fbpx

Avitalin Skincare Giveaway!

Avitalin Skincare Giveaway!

Alright, Beauties, here is our first giveaway of the month!

We are giving away a collection of super potent, vegan, natural beauty products from Avitalin Skincare, worth over $160!

Click here to read my review of this amazing line of products.

To enter:

1.  Like me on Facebook.  If you’ve already liked my Facebook page, you can follow us on Twitter.

2. Leave a comment on this post sharing where you’ve followed or liked us, and let us know your favorite thing about The Organic Beauty!

That’s it!

We’ll announce the winner on Friday, March 15th, so make sure to enter before then!

And the Winner Is…

Ginger G!

Thank you so much for entering everyone!  If you didn’t win, stay tuned for our Yes To… giveaway next week!

Bikini Showdown: Sugaring vs. Wax

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC

Bikini Showdown Sugaring vs. Wax | The Organic Beauty BlogIt may not be getting warm outside yet, but listen ladies, it’s time to get your business in order. When you’re taken care of, you feel prettier and sexier… When you feel sexier, you feel better about yourself… This leads to a happier relationship with your partner and/or yourself! So start shaving those legs, and get in there for some grooming.

I actually often get asked if there is a healthier alternative to waxing, and there is! Behold, a waxing vs. sugaring, a comparison:

Waxing

Ingredients

There are a lot of different waxes out there, with ingredients that include resins and chemical ingredients like dyes, fragrances, and preservatives. Depending on the quality of the wax, there may also be some harmful additives like BHT and parabens, bad guys you definitely don’t want anywhere near your special lady parts.

Method

There are a few different types of wax. Hard wax goes on hot and hardens, it can then be pulled off without the use of cloth strips. The extreme heat and hardness of the wax can be especially painful for sensitive skin. Soft wax also goes on hot, and then is removed with a cotton or muslin cloth. It can be slightly less painful, and is often not quite as scorching hot. There is also soft wax that goes on with a roller, which typically has more harmful ingredients and is less effective. Lastly, there are cold wax strips. They typically come pre-applied and do not need to be heated. They often have more chemical ingredients and are not as effective as hot wax.

Waxing Pros

  • Really effective at removing hair
  • Different types to choose from to suit different kinds of hair (from course to fine)

Waxing Cons

  • Can burn skin
  • Lower quality and chemical ingredients
  • Bacteria can grow in wax and cause infection
  • Can remove a layer of skin, in addition to hair

Sugaring

Ingredients

Sugaring is made from natural ingredients — sugar, lemon juice, and water. Sometimes essential oils or glycerin are added.

Method

Sugaring is performed in the same way as wax. Typically, the sugaring mixture isn’t quite as hot as hot wax, which can be less painful.

Sugaring Pros

  • Natural, skin-healthy ingredients
  • Effective at removing hair
  • Bacteria is not as apt to live in sugaring mixture
  • Less hot, so won’t burn skin
  • Won’t remove skin

Sugaring Cons

  • Often times slightly more expensive

Clearly, sugaring wins out with way more pros than waxing. It is also super easy to do at home! I really like Moom Organic Hair Removal Kit, which is all-natural and works really well. You can also make your own at home!

At-Home Sugaring Recipe

Combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup fresh lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer over low heat, mixing regularly. Once it’s hot, remove from heat and let cool slightly before applying. Apply to hair, use muslin waxing cloths to remove.

CAUTION: BEWARE DOUBLE-DIPPING

If you get your sugaring or waxing done at a salon, make sure to go a NO DOUBLE DIPPING salon. Most salons will use the same application stick for a client’s entire waxing session, transferring all kinds of bacteria into the wax or sugar mixture. A salon that doesn’t double dip will use a different applicator stick every time they dip into the mixture, ensuring that no bacteria is transferred from client to client. This is crucial to preventing infection, and even STD’s!

Get Shiny, Lustrous Hair with Surface

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC

In the winter time, I am always struggling with dry, lackluster hair and split ends, which is always getting in the way of my tireless goal of growing out my hair.

