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Acne's so fun! Said no one ever. Acne can be a real drag and we have a whole line of natural and organic skincare products targeted specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. Check out our detailed blog post on how to choose the right acne skincare for your skin type here.
However today we're going to talk about makeup. Makeup and acne can be a catch 22 - it helps you cover pimples and scars, so it can make you feel more confident, yet some makeup can trigger acne, so the cycle continues.
Luckily, the ingredients which can be most triggering for acne are mostly those we don't use, such as D&C red dyes, silicones, parabens and artificial fragrances. Read on to hear about which makeup you should use to avoid triggering your acne, and possibly to help heal it, all while making you look your most beautiful and confident.
Some of our customers have said that our Creme Foundation actually helped heal their skin and acne! This is likely because of the zinc oxide in it, which is anti-inflammatory and helps with redness and irritation. It also has neem, which is anti-bacterial.
That being said, in general powder makeup will be better for oily and acne-prone skin than creams. You can definitely try samples our cream foundations and see for yourself, however powder will help to absorb excess oil and is less likely to cause breakouts in those who are prone to them.
So for your base, try our Pressed Foundation or Powder Foundation. You can try samples of our Creme Concealer and see how your skin does with it. Remember: creams before powders, so start with the concealer and apply the powder foundation on top.
If you do use our Creme Foundation, you can dust some Translucent Finishing Powder on top to set it and help absorb any excess oil. You can also try our Banana Corrective Finishing Powder, which has a subtle yellow tint to help neutralize redness.
For cheeks, we'll again stick with powder formulas as the default. Our Boujee Blushing Duos are a pressed blush which include a lighter and darker shade, which you can swirl together or use separately. Our Pressed Cheek Colours are pressed blush with a single shade, and the Powder Cheek Colours are loose mineral blush.
If you want to go further with cheek makeup, check out our Coconut Beach Pressed Bronzer or our PureSculpt Contour Kit, which includes both contour and highlight pressed powders in a lovely compact with a mirror.
Acne can be so stressful, it's this extra thing you have to deal with, that other people don't have to think about it. The most important thing to remember is you're beautiful just as you are! Makeup can be a way to help you feel more confident as you go about your day. It doesn't have to exacerbate your acne, it may even help! Enjoy it, have fun.
Sources:
If moisture is what your skin craves, try the Acai and Pomegranate Anti-Aging Face Mask. Do you need to be older to use this mask? No! If you're 23 and your skin type is on the drier or more sensitive side, this will be perfect for you.
Benefits: the acai berries increase cell turnover, revealing younger looking skin. Coconut milk is super moisturizing and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Caffeine fights free radicals, tightens and tones skin and is anti-inflammatory.
How to apply: use a Fan Brush or clean fingers to apply to your face (and neck if you choose). Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water. Use once or twice a week.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the French Clay and Charcoal Mask is for you. If you're acne-prone but your skin is sensitive or dry, the Deep Sea Masque (below) may be a better option for you. You may want to patch test on a small area first and see how you do.
Benefits: The French Clay is rich in minerals and helps draw toxins and impurities to the surface of the skin to be washed away. The lemon, tea tree and thyme have antibacterial properties. The aloe conditions and nourishes the skin and has several healing vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.
How to apply: Mix the mask with a little water to form a paste, about one part mask to two parts water. Apply with a Fan Brush or clean fingers and leave on up to 15 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water. Use once or twice a week for dewy, clear skin. You can also spot treat blemishes for targeted healing.
If you have normal to combination skin, you'll love our Deep Sea Masque for it's purifying and softening properties.
Benefits: the dulse detoxifies the skin and gives it a glow. The bladderwack (funny word) firms the skin and improves elasticity, great for preventing signs of aging. The algae moisturizes and is anti-inflammatory.
How to apply: add water to make a thin paste. Apply with a Fan Brush or clean fingers and leave on 5-10 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.
Yes, let's not forget about our lips! Our Vanilla Bean Lip Masque is a leave-on treatment which will help moisturize and soften dry, chapped lips.
Benefits: Jojoba is moisturizing and nourishing to the lips. Beeswax provides a natural barrier, protecting the lips from dryness and harsh environments, like cold weather or winds. Sunflower promotes healing.
How to apply: apply to lips overnight or whenever you need some extra moisture. No need to remove, this is a leave-on mask.
As always, you may want to patch test any new product and if you feel any irritation, remove it. Happy masking!
]]>Have you heard that most women are not wearing the correct size bra? This Valentine's Day, give yourself the support you really need! Most women are wearing too large a band and too small a cup, so if you're wearing a 36B, you likely should wear a 34C (or 32D, E, etc, you'd be surprised).
Grab a tape measure and get measuring. This website will guide you and it's actually quite accurate: A Bra That Fits Calculator . Don't be shocked if your cup size goes further down the alphabet than you expected. We're conditioned to think that a D-cup is the largest, but actually it's quite common to be an E-F-G etc cup.
Keep in mind that US and European/UK sizing use a different cup system, so if you buy a bra from a European or UK brand, be aware of that. The UK has several wonderful brands with inclusive sizing, like Freya, Fantasie and Panache. You can even find some of them on Amazon!
*image from US v. UK Bra Sizing – La Bella Coppia Large Cup Lingerie
Store-bought chocolate is good, but have you ever tried making your own at home? It's actually easier than you would think. Here's a recipe that uses only three ingredients! And you can add whatever toppings or flavors you like. You can get a silicone mold from a craft store like Michaels, or on Amazon.
Getting your "colors done" was all the rage decades ago, and it's back in style. What is it? It's a way to find a color palette that suits your skin. You'd be amazed what a difference it can make in your face, and therefore your confidence. It also makes shopping for clothing easier.
So how do you find out if you're a soft autumn or deep winter? Search for color analysis to find in-person consultations in your area, or there are digital options on Etsy or similar sites. However, you may just want to use a free app. It might not be quite as accurate, but it will give you a good idea if you go through the process a few times with different pictures. A fun website and app is colorwise.me.
Here are some fun Instagram accounts to follow who talk about color analysis.
Yes, indulging in a spa day is great if you have the time and money for it, but you can plan a totally relaxing spa night at home! Set your phone to silent and start with a luxurious bath using our organic Spa Soaks. While you're relaxing, why not do a nourishing face mask to pamper your skin? Finish up with a delicious oil-based organic facial serum to leave your skin glowing.
So that's it, which of these do you think you'll try out? Whatever you do, remember to indulge and enjoy yourself, that's what this time of year is all about!
]]>There are many other ways to meet people, so why do online dating? Well, sheer numbers. So many people are on the apps, and you'll meet people you'd likely never meet otherwise. Does quantity mean quality? Not exactly. But your chances of meeting a great match is higher, simply because there are more options.
You can also see filters you wouldn't see in person. How old are they? What type of relationship are they looking for? What are their interests? What is their religion? Do they have or want kids? These are details you won't find chatting with Mr. Potentially Right in the frozen foods section at the grocery store. But do chat with him, that would make a perfect romcom movie moment!
Online dating is convenient. Most of us don't have a lot of time to go to bars or clubs, and picking people up in those settings can be awkward, especially if you're shy. But dating apps are in your phone all day, you can swipe while in line at the grocery store, assuming you haven't already met Prince Charming on this mythical grocery shopping trip.
There are lots of apps out there, and if you're drawn to one or a friend recommended it, go for it, but two popular ones are Bumble and Hinge. If you want to choose just one, that's fine, but a lot of people are on a couple.
Bumble's premise is that the woman messages first. This is to give women the power and control. When you match with someone, you have 24 hours to message, and then they have 24 hours to respond. If either party lapses, you lose that match (I believe you can get it back if you pay for a premium account). The benefit of this is that it forces you to make contact, instead of getting matches which languish in your inbox indefinitely.
Hinge is just... cool. It has prompts and questions which help you write an interesting profile.
Your profile should give a good idea of who you are, without being TMI. When it comes to photos, while it's okay to have some pictures of you with friends, make sure the majority have only you, especially your main photo. Include photos that show you doing what you love. Are you a mini-golf fiend? Show a funny pic of you getting a high point score. Love to cook? Take some shots of you chopping veggies. Your photos should look nice, but not too perfect or professional, it's not LinkedIn. You can include some professional photos with perfect hair and makeup, but also use some pics of the real you, just having fun and being yourself.
As for your bio, give a flavor of your personality, what you're looking for, but keep it light and fun. You can go more in-depth when you match with people. It's good to reference specific things; TV shows you love, hobbies you have, something they can use to start a conversation.
