❤ The Fluoride Controversy

So many people wonder if they should be switching to a "natural" and fluoride-free toothpaste.  I wrestled with this decision as well, here's what I came up with:

Conventional toothpaste= full of nasty things I hate like SLS and artificial whatnot. Plus I heard fluoride can be poisionous! What the heck?

"Natural" toothpaste= doesn't clean and protect nearly as well, leave my teeth with that "sweatery" feeling, and can still contain some questionable stuff like glycerine.

So here's the decision I came to, you may or may not share my opinion, but hopefully this will give you some food for thought, just brush your teeth after...........

Fluoride started being put into public water systems in the 50's to reduce the occurrence of cavities primarily in children. The overall rate of cavities did dramatically decrease during the next 20 years and fluoride was mainly given the credit- though other factors may have been at work as well: like better oral health education and more access to dental care.  Fluoride is a naturally-occuring mineral, that can actually poison you in large quantities (like if an adult consumed a couple of tubes toothpaste), but there is a lot of clinical and anecdotal data to support the claim that it helps with overall tooth and enamel health. Also, "natural" toothpastes lacking fluoride don't really clean your teeth of tartar and plaque as well as their conventional counterparts.  Even with using a Sonicare and flossing daily- the 6 months I used "natural" SLS and fluoride-free toothpaste I had the worst plaque and tartar buildup I have ever had in my life (so much so that my regular hygienist asked me what I had changed as she subjected me to a long and really uncomfortable cleaning). I live in Seattle, and I would say people here are pretty health and chemical conscious (urban hippies, anyone?). Plus the area where I live has a highly reputable college for alternative medicine, so the dentists here have seen lots of people that try to avoid fluoride and all the nasty chemical components in toothpastes at disastrous consequences to their teeth, (crowns, fillings, gum loss) something that she shared with me at length.

So here is the gist: enamel and gum tissue cannot be replaced, once it is gone it is lost forever. Also, the chemical compounds and resins used to make fillings is far worse for you than anything that is in a tube of toothpaste.  Even though they eventually harden and cure, those toxic chemicals stay in your mouth forever, not mere minutes like toothpaste. Not to mention that the actual drilling and subsequent replacement of fillings can damage and crack your teeth and gum disease can cause all sorts of issues, even heart problems. Since fluoride and tartar control toothpastes are effective for preventative maintenance for tartar control, enamel loss, cavities, and gum tissue loss due to gingivitis (aka plaque and tartar buildup) it makes sense to use them if you are heading off far worse consequences. Think of it like medicine, you probably don't like taking all those chemicals but sometimes the potential alternative is far scarier than the treatment.  

Like you, I try to avoid chemicals wherever possible and I HATE that the toothpastes that are most effective have things like fluoride, artificial sweeteners and SLS. BUT at the expense of something far worse, it just isn't worth it. Just to be sure I don't ingest any toothpaste, I rinse my mouth really well two or three times after I am done and always use a very small amount.  Read my blog and others in my sidebar to research products that save on chemicals in other areas of your life: shampoo, deodorant, soap, makeup, cleaning products etc. and buy a really "good" dentist approved toothpaste (I was told that statin fluoride found in Crest toothpastes has been shown to be the most "useable" type for enamel health).

Cheers! I'm off to brush my teeth.

❤Eco Belle Elle

❤ Natural Perfumes ❤ Part Un!

I haven't forgotten about my promise to give you the deets on some great perfume options (see original post under bitter diatribes or fragrance).  It has just taken way longer than originally anticipated to amass a sample collection worthy of writing about.  I will be upfront in telling you that I am not a true perfume "aficionado" though I do like wearing them.  If you read any reviews on perfume you will be inundated with such words as sillage, tenacity and resins.  Basically the perfumery process has its own vernacular rivaling that of wine making.  It's enough to make you exhausted trying to decipher the descriptions, so I won't even try.

Most reviewers also include arguments on how "gourmand" fragrances can be basically likened to a wine cooler (remember those?) versus a fancy '81 La Fête.  Anyhow, being neither a perfume nor wine snob I  happen to love a good gourmand.  Those can be described as a sugary, sweet fruity or candy smell.  Think candy, berries, chocolate and honey.  I know I can't be alone in my love of these scents since the majority of what is out in the marketplace is.... AHEM, gourmand.  You like these types of fragrances if you like brands like Thierry Mugler Angel, Philosophy Falling in Love, Juicy Couture's Viva La Juicy, Pink Sugar, I think even Flowerbomb would be in there.

