100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip & Cheek Tint- I’ve never been a big fan of blush or cheek tint.  I’ve always found it looks “made-up” on me and very unnatural.  Unfortunately, as I get older a little cheek pinch just doesn’t do what it used to. I’ve been looking for a product that will give me a light, natural looking glow and I finally found one!  I  used this 100% Pure fruit pigmented cheek tint in pink grapefruit all summer and it hasn’t disappointed.  It’s easy to apply (I use my fingers so it doesn’t go on too heavy), it’s light weight, and it lasts all day.  It never feels heavy or cakes up, even in the hot summer sun.  It gives me just the right amount of color to create the illusion of a natural flush.  Plus, the ingredients are all natural and it’s loaded with anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants.  This is now an essential in my make-up bag.  I just ordered a new shade for fall.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lenghtening Natural Mascara - I love mascara.  I don’t wear a lot of make-up, but I use mascara almost every day.  I think it helps open up my tired “mom” eyes.  It’s hard for me to find mascara I like because I wear contacts and I have seasonal allergies that make my eyes itchy and sensitive.  Luckily for me this mascara didn’t irritate my eyes at all.  True to it’s claim, it lengthened and separated my lashes without clumping or smudging – even when I rubbed my itchy eyes.  It’s made for 100% natural products including fruit pigments, coffee beans, honey beeswax, green tea and vitamin E.  This is absolutely my new favorite mascara. 

What are your make-up bag essentials?

Disclaimer: As stated earlier, Ecomom gave me the opportunity to choose a few products from their website to try for free.  I was asked to write an honest  review for their website, but was not required to write anything on my personal blog.  All opinions are my own.

Here are the pros:

• natural and organic options are carcinogen and petroleum free
• they often use natural oils like orange oil to nourish the nail bed and encourage healthy nail growth
• they are better for us and for the environment
• they come in a wide variety of colors and finishes
• several brands include the base coat and top coat to reduce time and expense

And the cons:

• the natural and organic options are pricey compared to traditional brands
• many have a longer dry time
• you have to bring your own to most salons
• you can’t try the colors because you generally have to buy them online

Because I don’t paint my nails frequently this hasn’t been a real priority for me.  But after reading about the natural options I thought, “why not?”  I’m not pregnant and my infrequent polish and remover use hasn’t ever bothered me, but if I can support companies that make products that are better for me and the environment, then again, “why not?” 

Below is a list of several brands that offer nail polishes and removers that are formaldehyde, DBP and toluene free.  Several are actually water-based, which is a drastic improvement from traditional nail polishes that are often a refined version of automobile paint. 

If you’re pregnant, have young daughters or are sensitive to chemicals these are options worth checking out.  They range in price from $6 – $18 per color and $6 – $20 for the removers.  If you just want to invest in products that keep nasty chemicals out of your home and your body, again, these are options worth checking out. Obviously, I haven’t had the time or the budget to try every brand, but this list should get you started if you want to makeover your manicure kit. 

For kids:

• Piggypaint
• Keeki
• Fancy Polish
• Hopscotch Kids

For mom:

• Acquerella
• Peacekeeper
• Priti Nail Polish
• Scotch Naturals
• Zoya

Choosing a Healthier Sunscreen:

Every summer we lather on sprays and lotions to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays unaware that the ingredients in our sunscreens can be just as harmful.  

California Baby Sun StickAccording to the Environmental Working Group, after looking at 783 sunscreens available in the U.S. they found that only 16% are both safe and effective.  Yikes!  That means about more than 80 % of aren’t getting the protection we hoped for. In many sunscreens, it’s the ingredients that are at fault – particularly Oxybenzone.  The CDC found traces of Oxybenzone in 97% of Americans tested and the chemical has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cellular damage and low birth weight. 

If you’re looking to protect your skin this summer (and you should be) here are few healthy tips to get you started. 

Common sense tactics for sun safety:

 Don’t rely on sunscreen as your only form of protection

• Wear sun hats or ball caps to shade your face and protect your scalp
• Pick up a few lightweight long-sleeve shirts for ballgames, picnics, etc.
• Use shade umbrellas on patio tables, at the pool and at the beach
• Wear a rash-guard with your swimsuit to cover more skin
• Save the sunscreen for extended periods of sun exposure and choose wisely.  Ten minutes of unprotected sun exposure  can actually be good for you allowing your body to absorb much needed vitamin D. 

Healthier Sunscreen Options:

• Aubrey Organics – www.aubrey-organics.com
• Badger Balm – www.badgerbalm.com
• California Baby – www.californiababy.com
• Dermalogica – www.dermstore.com 
• Natria Sun Screen – www.naturessunshine.com 
• UV Natural – www.uvnatural.com
• Jason’s Natural – www.jason-natural.com
• Earth’s Best – www.earthsbest.com
• Alba Organics – www.albabotanica.com

Be sure to plan ahead.  Most of the sunscreens listed above are tough to find in stores and have to be ordered online.  Other than that,  enjoy summer and the sun while it lasts because winter always comes too fast.