When you message someone, use their name and mention something in their profile as a starting point for the conversation. This shows you're paying attention and they're not just one of many.
If they don't respond right away, or at all, don't take it personally. Sometimes people delete the app from their phone without pausing their profile, or they have notifications turned off, or they have a lot of matches and got overwhelmed, whatever. We want to approach all this with as easy-breezy an attitude as we can.
Women tend to be very picky when they're swiping. They will spend 7 minutes analyzing a profile, deciding if they're 'the one'. Don't do that. Swiping right on someone is just an invitation to a possible conversation. Some people aren't great at making profiles, but they turn out to be great people! And vice versa. Unless it's a hard no, swipe yes. It's not a big commitment. You can always unmatch someone later, if you want.
Keep in mind that many men play a numbers game and swipe right on almost everyone, then decide later if they match whether they want to pursue something.
For the first date, try something light like getting a drink, a coffee, or going for a walk. You don't want to get stuck with someone you don't like for a whole meal, then have to deal with a higher priced tab.
Talking about paying, typically a man will pay for the first date. Whether you want to offer to contribute is up to you. Some women like to split the bill, and that's fine.
Because of the situation, people will often be dating other people, or at least have some conversations going in the early stages of your dynamic. Unless you've had an explicit conversation about monogamy, you can assume they have other threads going, and you may want to behave accordingly.
You can date other people too, in fact it can be a good idea at the beginning and help you not fixate on one person. If someone asks you out for a night when you have a date with someone else, just say you "have plans" or you're seeing a friend. Being a little mysterious, a little out of reach, it's not a bad thing.
Everyone has their own comfort level with pacing and timelines, but here are some things you may want to consider.
Some people will be happy to text with you for weeks and never ask you out, or will make up excuses when you suggest a date. Don't waste time with them, they are likely either married, emotionally unavailable, or they're lying on their profile. You can set a timeline of what works for you, generally a week or so of texting is enough. Don't unmatch them immediately, everyone has different timelines and comfort zones, but you can let them know that you don't like texting for too long without meeting and leave it in their court.
The same goes for frequency of contact. Some people will want to text you all day long. It can be fun, but it can also lead to disappointment. You'll get attached early on and things may not end up as you expected. It's okay to say, "hey, I like texting with you, but I don't like texting too much throughout the day early on". If they can't respect this, they're not the one for you anyway.
When it comes to physical intimacy, this is obviously a very personal question which is affected by your comfort zone, religion, past experiences. Consider taking the first few weeks (or longer) to get to know them as friends, to make sure they're genuine and that they have good intentions. Set that expectation early, before or on the first date, so they don't take it as a rejection. If you lose them because of this, good, that means they have no patience and are likely not looking for a genuine and lasting connection anyway.
It's important to remember that you're dealing with strangers. When you meet someone online, you have no context or history for who they are. They can seem familiar, they can seem nice, but a healthy dose of skepticism is not a bad thing. People can put up a very convincing front.
Never give personal details about yourself, your workplace, your home or work address, basically anything where they could find you until you've met them in person. Even then, be cautious.
If you give your last name, be aware of what people could find out about you online. Is your Facebook profile set to public? What comes up in a Google search of your full name? Stalkers, manipulators, creeps, they don't wear signs and can come off really charming at first.
Of course, only meet in public, well-populated places like a restaurant or bar. Don't get in a car with anyone until you know them a bit.
Don't leave your drink unattended on a first date. This goes for any public setting, actually. It's awful to think that someone may drug you, but it does happen.
Men will often push to get your phone number, Facebook messenger, Instagram etc. early on, which doesn't mean they have bad intentions, but you may want to wait to give that information until you meet them and only use the app to chat. Then you can unmatch them if necessary and have no ties to them. It's also an energetic boundary, not letting them into your phone, your personal sphere. This is a personal choice, but it's something you may want to consider.
Do not give them money, do not give them credit cards, anything like that, regardless of whatever story they tell you. Have you seen the Tinder Swindler? Yeah.
Always listen to your intuition and don't let your silly brain try to talk you out of your gut feeling. If something feels off, listen to that instinct and act accordingly.
If their profile picture looks extremely good-looking, you may want to do a google image search and see if it's actually a popular Brazilian football player (or the like). Yes, people catfish! So you can ask them to send a specific photo that they couldn't find on google. You can do this in a covert way, you just want to make sure they actually are the person in their photos.
Be conscious that some people may use the apps to cheat. Creepy, I know, but it happens. So if he's canceling last-minute, you never go to his house (after dating a while), he's taking phone calls privately or hides his phone, be cautious.
If you're not familiar with the term 'love-bombing', it's a technique used by those with narcissistic personality disorder, or those who have the intention of manipulating, controlling or abusing someone. It's where a person acts as if they are madly in love with you, they make you feel so special, they compliment you all day and shower you with attention and gifts. It's like the honeymoon phase on steroids, and it happens early.
If someone is trying to rush the early stages of a relationship, if they say things like "I love you" or "I never thought I would find someone like you" right away, it can be genuine, but be wary. Being love-bombed is an intoxicating feeling, but remember; it takes time to truly know (and love) someone. Unlike what we see in fairy-tales, healthy love is built slowly over seasons.
Please don't let the warnings above scare you, these situations are rare, but it's good to be conscious of them in case they do happen. Mostly, online dating is... fun! Yes, it's fun, and can be a major confidence boost. Try your best to enjoy it, take it lightly. If something doesn't work out, it's okay and normal to be disappointed, but that means it's not meant to be. Move on to the next and enjoy being your fabulous self.
Finally, remember that you're in control. Work on your self-esteem and start seeing yourself as the prize. It's okay to not be too accommodating or available to them all the time, make them work for it a bit. Men like a challenge anyway.
How you see yourself is what you'll attract. Check out our blog post on manifesting for more about that. Go to therapy, journal, read self-help books. Dating can be a wonderful vehicle for personal growth.
Assess your life. Are you lonely? Bored? Unfulfilled? This may make you settle for less than you're worth in dating. Fill up your life with friends, activities and classes, so your new beau is just the cherry on top of your already happy and balanced life. This approach is the most fertile ground for a healthy, meaningful and lasting relationship.
Online dating can seem intimidating, but you've got this! Give it a try and see what happens. Remember, it's a numbers game. You likely won't find a soulmate on your first date out, so just keep going and have faith. Enjoy yourself, have fun, and hopefully you'll find exactly what you're looking for soon. ♥
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Neutral nudes are great for everyday, but nothing shakes things up like a bold colored lip! Try a bright pink or red, like our Lip Colours in Rouge or our our ColourFusion Lip Glazes in Soiree or Candied Apple, or try a vampy dark shade, like our Lip Colours in Merlot or our Lip Glaze in Candied Plum.
If wearing bold shades is intimidating to you, try a Lip Glaze, you can blot them to be more sheer, or build them up for more intense color.
There are countless influencers on YouTube and Instagram doing tutorials on interesting looks you've probably never considered. Or turn to high fashion, what's happening on the runways? It may not be wearable for everyday, but you can use it as inspiration.
Getting your 'colors done' was a big trend decades ago, and it's back! On social sites like TikTok and Instagram, people are discovering if they're a 'deep winter' or 'soft summer'. While it may seem dated, it's incredible what a difference colors make, from the clothes we wear and the makeup we choose.
People will often wear the same shades and not realize they're not the most complementing. We offer samples of almost all our products. Next time you order, why not push yourself to try some shades you wouldn't normally consider?
If you've always worn powdered blush, bronzer and highlighter, why not switch it up and try cream? And vice versa? If you have very oily skin, you may want to avoid cream makeup, but otherwise it's great for everyone, during all seasons.
People have all these rules for themselves, which were either told to them or they made up themselves. 'I'm too old to wear highlighter', 'red lipstick would draw too much attention', 'I'm not cool enough to try the latest trends'. Our response to this? Baloney! There's no reason why you can't play with colors and express yourself. Don't let someone else's rules keep you from being your most fabulous self!
There you have it, 5 ways to mix up your beauty routine so you can feel fresh and confident. Play, have fun and express yourself. Don't be scared to try something new, it's just makeup, it washes off!
]]>Yes, the models all talk about it, but it's for a good reason. How many of us are getting the suggested amount of water per day? The general guideline is two liters or a half gallon per day, that's eight 8 oz glasses.
Remember that caffeine is dehydrating, so coffee or soda could actually be counteracting the water you drink! Also, pay attention to the climate you live in; drier, warmer climates will require you to drink more. And what is your activity level? If you're exercising regularly, up that water intake, baby!
