Green Daily

Green Gift Ideas: Beauty Gift Sets

Cat Lincoln — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST

Exuberance First Love Kit. Photo: Beautorium.com

There are some super-organized people out there who already have their holiday gift lists prepared and half-bought. For the rest of you (and by you I mean "us"), take a deep breath and relax: there are loads of great, green and affordable gifts out there!

One easy and always well-received present is the beauty gift set. With so many new green and eco-friendly beauty products on the market, there's always a fresh product to try out. Also, some of these lines are pricey, so gift sets let you sample without breaking the bank, plus the travel sizes let you experiment without committing to a product that could go to waste if it's not right.

You'll find some of the best product ranges and prices on the internet. Natural and organic beauty care site Beautorium carries well-loved green brands, like Dr. Hauschka, Pangea, and Juice Beauty. Some of their best gift sets include:

Saaf Face and Body Kit -- $39.95
The Saaf kit includes eight favorites from the cool new line of cold-pressed botanicals and steam-distilled organic essential oils. The solids are perfect for travel, and the scents are addictive!

Exuberance First Love -- $34
Includes ten of Exuberance's favorite organic facial products, including Victory is Ours Night Cream, Optimism Under-Eye Cream, Ultimate Perfection Eye Cream, She's so Lovely Daily Face Hydration. The names alone make you feel prettier!

red flower - Japan - sento set -- $60
Super-exclusive spa brand Red Flower combines Japanese, Ottoman and Naturalist traditions with herbal and botanical scents. The beautiful japan - sento set includes a complete travel-sized skincare ritual-based body treatment, designed to stimulate blood flow.

Sephora's ever expanding natural and organic cosmetic category is making them another go-to spot for eco-friendly beauty gifts, including brands and set exclusive to the site. Some of the gift sets carried by Sephora that are sure to show up wishlists this year include:

My Caudalie Must Have Set -- $68
A five-piece set from the grape seed and vine skincare-focused line, designed to cleanse, moisturize, repair, and tone the skin. The set includes foaming cleanser, night infusion cream, and lip conditioner, packaged in a beautiful silver cosmetics case.

Korres Never Too Many Set -- $39.50
Designed specifically for holiday gift giving, this collection from the Greek homeopathic line features 12 twelve top-selling Korres body products. The kit includes shower gels and body butters in six delicious flavors!

Ole Henriksen Hollywood Beauty Insider Kit -- $35
Exclusively available to Sephora Beauty Insiders, this kit from sweet smelling spa-brand Ole Henriksen is perfect for the frequent traveler on your list. The seven-piece, skincare ensemble includes "On The Go Cleanser" and "Fresh Start Eye Crème" -- just the ticket for travel tired skin!

Most sets have a broad variety of their most popular items, so your recipient can get a good sense of the product range. She might even find a new favorite thanks to you. That's a gift that keeps on giving!

Green Gift Ideas: Beauty Gift Sets originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ladies: Have You Considered Reducing Your 'Special Lady Time' Waste?

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Health, Natural Body Care

Knit or crochet a reusable tampon! Credit: Fern and Faerie

Okay, girls/women/wymyn, it's time to have a candid talk. Yeah, we've discussed this topic before, but my dear friend, and GreenDaily assistant editor, Kristen Seymour, sent me a link and now I can't stop asking myself: could I knit -- and use -- a reusable tampon?

There are plenty of reasons to avoid the ubiquitous "petal soft" plastic applicator Tampax. Let's start with health issues like toxic shock syndrome, not to mention whatever side-effects are caused by the chemicals used to bleach the cotton. Plus there's the issue of waste created by "feminine products" -- even those applicator-free o.b. tampons.

We all want to reduce our impact on the planet. Or at least we say we do. But are you really ready?
Here are your options:

The Mooncup, Diva Cup or The Keeper Cup -- whichever brand you pick it's an "internal option" made of rubber, which "collects rather than absorbs" fluids.

Pro: no waste
Con: requires a way to clean up -- hand sanitizer isn't gonna cut it

Reusable cloth pads, like Luna pads.

Pro: no waste
Con: doing the laundry just got a little messier

Stopping your period with birth control pills (under a doctor's care, of course!)