The idea behind this series is to avoid information overload and simply look at one small area each week.  It will take time, but eventually we will work our way through the entire home touching on everything from the flours in our pantries to the candles on our mantles. 

I’ve learned so much from all of you along this journey so I hope you will continue to share your own ideas as well as your questions.   The series will officially start Monday, March 7.  If you like it, please feel free to grab my button and share it with your friends and readers.  Thanks for stopping by.  I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

<center><a href=”http://broccolicupcake.com/blog/2011/02/makeover-monday-a-new-series/” mce_href=”http://broccolicupcake.com/blog/2011/02/makeover-monday-a-new-series/”><img border=”0″ src=”http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee381/broccolicupcake/button_makeovermonday.png/></a></center>

I wasn’t too worried about it, but a recent episode of Dr. Oz got me thinking.  He actually played down concerns about aluminum and the cancer connection, but he did point out that anti-perspirant works by swelling the glands in our underarms so we can’t sweat.  Considering sweating is one of the ways our bodies release toxins, I’m thinking this can’t be good.  The next day I got an email from a friend referring me to a natural deodorant by Soapwalla.  The timing was perfect so I decided to give the natural option one last try.  Guess what, I loved it!

I’ve been using the Soapwalla Deoderant Creamfor about a month now and I have nothing but good things to say about it.  It’s easy to apply, leaves no white streaks or residue on my clothing, smells light and clean, and most important, it works.  I’ve put it to the test and felt clean and confident every time - zumba, yoga, even running errands with kids in tow.  I’m happy to report I’ve permanently ditched my gland swelling anti-perspirant/deodorant and switched to Soapwalla.     

What are your favorite natural products?

Photo by Katerha

they add to everything from green tea to fish tacos. 

There are dozens of practical and well known uses for lemons – from deodorizing the smelliest of garbage disposals to preventing browning on sliced apples.  But there are just as many unexpected uses for lemons that are both practical and natural.

Did you know lemons can?

1. Serve as a natural air freshener and humidipher – in a small pot simmer water, lemon peels, cinnamon sticks, apple peels.  Great for parties, eliminating dry air in the house and a natural alternative to aerosol air fresheners that can be overpowering or irritating to the sinuses.  If you have a fireplace, try throwing a lemon peel into the fire to prevent unpleasant odors during burning.
2. Clean tarnished brass – make a paste of lemon juice and salt or baking soda.  Coat the brass, copper or stainless steel and let sit for 5 minutes.  Wash, rinse and polish dry.  Great for kitchen sinks because it also acts as a disinfectant killing bacteria.
3. Act as a natural insecticide – Ant proof your kitchen with lemons.  Squeeze lemon juice into windowsills, doorways, cracks or anywhere ants are entering or might enter.  You can also boil lemon juice and leave it out on the table during tailgates or backyard gatherings.  Mosquitoes, mites and other insects are repulsed by certain ingredients in lemons so this will generally help keep them away.
4. Lighten age spots and freckles – wash your face nightly with a small amount of lemon juice and rinse with cool water in the morning. 
5. Strengthen and whiten nails – If you wear nail polish a lot, especially dark colors, you know it can discolor your nails.  Soak them in a lemon juice for about 10 minutes then briefly dip them into a bowl of vinegar and warm water. 

The best lemons are bright firm and feel heavy for their size. 

Have you found any unexpected uses for lemons?

Although I’ve noticed more and more products marketed as safe, natural, organic and healthy in the beauty aisles the Cosmetics Database says otherwise.  My first piece of advice is don’t trust the label. Second, run your make-up through the cosmetics database.  You’ll see that many of the brands have a wide range of ratings depending on the product.  Eye shadows with a low rating are harder to find than blush or powder foundation.  Over time, I’ve found my make-up bag is stocked with more Bare Escentuals products than any other brand.  They offer a large selection of safe products, it’s easy to find in stores and online, the color selections are beautiful and it looks great on! 

If you find yourself in the cosmetics aisle with a product you just have to have here are a few things to watch out for.   A long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce, parabens, any ingredient with “PEG” or “-eth”, oxybenzone, heavily scented products and formaldehyde (usually found in nail polish and nail polish remover.)

I know from experience that this can be an overwhelming task so I’ve included a list of my favorite brands below.  These have a large selection of products ranking 3 or lower and are easy to find at department store make-up counters, Sephora and online:

• Smashbox
• Bare Escentuals
• Coastal Creations
• Rejuva Minerals
• Erth Minerals
• Burt’s Bees
• Jane Iredale

 Other brands that offer a variety of products that rate around a 3 include:

• Almay Pure Blends
• Giselle Cosmetics
• Physicians Formula
• Organic Wear

If you are committed to choosing beauty products that are good for you inside and out look for companies that have signed the Contract for Safe Cosmetics and are committed to offering products that are free of harmful chemicals.  Some of them can be difficult to find in stores, but they are always available online. 

For more infomation, check out past Make-Up Bag Monday posts.  They touch on everything from cleansers to shampoo and include links to some of the safest products.

