Category: Natural Beauty

The Still Point

The Still Point holistic spa is a little haven of tranquility just 15 minutes from downtown DC in Takoma, Maryland. I hadn’t had a facial in over a year so I decided to go with their most “basic” signature facial ($90), which isn’t really basic at all. It involved black algae, a hydrating mask of local honey, extractions, as well as sonic dermabrasion (there was more, but these were my favorite aspects).

Wondering what sonic dermabrasion is? Unlike harsher micro dermabrasion, sonic dermabrasion consists of a 100% painless pulsating tool that gently glides across the surface of the face, using ultrasound to exfoliate, hydrate and lift the skin.  It removed all of the dead skin and left my face so, so smooth. I think I am now obsessed. I wish I had opened my eyes because I’m curious what the tool looked like exactly, but it was definitely very gentle and I loved the results.

As you can see from the pictures, the outside of the spa is just adorable while the inside is perfectly serene. Aside from all of the services offered, they also have a boutique with an array of  natural products from many unique and harder-to-find lines. Another cool aspect of the spa – they are 100% wind powered!

If you live anywhere in the DC metro area, The Still Point is definitely worth the short trip. I really want to go back for another facial and to try out acupuncture for the first time!

10 Comments by All Natural Annie on September 10, 2010
filed in Natural Beauty, Natural Spa Reviews
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Dry skin?

A  really easy, natural mask for dry skin has just one ingredient: avocado.

  • Simply apply a mashed, ripe avocado to skin once a week. It’s that simple!

You’ll get even more benefits if you eat the leftovers so make some guacamole while you’re mashing or put a few slices on your next salad.

{via}

Another option: apply a tablespoon of olive oil to your face instead of your usual night cream weekly (skip this one if you’re blemish-prone)


{via}

If you’re currently experiencing dry skin, it’s a good idea to get a handle on it now before the cold weather comes in and that healthy glow becomes even more of a challenge!

15 Comments by All Natural Annie on September 8, 2010
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Sibu Beauty

In a previous post, I talked about the drinkable form of Sibu Beauty, which is not only an excellent beauty-enhancing product, but it actually tastes good too. Now after trying several of their topical products, I wanted to share my thoughts with you lovely ladies.

Well first off, everything is paraben-free and cruelty-free. In addition, none of their products contain dairy, wheat, gluten, sodium, yeast or preservatives. The main ingredient in this line is the super berry sea buckthorn, which is sourced through fair trade agreements with local harvesters in Tibet (an effort the Dalai Lama has taken notice of).

My favorite product of theirs right now is the Sea Buckthorn Age Defying Eye Cream, which features sea buckthorn and pumpkin seed. This botanical blend is the perfect trifecta – it reduces puffiness, dark circles and fine lines.  Personally, I often find that eye creams seem to irritate that ultra sensitive area, but I’ve been using this one for weeks with no complaints. It’s a perfect consistency, easily absorbs into the skin and as with most eye creams, a little goes a long way. I’m so happy to have found this eye cream because I was getting concerned after so many natural eye creams irritated me!

I also love the Cleanse & Detox Facial Soap (a very sweet, earthy scent and gently exfoliating) and the Body Cream (a bright, citrus scent and a perfectly creamy consistency).

Has anyone tried any of Sibu’s products yet?

Check out their current sweepstakes & gift redemptions (currently, they’re offering a FREE full-sized Sea Buckthorn Oil Treatment Serum at GNC stores after sending in the provided rebate form)

7 Comments by All Natural Annie on August 23, 2010
filed in Natural Beauty, Natural Beauty Companies, Natural Offers & Discounts, Natural Product Reviews
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Guest Blogger: Homemade Beauty with Victoria

Today’s post is by the very natural and knowledgeable Victoria of  Homemade Beauty Blog. Make sure you check out her blog to see many more recipes and reviews of natural beauty products. Enjoy!

Can You Eat Your Deodorant?

I swear I can eat my deodorant, but can you eat yours? Yes, it may not be too tasty, but at least I can be sure that I won’t be sent directly to the hospital with chemical poisoning, which I can’t say about commercial deodorants that often contain ingredients that sound like a science project.

