DIY Exfoliating Scrubs for a Smoother Summer


Making your own scrub from natural ingredients is a great way to green your beauty routine and uncover that fresh glowing skin underneath naturally.

There are basically two ways you can scrub away dead cells and impurities from your skin, there is the physical defoliator which has the grainy texture and there is the chemical defoliator which naturally comes from fruit acids. What these fruit acids do is dissolve the bonds that hold skin cells together, allowing them to slough off more easily.

So go ahead, buff, scrub, and peel your way to a smoother summer with the season's best remedies that  are handmade and good for the environment. These can also make really great gifts because some you can keep for up to six months,  so find a nice little jar and make these for your friends!

For The Face:

 DIY Oatmeal-Lavender Face Scrub
1 cup ground oatmeal
1/2 cup dry lavender flowers, stripped of stalks
1/2 cup powdered milk (either whole or nonfat)
2 tsp. cornmeal

Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl, massage into damp skin, and rinse with warm water. (Scrub will keep for six months.)

Recipe from "Do It Gorgeously" (June, 2010), by Sophie Uliano.




Pineapple Face Scrub
2/3 cup fresh pineapple chunks (room temperature)
1/4 cup cold-pressed olive oil
1/4 cup fresh, clean parsley, chopped

Pulse pineapple in a blender, then add oil until almost smooth. Add parsley, and blend carefully so mask doesn't liquefy. Apply to skin and leave on for 15 minutes, instructs Brenda Brock, recipe creator and founder and CEO of Farmaesthetics.





For the Body:


DIY Spicy Sugar Scrub
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. ground cloves
1 Tbsp. dried rose petals
2 tsp. grated orange zest
1 1/2 cups sesame oil

Combine ingredients in a large bowl, making sure that everything is well mixed. Use on damp skin twice a week, Uliano says, scrubbing with your hands or a washcloth in small, circular motions. The mix will last up to six months when stored in a cool, dark cupboard.


DIY Coffee Zest Body Scrub
1/2 cup used coffee grounds
1/2 cup honey
1 Tbsp. fresh orange zest

Mix ingredients together in a container and rub mixture into skin with your hands or a washcloth, using upward strokes, for one to three minutes. Apply up to three times a week.





Tip: Limit exfoliation to once a week until you know how your skin reacts. Then, you can scrub up to three times if your skin isn't showing signs of irritation....and always apply moisturizer after exfoliation for smoother skin.
 
Also..checkout another great Natural DIY treatment by The Eco Glamourista

What's your favorite  DIY Exfoliating Scrub recipe? share with us!

Recipes and Photo credit: Whole Living Magazine

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 Glamourista's Pick: Eco-Chic Style

Gone are the days of limited eco-friendly fashion choices. Between organic cotton, recycled silk, fair trade and handmade products, you'll never have to worry about compromising your style to be conscious.

This look was put together in celebration of Earth Day by of the coolest websites Polyvore and I love it!  The plaid shirt reminds of the 90's grunge but with a more updated eco-chic twist. it really shows that with a little creativity and eco-consciousness we can all show off great environmental style!


Shop This Eco-Chic Look

Dress:
Plaid Check Dress
$80 $64 - fashion-conscience.com
Vest:
Nancy's Gone Green! eco boutique - Search results for: 'vest'
$86 - nancysgonegreen.com
Shoes:
Wood platform lace-up heels
$475 $359 - shopbird.com
 Bag:
Hemptress + Mona Satchel
$175 - econsciousmarket.com
Bracelets:
Alkemie + Stingray Bangles
$130 - econsciousmarket.com
Fedora Hat:
LiViTY Outernational + Don Mon Straw Fedora
$40 - econsciousmarket.com
Natural Makeup:
Nourishing Lipbalm | Mineral Makeup from Alima Pure
alimapure.com

Eco-Fashion Exhibition at NYC's Museum at FIT


The Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC presents Eco-Fashion: Going Green, an exhibition exploring the evolution of the fashion industry’s multifaceted and complex relationship with the environment.  By examining the past two centuries of fashion’s good—and bad— environmental and ethical practices, Eco-Fashion: Going Green provides historical context for today’s eco-fashion movement.

Going Green exhibit shows that, contrary to popular belief, fashion designers have long been interested in sustainability. The revealing exhibition features over 100 garments, accessories and textiles from the mid-18th century to the present. Defining what qualifies as "eco-fashion" while highlighting how each stage of fashion production has environmental consequences are the two main principles upon which the exhibition is built. The display features beautiful designs by contemporary designers such as Edun, Bodkin and Fin alongside centuries-old creations like a silk brocade gown from 1760.

