Tag Archive for "Healthy Pets" | The Organic Beauty

Best Organic Beauty Products of 2012

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Friday, January 4, 2013 Healthy Beauty, Healthy Home, Healthy Pets, Organic Beauty, Product Reviews eco-friendly, fashion, haircare, health, Healthy Beauty Permalink 0

It’s that time of year again! We are so lucky to have been able to try some of the best in organic and natural beauty and self-care products, and we’re thrilled to present the Organic Beauty Talk Best in Green 2012 Award Winners, featuring so many of our favorite brands. A lot of these products and brands are featured in our ebook, Four Steps to Naturalizing Your Life, which you can download for free by signing up for our newsletter!

Using healthy, natural products for your skin, hair, body, and home is just as important as what you eat and how often you work out. And by using the products below, you don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness or ease of use!

Have a favorite from the list below? Leave a comment and let us know!

Face

Best Natural Facial Line for Problem Skin – S.W. Basics (formerly Sprout Skincare, $24-$32)
Best Natural Facial Line for Normal & Dry Skin – Grateful Body ($22-$36)
Best Natural Facial Line for Sensitive Skin (can also be used on all skin types including blemish-prone) – Pai ($35-$55)
Best Holistic Facial Line for Normal & Dry Skin – Dr. Hauschka ($26.95-$89.95)
Best Organic Anti-Aging Facial Line – Intelligent Nutrients ($24-$55)
Best Organic Facial Line (including sensitive and blemish-prone skin) – Spiezia ($37.50-$85)
Best Natural Value Facial Line – Zum Face ($9.50-$24)
Best Up & Coming Natural Facial Lines – Sequoia Beauty ($24-$50) & Stark Skincare ($22-$48)
Best Natural Face Moisturizer – Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer ($100) & Izlla Fresh Sweet Carrot Facial Day Creme ($29.95)
Best Organic Facial Scrub – HollyBeth Organics Grits & Honey Scrub ($25)
Best Natural Facial Mask – La Bella Figura ($60)
Best Natural Face Serum – Lina Hanson Global Face Serum ($85)
Best Natural Eye Cream – 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream ($19) & Tata Harper Restorative Eye Treatment ($90)
Best Natural Facial Sunscreen – Erbaviva Sunscreen SPF 30 ($22)

Makeup

Best Natural Mineral Makeup Line – Alima Pure ($11-$22)
Best Natural Liquid Foundation – Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation ($48)
Best Natural Luxury Makeup Line – Kjaer Weis ($44-$54)
Best Natural Tinted Moisturizer – 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer ($32)
Best Natural Bronzer – 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Bronzer ($25)
Best Natural Creme Blush – Youngblood Luminous Creme Blush ($27)
Best Natural Eyeliner – Lavera Soft Eyeliner ($14.50)
Best Natural Mascara – Josie Maran GoGo Instant Volume Argan Mascara ($22)
Best Natural Lip Color – 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze ($15) & Ilia Beauty ($24)
Best Organic Lip Gloss – Intelligent Nutrients Certified Organic Lip Delivery Antioxidant Gloss ($24)
Best Natural Lip Exfoliator – Ilia Beauty Balmy Nights ($24)
Best Natural Multi-Stick – Ilia Beauty ($34)
Best Eco-Friendly Makeup Brushes – EcoTools (6.99-$15.99)
Best Natural Makeup Remover – Desert Essence Jojoba Oil ($5.89)
Best Eco-Friendly Nail Polish – butter LONDON ($14) & Priti NYC ($13.50)