I try a gazillion products every year to try to nail down the perfect combination that gives me consistent results.  Most products start out working great, but then my hair gets accustomed to the routine, and I’m back at square one.  So I’m thrilled to finally find a great line of products that hydrate my hair, and make it shiny and lustrous, with results that don’t diminish over time.

Surface Hair is a line of products by stylist, Wayne Grund, which are formulated with sustainably harvested ingredients and certified organic botanicals like babassu oil and amaranth protein.  The products are free from toxic chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, mineral oils, and animal products.  Most of the products are also designed to work at maximum potency with heat styling, so they protect your hair and prevent breakage, over drying, and damage.

trinity-proteincream-4oz

I’ve been using the Trinity Protein Cream ($24.95) on wet hair after washing, which is super strengthening and really prevents breakage.  The Trinity line is specially formulated for colored hair, but works great for anyone with dry or damaged hair.  The Protein Cream has babassu oil and amaranth protein to smooth the hair, and offers wonderful heat protection.  I only wash my hair a few times a week, so if I do a little styling touch up after a few days, I’ll spray it on dry hair as well for a little extra smoothing and protection.  It smells delicious and doesn’t leave a filmy or greasy buildup like many other heat protection products I’ve used.  Plus, I’ve noticed that my hair gets less damaged between trims and color!

I follow the Protein Cream with Bassu Hydrating Oil ($23.95) on the length of my hair.  This lovely, light oil is super healing and hydrating, and really intensifies hair’s shine and luster.

bassu-hydratinggloss-2oz

It protects hair from color and heat damage, and keep color from fading. WhatI love about the hydrating oil is that I can use it on wet or dry hair. Again, since I only wash my hair a couple times a week, sometimes my hair needs a little freshening up or boost between washes.  The Hydrating Oil is amazing for that. It’s lovely light texture removes frizz and seals the cuticle. It’s amazing to use with a flat iron, or just to smooth flyaways and hydrate dry, stressed hair throughout the week.  This potent product can also be used to moisturize skin!

The Surface line has a slew of amazing, safe, potent and effective products for every hair type and concern.  As part of a healthy, natural hair care routine, these products will boost shine, protect hair, and make dry, winter tresses and thing of the past!

Natural Oil Face Wash Method for Perfect Skin!

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC

Natural Oil Face Wash Method for Perfect Skin! | The Organic Beauty BlogAfter one of my best girlfriends told me of her new oil face wash routine, I was intrigued, and more than a little bit skeptical. I’ve had oily skin my whole life… How could washing my face with oil help?? But as I watched my friend’s skin get clearer and clearer, my curiosity got the best of me. I picked up some jojoba oil from Trader Joe’s and did the deed! Low and behold, my face was significantly less oily throughout the day, and within a few weeks, my perpetually clogged pores were clearer, and my skin was the softest and most glowing it’s ever been. I’ve been using this method for a couple of months now, and I have to say, I’m never going back! Best of all, this is so much less expensive than buying fancy face washes, and so much more effective and natural! Here’s how it’s done:

Step One: Choose (and blend) your oils

The official prescription calls for a combination of castor oil and another balancing oil in the following proportions:

  • For Oily/Breakout Prone Skin: A blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Sunflower Seed Oil/Jojoba.
  • For Balanced Skin: A blend of 20% Castor Oil to 80% Jojoba Oil/Olive Oil.
  • For Dry Skin: A blend of 10% Castor Oil to 90% Jojoba/Olive Oil.

You may want to add a drop or two of yummy essential oils to add a scent and some added healthy skin benefits! Try essential oils of lavender, rosemary, tea tree, or eucalyptus.

If this all seems like too much work, you can try a pre-blended oil.  I like Kindred Skincare Co. Complete Cleanse Oil (for oily and blemish prone skin), 100% Pure Blood Orange Cleansing Balm (for normal to dry skin).  I’ve also had great results with just pure organic jojoba oil, which is super easy to find and doesn’t require mixing.

Step Two: Cleanse and steam

For maximim benefits, use this method at night. There’s no need to cleanse your skin the morning after, you can just rinse with warm water. This allows your skin to balance itself and prevents over-drying and overproduction of sebum! You’ll need a washcloth, your oil, and some super hot running water.