Most over-the-counter deodorants and antiperspirants contain a cocktail of chemical ingredients, like parabens, propylene glycol, TEA, DEA, fragrances, and other toxic chemicals, which are potentially harmful not only to your skin but to your general health. While deodorant works to remove a bad smell, antiperspirants work by clogging, closing, or blocking the pores with powerful astringents. This effect is based on the presence of zinc salts and aluminum, which can obviously be dangerous when blocking the sweat glands. After all, sweat has an important function of excreting toxins, and blocked glands obviously cannot release them. In addition, blocking sweat glands will also cause your body to overheat.

Since deodorant antiperspirants are applied to areas that are subject to frequent shaving, they absorb into the skin much faster than other products. Hence, this has a strong effect on the body as a whole. The skin – our largest organ – works to absorb any ingredients that are applied topically. Still, there is no reason to worry that you have to stink to stay healthy since there are some powerful natural alternatives!

What are the alternatives to commercial deodorant?

I was recently excited to find out that there are many inexpensive but highly effective methods to make you smell like a beautiful human being. Here they are:

  • Tea tree essential oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties so that it works well as a natural deodorant. It neutralizes odor while also inhibiting odor causing bacteria. I first tried this by applying a few drops of the essential oil on my underarms, and it kept me fresh for almost the entire day.
  • Another great alternative is baking soda. It works wonders because it neutralizes the odor of sweat. I just sprinkle a light covering of baking soda on a damp washcloth or my palms, and pat on without rinsing it off.
  • The other thing that I recently discovered is that you can use coconut oil directly under your arms as a deodorant. It attacks the bacteria found in sweats that causes odors. I also apply this to my underarms and don’t rinse off.

I was using the methods mentioned above with a great success for about six months. However, I am interested in making homemade beauty products so I decided to make something more similar to conventional stick deodorant. I also wanted something that smelled heavenly. So I started to experiment, and my experiments led to the following recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon beeswax
  • 2 teaspoons coconut butter
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch: In this recipe, cornstarch works as a thickener, and it will also soften the skin. You can substitute potato starch, but in this case, it will only work as a thickener.
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil

Melt beeswax and coconut butter in a double boiler. When they melt, add cornstarch and baking soda. Remove from heat. The medley should form a thick paste so that you can add the essential oils. Transfer this mixture to a jar or special container to create a deodorant stick.

If you want liquid deodorant, you can use the following formula:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon shea butter (You can substitute any other butter coconut, cocoa etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil

Follow the steps mentioned above, and pour into a container for a deodorant roll-on.

I have to say that I love this deodorant, and I encourage you to try it! It has my favorite scent of lavender (you can include your own favorite essential oil in the deodorant) and I am free from unpleasant odor all day long.

I have a long list of my favorite recipes, and this recipe was proudly included on my list amongst other beauty recipes. I also compiled all of my best recipes and tips in my Natural Skin Care Handbook e-book. This guide includes a number of homemade remedies and tricks and was written especially for those who want to give up on commercial products and start to naturally care for their skin without the use of chemicals. All of the information about the Natural Skin Care Handbook can be found here.

So getting back to deodorant, have you ever tried to make your own homemade deodorant, or maybe you already have your own perfect formula?

Victoria Lewy loves to experiment with different natural homemade beauty recipes. Her passion has inspired her to share and discuss them with others at her Homemade Beauty Blog: MyHomemadeBeauty.com.

13 Comments by All Natural Annie on August 20, 2010
filed in Natural Beauty, Natural Health, Natural Recipes
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Skincando

I think Skincando might be one of the most unique and altruistic natural lines in existence right now. Founder, Sara Damelio’s search for answers to her own skin ailments led her to the formation of her first and most acclaimed product - Combat-Ready Balm.  This balm not only graces the pages of women’s fashion magazines, but has also been regularly donated to troops in Iraq for years now.

Founder, Sara Damelio

One soldier wrote, “Send more of that magic balm!” after he and fellow soldiers found it worked for sand flea bites, sunburn and chapping from sandstorms and 140-degree days. When Sara was telling me about the feedback and the requests she receives on a daily basis, I realized that her product and her efforts are truly miracles to our troops.  Can you even imagine trying to serve while covered in skin ailments on a daily basis? Unbearable. Sara’s efforts are making such an impact on the quality of life for our troops and the awesome thing is that anyone can help this worthy cause by donating a product(s) of choice to a service member (specific or non-specific). Last year, Sara and Skincando.com customers donated 5,000 jars!

