Showing posts with label Eco-friendly Makeup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eco-friendly Makeup. Show all posts

Lauren Conrad Eco-Friendly Cosmetics for BlueAvocado


Hi Folks, Lauren Conrad Aka "LC" and former MTV reality show darling has moved forward to the socially-responsible venture world by now partnering up with  BlueAvocado, a women-founded sustainable lifestyle products company, on a green collection of home, travel, and cosmetic accessories. LC said: "The BlueAvocado partnership represents a synergy of things I love to do—design great products, enable women to realize their dreams, and inspire thoughtful action.... Once you realize the responsibility we have to improve our environment in our lifetime, you feel compelled to act with urgency. BlueAvocado provides a canvas for me to invite change."  LC's first eco-collection won't officially launch until this summer. You can be the first to hear about exclusive updates by clicking right here!
What do you think? Would you try her cosmetics? Let us know!

10 Eco-Glam Beauty Products

These eco-friendly beauty products are must-haves in every beauty girl's collection. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that you're not only helping your skin (no harmful chemicals) but also helping the environment.

So, while you should still take it upon yourself to recycle whenever you can, and skimp on waste,  you can spoil yourself with the products below:



1. Ahava Mineral Botanic Grape & Avocado Body Wash
Ahava's latest release in body washes' smell spectacular, and this particular scent meant for normal to dry skin has the added bonus of being extremely moisturizing. And unlike those liquid body washes that dry your skin out, this one actually helps out parched skin. It's of course paraben-free, and contains five essential vitamins to help with healthy skin regeneration. For those of you with sensitive skin, there are also two available scents to cater to you. $21.50 at ahavaus.com

2. Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum
Argan Oil is the latest and greatest of exotic skin care, because it's an amazing source of antioxidants, vitamin E and it prevents dehydration. Taking this magical serum and applying it to your hair, is well, genius. The serum gives your hair instant shine and moisturizes each strand sealing split ends.  $30 at sephora.com

3. Korres Showergel in Guava
This all-natural showergel is enriched with active aloe that stimulates collagen and elastin to reduce the natural signs of aging as well as vitamins E, C and zinc to boost the skin's immune system. $19.50 at korresusa.com

4. Tarte Cheek Stain
Tarte's cheek stain gives you a great natural flush, and is a water-based, oil-free stain so it doesn't clog pores. Tarte is of course all-natural, and eco-friendly, but they've also parterned with Sambazon on an intiative to conserve the rainforest. $30 at sephora.com

5. Bamboo Wear Bamboo Refillable Compact
Even your local drugstore is going green these days. Physicians Formula's spring line includes bamboo materials, like this bamboo refillable compact. It's a naturally sustainable, durable compact that's also reusable. Plus, you can purchase refillable foundation and bronzer compacts to replenish your stock without incurring unnecessary waste. $6.99, ulta.com


6. Ole Henriksen Fresh Lips SPF 15
With a combination of cocoa butter, menthol, vitamin E and salicylic acid, this lip balm not only heals chapped lips but also sloughs off dead skin cells while protecting and conditioning the skin. The multi-tasker also features SPF 15. $15, olehenriksen.com

7. Caudalie Gentle Cleanser
This gentle cleanser made with grapeseed polyphenols, shea butter and jojoba oils, leaves the skin feeling silky, soft and smooth. The cleanser smells softly of lavender and works well with sensitive skin. $26, caudalie-usa.com

8. Fresh Sugar Lychee Eau de Parfum
Come spring, we're thinking fresh and fruity scents. One of Fresh's latest fragrances is the sweet and airy Sugar Lychee. Featuring the lychee fruit, the eau de parfum is also balanced with citrusy grapefruit and lotus flower notes. A tinge of amber undertones adds a bit of warm sophistication. $32, fresh.com

9. Weleda Skin Food
Weleda's Skin Food is a beauty insider's favorite for curing dry skin. The intensive moisture cream heals rough, cracked skin by deeply hydrating rough skin, perfect for elbows and knees. But did you know the cream is packed with organic ingredients too? Organic pansy and soothing rosemary form the backbone of this soothing moisturizer. $17.50, usa.weleda.com

10. Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadow
Alima Pure's mineral makeup uses high-quality pigments for its shadows, and this luminous purple shade is perfect for spring. If you're not keen on purple, there are plenty of other colors to choose from. Commitment-phobes can try out the sample sizes for just $1 a pop. $9, alimapure.com

What are your favorite natural and eco-friendly beauty products?