For good measure I have included other "types" of non-gourmand fragrances in each line.  Also, I am not up on all the perfumery lingo so I just kept the descriptions understandable.  Also, you should be aware that because most natural perfumes lack fixatives (aka plasticizers) they have a shorter life span on your wrist (spray on your clothes or scarf, for added longevity).  Positives elements of this formulation is the lack of "sillage" or your perfume wake- I honestly detest that about most modern fragrances.  I believe that the Angel and those tenaciously dedicated "Obsession" wearers are the worst offenders of this by far (seriously people: time to find a new signature fragrance!).  When I used to wear Angel, I would use a micro-squirt to avoid announcing my arrival by my perfume.

Naturals are also a little more interesting and tend to evolve and change as they dry and age on your skin during wear.  All of these options have natural, synthetic free perfume components, but take note they are from things like flowers and resins and spices, so they are NOT completely allergen-free.  Because I don't want this post to appear as an Anna Karenina-like novel, this will be a two or three part post.  This first post contains my personal favorites highlighted in pink.


Agape and Zoe


An affordable large range of perfumes makes this little perfumery a great place to start. Rollerballs can be had for as little as $10 and 1 ounce sprays for $29.  I love that the ingredients are organic and the owner is very upfront with what's in each blend.  You can also sample their complete line for just a few dollars!

Favorites include:
Repose- a lavender vanilla scent that smells just like it sounds. Simple and to the point.  I love this because it stays around for a while and to me it smells a little like a baby doll I loved as a kid.
Sugared Crush- it is a vanilla, candy scent with a little bubble-gummy and full of sugary goodness, which maybe could be construed as young, but it's simply a delicious little fragrance.  To me smells a lot like Pink Sugar without all the chemical nasties.
Faith- Like a sniffing a 50/50 bar, orange and vanilla-y sweetness, yum!

I found the other scents to be very floral and very long-lasting, though something I would probably not choose to wear myself.
Green- So if I were to wear something non-gourmond from their line, I would choose this.  Just how it sounds. I really liked this fresh, slightly herbal cucumbery scent. Perfect on a spring or summer day it is light and well, green.

I find the florals to be a little "soapy" for lack of a better word.  I will say they are highly fragranced and longer-lasting than many natural perfumes I have come across.
Beauty- Fresh scrubbed scent smelling of sandalwood with vanilla.
True- Powdery florals: rose-y and sandalwood.  I will be honest, powdery, floral scents are not my thing as I find them to be a little "mature."
Botanica- Very floral and sweet with honeysuckle, gardenia.  Like walking through your great aunt's fabulous flower garden on a sunny day.
Peace- Smells to me like Hawaiian floral breezes and jasmine
Pure Innocence- Also very floral, with a little tangy citrus finish.

Sample 10 for $20 or purchase at www.agapeandzoe.com,  if you already know what you like www.naturaljoybeauty.com offers this brand as well.


Honore Des Pres


More expensive and more rich in ingredients and scent blends, I originally wanted to discount these because they contain Benzyl Benzoate used here as a fixative.  While I will be the first to admit this isn't my favorite ingredient, I will tell you that it is naturally derived.  Benzyl Benzoate has the potential to be an estrogen mimicker- the jury's still out, but if you're truly concerned maybe you should avoid it.  What I can tell you is that far and away this ecocert brand is a far smarter choice than anything they are selling at Sephora or your local perfume counter.  When you purchase there you have no idea what you're getting, and to be honest Benzyl Benzoate is going to be the least of your worries.  It's got a celeb following that includes Rachel Zoe.  The beautiful Jessica Alba is a fan as well and we happen to share a favorite: Vamp a NY.

Vamp a NY- This is my fall favorite, and I have been wearing it every day this season.  From the New York Collection, Vamp is warm, root beer-y floral goodness is something that is hard to describe until you try it.  It smells like rum, vanilla, caramel, spice, root beer and tuberose. And, thanks (or not) to the Benzyl or Benz as it's listed in the ingredient listing, it actually lasts on your skin.  Famous perfumer Olivia Giacobetti is the nose behind these scents, and apparently, she is like perfume royalty.  So if you're into that sort of thing, these are about as high fashion as organic perfumes get.

Love Coco is aptly named and also a fave.  This smells like a natural coconut, not artificial, not fake.  Just like you climbed up a tree, cut it open yourself and sniffed the inside of it.  If by chance people actually did things like this. Yum!

Take note that from my observations HDP's first round of scents that included Sexy Angelic seriously lacked staying power.  I tried Sexy Angelic, as I was sold on it's description. However it disappeared after ten minutes.  If you're still interested in trying it, I would describe the scent as similar to a very expensive, very french baby doll.  It smells like vanilla and (no offense to Giacometti) but a little like plastic. I'm not alone in my scentservations either.  What is the word for scent observations? It is an oxymoron, so I needed to make a word of my own. I can only speak personally for this scent though and there are several others in this original line though from the blogs I read they all have the same staying problem.