Up late getting things done or zoning out on your phone? Adults need between 7 - 9 hours of sleep a night, which helps our bodies restore and repair countless systems, including the skin. Our concealers are good at covering dark circles, but why not reduce the darkness naturally, so the makeup has less work to do?
We all have busy lives and it's easy to put sleep on the back burner, but over time it will be not only your appearance that suffers.
Exercise is good for every system in our body, including our skin. It also reduces stress, which makes us appear more relaxed and happy - more beautiful!
Now, a lot of people think exercise means sweating it out at the gym. It can, but it can also be something as simple as walking. Get a pedometer app on your phone and track your steps, aim for anywhere between 5k - 10k a day and you're doing great!
Avoiding processed foods and refined sugars will help reduce inflammation in the body and help your skin stay more clear.
Avoid trans fats, but don't skimp on healthy fats like avocados, coconut, extra virgin olive oil or nuts and seeds! These are key to our overall and skin health.
This is obvious, but don't smoke cigarettes and limit (or avoid) alcohol intake. Not only is alcohol dehydrating, it can cause inflammation, both of which have an impact on your skin and beauty. Smoking does damage in so many ways internally, it also causes dry skin, wrinkles, yellow teeth and skin pigmentation. Not sexy.
Another one that should be obvious by now is the importance of wearing sunscreen every day, even in the winter. Sun exposure can cause dark spots, wrinkles and dry skin. Try our Tinted Sunscreen for a gorgeous way to protect yourself, and throw on a glamorous sun hat to make yourself feel like the main character in your own movie.
Don't forget about the impact our mental health has on our physical health and therefore our beauty. Making sure you have people to talk to, or a therapist if needed, can greatly reduce our stress. There's no shame in going through a difficult time, reaching out for help and support takes bravery and strength.
While time alone can be healing, we all need friends and family to spend time with and just have some fun! Don't forget to laugh, play and enjoy what life has to offer. If you don't have a lot of friends, look for groups in your community. Take a class in something you're interested in, join a hiking club. Check out Meetup.com to find fun activities near you. Smiling, laughing, talking with others reduces our stress and has an impact on our overall wellness.
So there you have it, a bunch of tips to help you glow from the inside out. Oh and in case you haven't guessed yet, these practices will not only affect your beauty, but other aspects of your wellness too! Self-care is self-love, take that time and energy to invest in yourself, it will radiate to the loved ones around you.
]]>Moisturizers, face oils, serums, toners, oh my! It can be quite confusing figuring out which products to use and in what order. Let's demystify this so you're not crying in dismay at your sink every night.
Overall, you want to remember this philosophy: light to heavy, or thin to thick. Start with the thinnest and lightest products, progressing to the heavier and thicker products.
You don't need to do every step in this routine, it depends on how much time you have and how much you want to pamper yourself! The key steps are cleansing, moisturizing and SPF in the mornings.
In the evening, the first step should be removing makeup. Yes, you can use a cleanser right away, but it may not get all the makeup off.
You can use any makeup remover, of course we're partial to our SubLime Makeup Remover or our Eye Makeup Remover.
Next - you got it - cleanse your skin. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser like our Two-Step Cleansers, which don't strip your skin's natural oils. That can dry out your skin and even make it oily, as it tries to compensate for the dryness (so sad).
In the morning, if you haven't exercised or applied any products, you can simply splash your face with warm water, or a gently wipe it with a damp washcloth! It's not necessary to cleanse twice a day, but some people like to, it's your preference.
Right after cleansing is the time to use a scrub or do a face mask. If your skin is sensitive, you may want to avoid this step. Otherwise, you can use masks 1-2 times a week and scrubs 2-3 times a week.
If your skin is more dry, sensitive or aging, you can try out the scrubs and masks in our Beautiful Aging Collection. If your skin is more oily or acne prone, check out the scrubs and masks from our Acne/Oily Skincare Collection.
After cleansing, use any products which are very light and watery, like toners or essences, for example our Organic 3-in-1 Hydration Mists. This step is not crucial, but can be quite nice and refreshing, morning and/or evening.
Next use serums, like our Intensive Immortal Elixir. You may want to allow serums to absorb for a few minutes before the next step, if you have time.
If you want to double the effectiveness of your serums, you can use them both morning and evening, however with the time crunch most of us are under in the AM, only using serums at night is fine.
Yes, we are at the moisturizing stage, so crucial! Try our Organic Facial Serum for a nourishing daily treatment. Give this a few minutes to absorb before hitting the sack, or your pillows may get the benefits of your moisturizer more than your face does.
Moisturizer should be used morning and night. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may prefer our Organically Clear Moisturizer.
In the mornings, do not skip SPF, even in the winter! Your future self will thank you. Sunscreen can help prevent dark spots, sensitivity, wrinkles and premature aging.
Our Creme Foundation and Tinted Sunscreen both have an SPF 28 from natural minerals. If you're just running errands, it may be enough, however in general it's not advised to rely solely on SPF makeup, as we likely won't put on enough to get the maximum protection.
If you'll be out in the sun for extended amounts of time, use a dedicated SPF sunscreen underneath and view our SPF makeup as bonus protection.
So there you have it, no more skincare confusion! Remember, using natural, organic and gentle products (like ours) is your best bet for healthy, youthful and glowing skin for many years to come.
]]>Is your New Year's resolution to go green and live a more natural and non-toxic lifestyle this year? Then you're in luck! This blog post will give you some helpful tips to get started on this exciting journey.
The thought of throwing everything out at once and buying all new products is not only overwhelming, it's expensive and ultimately not very eco-friendly! So accept that this will be a slow process over time, and that's okay.
Instead of taking that drastic approach, just replace your mainstream products with organic, non-toxic ones as they run out. This will be much more manageable mentally and on your wallet.
A good place to start is your cleaning products. These often are filled with synthetic fragrances which are not healthy to inhale, as well as other chemicals that are overly harsh on your skin.
Check your local health food store for cleaning products which are gentler and don't contain unnecessary toxins. Extra points if you can buy in bulk and reuse containers, thereby minimizing plastic.
You can also go DIY and look for recipes on sites like Pinterest. You would be surprised how effective something as simple as white vinegar can be for certain cleaning solutions!
While things like scented candles, air fresheners and potpourri may seem like a good way to keep your home smelling nice, be cautious.
Most mainstream candle wax is made from paraffin, which is derived from petroleum. They also contain synthetic fragrances and pthalates which affect our hormones and are not wise to inhale over long periods of time.
Opt for candles made from beeswax, soy wax or other natural sources. Avoid synthetic fragrances and choose either unscented or those scented with essential oils.
Avoid air fresheners; instead choose natural ways to scent your home, like essential oil diffusers or even boiling some cinnamon sticks, orange peels or other naturally scented ingredients to allow those yummy fragrances to waft through your home. Or buy flowers! What could be more natural than that?
Make sure to keep your home well-ventilated; if you have an air exchange, use it regularly and periodically open windows to help air circulate. Even if it's cold out, opening windows for a short period makes a difference.
Keep plants to help naturally detoxify the air in your home. Talking to plants keeps them (and you) company. :)
A good place to start when it comes to green beauty is with products which sit on larger areas of your skin and absorb throughout the day, such as body lotion, sunscreens, and foundation makeup.
A fun step in your going green journey is to switch to natural lipstick. Natural lipstick is so much more moisturizing, it doesn't smell like weird plastic and the colors can actually be quite vibrant and fun! Check out our Lip Colours to see what I mean.
Considering we ingest small amounts of lipstick every day, it is a good thing to switch over early on.
If you're unsure about a product or ingredient, check out these apps:
There are so many ways to detoxify your house and lifestyle and live more organically, these steps are only just the beginning! For more inspiration, check out these awesome Instagram influencers who can help you along your journey.
Have fun and take it step by step.
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Today (December 26) is Lauren's birthday! Happy Birthday Lauren! We wanted to take a moment and show our appreciation with some quotes from our staff below.
Lauren started this company in 2005 after facing a battle with chronic health issues. During that time, she began exploring how what we put in our bodies, on our skin, even the thoughts in our mind can affect our health. She began making changes and her health slowly improved! This was an experience she was eager to share with other women.
Lauren studied esthetics and became especially interested in the topic of what ingredients are in mainstream cosmetics. She started learning about the healing properties of herbs and plants, and how to formulate products using all-natural and safe ingredients which not only help us look good, they also heal and nourish the skin.