A Clean Slate – cleansers and moisturizers

A Healthy Foundation – powder, blush, eye shadow, lipstick and more

Healthy Hair – shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, gel, and color

Miscellaneous – lotions, fragrance, nail polish and more

Search your favorite make-up.  Where does it come out on the 0-10 scale?

This year, I think we’re going to require a little extra help warding off the mosquitoes, but I’m not comfortable using traditional DEET based repellents.  DEET is a powerful insecticide found in over 400 insect repellents.  It can peel paint and melt plastic.  According to studies, 56% of DEET applied to the skin enters the bloodstream so it’s really not worth the risk even for the occassional use for me.      

This year I’m going the natural route and it’s really not that hard.  The main goal is to cover up the scent of carbon dioxide that our bodies give off.  Mosquitoes are attracted to the smell and use it to find food sources. 

Make your own or try one from the list of natural options below.  Remember, while DEET free repellents do work they also require more frequent application – approximately every 2 hours.  

 Make Your Own:

Essential oils can naturally repel mosquitoes.  Mixing scents is the most effective, but oils can be potent and may cause skin irritation in kids and those with sensitive skin.  Testing the mix on a small area first is a good idea. 

 Try mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil with no more than 15-25 drops of 2-3 of the following oils.  You can purchase these locally at stores like By The Brooke.

• Cinnamon Oil
• Castor Oil
• Rosemary Oil
• Lemongrass Oil
• Cedar Oil
• Peppermint Oil
• Clove Oil
• Geranium Oil
• Citronella Oil

My Picks for Natural Repellents:

• Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent
• Bubble & Bee 100% Organic Insect Repellent
• California Baby Natural Bug Repellent Bug Spray
• Aubrey Organics Bug Repellent
• Badger Balm Anti-Bug Push-U[
• Kiss My Face Fly Swatter
• Bite Blocker Herbal Wipes

For maximum protection, mix multiple methods and try a few of the following to limit the mosquito population in your yard and protect against bites without lotions or sprays.

• Plant marigolds in your yard.  They give off a smell that mosquitoes don’t like.
• Wear light colored clothing
• Going outside after a workout or sitting next to a fire or candle could result in more bites because mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide.
• Avoid floral fragrances including perfumes, lotions and detergents or fabric softeners. 
• Using multiple methods of protection is the most effective.

Have you tried natural repellents?  Did they work for you?  Please share your reviews.

California Baby Sun Stick

I first researched and blogged about this last May, but thought it was worth revisiting as we prepare for summer (even though it doesn’ t feel like it right now.)

According to the Environmental Working Group, after looking at 783 sunscreens available in the U.S. they found that only 16% are both safe and effective.  Yikes!  That means about more than 80 % of aren’t getting the protection we hoped for. In many sunscreens, it’s the ingredients that are at fault – particularly Oxybenzone.  The CDC found traces of Oxybenzone in 97% of Americans tested and the chemical has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cellular damage and low birth weight.

If you’re looking to protect your skin this summer (and you should be) here are few healthy tips to get you started.

Common sense tactics for sun safety:

• Don’t rely on sunscreen as your only form of protection
• Wear sun hats or ball caps to shade your face and protect your scalp
• Pick up a few lightweight long-sleeve shirts for ballgames, picnics, etc.
• Use shade umbrellas on patio tables, at the pool and at the beach
• Wear a rash-guard with your swimsuit to cover more skin
• Save the sunscreen for extended periods of sun exposure and choose wisely.  Ten minutes of unprotected sun exposure  can actually be good for you allowing your body to absorb much needed vitamin D.

Healthier Sunscreen Options:

• Aubrey Organics – www.aubrey-organics.com
• Badger Balm – www.badgerbalm.com
• California Baby – www.californiababy.com
• Dermalogica – www.dermstore.com
• Natria Sun Screen – www.naturessunshine.com
• UV Natural – www.uvnatural.com

Be sure to plan ahead.  Most of the sunscreens listed above are tough to find in stores and have to be ordered online.  Other than that,  enjoy summer and the sun while it lasts because winter always comes too fast.

I didn’t take a before and after photo of myself because I’ve been using coconut oil as my moisturizer for months.  But I recently had a college student mistake me for a fellow student and ask for skin-care tips when she learned my age.  I took that as a compliment and invited her to join the challenge. 

Since I started cooking with coconut oil about a year ago (and eating a diet of fresh, whole foods) here are a few of the positive changes I’ve noticed.  I lost close to 10 pounds when I first started and my weight has stabilized.  It now fluctuates in ounces instead of pounds.  My digestion has become more regular.  I feel healthier overall.  Most important, I’m not afraid of oil anymore, which makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. 

It wasn’t a controlled experiment so I can’t say without a shadow of a doubt that these are a direct result of the coconut oil, but I believe it has positively impacted my health and combined with a diet of fresh, whole foods has helped my body heal from the inside out. 

What did you find on your 30-day challenge?  Leave a note in the comments or link up to your blog.