Other scents not tried in the New York line include: I Love les Carottes, which is true, I do love my carrots, so maybe I should try it!  Of the original Les Verrines D'Honore line I have only tried the Sexy Angelic scent but others include, Bonte's Bloom, Chaman's Party, Nu Green and Trip. You can even sometimes find HDP at your local Anthropologie to take a sniff first hand (though that place is a dangerous spending landmine for me).  Find them at www.anthropologie.com, www.spiritbeautylonge.com or read more at www.honoredespres.com.  You can sample them at Spirit Beauty as part of a $25 sample pack and receive that $25 credit on your next purchase.

Up next some more fab fragrances!
❤ Eco Belle Elle

❤ A Few of My Favorite Things ❤

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens......... No offense to Julie Andrews but kettles and mittens? Really? When there is a world of shoes and lipstick and puppies out there? All Sound of Music references aside (although when I was little I did want to be just like Maria- 16 going on 17) here is a list of a few of my favorites....... some beauty related & some not!

❤ Cookbooks- There is nothing more relaxing for me than flipping through a beautiful cookbook looking at the pictures, planning meals and reading through the descriptions.  A personal favorite is Peas and Thank You, a new vegan cookbook by Sarah Matheny.  This one is so funny, it honestly reads like a novel.  I am ashamed to admit that I have cuddled up in bed with it on more than one occasion. My husband was watching Anderson Cooper and CNBC and there I am reading about how to bake eggless scones.  Now who doesn't have their priorities straight?  Other favorites include: Babycakes (vegan desserts), The complete Italian Vegetarian Cookbook by Jack Bishop, Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone and anything by Martha Stewart.  No one can style food or flowers or anything like her people: Gorgeous!!

❤ Blogs- I am an information sponge and particularly love anything useful, funny or well-written.  These blogs are all of those things:

www.getposhtopush.blogspot.com. My gorgeous super-mom pal MrsKatherineA makes caring for four kids six and under look easy and glamorous, all while chasing them in 4 1/2" Louboutins- seriously Donna Reed has nothing on this girl.  She has a based of knowledge and a skill with writing that makes even non-mommies want to read.

www.peasandthankyou.com- What can I say, I can't get enough of Sarah, her fantastic recipes and her wry witty writing. Take that freshman year lit instructor, how you like that assonance? Veggie or not- you'll love this one too.

www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com- Um, healthy (vegan) desserts that even the most discriminating sugar queens will love. Need I say more? All yummy, all of the time delivered by a seriously sweet chef! No I am not completely vegan, but when I can avoid animal products deliciously I will!  Try the chocolate chip cookie pie- it is seriously surprising and delicious.

others include: www.ecostilleto.com, theglamorganicgoddess.blogspot.com, www.thekindlife.com, aspiringkennedy.com, beautyaunatural.com and www.theppk.com

❤ Crest Toothpaste- Surprised? Yes, I tried all of the hippie toothpastes and honestly? They just don't work for me.  My teeth felt like they were wearing little sweaters all of the time even when used with my beloved Sonicare toothbrush.  After a particularly uncomfortable dental cleaning after a three month bout with "natural" toothpaste, my dental hygienist (who I learned is a chemical-phobe like me) pointed out that it is pretty pointless to use inferior performing toothpastes at the risk of getting cavities and needing fillings which use far nastier ingredients than even Proctor & Gamble could come up with. Hmmmm........ she's got a great point- so I reunited myself with my former flame, Mr. Crest and we've been together ever since.  My sweater-free teeth are grateful to you smart tooth lady.

❤Zumba- My favorite class at the gym, it makes me hop out of bed in the morning to go work out- how great is that? Ours is more hip-hop style- yeah white girls can ('t) dance, but we have a whole lot of fun looking that stupid. Shake it girls!

❤ Bubble and Bee- Anything and everything from their line, you just can't go wrong.  A favorite is their deliciously-scented body butters. Plus you can make your own "signature" body spray for like $15. www.bubbleandbee.com

❤ Natural Joy Beauty- This online store is a joy, at as is the owner and store's namesake.  All items are prescreened and Joy is a pleasure to talk to- she's one knowledgeable lady.  They have a great selection and frequent coupons, so get on their mailing list! www.naturaljoybeauty.com

❤ Asics Gel Kayano Running Shoes- I'm on my 8th pair of these lovelies, and I hope they never change them.  They are actually leather-free, but even if they weren't I don't think I could give them up.  A new pair always makes me run faster and they go on sale for $109 at Nordstrom every summer and at Dick's Sporting Goods at Christmas time.  I'm all dialed in.  Expensive, but totally worth it, plus I gotta do something to work off those marshmallows and cookie pie.  This is just my favorite way to do it.