Lauren is a walking example of how a natural and organic lifestyle can keep you looking young, vibrant and beautiful regardless of your age.
Read below to learn how our staff are inspired by Lauren.
“Lauren is truly kindhearted and such a strong and inspiring individual. I'm grateful for the sacrifices she has made creating her business so that others can get the products and care they deserve.”
-Jaycee
“I love how genuine Lauren is in her efforts to build women up. Always as important to product performance, Lauren crafts every product it in a way that will nourish and improve their skin. She is driven by her desire to help every women accept themselves and embrace their innate beauty. Her efforts extend beyond products to helping women heal from emotional trauma through sharing her own story of healing from physical & emotional toxic elements through speaking engagements.”
-Jared
”Lauren is a powerhouse! Her commitment to clean ingredients and safe beauty products for women is inspiring!”
-Annie
"Lauren is an inspiring woman who loves organic living, is confident in her own skin, and uses clean beauty to touch the lives of others. She believes in the power of natural ingredients and organic products to nourish and heal the body, mind and soul. She is passionate about helping others lead healthier, more conscious lives and is an advocate for sustainable living. Her dedication to clean beauty and organic living has inspired many to make positive changes in their own lives. She is a true example of someone who cares deeply about others and the environment! Happy Birthday Lauren!"
-Heidi
“I admire Lauren’s generosity, as well as her playfulness and positive energy. She is a driven businesswoman, but never loses sight of her bigger mission; to help women express themselves and feel more confident, even if they don’t fit the mainstream mold of what’s considered beautiful.”
-Michele
]]>December is a jolly month, isn't it? Christmas carols playing in every store, time off from work to spend with family and friends, holiday traditions like decorating the Christmas tree or lighting the Hanukkah candles.
While the holidays can be a heartwarming and peaceful time, it can also trigger sadness, loneliness and grief. The days are short, with the least amount of sunshine hours in the year. While suicide rates don't actually spike around Christmas - that's in fact a myth - it can still be an isolating and sad time for many.
If you've gone through a divorce, a loss, or a rupture in a close relationship, the holidays can be especially painful. It's a landmark, an unwelcome reminder that you're doing life without this person.
When you look on social media and see everyone grinning in matching pajamas by the Christmas tree, it can seem like you're the only one who's feeling the blues.
First of all, let's remember that social media is NOT reality. You know that picture-perfect family by the tree? I'm pretty sure their real life is not as polished as their Christmas card, so let's keep that in mind.
Perhaps it's your first holiday season after a loved one's passing, or the fifth, or the tenth. Something about marking this specific time of year can often remind us of beautiful moments gone by, and deepen those feelings of loss.
Maybe it's your first Christmas after a divorce, or the first time you know your ex is with their new spouse. Maybe the kids are at your ex's house, when you wish they were snuggled up on the couch with you.
The most important advice for dealing with sadness will always be the same. Don't resist it. Accept that this year, the holidays may kind of suck. Sometimes the pressure for things to be great causes more stress than the actual stress itself.
Comparing your holiday season with fond memories from the past or fairy tales you see on television will only lead to disappointment. So, if the holidays can't be what you wish they were, how can you reframe it and still make it special, or at least fun?
Re-watch a corny romcom with a glass of your favorite merlot and a big bowl of popcorn? Enjoy a bubble bath and climb into bed with that juicy thriller novel you've been dying to finish? Go on meetup.com and find events in your area? Maybe even find a support group of people going through something similar?
Maybe you can find a way to honor the pain and sadness you feel. Do some type of ritual to remember a loved one who has passed. If you've recently gone through a divorce, now is the perfect to invite your girlfriends over and start a new tradition. It will not take the pain away, but perhaps it will soften the edges.
However you spend the holidays this year, just remember it's only a short period of time, hang in there and know that you're loved!
Retinol has been the hallmark ingredient in anti-aging skincare for some time. It's effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark spots which come with aging. It's also one of the more scientifically studied skincare ingredient, proving its positive effects.
Sounds perfect, right? While it can be effective, retinol does come with some downsides. It can be quite irritating to the skin, causing redness and sensitivity.
It also makes the skin much more sensitive to the sun. Sun exposure, while using retinol, can increase your risks of skin cancer, and can cause free radicals which damage the skin's DNA.
Retinol can also cause vitamin A toxicity (vitamin A comes from retinol). While it's not likely to have this issue from skincare alone, if you are already consuming more than sufficient vitamin A in your diet, skincare can supplement that. Too much vitamin A can cause problems like liver problems, hair loss and osteoporosis in older adults.
While natural alternatives to retinol have less research backing them, these ingredients are much gentler on the skin and don't run the risks of sun damage, skin cancer or vitamin A toxicity.
First of all, as we age, our skin becomes drier, so using nourishing moisturizers and replenishing the skin's oils is key. Something like our Organic Facial Serum will naturally plump the skin and give a more youthful appearance.
Acai is a powerhouse ingredient, which smooths fine lines, moisturizes and speeds up cell turnover, meaning dry and dead skin cells get sloughed off quicker. Acai is a key ingredient in our Intensive Immortal Elixir and our Acai and Pomegranate Anti-Aging Masque.
Frankincense hydrates and reduces fine lines. It can be found in our Eye Firming Creme and our Intensive Immortal Elixir.
Pumpkin is high in antioxidants, it supplies natural vitamin A and E, it supports collagen production with helps reduce signs of aging. Our Intensive Immortal Elixir and Organic Facial Serum contain pumpkin.
Moringa regenerates the skin. It evens the skin tone and lightens dark spots, which are a key sign of aging. Moringa is in our Organic 3-in-1 Facial Mist and the Intensive Immortal Elixir.
You can fight the signs of aging using natural, holistic and organic products, without needing ingredients like retinol. If you do choose to use retinol, make sure to be vigilant about using sunscreen, even in the winter.
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Ah winter, the time of runny noses, chapped lips and dry skin, how wonderful! Can you detect my sarcasm? While summer is my favorite season, we have to survive winter every year, so we might as well do it looking our best. Read on to learn how to keep your skin looking dewy and bright throughout these cold months.
Sometimes what we don't do is just as important as what we do do! We say it all the time, but don't use harsh cleansers on your delicate facial skin. This is important all year round, but especially in the winter, when those cold winds zap the moisture from our skin.
Try our Two-Step Cleansing Systems as a gentle alternative to those other cleansers which strip your skin's natural barrier. And unless you exercise in the morning, you don't need to wash your face first thing, just splash some tepid water or wipe with a damp washcloth. Your skin's natural oils are actually healthy.
With drier skin, it's important to find gentle ways to exfoliate. Try our Intensive Immortal Elixir, which aids in cell turnover, removing dead surface skin to reveal your natural glow underneath.
You can also go with a scrub, if you skin isn't too sensitive. For normal skin, try our Organic Rejuvenating Coffee Scrub. For oily or acne-prone skin, try our LavaSalt Scrub made from lava sea salt and activated charcoal.
Make sure to put that moisture back into your skin. Try our Organic Facial Serum to nourish and hydrate, and for a treat, use our Intensive Skin Therapie overnight! This soothing balm will help calm your chapped and irritated skin.
Dry, chapped lips are a hallmark of cold temps, make sure to exfoliate them with our Organic Sweet Chai Lip Scrub, followed by our Lip Moisturizer to seal moisture in and keep your lips soft and smooth.
Your makeup doesn't have to change too much over the winter, but you may want to consider using cream products, which are more hydrating and protective than powder ones. Our Creme Foundation or Tinted Sunscreen are great for a base, try our Botanical Colour Sticks for a delicious cream blush, and even your eyelids can get pampered with our Creme Eyeshadows! Any of our lip makeup will help moisturize and protect your lips.
Winter can be rough on our skin, but if you protect it properly, there's no reason why you can look dewy and glowing all year round!
]]>When we think of organic or holistic beauty products, we usually think of muted tones without much 'punch'. We imagine more of a hippie or granola look, not glamorous or sophisticated!
Well, green beauty has changed, and you can definitely do all kinds of styles with organic makeup, from neutral everyday looks to all glammed up for your holiday parties.
Let's start with the eyes, nothing says holiday like metallic eyeshadows! Go with a classic silver like our Organic Cream Eyeshadows in Platinum, or mix it up with a bronze shade like our Powder Eye Colours in Copper Glow.
To add some drama to your eye look, do a winged eyeliner using our Liquid Eyeliner. Go with the Ebony (black) shade for more impact, or Black/Brown for a softer look.