As a fellow FIT recent graduate and Alum, I know all about this museum and its amazing shows throughout the years. If you are in the NYC area be sure to check out this one-of-it's-kind eco-fashion exhibition!



On View at The Museum at FIT in New York  May 26 Through November 13, 2010

See their Press Release



Venue Information:Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Full Name:Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York City, USA
Opening Hours:Tue-Fri 12pm-8pm; Sat 10am-5pm
Address:7th Ave at 27th Street 10001-5902
Directions:By Subway: to 28th Street.
By Bus: to 23rd Street.
Contact Details:Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Phone:+1 212 217 7999
Other Information:Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
Website:FIT Website




















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Photo credit: Museum at FIT




Green This Look: The Little White Dress


Sure, it looks great against summer-bronzed skin, but the little white dress has continually taken a backseat to its black counterpart for seasons on end. Now now it's time for the LWD to hop in the front seat and drive.  Sarah Jessica Parker and Reese Witherspoon stood out this spring with elegant and ladylike white and cream shade dresses.

I absolutely love this versatile must have for spring. It can take you anywhere – from the grocery store in flops to a summer wedding in heels. It's the perfect recession-proof piece that you can wear and pair all summer long.

Green This Look



Stewart+Brown Camellia Dress, $168 at Stewartbrown.com
I love this dress! it features beautiful pleating and draping all around, very eco-chic. Is made of 100% organic crepe cotton.


Sublet Clothing Alison Dress, $150 at Subletclothing.com
This is a very easy to wear dress that allows to go from day to a night out. It has a stunning shape and an elegant neckline with dramatic pleating throughout the front and back. Is made with organic cotton and bamboo.




Nina Dress, $200 at Shopflick.com
This Nina Dress is a 100% Organic Cotton knit jersey dress with inverted pleats at waist to create side drapes. Fitted bodice with large open keyhole back---almost fully backless! Sweet, sexy and super cute for spring!


Doie Sunset Dress, $ 96 at Nimli.com
This very pretty dress is made from organic cotton. Style it up with boots and a belt or keep it simple with flip flops. Great for those summer days!



Eco Glamourista Tip:  Get a travel sized on-the-go stain remover to throw in your bag and wear that sexy Little White Dress worry free!

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Photo Credit: PeopleMagazine

Eco Glamourista's Pick: 10 Earth Day Finds that Give Back


I wanted to take a moment to wish the Earth Happy 40th Birthday! Anything to help our environment is a perfect thing to do on Earth Day and every day. Don't restrict yourself to just one day a year; learn about how you can make a difference to environmental protection all the time. And put it into practice - every day!


Eco Glamourista contributes to Earth by doing what she do best: to bring you fashion, beauty and lifestyle ideas that are  eco-glam and stylish!  But, to go beyond there are many companies that are also donating a portion or all of their proceeds from the sales of their products to non-profits or  working to make the Earth a better, safer place. And what a better way support their efforts than on Earth Day!






1. Andira Rainforest Tee, $38 at Nimli.com
Rain Tees are a 100% organic luxury line of apparel for women and children designed by youth living in endangered rain forests across Central and South America.
Andira donated school supplies to the children and asked them to illustrate what they see happening in their world every day. Each Rain Tee features their thoughts illustrations and names.
For every Rain tee sold, a child involved in Kids Saving the Rain Forest, Costa Rica will receive a tree they can plant to replace one that has been destroyed.




2. Lush Charity Pot Hand And Feet Body Lotion, $20.45 at Lush.com
Lush USA, makers of fresh handmade cosmetics, have a wonderful product for the passionate protector. The Lush Charity Pot hand and body cream gives money directly to worthy causes around the globe. Choose a group focused on environmental conservation, animal welfare, humanitarian issues or other cause, and it gets 100 percent of proceeds from the sale. If your cause is not on the list, you can email the company with an organization or group's info.
 3. Edun for Sephora Palettes, $36 at Sephora.com
Available in earth-and-ochre tones or vibrant, summery hues, each palette is clad in a natural wood case and an organic cotton drawstring pouch. (Sephora notes that the bag, which is made in Kampala, Uganda, can also double as an MP3 holder.) For your mix-and-matching pleasure are six powder eyeshadows and one powder blush, all of which are paraben-, talc- and allergen-free.
$3 from every sale of these palettes will go to the Wildlife Conservation Society to fund the Conservation Cotton Initiative in Uganda, which promotes organic cotton farming to improve the livelihoods of local communities.