  • Start by massaging the oil into your dry face, giving extra attention to areas where you have makeup or clogged pores. Take your time while massaging the oil into your skin. Let this be a calming moment in your day. Breathe deeply and enjoy the sensation.
  • When you’ve massaged your face for a minute or two, soak your washcloth in steaming hot water, wring it out, and apply it to cover your face. Keep it on until it cools, and gently wipe the oil from your face. Rinse the washcloth in hot water and repeat. The hot washcloth opens your pores, and allows the oil to bind with it and remove impurities from your skin! Don’t be afraid of the oil… The washcloth cleans it off your skin, leaving just enough moisture to keep you glowing and hydrated.
  • Pat your face dry.

Step Three (Optional): Moisturize

If your skin feels at all tight after your oil wash, you can use a couple drops of your oil (or one of the oils below) to moisturize your skin. If you don’t wash your face in the morning, your skin’s oil production should normalize within a few days of using this method. But I still like to use a really great face oil as a moisturizer after I shower. My absolute favorite is Osmia Organics Facial Calibration Serum (check out my interview with the owner of Osmia, Sarah Villafranco). For some other great face oils that clear pores and cure breakouts, check out this post on Well+Good NYC.

Potent, Non-Toxic Skincare from Own

own_assorted_productsAll you devoted followers of trends in organic beauty know that the search for non-toxic products that are just as effective as their potentially carcinogenic counterparts can be a grueling one.  For the last few months, I’ve been testing the entire line of Own Skincare Products, and have to say I am super happy with the results!  The line isn’t organic, but it is free of harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and all the other bad guys we Organic Beauties are bent on banishing.  Best of all, it is super affordable!

The San Francisco-based product line features the super potent skincare ingredient, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which is known for reversing and preventing the signs of aging and improving skin texture and firmness.  The Firming Silk Concentrate serum feels fantastic after my morning jojoba oil face wash.  It really does leave my skin silky smooth and absorbs super fast.  I use the Lifting Eye Cream twice a day, and I definitely attribute my total lack of lines to the potent combination of CLA, safflower oil, shea butter, and soybean germ extract!  Before bed, I end my skincare routine with luxurious Refining Moisture Night Cream, which goes on super smooth, absorbs super fast, and gives me the smoothest, brightest skin when I wake up in the morning.   In the last few months, I’ve noticed that my skin is softer, smoother, and despite my recent (ahem) landmark birthday, I’m happy to say my skin doesn’t look a day older than it did at 18!

The other great thing about the Own brand is their commitment to holistic beauty. Over on their blog, they regularly feature all kinds of super helpful lifestyle tips that guarantee young healthy skin for life! Check out their 10 Winter Beauty Tips! Because, as we Organic Beauties know, beautiful skin is more than just the products you use…

Best Organic Beauty Products of 2012

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)

Foods for Perfect Hair

Foods for Perfect Hair | The Organic Beauty BlogWhat you eat plays just a big a role in creating smooth, clear skin, and shiny, luscious hair as the products you use.  Check out 5 Foods to Maximize Beauty for the best foods for healthy skin, and read on for the best nutrients and foods to prevent dry, wintery hair, hair loss, and ways to eat your way to lusciously healthy locks…  Luckily, the foods below aren’t just the key to amazing hair, they are a blueprint to ideal health!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Foods for Perfect Hair | The Organic Beauty BlogFound in sardines, salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds and seaweed

One of the best nutrients for overall beauty, including hair, omega-3s prevent inflammation and keep our systems moisturized and healthy.  Stock up on these foods to keep hair shiny and lush, prevent dry scalp and hair loss, and promote hair growth!

Vitamin B12 & B7 (Biotin)
Foods for Perfect Hair | The Organic Beauty BlogFound in fish, beans and legumes, whole eggs, swiss chard, berries, carrots, nuts and nut butters and oatmeal

These two forms of vitamin B are key for healthy hair, and promote hair growth, strength, elasticity, and prevent breakage!  In conjunction with a good conditioner, a diet rich in these foods will ensure the healthiest hair possible.