I was so curious to see what a “miracle balm” like this one consisted of and it turns out there is a pretty special ingredient – exotic fish oils! But please don’t be scared – there is not even the faintest scent of anything aquatic. The scent is light, refreshing and equally enjoyable for men and women.  Some of the other nourishing ingredients in the Combat-Ready Balm include apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, shea butter, black tea, and beeswax. I can see why this balm is great for so many things. I even put it on my face and it doesn’t clog my pores. It really is such a versatile product.

Also, let me not forget to mention the lipbalm! I love it so much.  I would equate using it to rubbing a perfectly moisturizing candy cane on your lips (if a candy cane was moisturizing).  I gave one to my husband recently – I thought he would definitely be a fan of it (no super girly packaging or flavors), but somehow it keeps wondering back into my bag… every day. I just keep taking it and giving it back, taking it and…I just need to buy a second already! This is definitely another one for my favorite list.

{Photo Credits: Gunnar Larson}

15 Comments by All Natural Annie on August 13, 2010
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Naturopathica

I love a lot of natural companies out there, but Naturopathica really brings it all together for me – a holistic approach to skin care, artisanal sourcing of ingredients, incredible natural scents, and visible as well as therapeutic benefits.

I added a few natural beauty products to my regime recently and Naturopathica’s Sweet Cherry Brightening Enyzme Peel was one of them. Let me just say that ever since I tried a peel, I’ve been in love.  Reason number one being that it’s so much easier to get off than a mask.  And number two being that a good peel, like this one, just seems to make your skin effortlessly refined and glowing almost immediately.  Don’t get me wrong, when it comes to cleaning pores, I swear by masks that are usually green, hard, and positively enraging at times to remove (example: Aztec Indian Healing Clay). But masks like that really feel like work. Not this one.

This peel by Naturopathica smells and looks like they just mashed up the cherries yesterday – it’s simply amazing (if you like cherries, you’ll really be in heaven). There are sweet benefits to go with that sweet scent – cherries’ are high in Vitamin C and Beta Carotene and when applied topically they refine skin, decrease inflammation, as well as prevent skin discoloration.  After just 3-5 minutes (1-2 times/week), you can remove the fruity blend to reveal a fresher faced version of yourself. That’s only 10 minutes tops per week!

Originally being from Long Island, I love that this company is based in East Hampton. It’s always nice to see a great company come out of your neck of the woods.  I also love the packaging – blue glass is my fav, not only because it’s so pretty, but also because it’s excellent for maintaining the integrity of products containing essential oils.

Now there’s only two things I want to do after trying this mask: (1) Try every single product made my Naturopathica; (2) Take a trip to East Hampton asap to experience their spa, which includes an Apothecary Bar (the “destination for custom blended beauty products and remedies”) I can barely describe  how incredible that sounds to me… like heaven, especially if I could have the chance to get behind that bar!


10 Comments by All Natural Annie on August 10, 2010
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Lulu Organics

We all have that day (or days ) that we would rather not take the time and effort to wash and dry our hair, right? Well lucky for us ladies, we now actually have a good amount of products out there specifically created to assist us in our hair washing delay and no one would ever know we haven’t washed our hair for __ number of days! The only thing is that the ingredients in a lot of these powders and sprays are questionable and since we’re putting this stuff directly onto our scalp it would definitely be a good idea to use a natural product.  If anyone is looking for a hair powder that is talc free and made entirely of natural ingredients then definitely check out Lulu Organics Hair Powder. There aren’t a ton of natural options in this category so I was really excited to find Lulu’s. I have it now in the travel size, which (surprise, surprise) makes it very easy to bring on trips, to the office, etc. It works just as you would hope by absorbing excess oil and refreshing hair with a subtle scent of lavender and clary sage.  Just imagine those hours saved…

While I’m talking about Lulu Organics, I also have to mention another product I’m loving by them right now – their Cardamom Lip Balm. It’s a mix of five organic oils and beeswax, which makes for a perfect consistency and a really nice shine when you put it on your lips. The flavor is also very unique - turns out its a mix of cardamom, mint, and tangerine. I didn’t guess those flavors right off the bat, but now that I know, it’s like “yes, that is what it smells/tastes like!”  The cardamom definitely adds a very earthy flavor, most likely one you’ve never experienced before (there aren’t a ton of cardamom lip products floating around out there). To me, it was a bit unsettling at first, but it’s really grown on me and now I put it on constantly. I should do a post of my favorite natural lip balms soon… this one will definitely make the list!