4. "Water is a Human Right" Faucet Necklace, $79 at Uncommongoods.com
We have a global water crisis on our hands: one billion people do not have access to clean water–women and children spend hours every day, walking miles to collect water, keeping them from school and work. Average water use: 5 gallons per day. Compare that to the average American’s daily use of 170 gallons. Linda Loudermilk–a pioneer sustainable fashion designer–donates a generous portion of each Water is a Human Right purchase to organizations dedicated to clean water initiatives.

5. Ecoist Handbag, $28-$158,  at Ecoist.com
A tree is planted for every bag sold, how amazing is that! Not only that, these chic and durable handbags are handwoven and Fair Trade made from reclaimed food wrappers,newspapers and magazines –so you’re helping people and the planet. They come small up to larger portfolio and shoulder bag sizes.


6. VeeV Açai Spirit, $29.95, at veevlife.com

 Here’s something you can drink to — a liquor made from the Brazilian Açaí fruit. Now, lest you get confused, just because Açaí is touted as a “superfruit” does NOT mean that you should consume this beverage in large quantities. The cool thing is that VeeV donates $1 from each sale to protecting the Brazilian Rain Forests through the Sambazon Sustainable Açaí Project. That’s a cause we will happily toast! 

7. TOMS Vegan Shoes, $54, tomshoes.com
I love these shoes! In tribute to this mix of cultural influences, these new TOMS Classics feature abstract sailing inspired patterns, and are made using vegan and sustainable materials. With every purchase, Toms donates a shoes to a child in need in developing countries. You can also donate your shoes through TOMS initiative, "One Day Without Shoes."
Everyone has old pairs of shoes he or she doesn't wear anymore - why not donate them to a good cause?

8. Bloomsberry Climate Change Milk Chocolate, $5 or $40 for a pack of 10 Bloomsberryusa.com
It tastes delicious, another reason to indulge! Climate Change Chocolate comes with a verified TerraPass offset of 133 pounds of carbon dioxide reductions, the average American’s daily carbon impact. In addition, the carbon emissions associated with the production and distributed of the chocolate bar has been balanced out. Also each wrapper features 15 tips on how to lighten your environmental impact.

 
 9. Ltd. Edition Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist, $26 at Kiehls.com
This 100% Organic mist with daily use, helps protect cells from destructive effects of oxidation, improves the look of radiance and rejuvenation of your skin.
As part of “Give Kiehl’s Give Back.” For every bottle sold, 100% of proceeds (up to $200,000) will go to the Rainforest Alliance. Looking beautiful never felt so good!
 10. Aveda" Light The Way" Soy Wax Candle, $12 at Aveda.com
100% naturally derived soy wax candle infused with organic lavender and other pure flower and plant extracts in candleholders that were once wine cooler bottles. Aveda has done many things for Earth Month over the years. This year, they’re helping protect clean water. They’ll donate all proceeds to the Global Greengrants Fund to help protect clean water for children and families around the world.

...And remember that Every Day is Earth Day!

Stylish Vegan HandBags by Big Buddha


Santa Cruz, California–based handbag label, Big Buddha has some of the most stylish vegan (but not at all crunchy) bags that are made of V-Leather, a "Green" Leather like material where no animals were harmed in the production of these bags. V-Leather is a animal friendly, cruelty-free leather like material. V-Leather is indistinguishable from leather. This young, vibrant company is causing a commotion and getting noticed, with high praise in Hollywood and such magazines as In Style, Lucky, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire and Women's Wear Daily.



In Big Buddha's Spring 2010 season you’ll find stylish silhouettes such as shoulder, cross-body and hand held bags, each complimented by luxurious features such as studded details, neutral textures, parachute quilting and amazing Tie-dye print such as this Buddha Woodstock Bag -$89 ( shown above). Even with all of your favorite flirty and feminine trendy features, I like that these handbags stay functional, fun and practical for women of any age while being animal-friendly!

 



Want to win a Big Buddha Handbag? Lucky Magazine is giving away 150 Big Buddha Handbags like this black hobo-style with eyelet like detailing (shown above) worth $100 each!  Enter here for a chance to win one. Giveaway ends May 3rd.


Photo credit: Big Buddha Bags

Gisele Bundchen Launches Eco-friendly Skincare Line




Brazilian beauty and earth-loving model and new mom Gisele Bundchen is here to help us and the environment by sharing the secrets to beautiful natural skin with her new beauty line launching on March 15 People magazine reports. Bundchen, who is a UN ambassador for environmental issues, is launching an eco-friendly line of products called Seeja Pure Skincare.

Gisele decided upon the brand's name as a play on the word seja, meaning "to be" in Portuguese, her first language. The extra "a" was added at the end because "words have a vibration, and aaah! is an exhalation, what you feel when you let go," she told Vogue Magazine.