Christmas and red lipstick go perfectly together, try our Lip Colour in Rouge, or for a more subtle look, try our ColourFusion Lip Glaze in Candied Apple.
With a more dramatic eye and lip look, let's keep the cheeks neutral so as to not look overdone. Try our Powder Cheek Colours in Mulberry, or Pressed Cheek Colour in Primrose (on the website it looks quite pink, in person it is more neutral).
Whatever style you choose this holiday season, rock it with confidence, because when you express your true self, you glow with authentic beauty!
]]>With our Green Friday sale fast approaching, it's the perfect time to pick up some gifts so you're not rushing at the last-minute come holiday season. Here are some great options which your friends and family will love! And they'll feel so good supporting a small, woman-owned business and using organic products.
This organic beauty sampler box is amazing for green beauty afficionados and newbies alike. It's filled with travel and sample sizes of customer favorites and limited edition new products. This is such a delight to receive, for anyone from a 15yr old girl just getting into beauty products, to a 70yr old grandma who wants to pamper herself and look pretty.
Not sure what she wants? Gift cards are a wonderful way to let her decide which products will make her heart sing!
Have a friend who's always on the go? Spoil her with a travel kit of green beauty skincare favorites she can take with her on her travels, or even just to the gym!
Our Nourishing Lips Collection is a soothing option as winter approaches. The Organic Sweet Chai Lip Scrub will help exfoliate dry, chapped lips, the Lip Moisturizer will help to nourish and protect, and the ColourFusion Lip Glaze will look so pretty! It comes in a neutral pink shade which matches any skin tone.
Our Eye Gift Set is a fun gift because you can choose the kit based on eye color! You'll know the recipient of this gift will have the best shades to complement those windows to the soul.
Here's another option for your eye makeup loving friends and family. The Powder Eye Trio Sets are a fun gift for a co-worker or a friend, they're great as a stocking stuffer (for someone lucky).
For that more mature woman in your life, or for a younger woman with normal to dry skin who wants to prevent signs of aging, pamper her with the Daily Maintenance Kit from our Beautiful Aging skincare collection. This includes our Organic Facial Serum (a nourishing oil-based moisturizer), Immortal Elixir (a powerful anti-aging serum) and Eye Firming Creme. She'll love it!
If you want to spend a little less than the Daily Maintenance Kit, try the Mini Anti-Aging Kit! It comes with our Organic Facial Serum and Acai and Pomegranate Anti-Aging Masque, a luxurious and organic way to take some time out of your day to care for your skin with a soothing face mask.
Save yourself the stress of last-minute holiday shopping! Get your loved ones a gorgeous gift, and why not treat yourself too?
]]>It used to be that we'd scroll through magazines and admire the gorgeous models, their perfect glowing skin, taut thighs with no trace of cellulite, hips free of stretch marks. However, even the models themselves didn't actually look like that; they were all photoshopped to look so 'perfect'.
Before smartphones, social media and endless face filters, the only people who had access to such photo editing effects were professional models, actors and celebrities who had highly paid photographers touch up their photos for magazines and newspapers.
Nowadays, many people have the Facetune app on their phone and all kinds of beauty filters on every social media platform. Photo editing is no longer rare and for the elite, everyone has access!
We carry our phones around with us all day, scrolling while we wait at the grocery store or at the school pick-up line. We go on Instagram and compare ourselves to fitness gurus with tiny waists and juicy bums, or mommy influencers who somehow never have dark circles under their eyes or messy hair.
The issue is, much of the photo editing and photo filters are so convincing, they're hard to detect, so we compare ourselves to an illusion. And because we don't measure up, we use editing apps to compensate, thus the cycle continues.
The spookiest thing is that you can now download video editing apps which will edit your body in real time. Yes, you can make your waist look thinner, tummy flatter, legs longer... in a video! I (Michele) was curious and downloaded an app to try this out. It's insane, it's so convincing! So even if your favorite Instagram model posts a video of herself looking 'perfect' in her bikini on her romantic vacation with her husband, just remember, even that can be edited!
Some larger companies are signing 'no Photoshop' pledges and allowing the model's stretch marks, bulges and discolorations to show in all their glory. Such companies include Dove, Target and Aerie. They are also using models of different ethnicities and body types. This is definitely a step in the right direction.
So how can we counteract these images we see everywhere? Curate. Curate your online experiences very carefully. Pay attention to how you feel when you're online. Unfollow anyone who gives you even a slight twinge of low self-esteem or comparison envy. Search hashtags like #BodyPositivity to find influencers who reject a narrow view of beauty. Follow women of all shapes and sizes, who are not afraid to show their imperfections and who celebrate women's beauty in all its glorious shapes and sizes.
]]>Since you were digging holes in the sandbox, you've been taught to be sweet, to accommodate others, to always smile and be polite. Sugar and spice and everything nice, right?
So... how's it going? How much time do you have for yourself? Is there a ball of resentment slowly growing in your chest? Is your to-do list never-ending? Maybe you're even showing physical signs of stress, in which case it's time to slow down, pronto!
Your friend wants to meet for lunch, you haven't seen her in a month.
Your niece wants your help with a project for school.
Your co-worker is wondering if you can take a project off her plate.
If you have space for these things, great! It's wonderful to help others. However, ask yourself; will this add stress and pressure to my day? How much? How long will it take for me to bounce back from this expenditure?
Pause for a moment and sit still. Take a few deep breaths and check in with yourself. How does this task feel in your body? Is it a tightening, a clenching? Or a light feeling, a release? What does it feel like to imagine saying no? If it feels wrong, ask yourself why. Is it a people-pleasing instinct, or do you actually want to do the favor?
As the saying goes, no is a full sentence. How can you say no in a kind and loving way? Something along the lines of, "oh gosh, I'd love to help but I'm really busy right now. Raincheck?"
Does your kid want you to make their favorite chocolate chip pancakes? Assuming they're old enough, why not teach them how to do it themselves? If there's anything in your personal or professional life that can be delegated, do it.
If you don't want to delegate it, ask yourself why not? Is it possible that while you're sick of taking care of everything, there's an element of control you're not ready to give up? That brings us to the next point.
If you delegate projects to others, it may not be done at the level it would be if you did it yourself.
Deep breath. Does it have to be perfect? Why? The first time you did this task, was it perfect? Probably not. So, allow people the time to get better. And yes, they may not care to do it as well as you would. You can talk to them and express how important it is to you that it's done well. But at the end of the day, there's only so much you can do. Done is better than perfect.
There's also another option. They may do it differently than you would, and they may even do it better! It's all about letting go of control and allowing others to add their own flavor to things.
How many projects are you running in your brain currently? Sometimes getting it all out can help to organize your thoughts and make you feel calmer.
It can also allow you to share tasks more easily. There are tech-y solutions for this, apps like Trello, Todoist and Asana. But a big calendar on the fridge works great too!
Do you have a friend who is always 20 minutes late when you meet for coffee? Do you silently grit your teeth through your welcoming smile? Maybe it's time you express how you feel. Here is a good template for a constructive conversation.
So, for the above example, you could say something like, "when you're late for our coffee dates, I feel hurt. I imagine that you don't value our time together. In the future, please make an effort to be on time, or at least text me if you're running late, so I know what to expect. I love you and so value our friendship."
When you start setting boundaries, saying no and prioritizing your own self-care, you may see some relationships change. People have gotten used to you doing things for them, accommodating them and never calling out their behavior.
Your healthy relationships may hit a few bumps, but they will be fine. The co-dependent relationships may suffer. Yes, it's possible you may need to take some distance from people who don't support you supporting yourself. Healing and growth can be painful, even scary. Just know it's normal to go through a grieving process as you evolve. In the long run, setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care is a win not only for yourself, but for those around you.
]]>Um, how is it November already? It seems like summer was just last week! Well, November has some good things to look forward to, like Thanksgiving and of course our annual Green Friday sale!
If you want to take full advantage of our most popular sale of the year, now is the time to order samples and decide what you're going to get on the big day.
Here are some of our bestsellers; if you haven't tried these products, what are you waiting for? There are links to samples at the bottom of each product page.
Of course, you knew I was going to mention our popular Creme Foundation! This medium coverage foundation nourishes your skin while giving you a gorgeous glow. Convinced yet? It's also an all-natural mineral sunscreen, with an SPF 28. Not sure about color-matching? Message us or check out this detailed blog post.
Our other beloved foundation is the Illuminous Tinted Mineral Sunscreen. This has a lighter coverage than the Creme Foundation, and also boasts an SPF of 28.