11 Comments by All Natural Annie on August 8, 2010
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Tested on Actresses…

Never on Animals. That’s the cute catchphrase of Hamadi Organics , a hair care line made with 100% organic plant extracts and essential oils, which translates into incredible scents and results via the natural route, or should I say root. I’m so happy I discovered them because so far every product (including their hair wash, conditioner, and healing serum) I’ve tried has given me great results, especially their Ginger Soymilk Hair Wash.  This shampoo is definitely one of my favorites now because I love how it’s both cleansing and nourishing (my 2 favorite qualities in a shampoo). It also smells simply delicious in a very clean and tropical way with essential oils of ginger, sweet orange, and rosewood. Now I’m dying to try their other two hair washes now – Honey Soymilk & Lemon Mint (yum & yum!)

I love that they offer free gift packaging AND free exchanges within 30 days. With those two pieces of info, you should definitely test them out soon! Has anyone tried already?


13 Comments by All Natural Annie on August 6, 2010
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Better Sunscreens

While the mainstream has everyone covering themselves from head to toe, 24-7 to protect against the dangers of the sun, what about the dangers of what you’re slathering all over your largest organ (your skin)? Not all sunscreens were made equal. The problem with most of the sunscreens on the market is that they contain ingredients that in fact might be causing allergic reactions as well as cellular changes, and hence cancer! Hard to believe, right?

Ideally you would never ever spend excessive amounts of time in the sun and never let yourself get a sunburn. Since, that’s virtually impossible for most, here are some options that do the same job of protecting, but have a much safer profile overall. These mineral-based options deflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them, which is what synthetic chemicals do.

As usual, the natural route is a little pricier and harder to find, but the price tag is definitely worth it and your closest health food store should have at least one or more of these options. It’s summer so definitely enjoy the sun, but try to do it naturally more safely!

California Baby® No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion ($19.99)

Desert Essence Age Reversal Mineral Sunscreen in SPF 30 ($15.99)

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield SPF 28 ($19.19)

And last, but not least I was going to add my much loved Dr. Hausckha option, but I see this very sad news: Dr.Hauschka Skin Care discontinues existing sun care range.

Very sad. I used this one a couple years ago and really loved it, especially for sensitive skin.

Well there are still a bunch of options here, but let me know if anyone wants more or has questions!

SOME GOOD INFO:

13 Comments by All Natural Annie on July 14, 2010
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(MALIN+GOETZ)

Has anyone tried the peppermint shampoo by (MALIN + GOETZ)? If not, this has to be your next purchase, especially for a summertime shampoo. It is by far, the most minty and refreshing shampoo I have ever used! I just love the way it clarifies my scalp, but still moisturizes my hair.

8 Comments by All Natural Annie on July 13, 2010
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Homemade Toner

This is my latest cosmetic creation – a toner of just 4 natural ingredients. I was inspired by a toner I saw in Kiehl’s a few months ago. Not to knock Kiehl’s, but it was very pricey and had a lot of questionable ingredients so I didn’t want to buy it.  I figured why not try to make my own version? So I did.. I decided that witch hazel (a great natural astringent) would be the base and then I added some dried burduck root (a blood purifier), chamomile flowers (calming & anti-inflammatory), and hibiscus flowers (high in Vitamin C & naturally provide the pink tint).

I gave my mom a sample of it recently and when she was starting to get low, she said she needed a replacement asap!  She had noticed such a difference in her skin since she started using it. I couldn’t be happier. I’m already thinking of some other blends that I’m going to try making, but for now I’m really loving this one.

12 Comments by All Natural Annie on July 11, 2010
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Pai Skincare

Pai Skincare is another organic skin care line definitely worth trying. Sarah Brown founded this company after becoming fed up with unshakable skin allergies. When doctors insisted the only treatment was masking her issues with numerous medications, she decided to quit her job and develop a plant-based line free of chemicals – Pai was born! Since 60% of beauty products are absorbed into your body  it naturally makes sense that skin care is ultra important when it comes to finding the source of health issues, especially ones affecting your skin.

So far I have tried Pai’s Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream. I love it – it’s super hydrating (just like you would expect), has a very light scent (definitely plant-like) and absorbs really nicely (no greasy look after application).  Pai is a UK company and is not yet easily found across the US, but you can always purchase online or check out the full list of carriers worldwide!

