A Few of My Favorite Things… November 7, 2009

I’d like to share a few of my favorite environmentally friendly goods with you! More specifically, a girl’s best friend – beauty products!

#1 – EcoTools: Earth-Friendly Beauty  (shown in photo from L to R: Kabuki brush, loofah sponges, bamboo applicators, & mini bamboo nail files)

I discovered these fabulous ‘green’ make-up brushes over the summer & instantly fell in love! Why buy? Their brushes are designed with:

• Synthetic Taklon bristles (100% animal cruelty free) – so soft!
• A sleek ferrule (& retractable cases) made from recycled aluminum.
• Bamboo handles that have low impact on the earth’s resources – as it is a highly sustainable plant.
• Their packaging is recyclable.
• They donate 1% of their annual sales to environmental organization.

My FAVORITE ECOTOOLS are:

* RECYCLED RETRACTABLE KABUKI- the ‘case’ keeps the bristles clean. I used this brush to apply my all-over mineral powder.

 

 

* BAMBOO 6 piece BRUSH SET - Contains a brush w/ bamboo handle for: blush, eye shadow, eye liner, & concealer; as well as a lash & brow groomer. Keep them all together & clean in a natural cotton & hemp case w/ tie.

#2 – MyChelle Dermaceuticals

First, I have to say - I have THE most sensitive skin ever – I’m allergic to everything! So I can guarantee you that if I love a product, it is definitely safe for your skin! Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when a lady at my local organic store recommended this natural facial care line to me! Their products are always free of parabens, propylene glycol, fragrances, artificial colors, & other harmful chemicals.

* MyChelle’s WHITE CRANBERRY CLEANSER. It’s a sulfate-free mild complexion balancing cleanswer w/ Totarol, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, White Grapefruit Peel Oil, Lemongrass Oil, & Cranberry Fruit Juice. It smells citrusy & leaves your skin super soft. However, I do miss the ‘exfoliation’ of my last cleanser. My solution? I simply wet my face w/warm water, ’scrub’ w/finely ground unbleached organic oatmeal - then rinse. Next, I wash w/ the white cranberry cleanser – rinse, & pat dry. To complete my skin care routine, I use MYCHELLE CLEAR SKIN SERUM containing Lavendar oil, Aloe Leaf Juice, & Tea Tree leaf oil. It’s organic, non-drying, & so good for your skin – Perfect!  *p.s. I like to purchase MyChelle products at iHerb.com.  Use Coupon Code UKU201 for $5.00 off your 1st order! And they always have great shipping specials.

 

#3 – EVERYDAY MINERALS - Named Real Simple magazine’s “Best Mineral Base” in August 2009.   For 3 years, I had used “i.d. Bare Minerals ” mineral powder make-up. I thought I was doing this great thing for my skin by making a switch to natural make-up. Well, to my surprise this past summer – when I began using the powder on my entire face vs. spot treatment – my face began burning! After a little research, I found out it contained a filler – bismuth oxychloride. This ingredient causes allergic reactions to people w/ sensitive skin & creates a “sheen.” Surprise! That is when I discovered EVERYDAY MINERALS. It is bismuth oxychloride-free… & after the first application, I could tell a significant difference between the two. I love it!

What I love most about Everyday Minerals is… you can purchase sample sizes to try (for $2.50) BEFORE spending more $$ on the full-size products. The sample sizes are also great to carry in your purse or take on a weekend getaway! AND they have Try Me Kits (includes 4 shades) you can add to your cart for free w/ every order. It’s a great way to play w/ samples sizes to find your perfect shade(s).  *I apply the Multi-Intensive Concealer w/ my EcoTools Concealer Brush as spot treatment, under the eyes, and as a ‘base’ to help my eyeshadow stay in place. I apply the Base Powder (Beige Neutral) w/ my Kabuki brush. To finish my natural look – my favorite blush is: Coffee Break. And my favorite eyeshadows are: On the Phone and Smokey Pink. Have fun experimenting to find YOUR perfect colors/shades!

*Peace, Love, & My Favorite Things*