Body

Best Organic Body Bar Soap – Dr. Bronner’s Soap ($3.99)
Best Organic Luxury Body Bar Soap – Osmia Organics Handmade Bar Soap ($12)
Best Natural Body Wash – Patyka Absolis Body Wash ($45)
Best Natural Body Oil – Indie Lee Moisturizing Oil ($34)
Best Natural Body Lotion – HollyBeth Organics Geranium Jasmine Lavender Body Lotion ($37)
Best Natural Value Hand & Body Lotion – Jason Vanilla Hand & Body Lotion ($5.79)
Best Natural Body Butter – Moksa Organics Body Butter ($16)
Best Natural Body Scrub – Indie Lee Coconut Citrus Body Scrub ($42)
Best Natural Hand Soap – Avalon Organics Glycerin Liquid Hand Soap ($4.89)
Best Natural Hand Cream – Weleda Pomegranate Hand Cream ($12.50)
Best Natural Value Body Care Line – Deep Steep ($6.95-$10.95)
Best Spa Private Label Line – St. Julien Spa
Best Natural Perfume – Tsi-La Organics ($38-$95)
Best Natural Solid Perfume – Ituri ($30)
Best Natural Deodorant Cream – Soapwalla Natural Deodorant Cream ($12)
Best Natural Deodorant Spray – Blissoma Natural Deodorant Spray ($10.99)
Best Natural Sunscreen – Soleil Organique ($18-$55)
Best Natural Cure-All – Pratima Healing Neem Oil ($29)
Best Natural Essential Oils – Mountain Rose Herbs Essential Oils ($1.75-$45)

Hair

Best Natural Shampoo & Conditioner – Acure Organics ($10)
Best Natural Hair Styling Products – Intelligent Nutrients ($12-29)
Best Natural Styling Products for Kinky, Curly & Wavy Hair (including color treated hair) – Shea Radiance ($16-$18)
Best Eco-Friendly Must-Have Product for Curly Hair – CURL-ease ($19.99)

Men

Best Natural Facial & Shave Line for Men – John Masters Organics Men ($22-$28) & Ursa Major ($24-$36)
Best Holistic Organic Line for Men – Dr. Alkaitis ($40-$80)
Best Ingrown Hair & Bump Preventer – SheaMoisture Tea Tree Herbal Bump Preventer ($9.99)
Best Natural Fragrance for Men – Tallulah Jane Yiska Natural Eau De Parfum Pour Homme ($48)

Children

Best Natural Lines for Children/Baby – Erbaviva ($10-$22) & Weleda ($7-$17)
Best Natural Line for Ethnically Diverse Children – Cara B Naturally ($8-$10)
Best Natural Sunscreen for Children/Baby – Erbaviva Sunscreen SPF 15 ($22) & Alba Botanica Kids SPF 45 Sunblock ($5.16)

Fashion

Best Eco-Friendly Clothing Line for Men – Threads For Thought ($14-$268)
Best Eco-Friendly Basics for Women – Threads For Thought ($10-$48)
Best Eco-Friendly Fast Fashion Clothing Line – H&M Conscious Collection (prices vary)
Best Eco-Friendly Jeans – AG Denim ($148-$215)
Best Organic Work Dress – Elsa & Me ($240)
Best Eco-Friendly Casual Shoes – Toms ($44-$69)
Best Eco-Friendly Women’s Boots – Naya Shoes ($200-$265)
Best Eco-Friendly Underwear, Tees & Socks – PACT ($10-$30)
Best Eco-Friendly Jewelry – Kyler ($48-$138)

Home

Best Natural All-Purpose Cleaner (even cleans tough grime in bathtubs & can be used as a laundry detergent) – Savon Noir 100% Natural All-Purpose Olive Oil Soap ($20)
Best Natural Homecare Line – Seventh Generation ($3.99-$22)
Best Natural Aromatherapeutic Household Cleaning Line – Mrs. Meyers ($3.99-$15.99)
Best Natural Candles – Red Flower Petal Topped Candles ($34)
Best Natural Air Freshener – Intelligent Nutrients ($40-$68) & Neom Luxury Organic Room Mist ($26)
Best Natural Value Air Freshener – Pure Citrus Air Freshener ($4.97)
Best Natural Reed Diffuser – Neom Luxury Organic Reed Diffuser ($56)
Best Eco Savvy Paper Products – Ecojot ($4.75-$17)

Pet

Best Natural Pet Shampoo & Conditioner – John Masters Organics Lemongrass & Flaxseed Pet Shampoo and Conditioner ($20)
Best Natural Dog Spritzer & Deodorizer – Cloud Star Buddy Splash ($5.95)
Best Natural Dog Treats – Cloud Star Soft & Chewy Buddy Biscuits ($3.99)