Photos and article by: Stylecaster

Eco Glam Inspiration: Memorial Day Picnic

I love Memorial Day weekend. A day to remember our troops and to spend quality time with your loved ones. Also the extra day off has infinite possibilities: Road trips! Beach parties! BBQs! Pastoral picnics with apple pie!

The holiday, which also marks the beginning of summer, is also a great opportunity to green your summer wardrobe and add pieces that are much more earth-friendly. Living in New York City, I often celebrate Memorial day at a picnic with my family or taking a trip to the Hampton's seaside. Keeping with the all-American feel, I tend to gravitate towards vintagey classics and hits of red and navy (but no flag tees, promise!). Click through some of my favorite eco-conscious looks for inspiration. Happy Memorial Day Everyone!!
Eco-friendly Memorial Day Picnic Outfit

Eco Glamorous Makeup Looks for Spring

Skin is in for spring! On most of the looks we saw on the runway for Spring 2010, skin was kept flawlessly sheer to provide a clean backdrop to the brightly colored lips in shades of corals, and pinks. Lips were also kept nude to give eyes the focus in startling pop shadows and cats eye styles.

Natural-Looking Makeup 
Spring 2010 Makeup is all about sporting a natural-looking skin with a hint of color. Its all about showing your glowing skin and very girl-next door. I personally love this look because its very simple yet flattering.
Eco Glamorous Look: A natural look is about flawless skin so it is important that you take care of your skin inside and out to keep it looking its best. You want to start by eating natural, whole foods and using skin products that are organic or made with natural ingredients. To achieve glowing flawless skin try this DIY Spa Facial, then go for Alima Mineral Foundation for a natural, luminous, silky skin look in seconds!


Pretty Coral Lips
Think,pinks, corals, peachy lips for spring which are very flattering shades for almost all skin tones. I also like the fact that these colors are very romantic and playful!


Eco Glamorous look: Try Cargo Plant Love Lipstick by Evangeline Lily which is a very pretty coral shade. You can also try Mineral Fusion Lip Gloss in Gleam one of my favorite shades.


Purples and Turquoise Shadows
Quite the opposite of the natural look, colorful makeup is a hot makeup trend for Spring 2010. Shades of Purples, Turquoise, and Pinks add a lot of fun and look fresh for spring 2010!
 
Eco Glamorous Look: Try Josie Maran Natural Wonder Powder Palette which has a nice mixture of spring colors, specially a very pretty turquoise, Spring's hottest color.  Also try Nvey Organic Eyeshadow in Plum Shimmer for a playful touch of purple.


Cat Eyes

The cat eye look were everywhere in the Spring 2010 runways, they were paired up with nude lips and almost-nude blushes to give cheekbones just little lift without a lot of color.


Eco Glamorous look: For dramatic, smoky or cat eyes try Illuminare Beyond Black Eyeliner which is a richly pigmented, silky cream mineral eyeliner you could ever dream of!  Also try ZuZu Luxe Liquid Eyeliner in Raven, one of my favorites natural eyeliners to achieve this look!

Its time to look glamorous this Spring while taking care of our bodies and our planet!

5 Eco-Glamorous Party Makeup Looks

How to have a star-worthy makeup look while reducing your impact on the environment? Like always, one of the best ways to green in your beauty routine is to go minimal but during the holidays and special occasions is always nice to add a little bit of glamour and a festive glow to your look. Every little bit counts and so, as you ponder your choices as a consumer, consider eco-friendly cosmetics.

Many cosmetic and skincare brands have taken dramatic strides towards greening not only their products, but their packaging as well. These products often contain no preservatives, colorants, dyes or perfumes. Here five of this season's favorite eco-glamorous makeup looks, tips and cosmetics that will have both you and the environment looking its best. Going green, after all, is always in style.

1. Brighten your eyes with shimmer



This holiday season, shimmery eye shadows continue to be on trend. To brighten your eyes and add sultriness try a touch of silver and gold on your eyelids and the corner of your eyes.
Tip: You can also try a modern take on smoky eyes and use a shimmer to create a smudgy effect.
Green this look: Try Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Eldorado ($16), from Urban Decay's ever-expanding line of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. Also try Tarte Lock and Roll in Gunmetal ($17), which is free of parabens, synthetics and features green recyclable packaging as well.