Protein
Foods for Perfect Hair | The Organic Beauty BlogFound in eggs, beans, fermented soy like tempeh, quinoa, nuts, fish, and free-range chicken

You need to eat a moderate amount of healthy proteins every day to maintain hair growth and strength.  Protein is a building block of hair, so if you find that your hair is dull, brittle and prone to breakage, increase your consumption of healthy protein to literally build better hair!  But the emphasis here is on healthy — a diet with too much animal protein like red meat and pork increases risk of cancer and other diseases, so stick to the foods above!

Vitamins A & C
Foods for Perfect Hair | The Organic Beauty BlogFound in leafy greens like kale, spinach, and chard; orange foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and bell peppers; cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, brussel sprouts, and broccoli; and fruit like strawberries, citrus, and kiwi.

In combination, these vitamins help your body to produce sebum, which is what gives you beautiful, shiny hair. Load up on these foods, and you’ll need to use less product and synthetic oils to keep your hair from drying out!  Not to mention, these superfoods keep you healthy, energized, and boost your immunity.

Zinc
Foods for Perfect Hair | The Organic Beauty BlogFound in nuts and seeds, seafood like oysters, scallops, lobster and shrimp, and oatmeal

Zinc is a vital nutrient that prevents hair-loss and keeps hair full.  Increase consumption of these foods preemptively if you have a family history of thinning hair or baldness, or just to make sure your hair stays put as you age!

—-
Natasha Uspensky, chhc
Health & Nutrition Counselor
NU Health & Wellness

 

Sarah Villafranco of Osmia Organics

On my quest for the ultimate in so-natural-you-could-eat-it skincare that actually works, I was super stoked to discover Osmia Organics, and the super knowledgable skincare expert behind it, Sarah Villafranco.  I’ve been using Osmia skincare products for the last few weeks, and am just as impressed with the amazing quality of the organic ingredients as I am the awesome effects it’s had on my skin!

I love the calming Gentle Foaming Cleanser, which leaves my skin super soft, clear and clean.  Ingredients like organic aloe juice and organic chamomile extract help with redness and breakouts, while organic green tea and marshmallow extract have anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects on the skin.  Another favorite is the Facial Calibration Serum, which I was a bit nervous about using on my oily skin, but was thrilled that, as promised, it actually soaked into my skin and made it less oily throughout the day, while keeping it super soft and supple.  Organic grapeseed oil and black seed oil have awesome anti-aging effects as an added bonus!  But the product I’m totally addicted to is the is the luscious Body Oil, which comes in a million different delicious scents to match your mood and personality.  I love slathering on the woodsy, herbal smelling Forest scent after every shower to smooth my skin and totally invigorate my senses.

I talked to Sarah about what led her to create Osmia Organics (after nine years as an emergency physician!), and also learned about her amazing remedy for perioral dermatitis (an annoying and mysterious skin affliction I sometime fall prey to in the winter months):

1. Tell us about the philosophy behind Osmia Organics?

Really, it comes down to two concepts.  The first is caring about and wanting to KNOW what you are putting on your body.

Sarah Villafranco of Osmia Organics

There are no secrets with Osmia.  All of our ingredients are listed on the labels, and on the website.  We really, truly don’t have any icky chemicals or fillers to hide.  The second concept is rooted in THIS moment, THIS now.  We hope you will take a few seconds to sense each Osmia product you are using.  We are all insanely busy – this is a fact of life for most of us.  But being able to weave moments of scent or texture into your day is an honor for Osmia.  And we hope it carries forth into the rest of your life.  Because all of life’s precious, tiny moments can either go noticed or unnoticed – we hope to help you notice them.