Best Organic Beauty Products of 2011

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Saturday, December 31, 2011 Healthy Beauty, Organic Beauty, Product Reviews hair, Healthy Beauty, Healthy Pets, ingredients, makeup Permalink 0

2011 was a huge year for organic and natural beauty products. Not only did a whole slew of incredible new products hit the shelves, but many conventional beauty companies came out with their own organic lines that really do meet our stringent standards for quality. Organic Beauty Talk released it’s super comprehensive list of all the best green and natural beauty and grooming products of 2011, and we have to say, we couldn’t even begin to review this many products throughout this crazy year!! After having reviewed the whole list, we are way on board, and super excited to provide this reference to YOU, our fabulous readers.

Skincare

Best Natural Facial Line for All Skin Types (including sensitive and blemish-prone skin) – OSKIA ($52-$83) & Zum Face ($9.50-$18)
Best Natural Facial Line for Normal & Dry Skin – Grateful Body ($18-$30)
Best Natural Facial Line for Sensitive Skin (can also be used on all sky types) – Pai ($35-$50)
Best Natural Line for Acne/Blemish-Prone Skin (can also be used on all sky types including sensitive) – Dr. Alkaitis ($40-$80)
Best Natural Facial Cleanser for Acne/Blemish-Prone/Sensitive Skin – Orjene Organics CoQ10 OliveVitale Foaming Face Wash ($6.47)
Best Natural Facial Line for Aging Skin – Trilogy ($24-$55)
Best Natural Spa at Home Line for All Skin Types (including sensitive and blemish-prone skin) – Spiezia ($37.50-$85)
Best Natural Facial Scrub for All Skin Types – OSKIA Micro Exfoliating Balm ($74) & Zum Lemongrass Sugar Facial Scrub ($12)
Best Natural Facial Exfoliator for All Skin Types – Living Nature Vitalising Exfoliant ($35)
Best Natural Facial Mask for All Skin Types – Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask ($55), Blissoma Clay Renewal Treatment Mask ($26.75)
Best Natural Facial Mask for Normal, Dry or Aging Skin – Annmarie Gianni Coconut Honey Mask ($29.95)
Best Natural Eye Cream – 100% Pure Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream ($19)
Best Natural Spot Treatment for Blemishes – Living Nature 100% Pure Manuka Oil ($19.95)
Best Natural Facial Sunscreen – Erbaviva Sunscreen SPF 15 ($22), True Naturals SPF 20 ($17.99) & Alba Botanica Hawaiian Green Tea SPF 45 Sunblock ($4.69)

Makeup

Best Natural Loose Mineral Foundation – Alima Pure Satin Matte Mineral Foundation ($22)

Best Natural Pressed Mineral Foundation – Tarte Pressed Mineral Powder ($30)

Best Natural Liquid Foundation – Organic Glam Luminous Antioxidant Foundation ($59.95)

Best Natural Bronzer – Alima Pure Mineral Bronzer ($17)

Best Natural Blush – Alima Pure Mineral Blush ($17)

Best Natural Eyeshadow – Alima Pure Mineral Eyeshadow ($11)

Best Natural Eyeliner – Lavera Soft Eyeliner ($14.50)

Best Natural Inner Rim Eyeliner – Tarte EmphasEYES Natural High Definition Inner Rim Eyeliner ($18)

Best Natural Mascara – Josie Maran GoGo Instant Volume Argan Mascara ($22) & Lavera Volume Mascara ($20)

Best Natural Lip Color – Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint ($24) & 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Glaze ($15)
Best Natural Multi-Tasker – Revolution Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm ($34), Vapour Organics Aura Multi-Use Blush ($28), & 100% Pure Fruit Pigment Lip Cheek Tint ($15)

Best Eco-Friendly Makeup Brushes – Alima Pure ($12-$29) & EcoTools (6.99-$15.99)

Best Natural Makeup Remover – Desert Essence Jojoba Oil ($5.89)

Best Eco-Friendly Nail Polish – butter LONDON ($14) & Zoya ($8)