2. Create a dramatic look with eyeliner



An eyeliner is a must for well-finished eye makeup and to create an instant new look. Eyeliner can make even the smallest eyes appear larger which is a huge reason so many people use it, but applying it correctly is key.
Tip: Using a thin pencil will give you a more subtle effect, while using a liquid liner or thicker pencil will create a more dramatic look.
Green this look: For dramatic, smoky or cat eyes try Illuminare Beyond Black Eyeliner ($21) which is a richly pigmented, silky cream mineral eyeliner you could ever dream of! This is a paraben free, waterproof formula that also comes in an earth friendly glass jars. Also try Gabriel Cosmetics Eyeliner in Black ($12) to softly accent eyes. This eyeliner is eco-friendly and enriched with natural plant waxes to glide on easily without pulling or stretching the delicate eye area.

3. Make your eyes come alive with mascara



Long and thick eyelashes are a simple way to bring your holiday look from drab to fab. Before you apply mascara, curl your lashes to make your eyes seem larger. Use an eyelash curler and curl your lashes very carefully, positioning the curler around your eyelashes with the upper lashes between the edges of the curler.
Tip: Don’t apply more than two coats of mascara – otherwise you can make your lashes appear too done and unnatural. First, apply a thin coat and let it dry. Then build up with a second coat of mascara. When applying mascara to the lower lashes, gently brush the tip of the applicator across them.
Green this look: Choose black mascara and apply it after you have curled your lashes. Try Tarte 4-in-1 Natural Mascara in Black ($18) for a more dramatic bombshell lashes result. Also Try ZuZu Lux Mascara in Onyx ($17) which is a gentle and non-irritating mascara enriched with vitamins and herbal extracts and suitable for sensitive eyes.

4. A party look with pretty lips



Lip glosses are a great way to finish off your party look – not only are they quick and easy to apply, they always create a glamorous, finished look. If you are feeling frisky and want to make a bold statement, try sultry-red lips which are hot this holiday season!
Tip: Apply a dusting of your face powder or a bit of foundation to your lips to help maximize the staying power of the lipstick or gloss. Depending on your dress color, choose a lip color that enhances the outfit. Apply the lip gloss over your lipstick to create a playful look and to make your lips appear luminous. Remember the golden rule: if your eyes are bright, choose a more neutral color for your lips and vice versa if your eyes have less color.
Green this look: For a glamorous red-lips looks try ZuZu Luxe Lipgloss in Caliente ($18). This formula is gluten and lead-free and also long-lasting for up to 12 hours. For a more natural effect but that also add a little shimmer and fun to your look, I like Cargo Plant Love Botanical Lipsktics ($20), a sheer, creamy lipstick formulated with natural and organic ingredients.

5. Blushed Cheeks



The holidays or other celebrations are great for wearing blushed cheeks. I favor blush colors that have a touch of gold or bronze in them because when you smile, it picks up the light beautifully and it looks great in photos as well.
Tip: Choose cheek colors that have tiny bits of gold and bronze in them because it gives your cheeks a dewy look. If you are not sure about what color to pick, Coral and Pink shades go well with any skin tone.
Green this look: For a more shimmery-blushed effect try Alima Luminous Shimmer Blush ($15) which is a pure, luscious and richly pigmented shimmering blush that goes on sheer and blends beautifully for a healthy glow. All Alima cosmetics are certified all-natural and use environmentally-friendly packaging. If you are looking for a more naturally blushed-look I like Aubrey Organics Silken Earth Blush in Warm Rose ($12), made with natural colors, sustainable and agricultural ingredients.

What's your favorite green makeup tip? share with us!

Phot0 credit: Getty Images

Green Picks for Beautiful and Natural Eye Makeup


I love makeup, especially the one that makes my eyes feel sexy and glamorous. Even on my worst day, I can just dab a little mascara and it can transform me in seconds into a goddess. When I first started becoming green, I worried that I would have to seriously compromise in the beauty department. Luckily, these days so many wonderful companies, from big-name brands to small independent dealers have developed eco-friendly product lines that offer much the same quality and value, but without all the added chemicals. Not only are they better for the environment, they can also be better for your skin. If you’re not sure how to start, I have put together a quick eye make buying guide to help you out featuring the best new products and new colors for Fall!