❤ Primitive Lipstick- Hands down the best "natural" option I've tried.  It has a small but beautiful palette, great staying power and I think every shade is wearable and smells deliciously of vanilla.

Left: Scarlett, Right: Chloe

❤ My Two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels- Chloe and Scarlett, two of the cutest little beings to ever inhabit this crazy world of ours. All heart and soul and sweet faces, I cannot resist a Cavalier. Could you?

❤ Agape & Zoe Sugared Crush Perfume Spray-  the answer to my perfume withdrawals. I love this syrupy scent.  Sorry that my olfactory scent leans to the sugary side, but I just can't get into grown up smells- though I like to layer this with some of my more "mature" natural scents. Give 'em a little youth boost.  Like Pink Sugar or Philosophy's Falling in Love? You'll probably like this one too, and it's inexpensive at $29.  Agape's Repose- a vanilla & lavender scent is also a favorite.  Both have surprisingly decent staying power for a natural scent. www.agapeandzoe.com

❤ A Good Mani/pedi- Acquarella and Scotch Naturals is good for pedis, not so good for manis acrylates copolymer" is not a single ingredient, but comprised of a bunch of things.  Still, they are better than most.  There are several three-free brands like Priti, No Miss, Zoya and Butter of London.  All have a fantastic color-filled line, and are still a little better than old-fashioned formulations.  Even OPI is three free now.  Sometimes we just have to do the best we can with the options we have, so just apply outside or near an open window.  We have to pick and choose things that we can give up- I can give up meat and a suntan but I need my waterproof mascara and manicures- life's about balance people.

❤ Lululemon Workout Gear- Pants, Hoodies, Tanks, Yoga Mats- Heck, I love everything from that darn store.  Maybe you think they are overrated, over-worn or overpriced? I may or may not be able to argue those points, as I am surrounded by a sea of fellow addicts each time I step foot into the gym.  A phenomena that culminates in making me feel a little like part of a suburban Stepford posse of highlighted haired (them, not me) femme-bots.  I can however assure you of one thing....Though $98, it is well known that their workout pants give a boost to your rear view (for fun just google lulu butt).  And being told you have said damn fine ass?  That my dear, is priceless :o).  In all seriousness......Their stuff lasts like 5 years and it has cute femme detailing.  Any lascivious comments aside, the best workout gear out there, since feeling a little cuter automatically makes you feel a little better at getting your own fine hind to the gym.

❤ Sweet and Sara's Vegan Coconut Marshmallows- Vegetarian marshmallows you say? Even yummier than the originals I promise you! One of the hardest things for me when going veggie was giving up the beloved summer time snack: s'mores.  Now I don't have to, since these are completely gelatin free. www.sweetandsara.com

❤ A great novel- In particular any book by Sara Addison Allen- I love her mix of whimsy, magic and innocence that she weaves into each story.  The Girl Who Chased the Moon and Gardenspells are personal favorites.  Curl up with one on a rainy afternoon, with the aforementioned marshmallows and freshly painted toes.........and you have yourself a fine little mental mini vacation.

Happy Wednesday!
❤ Eco Belle Elle

❤ Get in the Glow! ❤

I have never been really into body moisturizers.  Although for some unknown reason I loved to buy them then proceed store them under my bathroom sink indefinitely.  I have gone through short phases where I used them regularly, as I distinctly remember a Bath and Body Works Juniper Breeze stage in my teens and then later a little obsession with Nivea self tanning daily lotion.  If I remember correctly, "Juniper Breeze" smelled nothing like juniper (which is a stinky eucalyptus-like bush) nor of breezes, but more like a bizarre chemicalized sweetness untraceable to any natural compound, but I loved it back then.

Anyhow, with the exception of these little lotion excursions I have never consistently moisturized anything other than my face.  I always felt sticky and somehow "humid" after using body lotion so I tended to avoid it.  I especially hated the post-shower-lotion-dressing sequence that would have me stripping back down to towel off the offending muck before redressing in an alternative outfit that was less sticky.  I'm sorry, but I'm very tactile, I have no other way to describe it. A fold, or uneven seam in my sock would set off a gargantuan fit when my mom would put my shoes on, even at age two.  (Sorry mom, and thank you for always fixing my offending socks even though I made you late for work- love that about you)  Anyway! Back to my point- I hated lotion, but I love the sleek, shiny shins and shoulders look that a great moisturizing routine imparts.  Also, my skin can get really dry in the winter time.  And dry skin is not pretty or girly, and I aim to be both, so these days you will find me happily lubing up my epidermis with something a little more natural than Lubriderm. What's nice about options that are based on natural ingredients is that they lack things like silicone an dimethicone.  So you end up way less sticky and of course, healthier in the process.

Now let's talk about my faves.........

❤ Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil- Surprised? Seriously, this stuff is the best and I cannot get enough. You can do everything from baking cookies with it to using it to remove waterproof mascara (hey- I know waterproof mascara is not healthy but for goodness sakes I live in Seattle! I cannot run around looking like a goth suburbanite, so give me a li'l break).  I also use it to moisturize my face, lips and as an overnight treatment for my hair.  I even use it to add a little shine and polish to my lips, cheekbones, collarbones and shins.  All in all this stuff is fantastic, AND I get to smell like a giant coconut macaroon. Which, by the way is probably my most favorite cookie on the planet, especially when it's dunked in dark chocolate, yum! It's also under $10 for a giant container, you can buy it anywhere and has absolutely nothing in it besides coconut oil.  I even had a little nibble of it 'cause it smelled so good, and you know what, it tastes yummy too! (For some delish (vegan) recipes featuring coconut oil check out the Babycakes cookbook from the super famous NYC bakery- it's a favorite of mine)

❤ Mother's Special Blend Toning Oil- A beautifully moisturizing body oil that my very lovely longtime friend MrsKatherineA over at the www.getposhtopush.blogspot.com turned me on to.  Not just for mommies my friends, it's great for babies and grannys and everyone in between.  It soaks in and plumps your skin all while smelling nutty and naturally delicious.  Great to use damp right out of the shower too! Find it at your natural grocery store for about $15, no need to order it online. My brother tried to steal my bottle when we were visiting family in Texas and I had to lay the smack down.  He has always been one for secretly pilfering my beauty items.  Boys: just man up and buy your own! Who cares if it has a pregnant lady on the label? ;o) www.mothersspecialblend.com

❤ Bubble and Bee Body Butta- Yum! This stuff is like deliciously fluffy and sweet frosting.  It is all organic and scented with organic flavor oils.  You could seriously eat it, it's so pure-although I think you would have to log some serious miles on the treadmill to work off those calories.  Laugh if you must, but edibility is something I look for in lotions these days, think about it: you are pretty much coating yourself from head to toe, so really you want it to be something you would put in as well as on your body.  This stuff fits the bill and it comes in super yummy scents like raspberry vanilla and coconut lime.  They also just came out with a sugar and spice one for fall that I NEED to get my hands on. You all know I love Bubble and Bee and I think the proprietor Stephanie is great. She honestly cares about each product she creates, and so I love to support her efforts. Find it at www.bubbleandbee.com for $16/4 oz or $24/ 8 oz- but don't kid yourself- you need the 8 oz since this stuff is a little addictive.

❤ Wild Carrot Herbals Lord My Hands Are So Dry!- This is the cleanest "real" lotion I could find.  Why do I worry about cleanliness in real lotions? Because lotions have water, and items with water need have to have preservatives in them to avoid nasty bacterial growth. Ew- something to avoid right? I don't want it in my food and I don't want it on my body.  But potassium sorbate is the preservative used by Wild Carrot, and it is the only preservative allowed to be used in organic products.  So I figure it is the best of what's out there. This company is local for me, being made right next door in Oregon.  It has a naturally sweet, slightly spicy vanilla scent, and feels very moisturizing and not sticky.  I love that it is in a amber glass pump bottle that's pretty enough to keep on my bedside table.  That way I can lotion my dry little hands before bed all the while saying "Lord, my hands are so dry," as if He has nothing bigger to deal with, Ha!  It's about $16 for an 8 ounce bottle and for a lotion has some very nice ingredients including some organic oils and nut butters.  Find it at your local health food store or: www.wildcarrotherbals.com/. They also have a luminous lotion with a little shimmer in it, in case you're into that sort of thing for summer.  I know I am!

❤ Another DIY favorite that I should mention is to take a hunk of coconut butter and a little jojoba oil and even beeswax if you have it, and microwave or melt in a double boiler all of it until liquid and mixed together.  Then, let them set back up in the fridge or on the countertop overnight to make a naturally chocolate scented lotion cake. They sell these in Lush for like $15 filled with a bunch of extra toxic junk that you don't need or want.  Coconut butter is not inexpensive, but you can buy it in bulk over at Amazon or sometimes at health food stores. You can even use soap or candy molds to make pretty lotion bars to give as gifts or just for yourself. I love how quick and easy this is to use, and the fact that it's calorie-free chocolate.  Girls, you gotta love that- don't say I never gave you anything!


So there you are- a little tour of my supply.  Remember when looking for some of the best beauty solutions, sometimes we don't need to look any further than our pantries or refrigerators to find cheap and simple solutions just like our Granny's Granny used to use.  Avoiding chemical nasties = good for you and good for our environment. Also, never ignore the fact that what you are putting into your body is showing up on the outside.  You can't expect to have great results with any beauty regimen without getting enough veggies, water, sunscreen, sleep and vitamins. Also, don't ignore those omegas for gorgeous skin and hair, even vegetarians can get the good stuff now: NutraVege is a superior vegan source of Omegas www.ascentahealth.com/products/human/nutravege-200-ml.

Your skin as well as your entire body will thank you, believe me!

❤ Eco Belle Elle

❤ Lipstick & Glosses ❤

My close friend was telling me the other day how she just got rid of her two year old's pacifier.  They had planned to have a little ritual where they were going to set the pacifier free by tying it to a balloon.  They even had a children's book about being a big girl and saying goodbye to the pacifier (though in reality all their planning was for naught, and "pacie" was set "free" by being unceremoniously spit into the kitchen trash can). Though I didn't have a ceremonial goodbye. I do remember the day I got rid of my lipstick stash.  It was so sad!  I have to say: Connelly, my darling girl, I understand your pain.  Tossing those in the trash was a lot like losing an old, trusted friend.  I felt a little lost, a little empty.  I know it's just lip gloss, but you try it, it is a hard switch!

These days my lip product coffers have been thankfully refilled.  I have tried a lot of organic/lipsticks at this point so I feel pretty confident about reviewing my favorites...... So here we go!  These are all around $20 unless otherwise noted.

❤ Primitive- This is by far the best "natural" lipstick brand I have found.  The colors are beautiful and wearable.  It feels and smells like regular lipstick.  Like MAC shades it is vanilla flavored/scented, unlike MAC the vanilla is natural. It is moisturizing and it lasts a really long time.  In other words it really does rival regular lipstick.  I have the Sahara color and it is a perfect pinky nude. I also loved the Corsica color which was a slightly deeper and pinker nude.  I don't think you can go wrong with any lipstick from their line.  I am hoping that they come out with more colors soon, as they don't have a huge color range. The ingredients are fantastic too!

❤ 100% Pure-  I love the color options as they have a pretty large range, but honestly most of them are in the pinky/red/peachy range so if you are looking for something other than that you might have to look elsewhere.  I have yet to find a truly nude color from them, since most are more pink than nude.  That said I love all the colors and the one I got called Lychee.  Yeah it is more pink, but I really don't need 20 lipsticks in the same nude shade like I used to have.  I love the pigment content, soft creamy consistency and fruity scent of these lip glazes.  One of the best things about them is that as they wear off they leave a pretty stain on your lips that you can just reapply gloss over.  The pigments are from fruit sources instead of mineral sources, which I think helps the lipstick (actually called lip glaze) be a little more moisturizing. Makeup alley has a really good photo of the color swatches and I found the colors and descriptions to be pretty accurate on the website.  Watch out for other products containing Japanese Honeysuckle and Vitamin A- the Japanese Honeysuckle is one ingredient to always avoid as it is an estrogen mimicker and can also be tainted with other chemicals.

❤ Vapour- You all know I love my Vapour Siren lipstick- and the Possess color is the perfect neutral pale pink.  Think 1960's Bridgette Bardot kind of pink.  I love this formula, but I do wish it lasted a bit longer, although I am not willing to use the lipsticks with plastics ingredients just so I don't have to reapply.  I have three of the siren lipsticks and the colors are all really nice.  The scent is slightly citrusy and very nice.  Get 'em on the Vapour website or Spirit Beauty Lounge.

❤ Hemp Organics- this one has a really great ingredient listing, but I will admit, the consistency is a little drier than I would like.  Like many mineral lipsticks, the consistency is a bit different between different colors, attributed to the type of pigments being used.  I got the color Rose Quartz and it is a pretty pop of pink.  I really like their large range of colors, but hate the company website color images.  You can sometimes find these at Whole Foods.

❤❤ Gloss

❤ Burt's Bees Super Shiny Gloss- This is what I end up wearing most days.  Easy, slightly shimmery and super glossy, I just don't think you can go wrong with these little beauties.  They're affordable at $7 and easy to find, look no further than your local Target, or even Nordstrom Rack. I have three of the 6 available colors, including zesty red, which isn't really red, just a sheer darker pink that is like your lip color, only better.  I also have nectar nude, a shimmer pale peach and sweet pink which is a shimmery pale pink.  The ingredient list for this is good, though I can't vouch for all of Burt's lip products.

❤ Vapour Elixr Gloss & Elixr Plumping Gloss-  good nude glosses, though kind of sheer with not much color payoff.  The darker colors like entice and bitten have a lot more pigment, but all of them wear off quickly.  Good moisturizing qualities, yummy natural scent and nice to layer over the other lipsticks.  I have honor and pout, in the plumping variety.  They don't plump much and both are really pale nudes with honor being more pink.  In the Elixr Gloss I have twinkle, sultry and hush.  Sultry is definitely the most pigmented, with twinkle and hush being basically sheer.

❤ Eye Love You Nvey Eco ❤

So it has been a very busy and fun summer for me- however, I have not much time available to bond with my blog.  But now I'm back and I have some new and yummy products for you to try.......

I absolutely adore the Nvey Eco eyeshadows, I recently purchased the palette of five shades in Palette #3 and I am totally enamored of the colors, wearability, blendability and all around "conventional eyeshadow behavior." They are really finely milled so they go on beautifully and the shimmery ones are pearlescent, not disco glitter ball like some of the other mineral shadows I've tried.  In particular I love that they are pressed colors, something that is difficult to find in natural or organic makeup.  Hence, I am not decorating my countertop each morning with sprays of loose minerals.  I'll be honest, I love natural brands, but the loose powder thing really drives me crazy!  I always end up with way too much in the sifter tray, spill it on myself in the car when I am touching up, or the cap ends up unscrewing itself in my makeup bag and making a huge mess.  Needless to say I am thrilled with the packaging and ease of use of these shadows.  The fact that they really are fabulous colors and give conventional shadows a run for their money is the icing on the cake.  

Like many of you I was a lover of the MAC counter, in particular the eyeshadows.  Since I mostly only wear browns, I had a small treasure trove of everything from sparkly golden brown to dark espresso colors.  Hey- I'll be honest, I don't branch out much in my shadow colors these days.  In my teens and early twenties I was a little more "free-spirited" with my color choices.  Years later, when cleaning out all my old makeup I would come across these bizarre colors and wonder which of my alter-egos decided to visit the MAC counter for a day of shopping.  

Luckily for you if you're a little more adventurous like my former selves you can choose from a plethora of gorgeous colors from the Nvey line.  In particular I like the palettes- you get a lot of product, they are easy to travel with and I think they are a really good deal, with 5 colors for $63 on the Nvey site.  Although if you google them you can find the same palettes for $45.  

I also highly recommend the cake eyeliner.  I have it in brown and it lasts pretty much all day without smudging and really does rival my old fave: Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Espresso.  I love it applied wet for a really clean and precise look, but used dry it does a great smoky eye too.  Surprisingly, it does a fantastic job of lining your waterline as well, better than any conventional pencil I've tried which always end up smearing all over and disappearing by the end of the night.  The cake liner will cost you about $25, and will last you seriously for years. (Although you should toss your makeup after a while to avoid icky bacteria buildup)

It has been a long search to find the right liner and shadows that compare to my old stuff, so here is a quick rundown of what I have tried........ They are still good clean options, but they didn't work for me, but they might for you if for some reason you don't agree with my opinions on the Nvey line.

Shadows:

RMS Cream shadow in Magnetic- beautiful color, super easy to apply with fingers and moisturizing, however it ended up super creased on me even with serious eyelid prepping beforehand.

Vapour Mezmerize Cream Stick Shadow in Charm- I actually love this shadow and still use it as a base, it does crease a little after a while and the color doesn't last all day, but it is still a great option if you like cream shadows. (I prefer powders myself)

Alima Pure Shadows- I tried about 20 different colors with their sample program and I absolutely love this company, their beautiful color line and the overall cuteness of their website, web content and packaging.  However, for myself I find that I'm not adept at blending these colors, they get really "muddy" on me.  Also, the shadows don't last on my skin for some reason.  (I would say I have normal skin- sometimes drier or oiler depending on the weather, but I don't break out really ever, so probably on the drier side of things.)  They have a fantastic sample program though, so try them out, they might be perfect for you, especially if you are willing to use a conventional shadow base. Urban Decay makes a fantastic one that I used to love- I'm sure the ingredients are sketchy at best though.

Liners:

Dr. Hauschka Liqid Liner in Black- Ouch ouch, it burns my eyes! Plus it lasted about 30 seconds until I curled my lashes and then pulled a houdini like disappearing act ending up on my Shu Uemura curler, even after ample (15 minute) drying time. 'Nuf said!

Honeybee Gardens Pencil Liner in Jet Set- nice color, probably would do a great smoky eye if you're into that, for me, it is waaaaay to smudgy.

Jane Iredale Pencil Liner in Black Brown- a good pencil liner option, pretty similar to my MAC liners, soft, easy to sharpen and wears pretty well.  If you prefer a pencil liner over the Nvey Eco cake liner than this is the one for you!

❤ Sunscreen ❤

Now that summer is well underway I wanted to touch base on an everyday essential: Sunscreen.  Sunscreen is an absolute must for me.  I wear a sunscreen lotion on my face, lips, neck and ears every single day, even in the winter.  If I am going to be outside for more than a few minutes, or if I am wearing a tank top or something bare I make sure to apply it to exposed areas.  I wanted to share a few tried and tested favorites with you.  These are all non-nano particle sunscreens, and have all been reviewed as a safe 1-2 rating on the EWG site.


❤ Badger Unscented SPF 30-  This was the EWG sunscreen review's top pick for 2010.  Though it is no holds the number one spot, it is still one of the top ranked sunscreens.  I like it since it only has a few ingredients and I know what each and every one is (without a dictionary!). Badger is great if you are going to be in and out of the water, since it is pretty thick and waterproof.  To avoid that lovely corpse-like white hue, I rub blob of it between my hands to sort of warm it up before applying it.  Also if you want to avoid the white cast I recommend applying in small areas- like one leg at a time, etc.  I like this one for the lake though, since it does seem to stay on well in the water.  Plus it is reef-safe! Always reapply it once you get out and towel off.  I like the scent, it is light, and smells slightly nutty and natural.  The only thing I dislike about it is it is rather oily, definitely not a light feel, so I typically use it only on the lake or when I'm going to get sweaty doing gardening or going for a run.  It has not caused me to have breakouts, even when used on my face.  It would be great for babies and children as well.  A 2.9 ounce tube will set you back $15 from Whole Foods.
ingredients:
Active Sunscreen Ingredient: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 18.75%
Other Sunscreen Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), and CO2 Extracts of *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn). * = Certified Organic


❤ Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen SPF 30- this is a great everyday around town block.  This is the one that I used every day in Texas.  I had to wear something all day everyday there, since the sun was so intense.  I love this one since it is light, non-greasy and 82% organic.  It is water resistant, and I did swim with it on while I was down there with no problems, but I think I prefer the Badger for serious water sports.  It has a light lavender scent and goes on easily and is fairly sheer as long as you don't use too much.  I would caution applying too much in one area though.  It has a unique consistency and when you use to much it sort of balls up and peels off, if that makes sense.  This sunscreen has a pretty good rating on the EWG site, though it is a little lower in UVA coverage than the Badger, but since I will wear this one on a daily basis, I figure it outweighs the lesser coverage.  Since I would probably forgo sunscreen at all if I had to use the oily stuff.  They make a baby sunscreen that has excellent ratings across the board, so be sure to try that one out too! It is a big bottle 6 oz, and I paid $15 on sale for it at my local co-op.

ingredients:

Zinc Oxide . . . . . . . 6.0% Sunscreen
Titanium Dioxide . . 6.0% Sunscreen

Other Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera Juice), Organic Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic Triglyceride, Lecithin, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Xanthan Gum, Vegetable Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Essential Oil.

❤ Devita Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30- This is what I use on my face and neck every day. I have to admit it is not super moisturizing.  It is more of a gel-like moisturizer but I find it to be perfect under my makeup or with a bare face. It doesn't really smell and it is extremely light and non-comodegenic. So I think it would work well for a variety of skin types.  I love that it has zinc oxide only, which is the gentlest of the physical sunscreen ingredients and the one that you will find in most of the baby products.  Since it is micronized, it is completely non-white. This one is definitely a keeper! I bought mine on amazon, but you can find it at lots of natural or health food stores. It will cost you about $26 for 2.5 ounces. This one is labeled as being Vegan as well on the packaging.
ingredients:
Micronized Zinc oxide 19%. Inactive Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (organic aloe vera gel), purified water, capric/caprylic triglcerides (from coconut oil), glycerin (vegetable), Hyaluronic acid (vegan source), glycerl stearate SE (derived from vegetable oil), stearic acid, lecithin phospholipid, tocopherol (Vit E), allantoin, vitis vinifera (grape) seed extract.


❤ Other sunscreens to check out.......
Caribbean Solutions- Super light, reef friendly. I really like the light, sheer texture of this one. 
Mexitan Tropical Sands- Reef friendly and they have a high SPF option as well- I haven't ordered this one yet, but I would like to try the SPF 50 just to see if it is sheer or not.
Goddess Garden Sunscreen Spray- a much better option than those horrible aerosol sunscreens and easy to apply in those hard to reach areas. This one scores a little higher (a 3 I believe) on EWG scale since inhaling zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is a typically a no-no.  But this has better and safer ingredients than any other spray sunscreen out there.  Hint: Hold your breath while applying if you are truly concerned, but I still think this stuff is much better than using nothing.  Case in point, if you are like my brother who is always out surfing in the lovely San Diego sun and not wanting to ask some other dude to rub sunscreen on him then this is a way better option than burning!


Peace Love and Beauty,
❤ Eco Belle Elle