Body

Best Natural Body Soap – Dr. Bronner’s Soap ($3.99-$16.99), Moksa Organics Bar Soap ($6.50), Zum Bar Soap ($5.75)
Best Natural Body Oil – Shiffa Soothing Body Oil ($81), Weleda Pomegranate Body Oil ($28) & Moksa Organics Body Oil ($18)
Best Natural Body Lotion – Jason Vanilla Hand & Body Lotion ($5.47)
Best Natural Body Butter – Deep Steep Body Butter ($10.95)
Best Natural Body Scrub – Glowology Exfoliant ($12) & Deep Steep Grapefruit Bergamot Sugar Scrub ($7.25)
Best Natural Hand Soap – Deep Steep Foaming Hand Wash ($4.37)
Best Natural Hand Cream – Weleda Pomegranate Hand Cream ($12.50)
Best Natural Spray Perfume – Tsi-La Organics ($95) & Tallulah Jane Hope Eau De Parfum ($48)
Best Natural Roll-On Perfume – Tsi-La Organics ($38) & Pacifica ($12)
Best Natural Solid Perfume – Ituri ($30)
Best Natural Deodorant – Soapwalla Natural Deodorant Cream ($12) & Blissoma Natural Deodorant Spray ($9.25)
Best Natural Lip Balm – Organic Indulgence Lip Butter ($2.95)
Best Natural Body Sunscreen – True Natural SPF 40 ($17.99) & Alba Botanica Hawaiian Green Tea SPF 45 Sunblock ($4.69)
Best Natural Cure-All – Pratima Healing Neem Oil ($29)
Best Natural Skincare Oils (for face, body & hair) – Kahina Giving Beauty Organic Argan Oil ($36-$82) & Now Foods/Solutions Oils ($5-$10)
Best Natural Essential Oils – Mountain Rose Herbs Essential Oils ($1.75-$45)

Hair

Best Natural Shampoo for All Hair Types (including color treated hair) – Rahua Shampoo ($32) & EO Lavender French Lavender Everyday Shampoo ($8.99)

Best Natural Conditioner for All Hair Types (including color treated hair) – Rahua Conditioner ($34) & EO Rose Chamomile Protective Conditioner ($8.99)

Best Natural Leave-In Conditioner for All Hair Types (including color treated hair) – EO Lavender Coconut Style Nourishing Hair Cream ($8.99) & Giovanni Direct Leave-In ($4.71)

Best Natural Line for Curly Hair (including color treated hair) – SheaMoisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus ($9.99-$14.99)
Best Eco-Friendly Must-Have Product for Curly Hair – CURL-ease ($19.99)

Best Natural Hair Mask/Deep Conditioner/Scalp Treatment (including color treated hair) – Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap Purification Hair Masque ($9.99)

Men

Best Natural Facial & Shave Line for Men – Bulldog ($9.99-$13.99)
Best Ingrown Hair & Bump Preventer – SheaMoisture Tea Tree Herbal Bump Preventer ($9.99)
Best Natural Fragrance for Men – Tallulah Jane Yiska Natural Eau De Parfum Pour Homme ($48)

Children

Best Natural Lines for Children/Baby – Erbaviva ($10-$22), Weleda ($7-$17), & SheaMoisture ($9.99)

Best Natural Sunscreen for Children/Baby – Erbaviva Sunscreen SPF 15 ($22) & Alba Botanica Kids SPF 45 Sunblock ($5.16)

Fashion

Best Eco-Friendly Shoes for Women – Coclico ($149-$545)
Best Eco-Friendly Casual Shoes – Toms ($44-$69)
Best Eco-Friendly Clothing Line for Men – Threads For Thought ($14-$268)
Best Eco-Friendly Basics for Women – Threads For Thought ($10-$48)
Best Eco-Friendly Fashion Clothing Line – H&M Conscious Collection ($24.95-$79.95)
Best Eco-Friendly Jeans – AG Denim ($148-$215)
Best Eco-Friendly Underwear & Tees – PACT ($10-$30)
Best Eco-Friendly Jewelry – Kyler ($48-$138)

