Eco & Organic

Photo by John Shearer/Invision for Kiehl’s/AP Images

Kiehl’s kicked off Earth Day weekend this week by celebrating its Limited Edition Ultra Facial Cream — one of my favorite Kiehl’s products — to benefit Recycle Across America. Which celebrities partnered for the cause? Alanis Morissette and Zachary Quinto, who designed cool limited-edition labels for the product. (Fans, shop the collection while you can!) One-hundred percent of the collection’s proceeds will go toward Recycle Across America, and $50,000 will be used to create 65,000 recycling labels for select K-12 schools nationwide.

The benefit was held in Santa Monica, Calif., and as usual, a crop of stars came out to support the cause — including the lovely Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker), Amy Smart and The Misshapes. (Speaking of which, I am LOVING Leigh Lezark’s short, blond hair.)

What’s a great way to test waterproof makeup? Jump in a pool, of course! That’s exactly what the Aqualillies, the country’s leading water ballet troupe, did at the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica, Calif., yesterday — each wearing a full face of new Aqualillies for Tarte makeup.

By the end of their 15-20 minute performance, they looked just as great as they did when they made their entrance.

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It’s so easy to forget how much we have to be thankful for, when we’re rushing around in our metropolis with the daily grind and complaining about cold coffee (guilty!). Once in a while, a moment comes by and puts everything in perspective. This week, in anticipation of Earth Month, that moment came in the form of a simple candle, Aveda’s Light the Way Candle. 100% of the purchase price is donated to the Global Greengrants Fund, which tackles pressing environmental problems. Aveda’s partnership with Global Greengrants started over six years ago, and together they have funded clean-water projects which have affected communities worldwide. (more…)

The moment my husband and I stepped into the stunning open-air atrium of the Rosewood Mayakoba, we knew we had just entered not just a resort, but a fantasy. As we were greeted with a freshly blended green mojito welcome drink as we overlooked the lagoon and pool, I felt the stress of city life getting left far behind. The warm, breezy air invited us to shed layers both literally and figuratively (work projects begone!) as we took in the staff’s warm welcome which would follow us throughout our visit. The contemporary luxe style of the resort complemented the natural surroundings so well and mirrored the property’s attitude of respect for the local Mayan culture and traditions. (more…)

Once upon a time, I subjected myself to this harrowing 30-day beauty product fast, after which I discovered I was allergic to most of my beauty products — including my beloved Chanel perfumes. (Moment of silence, please.)

Reluctant to give up my beloved Mademoiselle, I remembered this New York Times article, which basically defended synthetic fragrances as misunderstood scapegoats. But the fact remained that every time I applied a synthetic fragrance (almost every big-name brand out there), I sneezed. And so — discussions about molecular structure aside — it was easier for me to believe I was allergic to all synthetic fragrances.

Fast forward several years to my meeting with Kristi Head, co-founder of Lurk — a solution for people like me. The N.Y.C.-based company recently launched their first line of natural fragrances, comprised of five perfume oils that almost anyone can wear without worrying about an allergic reaction. (more…)

It’s summer, and I haven’t hit the beach as much as I would like to, but I HAVE been living vicariously with VoCe Surf Mist — courtesy of VoCe haircare creator Kaz Amor, a partner at Warren-Tricomi salon in Los Angeles.

The discovery: I recently visited the salon for a much-needed complimentary haircut and styling session with Angela. (Go there. She is fabulous.) In one hour, my hair was transformed via a wash with VoCe Lift It volumizing shampoo and conditioner, a healthy trim and a blow-out. Before drying, Angela applied a generous amount VoCe Surf Mist, of one of her and Kaz’s favorite products. Made with vanilla rice and wheat, it gave my hair instant fresh-from-the-beach texture and a light, sultry scent. Since then, I’ve been using it daily for wonderfully “raw,” bouncy layers. (more…)

Need to rest your toes-ies after a long day of shopping in Old Town Pasadena? You’re in luck! Bellacures just celebrated the opening of its new location at 40 Mills Place (right next door to Burke Williams).
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With Earth Day on April 22, this month is a great time to remind yourself and your loved ones of being more eco-conscious. Get started with these fun jewels!

The Rosena Sammi Earth Day Monsoon bangle set is $49.99 for a set of six green/gold/brown silk bangles, with 30% to the Conservation Fund.

KiraKira is offering a selection of nature-inspired items with 20% going towards the Japan Disaster Relief Fund. Tons of different styles, materials and prices available like this ring, just $89.

Roberta Chiarella has a new and exciting eco-friendly initiative, working with beads handmade by men and women in the Philippines from recycled magazines and catalogues; she’s created two beautiful earring styles, $38 and $28.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I was bound to get it someday. After getting my first taste of their amazingly addictive Lip Tars in celebrity makeup artist Kristie Streicher‘s chair this week, I instantly got some retail therapy. (Ahhhh.) Now, I’m considering buying the whole collection. (Um, does anyone have $300?)

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