2. What were you doing before you started Osmia, and what brought on the career change?

I spent nine years as an emergency physician, and I don’t regret a single one of them.  I was privileged to see people in their most trying moments – when they needed to know someone genuinely cared about them and their loved ones.  I never lost sight of the fact that it was a rare opportunity to know people in their least edited form, and I hope I was able to touch some lives meaningfully.  But, I started to get a bit frustrated with the healthcare system in general, and, at times, with Western medicine in particular.  I have always believed that the least invasive treatment is the starting point in medicine.  But our culture no longer embraces that idea, and has become accustomed to narcotics and antibiotics as a way of life.  This, in combination with a timely soap-making class, opened the door to this next phase of my life.  I love what I do now so much that I can’t really call it work, even though the hours I log more than match those I worked in the ER!

3. What sets Osmia apart from other organic beauty products on the market?

Osmia brings together natural ingredients and luxury skin care in a very conscious way.  We want each product you purchase to feel really special to you, as if you had stumbled upon it in a tiny shop while strolling down a secret side street.  The ingredients have been chosen and combined with great intention, resulting in the fewest, least processed, highest quality ingredients we can use for the desired effect of each product.  We are a small company, and maintain complete control of our formulation, manufacturing, and packaging.   And, my scientific background allows me to screen ingredients and the claims made by their suppliers with a fairly critical eye, allowing the discerning consumer to put that burden on me, for once.

4. What is your favorite Osmia product, and why?

That’s a bit like asking which one of my daughters I prefer – impossible to answer.  Juniper Fire holds a special place in my heart as my first perfume, and one that appeals to a great number of customers.  Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair is a favorite – I love the way it is still on your lips in the morning, and I find it to be an extremely effective product.  And the body oils may be my favorite in terms of the sensory experience – the smells are divine, and the feeling of your skin after using the oils is pure velvet – even in Colorado.  How’s that for dodging the question?

5. Many Organic Beauties have sensitive skin. Does Osmia have any products that are recommended for skin with eczema, acne, dry spots or Rosacea?

Certainly.  The Purely Simple Face Cream was developed for a friend with ridiculously sensitive skin and lots of allergies.  She used all natural products on her children, and was still using Cetaphil (the recommendation of most dermatologists) on her own skin, despite the fact that it is a petroleum-based product.  She said everything else made her face react.  That was a perfect challenge for me!  She has been using Purely Simple for over a year now, and loves it.

I, myself, have a condition called perioral dermatitis, which initially fueled a lot of my research and product development.  (There is an article on my site about the condition. In fact, many people suffer from it, and have been misdiagnosed with eczema or acne.)  For true eczematous and psoriatic conditions, I usually steer people to the Organic Tea Bath or the Milk Bath, the Oh So Soap, and the Unscented Body Oil.  For oily or acne-prone skin, I recommend the Gentle Foaming Cleanser or the Black Clay Facial Soap, while dry skin prefers the Rose Clay Facial Soap (don’t be afraid of soap on your face – it won’t dry you out!).   And for pesky blemishes, the Spot Treatment is quite powerful, without leaving the blemish crusty and red while it heals.

6. What is your skincare routine?

I use the Black Clay Facial Soap twice a day.  I follow with the Active Gel Nutrient Serum (perioral dermatitis likes water-based products) and the Purely Simple Face Cream.  I take a less-is-more approach, due to my perioral dermatitis, and I gently exfoliate no more than once a week.  Just as importantly, I exercise daily, eat a crazy healthy diet, drink lots of spring water, and use sunscreen religiously.  And I laugh – A LOT.

 

—–

Natasha Uspensky, chhc

10 Reasons to Eat Your Veggies

10 Reasons to Eat Your Veggies | The Organic Beauty BlogMy absolute favorite guru of nutrition and holistic health, John Douillard, posted last week on the importance of drastically increasing our intake of vegetables. Though I stress their importance every day in my work (just ask my clients!), I think his list is a beautiful encapsulation of what all my veggie-pushing is about:

“You know you should be eating your vegetables, but do you know why?

Did you know, for instance, that eating more vegetables can help you reduce stress, increase attentiveness, reduce cravings, and lose weight?

The truth is, while most of us know we should be eating plenty of vegetables, few of us actually eat enough. The US Food Guide Pyramid recommends that we eat 3-5 servings of veggies a day, yet studies show that only 22% of Americans do.

Here are 10 reasons you may not have known for piling on those greens. Once you read these top ten unsung reasons for eating veggies, I hope you will have all the motivation you need.