Home

Best Natural All-Purpose Cleaner – Method All-Purpose Pink Grapefruit Surface Cleaner ($3.99)
Best Natural Glass Cleaner – Method Mint Glass + Surface Cleaner ($3.99)
Best Natural Dishwashing Liquid – Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid ($3.69)
Best Natural Powder Cleaner – Bon Ami Powder Cleanser ($1.09)
Best Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner – Greenworks Toilet Bowl Cleaner ($3.49)
Best Natural Candles – Aquiesse Soy Candles ($35) & Red Flower Petal Topped Candles ($34)
Best Natural Air Freshener – Neom Luxury Organic Room Mist ($26) & Pure Citrus Orange Air Freshener ($5.39)
Best Natural Reed Diffuser – Neom Luxury Organic Reed Diffuser ($56)
Best Eco Savvy Paper Products – Ecojot ($4.75-$17)

Pet

Best Natural Line for Pets – Castor & Pollux ($1.99-$40)
Best Natural Dog Treats – Cloud Star Soft & Chewy Buddy Biscuits ($3.99)
Best Eco-Friendly Pet Feeding Products – Ore Pet ($7-$25)
Best Pet Shampoo & Odor Remover – Fresh Wave ($13.99)
Best Natural Dog Spritzer & Deodorizer – Cloud Star Buddy Splash ($5.95)

{Source: Organic Beauty Talk}

10 Most Dangerous Household Toxins for Pets

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Healthy Pets, Organic Beauty healthy home, Healthy Pets, Organic Beauty, toxins Permalink 0

Detoxifying our homes, beauty routines, and eating habits obviously has a huge impact on our health and well-being, but what we often don’t take into account is the effect it has on the health and longevity of our pets as well. Our pets inhale our cleaning supplies, lick the floors, kiss our skin, and eat food of often questionable content. Focusing on quality, non-toxic products and natural foods and treats will help your pet live longer and be much healthier!

10 Most Common Household Toxins for Dogs

Chocolate. We all know chocolate can be deadly for dogs, and it is super important to consider places chocolate can be hiding (like candy bars, cake, and ice cream) so as to keep pets away from it at all costs. Chocolate contains theobromine, which causes severe stomach upset, vomiting, seizures, blood pressure elevation in dogs and cats. So no tasting (no matter how much they beg!), and keep those chocolatey treats covered and in a cabinet where pets can’t get to it.

Insect Bait Stations. All those little ant and roach houses are full of super toxic poisons. Even though a dog can’t crawl inside, it can chew through the trap and get to the poison nonetheless. Choose a non-toxic, pet-safe alternative if you have a bug problem to control. EcoSmart has some really good products made with plant oils that are safe for pets AND humans!

Rodenticide. Although there is definitely a valid ethical argument against using rodenticides, some people still choose to use them, which is fine, provided they don’t accidentally poison an unintended animal! There are some organic rodenticides on the market that only target rodents, and are generally harmless to other animals and humans. Kiwicare makes one that is supposed to work really well. But try to research some other options before resorting to poison. Sometimes, fixing some holes or crack in walls and floors, or keeping food covered and tightly sealed and be enough of a remedy!

Chemical Fertilizers. Ever see those signs on fertilized lawns warning you to keep pets and children away? That’s there for a reason. Fertilizers can cause seizures, liver and kidney damage, and potentially fatal levels of toxicity in pets. Use caution when letting your dog play on any manicured lawn, because you never know what it’s been treated with!

Xylitol. This sugar substitute is found in many sugar-free gums, diet products, and processed foods, and can cause severe hypoglycemia, acute toxicity, and even death in dogs. If you occasionally feed your dog human food, make sure it is a whole food like a good quality meat, fruit, or vegetable (but not onions!)… Never feed your dog processed junk food that isn’t even health-supportive for you!

NSAIDs like Advil and Tylenol. Unless recommended by your vet in specific doses, these over-the-counter medicines can cause a potentially lethal build-up of toxicity in your pet, and can cause severe stomach ulcers and kidney damage. NEVER give your dog human medication unless your vet prescribed it!

Silica gel. Those little packets that come in your vitamins and other products are sometimes irresistible to pets, both as little toys to bat around, and as a snack. Although a tiny amount won’t do much harm if eaten, a larger packet ingested by a small dog could wreak all kinds of havoc. Dispose of these packets immediately in a place your pup can’t reach.

