Nubian Heritage Shea Butter

This dry winter is creating havoc on my skin and hair, so this week I'll be featuring products that have helped me out in this area and hopefully they will work for you too!  First up: for dry, cracked skin in need of serious hydration, I've been loving Nubian Heritage's Shea Butters.  There are several variations to choose from, including the super natural and healthy Raw Shea Butter, but my current favorite is the Lavender & Wildflowers Infused Shea Butter.

The butter is thick, so you have to melt a bit of it in your hand before applying, and is especially good for elbows, knees, heels, hands and knuckles.  You can even take a bit of the butter and mix it with your everyday lotion so you can apply it more easily to any part of your body.

Lavender has traditionally been used to treat all types of skin due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, rejuvenating, soothing and deodorizing effects.  The line is formulated with 100% organic shea butter, lavender oil, wildflower essence and Vitamin E.  That's it!  And the smell is great, with hints of sweet flowers and refreshing herbs.

If your skin is in need of a great balm for dry problem areas, try this shea butter.  It is 100% natural and 100% works!

Nubian Heritage Shea Butters can be purchased at Whole Foods or www.amazon.com for approximately $12.

Korres Deep Colour Mascara

Do you know how hard it is to find a natural mascara that works??  Well, hopefully you don't and you haven't wasted your time and money like I have.  Just please take my advice and go get this one - Korres Deep Color Mascara.  Told you I liked this brand!  But no really, this one is a must-have, especially considering the other 'natural' options on the market.  Just today I tested out another option with an only slightly better set of ingredients only to find it stinging my eyes and running down my face.  Ugh.

Korres' mascara goes on easily, is super conditioning, doesn't clump, and you won't get any racoon eyes after a day in this, either.  And there is no smell, unlike most mascaras out there.  One of the things I like best is when you remove it, it comes off your lashes easily and doesn't tug on them making your lashes fall out.  I've been wearing this one for months and just haven't been able to find an alternative that is better for you and that really works.  Korres' mascara will give you a more natural look (hard to get va-va-voom lashes with natural mascara) but just a few coats make my eyes pop.

Korres Deep Colour Mascara contains Provitamin B5 that conditions and strengthens lashes while rice bran expands to provide length, volume and fullness (kind of how rice expands in water). Cool!

Here's what it doesn't include:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Mineral Oils
- Petro-chemicals
- Propylene Glycols
- Synthetic Fragrances or Dyes
- Synthetic Dyes

Even if you don't know what everything on that list is, just be assured that this product is light-years healthier than most mascaras on the market. Yay!

On a side-note, I've also tried Korres' other mascara, simply named Korres Mascara but I like this one better.  You can purchase Korres Deep Color Mascara at Sephora, www.sephora.com for $18.

Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash

I promised moms a review of a truly natural baby shampoo so here it is - Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash!

We actually used this product when our son was first born and I think this is perfect for infants because of the gentle, all-natural ingredients.  This shampoo and body wash is a real castile soap made with soothing organic calendula, zero toxins and no artificial fragrance.  The scent is just a sweet, light natural scent from pure organic vanilla and organic sweet orange essential oils.

Because this product has no foaming agents, it comes with an ingenious self-foaming pump which gives it a nice lather, naturally.

One thing to note - this is not a 'no-tear' formula, so make sure you use extra care around your baby's eyes.  The sting in most products is masked by numbing agents and other chemicals and this contains none of that!  A few times this did get into my son's eyes, but he didn't seem to be bothered at all by it.

The best news is that this shampoo and body wash contains no petrochemicals, synthetic surfactants, foaming agents or toxins of any kind.  In fact, it's one of the most natural ingredient lists I've found!

Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash can be purchased at Whole Foods or www.amazon.com for approximately $10.

100% Pure Sugared Lemon Peel Juicy Body Scrub

My skin has really taken a toll this winter, and to help get rid of my flakes I decided to test out a natural body scrub I had heard about, 100% Pure Juicy Body Scrub in Sugared Lemon Peel.  I picked it up this weekend and couldn't wait to report my findings!

The scrub polished away my dry, flaky skin and the essential lemon and grapeseed oils made my skin feel super soft and silky, even long after the shower.  I didn't apply any lotion afterwards and didn't have to since my skin retained its moisture and stayed nice and soft.  And I love the citrus scent of the natural lemon essential oil.  One thing to note: like most natural, oil-based scrubs, you have to mix the scrub mixture with the oil before applying.

One other thing -- just check out the ingredients:

Grapeseed Oil, Sugar Cane, Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate), Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Lemon Juice, Lemon Essential Oil, Lemon Peel, Extracts of Lemon, Raspberry, Blueberry, Strawberry, Blackberry, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Golden Seal, Thyme, Oregano, Concentrates of Pomegranate and Cherry             

Can't get much more natural than that!

100% Pure has a host of other 'flavors'  - including eucalyptus, vanilla, strawberry lemonade and blood orange, to name a few.   The other great thing is that the scrub also comes in a mini size if you can't commit to just one scent. 

I picked mine up at my local Duane Reade but you can find all 100% Pure's products at www.100percentpure.com.

California Baby Calming Shampoo and Bodywash

UPDATE: We just heard the news that new formulations of certain California Baby products, including this shampoo, will contain the preservative sodium benzoate.  Although sodium benzoate has a low EWG  (Environmental Working Group) rating of 1, we believe this important to report and will be posting other alternatives soon.

So I'm sure many of you saw the news late last year about certain Johnson and Johnson's Baby products containing formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.  I'm so thankful it created such a firestorm in the mainstream press because companies are facing pressure to change their formulations in addition to the FDA starting to actually do their job (ok, maybe not quite).  But the fact is, this is not new news.  And just a quick scan of the ingredients on some your favorite products - baby or not - will reveal a host of poisonous substances.  And those are only the ones that are disclosed on the label.  Yikes.

So I digress...but first and foremost, I'm a mom.  So limiting chemical exposure for my son during his most vulnerable years is a main priority for me.  And I guess I couldn't wait even a week to post my review of California Baby Calming Body Shampoo!  Plus, I've had a lot of questions about my favorite baby products.  I'm a big fan of California Baby ever since our son Nicolas was born two years ago.  When he was younger, we used the brand's unscented body shampoo but once he was older, we switched to the Calming version and I just love it.  It's great for baby's hair, face and body, is super gentle and non-drying.  It leaves his skin so soft we rarely use any lotion on him. 

The Shampoo and Bodywash uses organic, all-natural vegetable glucoside cleansers that are non-stripping, sulfate-free and extremely biodegradable.  It's also allergy-tested and tear-free, so you can use it for baby's first bath.  In full transparency, because the bodywash is sulfate-free, it won't lather like your typical bodywashes but baby doesn't know the difference, right?  What you do get with this product is the peace of mind that you are using something safe and gentle for your child.

The soft and subtle scent is a calming aromatherapy blend that includes French lavender and clary sage which promote calmness. I won't name names but there are designer baby shampoos out there that smell way too strong - and I think a baby should smell like a baby!   Plus, California Baby uses natural ingredients to scent their products instead of chemical fragrances.

One of the things I love most about this brand is that it's also great for adults with sensitive skin and this cleanser is no exception, it acts as a great non-drying facial wash for mom or dad.

An 8.5 oz bottle of California Baby Calming Shampoo and Bodywash retails for approximately $12.00 and can be purchased at Whole Foods and www.diapers.com.

Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel

I have to admit,  I've never been the most regimented when it comes to washing my face with facial cleansers.  In the past, I've resorted to just using whatever my husband had (Cetaphil, which is loaded with parabens) or just my normal soap.  I know, I know - blasphemy!  But for a few years now, I've been on the search for the perfect natural facial cleanser for my skin.

Which is why I'm psyched my friend at Sephora turned me onto Boscia's Purifying Cleansing Gel, a natural daily cleanser for normal to oily skin.  I'm really digging this gentle cleanser because it makes my skin feel refreshed and conditioned and doesn't dry out my face like so many others I've tried.  I am partial to gel cleansers because they make my face feel really clean, and this one is no exception.  It doubles as a make-up remover and has a very soft, subtle herbal smell.   I also like the pump dispenser, it's easy to use and just one pump is enough.  A little bit of this gel goes a long way, which is a good thing at $26 a pop!

The Boscia Purifying Cleansing gel contains a powerful combination of botanicals, including hydrangea leaf to purify and refine the look of pores and jojoba leaf that acts as an antioxidant.  And there aren't any parabens, sulfates, pthalates or any other nasty chemicals to be found.