Number One: A Reason to Chew
Have you ever eaten a bowl of fresh, either lightly steamed or raw veggies? If you have, you may have noticed one simple fact – it takes time to chew.

Unlike a sandwich, which you can eat quickly, eating veggies demands more dedication to chewing.

…Here is a list of amazing benefits to be reaped from chewing:

  • Chewing stimulates the production of salivary digestive enzymes like amylase in saliva, which lubricate the esophagus and the chewed food in the digestive tract.
  • Chewing relaxes the end of the stomach – called the pylorus – allowing food to be released into the small intestine more easily.
  • Chewing stimulates taste receptors in the mouth, which in turn triggers the release of hydrochloric acid, or HCL, in the stomach. HCL is responsible for processing hard-to-digest proteins, like casein in dairy and gluten in wheat.
  • Inadequate chewing has been linked to digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and other forms of indigestion.
  • Chewing also forces us to relax and take time to eat, rather than race through every meal.

In other words: The more you chew, the better you digest. So sit down to a meal of veggies and chew your way to better digestion.

Number Two: Take it From the Gorillas

Gorillas, whose digestive system most resembles that of humans, eat more than half their body weight in ounces of vegetables a day. They literally spend all day munching on veggies. While it may be unrealistic to match their consumption, experts agree we should be eating up to one, or even two, pounds of veggies each day.

Gorillas also eat fruits, grains (in their natural unprocessed form), and a small amount of meat.

Number Three: Release those Toxins
Vegetables are loaded with fibrous cellulose, which scrubs the intestinal villi, provides bulk for the stool, and binds toxins for escort out of the body. Without enough cellulose in the digestive tract, bowel movements – and the consequent elimination of toxins – are dramatically compromised.

Cholesterol, along with other toxins, is attached to bile in the liver. Vegetable cellulose attaches to the bile and escorts it, with toxins in tow, out of the body through the stool. Without enough vegetable cellulose in the diet, up to 94% of the bile (with cholesterol and toxins attached) is re-absorbed by the liver and the blood, which raises cholesterol and increases risk of cardiovascular disease.

Number Four: Your Armor Against Heart Disease
Most Americans gets their cholesterol tested regularly to screen for heart disease, the number one killer of Americans. The cholesterol that is connected with heart disease is called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and is often referred to simply as, “the bad cholesterol”.

Cholesterol becomes “bad” through the process of oxidation.

Vegetables are the number one source of antioxidants in the diet, neutralizing the process of oxidation. When vegetable intake is low, antioxidant levels crash, allowing the fats in the blood to oxidize. Low vegetable consumption is directly linked to the oxidation of LDL and, ultimately, high cholesterol and heart disease.

Major protective phytonutrients found in vegetables, including flavonoids and carotenoids, have been shown to reduce heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers.

Number Five: The Ultimate Low-Calorie, Blood-Sugar Stabilizing Food Group
Vegetables are extremely low in calories. A cup of vegetables averages about 50 calories. By contrast, nuts and seeds can have as many as 750 calories per cup. Moreover, the body uses almost the same amount of energy to chew and digest vegetables as it receives from them, thus, they are called a “free food,” or a food with a very small caloric load.

Breaking down the cellulose fibers in vegetables takes time, which allows the carbohydrates to be released slowly. This helps keep the blood sugar stable. You can see why vegetables are the ultimate low calorie, blood-sugar stabilizing food group.

Vegetables are also low in fat and have zero cholesterol. In fact, 95% of all vegetables have less than one gram of fat per serving. Eating plenty of vegetables stimulates the breakdown of fat already stored in the body, and helps the body burn this fat for energy.

Number Six: Alkalize!
Most experts agree that the diet for optimal health should be 1/3 acidic and 2/3 alkaline. In nature, the winter harvest is a mostly acidic one, high in grains and meats. In the spring and summertime, nature’s bounty of alkalizing fruits and vegetables helps the body naturally detoxify the heavy stores of winter.

Alkalizing the body helps keep the blood healthy and the lymphatic system moving, maintaining a constant natural detox.

