Eco & Organic

If there’s one thing I love as much as products, it’s England.  London is my favorite city in the world and I would totally move there if I could find the perfect job that paid enough for me not to have to live in like, a studio apartment the size of my bathroom.  (Have you guys ever been there?  London is expensive!)  I also have fond memories of hours spent browsing in Boots (sort of the British equivalent of CVS) and finding some amazing products that I haven’t been able to get in the US, so I have very fond memories of my time living there.  Which is why when I recently learned about Bamford Bath & Body – a product line made entirely in England, I couldn’t wait to try it. (more…)

As a makeup artist who is always trying to find more eco-friendly choices to work with, I’m hippy-happy about Austin-based, toxin-free eco-beauty brand W3LL PEOPLE Supernatural Cosmetics. It’s affordable, high-quality, revolutionary and recyclable … and oh yeah, super FUN to use!

The brainchild of cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Reneé Snyder, former NARS Cosmetics leader Shirley Pinkson and tree-hugging brand developer James Walker, this modest collection of makeup and skincare products lacks parabens, phthalates, artificial dyes, sulfates — all that nasty stuff. And with pomegranate extract, reishi mushroom and organic green tea, it’s packed with protective antioxidants (and smells a lot like nature)! Products come in stick and powder form, perfect for experimenting with color and finger-blending (Ah, to be a kid again … ). My fave so far: Narcissist Supernatural Foundation, $38, a mineral-derived cream foundation and concealer stick, and Universalist Supernatural Multi-stick for Eyes, Cheeks and Lips, $34, (inspired by NARS The Multiple, perhaps?).

Check them out in person at Marie Mason Apothecary, Ron Robinson’s Apothia Beauty, Planet Blue stores, Vert Los Angeles or at W3LL.com!

Beta carotene and organic fruits and vegetables; sounds healthy, right? While healthy eats and taking our vitamins and minerals are important for our health and well-being, they’re also important to maintain our oh-so-healthy glow, good looks, and outward appearance. Combine these ingredients with dead sea minerals, and you’ve got Yes To Carrots, a natural and affordable line of hair and skin products. (more…)

Have you heard about Ilha Organics? It’s a fantastic new line of organic skincare products from Karen Young, the creator of the home goods line Hammocks & High Tea. Ilha means island in Portuguese, and Karen was inspired by her roots in South America to develop this line. Her grandmother used to make amazing, all-natural skin care remedies right in their own kitchen! Using organic ingredients like calendula flowers, green tea leaves, and various essential oils, Karen has developed her own hand-blended body balms, massage oils, and soaks.

I tried a sample of the Flor Organic Body Balm, which I loved. Just smoothing a little bit on my legs, arms, and any dry spots seriously went a long way. The balm immediately softened under my fingers when I opened up the jar, so I didn’t need to apply that much. It’s incredibly moisturizing and soothing without leaving heavy or greasy residues, which some skin care products targeted at dry skin can do. I also enjoyed the warm, floral scent and the amber glass jar packaging, which was almost apothecary-esque. It would make a great gift or treat for yourself if you’ve got dry skin like me. For more info on Ilha Organics, check out hammocksandhightea.com.

It’s getting mighty chilly now – even in SoCal! That means it’s finally the season where we can break out the scarves, which is yet another way to accessorize. I always think just one accessory, whether it be shoes or a scarf, can be a great way to add a bit of personality to even the most simple outfit.

Now is the perfect time to scout for some new scarves to add to your collection. I like ones that are on the thinner side because while they still keep you warm, they transition through the seasons much easier. This Bambi Betsy Scarf from Nepali by TDM Design is one of my top choices. Made 100% of eco-friendly woven bamboo, it’s plush, soft and beautifully made. I also love the bright ombre colors! Just throw it on with a tee, jeans and boots for brunch – or add it to your favorite LBD for a night out.

Retails for $78 at Shopbop.com.

Now more than ever, it’s important to keep your hands clean and wash them thoroughly with soap whenever you can. Whether it’s taking precautions against H1N1 or just the bug that’s going around your office, it’s an added plus to have a hand sanitizer handy. I’ve been carrying one around from one of our favorite eco-conscious brands, Burt’s Bees Aloe & Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer Spray.

So what’s so great about this one? Well, it actually smells good and doesn’t dry out your hands. It’s made from 100% natural ingredients and still eliminates up to 99.99% of germs! It’s also packed with aloe vera and witch hazel to soften, moisturize, and soothe your skin. Since it’s in spray form, it doesn’t feel gooey or sticky, and applies easily. It’s the ideal size to throw in your bag or keep in your desk, so you’ll have it within reach when you can’t get to a sink.

This is an easy way to keep your hands clean naturally, and for only $5. Check it out at drugstore.com or at burtsbees.com.

Julie Hewett has been been one of the foremost makeup artists working in Hollywood over the past 20 years. Her cult favorite Noir Collection of red lipsticks was specially designed on the set of the film Pearl Harbor when she needed long-lasting, pigmented shades. Julie has since designed an entire line of cosmetics called Julie Hewett Los Angeles that celebrities are obsessing over–and you will, too. One of my favorites, pictured above left, is the organic Camellia Balm. It’s so soothing for dry lips, and my lips always feel really supple after using. Camellia oil is said to be most similar to human skin oil, so it absorbs quickly. It also smells good and makes for a smooth base under lipstick or gloss.

The other standout product in Julie’s line is definitely the Cheekie. The Cheekie is also made with Camellia oil, and gives your cheeks or lips an instant flush. It’s pictured above right in a new shade called Destiny, which Julie made for Miley Cyrus (Miley’s real name: Destiny) on the set of the new Nicholas Sparks movie The Last Song. I love this shade as it adds a pretty, dusty pink glow to my cheeks instantly. The Cheekie comes in a pot and you can buy a brush to apply it with. I’ve been using my fingertips just as easily though, and I just love how naturally gorgeous it looks. On my lips, the consistency of the Cheekie was a bit more dry, so I used the Camellia Balm as a base. It added a perfect, neutral matte pink to my lips. Gotta love a multitasker! To check out Julie Hewett Los Angeles for yourself, visit juliehewett.net.

I recently heard about TDM Design, a gorgeous line of scarves, from my friend Liz and was so impressed by the company. The entire line features prints and colors inspired by Nepal, and the company works with eco-friendly materials, which is always great. The scarves are made by Nepalese weavers, which TDM Design chose not only for their hand-skilled craftsmanship, but also because it helps provide sustainable income and break the cycle of poverty in the country.

My favorite design that I’ve seen so far is the Bambi Grande Scarf in Gray Drizzle. This scarf is made of 100% bamboo and has this beautiful gauzy texture. The gray color provides a casual tie-dye feel, but if you look closer, you’ll also see tiny white rectangles woven into the fabric as well.  I love subtle touches like that! Because of the lightweight fabric, you can wear this through many seasons.  We suggest wearing it now over a t-shirt dress and leather jacket; later on, it can easily go over your winter coat, jeans and boots.

Retails for $88. Available at Shopbop.com.

Softlips is without a doubt my favorite brand of lip balm that you can find at a drugstore. It does exactly what it sounds like–it applies smoothly and softly on your lips, and makes your lips feel incredibly soft and supple. Softlips is packed with SPF 20, so it protects your lips while moisturizing them. The best part is the softness comes without any waxy or sticky residue. My favorites are the strawberry (pictured left) and mint flavors, which smell super yummy.

If you’re willing to forgo the sun protection, Softlips has a great organic lip balm, too. While the Pure Organic Lip Balms don’t have any SPF, they are made of completely natural ingredients and still condition your lips as well as their non-organic counterparts. You can find Softlips on drugstore.com for just $2.69!

A couple weeks ago I went to a media preview event for IKEA.  Having shopped there throughout college as well as before I moved into my first New York apartment, I was excited to see what was new for 2010.   I learned that they recently lowered prices on a lot of their inventory…permanently- which is great for young professionals just getting started on their own. The price you used to pay for a beer pong table can now buy you the same table..and a six pack  of beer. Definitely a win from all angles.

But what really impressed me was a new lamp that I hadn’t noticed before. The SUNNAN solar-powered lamp is an innovative, environmentally friendly, and socially friendly light that supports children in need. I had no idea that IKEA had a huge philanthropic initiative and for every SUNNAN lamp purchased, a similar but sturdier SUNNAN lamp will be donated to children in developing countries through an IKEA Social Initiative program. (more…)