Boscia is one of the world's first preservative-free, botanically-based skincare lines.  I'm a fan of this brand and you'll see me review several of their products in the weeks ahead.  Enjoy!

The Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel is available at Sephora or www.amazon.com for around $26.

Karma Organics Nail Polish Remover with Soybean and Tea Tree Oil

I've tried a few different natural nail polish removers and I've had a hard time finding one that I like.  They either have a really strange smell or just flat out don't work.  Recently I stumbled on Karma Organics Nail Polish Remover with Soybean Oil and Tea Tree Oil and I can say with certainty - I'm a fan!

Karma Organics removes polish easily and quickly.  Unlike acetone-based nail polish removers, it doesn't dry out your skin.  Some may not like the fact that it is a a tad oily but I happen to love that since it conditions my nails and cuticles, leaving them feeling healthier and moisturized.  Plus, the gentle tea tree scent is great -  I no longer get a headache from the harsh acetone smell of traditional removers. 

Karma Organics Nail Polish Remover is one of the first in the US to contain this organic soy remover mixture that works so well.  It's 100% biodegradable and 100% soy and corn based.  Best of all, it's non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and free of any petroleum ingredients.

If that's not enough to convince you, I just found out it received Allure Magazine's Editor's Choice Award - even the experts love it!

$12 at Whole Foods markets or www.karmaorganicspa.com

Burt's Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss

I'm loving this Burt's Bees gloss - half moisturizing lip balm, half lip gloss - it's the perfect non-sticky consistency with just a hint of color for everyday.  I  pop them in my bag whenever I go out and I'm sure to have something if I need color or moisture.  Plus, they smell and taste great.  My favorite shades are Nectar Nude and Sweet Pink.

The best part - they're 100% natural!

Burt's Bees Super Shine Natural Lip Gloss is available at most drugstores and at Whole Foods, for approx $7.  Pucker up!

Try to Look Pretty Without Poisoning Yourself

The Canadian organization Environmental Defence has launched a new ad campaign in an effort to educate Canadians to the many cancer-causing, hormone-disrupting and allergy-inducing substances contained in the personal care products they use every day.  Wouldn't it be great if something like this ran in the US?  Take a look!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxbnvXRY-7Q&noredirect=1

Korres Zea Mays Blush in Peach

I am currently obsessed with the Greek brand Korres.  And particularly, the Zea Mays blush in Peach.  It's a powder blush that's the perfect shade for most skin colors, and leaves a natural look that works for day or night.  It's formulated with the Korres' proprietary botanical blend of phytosteroles, soy, and licorice.  And the best part - it doesn't have any parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or phthalates!  If the peach isn't your favorite, there are three other gorgeous shades to choose from. 

You can find Korres Zea Mays Blush at www.sephora.com and it retails for $24.  Totally worth it!

Renpure Organics I love my hair! Shampoo

Ahh shampoos...it's so tough to find one without sulfates that gives you the desired lathering required for you to fully wash your entire hair and feel like it's actually clean.  And another pet peeve of mine are the overpowering scents many shampoos have - I don't want to walk around smelling like a coconut!  That's why I'm a fan of Renpure Organics I love my hair! Shampoo, made for normal hair.  It offers a good amount of lather, has a nice, subtle smell and for the price - around $7 - it really can't be beat.  Plus, my hair is nice and clean!  The best part is that it's made of 100% pure organic extracts and safe, pure, natural ingredients with no nasty sulfates, parabens, colors or dyes. 

I found mine at my local drugstore but you can also order it on www.drugstore.com for $6.99.  I'll definitely be buying this one again!

Hello and Welcome!

Hi everyone!  For my first entry, I just wanted to tell you a little bit about why I decided to start this blog.  For years, I've been concerned about the toxic chemicals companies put in their products, which for the most part, are unregulated by the FDA.  And once I became a mom, I really took notice.  My problem is, I've had a hard time finding natural, green beauty products that perform as well as traditional ones.  I've spent way too much time, and money, on things that simply just don't work.  Which is why I'm starting this blog, to help you navigate the world of natural and organic beauty products and to give you my honest reviews.  So you can expect a few reviews a week - from products ranging from shampoos and body lotion to nail polish and even hair color - to make it on the blog.  (I might even throw in some baby and household products once in a while for good measure!)  I promise to do my part and make sure that the products I review not only work as expected, but are better for your health, your family's health and the environment.

Enjoy!

Ana