Challenge yourself this spring to make two-thirds of your diet alkaline – it is more challenging than you might think!

Number Seven: Balance the Six Tastes
Vegetables provide the body with the oft-overlooked tastes of bitter, astringent, and pungent. In a society largely addicted to the sweet, sour, and salty tastes, large amounts of vegetables have been replaced with a diet rich in grains and bread, meats, dairy, and eggs.

According to Ayurveda, the six tastes are to be included with each meal. This balances not only the body, but the mind and emotions as well. In Ayurveda, the word for “taste” – rasa – is the same as the word for “emotion,” echoing that food is fuel for the body, mind, and spirit.

A diet high in the sweet and salty tastes can overly-satisfy the senses and, in time, create a dependency on those sweet and salty foods. Studies show that these foods activate dopamine receptors in the brain.

Dopamine is the “I’ve gotta have it hormone,” and it plays a part in any addiction. It is a “diminishing” hormone, meaning that the more you stimulate it, the more of a substance it takes to stimulate it to the same degree. Soon, the natural sweet taste of vegetables (think of them as complex sugars wrapped in fiber) gets replaced with the more potent, quick-acting sweet taste found in breads, dairy, and sweeteners.

To balance this major cultural addiction to the sweet and salty tastes, we must significantly reduce those tastes and add generous, nearly gorilla, amounts of veggies back into the diet!

Number Eight: Spring Cleaning
In the spring, when the snow begins to melt and the ground softens, deer dig up rhizomes to eat. Rhizomes, or surface roots, are loaded with astringent and bitter constituents that scrub the intestinal villi of old and hardened mucus congestion. It is like a spring cleaning of the gut. These early spring roots also stimulate liver function and blood purification. So don’t forget the root vegetables like beets, burdock, carrots, ginger, radish, onions, garlic, dandelion, turmeric and most spices.

Number Nine: Nature’s Pro-Biotics
Green vegetables, especially the spring greens, are loaded with chlorophyll. Chlorophyll fertilizes the intestinal villi and aids in the proliferation of the good intestinal bacteria, which are essential for digestion, assimilation, detoxification, and intestinal waste removal. This is a natural way to get the pro-biotic result, without a supplement. In contrast, most pro-biotic supplements do not encourage the growth of your own flora. They work well only while you take them, but the benefits stop when you discontinue taking them.

The production of intestinal flora may be one of the most important factors linked to optimal health. When we take nature’s cue and load our diet with alkalizing veggies in the spring, we naturally restore healthy intestinal flora.

Number Ten: Vitamins and Minerals (That Your Body Doesn’t Make)

Vegetables deliver vitamins that the body does not make, including the water-soluble B-complex vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin, and choline, as well as Vitamin C. The water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, so they must be ingested daily. Without adequate amounts of veggies in the diet, many of these vitamins may become deficient.

Vegetables are also a rich source of the fat-soluble vitamins A and K, and some Vitamin E.

Vegetables are also the primary source of minerals in the diet. For instance, the main source of calcium for humans should not be dairy, but green leafy veggies. As far back as 1936, in a well-publicized report entitled, “Document 264 from the Department of Agriculture”, the 74th Congress stated that, “99% of the American people are deficient in minerals, and a marked deficiency in any one of the more important minerals actually results in disease.”

That same report from 1936 stated that, “virtually all soils in the United States are mineral deficient.” In 2001, The Journal of Complimentary Medicine pointed out that US and UK Government statistics showed a decline in trace minerals of up to 76% in fruit and vegetables from 1940 to 1991.

Perhaps this makes a case for mineral supplementation, but first and foremost, we must focus on getting as many veggies in our diet as we can!

* Always eat organic when possible.

Top Tip for Getting More Veggies:

Try veggies for breakfast! Start the day off right by adding steamed greens to your am fare. It might seem unusual at first, but you’ll quickly get used to how good you feel.”

Check out some delicious veggie recipes on our Healthy Recipes page!

———
Natasha Uspensky, chhc, aadp
NU Health & Wellness

Best Organic Beauty Products of 2011



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)