Pai Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream

Pai Camellia & Rose Organic Cleanser

Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream

Pai Bergamot Organic Lip Balm

4 Comments by All Natural Annie on June 18, 2010
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Reading Ingredient Labels

I was just looking at L’Occitane’s blog and read a very interesting fact: “The first three ingredients listed on the label generally represent about 90-98% of the product. Ingredients listed in the middle of the label usually present about 5 to 8% of the product and the last ones about 1 to 3%.”

So while all of a product’s ingredients are relevant (keep reading the entire label), those first three are the bulk of whatever you’re buying – good to know!

Here’s the full article: The Truth About Natural Beauty Products


2 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 23, 2010
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Fashion Forecasting

As if figuring out what to wear each morning wasn’t hard enough then you throw it that small detail we call weather and you can really find yourself tearing apart your closet. I know every woman can relate to such mornings, when the clothes are flying, outfit after outfit is rejected…Sometimes, after this storm of fabric, you end up with something that makes you smile… but then you walk outside and oh no, you realize you’re totally not dressed appropriately in the end. Of course, I’m sure some of us stay very on top of the daily forecast so these mistakes are avoided (too hot, too cold, no rain boots, etc), but even with the weather man’s input, it can still be tricky! Want some help dressing both cute and climate-appropriate? I found the best site – The Weather Stylist. Just type in your zip and there it is – not just your local weather, but a whole array of outfits to choose from! There’s even brand and pricing information for each item. Getting dressed was never so easy.

Graphics Courtesy of The Weather Stylist

2 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 21, 2010
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Why Go Natural with Skin Care?

There are several common “bad ingredients” that give you good reason to go natural with your skin care. If you see one or more of these, I would definitely pass and look for a more natural choice!

Some of the offenders include:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – known to cause irritation of the skin and eyes. Also, there has been a possible linkage to skin tumors.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate – sounds so similar to the previous “bad guy” and is actually its cousin. This one is extremely prevalent in soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and detergents. It’s what makes products get all foamy, which is nice, but toxic when Sodium Laureth Sulfate is the source of the bubbles. This ingredient has proven to be a skin irritant and a substance not enjoyed one bit by our trusty livers.

Petrochemicals -  this group includes names like benzoic acid, ethanol, ethylene, vinyl acetate, propylene, and toluene. Petrochemicals are chemical products derived from petroleum or other hydrocarbon origin. Petrochemicals are used to make things like petroleum jelly and mineral oil. They are seemingly harmless and simple, but their byproducts, like dioxin, are known to cause an array of serious health problems, including cancers and endocrine disruption.

Phthalates – you’ll see these in shampoos, lotions, and other things you are regularly coating yourself with, but be warned – in spite of their wide spread use their safety is highly debatable. Reproductive, endocrine and respiratory disorders have been associated with phthalates.  Yet, they continue to be used as solvents in perfumes, as well as stabilizers and lubricants in other body care products. Phthalates are used to make rigid plastics soft and pliable…rigid plastics soft and pliable?  Since I don’t think we would even somewhat equate our skin to plastic, I would strongly say that this is another one to avoid.  Phthalates, see you later,  I’ll leave you to soften my tupperware.

Parabens -  methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben – they all help to increase the shelf life of products, but is it worth it? The hormone-like effects of parabens disrupt the endocrine system, hence potentially leading to reproductive issues. Not nice, not desirable, put it back on the shelf!

You are wondering why such unhealthy ingredients like these would be used in so many beauty products? Simple answer: they are cheap, cheap, cheap!

2 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 19, 2010
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7 Hot Ingredients

You’ve probably been seeing these 7 being featured more and more in natural skincare lines lately. Here’s a quick summary of their uses/benefits.

Oak Extract – known to reduce wrinkles and increase skin’s elasticity

Argan Oil – makes hair smooth & shiny

Green Tea – contains powerful antioxidants to reduce fine lines, reduce puffiness and increase brightness

Vitamin C - required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. Also essential to the formation of collagen.

Super fruits (like goji, acai & pomegranate) – packed with antioxidants that have the ability to counteract skin’s age damage caused by free radicals

Resveratrol – aids collagen production

Mulberry Extract – acts as a skin brightener and helps to control age spots

3 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 17, 2010
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Natural Teeth Whitening

Here are some all natural and wallet-friendly ways to make your pearly whites even whiter!

Celery, Apples & Carrots - All three are high in cellulose so they act like natural abrasives. They cleanse teeth and remove surface stains. All three are perfect snacks to eat raw all by themselves so keep chomping or start today!

Spinach, Broccoli & Lettuce – Greens like these contain mineral compounds that form a film over the teeth, which stops pigments of other foods from staining teeth.  So there’s external benefits in addition to all of the the internal ones…we like.

Strawberries - contain malic acid, a natural astringent. Simply rub strawberries directly on your teeth and leave on for about five minutes (not any longer) and brush thoroughly with toothpaste to remove the mixture. If the seeds are a lagging issue that’s where floss comes in.


Lemon* or Orange – specifically the peel (inner side), which you can leave against teeth for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.

*The citric acid of lemons has the ability to strip your teeth of calcium and weaken the outer covering of teeth (aka enamel) so don’t overdue it!

Baking Soda - I’ve already listed this as a key natural beauty must-have (for skin & scalp). Baking soda also naturally lightens stains on teeth. Just dip your toothbrush in some baking soda and brush like you normal. Hence, the addition of baking soda in many toothpastes these days.

**Warning: Don’t use any of the last 3 (strawberries, lemons & baking soda) more than once a week because like with any whitening treatment, natural or unnatural, you can damage your enamel if you overdue it!! Also, if you have sensitive teeth, you want to be even more careful.

5 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 13, 2010
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JUARA Skincare

I have two new scrubs that I am loving right now. Both are by JUARA Skincare, a company that fuses natural Indonesian skincare treatments with modern science.

The first is their Rice Facial Scrub, which is rice-based (of course) and has such a clean, fresh scent. It reminds of something I used as a teenager, but I just can’t put my finger on it!  So needless to say, I especially enjoy the nostalgic aroma every time I use it. This sulfate and oil-free scrub contains rice starch, which helps to soften the skin and prevent moisture lost. This is a great choice for all skin types.

The second scrub I’m loving is JUARA’s Candlenut Body Polish. Again, the smell is unique, but in this case sweet and nutty. Personally, I love that in a body scrub. Like the facial scrub, this is really effective, but not harsh. Love it.

Try one or both and let me know what you think!

5 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 12, 2010
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Fresh & Fruity Body Washes

With options like Red Raspberry, Green Apple & Ginger, Italian Red Grape, and Bulgarian Lavender, Desert Essence Organics Body Washes are the perfect springtime shower accessory! All of the varieties contain natural, botanical ingredients. They are not super moisturizing or oily (traits you would want in the winter months). Rather, they are nourishing yet refreshing and I just love the colorful, photographic packaging. Desert Essence also makes handwash in some of the same scents with the same bright style of packaging.

Photo Credit: DesertEssence.com, LLC

4 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 11, 2010
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My Mother’s Day Gift

Hopefully, my mom won’t read this before she gets her mother’s day gift! I decided to give her the Nude Skincare gift set that I was given for my birthday this year. I just can’t say enough how much I love every item in this set, which includes: Cleansing Facial Oil 30ml, Hydrating Water 30ml, Age Defence Moisturiser 5ml, Replenishing Night Oil 5ml, Miracle Mask 5ml and Advanced Eye Complex 5ml. I see such a difference in my skin when I use Nude products so I’m really hoping she loves it as much as I do! Since I finished my set a couple months ago, I just had to get myself a little gift as well.. I decided to get the Moisturising Body Cream. In case you didn’t read my earlier post, this cream smells heavenly and produces such a smooth complexion with key ingredients like cupuacu and hyaluronic acid.  And like the rest of the line, this cream has prebiotics and probiotics. I’m so excited to have it back in my natural beauty arsenal and I’m even more excited for my mom to try the line!

Photo Credit: Nude Skincare

4 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 9, 2010
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Little Moon Essentials

Little Moon Essentials is by far one of my absolute favorite natural body care lines. Why haven’t I mentioned them by now? Honestly, I love so many of their products I just did not know where to start! Every single product from this line is just outrageously awesome and fun (interesting choice of adjectives I know, but you’ll see why). Let me start with a few examples…

Let’s start with their LIFT-OFF LOTION, which basically smells like a lemon ice covered in fresh mint leaves – a truly uplifting blend that has an energizing yet cooling effect on your skin. For that reason, this scent is particularly great for the daytime. It also works miraculously as an after-sun treatment! Keep it in the fridge to heighten its cooling and soothing effects. This is so perfect for summer.

You will never get more excited to take a bath than when you are about to immerse yourself in a tub of warm water infused with one of these bath salts. I have tried several of Little Moon’s bath salts and it’s hard to pick, but I think RE-LEASE might be my favorite. RE-LEASE is (not shockingly) relaxing, as well as elevating and purifying. It’s not just an emotional feeling of release – this mixture is physically detoxifying hence increasing ciruclation and the release of toxins. You’ll feel like a new gal (or guy) after 20 minutes of this highly restorative bath session. (This picture doesn’t have the bright sun and  heavenly sky for nothing)

This little tin below consistently has a home on my nightstand and always helps me doze off more peacefully with a few sniffs. I like to dab a little of the balm on my wrists, but you can also put it on your temples or neck. Like the bath salts, there is a whole array of balms including ACHING HEAD RUB, VITAL VAPOR (think an all natural vapo rub) and ASSANA KISSER (think an all natural tiger balm). At $2.50 per tin, I strongly recommend keeping all varieties on hand – you’ll have something for every ailment!

To me, this is one line that truly feels holistic. Once you experience the products then you’ll see what I mean. And once you try them, you won’t be surprised to know that the founder is a woman who exudes such an incredible joy for a life and shows the most genuine care for everyone she encounters.  I really appreciate a line that has such heart, making the use of every single one of its products a life-enhancing experience. Not to get too mushy, but really, I just love them!

Photos Courtesy of Little Moon Essentials

7 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 7, 2010
filed in Natural Beauty, Natural Favorites, Natural Product Reviews
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Bye Bye Cellulite!

Well, maybe not entirely, but even a little bit of loss in this department is surely welcomed by all. The undesired dimpling of the skin known as cellulite is experienced by women of all ages, weights and body types (so try to take some solace in knowing most women have to deal with this super common occurrence). There are a ton of products and gimmicks out there that I wouldn’t waste my money on, but there’s one thing I would highly suggest trying — Before you throw out the grinds from your morning java, consider using them for a very wallet savvy yet effective cellulite treatment. Using coffee as a topical exfoliant has been known to help break up fatty deposits that may cause cellulite (exciting!). Plus, coffee is full of antioxidants so it’s great for your skin in general.

You simply want to rub the moist grinds on the trouble spots (this should be done over an old towel or anything else you don’t mind dirtying because you definitely do not want those grinds clogging up your drain). Then just shower/bathe after a minute or two of exfoliating. A little messy, but pretty simple.

You can also add some fresh, dry coffee grinds to your body lotion (about a teaspoon for a 12 ounce lotion) and apply daily to those trouble areas (best to do this one at night because it can be a bit messy). If you keep up with this natural treatment you’ll likely see some perkier, smoother skin just in time for summer!

Photo Credit: iStockphoto

3 Comments by All Natural Annie on May 4, 2010
filed in Natural Beauty, Natural Recipes
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Tonight’s Dessert: Fish Oil?!

It’s really hard to believe that anything involving fish oil could be even a little bit tasty, but this blend by Barlean’s actually tastes like a treat. I know – shocking. Even after going through a couple of bottles, I still can’t believe this is really a fish oil supplement. So not only does this one taste good, but some possible benefits of Omega Swirl include improvement in skin, hair, and nail quality, as well as heart health and hormonal balance. What’s not to like about that list?

Photo Credit: Barleans Organic Oils, LLC

4 Comments by All Natural Annie on April 29, 2010
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Quick Fix: De-Puff Eyes

A quick way to de-puff eyes: place 2 thick, raw potato slice over each eye for about 10 minutes.  So natural and simple, yet effective.

1 Comment by All Natural Annie on April 26, 2010
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A Natural Fragrance for Men & Women

Korres is known for their high quality natural formulations and they did not disappoint with their new line of fragrances. I’ve tried several natural scents before, but none of them have had the complexity and staying power (like conventional perfumes) the way this one does. The name – Pepper Jasmine Gaiac Wood Passion Fruit – is at the center of this natural aroma, but there are also top notes of sandalwood, anise and vanilla, with a base of white chocolate, peach and green hop. Sounds a little sweet yet earthy, not overly feminine or masculine, right? Well it is meant to be a unisex scent and now having tried it out on both my husband and myself, I definitely agree! It can totally work for both men and women, and the scent really lasts. Personally, the box alone was a huge draw for me. I just love the structure, the illustrations and the detailed description of natural ingredients that comprise the scent.

I also recently tried Korres’ new organic skincare line, which I will review very soon!

2 Comments by All Natural Annie on April 26, 2010
filed in Natural Beauty, Natural Beauty Companies, Natural Product Reviews
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Goodbye Scalp Issues

Alaffia makes one of the best natural shampoos and conditioners for people with scalp issues.  Their Scalp Recovery shampoo and conditioner combine West African Neem oil (highly antifungal & antibacterial) with African Black Soap (cleansing) and Handcrafted Shea Butter (moisturizing & restorative) to encourage balanced oil production and to discourage flakiness. The scent of the shampoo and conditioner are an earthy, refreshing mix of tea tree, lavender and rosemary (all 3 essential oils also have antibacterial/antifungal properties). A lot of products can be made up entirely of natural ingredients, but there’s few that actually give you a sense that they’re freshly sourced from nature. I love how pure and natural Alaffia products truly are, and I also love their results!

No Comments by All Natural Annie on April 20, 2010
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Grape Face

A really simple, at-home beauty treatment to try: slice a few grapes in half and rub the fleshy sides on your face. (In case it wasn’t obvious: skin should be cleaned before and after this treatment)

What should you expect? Your skin should be more refined as a result of the naturally occurring acids in the grapes. My aunt has done this for years and her skin always looks so great!

2 Comments by All Natural Annie on April 15, 2010
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Sure to be a Hit!

It’s funny how you can discover great beauty companies — sometimes it’s a really well-known one that you finally try out, maybe it’s a small blurb in a magazine, an unexpected find in a fun boutique, OR it’s your older sister in a small, New Hampshire town talking to the cousin of the company’s owners (2 sisters). The last possibility is how I found out about Sunnygirl Organics. This company isn’t in your local chains just yet, but it definitely should be soon! All of their products are made of entirely organic ingredients or very close to it. Some of my favorites (pictured below) include the Lavender Mint Hand & Body Lotion, the Mint Chocolate Chip Hand & Body Lotion, the Orange Creamsicle Lip Balm, and the bar soap (all four). Every single Sunnygirl product has a delightful scent, a high quality effect on skin, and a reasonable price tag. These 2 sisters really know what they’re doing and I can’t wait to see where this company goes in the near future!


Photos Courtesy of Sunnygirl Organics

No Comments by All Natural Annie on April 14, 2010
filed in Natural Beauty, Natural Beauty Companies, Natural Favorites, Natural Product Reviews
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Homemade Makeup!

So I tried the recipe for “recycled blush“ that I mentioned in a previous post… turns out that I definitely made some makeup, but I would not categorize it as blush. I would say that depending on the ratio of cinnamon to powdered sugar — the concoction results in a bronzer or a powdered foundation. It is definitely really simple to make (cinnamon + powdered sugar + lavender essential oil) and is really easy on the wallet. For me, it went on as a very even, light layer, which was pleasantly surprising. The most interesting or fun part of this homemade makeup was the cinnamon-lavender aroma that was with me all day long. I enjoyed it, but I’m sure not everyone would.. either way, I think it’s worth a try!

No Comments by All Natural Annie on April 14, 2010
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Such a Potent Little Berry

I recently discovered Sibu Beauty and tried their sea buckthorn liquid supplement. The serving size is small (1-3 ounces/day), but packs a powerful punch of tangy, sweet flavor loaded with antioxidants.  The taste is quite enjoyable and reminds me of apricot nectar with a tart twist. This bright orange fluid is said to improve skin tone, support hair and nail growth, and balance energy levels. These are strong claims, but we’re talking about a very hardy berry that somehow thrives 12,000 feet above sea level in the Tibetan Himalayas!

Why would you want to take, or at least try, this supplement? Sea buckthorn contains over 190 bioactive compounds and is an excellent source of Omegas 3, 6, and 9, as well as Omega-7 (an essential fatty acid crucial to collagen production and healthy skin, hair and nails).

Warning: stick to the serving size or else you’ll easily end up drinking this stuff like it’s orange juice!

Photo Credit: Sibu Beauty

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3 Comments by All Natural Annie on April 13, 2010
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