ORGANIC APOTEKE: Effective Luxurious Pure

organic \a-pō-ˈtēk\

Organic Apoteke's story begins with Dr. Nitasha Buldeo. Dr. Buldeo's vision to provide the most healthful, luxurious and effective skincare was inspired by her grandmother's legendary skin remedies, which were based on an unusual fusion of ayurvedic, traditional African and Native American wisdom. Just sit and think about that for a second. Comprehend the vastness of what those three cultures have historically brought to the realm of skincare - are you getting the potential vastness of that wisdom? Whew ... mind blowing. As a young girl, Nitasha helped tend her grandmother's herb garden and watched as she prepared therapeutic remedies for a wide range of skin conditions. Inspired by her grandmother's wisdom and her effective formulations, Nitasha went on to study how and why they worked.

Along the way, she discovered that the petrochemical base creams were inconsistent with the purity of the herbal compounds. We've been reading a lot about that lately, haven't we? Organic, natural, the ongoing discussions and battles of what is truly pure. You'll see it all over the blogosphere and in every reputable retail venue for healthy skincare. So in addition to isolating active ingredients and discovering synergies (idea of combined effort being greater than individual parts), Dr. Buldeo developed the ultimate organic base cream. In the process she unlocked the secrets of nourishing skin at a cellular level.



HOW IT WORKS
Organic Apoteke's products are cosmeceuticals: advanced formulations designed to deliver nutrients and nourishment to improve skin function and appearance. The two most important factors in the efficacy of cosmeceuticals are NUTRIENTS and NUTRIENT DELIVERY. Organic Apoteke's NUTRIENT DELIVERY SYSTEM is a revolution in formulation-science.


The key to its effectiveness is a proprietary multiple micro-emulsion technology designed to deliver nutrients to targeted layers within the skin. The skin is made up of oil-loving and oil-repelling layers. Delivering nutrients to the deeper layers, where they can really make a difference, requires working with the skin's natural system. Organic Apoteke's active complexes, "wrapped" in eight layers of botanical oils and floral waters, are designed to unfold into the skin, infusing it with nutrients as they pass from layer to layer.



So, let's summarize their claims at being 1) Effective, 2) Luxurious and 3) Pure

• EFFECTIVE: Organic Apoteke's formulations are fortified with active ingredients including proprietary pentapeptide complex to enhance the structure and health of the skin. Their cosmeceutical ranges for face and body deliver results using only active, effective ingredients.


• LUXURIOUS: They source only the finest ingredients from around the world and use them in generous quantities. All ingredients are fair trade and cruelty free. High percentages of opulent, exotic and active oils such as damask rose and carrot seed oil in superior formulations ensure luxurious and effective products without compromise. To give you and example, a 1.7 ounce bottle of Rejuvenating Face Cream contains the oil from four (4) pounds of rose petals. I was astounded when I learned this and am coveting my Face Cream even more knowing that.


• PURE: Their ingredients are not only effective but pure. They use certified organic botanicals and naturally occurring minerals - no parabens, petrochemicals, alcohol (what? no alcohol - yes!), TEA, DEA, urea or synthetic ingredients of any kind. The entire range is certified organic by Ecocert, the world's oldest organic certification body, having the strictest, most exacting standards.
  

Ok, my beauty divas, I know this has been long-winded to get to the actual review of the skincare itself, but I was truly amazed at the history and concentrated efforts behind this company. I wanted to share it with you so you, too, may have a better appreciation of what Organic Apoteke brings to their products. This is commitment at its best!

(click image to enlarge)

Rejuvenating Range

Buttermilk Cleanser - moisturizing cleanser that leaves skin soft and smooth while dissolving make-up and impurities; organic rose oil soothes the senses, balances dryness and improves skin's ability to retain moisture; each of the products from this range have a very "ayurvedic" quality about them in the way they appeal to the senses; you can feel the nature in these products and smell the rose throughout - the cleanser is certainly no different; it's a light, gentle, liquid-gel-cream type texture with amazing benefits. 1.7 oz - $34.95

Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum - a revolutionary serum of Rasayana Complex (derived solely from organic botanicals) draws upon nature's most potent skin-firming extracts to visibly reduce appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age/brown spots; penetrating emulsions carry the precious nutrients to the deepest layers of the skin; clinical research trials have demonstrated effective reduction in visible signs of aging; this is the product termed "Facelift in a Jar" by Grazia Magazine; it's very potent, very strong smelling, and definitely effective. 1 fl oz - $89.95









Rejuvenating Face Cream - the "ooo la la" of the range for me; rich in vitamins and antioxidants this is again sort of gel-cream (but perhaps a bit lighter) in texture, which helps to keep skin looking young and radiant; the organic rose oil (again, a whopping 4 pounds of petals used to create a 1.7 oz bottle) soothes, hydrates and most definitely appeals to the senses, their proprietary pentapeptide complex (derived solely from organic botanicals) leaves skin feeling smoother, firmer and healthy - vitamins A, C and E fortify and nourish. 1.7 oz - $44.95







Other products in the Rejuvenating Range include their Balancing Rose Toner, Rejuvenating Face Mask, and Rejuvenating Eye Cream, all of which are fabulous. The three products I chose to expand upon above are simply what I consider their three (3) core/essential products in this range. You may also try the whole range in a lovely travel/trial sized kit, Rejuvenating Starter Kit, which includes mini versions of all of the rejuvenating products in an adorable cloth-cotton bag.

Organic Apoteke also offers a facial range for normal to oily (or blemish proned) skin in their Active Range, which acts to balance, detoxify and clarify skin (although as noted on their website, both the Rejuvenating and Active ranges may be used on any skin types); a Body Range, which includes cleansing gels, hydrating oils and body creams in scents of Rose, Citrus or Lavender; soaps, bathbombs, giftsets and their own line of purely organic, alcohol-free perfume (this is my next purchase for sure).

Can you tell I'm just a bit excited about this find? Love it! Organic Apoteke may be found at Henri Bendel, some Whole Foods Markets, Fred Segal Santa Monica and online at Organic Apoteke.

Spirit Beauty Lounge Celebrates Travel with a Labor Day Sale!

Enjoy some of the most effective, luxurious beauty products around - all organic - and only through Spirit Beauty Lounge. Here are just some of the beautiful brands you can expect to find.



Ila pure, organic skin care products work on a deep level to restore, to nurture and to balance people, community and the sustainability of our earth. Absolutely everything comes from a plant or mineral and nothing else. Ila products are composed of the finest, purest ingredients in the world from wild-grown Morrocan argan oil, to organic rose damascena. Ila Face Oil has become a cult beauty classic. Marie Claire magazine gave Ila Face Oil the prestigious Prix D'excellence award. Click to learn more and see all products by Ila.






Developed by Dr. Nitasha Buldeo and her medical team, using only the purest ingredients, this cosmeceutical range for face and body delivers nutrients, nourishment and treatment designed to improve skin function and prevent signs of aging. Organic Apoteke, the 2006 Winner of the Best Product of Britain Award is now available for the first time in the US and we love it! Organic Apoteke organic skin care is Certified Organic, Fair Trade, Vegetarian Society Approved and PROVEN EFFECTIVE. Click to learn more and see all products by Organic Apoteke.

For more on my personal love of Organic Apoteke, click here.

Organic guru and beauty pioneer Horst Rechelbacher founded Intelligent Nutrients in an effort to redefine the organic hair care industry. The USDA and Soil Association certified organic range proves that it's possible to create completely clean, food-based products that also deliver professional quality results. His revolutionary products include hair care, hair styling, aromatic fragrances, lip care and supplements...with more to come. Each product contains Intelligent Nutrient's signature Intellimune Seed Oil Complex that nurtures and heals with five powerful seed oils: Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Grape, Red Raspberry and Cranberry. Click to learn more and see all products by Intelligent Nutrients.

For more on my personal love of Intelligent Nutrients, click here.

From Iran to Madagascar, the core of Patyka’s mission is to source and produce the finest organic ingredients with a total dedication to Fair Trade practices and to create truly revolutionary products that are luxurious, chic, eco-friendly and socially responsible. Click to learn more and see all products by Patyka.




Lulu Organics is the one of the coolest hair powder/dry shampoo on the market. Not only is this NY based brand natural and organic, the powder leaves locks looking shiny and fresh in between shampoos and comes in the most adorable screen-printed tubes. All LuLu Organics products are 100% natural and 95%-98% organic. All products are 100% vegan and Fair Trade. All raw materials come from a conscionable co-op in Iowa that participates in only fair business trade. Lulu Organics also pride themselves as being eco-friendly and use recycled or recyclable packaging. All packaging is corn starch based and biodegradable. Click to learn more and see all products by Lulu Organics.




RMS Beauty is an original, pure, organic color cosmetic line created by celebrity make-up artist Rose-Marie Swift. Based on living and organic principles, each product is created to hydrate and illuminate vital, radiant skin. rms beauty is dedicated to transforming the way women use makeup, creating a product that is not only non-toxic, but that actually heals and nourishes skin. Consider it skincare with mineral color - giving make-up a whole new meaning. Click to learn more and see all products by RMS Beauty.

For more on my personal love of RMS Beauty, click here.

All of Tsi~La products are crafted in artisan size batches using only the world's finest essential oils, active plant botanicals, rich exotic butters and organic ingredients to ensure the highest quality. Tsi~La Organics was born from their desire to produce natural and organic products made from the world’s finest essential oils and plant botanicals. Their products are the essence of nature. The marriage of organic freshness and natural decadence create this luxurious line designed to enhance your true beauty and bring out your natural radiance. Click to learn more and see all products by Tsi~La.

For more of my personal love of Tsi-La, click here.

"Researchers have found that the quickest, easiest and safest way to change a mood, is with the sense of SMELL." Aromatherapy Personals work two ways: Applied topically to pulse points on the skin, users breathe in the transforming aroma. When inhaled, the component molecules within the essential oils stimulate the olfactory nerve, affecting the limbic center of the brain and respiratory system. Topically, the essential oil molecules easily pass through the dermas of the skin to the lymph and capillary system, especially when the skin is dry. Natural superfruit anti-oxidants hydrate, rejuvenate and protect skin from free radicals. Click to learn more and see all products by Aromatherapy Personals.


Shop Spirit Beauty Lounge now through Mon., 9/7/09 and receive 20% off your purchase.

Enter code: LDAY at checkout

The Skinny on Skincare Sample Sales. Yes!

The Skinny is a skincare lover's dream come true!

I've been dying to tell you about this wonderful opportunity to purchase luxury skincare on sale at The Skinny. Recently, they featured products from Organic Apoteke (you all know how I adore Organic Apoteke) and some products were actually more than 50% off retail. I couldn't believe it when I saw the prices. The key is, you really have to seek your treasure when the notice of sale first comes out, as popular items are likely to sell out quickly. This is what happened to me when I went to purchase a bottle of Organic Apoteke's luxurious and highly coveted Rejuvenating Face Cream. Shoot : ( [Note to The Skinny: PLEASE bring back more Organic Apoteke! xo]

Well, you really need to know more. Here's the skinny on The Skinny:
The Skinny is a members-only site offering exclusive deals on top-shelf skin care products. They also give the Skinny on each brand through educational videos, personalized recommendations for your skin type and areas of concern, and access to their upcoming events from brands like Bare Escentuals, Dermaquest, Lisa Hoffman and Perricone MD.

Each week, The Skinny debuts a new shopping event with a luxury brand at up to 70% off retail!
Each shopping event begins with an invitation email to their members. You'll receive an overview of the brand, and a selection of products they think you'll like based on your skin type and preferences. Click on the link in your email to visit the shopping event, where you can watch educational videos, learn about the brand's story, and take a closer look at all the products on sale. Shopping events last one week, or until sold out.

Currently, The Skinny is featuring skincare by Tammy Fender, "the secret behind Palm Beach's happiest, healthiest complexions," (Vogue). I'm looking at the product selection right now, and the prices are again unbelievably discounted. Her Epi-Peel facial in a jar, which normally retails for $80 is available to members at $48 and her multi-vitamin in a jar, the Antioxidant Creme Neroli and Orange is offered for $57 (regularly priced at $95).

So how do you become a member and receive an invitation to this must-experience skincare lover's paradise? Members are allowed to invite guests. As a happy and satisfied member, I'm delighted to extend to you a personal invitation. xo

Invitation to The Skinny

Enjoy, my darlings! xo

Treat Yourself to a Facial Detox to Begin the New Year

It's time for a detox!

You already know I'm a huge fan of Organic Apoteke. I'm treating myself to a detox facial with their products tomorrow night in preparation for a new year and back to work. It's amazing what a little pampering and clarifying can do not only for your skin but your state of mind. I'm ready for it!

Organic Apoteke's Detox Face Mask is a clarifying mask designed to draw out impurities. Green clay clears pores while mineral-rich Dead Sea mud soothes the skin. Organic Papaya extract exfoliates - revealing a clear, radiant complexion. As an added treat, check out Dr. Nitasha Buldeo's Weekend Detox Plan. In it, she offers suggestions and tips on getting fit, healthy, gorgeous skin and putting spring in your step.

For usage, apply a thick layer to the face and neck after cleansing avoiding your eye area. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water. OA recommends following with their Active Herbal Toner and Active Face Hydrating Gel. I enjoy their Radiance Line so I follow with those products. Their Rejuvenating Face Cream is divine.

Got a blemish? Apply a dab of Detox Face Mask as a night-time spot treatment. Excellent!

Detox Face Mask is available in a 1.7 oz jar and retails for $36.95 a jar at OA counters nationwide or online at Organic Apoteke.

Celebrate Mom with Eco-Treasure Gifts of Beauty from Spirit Beauty Lounge

You simply cannot go wrong in your gift-giving when you select it from Spirit Beauty Lounge. The stores exudes gorgeousness from very first "click" onto its page. Choose from the luxury pampering brands highlighted above or pick from another they may call out to you. Everything they offer will wrap your mom in loving goodness and render her tickled pink.

Organic Apoteke (you already know this skincare brand is one of my absolute favorites!) offers the best in organic skincare. Developed by Dr. Nitasha Buldeo and her medical team, using only the purest ingredients, this cosmeceutical range delivers nutrients, nourishment and treatment designed to improve skin function and prevent signs of aging. Organic Apoteke skin care is Certified Organic, Fair Trade, Vegetarian Society Approved and PROVEN EFFECTIVE!

Acquarella is the only water based, salon quality, quck drying, long lasting, non-toxic nail polish on the market. Acquarella is made in the USA, never tested on animals and contains no animal products or by-products.

MJ of MJ's Herbals discovered the healing power of plants as a child growing up in Brooklyn. Her Sicilian grandmother would often use traditional herbal remedies to heal her various childhood ailments and injuries. The discovery that many of these natural remedies were more effective than what could be purchased in a drug store inspired MJ's Herbals; a carefully hand-crafted line of luxurious organic healing salves that pure, potent & active.

RMS Beauty, created by celebrity make-up artist Rose-Marie Swift is based on raw, living and organic principles. Each product is created to hydrate and illuminate skin. RMS Beauty is dedicated to transforming the way women use makeup, creating a product that is not only non-toxic, but that actually heals and nourishes skin. Like skincare with mineral color, RMS Beauty is giving make-up a whole new meaning.

There's so much more to be seen and experienced at Spirit Beauty Lounge. Be sure to request your free gift wrap by writing it in the "Customer Notes" box during checkout and receive 20% off your order by entering the MOMSDAY in the "Offer Code" box at the bottom of your cart. HURRY!  Offer ends today. Enjoy -- xo!

Spirit Beauty Lounge for Green Gift Giving

Spirit Beauty Lounge offers an array of wonderful, luxurious products and gifts, all in the spirit of giving back!

Reading labels and memorizing an ever growing list of ingredients to avoid can be overwhelming. On top of that, you may never know whether or not even "organic" products are ethically sourced or whether or not their packaging is eco-friendly. With the philosophy of 'Beauty is as beauty does', Spirit Beauty Lounge is a place where you can shop safe, knowing they've done the research for you! All of their organic and sustainable products come from companies who have clearly defined humane, ethical, and environmental policies ensuring the care of our planet and its inhabitants! You can read more about them here.

This is a company who is truly doing business with giving in mind. To the environment? Yes. Yet that's not where it stops; they're genuinely interested in you and your health and organic mindedness as well. Not only can you find fabulous products from brands such as Patyka, Jurlique, Nvey Eco, Organic Apoteke, Offhand Designs, Tsi-La and many more, but you can chat live online with very knowledgeable customer service representatives. I gave it a whirl today, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, to see how quickly they'd respond and what information they could share. I received a reply within seconds, the representative was not only very pleasant and knowledgeable, but took the time to give me additional information about my questions and links where I could find more if needed. I couldn't have been more impressed.

Spirit Beauty Lounge is definitely a store you'll want to visit for a pleasurable experience. For your holiday shopping, they are offering a fantastic promotion. You'll receive a lovely gift of a deluxe sample beauty kit designed for your personal skin type from top notch brands by subscribing to their newsletter:

Plus receive 20% off sitewide for a limited time with promo code THANKU20 at checkout.

For more information and to grab your deluxe sample gift set and 20% off purchases now, visit Spirit Beauty Lounge.

Spirit Beauty Lounge 2-Day SALE 20% Off

Beauty is as beauty does!

My love for Spirity Beauty Lounge runs deep and with good reason.  This little gem of a boutique is dedicated to bringing the best in high quality, eco-friendly products are extensively researched before they offer them to us.  All of their organic and sustainable products come from companies who have clearly defined humane, ethical, and environmental policies ensuring the care of our planet and its inhabitants.  I like knowing I'm shopping from a company that cares that much about what they put their name behind.

As Spirit mentions in her recent note to her clients, "We know you've got long wishlists," so she's making it doubly nice for folks to shop her boutique and save a little cash to boot. xo

Puchase $50 or more and enter code: SUS20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase sitewide. Nice!

Brands like Ila, Priti Nails, Vapour Organic, Intelligent Nutrients, RMS Beauty, Organic Apoteke (one of my personal favorites!), Patyka, Revolution Organics, Alex & Ani, Jurlique, Kahina Giving, Lulu Organics and many more!

Access Spirit Beauty Lounge online today!

Favorite Things 2008

As I reviewed my 2007 list from last year, I was reminded of great products that I still use today, some of which you'll see showing up on my list again this year. Also, there are some products that I've returned to and will list as favorites for 2008 that I'd used a while back and have come to realize they are just too good not to resurrect.

You'll see some newcomers in my list of favorites, especially in the category of skincare, and these delights are definitely to be checked out for yourself! Though I continue to age, my skin has literally never looked bettter, and I owe a debt of gratitude to the companies that make the products I've been using for such wonderful results.

1. FACIAL CLEANSER

Pomega5 Pomegranate Cleansing Bar $18
A deep cleansing facial treatment for all skin types. Essential oils of myrtle and eucalyptus provide deep cleansing and disinfection, omega-rich olive oil moisturizes; pomegranate seed oil protects and balances; mini bark particles gently exfoliate; aromatherapeutic lemongrass enlivens the senses; long-lasting and lathers beautifully; can be used on face and body; naturally preservative-free; contains no synthetics, parabens or perfumes. Not tested on animals. Another thing to love about it - it lasts for-eva!
pomega5



2. FACIAL EXFOLIANT

Rodan + Fields Microdermabrasion Paste $77
Same as last year, this is still the best! R+F used to have this product in their Reverse line-up and now it's part of what they're calling their Enhancements line, but still the same great sugar and salt scrub featuring vitamins C & E in an oil-free (that part still blows me away, try it, you'll see why), deeply hydrating exfolation treatment - love it! Another product where a little goes a long way. I've had my jar for a year and there's still plenty left. Great investment.
rodanandfields



3. FACIAL MASK

Alaksa Glacial Mud Masque $34
Hands down 'The Best' mask out there. It contains the most mineral-rich and pure glacial clay in the world, sustainably harvested from the remote waters of the Copper River Delta in Alaska. The masque detoxifies, exfoliates and softens skin while more than 60 nourishing major and trace elements promote healthy skin cell regeneration. The pure mud is further enriched with a special combination of certified organic and wildcrafted botanical extracts from the Pacific Northwest including kelp, nettle, horsetail, elderflower, yarrow, cranberry, blueberry and vitamins e and b5 that are chosen for their moisturizing, skin-softening, anti-aging and immunoprotective properties. You will FEEL it working its magic just seconds after application. Both my teenage son and I adore this porduct. We've probably ordered a case since first trying it, and we'll continue to do so - it's just that good. I recommend applying with their mud masque application brush - it's wonderful!
alaskaglacialmud


4. FACIAL MOISTURIZERS

DAY - Pomega5 Revitalizing Essential Moisture $48
Rich in nourishing fatty acids and essential oils, this deliciously-fragrant cream feels soft and silky to the touch, yet absorbs immediately to leave skin with a healthy glow and renewed freshness. Pomegranate seed oil, bearberry and bilberry - natural clearing agents - work to clarify skin and protect against environmental damage; Wild Moroccan argan nourishes, softens and renews elasticity; nutrient-rich horsetail firms and revitalizes at the cellular level; contains no fillers, synthetics, parabens, or perfumes. Not tested on animals. you can really feel the firming effect of this cream - one of its many benefits. [A shame as it is now discontinued, but Pomega5 Green Tea Lotion is fabulous as well.]
pomega5

NIGHT - Pomegranate Health Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream $36.95
This is a luxurious blend of the known benefits of natural Pomegranate Seed Oil, a proprietary pomegranate extract (it’s their secret!), and Amino Acids (Hexapeptides), Alpha Lipoic Acid, (Thioctic Acid) and an extract of Brown Algae (Laminaria Digitalia). These algae are superb moisturizers containing amino acids similar to those in human skin. They add Vitamins A, C and E and a careful selection of natural essential oils for a silky, luxurious cream that's gentle and quickly absorbed by your skin. They also add a wonderfully powerful amino acid, DMAE, which supports healthy skin by supporting the integrity of cell membranes It also helps block the production of certain other acid substances that lead to sagging of your skin and those dreaded wrinkles. You’ll love the way it help maintain smooth, firm and contoured skin! It's a silky, creamy blend, with a delicate citrus scent to enliven your skin and your spirit.
pomegranatehealth

5. ORGANIC LINE OF FACIAL CARE

Organic Apoteke Rejuvenating Line
Everything about this brand of skincare is superb! I've written extensively about it; you can check that out here. My favorites in this line are the Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum and the Rejuvenating Face Cream with its organic rose oil - over 4 pounds of rose petals are used to make just one 1.7 oz bottle - amazing and absolutely beautiful!
organic apoteke


6. LUXURY LINE OF FACIAL CARE

FOUND - Sarpa Wrinkle Reducing Serum $225
SARPA serum is a beneficial potion formulated with a peptide that imitates the venom of the Viper of the Temple of the Azure Cloud. SARPA is a non-greasy emulsion serum. SARPA is viscous like all venoms, due to the high concentration of active ingredients and Sodium Hyaluronate. The serum is a treatment that has a high concentration of active matter (47%). Enriched with powerful peptides and Hyaluronic Acid, it moisturises, smoothes and relaxes the skin. The firming benefits of this product are brilliant!

FOUND - Istr Global Anti-Aging Cream $195
Very enriched with active matter (33.45%) that actively combats aging, restructures, nourishes, firms, moisturizes and smoothes skin. It has an almost custard-like consistency - very unique, dense and rich in texture.

I've written about this brand, created by Eric Cosson, a self-confessed "science addict". The tale behind the brand is as romantic as the ingredients and the results. The packaging, application, concept, just about everything about this brand is luxurious! You can read more about it here. FOUND is available at Aedes.

7. FACIAL PRIMER

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer $36
I'm back to my old favorite with this one. It really is amazing in providing an almost flawless canvas upon which you can apply your foundation, whether in liquid, cream or powder form. The primer is a silky blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity, this best-selling primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. (NOTE: I do not like the one with Dermaxyl, the SPF; it doesn't blend well for me, it forms little clumps and granules I don't like; I stick to the original one.)
smashbox


8. FOUNDATION

Prescriptives Flawless Skin with SPF15 $39.50
Again - back to a tried and true with the selection of this foundation. I sitll enjoy my Armani LSF and my Lancome foundation, but this one gets the mark of favorite this year for its coverage, lightness of texture, blendability and longevity in wear. The groundbreaking formula with Pro-XCell Complex, works to protect against sun damage and external assaults, while simultaneously diffusing imperfections. I just think it's fabulous!
prescriptives


9. CONCEALER

Mary Kay Concealer $10
Nothing seems to compare to this for me. It was my favorite last year as well. The coverage is outstanding, even camouflaging dark circles and it blends beautifully. A little goes a long way. Of course, the price is fantastic too!
marykay


10. FACIAL POWDER

Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder $59
There's nothing else like this powder on the market. HALO is the first anti-aging powder with the science of skin care built in. It's advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptide deliver powerful anti-aging benefits while the patented hydration system continuously revitalizes skin for a brighter, more radiant complexion all day. HALO’s innovative built in shaver gives you the perfect amount of luminous loose powder every time with no mess. A true multi-tasker! So magnificent is it, the powder has been clinically shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in 10 minutes. Yes ma'am, I said it, I sure did. And - another product where a little goes a long way and comes with its own kabuki brush for flawless application. It just doesn't get any better than that. Well, I guess unless it was free, but it's well worth every penny! : )
smashbox

11. EYE COSMETICS

Can't help it. I'm a creature of habit. My favorites last year are still my favorites this year. Well, at least in the categories of shadows and liners. MAC Pigments are my HG's. I also enjoy a hard to find single, Milani in Java Bean, for crease and contour (bring back your old singles, Milani, please - they're fab, why mess with what isn't broken), and I adore my Lancome Artliners. No changes.

New Mascara Fave - L'Oreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes $10.95
I will name a new favorite in mascara - it's THE BOMB! Yes, yes, I know, I wrote about it just recently. I tell you, this is just as good as my high end mascaras, yet even better in lengthening, and I couldn't be more pleased to have stumbled across it. Clump-free length, smudge-proof, flake-proof, longwearing hold, rinses clean with water, great for sensitive eyes even contact lens wearers (like me). Available at drugstores and mass retailers all over.

You're going to have an opportunity to try this for yourself soon. I've got a whopper of a giveaway thanks to L'Oreal Paris coming soon - be watchful you don't want to miss this!


12. BLUSH

Prescriptives Colorscope Plush Blush for Cheeks and Lips $20
I think I wear this just about every day! Even when I highlight or add other blushes for variety in color, I generally use this as a base. The weightless gel formula glides on and blends effortlessly to give skin a fresh, healthy flush in a sheer finish. Presented in a compact, portable stick for easy touch-ups anytime, anywhere. My favorite shade is Voodoo! It's a deep plummy-wine color, yet sheer on application with lovely light-reflecting pigment.
prescriptives


13. LIPSTICK

YSL Beauty Rouge Volupte' $34
Hands down - the best lipstick formulation on the market right now in my opinion - and I dare say, many others' opinions as well. Read my beauty blogging buddies' sites for renditions of why they love it (Blogdorf Goodman - Annie has it in her favorites too, KarlaSugar's TNBTTGSY -you can also see swatches of all the shades, The Daily Cookie, The Daily Obsession, Palacinka, The Makeup Divas, Temptalia). The texture of this lippie is unbelievably sensual. The cream becomes fluid with on contact with your lips and the coverage and high pigmentation is stunning. The sleek and elegant tube packaging of the product itself is collectible. You can read more about what FTLOB had to say about it here. Favorite shade? Their hot pink Rouge Volupte' #10.
yslbeauty


14. LIP GLOSS/PLUMPING GLOSS

M·A·C Plushglass $17.50
I'm a fan of pretty much all the MAC glosses in their varieties. I know this particular MAC product doesn't seem to get a whole ot of buzz, but I just love it! Not only is the formulation lovely, non-sticky, long-lasting, pleasant tasting, but the look of plumped up, more voluminous lips is actually very nice. The gloss itself is lush and multi-dimensional with a pearlized high-shine finish. Sensational in application: gives a cool-warm, vanilla buzz to the lips. Moisturizes, soothes and contains vitamin E for added environmental protection. My favorite shade is Oversexed but I really enjoy many of them.
MAC

p.s. - My absolute favorite lipgloss historically has been Pout Lip Polish in Easy Ethel - but as they don't make that anymore (only able to find it here and there), I'm going with one you can still find. ; )

15. BODY WASH/GEL

Philosophy 3-in-1's $16 - 22 (depending on where you buy them)
I've loved these washes for years. They lather up well, smell amazing, are gentle cleansers and multi-taskers. You'll always find one (or two, or many) in my shower. Favorite scents are Amazing Grace and Inner Grace. I also love both these scents in their fragrance versions; you can always count them among my favorites!
philosophy


16. BODY SCRUB/EXFOLIANT

DERMAdoctor KP Duty $44 (16 oz)
This stuff rocks! I've got backups of this so I never run out or in case they discontinue it (which always seems to happen with my best loved products). KP Duty delivers serious medi-exfoliation for deeper, more thorough results. This dual action chemical + physical exfoliator blends the best of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion into a single, easy to use treatment created by leading dermatologist Audrey Kunin, MD (the DERMAdoctor). My arms have never been smoother - it's wonderful!
dermadoctor



17. BODY MOISTURIZER/CREAM

LaVanila Body Butters $25
These all natural, organic scented body butters are divine for the skin. They absorb instantly, hydrating and softening skin with 100% pure shea and cocoa butters. They contain anti-oxidants and 30 essential vitamins and minerals and they smell amazing. The butters are rich, velvety and reach deep into the skin.. This is not a moisturizer that will simply sit on top of your skin. You'll notice the hydration here. My favorites are their original fragrances in Vanilla Grapefruit, Pure Vanilla and Vanilla Blossom. It says something about a product if you order it more than once, and these I've ordered these over and over again. Love 'em!
lavanila

18. HAIRCARE

Everday Care - Redken Real Control Shampoo and Conditioner $12-$14
This line is specifically targeted to women (although men may use it too) who have dry, dense, chemically-treated hair prone to frizz - that's me. The shampoo is a soft, lathering shampoo that provides nourishment, smoothing and repair, while gently cleansing hair. The conditioner provides intense nourishment and detangling to dense hair helping it feel moisturized, smooth and controlled with a vibrant, shiny finish. You can read more about my review of it here. redken

Specialized Care - Pureology DandruffScalpCure Shampoo and Conditioner $38
A gentle, effective approach to dandruff for color-treated hair, Pureology DandruffScalpCure is an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner combination with a doze of 2% Pyrithione Zinc, which helps fight the scalp scaling, itching and flaking associated with dandruff as well as prevent the recurrence of dandruff-related symptoms with regular use. In a nutshell, it works and the color maintenance is fantastic - no fading here! You can read my review of this line here.
pureology

p.s. - Still love pRAWduct Flat Factor as a styling product and pRAWduct Love That Shine Drops for a finishing product (and extra shiny hair), and my pick for favorite hair dryer is definitely the T3 Featherweight - it cuts my drying time in hair and keeps my hair healthy and shiny.

19. FRAGRANCE

You'll have to forgive me with this category as I'm going to name a few. All I've loved equally as much this past year and continue to enjoy spritzing. I'm a fragrance chameleon so there's a different scent on every day, and sometimes there are many scents on throughtout the day. I can't decide - and love so many.

Harajuku Lovers in Love $25 - $45
I was so intrigued by Gwen Stefani's line of adorable, doll-themed bottles as well as the fragrances they held; each with its own identity - you can read more about that and their inspiration here. Love, my favorite of the series, is a sensuous floral concocted by Yves Cassar and Pascal Gaurin of International Flavors & Fragrances, has top notes of sparkling bergamot, pink pomelo, peach and bamboo leaf mist; a heart of watery peony, living hydroponic lace rose, jasmine sambac, nectarine blossom, creamy paperwhites and Egyptian jasmine, and a drydown of petally ylang, creamy vanilla orchid, sensual musk and blond wood.
hlfragrance

Black Amethyst EDT by Bath & Body Works $26.50
What draws me to this fragrance is that it reminds me of Chanel Chance but is much less expensive - ha! What I don't like about it is the packaging - I think BBW is revamping that and I truly hope they do. The edt bottle and packaging isn't bad, though - it's elegant and simple, much better and eye catching than the blackened tulips and cheap purple swirling on the other body products for the scent. Now, what I love about it is the sensuousness of the fragrance itself - the perfumers have seductively layered a sophisticated blend of Italian bergamot and rare camellias with exotic sandalwood and a surprising twist of vetiver resulting in a hypnotic, fine fragrance.
bath&bodyworks

Stoned $285
This seductive fragrance wow'ed me upon first whiff and renewed my love of perfume this year. Created by London jeweler Solange in collaboration with perfumer Lyn Harris, Stoned is a heady mix of sweet candy fused with the mystery of patchouli; a fresh top note of honeyed-Italian bergamot combines with classic rose; jasmine absolute fuses with labdanum, benzoin, tree moss and heliotrope – often associated with the mineral bloodstone for it’s enticing blue-purple colour to create the dark, warm heart of the fragrance; musk and vanilla bourbon create an addictive animal attraction... the jewelled scent permeates your skin and senses until you are "stoned" ... 'tis quite an experience! The bottle is as intriguing and mysetrious as the fragrance itself. You can read more about it and my review written mid-year here.
solange

20. FAVORITE NICHE BEAUTY STORES

There are a number of beauty related stores that bear mentioning in a category of favorites. These stores stand out for me as simply the best of the best - for the pleasurable shopping experience, the unique brands and products as well as organic lines they offer, their fantastic customer service and their lagniappe goodies (little something extras). In no particular order, they are:

Aedes de Venustas

b-glowing

Beautyhabit

Luckyscent

Spirit Beauty Lounge

Enjoy reading what my fellow bloggers loved enough to call their Favorites Things of 2008 by viewing their lists here:

Beautiful Makeup Search

Beauty 411

Beauty Talk

Beauty Tyrant

Binary Star

'*:.blu3.:*'

For The Love of Beauty

Grayburn

Life Of A Ladybug

lily loves mac

Make Do Style

Miss Whoever You Are

Perfume Shrine

Platinum Blonde Life

Searching the Inner Me

Slap Of The Day

The Beauty Alchemist

The non-blonde

Urbane Girl

Thanks so much, Vannessa of Grayburn, for volunteering for the daunting task of organizing the Favorite Things event this year! It was so much fun and your graphic rocks! xo

Dosha: Ayurvedic Approach to Balance

Doshas are the three energies that govern the body: vata, pitta, and kapha.

According to Ayurveda, each of us is made up of some combination of three doshas, or energy archteypes, which determine both our physical and emotional health. Ayurveda combines nutrition, lifestyle, psychology and herbal medicine to cultivate wellness in both mind and body. It is said that at conception we are created with a unique blend of the five great elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth). That unique blend is called our prakruti or individual body constitution. Our prakruti is a combination of the three doshas vata (ether + air), pitta (fire + water), and kapha (water + earth). Since prakruti is made of the three doshas, knowing what your dosha(s) is/are, is key to maintaining your health.

Each of us is composed of varying amounts of the three doshas, and according to Ayurvedic principles, what we eat, how we work, and even whom we love should serve to maintain our doshic balance. Left unchecked, imbalance is believed to cause health issues ranging from headaches and skin rashes to larger issues like cancer and chronic depression.

The first step in regaining balance is to recognize that the environment around you has a profound influence on how you feel. Paying conscious attention to what you hear, touch, see, taste and smell can help create peace, balance and vitality in your mind and body. A harmonized daily routine that engages the five senses with nourishing impressions is one of the most important steps towards achieving health.

There are many online tests you can take to come closer to knowing your own dosha combination. I'll list them at the bottom. I discovered that I'm a pretty good combination of both Pitta and Kapha. In testing a little further for possible body and/or mind imbalances, I was able to discover accumulations in one area or another and sought out tips to brings myself back into better balance.

For instance, accumulated Kapha or out of balance Kapha leads to heaviness, sluggishness and congestion. Stimulation and movement help overcome the resistance of accumulated Kapha. Think activation and invigoration. Here are some tips to maximize balance and well-being:

Body - Accumulated Kapha

• Take a yoga class to connect to your body and invoke your natural energy
• Perform a vigorous daily self massage with invigorating herbalized oil
• Take deep breaths throughout the day
• Favor spicy foods with a predominance of pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes
• Walk 5-15 minutes after eating to aid digestion
• Drink Invigorating Tea
• Put your full attention on your meals when eating

When Vata is out of balance, change and movement agitate the physiology resulting in a sense of instability. Balancing Vata requires introducing more grounding and stabilizing influences. Think routine and consistency. Here are a few tips to encourage balance and well-being:

Mind - Accumulated Vata

• Meditate twice a day to quiet the mind
• Look for opportunities to create rhythm and routine in your life
• Go to bed and awaken at about the same time every day
• Wear relaxing fragrances
• Listen to slow and relaxing music to calm Vata
• Minimize heavy reading, eating, or watching TV right before bed
• Diffuse relaxing fragrances into your environment
• Favor mild pastel shades and earth tones in your environment

Very interesting stuff! I was inspired by Alyssa Giacobbe's article on the subject in Body + Soul magazine, which you can read in its entirety here. Working on balancing my energies and appreciating these concepts immensely. One way I've found that helps me focus on my own wellbeing is by using products and fragrances with organic and natural ingredients. Again I'd remind you of a line perfect for just this approach - Organic Apoteke.

Want to take the dosha test for yourself? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• doshaquiz.chopra.com - Deepak Chopra's Dosha Quiz (this one was the most helpful for me!)
• ayurveda.com - Discover Your Constitution
• whatsyourdosha.com
• heymonicab.com - Ayurvedic resource blog by Monica B (great info there)

Namaste ... xo

Hey, Mama: Favorites in Eco-Gifting from Spirit Beauty Lounge

Looking for fabulous Mother's Day gifts with an eco-flair?  You don't have to look far. In fact, you can find them while relaxing in the comfort of your very own home, while wearing that soft worn-out tshirt, a baggy pair of boxer shorts, fresh-faced without a stitch of makeup and your hair pulled off your face if you want. Oh, yes you can.  Chic shopping for luxurious gifts is as easy to obtain as a few clicks of your mouse.

Spirit Beauty Lounge is my very favorite online boutique!  I could easily wishlist 20 - 30 items each time I visit and still have a hard time limiting the selection.  What I adore about this particular shopping experience is the quality of brands and products offered, all with sustainable, green, organic and eco-friendly values at the core.  Add to that fantastic live customer service and gorgeous samples included with every purchase and you just can't go wrong.  I actually get giddy shopping Spirit Beauty Lounge!

Favorite brands of top editors and beauty bloggers alike: CTonics, Alex + Ani, Patyka, Organic Apoteke (loooove this brand of skincare), Honore' des Pres, ila, Intelligent Nutrients, RMS Beauty, Suzanne auz Bains, Tsi-La and many more.

So if you're looking for something wonderful for your favorite mom or just a pick-me-up for a friend or yourself, you'll find many options to choose from at Spirit Beauty Lounge. It's a store you'll revisit over and over again and always be delightfully surprised at the joy you'll feel when your package arrives. Enjoy!

I've Been Tagged

image: daily candy

One of the fringe benefits of writing a beauty blog is having opportunities to "meet" some really sweet, wonderful people, with similar interests, from all over the world, whom you'd otherwise never have a chance to befriend. "Tagging" each other has become a fun way of recognizing one another as well as getting to know some things about each other that aren't necessarily revealed through blogging content.

My adorable friend Leeann at Join the Gossip has tagged me. This is my first tag and I can't wait to join in the fun. Here's how it works:

* Post rules at the beginning of the post.
* Answer all the questions.
* Tag six (6) people, and go to their blog and leave a comment to inform them that they’ve been tagged and ask them to read your blog.
* Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer

What were you doing ten years ago?
Well, ten years ago I had just turned 30 and had graduated my second turn at college so I could work in the field of mental health, which was a huge passion of mine - still is. I hadn't discovered my obesession for "beauty-ful" things yet as I was busy being newly divorced, raising two young children and getting into the workforce. I jumped in with both feet and haven't looked back since. It's really just been over the past five years or so that I've discovered my girly side and love for beauty, and I'm adoring every second of it!

What are five things on your to-do list today?
Hmmm ... my answer won't seem quite fair probably as I'm answering these at nearly 11:00 at night. That having been said, not much time left to do things today.

1) Take a quick bath to relax (will probably use a LUSH Avobath Bath Bomb)
2) Use my newly found facial skincare regimen that I'm simply loving, Organic Apoteke - their rejuvenating line (review upcoming)
3) Kiss the cheeks of my babies (well, though 16 and 14 now, they are still babes to me)
4) Read a bit
5) Imagine I'm kissing the cheek of my other babe, my guy, who is out of the country at the moment - xx, and fall fast alseep

Snacks you enjoy?
Currently, I'm just ape over lightly salted almonds and those Fruit and Walnut Salads from McDonalds. They come with slices of apples, grapes, walnuts and vanilla yogurt - crazy about 'em.

Places you've lived?
In this life or in lives past? Oh, ok, just kidding. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and with the exception of a short stint in Alabama I've pretty much been here all my life.

What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?

1) Setup trust funds for my two children
2) Buy a home on the beach and a home in the mountains
3) Travel (but then come back to work, yes siree, I sure would)
4) Share millions with my siblings and close friends
5) Give large sums of cash to unsuspecting people at random - maybe a sweet looking lady in the grocery store, someone frustrated in traffic on a hot summer afternoon, drop a bundle on the doorstep of a stranger with a little note saying, "Enjoy! This is for you" ... I don't know, I find joy out of doing little things to bring happiness to people, surprises they'd never expect. Can you just imagine if someone did that for you? If I was a billionaire I could do this more frequently and on a much larger scale. I'd love that!

People you want to know more about?
Gosh, this is hard! Does God count? Geez, I'm a sociologist with a psycho-analytical disposition for goodness' sake, I want to know more about everyone, it's my nature.

Now please allow me this little extra as I'm adding a question with the selfish motive of wanting to know these little gems from my fellow bloggers.

What are five makeup and/or skincare products you've been using reguarly and are really into at the moment?

1) Perianne Gentle Foaming Cleanser from the Spring/Summer Collection
2) Perianne Light Facial Lotion in the morning
3) Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
4) Erth Minerals Moth Veil Finishing Powder
5) Prescriptives Colorscope Plush Blush Stick in Voodoo

That was so much fun! My turn; I'm tagging - Tammy at A Mom in Red High Heels, Lily at Beauty Maverick, Kristen at Sugarshock, Annie at Blogdorf Goodman, my Carine Roitfeld wannabe at Fashionologie, and darling PJ at A Touch of Blusher