All Natural Annie » Desert Essence

Gifts of Health & Beauty

All Natural Annie — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:47:51 +0000

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but I’ve been caught up in some week-long birthday celebrating.

Here’s a glimpse of a few of my favorite gifts — my friends and family know me oh too well.

{Terra Essential’s Aroma Roll On in Pink Lotus}

{Coconut Shampoo by Desert Essence}

{Rich Shampoo with Hibiscus and Honey by LOVE & TOAST}

{birthday card made by my 8 year old nephew :)}

Happy weekend everyone!

Favorite Natural Moisturizers

All Natural Annie — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:14:52 +0000

It’s always important to keep our skin well hydrated, but now that the weather is turning cooler for many of is, it’s especially important (and challenging) to keep dry skin away.

Here are a few of my absolute favorite body moisturizers. I now have my sister in love with the Shikai Gardenia lotion too. Are you a fan of any of these or do you have some other natural favorites?

Shikai (around $7.99)

I especially adore the Gardenia (it truly smells JUST like the flower), but there also a lot of other fun scents (yuzu, honeysuckle, etc)

Hugo Naturals (around $10.99)

This lotion is SO rich without being greasy. The Shea Butter & Oatmeal is such a delicious and comforting scent.

Rainbow Research Inc. (around $7.99)

Best choice for really sensitive skin!

Dr. Hauschka (around $12.99)

So rich and perfect for dry, winter hands! Specifically helps to keep the appropriate pH balance of skin.

Desert Essence (around $8.99)

Can’t forget the feet! Often one of the hardest areas to keep moisturized, but this foot cream does wonders. And it’s pistachio – a fun & unique scent!

Better Sunscreens

All Natural Annie — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:09:02 +0000

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!

Badger Balm’s SPF 30 Sunscreen ($16)

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:

A recent article surprisingly in the mainstream news: Study Warns of Sunscreen Dangers
A very informative article by the Environmental Working Group: Sunscreens Exposed: 9 surprising truths.
The New York Times: What We Still Don’t Know About Sunscreens
My recent post: Vitamin/Hormone D, the Sun & Your Health

Fresh & Fruity Body Washes

All Natural Annie — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:42:58 +0000

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

A Natural Beauty Must-Have

All Natural Annie — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:08:13 +0000

For a while, I didn’t have jojoba oil on hand and I really missed it! It’s definitely my favorite oil when it comes to natural beauty. Jojoba oil is just such a great, versatile natural beauty product to keep on hand. Chemically, jojoba oil is perfect for us humans because its molecular structure is identical to our skin and hair sebum. Jojoba oil has a wide range of uses, but some of my favorites include using it as a makeup remover and facial moisturizer, and also on split ends. These are just a few of its many uses (there are at least 15). My favorite 100% Pure Jojoba Oil costs around $12 and is made by Desert Essence. For a little under $3 more, Desert Essence also makes a 100% Pure Certified Organic Jojoba Oil. Either way you go, you’ll find so many uses for this natural beauty aide, and a little goes a long way so it should last you quite a while!

Photo Credit: DesertEssence.com, LLC