Toxic household cleaners. Pets come into much more direct contact with the cleaning solvents we use than even we do… They eat things off the floor, walk on and touch various surfaces and lick their paws, and lick everything. Just as non-toxic household cleaners are important for your health, they can be even more important for the health of your pets. Make sure to only use non-toxic cleaning supplies that are natural when possible. Click here for an extensive list of recommendations!

Poisonous houseplants. Some houseplants are poisonous and potentially deadly for both dogs and cats, so before bringing home a new plant-buddy, make sure to check the plant against the ASPCA list of toxins!

Onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and caffeine. All these foods can cause irreversible damage to your dog’s internal organs, and in some cases could even be fatal. Feeding your dog human food can be a great choice, but make sure you’re making educated decisions for your pet. Not everything that is good for us is good for them!

10 Most Dangerous Household Toxins for Pets 3 | The Organic Beauty Blog

10 Most Common Household Toxins for Cats

Lillies. These beautiful flowers are highly poisonous to cats. Eating just a few leaves can cause organ failure and even death! Best to keep lillies out of a kitty household altogether.

Canine Flea and Tick Medicine. Households with both types of animals need to be very careful. Medicine that is recommended for dogs can be lethal for cats, like the common topical flea and tick treatments used. Opt for a natural alternative to flea and tick treatments, like those found on Only Natural Pet.

Toxic household cleaners. Same as for their canine buddies, these toxic chemicals are bad for all beings! See above.

Rodenticide. See above.

Paints and varnishes. Just like many commercial paints and varnishes are super toxic to humans, our furry friends are especially vulnerable to the carcinogenic toxins in many of these products. VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) used to be a necessary component of indoor paints, but no longer. There are many safer low-VOC and no-VOC paints and varnishes on the market these days that are just as effective! Check out Earth Easy for all kinds of awesome, safe, non-toxic solutions for all of your painting needs.

Glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark jewelry. These relics of your 90’s party days are full of chemicals that can be especially toxic to kitties. If your nostalgic streak keep you from throwing them out, keep them out of your cat’s reach!

Amphetamines. ADD/ADHD drugs and other amphetamines may be what keeps you functional, but to a cat, it could spell heart attacks, tremors, and even death. And the worst part is, cats are especially attracted to these drugs, so it’s especially important to keep them hidden away.

NSAIDs like Advil and Tylenol. See above.

Onions, garlic, and root vegetables. These contain a substance that destroys red blood cells in cats, and can cause serious anemia.

Chocolate. We all know that chocolate can be lethal to dogs, but it also has some terrible effect for cats! A good blanket rule is to keep chocolate away from all domestic animals.

Animal Poison Control Center

1-888-426-4435

The Organic (and eco-friendly!) Pooch

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Wednesday, January 5, 2011 Healthy Home, Healthy Pets eco-friendly, healthy home, Healthy Pets, Organic Beauty Permalink 0

Being the proud mama of a little tiny furball means making a lot of choices that effect not only another creature’s life, but also my own AND the environment.

I don’t know about your dog, but mine poops A LOT. I used to take care of this situation using leftover plastic bags that we had in the apartment from groceries, etc… until I had the mental image of my pup’s little poops calcifying in that plastic bag and spending the next 100 years in a landfill. That’s a lot of little plastic bags filled with poop. I set out to find a more responsible solution. Enter: BioBags! Which are a line of 100% biodegradable bags for a variety of uses, including little ones for pet waste! They are great for composting or simply thrown out with your other waste, and are a great option for responsible pet owners.

With all the pet food recalls that happened in the last few years, I started really thinking about the food I was feeding my pup. Not only did I not want to feed him sub-par food that could harm his health, but I also didn’t want to support the totally unregulated industrial agriculture system that uses bi-products from animals that were raised in unsanitary, inhumane conditions to make pet food. I wanted to find an all-natural dog food company that used human-quality ingredients grown in environmentally responsible conditions. I found that there were a lot of healthy, environmentally-friendly pet food companies out there, some of them even vegetarian! Here are some of my favorites: