The Makeup Girl | Skincare and Beauty Blog with Expert Advice & How To's » Green Beauty

Green Beauty: Sympathetic Soap is Kind to You, and the Environment!

Stasi — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:00:45 +0000

Here at TMG, we always love to give props to the artisinal craftsmen who hang out over their stoves brewing up batches of yummy bath products (hey, it’s how Carol’s Daughter started!!) So to that end, we have found a wonderful little company called Sympathetic Soap. They make bath melts, butters, soaps and salts and the scents and quality are top notch.

I was lucky enough to recently test a variety of their delicious smelling, hand cut bars, sugar and salt scrubs, and “Bath Melts”, Bath melts are cute little bath bomb cakes that are wonderfully fizzy. The slight fizzing action helps distribute the oil throughout the water, and the antioxidants present in cocoa butter helps you fight free radicals (one of the leading causes of premature aging in your skin) The ones I tried were delicious Chocolate Mint and Lavender scented. It left my skin glowing and soft, and the scents were understated and fresh.

I always feel as if I must keep a can of Scrubbing Bubbles and a sponge within reach when I use scrubs standing up in the shower. The tub always feels like the Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink when I try to get out! I tried the Lavender Salt and Cherry Vanilla Sugar scrub, which both smelled divine, and got the ash off of my heels, knees and elbows!! Because my skin is sensitive, I usually try to keep everything as simple as possible when it comes to body care. Well guess what, simple ingredients for the Salt Scrub : Demerara sugar, Sweet Almond oil, and lavender essential oil. That’s what I like to see! I don’t want to feel as if I am taking a chemical bath with noxious fumes when I pamper myself in the bath, and with this company, I feel safe.

Visit them at SympatheticSoap.com and give a few items a try….

Wash Pretty!!

---------------------

Stasi Glenn-Connolly is a beauty junkie, actor and musician living in the Bay area with her husband, son and dog Lily. She smears on creams, lotions and makeup on a regular basis and is an avid devotee to the house of Chanel.

From time to time, various brands, PR companies, and marketing firms graciously submit product to The Makeup Girl for editorial consideration. Just like any magazine, The Makeup Girl readers can take comfort in knowing that gratis product has never nor will it ever guarantee a mention on this blog/site. For the full disclosure, click the tab in the upper right hand corner labeled "Disclosure".

Green Beauty: Robert Verdi Shows Us How to Get Eco-Chic for Earth Day!!

Erika — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:17:09 +0000

If you missed the live USTREAM event on the eve of Earth Day, you missed a ton of fab tips on how to go eco-chic everyday, courtesy of the always-fabulous Robert Verdi! Don’t worry though, Lianne made sure I got the scoop for you and now I’m here to share what I learned, and show you my favorites of the night! The Luxe Lab is UBER Fab and I had a phenomenal time….

If you know nada about becoming eco-friendly (or even if you do) you can pick up a copy of Summer Raine Oakes’ book Style, Naturally. Oakes is the first ever eco-model and has written a book about how to shop eco-friendly, while remaining fashionable. Another easy way to go eco-chic is by using a fabulous reusable bag, like the OBOE bag! OBOE stands for “One Bag, One Earth”. OBOE bags are made from recycled, reclaimed material, are durable and fold up to take up less space when you’re done using them! You can even get them custom designed to fit your personal style or as an advertising tool! Robert had a few specially made up for us… You can also follow OBOE on Twitter!

Perhaps my favorite, were the Sprout Watches. Sprout Watches are 80+% eco-friendly (80% for the small, 86% for the large)! All Sprout watches are in compliance with the CPSIA and are lead and phthalate free. Additionally, the corn resin used is in full compliance with the American, as well as the European standards for compostable material. Corn resin is similar to synthetic plastics, in that it will not break down during regular wear and use. However, corn resin is 99% biodegradable to carbon dioxide and water within 365 days and since it’s made from corn, it comes from a renewable resource! The watch is also made with bamboo, organic cotton, mineral crystal, a mercury-free battery, and recycled fiber. A biodegradable watch, pretty cool, right? And you can follow Sprout on Twitter!

Did you know you can search the internet eco-friendly? Green Planet Search is the very first eco-friendly search engine! Green Planet Search is powered by 100% Solar Energy, offers eco-friendly tips and even allows you to have 100 square feet of rainforest protected in your name by RainTrust…just by providing your email address! As soon as GPS coordinates have been named, they will be sent to your email and you can plug them in and check out what’s going on in your “neck of the woods”. So neat! Don’t forget to follow Robert Verdi on Twitter too!

Reporting for The Makeup Girl – Erika B.

-------------

Erika is a college student living, working and playing in the concrete jungle of New York City. She is extremely passionate about fashion, beauty, style and so much more! Follow her on Twitter @_ErikaLeigh and read about her NYC adventures, fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice on her blog Shoes, Shirts and Other Sh!t. And who knows...maybe you'll run into her around NYC!

Green Beauty: Tweet This – Eco-Chic With Robert Verdi…

Lianne Farbes — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:55:40 +0000

I know you have heard me mention Robert Verdi’s Luxe Lab more than a few times. Well Robert hosts these little twitter parties called Tweet This where he talks about everything that is fabulous from lifestyle, fashion and beauty. This time around, it’s all eco-chic in honor of Earth Day. I’m sad that I can’t be there in person, BUT streaming media is the next best thing- right?? Erika will be there getting all the scoop BUT since you want to see it too, I have a way to put you right in the living room.

The event promises to be full of fantastic tips. Since we can’t be there in person, we can follow along on the web and watch what Robert picks as his picks for Eco-Chic. Check out this embedded video to watch the Tweet-Up LIVE on U-Stream tonight starting at 7 pm EDT. You can watch Robert give expert advice, ask questions directly of the man behind the events, and even get a chance to win some of the products he features!

Follow along with Robert’s U-Stream feed and/or his Twitter account at @RobertVerdi. I will be tweeting along with you!!

Tweet Pretty!!

Live Video streaming by Ustream

---------------------

Lianne Farbes writes TheMakeupGirl. She is a Beauty Expert, Social Media Enthusiast, Project Manager, Event Producer, Web 2.0 Cheerleader and she is always online. Follow her on Twitter @TheMakeupGirl and friend her through any of her social profiles here.

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

Green Beauty: Lancôme Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin Lipgloss…

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:38:57 +0000

Happy almost Earth Day! We love being as green as possible around here at The Makeup Girl. In addition, we love to support products that give back. One of those products, Lancôme’s Juicy Tubes is turning 10 (can you believe??) Since their launch in 2000, Juicy Tubes have been in the top ten of lipglosses on the market every year, with a whopping 8.3 million tubes sold. Everyone jacked their style, but there is definitely only one. They were the first gloss to come packaged in squeeze tubes too! So, to celebrate this beauty birthday, Lancôme has launched Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin, a limited-edition collection with honey as its main ingredient.

The formula, flavors and pigments are 100% natural origin and preservative-free. For Earth Day 2010, it was a natural fit to partner with Lancôme spokesmodel and environmentalist Elettra Wiedemann’s charity, Justonefrickinday.com. Its mission is to unify and concentrate available resources onto a small number of special charity projects around the world. By logging on its website, you can calculate and donate just one day of your daily pay to make a difference. The charity’s latest project will raise funds to help install Solar Electric Panels that will provide sustainable power to a hospital in one of world’s poorest countries, Burundi.

The Rundown:

Blushing Beauty
Pink Precious
Rose Pretty
Sheerfully Sweet
Bare Honey
Sweet Soy
Cherry Tree

Also, from April 22^nd through April 25^th, anyone who purchases Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin at the Lancôme Boutique on the Upper West Side in NYC will receive a complimentary limited edition tee. Lancôme will also make a donation to justonefrickinday.com to kick off this special Earth Day offering.

Limited-edition Juicy Tubes PURE is inspired by images in nature and the environmentally friendly carton is 100% recyclable material – which is a Lancôme first!

Find yours online at Lancome-usa.com or at Lancôme counters nationwide.

Gloss Pretty! (and Green…)

---------------------

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

Green Beauty: Pureology’s Hydrate to Make a Difference Collection…

Lianne Farbes — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:29:51 +0000

Ever since I got my keratin treatment, I have been using sulfate free hair care which I think has significantly prolonged the treatment (it’s only supposed to last 3 months which I am a teeny bit past). One of the sulfate-free brands I have been using is Pureology Serious Colour Care. They are the pioneer in ZeroSulfate shampoos, and they are also working towards a more sustainable future (which I love!!). They continue to support Global Green USA, the U.S. affiliate of Green Cross International. Founded in 1994, Global Green’s mission is to help solve the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Pureology will be offering the Hydrate To Make a Difference promotion featuring the best selling Hydrate System (March – June in salons).

“Pureology is excited to continue its ongoing support of Global Green USA and will make a $20,000 donation in conjunction with these promotions,” states Kirsten Marsh, Assistant Vice President of US Marketing for Pureology. ”Additionally, consumers will receive $10 off their PureGreen Membership from March 1 – June 30 with this promotion. PureGreen Members receive a subscription to Global Green USA’s Quarterly e-newsletter, Global Green USA pin, and personalized Global Green USA membership card.”

Pamper your hair with Pureology’s award-winning, moisturizing, super-concentrated Hydrate Shampoo. This extra gentle, non-colour stripping, ZeroSulfate formula enhances colour brilliance and maximizes colour retention.

The Rundown:

Hydrate Shampoo 10.1 oz
Hydrate HydraCure Intense Moisture Masque 5.2 oz
Hydrate Condition 2.0 oz

Available March – June in Salons for $54.00

Stay Pretty!!

---------------------

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

Must Have: Juara Tamarind Tea Toner…

Lianne Farbes — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:40:28 +0000

A few weeks back, during the DC Beauty Tour, I had to opportunity to meet with the founder of Juara Skincare. The line is 100% vegetarian and the products fuse the active botanicals of Indonesian herbal recipes with Western science. The whole line is FAB but I am in LOVE with the Tamarind Tea Toner. This toner contains botanicals, including tamarind, tea, and rice. Tamarind is widely used in Indonesia to treat various ailments due to its medicinal and revitalizing properties. In this toner, tamarind works to increase the skin’s hydration level and enhance skin smoothness and suppleness.

The first thing you will notice is the consistency…it’s not watery like most toners. It’s more like a serum….keeps your skin super hydrated. I went a little crazy with some retino and experiences major peeling…after some light exfoliation and a few drops of this…my skin was back to normal in 2 days. Well suited for all skin types ( including sensitive skin), application is best directly to your skin (no cotton balls needed), pat it into your skin smoothing upwards. The ingredients are similar to those you would find in a market…. white, green, and black teas, rice bran all good for you ingredients that help aid in relieving stress, minimizing redness and delivering vitamins and antioxidants to tired dull skin. It also contains moisture binding hyaluronic acid. This is PERFECT if you use retinol or any other skin peeling compound on a regular basis.

Combination/oily skin benefits: Provides vital hydration without adding any oil or clogging pores. Can be used in place of a moisturizer.

Dry skin benefits: Delivers an extra boost of long-lasting hydration and improves the performance of any moisturizer.

Tamarind Tea Toner retails for $27.00 for 4.75 oz and is available at fine spas and select e-tailers.

Stay Pretty!!

---------------------

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

Steal This: Special Promo Code For J’eune D’Age Organics….

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:15:54 +0000

Hey babies! Guess what?? I have a special treat for you….because I love this serum SO much and want you to try it, I talked the powers that be at J’Eune d’Age into giving me a special code that I can share with you so you can save some $!

Enter the code themakeupgirl when you check out and you will get free shipping! Wahoooo….these days every little bit counts right?? Check out the product line here, why not pick up a box of serum OR the Marin Toner Pads are great too (especially in this heat….keep them in the fridge!!)

Save Pretty!!

---------------------

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

Get This: Phyto Defrisant…

Lianne Farbes — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:16:41 +0000

Looking for a green alternative to de-frizzing your hair? I have been using Phytodefrisant for years. This stlippery goo Is a relaxing balm for all hair types, naturally curly or permed hair. You do need to be careful and don’t use too much (a little goes a long way) or it will flake. BUT, used properly, this will give you super shiny smooth as silk hair with zero frizz.

Formulated with absolutely no silicones, it comtains naturally derived ingredients such as marshmallow root, ferula, horseradish, and garlic extracts that coat and straighten hair without any chemical action.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens

- Sulfates

- Synthetic Fragrances

- Synthetic Dyes

- Petro-Chemicals

- Phthalates

My hair is super fine and this has never weighed it down at all PLUS I like the fact that the actual de-frizzing is accomplished without heavy silicones which work fine but tend to make my hair look a bit greasy over time.

Get yours at Sephora stores nationwide and sephora.com.

Stay Pretty!!

Green Beauty: Jeune d’Age Organics…

Lianne Farbes — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:16:27 +0000

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I am looking for skin care that is lighter weight feeling. In addition I need something that will give me an extra boost. Jeune d’age Organics Anti-Age Serum has been on my radar ever since I heard about it earlier this year. The serum is packaged in a beautiful box that is made from recycled ingredients and is crafted from certified organic ingredients. The big deal here is that the serum itself is packed in single use foil packets, a process that is normally reserved for sampling….they contend that the product is fresher and less oxidized this way. The box comes with enough product to last a good long time and is a fantastic after sun treatment for parched skin.

The serum absorbs quickly, is non greasy and will elevate your skin’s moisture level with ease. Filled with great ingredients such as; Açai, DMAE, Hyaluronan, CoQ10, Natural AHAs and ALAs, Vitamins A, B, C and E. It’s really ideal for those who live in dry climates, you will feel it working its magic as it deeply moisturizes. On impirtant thing to note: the Hyaluronan (or Hyaluronic Acid) used in the serum is animal friendly. Many products with Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate found today use rooster comb in production, Jeune d’Age Organics does not.

The Rundown:

Individual application packets for freshness
Natural forms of DMAE, Hyaluronan, CoQ10
Natural AHAs and ALAs
Best possible value
No Synthetic chemicals, only natural fragrances
NO Parabens
Vegan friendly

They will be adding a few new items to the line, including Face and Body Moisturizing Creme, Cleanser and Toner coming in July.

Stay Pretty!!

Organic Skin Care Products

---------------------

Like this post? Don't miss another one! Subscribe to the RSS feed!!

Green Beauty: Hair Styling Tips For Going Natural…

Lianne Farbes — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:13:45 +0000

Hairstylist David Babaii, whose extensive celebrity list includes Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Uma Thurman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Garner, Jessica Biel, Scarlet Johansson, Jessica Alba, and Demi Moore to name a few has some tips for going natural with your hair styling routine.

David and actress Kate Hudson recently launched an eco-friendly hair care line, David Babaii for WildAid, that not only is made with natural, good-for-the-Earth (and you) products, it also gives 10% of its revenue to WildAid, the wildlife conservation organization.

DAVID BABAII’S TIPS FOR GOING AU NATURAL THIS EARTH DAY

1. Get curls and texture without styling tools

For long hair, follow these steps:

After shampooing spray your entire head with the David Babaii for WildAid Bohemian Beach Spray scrunch and/or twist sections then allow to air dry.
Once dry, if added texture or volume is desired flip your head over and back, give it a quick shake.
To set it all in place, lightly spray your hair with hair spray.

For short hair, follow these steps:

Towel dry freshly washed hair thoroughly to begin the foundation.
Spray your entire head with a Beach Spray and allow to air dry.
When hair is dry apply some David Babaii for WildAid Molding Paste and arrange texture until you are happy with the look.

2. Keep your hair fresh without a shampoo

In order to avoid excess oil or buildup (and save on water use), use a bit of baby powder throughout the hair acting as a dry shampoo, which helps eliminate oil and leaves a fresh scent throughout the day. Alternatively, you can use a cosmetic damp cotton pad and dab it around the hairline and roots to eliminate any excess oil. If you wish, mist the pad with a light oil free fragrance or squeeze a few drops from a fresh lemon to give hair that fresh smell.

3. Wash your hair the night before and awake up with a style

Wash your hair the night before to save time and electricity
When hair is slightly damp, create multiple sections and braid your hair tying the ends with an elastic band (depending on how much texture you want, make the braids loose (less texture) or tight (more texture)) *the braids do not need to be very precise
Next, spray the braids with David Babaii for WildAid Bohemian Beach Spray and go to sleep
When you wake up, undo the braids, give your head a little shake, and add in some additional Bohemian Beach Spray to achieve desired texture and volume – this creates a great Bohemian Look.

Place all of your hair in a messy ponytail – be creative and twist sections tight or loose to achieve various textures
When your pony tail is secured, spray with a Beach Spray and sweet dreams
When you awake, undo the pony tail for an effortless but eco-chic look

4. Create style for stick straight hair

For super straight hair, it’s is all about using fun accessories. Play around with different head bands, hair pins, and clips to achieve a fun and playful look.

Alternatively, you can tie your hair in a sleek low pony tail.

After tying it up, take small strands of hair and pin them on top of and underneath the pony tail to achieve the illusion of having volume for those with super straight hair.

You can also try a half up style:

Section off the sides and top while leaving the back of your hair down.
Secure the top and sides with an accessory or simple bobby pins.
Allow a few pieces of hair to fall naturally to give you a soft natural look.

5. Use items around the house to achieve glam

A new and un-used toothbrush is a great household product; it can be used to back brush close to the scalp area for volume or even sweep away those fly-a-ways. Going back in time, an old soda pop can still do the trick of setting hair and achieving large lopped curls.

Other ideas are to use household rubber bands for your messy ponytails or braids. And, don’t discard those dryer sheets. There is usually some fragrance left over to wipe your combs and brushes to not only freshen them but help with static as well.

Finally, use ribbons, scarves and other items you have lying around (or even ones that wrapped a gift!) to add some jazz to your ‘do. A ribbon can make a regular ponytail flirty and a scarf can make just about any look more eco-chic. This all helps to reduce the amount of household waste and makes for a great environmentally friendly choice for DIY hair.

All David Babii for WildAid products listed can be found at db4wildaid.com.

Style Pretty!!