The line is promises to deliver all-natural ingredients, “thoughtful” packaging and recycled paper;
as a result a revolutionary skincare line that protects and supports your skin's natural radiance, while also protecting the health and beauty of our environment.

The three-product line, which is sold solely on the brand's website, consists of a Day Cream, Night Cream ($70), and Mud Mask ($56). It also features a Pure Skincare Kit ($120), which includes a two-ounce jar of each product, a spa towel, and a mud applicator.



This isn’t the supermodel’s only new project, she also shot ads this winter for Brazilian fashion line Coccli and also Supermodel and husband Tom Brady have recently shown their support for WWF’s Earth Hour by filming two videos that encourage people around the world to join them in turning off their lights for Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27th at 8:30 pm.

Watch these videos and learn more about it!





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Photo credit: Patrick Demarchelier 

All-Natural and Delicious Homemade Beauty Recipes

Greening our beauty routine doesn't have to be a difficult task. One of the best ways to green your beauty if by preparing your own DIY treatments at home featuring fresh, natural ingredients that have no artificial colors, preservatives or fragrances—and that involve absolutely no testing on animals. I want to share with you a few homemade recipes that not only sound delicious, but feel that way too!


Sublime Sunflower Scrub

Sunflower seeds, rich in vitamin E oil, make an excellent facial scrub. This recipe can be used to cleanse your skin, leaving your face incredibly soft and smooth. You may also use it for an all-over, full-body treatment.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup raw sunflowers seeds, shelled
Distilled water for mixing

In a food processor or coffee grinder, process the raw seeds until you have a fine powder that resembles coarse sugar. Pour into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. Mix 1 tablespoon of the ground sunflower seeds with a few teaspoons of water to create a smooth paste. You can do this in the palm of your hand or in a ceramic bowl. Massage the mixture into your face and neck, and rinse well with warm water followed by cool water. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Yields: 4 oz, enough for eight facial treatments or one full-body treatment
 

Chocolate Lip Gloss

This lip gloss, made from blending together cocoa butter and chocolate, is an excellent lip conditioner with a mildly sweet taste.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 teaspoons grated cocoa butter
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil
1/4 teaspoon grated chocolate or 3 small chocolate chips (milk or dark, depending on your taste)

In a double broiler or the microwave, heat the cocoa butter, coconut oil and vitamin E oil gently until melted. Stir in the chocolate and keep stirring until melted and well blended. Pour into a small lip gloss container and allow to cool completely. Spread on lips with a clean fingertip or lip brush.

Yields: 1/2 oz


Cleopatra Milk Bath

Although no one knows exactly what Cleopatra looked like, there's no doubt that her beauty was captivating. One of her greatest beauty secrets was her milk bath. With this recipe, you can enjoy a milk bath like Cleopatra in your own home.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried mint
Peel of 1 orange
Peel of 1 lemon
2 cups boiling water
1 small (9.6-oz) box dried milk, enough to make 3 quarts; if you have oily skin, use nonfat milk powder

Combine the herbs and citrus peels in a large ceramic bowl. Pour the boiling water over the herbs and peels and allow to steep for several hours (even overnight). Strain off the liquid, removing all solids. Add the milk powder to this solution. Draw a warm (not hot) bath, and pour the entire mixture into the bath water. Soak in the tub for as long as you like, but at least 20 minutes. Rinse the milk off your skin with warm water; you don't want it to sour on your skin, creating an unpleasant smell. Pat dry and moisturize your body.

Yields: Approximately 16 oz, enough for one bath


Green Goddess Body Mask

It's important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which help produce healthy skin and hair from the inside out. You can also put fresh "green" ingredients on your body; they add moisture to your skin, making it soft and smooth.
Ingredients:
1 cup sliced fresh carrot root
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups fresh, sliced zucchini squash
1/2 cup vegetable water (see instructions) or fresh water
1/2 cup French green clay or any natural clay

Combine all the fresh vegetables in a steamer or microwave-safe container. Steam until they are soft and tender and can easily be pierced with a fork. Let the vegetables cool completely and save 1/2 cup of their cooking water as the vegetable water. Place the cooked vegetables and water in a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Using a fork or whisk, stir in the natural clay. When you finish mixing, you should have a smooth, creamy, pale green mixture. Spread the mask all over your body using your fingers or a small paintbrush. Let it sit on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off the mixture in a warm shower and use a rich moisturizer afterward.

Yields: 10 oz, enough for one treatment


Article source: Excerpted from the book "Natural Beauty At Home: More Than 250 Easy-To-Use Recipes for Body, Bath, and Hair " By Janice Cox.