Shopping Tips
  • Whenever you purchase a new product, always read the ingredients list carefully and look for the third-party certifications such as USDA Certified Organic and Leaping Bunny. Stay away from lengthy ingredients lists and misleading labels.
  • Look for cosmetics that don't have any chemical emulsifiers, binders, synthetics, fillers or paraben preservatives and that use botanicals and minerals.
  • If nothing else, avoid cosmetics that contain ingredients included in The Green Guide's "Dirty Dozen." Of those twelve, the most commonly found in cosmetics are antibacterials, coal-tar dyes, 1,4-dioxane (a contaminant of "PEG," sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate and other -eth ingredients), formaldehyde, fragrance, mercury, nanoparticles, parabens and petroleum distillates.
  • Use products that contain no more than 10 ingredients. The fewer the ingredients, the less likely you are to be exposed to a potentially irritating or harmful chemical.
  • Powdered products generally require fewer potentially irritating ingredients.
Top Green Picks

These top picks for eco-friendly eye makeup will make a perfect addition to your natural makeup regimen:

BeingTRUE
Eye Shadows- offers twelve new shades for Fall 2009, BeingTRUE’s latest collection is inspired by gemstones. The shadows are rich, well-pigmented, and available in matte, natural and shimmer textures. They contain antioxidant complex of Vitamin E, Green Tea, White Tea, which helps shield the skin from the environment, UV damage and moisture lost. They are priced at $16 per pan and $5 for a refillable single compact.

Nvey ECO Organic Eye Shadow- This formula is enhanced with chamomile and vitamins and is milled with a base of corn silk and jojoba oil for an extra smooth feel. These eye shadows are ideal to use on sensitive and/or dry skin as the all-natural ingredients include plant oils and no irritants. They are available both as single units and as palettes of 5 shades. They are priced at $24 individually and $61 as a palette. Available in both shimmer and matte in a variety of colors, you are sure to find your perfect combination in this selection.

Honeybee Garden
s PowerColors Stackable Mineral Colors PowderColors are completely vegan as they are free of dyes, talc, petroleum and other additives. These versatile powders are a blend of pure mineral pigments in a striking range of colors. They can be used as eyeshadow and eyeliner. These are a great bargain at $4.99 per color.

Afterglow Organic Eyeliner Pencil made with 100% natural ingredients and nourishing organic oils such as organic sesame seed oil, organic castor seed oil and organic beeswax form a creamy, moisture-rich formula for smooth application. For $22, you can choose from 3 beautiful shades, Forest Green, Orbit Brown and Black Gravity. Afterglow Cosmetics focuses on offering natural color cosmetics, free of many of the synthetic preservatives, bismuth oxychloride, petro-chemicals, synthetic dyes and fillers found in traditional cosmetics.

LAVERA Voluminizing Mascara and Eyeliner At $28.50 for both, the simple black eyeliner is made from organic beeswax and palm oil and the voluminizing mascara from organic jojoba oil and rose. Lavera is one of the best-selling beauty lines in Germany and their natural formulations have the seal of approval from BDIH, which strictly regulates cosmetics. As with all LAVERA products, these items are certified 100% natural, paraben-free, cruelty-free and contain no heavy-metals or synthetic ingredients.

Josie Maran's Newest Mascara in Brown Brown mascara is a very easy, everyday makeup item. At $22, this mascara is a paraben and fragrance free formula that contains a handful of organic ingredients like Jojoba oil, Argan oil and Beeswax to condition and strengthen as it lengthens and defines.

Longona Eyebrow Pencil- We all love to keep our eyebrows nicely arched and what better than with this is a all- natural, gluten-free eyebrow pencil. Longona is Germany-based leading supplier of natural organic personal care products. You can snag this item for $10.99 at Natural Europe, a market place for European natural beauty products.

EcoTools 5 Piece Bamboo Brush Set

This EcoTools 5-Piece Brush Set includes a Blush Brush, Ey
e Shading Brush, Eyeliner Brush, Lash and Brow Groomer, Concealer Brush and Brush case made from recycled materials. EcoTools Brushes features sustainable bamboo handles, synthetic Taklon bristles and sleek ferule made with recycled aluminum. I love this set, it is a great steal at $16.99. You can find this item at Ulta.com.

Hope you enjoyed this quick guide! What other eco-friendly makeup products do you like to use? Please share your ideas and comments!

Photo credit: Mineral Magic at Flickr