love this stuff, it’s amazing! This 100% all natural balm helps to protect, perfect, nourish and moisturize the sensitive skin around your eyes. It’s formulated with calendula oil to reduce puffiness as well as dark circles, and mango seed butter to help smooth wrinkles and hydrate. It is great for all skin types. I use it in the mornings to wake up my tired eyes, and in the evenings to add extra moisture. For $18 you get a 1oz. container of Indie’s Eye Balm… It will literally last you months! You only need a teeny bit to get the job done, so it is well worth the money! For more from Indie Lee, check out IndieLee.com, there are so many amazing, 100% natural beauty products! Also make sure you “like” Indie Lee’s Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter! 

(Source: kelleyfarlow.com)

Beauty Foods: How to transform the way you look and feel from the inside out…

Maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle is not only necessary for feeling your best, but also looking your best! Incorporate these things into your daily lifestyle for a more gorgeous you, naturally!

• Antioxidants - not only necessary for strengthening your immune system, but for important for keeping skin looking young. They help block the effects of free radicals, as well as help to repair damaged tissue. Green Tea, Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries and Plums all contain high levels of antioxidants.

• Healthy Oils & Fats - Omega 3 and fatty acids such as DHA, EPA & ALA are essential for glowing, healthy skin, hair and nails… They help to repair dry, dull skin and hair, decreases hair shedding, and strengthen brittle nails. Flaxseed, Olive Oil, Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds, Walnuts, Canola Oil, Seaweed and Salmon are some of the best places to get your intake.

• Vitamins A - This is absolutely essential for beautiful skin… fruits and veggies that contain a high amount of Vitamin A are apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, watermelon, tomatoes, grapefruit and mango.

• Vitamin C - Another essential vitamin for healthy skin. Fruits and veggies that have high levels of Vitamin C are pineapple, broccoli, guava, lemon, bell peppers, and blackberries.

• Vitamin E - Essential for healthy skin, and for protecting skin from harmful sun exposure and damage from sun exposure. It also helps in the formation of red blood cells. Foods such as avocados, kiwis and grape leaves are all good sources of Vitamin E.

• Hydrate - Drink plenty of water. Your body needs water for optimum physiological functioning. Drinking enough water will help to flush out toxins, and clear your complexion. I like to add freshly squeezed lemon juice to a glass of room temperature water at least twice a day. It helps your body to detox, while improving digestion, and hydrating skin.

* In addition to incorporating these things into your diet, you should also be mindful of the amount of refined sugars and carbs (pasta, white bread, etc) that you eat… They can cause pre-mature aging and breakouts, make your skin look dull, and increase fluid retention. You don’t have to stop eating these things completely, but moderation is key. Using organic honey is a great replacement for refined sweeteners!

(Source: kelleyfarlow.com)

Product Review: The Moisturizing Oils from Indie Lee

A few months ago, I tried The Moisturizing Oil from Indie Lee. I loved it so much that I ordering a new bottle a few weeks ago! This 100% natural, luxurious, skin-pampering oil comes in three different kinds: Original, Lavender, and Vanilla Citrus. I’ve tried all three, and they are all amazing. An absolute must for dry skin!  

• The Moisturizing Oil in Original - This all natural combination of jojoba oil, apricot oil, essential patchouli oil, sandalwood, and ylang ylang, leave your skin feeling supple, smooth and moisturized. The earthy subtle scent is the perfect way to begin or end your day. I love how the undertones of sandalwood and ylang ylang are so relaxing yet refreshing! 

• The Moisturizing Oil in Lavender - This 100% natural combination of jojoba oil, apricot oil, essential lavender oil and chamomile come together to calm, soften, hydrate and balance skin. The light scent of lavender relaxes your senses, while you’re renewing your skin. I love using it at night after a hot bath or shower… It is ideal for bedtime! 

• The Moisturizing Oil in Vanilla Citrus - This all natural combination of jojoba oil, apricot oil, essential oils of vanilla, and sweet orange leave your skin feeling perfectly balanced and moisturized, while the light, sweet scent lifts your spirits! 

I definitely recommend trying any, (or all!) of these luxurious oils… Your skin will be happy, hydrated, and beautiful! If you want more from Indie Lee, visit www.IndieLee.com and check out the entire line of products! Be sure to “like” the Facebook page and follow her on Twitter too! 

A lot of my friends have either had a baby this year, or are expecting right now… so I decided to do a little research and find the very best natural, safe products for babies and expecting mommies! 

The Baby Massage Oil from Indie Lee - If you follow my blog, then I’m sure you already know how much I love the products Indie Lee offers… This 100% natural massage oil is formulated with Organic Apricot Kernel Oil, Lavender Oil and Chamomile Oil…  It calms, moisturizes, improves circulation, and is gentle and safe for even the most sensitive skin… and it is of coarse free from synthetic ingredients and nut oils that can potentially cause allergic reactions. You order this directly from IndieLee.com for $18!

My Angel Cleansing Bar from Indie Lee - This gentle, 100% natural, fragrance-free bar is perfect for your baby’s sensitive face, body and hair… It is formulated with Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil and Olive Oils to soften and moisturize without irritating! Also great for new mommies who can be sensitive to scents. Find it on IndieLee.com for only $6.

The Baby Balm from Indie Lee - Gently relieves diaper rash and discomfort all day long… This also works great on dry skin such as baby’s chin and cheeks. 100% natural and free from fragrances and preservatives! You can get this on IndieLee.com for $15.

The Belly Balm from Indie Lee - Reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and find soothing, moisturizing relief from itchiness and tightness that can occur from your growing belly. You can get this belly balm for $18 from IndieLee.com.

The Baby Powder from Indie Lee - This all natural, talc-free powder leaves your baby’s skin soft and fresh. It comes in two different options… Unscented and a calming Lavender scent. You can get this for $10 on IndieLee.com!

Natursutten All-Natural Orthodontic Rubber Binkies - Natursutten pacifiers are made from 100% natural rubber from the tree Hevea brasiliensi. The are made without any artificial colors, chemical softeners, parabens, PVC, phtalates or BPA. You can visit Natursutten.com to learn more, find an online store, or your nearest retailer! These go for around $9 each. 

Green To Grow BPA-Free Baby Bottles - These adorable and BPA-Free baby bottles come in a variety different sizes and shapes. The one in the picture above is about $11… You can learn more or find a retailer near you by visiting GreenToGrow.com!

5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Skin Clear & Avoid Breakouts!

Everyone hates breakouts and sometimes it seems like you can’t do anything to avoid them, especially when you take care of your skin… Well here are 5 super easy things that can help you to keep your skin beautiful! 

1) Washing Your Sheets, Pillowcases & Towels…

• It’s not only important to wash these things often, but to make sure you’re using a skin-safe detergent… Most laundry detergents contain tons of skin-irritating ingredients such as synthetic dyes, fragrances, and dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde (EW!)… All of these ingredients can make skin itchy, cause allergic reactions as well as breakouts. I recommend using an all-natural detergent such as ECOS Liquid Laundry Detergent. This detergent cleans extremely well, and it is mild and gentle on every skin type. You can find it at most grocery stores and stores such as Target. It’s also very reasonably priced (about $13 for a 100oz. bottle)… Also, washing your linens in super hot water will help to get your laundry extra clean! Wash your sheets at least every other week, and your pillow cases every week! 

2) Keep Your Cell Phone Clean! 

• This is so important! Your phone is one of the dirties things ever, and carries tons of germs and bacteria… Simply wiping the screen off with your shirt sleeve, isn’t going to cut it. I suggest using either rubbing alcohol, or an all-natural sanitizing spray such as Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray. You can find it on their website for about $4! I’ve noticed getting breakouts in the exact place where my phone touches my cheek when I talk on it… and once I started getting in the habit of spraying and wiping it down, I didn’t get those breakouts anymore. 

3) Watch Your Refined Sugar Intake…

• This can be hard, especially if you’re a cupcake lover like I am! But… as much as I love my sugary treats, I don’t love what it can do to my skin. Refined sugars can cause breakouts and premature aging, yuck! Try to take in less than 45-50grams of sugar a day! 

4) Keep Your Skin Hydrated! 

• Hydration is absolutely key when it comes to clear, healthy skin… Women should drink at least 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) a day, and men should drink about 3 liters (13 cups) a day. This will help to keep your skin supple, while flushing out toxins that can cause breakouts. 

5) The Makeup Rule…

• Never, never, never, NEVER sleep with your makeup on! This is so unbelievably bad for your skin. Even those makeup companies that claim their makeup is so mild you can “sleep with it on…” don’t! That is gross. I always wash my face twice at night, first to take off the makeup, and second to make sure my skin is totally clean. 
• Also, keep your makeup brushes clean! Your liquid foundation and concealer brushes should be washed after every use. Your powder, blush and bronzer brushes should be washed about 2-3 times a week depending on how often you use them. My favorite brush shampoo is Dr. Bronner’s Magic Liquid Soap. I usually use the Tea Tree kind, but really any of their liquid soaps will work just fine. 

Product Review: Carrot French Clay Cleansing Bar from Indie Lee

This is one of seven amazing cleansing bars from Indie Lee. I have not yet tried the other bars, but I was very happy with this one! This 100% natural soap gently cleanses your skin, while revitalizing and toning your complexion. It has a light, sweet scent, and it leaves your skin feeling fresh and soft. This bar is so mild that it can be used on both your body and face. It is ideal for all skin types, and at only $6, it is the perfect stocking-stuffer for anyone! 

(Source: kelleyfarlow.com)