Archives for February 2012

Travel Saviour: Natural Beauty Trick – Uriage Thermal Spa Water

Over the past five years I’ve spent way too much time on planes. What does this mean for my skin? Havoc. The best travel companion I bring (and use every night, even when I’m not traveling) is Uriage Thermal Spa Water. The spa water can often seem like a gimmick or a scam, but with 15 clinical studies behind it and the feeling I get after using it, I believe it. Uriage Thermal Spa Water naturally soothes your skin, refreshes {Read More}

Home Health: Non Toxic Soy Candles – Simplicity Candles

Although this blog is largely focused on beauty, it also focuses on over all wellness, so here and there you’re going to find posts more relative to “around the home” rather than “around the eyes”. With that being said, let’s have a little chat about the importance of natural candles. I am a huge fan of candles. They make everything look prettier. Have some big circles under your eyes for a dinner date? Pick a dim and candle lit restaurant {Read More}

Natural Way to a Beautiful Smile: Weleda Salt Toothpaste

It is obvious how important healthy teeth and gums are when it comes to beauty and wellness. And while you can achieve this look through traditional methods found at the grocery store, these products are often filled with harmful chemicals such as: sodium fluoride (a carcinogen that is also found in rat poison), triclosan, FD&C Blue Dye #1 and 2 (carcinogenic properties), sodium lauryl sulfate (we met this ingredient when we spoke about Korres Cleanser in an earlier post), and {Read More}

Facial Oil Feature & Natural Anti-Aging Fave: Rose Oil

Aging is something I’ve been worrying about since the ripe old age of 18. I believe that was my first purchase of anti-aging cream. Now in my mid-twenties, sadly, I actually need it. Unfortunate thing, time. With all that being said, I’ve hunted high and low for something that works miracles – and have been hard pressed to find much. I’ve gone so far on both sides of the spectrum: Creme de La Mer to – brace yourself – Vaseline. {Read More}

Natural Cleanser for Oily Skin: VAL’S Veggie Bar Review

Gone are the days of my oily skin, but when I did have it, I used this facial bar religiously to keep my skin clear. It leaves no residue, no makeup, nothing. It is so pure, you could probably eat it (although it will likely still taste like soap). The ingredients? Simple: Saponified olive oil, water, sodium chloride (sea salt), natural fragrance (all except unscented). They retail for about $6 for a package of 3 bars – so you can {Read More}

Natural Sunscreen: Badger’s SPF 30 Unscented Review

Although there is only 5 hours of sunlight in Norway right now, when you’re cross-country skiing for 10 kilometers, those 5 hours can reap some havoc on your skin. I try to wear sunscreen everyday (and I should as I’m both freckly and pasty), but it is hard to find a natural sunscreen that doesn’t start peeling off after you’ve put makeup over it (not that I was wearing makeup skiing … ahemm). I have tried multiple brands of natural {Read More}

Natural Deodorant Essential: Lafe’s Natural Hemp Roll-On Review

Whenever I chat with my girlfriends about deodorant (which is probably more often than you would care to know), the question of how safe it is always comes up. What’s Lurking in Your Anti-Perspirant? There are so many reports about the aluminum (the ingredient that prevents you from sweating) playing a role in the increase in breast cancer rates since the 50’s. But there is also danger regarding the Propylene Glycol (the ingredient that keeps the stick/gel/spray moist) which is {Read More}

Mom’s Little Secret: Quick & Easy Home-made Face Mask

Moms always have the best secrets – tried and true. Since I was a pimply teenager, my mom has been giving me natural ways to combat the zits. Lately, however, the same prescription seems to work wonderfully on tired & dry winter skin. Meet the solution to your winter skin woes… Honey, Yogurt and Oatmeal Face Mask                        What Will You Need? 1 Tbsp oatmeal, finely ground 1 Tbsp live, organic yogurt (none of that funny flavored stuff) A few {Read More}

All Natural Perfume – LaVanila Fragrance Review

So, let’s be upfront: Fragrance is a big no-no if you want to completely avoid chemicals in your products; however, if you’re not quite at the stage of wearing only essential oils as fragrance (or going au natural), LaVanila provides a decent alternative. I try not to wear fragrance too often, but when I do, I am a fan of LaVanila’s roller balls and fragrance sprays. I first found LaVanila when one of my best friends (who is also a {Read More}

Natural Body Wash: Weleda Cream Body Wash Review

Another France find: the German made Weleda Creamy Body Wash. I’ve tried it in Rose, Lavender and Pomegranate (the last one being my favourite). I’ve seen Weleda products all over the place – they are easy to find these days, which is nice. You can buy them online for far cheaper than you’ll find them in the shops ($14 USD vs. $20 CAD). My favourite go-to is Amazon, but you can also get them from their official website. If you’re {Read More}

Natural Cream Cleanser Fave: Korres 3-in-1 Emulsion Review

I’ve always had a hard time finding a cleanser that works and doesn’t have Sodium Laureth Sulfates. Well, Korres, the Greek manufacturer of hair, body and face care products created a line of products that contain high concentrations of natural active ingredients. Why they’re great? Every box has as list of what it “has” and what is “leaves out” helping you to be the decision maker. I first found Korres while living in Paris last summer and it struck me {Read More}