Got some dark circles, blemishes or discoloration to cover up? Our Creme Concealer is high up on the list of our popular products.
The ColourFusion Lip Glazes are between a gloss and a lipstick, they have a gel-like quality and moderate pigment. I love these! You can really play with them and wear them more pigmented, or blot for a subtler effect.
If you prefer powder shadows, our Pressed Eyeshadow singles are our most popular choice.
As we age, the delicate skin around our eyes can start to develop fine lines. Our customers love our Eye Firming Creme for a natural way to firm up the eye area. It can also be used elsewhere! Smile lines, forehead, it works wherever you need a plumping effect.
If you want to take full advantage of our Green Friday sale at the end of November, make sure to order samples now!
]]>It's important to understand your skin type in order to best treat it. However, it can be confusing!
Did you know that oily skin can often be dehydrated? Then people treat it by using harsh products that dry out the skin further, when in fact they should be doing the opposite. This further exacerbates the problem, and the skin gets - you guessed it - more oily!
Dry skin is a skin type. Dehydrated skin is a skin state that can affect all skin types. The skin can get dehydrated from using products that are too harsh, from spending too much time in the sun, wind or cold without proper protection (sunscreen, face coverings, etc).
The skin can overcompensate for the dehydration by producing extra oil to protect itself. Then we use harsh cleansers which strip the oil, and the cycle begins again.
So how do you treat dehydrated, oily skin? It's counterintuitive.
First of all, you need to stop doing anything that strips the skin's natural moisture barrier. Avoid chemical or physical exfoliants. Steer clear of harsh cleansers, instead choose a gentle cleanser like our Two-Step Cleansing Systems.
Next, you need to replenish the skin's natural oils. Yes, if you have oily, dehydrated skin, you need to apply oil! This will signal to the skin that it's getting the oil it needs and it will stop overproducing its own oil. If you have more normal/combination skin, try our Organic Facial Serum. If you have more oily, acne-prone skin, try our more lightweight Organically Clear Moisturizer.
Avoid scrubs and even clay masks during this phase of rebuilding your moisture barrier, however you can use a hydrating mask like our Acai Pomegranate Anti-Aging Masque a few times a week to deeply nourish the skin.
Finally, you can use our Organic Intensive Therapie at night as a last step. It's a thick balm which can be both nourishing and sealing at the same time. Try it out and see how your skin reacts, if your skin is really oily, you may want to skip this.
So to sum up, if your skin is oily, it may actually be dehydrated. To combat this, you'll want to avoid harsh cleansers and exfoliants, protect your skin from the elements and make sure to replenish the skin by applying natural oils.
]]>Whether you're a teen just getting into makeup or you're 60yrs old and never really wore it, this post is for you. I'll be walking you through a simple makeup routine, step by step.
Unless you have significant discolorations you want to cover, you can skip foundation and just use concealer to spot conceal. Typical places to conceal are under the eyes where we have dark circles, around the base of the nose where we often have redness, and any blemishes or marks.
You can leave it at that, or dust some translucent powder for a mattifying and blurring effect. If you have oily skin, this is a good way to prevent shininess.
Next is cheeks, this is one of the most 'bang for your buck' areas as it can really liven up the face.
We'll skip any intimidating contouring or bronzing and go with only blush for the cheeks. The easiest option is a pressed blush with a cheek brush.
Start your blush on your cheekbone just under the outer corner of your eye. Then blend it along the cheekbone both forward to the apples of the cheeks and back towards the ear. This will give your face a lifted and youthful appearance.
We'll keep the eyes simple for this look. Use an oval eye brush or even your fingers to dab some creme eyeshadow onto your lid. Choose a more neutral shade like Dahlia or Rose Brown for a subtle effect. Blend it slightly up into your crease and you're done.
You can add a thin line of eyeliner along the top lashes, however it's not necessary. If you're feeling adventurous, use an eyelash curler to curl your lashes. Start at the base of the lashes and pump the curler five times, then slowly move out to the tips of the lashes, giving a series of single pumps along the way. Add mascara and voila!
Brow powder is optional, depending on your natural brows. If you have uneven or very pale brows, you may want to add this face framing step. Make sure to choose a shade that is not too dark (we offer samples). The brows should start at the inner corner of the eye. Use an angled brush to get it just right.
Lip shades are a fun way to add punch to your look without a lot of effort. For a more saturated color, choose one of our Lip Colours. For something more subtle and everyday, choose a Lip Glaze or Lip Expressions (tinted lip balm). You can really have fun with this, either go neutral or pick something bright.
At the end of the day, remember that makeup is for fun and washes off, so experiment and use it to express your most confident self.
]]>With Halloween around the corner, it's time to get a little spooky! You may not be a wizard, but did you know you can cast spells... on your own mind?
We walk around all day with narratives in our head. These are unconscious reflexes we rarely even question.
"I'm getting too old, I always mess things up, I'll never find love, my body is ugly", etc, etc, etc. Does any of this sound familiar?
What if the secret to confidence and self-love isn't about losing ten pounds or getting botox? What if it's all 'in your head'?
Some of the most beautiful models in the world feel insecure and over-analyze every tiny 'flaw' on their body, while other women, who may not fit into the mainstream beauty ideal, radiate confidence and people are immediately attracted to their positive energy.
Now the concept of 'pretty privilege' definitely exists. Traditionally beautiful, young and thin women do have some advantages. But not as many as you'd think.
So how do we harness this self-confidence, where we walk in a room and command attention, where we have men approaching us at the grocery store, where we boldly go into our boss's office to ask for that overdue raise? I'll tell you.
We use affirmations to manifest a new self-concept. You can put post-it notes on your bathroom mirror and repeat them every day. You can incorporate these mantras into your meditation or yoga routine. Write them in a journal every night. However you want to explore affirmations is up to you. But it has to be something you expose yourself to every day.
But what if you don't believe what you're saying, like at all? That's okay! Even if this feels like complete hoo-ha, say it anyway. You'll be amazed how after only one week, your brain will start to adjust to this new reality. After a couple weeks, you'll already start to see changes reflected in your life.
You can begin creating an alter-ego in your mind; someone who has the qualities and lifestyle you want to possess. You can even give her a name! How does she move through life, how does she approach challenges? When faced with a decision or stressful conflict, channel this alter-ego to help you approach it in a new and more productive way.
So, what are some affirmations you can use to manifest more confidence and self-love? You can choose whatever resonates with you. But you want to talk as if the affirmation is already happening. So, it's 'I am beautiful', not 'I will be beautiful'. Here are some examples given by the top manifesting queens on TikTok.
The concept of manifesting is not new, however it's become a trend on social media platforms like TikTok where gen Z kids are creating more self-confidence and success in their lives. Why not get in on the fun? Try a few of these every day and see what changes. I dare you.
]]>Ah, the crisp air, the leaves crunching under your feet, that overpriced pumpkin spice latte in your hand... It's fall, which means it's time to make some changes in your makeup routine!
Learn how to look your best and align with the colors of nature all around you.
While Summer screams bright colors, fall is perfect for warm tones; browns, rusts, olive greens. Try switching to a more peachy blush, like the Demure shade in our Boujee Blushing Duos. Green-toned eyeshadow like Sage or Olive Quartz are also excellent earthy tones for fall available in our Powder Eye Colours, which are made with all-natural mineral pigments.
Fall is the perfect time to transition from gloss to lipstick, which won't smear as easily on your cute scarf or cozy turtleneck sweater. You can also experiment with some darker, earthier and more vampy tones. Our organic lipstick is filled with natural ingredients, we also offer samples so you can find your perfect shade!
Our Lip Colours in Merlot, Brique and Cafe are great options for fall.
Dewy skin is on trend this fall and if you want to rock that look, go for it! But a classic fall look is more matte. Think powder blush instead of cream, matte eyeshadows for a sophisticated, chic look. Try dusting some Translucent Finishing Powder for a blurred effect and to mattify any shine.
That being said, sometimes it's fun to play with trends.
This fall, graphic eyeliner continues to dominate the runways. You don't have to go all out like you see below, perhaps just try a small wing on the inner corners, or a thin line above your crease. Why not play around? It washes off!
Check out our incredible mess free eyeliners.
Another trend is 'burnt blush'. Use a warm-toned blush to give the illusion that you spent the day in the sun without sunscreen (which you'd never do, right?). Achieve this look with these blushes.
Apply them a bit higher under the eyes and across the bridge of the nose. This will emphasize the areas that naturally get more direct sunlight.
Whichever makeup you experiment with this Fall, have fun and stay cozy!
]]>Here are some tips to help your skin survive the weather and keep you looking your most radiant and gorgeous.
One of the things that dries our skin the most is cleansing. It's so important to avoid cleansers that strip the skin's natural moisture barrier.
You know that squeaky-clean tight feeling after you wash your face? I hope not! It's not a good sign. Your skin should feel refreshed and clean, but not tight or dry.
You may want to use a makeup remover before using a gentle cleanser, that way you know all the makeup and SPF is removed first and there's less pressure on the cleanser to do all the work.
Also - try only washing your face at night. In the morning, just splash some tepid water and you're good to go. Unless you exercise in the morning, there's no reason to put that added stress on your precious skin.
Yes hot water feels good when it's oh so cold outside, but hot or even warm water will strip your skin's oils. Use tepid water when washing your face.
You'll also want to avoid extreme cold on your face. Depending on the climate where you live, wearing a scarf (or a mask) over your face will help protect the skin from harsh winds.
Yes sunscreen is important, even in the winter! The sun can cause skin damage, premature aging and of course skin cancer. So make sure to use a sunscreen daily, like our Tinted Sunscreen which has SPF 28.
Why not give your skin some extra help by using a humidifier? Just be cautious to clean it out regularly since humidifiers can harbor mold otherwise.
It's simple, but drinking enough water is important not only for our skin but all our organs. Keep in mind that anything caffeinated like coffee, tea or soda can actually dehydrate you, so make sure to drink plain water, you can add some lemon or herbal tea. People suggest you drink half your weight in pounds, in ounces, for example if you weigh 150 pounds, you'll drink 75 ounces a day.
Your skin will likely need some extra help in the winter, that's where masks like our Acai & Pomegranate Anti-Aging Masque come in. Use it a couple times a week to keep your skin supple and hydrated.
You can use an oil-based moisturizer like our Organic Facial Serum to replenish the natural oils in your skin that get zapped by harsh winds, indoor heating and dry air.
To finish off, try an occlusive treatment like our Intensive Organic Skin Therapie - it is a thick balm and best to be used at night before bed. Wake up to soft, supple skin.
If you have oily skin or prefer powder makeup, that's fine, but you may want to choose cream products during the winter. Some great options are our Creme Foundation (it has SPF 28), our Botanical Colour Stick (it can be used on the cheeks and lips) and our Luminous Face Highlighters for that natural glow.
Cream products will add more moisture to the skin and help protect it from the elements.
This winter, make sure to try some of these tips to keep your skin supple and glowing. If you ever need guidance on products, feel free to use our website chat box, email us or DM us on social media. Which of these tips will you try?
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Buying makeup online can be tricky! Which is why at Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques, we offer samples on almost all our products. We encourage you to try a few shades before purchasing a full size of foundation.
This article will help you choose which type of foundation will suit your skin type and lifestyle best, what your undertone is and which shades will match you. Let's go!
Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques has 4 types of natural foundation: creme, tinted sunscreen, loose powder and pressed powder.
In general, the Creme Foundation and Tinted Sunscreen are best for those with normal to dry skin, who want a more dewy look. They're both SPF 28. The Creme Foundation has more coverage than the tinted sunscreen.
If you like the Creme Foundation or Tinted Sunscreen but want it to look more matte, you can use our Finishing Powder on top.
The powder foundations are best for those with normal to oily skin, who want a more matte look. The loose and pressed powders are the same, they just come in a different format.
Cool tones are more pink while warm tones are more golden/yellow. Cool tones tend to burn in the sun while warm tones tend to tan. One trick is to look at the veins on your arms - if they appear blue then you're cool toned, if they appear green then you're warm toned. Neutral is in between.
Also when you've tried foundations in the past, do they tend to look too orange/yellow or too pink? If they look too orange, then you're cool or neutral. If they look too pink, then you're warm or neutral.
Here are swatches of our creme foundation colors:
Here are swatches of our Tinted Sunscreen:
The Tinted Sunscreen shade 101 is equivalent to the Creme Foundation 10 shades, the 201 matches the Creme Foundation 30 shades and the 301 matches the Creme Foundation 40 shades. You can get a sense in this photo.
You're in luck! We offer samples on all our foundations. We recommend you try a few samples to find your best shade match.
The best way to choose your foundation shade is to stand by a window with natural light and put swatches on the side of your cheek, just above your jaw bone. The one that seems to disappear, that's your shade!
Also be aware of the color of your neck, for example if you only wear sunscreen on your face, your neck and body may be darker in the summer. Ideally you want to match your neck and body, but don't worry about it too much.
We recently released a new acne line to help you treat your acne using natural botanicals instead of harsh ingredients which may strip and irritate your skin. Our products will allow you to naturally cleanse, balance and restore your skin to it's natural glow.
There are several products included, so this post will clarify which ones will be best for your unique and beautiful self.
You can check out all our acne products on our website, including the entire Organically Clear Acne Collection at a discount.
- Spot Treatment DAILY or Spot Treatment DEEP PORE
- Organically Clear Moisturizer
- Spot Treatment DAILY or Spot Treatment DEEP PORE (if you have very oily skin you might not like the Deep Pore since it's oil-based, in that case use the Daily).
- French Clay and Charcoal Mask
For combination, oily or acne-prone skin.
Our Acne Cleansing System is a two-step system that will cleanse your skin without stripping it, thus protecting the moisture barrier and acid mantle.
Step 1: The oil cleanser contains oils that are thin, light and non-comedogenic, such as watermelon seed, broccoli seed, borage and jojoba oil. They're nourishing and helpful for acne but won't clog pores or cause oiliness. Watermelon oil has the added benefit of pulling out debris from the pores. The oil cleanser also has beneficial essential oils like citrus, tea tree and thyme, which help cleanse the skin and have antibacterial effects.
Step 2: The finishing cloths contain aloe to help nourish and soften the skin. They also contain willow bark which is a derivative of salicylic acid - it helps exfoliate and clean out the pores. Apple cider vinegar acts as an astringent and natural probiotics work to kill bacteria on your skin. Our finishing cloths are made from bamboo, an eco-friendly and antibacterial material.
Buy the Two-Step Cleansing System here.
Check out all our acne products here.
For any skin type but especially people with extra oily skin because it’s water-based, not oil based.
The Daily Spot Treatment is for surface level acne. It contains raspberry extract which is anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidants to brighten the skin. It also contains tea tree oil, which is antibacterial and balances oil production. It's full of natural ingredients to clean out and soothe the skin.
Buy the Daily Spot Treatment here.
Check out all our acne products here.
For normal to dry skin, or people who live in dry climates, because it’s oil-based.
The Deep Pore Spot Treatment is for deep cystic acne, usually found along the jawline, cheeks and neck. It pull debris and oil to the surface and dries it up. It can be used at night or in the morning under makeup. The Deep Pore Spot Treatment has CBD oil which helps with inflammation and deep healing. It has neem oil which is both anti-inflammatory and soothing.
Buy the Deep Pore Spot Treatment here.
Check out all our acne products here.
For normal, combination, oily, acne-prone skin. Not good for dry or sensitive skin.
The French Clay and Charcoal Masque can be used about twice a week. You'll make a thin paste with around 2 parts water to 1 part mask - it doesn't need to be thick. You can leave it on for anywhere up to 15 minutes, just don't dry out your skin. The Clay and Charcoal Masque tightens pores and draws out impurities and extra oil, while softening the skin.
Buy the French Clay and Charcoal Masque here.
Check out all our acne products here.
For normal, combination, oily, acne-prone skin. *Not good for broken skin, exposed acne, dry skin or sensitive skin.
The LavaSalt Scrub is an exfoliating scrub made from sea salt and activated charcoal. It helps to slough off dead skin and clean out your pores.
Buy the LavaSalt Scrub here.
Check out all our acne products here.
For normal to dry skin that is acne-prone. People with extra oily skin might not like it because it’s oil-based, unless they’ve done the scrub or the mask and want to replenish.
This healing and replenishing oil-based moisturizer protects the skin. It contains CBD oil which helps with inflammation, willow bark which cleans out the pores and natural probiotics which have an antibacterial effect. The oils used are light and non-comedogenic.
Buy the Organically Clear Moisturizer here.
Check out all our acne products here.
If you have any questions about these or other products, please use the chat feature on our website, email us at info@laurenbrookecosmetiques.com , or schedule a free Beauty Concierge video chat appointment with Michele.
]]>The friendly sun is FINALLY peering it's head around the clouds and saying hello. As we peel our butts off the couch and cautiously venture outdoors, bleary-eyed and pasty skinned... what does this mean for our beauty routine?
Here are some tips to help you look organically fabulous this spring - yes girl, work it!
Nothing says summer like a dewy glow... as the weather warms up, it's a perfect time to switch to cream products, especially on the cheeks.
Our Botanical Colour Stick can be used on the cheeks, lips and eyes for a cohesive look. Dab it on along your cheekbones to get a natural flushed look. You can use a brush or sponge to blend it out, or just your fingers work great! Throw it in your bag when you're out all day enjoying the sunshine.
Our Luminous Face Highlighters give you that happy glow. Place it on the along the tops of your cheekbones and up along your temples.
Don't forget our Creme Eyeshadows which you can throw on for a beautiful wash of color. These are so quick and easy to blend - instead of spending time on your makeup, you'll be out the door and enjoying a latte at your favorite sidewalk cafe, lickety-split!
Yes we want the dewy look, but no one wants to look oily, am I right?
For those with combination or oily skin, you might want to switch to our Pressed or Loose Powder Foundation, if you're not already using it. The powder will help absorb any excess oil your skin produces in the warmer temperatures.
If your skin is normal to dry, or you prefer our cream foundations, you can set your t-zone with our Translucent Finishing Powder. This is light enough that it won't look cakey over cream foundations, even if you reapply it throughout the day as needed.
In the warmer weather, you may want to go more lightweight with your foundation. If you usually use our Creme Foundation, you could try our Tinted Sunscreen which is a bit more lightweight and sheer.
Remember that your skin may get slightly darker in the summer, so when you order samples, try a shade darker as well.
Summer is a great time to experiment with bright colors you might feel timid to wear in fall or winter.
Why not try some cheerful shades of our Lip Glazes like Candied Apple, Dragonfruit or Candied Plum? Our Lip Glazes are between a gloss and a lipstick - they have some pigment but still have a gloss-like quality.
Most importantly, don't forget SPF! Sunscreen is key to protecting your skin from age spots, damage and of course skin cancer.
While we suggest using a separate sunscreen underneath, our Creme Foundation and Tinted sunscreen both have an SPF 28 which give an added layer of protection. Of course we only use natural, mineral sunscreens - no harmful chemicals.
Our skin and lifestyles change in the summer, so why not our makeup routine? Let us know in the comments if you'll be trying any of these tips.
If you have any questions about making the transition (or anything else product-related), feel free to use the chat feature on our website, email us at concierge@laurenbrookeco.com, or book a free video appointment with our Beauty Concierge, Michele. Now get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather! xoxo
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Carice Bulloch was in an abusive relationship and had three kids when she went through a difficult divorce. “My divorce was terrible, it was awful. And I was pretty beat down, pretty verbally abused, you know. I didn’t realize a lot of things.” After the divorce, Carice found herself raising her three children alone on a teacher’s salary. She moved forward as a single parent with her head down, focused on her work and kids, but she wasn’t so focused on what she needed.
Her kids are grown now and over the past couple of years, Carice “really found a way to feel empowered” when an amazing counselor suggested that she start a gratitude journal. “I tell my students today, that journal absolutely changed my life.” Carice began to think differently. Rather than having a victim mentality, she began to notice what she was grateful for. “It was awful things that happened, you know, and you have every right to be a victim and justified in it, but it’s not where you want to be.”
Then one day as she began noticing what she was grateful for, she was driving home from work and a voice came to her mind that said, “pull over and look up.” When she did, she saw the most amazing bald eagle. She shared the experience with a Native American friend who told her, “In our culture, to see a bald eagle like that is very meaningful. You need to search inside yourself to know what that meaning is.”
Carice came to understand the meaning was to “look up” in many aspects of her life. “I realized that it is time for me to stop plowing forward with my head down. I needed to look up and work through some issues with my kids. I needed to look up and see the beautiful things around me.” As she began doing that, Carice started taking pictures of the beautiful things around her. “I began taking beautiful pictures of hot air balloons rising in the morning, beautiful pictures of hawks and eagles. Beautiful pictures of sunsets.” As she began to look up and notice the beauty around her, she was able to give back to others. “Now that I’ve taken care of myself, and my own spirit, I can be there for my kids. That’s what this life is all about.”
What made Carice feel empowered was to realize, “It’s okay to feed your spirit and take some time for yourself. I feel empowered because I don’t need someone else to make me feel like I’m okay. I am okay with me and who I am. And it’s okay to take care of me, it’s okay.” Carice hopes to inspire other women to, “Find time to look up, find things to be grateful for, find some time in your day to get out of your head. Take some time for you. That’s what I would tell women. You’re important, you know. That’s what I would tell them. You’re important.”
Noticing the beauty around her is grounding, and that applies to makeup as well. “It’s anytime you can do anything natural. Nature is beautiful, nature is what grounds us.” Carice would advise anyone on the fence about using natural cosmetics to, “just get a couple of things, try it out and see how it works for you.” To her, it is about noticing how Lauren Brooke products feel on her body. “It feels lighter and it feels grounding. The Botanical Lip Gloss smells fabulous. That’s part of grounding too, noticing the way things smell, noticing the way that they feel.”
For decades, Carice would resist it when others would tell her to wear a little more makeup. But she’s started to try new things and notice how it feels. “I’ve started wearing a little more makeup and I like it! You know, I like it. I always thought I’d go naturally grey, but I’m not ready, so I started dying my hair.” Just doing some of those things for herself is important to Carice. “It’s not so heavy, not so much about head down work. It gives you some confidence; some playful, creative fun.”
]]>However, many chemicals found in these sunscreens, even the main active sunblock ingredients, have been linked to multiple health hazards. Shall we take a quick look?
Studies with oxybenzone, the main chemical sunscreen, have shown that the chemical can cause skin allergies, interference with human hormones, high levels of toxicity in human cells, AND it is toxic to coral reefs! Also, oxybenzone (and the other chemical sunblocks) are found in mother's milk. Yuck.
Another point to consider is many chemical sunscreens have worrisome reports of ingredients containing carcinogens, particularly those containing oxybenzone. When you're wearing sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin cancer, it seems pretty silly to use a product that could increase the risk of cancer itself.
Mineral sunscreen has proven to be the safer, healthier option for our skin, but which one? The answer is zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide, while an effective sunscreen, produces more free radicals that can speed up the aging process and contribute to oxidative damage to skin cells. No ingredient is perfect, but zinc seems to be as close as we can get for sun protection. If you're not sold yet, here's a list of 5 surprising benefits zinc has on the skin:
1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Zinc has been shown to soothe skin conditions including malasma, rosacea, and eczema. Research suggests that it calm redness and decreases inflammation and oxidative stress among older adults when used topically. Applying to problem areas every morning can help manage skin sensitivities and resulting symptoms.
2. Acne-fighting properties: Zinc has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that fight acne and prevent further breakouts. In fact, this is why some people swear by using diaper cream as an acne treatment - the zinc oxide in diaper cream that soothes irritated skin is the same zinc in ointments used to treat acne!
3. Treats tissue damage: Applying zinc pastes with zinc oxide tape was used successfully to treat EVERY SINGLE patient (out of 40) in a recent study with soft-tissue wounds that conventional dressings were not healing. It is supposedly good for reducing acne scars as well, as it targets the underlying scar tissue.
4. Anti-aging effects: As zinc offers protection to skin against oxidative stress and protection from UV rays, it is a great anti-aging tool to keep in your daily skincare routine. It also stimulates the immune and antioxidant defenses to combat aging and age-related diseases.
5. Sunscreen ability: Ok, maybe this one isn't that surprising, but it's still pretty cool. Zinc sits on top of the skin and creates a barrier, effectively blocking short and long UVA rays and all UVB rays. Zinc oxide is the ONLY active sunscreen ingredient that is approved by the FDA for use on children under six months, which is something to think about. Titanium dioxide is second best at blocking UVA rays (short, not long), but it's still not FDA approved for infants!
Zinc sunscreen can sit heavy on the face. Ever seen someone at the beach with a stripe of white across their nose? That's usually zinc oxide, and yes, it's meant to look like that when used thickly. If you'd like to use zinc in your sunscreen routine, but don't want to look like a ghost, check out our Sunshield Skin Tint Sunscreen. It feels and looks like a BB cream, is water resistant, and lab-tested to certify an SPF of 28 from active ingredient zinc oxide.
You can find it here:
Stay healthy and happy!
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