Green Beauty
Summerize Your Feet!
April 18, 2011 by Tonya · Leave a Comment
Treat your toes to an eco-pedicure!
I just bought the cutest gladiator-type sandal to go with a new dress for the summer. Sometimes it’s so fun to be a girl! But, my toes have been covered up all winter, ugh. Read on to find out about some safer, more eco-friendly options when doing your at-home pedi!
Tree Hut Body Scrub: I absolutely love this stuff and it’s made with organic shea butter! I have previously tried the coconut lime flavor and found it very enjoyable. I have awful feet, so this scrub was great at helping slough off all the grossies. I will definitely get it again! Cost: Approx. $7. Store: Ulta Bridge Street and Kroger on University.
Baking Soda Scrub: Last week I ran out of my above favorite and decided to save some cash. So I opted for a homemade scrub- baking soda! I mixed equal parts baking soda and water to make a paste and then scrubbed away at my feet. While it doesn’t have the nice moisturizing shea butter, it was really a great scrub. Cost: Pennies! Store: Any grocery store. Also, see my previous post about baking soda as a facial scrub (link here).
Ulta Nail Polish: Most all of Ulta’s polishes are Formaldehyde, Toulene and DBP free, so this makes me feel better about using them- less of the toxic stuff. Lots of great colors to choose from too! Cost: Approx. $5 Store: Ulta Bridge Street or online.
Piggy Paint: I have not tried this yet, but whenever my daughter starts asking for her toes painted, I plan to try Piggy Paint. It’s a non-toxic, water-based formula and comes in cute colors like Dandelion Dance and Ice Cream Dream. Also, by popular demand they’ve started an adult line as well. Cost: Approx. $8 per bottle. Store: Online or locally at Spoiled Rockin’ Kidz Salon.
Check out these links for more info:
Chemicals in Nail Polish
Six Makeup Chemicals to Avoid
Alima Pure Fairy Tale Collections
November 15, 2010 by Tonya · Leave a Comment
Alima Pure offers new Fairy Tale Collections for the holiday season
The Once Upon a Time Collection includes four gorgeous eye shadows sure to make your eyes sparkle with delight. Colors include: Fairy Godmother, Glass Slipper, Spun Gold and Enchanted Forest. These shimmering shadows are definitely more than I wear on a daily basis, but look great for a night out! I can’t wait to wear them throughout the season. I must admit I was unsure about the Fairy Godmother since it’s a purple shade, but it’s a fun and dramatic change for me. If you’re a lover of shimmery shadows, this collection is for you!
The Happily Ever After Collection includes a shadow, eye liner and blush. With colors like Poison Apple, Magic Wand and The End, who wouldn’t want to see how the story unfolds? The blush is luscious; I like it even better than the one I currently wear. It has a hint of peachy shimmer to it, which looks great with my light skin tone. The shadow is a versatile nude shimmer. Pair it with the dark eye liner for a classic yet dramatic holiday look. Read more
“Happy Cow” Leather?
October 4, 2010 by Mecca · Leave a Comment
Leather products made from “Happy Cows”.
Happy Cow Leather sounds like an oxymoron. Leather that is made from, ahem, HAPPY cows? Unless these cows are painlessly shedding their skin as part of a yet-unheard-of bovine spa treatment, I find it hard to believe they are “happy”. Even so, that’s what the Australian company, Happy Cow promises: cute leather bags and accessories made from recycled leather.
The company uses off-cut, scrap leather material left-over from furniture factories:
By shopping at Happy Cow, you are not only discouraging the unnecessary killing of animals but you are also helping to heal the planet! According to the United Nations, the mass breeding of cows (and other farm animals) is estimated to be responsible for a significant quantity of CO2 emissions (around 20%).* By using only recycled leather, we can help to diminish demand for mass breeding.
Happy Cow is often referred to as a provider of “responsible fashion”. This is because we pride ourselves on setting an example for others in the fashion industry as to how to be both environmentally-friendly and profitable. Our leather and all the paper we used in all aspects of our business is 100% recycled. We also try to constantly reduce our carbon footprint in the office, warehouse and with our distribution channels. Among other things; we use only environmentally-friendly light sources and our custom-made packaging is also bio-degradable. Read more
Alima Pure Cosmetics Review
September 17, 2010 by Tonya · 2 Comments
I recently started looking for a new makeup brand to replace the blush and eyeshadow that was running low in my collection. I googled a bit and didn’t find anything that really stuck out at me, so I went to the Cosmetic Database looking for the safest rated cosmetics. This is where I found Alima Pure. All their cosmetics are rated from 1-3, which is a low to moderate hazard score. I went to their website and was intrigued; the cosmetics are made in the USA, are free from additives, fillers and fragrances and are cruelty free as well. Another point that drew me in was the fact that all their cosmetics are loose, rather than pressed. I’d never tried loose eye shadow and blush, so I thought I’d give it a whirl! I spent $35, got free shipping and since I was a new subscriber, I was able to request two free foundation samples in my choice of colors. Subscribe to the Alima Pure email list and you’ll learn how to get the free samples. 
What I bought:
Satin Matte Blush in Mimosa ($15)
Satin Matte Eyeshadow in Fleur ($9)
Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow in Mink ($9)
Nourishing Lipbalm in Mango ($5.25)
Eco-Beauty Review
February 22, 2010 by Tonya · 2 Comments
I am always asking for green products at Christmas and birthdays! I feel better about splurging on something new if it’s a gift! Here are two of my fav finds for beauty:
1. Tarte Cosmetics: Most of the cosmetics are free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances. According to the site, celebrity users range from Carrie Underwood to Katherine Heigl and Ellen Pompeo.
I have been using the Provocateur Powder ($30) for about a month now and really like it. Very smooth finish and the fair shade is perfect with my skin tone. For Christmas, I got the Double-Ended Lip Gloss ($19) and absolutely love it! It has a nice vanilla scent and the gloss goes on easy. Perfect over your lipstick or just as-is. I feel like I have model lips when I wear it!
2. EcoTools: I got the six piece bamboo brush set last Christmas and it is still in good condition. The blush brush is super soft and I like the roll-up case everything comes in. I just make sure to gently wash my brushes once in a while with a little soap and water. Check out this video to learn how to make your own brush cleanser.
What’s in your green beauty bag? The first person to comment will receive a sample size of Tarte’s glistening powder to try out!
Toxic Chemicals At Your Fingertips
February 5, 2010 by Mecca · Leave a Comment
The good news? OPI, Orly, and Sally Hansen have already removed the most toxic of their ingredients.
My nails are trashed. Winter weather has left me with ripped cuticles and brittle nails. My fingertips are in serious need of some TLC. And by TLC I don’t mean Toxic Laden Chemicals.
Unfortunately many nail care products can contain a host of toxic chemicals. According to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, the most common harmful ingredients found in nail polish is a ”toxic trio” made up of dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene:
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) adds flexibility and a moisturizing sheen, and helps dissolve other cosmetic ingredients. DBP is a reproductive and developmental toxin that has been linked to feminizing effects in baby boys (click here for more information).
Toluene helps suspend the color and form a smooth finish across the nail. It also affects the central nervous system and can cause headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Toluene is a possible reproductive and developmental toxin.
Formaldehyde is found in some nail products such as nail hardener. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. It is also an irritant to the eyes, nose and throat, and can lead to skin irritation and an allergic rash called dermatitis.
The good news is some of the most popular brands – including OPI, Sally Hansen, and Orly - have removed dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde and toluene from their products. But if you’re heading out to the nail salon and not sure of their polish selection, bring your own. That way you’ll know it’s safe and already be sure of the color!
