❤ 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

What I've Been Up To.....

Hi All! Sorry I have been MIA but I've been traveling!! Unfortunately summer has not come to Seattle, so I had to go find the sun elsewhere :o). I just got back visiting family in Austin and San Antonio and believe me when I say that they have more than their fair share of sun.

For those of you that didn't read my intro- I mentioned my struggle with vegetarianism, I admit I used to occasionally eat meat because I was forever replacing it with fattening things like cheese since I can't eat any soy products! I ate it maybe once a week and it was always organic- thinking that the animals were treated better (believe me they aren't). I am happy to report that I am not struggling any longer, the diet book Skinny Bitch cured me from ever wanting to eat meat again!! If you are looking for a push- then pick it up! Though prepare yourself, the chapter on meat is not a pretty one. I am a huge animal lover and I literally began shaking and tearing up when I read it. I think though if I can avoid meat Texas, I can make it anywhere- at several places the only "veggie" thing they had was a salad, and I still had to ask for no bacon!

I am happy to report that I am well into the reviews for organic perfumes, so I will begin to post those soon!

Hope you are all having a fun and relaxing summer so far!

❤ Eco Belle Elle

❤ Bubble and Bee Rosehip and Honey Face Wash ❤

You all know that I love my Bubble and Bee Pineapple Enzyme wash.  I actually tried the Rosehip and Honey first and didn’t love it so much.  I decided to review it anyway though, since I think it may work well for me in the winter and also for any of my beauties out there with extremely dry and sensitive skin.  The good: it is extremely gentle and moisturizing, lathers a little bit and you need only a small amount.  It smells simple like oatmeal and honey. 

The bad: I thought I would need the extra moisture that this wash provided, however, it just didn’t work quite right with my skin and I got a few blemishes as a result.  I would recommend this wash for very dry, very sensitive and aging skin.  It leaves a moisturizing film after using that would be wonderful for someone with the aforementioned skin issues.  Since it is getting warmer, these days I am drier on my cheeks and a bit oiler in my t-zone, which is a pretty normal combo. Since I have almost 3/4 of this bottle left, I fully intend on trying it again in the winter months when I suffer from tight, dry skin as a result of cold weather and depleted humidity from running the furnace constantly.  I’ll do a little update on it then.  For now, I think the Bubble and Bee website is extremely accurate in describing the usage and skin types their three face washes are design for.  The third is a cucumber based wash for oily and acne prone skin.  If in doubt as to which one to pick, just email their customer service department, they will get back to you usually in a few hours.

Peace, Love and Beauty

❤ Eco Belle Elle

The once over……….........

I’m bidding a (not-so-fond) farewell to: Philosophy Purity Face Wash

Eco Belle Elle product pick: Bubble and Bee Rosehip and honey

Buy it: Bubbleandbee.com or naturaljoybeauty.com

Gonna lighten your bank account:$15

Cheers to: Gentle, certified organic ingredients.  Nice pump-style packaging.

Jeers to: Moisturizing level may be too heavy for some

Shop 'til you drop?: I will be sticking with their Pineapple Enzyme Wash for now

EWG score: 0!

Ingredients: Organic jojoba oil, organic honey, organic rosehip seed oil, organic coconut oil saponified, organic olive oil saponified, organic jojoba oil saponified, vegetable glycerin, organic guar gum, organic aloe vera juice, rosemary extract.        

That's it... No "Bad" Stuff!

Company low down: I cannot say enough great things: excellent customer service, fair pricing, certified organic ingredients and a truly knowledgeable developer and owner

BONUS POINTS: Cutesy labeling and packaging.  Plus since you really never have to question anything in their ingredient list, it is pretty much a no-brainer to shop from their site. 

❤ Bubble and Bee Pineapple Enzyme Face Wash ❤

If you have been reading my blog you know I love Bubble and Bee for their great products, ingredient cleanliness, excellent customer service and informative website and owner, Stephanie.  When I ran out of my old standby face wash: Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple.  It was time to search out something new.  I found what I was looking for in Bubble and Bees Pineapple Enzyme Face Wash. 

I love that it foams and that you only need the teeniest bit to get a really good lather.  It removes all traces of makeup and smells heavenly like tropical fruit and pineapples.  It cleans really well without leaving any of that tight dry feeling that I would actually get quite often with the Philosophy wash.  You can always tell if a facewash is right for you by noting the moisture of your skin right after washing.  Tight or dry? You need something that is more gentle and moisturizing.  Greasy or shiny within the hour? You may need something with a little more gentle cleaning powder. 

Even better than their edible scent, those pineapple enzymes act as a gentle chemical exfoliant.  So your skin is rosy and dewy each time you wash.  With daily use I have noticed my skin looks fresher and my t-zone pores are more refined.  I use this with a sonic facial brush, if you haven’t tried one, I highly, highly recommend getting one.  I will review the one I have been using on the blog soon.  For all you true purists, I know it is pretty inorganic to use a battery operated brush when you can use your hands to clean your face...... but after using one for the last few months I would not give mine up!

Even though I love wearing makeup, I want to be able to show off my skin without anything on it with confidence.  These days I am doing that regularly. (And getting compliments while doing it, which is just makes you feel good, doesn’t it?)  For most days, just a little under eye concealer and some bronzer for color and my face is prepped for the fun stuff! 

Always Bee Fabulous

❤ Eco Belle Elle

The once over……….........

I’m bidding a (not-so-fond) farewell to: Philosophy Purity Made Simple Face Wash

Eco Belle Elle product pick: Bubble and Bee Pineapple Enzyme Face Wash

Buy it:  Bubbleandbee.com or naturaljoybeauty.com

Gonna lighten your bank account: $15

Cheers to: Gentle,(80%) certified organic ingredients and a delicious fruity scent.  Nice pump-style packaging.

Jeers to: Nada

Shop 'til you drop?: I would definitely buy this again

EWG score: 0, wow!

Ingredients: Organic coconut oil saponified, organic olive oil saponified, organic jojoba oil saponified, organic pineapple extract, organic tropical enzyme blend (pineapple, papaya, green papaya), vegetable glycerin, organic guar gum, organic aloe vera juice, rosemary extract. That's it... No "Bad" Stuff! 

Company low down: I cannot say enough great things: excellent customer service, fair pricing, certified organic ingredients and a truly knowledgeable developer and owner.

BONUS POINTS: Cutesy labeling and packaging.  Plus since you really never have to question anything in their ingredient list, it is pretty much a no-brainer to shop from their site. 

❤ Fragrance ❤

Okay I am putting a disclaimer on this one, since I had my best friend (who is a serious perfume lover and collector) preview it and she actually got mad at me!  If you are reading my blog, I am assuming that like me, you are pretty serious about making healthy choices when it comes to your everyday routine.  In the course of that, we often have to give up things that we love.  For me, perfume was one of the harder products, since I really truly love to smell pretty things.  If you would prefer to stay in the dark, telling yourself: "what I don't know can't hurt me,"  I understand and truly have no judgement.  If you do want to know the truth of the matter without having to research it yourself, then read on my lovelies............. It's not a review, but hopefully you will get something out of it and be a little entertained.
❤ Eco Belle Elle

Why Fragrance is THE Dirtiest Word in the Dictionary

I vividly remember my first perfume. I found it while shopping with my two best friends at the Body Shop one Saturday.  It was called Fuzzy Peach and it became my first signature scent, punctuating every truly great seventh and eighth grade memory.  The most special of these include my first school dance, wearing makeup for the first time and the biggie……. my first real kiss with the boy of my 13-year-old dreams (in my neighbor’s walk-in pantry, oh the romance).  Yes, even today when I smell any kind of peachy deliciousness I feel about 13 years old, holding hands with “that” boy that made your little-girl heart pitter-patter (you know the one I’m talking about, you probably had one too).  Imagine my surprise when I learned that they can’t produce a natural peach perfume, since peaches don’t contain essential oils.

So what in the heck makes “Fuzzy Peach” smell like….well…. I guess a fuzzy peach? Most likely, It was persol, a cheap petroleum distillate used in everything from industrial solvents to toilet cleaners.  Sorry, but this soooo takes the romance out of these sweet memories!  Really? My first kiss was scented with toilet-bowl cleaner ingredients?  

When I began researching information on products I would often come across the word “fragrance.”  Fragrance as an ingredient is like violence on television, it is so prevalent in our every day lives that we barely notice it these days.  I casually dismissed its presence in my product ingredient list.  Thinking to myself it’s only fragrance, that’s not bad.  Why would it have an 8 rating on the EWG naughty scale?  I naively continued to buy natural or organic makeup with fragrance as an ingredient, spending my effort, time and money the wrong way.  Here’s the thing: while you are busy picking apart the ingredient list and obsessing over whether or not that shea butter is certified organic.  That nasty little tag-along, “fragrance” is doing a happy dance ‘cause you overlooked it. 

Like you, I always thought perfume was from “real” things (obviously since I was duped by fake peaches).  Well it’s not. Much of it is synthetic and some not really even developed for its smell. Often times, the smell is a happy accident or by-product from some other desired chemical. Kind of similar to the way antifreeze tastes sweet but it sure as heck isn’t made of sugar.  Modern perfume formulations pretty much started with Chanel No.5.  This was one of the world’s first synthetic fragrances and it left traditional French perfume techniques in the dust production-cost and wearability wise. Aldehydes were cheaper and easier to produce then distilling the real thing, and a new generation of perfumes makers took note.

So what is fragrance or perfume actually made of? No one really knows, except the fragrance houses themselves and they aren’t telling. It is considered proprietary or a trade secret, and can be composed of a combination 3,000 possible ingredients.  It gets its innocuous sounding label “fragrance” or “parfum”, it’s filthy French cousin on your label.  Many or all of the ingredients in modern-day fragrances are synthetic and can do a serious number on your endocrine system.  Remember when people threw away their BPA (bisphenol-A) plastic bottles en masse in a fit of terror over its potential for hormonal disruption?  Media hysteria caused millions of baby and water bottles to end up in landfills and recycling centers across the globe.  Don’t be embarrassed to admit it, I did it too, and then continued to spritz myself with Angel.  All the while, thinking to myself, “whew, dodged that bullet.”  

What if I told you the stuff we use every single day in about 98% of our skin care and beauty products does pretty much the same thing as BPA? There’s no newsflash about that one.  Due to their similar chemical makeup, many synthetic perfume ingredients appear like estrogen and other hormones to our bodies and wreak havoc on our hormonal systems.  The resulting hormonal and chemical imbalance can cause everything from infertility to cancer. 

Fragrance ingredients often contain phthalates, a plasticizer that makes plastic flexible and is in everything from kid’s toys to hairspray. In 1998, the EWG tested people for the chemical, dibutyl phthalate, which is commonly found in nail polish. Among adults tested, 100% had this compound present in their bodies.  The FDA has since banned the use of 6 pthalates from consumer use, but there are many, many more out there.  Scary? The worst offense as far as I’m concerned is that fragrance (and therefore the ubiquitous phthalates) is in MANY baby products, even those claiming to be natural (hello Burt's Bees and Aveeno- though both do offer a non-scented wash). Manufacturers, you should be ashamed.  However you need to ask yourself, what on god’s green earth smells like baby powder?

My intent is not to scare you, nor do I want you to totally give up fragranced products.  They are just too important to the human experience.  So what is a girl (or guy) to do? Whatever you do, DO NOT give up on finding healthier alternatives because it seems too overwhelming.  Additionally I have to ask that you do not stand in line at the grocery store and tell people what is in their baby’s bubble bath.  They will just look at you like you are insane, trust me on this.  I literally have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep my mouth shut sometimes.  I just want you to seek out naturally-fragranced products, made with only essential oils (preferably organic and NOT patchouli scented ☺).  Become a label-reader and chemical sleuth.  Don’t stop at just your perfume, body wash or body spray.  Consider everything that you are exposed to: hairspray, lotion, deodorant, candles, room fresheners, plug-ins, oil diffusers, laundry detergent, fabric softener and cleaning supplies (sorry, even Method and Mrs. Meyers use synthetics).  All of these everyday things have fragrance, and 99.9% of them are going to be from a synthetic source because it is cheap and easy.  For safer alternatives, try some of the ones listed below…….

At least this way when you have a beautiful memory tied to a particular scent, you know it’s not gonna be toilet bowl cleaner.

Sniff-sniff hooray!

Eco Belle Elle

P.S. I am devoting August to reviews of purely natural and organic personal fragrance.  I know it seems like a while away, but this is going to be quite time-consuming.  I will be enlisting extra noses to gain some consensus.  Hey! Interested in joining the team girls? (or boys? :o) Email me your thoughts on some organic or synthetic-free perfumes you’ve tried at ecobelleelle@hotmail.com or post a comment below. In the meantime I will continue to post my regular reviews.

For now here are some truly safe and trusted brands to tide you over until I can submit more reviews (I have read up on their company information and questioned them endlessly via phone or email, so rest easy my pretty J)………  Visit my site in August for a list of great perfumes.

Face, Bath and Body Products

Bubble and Bee - you can custom blend your own body sprays there too!

Organic Excellence

Miessence

Dr. Bronner’s
Lotus Moon
Lauren Brooke Cosmetics

Baby Products
Earth Mama Angel Baby

Bubble and Bee

Miessence

Dr. Bronner’s

Cleaning Supplies

Seventh Generation
Ecos

❤ Deodorants Part Deux ❤

My Rapidly Expanding Bubble and Bee Collection

The organic deodorant review continues.......I usually will never review things that I don’t like, but I am going to do a quick rundown list of the deodorants I tried so you can get an idea of what I went through in my search to find the perfect one.  It was an expensive process, resulting in a lot of wasted product, so hopefully someone can benefit from it.  Additionally, I wanted to share with you the deodorants to avoid, since many “natural” deodorants are hiding unhealthy ingredients under that granola-looking label.  I also wanted to share my husband’s product pick with you so you can get the men in your life to make the switch.

IN! Deodorants I liked and would purchase again:

❤ Bubble and Bee Geranium and Lime Pit Putty- works well, absorbs wetness.  I like the sprays better, though since they last longer than 24 hours for me and I don’t have to worry about white residue.  Though these deodorants don’t leave white at all if you rub them in.  My mom has this and loved it as well.

❤ Bubble and Bee Geranium and Lime Spray & Lemon and Clove Spray- both work really well, and last 12-24 hours depending on activity.  Though I liked the geranium lime scent more, I like the lemon and clove’s performance a little more.  I use both to mix it up.

❤ Bubble and Bee Spearmint and Tea Tree with Baking Soda Pit Putty- This is my husband’s go to daily deodorant. Score one for me; I got my man to switch.  This works great for both of us, and smells really good on him.  It is just a little too “toothpaste-y” smelling for me.  I have reciprocated the sniff test for my hubs and I can say unequivocally that this performs as well as his Axe, Degree, Adidas and all the other toxic ones he used before.

OUT! Deodorants I disliked for either performance or ingredients:

Tom’s of Maine Crystal Confidence in Citrus- This worked great for me.  However I gave it up since it contains potassium alum, a salt that contains aluminum.  See earlier posts for info on potential dangers of aluminum.

Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Aluminum-Free Deodorant in Apricot- I thought this would be great since it worked well and said aluminum free on the label.  Unfortunately, it contains Propylene Glycol, an ingredient that makes chemicals pass more easily through the skin and into the bloodstream.  It is also suspected to be a neurotoxin, skin toxin, and reproductive toxin.  Oh, Tom’s what were you thinking?

The Body Shop Deodry in Fresh and Floral- I only tried this on my forearm so, I don’t know if this worked or not for me.  The actual scent smelled awful and skunky on my skin after an hour. The lady at Sephora just raved about it, so I decided to try.  It was a total waste, since the scent did not work with my chemistry at all. Since I never used this, I wanted to try out its efficacy so I gifted this one to my best friend who has very different chemistry than me.  She was unhappy to report that she smelled like a “non-bra wearing, stinky hippie” (her words exactly) after just a few hours. Also, it’s not really a very clean ingredient list.

Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant Spray- This worked really well for me, with some caveats: the major one being it burned like crazy. As in: Ouch! Ouch! My armpits are on fire!  Also it has benzyl benzoate, a synthetic preservative (ew!) that is potentially a weak estrogen mimicker.  These things together would make me not recommend this product or any of the other Weleda Spray Deodorants, though I do like a few items from the Weleda Line.

Soapwalla Cream Deodorant- I feel badly putting this one on my “out” list since I wanted to love this, but didn’t like it at all.  It smelled masculine and earthy and it didn’t work well for me.  Felt and smelled like I was rubbing Vick’s vaporub under my arms.  Also left greasy spots on dark clothes if I used too much.  A lot of people swear by it though, and it has an awesome ingredient list.  Remember what I said about everyone's chemistry being different, so this may work for some.

So as you can tell, I am sticking with the Bubble and Bee from now on.  They seem to be a fail-proof option for me as well as most of my friends and family that have tried them.  Try them risk-free too with the deodorant guarantee at www.bubbleandbee.com.




UPDATE!! I USED MY BUBBLE AND BEE DEODERANT SPRAY IN SUPER HOT TEXAS FOR A WEEK AND IT WORKED!!! I WASN'T SURE SO I BROUGHT AN OLD TRADITIONAL DEODORANT JUST IN CASE, BUT I DIDN'T NEED IT! ON A COUPLE OF DAYS I DID REAPPY ONCE, BUT I AM PRETTY SURE I WOULD HAVE HAD TO DO THAT WITH ANYTHING, IT WAS AFTER ALL, 108 DEGREES! 

❤ Bubble and Bee Deodorant Spray ❤

K this is not the product obviously, but it is just too cute not to add to my review!

Well I can’t believe that I am going to talk about my armpits, but frankly, I think the time has come. Deodorant is one of the things that made me decide to change over to natural products, though it was a rocky start finding one I liked.  Natural deodorant is probably the hardest item to switch to, since everyone’s chemistry is a little bit different.  I am sharing what has worked for me.  It may or may not work for you.  The great thing about buying from Bubble and Bee is that they have a deodorant guarantee. Doesn’t work for you? Stephanie will send you a replacement at no charge until you find the one that works for you. You just pay for shipping.

Me and my sweet, who I tortured
with my deodorant quest

Finally! The days are getting longer, warmer and sunnier, putting my new deodorants from Bubble and Bee to the true test.  Guess what? They passed with flying colors!  I use the Lemon and Clove oil spray, which works great on its own. I also like to spritz my special “perfume” from Bubble and Bee that’s a raspberry, brown sugar, vanilla, coconut concoction over the top just for added scent.  My pits are smelling extra lovely these days, a fact that was confirmed by my brave and obliging husband.  For nearly two months I have been subjecting him to a post workout sniff test, and he obliged me every time. Now, that is what I call love!

I do hard workouts 5-6 days a week with back-to-back classes on several days (typical is Zumba then a boot camp-style weight class, or running then class).  Since I have been using Bubble and Bee, I have never, ever had a problem with odor: even if I can’t shower right away after.  Also, I am not one of those girls who simply glow in exercise class. I am truthfully a sweaty mess, especially when I work out indoors.

Yes, you do sweat when you wear deodorants without antiperspirant, which takes a little getting used to. However, I never look sweaty outside of exercising, so I have learned to live with it.  Sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling and cleansing itself and our pores.  To block sweat glands with the aluminum that is in conventional deodorants is not only unhealthy, it is potentially dangerous.  Aluminum is linked with Alzheimer’s and potentially cancers, so why risk it if you can find something that works just as well?  Bubble and Bee's sprays work by combining organic grain alcohol with scent controlling essential oils.  This is a great combo since bacteria will never grow resistant to the alcohol.  Hence, once you find the one you like it should keep working for you.  No more sniff tests for me these days thanks to Bubble and Bee. 

Merci Beaucoup! (Really making that college french work for me, huh? lol!)

❤ Eco Belle Elle

The once over……….........

I’m bidding a (not-so-fond) farewell to: Dove Deodorant

Eco Belle Elle product pick: Bubble and Bee Lemon and Clove Deodorant Spray

Buy it: Bubbleandbee.com or naturaljoybeauty.com (love natural joy beauty store by the way and a review for them is in the works, however if you want the deodorant guarantee, buy directly from Bubble and Bee.)

Gonna lighten your bank account: $9- $10.85 depending on the deodorant formulation you choose, which is honestly more than I’m used to paying for deodorant.  However I am happy to spend the money on something healthy that actually works.  Deodorant is one place where I don’t want to play it cheap!

Cheers to:  Safe, certified organic ingredients and a good mister that doesn’t clog. The products last a loooong time too!

Jeers to: The fact that you have to order it and pay shipping. Bleh! Though I have started a campaign at my local co-op and also at the Bellevue Whole Foods to carry their line. Several of the Whole Foods locations in Utah and Colorado carry the Bubble and Bee brand.  Also, the aluminum bottle- though it is internally and externally coated like your soda and food cans so it doesn’t leach. I believe I can overlook this, but I heard that a change might be in the works.

Shop 'til you drop?: I would definitely buy this again, in fact, my deodorant orders are getting costly cause I just can’t say no to trying the entire Bubble and Bee line!

EWG score: 0-1 Depending on product selected! Bellissima!

Ingredients: Quadruple-distilled grain spirits, organic lemon essential oil, organic clove essential oil. Simple and easy to understand list, in fact, you could potentially drink it since grain alcohol is edible and so are the oils- though of course it wouldn’t be recommended.

Company low down: Love my Bubble and Bee

BONUS POINTS:  Shop with abandon! I have found everything they offer to be safe and fabulous.