Pro: no waste
Con: that's a lot of messing with your body chemisty

Organic cotton tampons

Pro: avoid the scary Dioxin in traditional tampon brands
Cons: still creating waste

Knitting -- or crocheting! -- your own reusable tampon

Pro: no waste, choice of colors, and it's a hobby that can help you quit smoking
Con: there's that laundry issue again

So many choices, and I'll be honest, the wuss out choice of organic cotton tampons is as "green" as I can make my special lady time. What about you? Let's see some Green Lady Warriors represent!

Ladies: Have You Considered Reducing Your 'Special Lady Time' Waste? originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Origins Recycles Your Old Makeup Cases

Cat Lincoln — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Tips, Natural Body Care

Take your old makeup containers to Origins! Credit: Origins

Something I've been meaning to do for a while is clear out my makeup drawer. Magazines and beauty experts always tell you to replace your mascara frequently, and I have far too many odd-tasting, waxy lipsticks that will never see the light of day again.

Here's the thing: most of those makeup cases are made of weird, unrecyclable plastic. So even though there are increasing numbers of great companies, like Physicians Formula, who offer compostable packaging, clearing out the your old makeup can result in a wastebasket full of random plastic compacts, lipstick tubes and eye shadow palettes headed straight to the landfill.

And here's the solution: in this month's Self Magazine I saw an ad for the Return to Origins Recycling Program. They will actually accept your old makeup containers, and take care of recycling them responsibly, or sending them to an energy recovery facility, where they can be incinerated in a furnace with strictly controlled emissions. They'll take any brand, not just their stuff!

Here's how it works: Bring your empty containers to any Origins store, excluding counters in Nordstrom stores, anywhere in U.S. They do the rest!

Sure, it's not perfect. They don't take sponges, applicator wands or sample sizes. And the process of cleaning out those tubes and tubs still uses up resources, and creates some waste. But it's a step in the right direction, and a great display of environmental leadership from a company with a solid green reputation.

This is the only program like this, at least that I've heard of, although it's similar to the Aveda Caps Recycling Program, where they accept #5 plastic caps and recycle them into new caps, diverting them from the waste stream.

It's pretty awesome to see (relatively) small beauty companies leading the way in with these initiatives. It will be even better if it inspires some bigger companies -- with a larger reach and more resources -- to start similar programs. In this case, I'm sure Origins and Aveda would be delighted to have the competition!

Origins Recycles Your Old Makeup Cases originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Problem With Palm Oil

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Food, Natural Body Care, Plants and Wildlife

Palm oil plantations leave baby orangutans homeless. Credit: Dimas Ardian, Getty Images

You may have noticed palm oil in the news recently.

Confectionery giant Cadbury bowed to pressure in New Zealand -- including a boycott of their products at the Auckland Zoo -- and reverted to the recipe of their Dairy Milk bar that contains cocoa butter instead of palm oil. Last week LUSH Cosmetics announced that they will no longer use palm oil because of environmental concerns.

Why all the hubbub? For those of you unfamiliar with The Palm Oil Problem, let me share the basics.
First, palm oil is in everything. Food, cosmetics, cleaning supplies. If you see any of these familiar looking names on the list of ingredients, it's really palm oil (visit this site for a more complete list):

Palmate
Palm Oil Kernal
Palmitate
Glyceryl Stearate
Stearic Acid
Steareth -2
Steareth -20
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (coconut and/or palm)
Hydrated palm glycerides
Cetyl palmitate and octyl palmitate (and anything with palmitate at the end)

Palm oil is also in demand as a feedstock for bio-fuel, if it's grown in a sustainable manner, because it's a relatively high yield crop.

Here's why it's a problem. Of the ocean of palm oil it takes to fill the supermarkets of the world, about 80% is produced in a small corner of Southeast Asia: Indonesia and Malaysia, in a decidedly non-sustainable manner.

Where there were once acres of rainforest and peatland sheltering endangered species like the Sumatran and Borneo orangutans, Sumatran Tiger, the Sumatran Rhinoceros, and the Asian elephant, there are now geometric squares filled with rows of palm oil trees.

Besides eliminating the habitats of these endangered creatures, replacing rainforests and peatland also releases huge quantities of greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change.

Sure, in theory palm oil could be produced in a sustainable manner. There is even a group called the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, which is supported by WWF. But the bottom line is that the demand for palm oil still exceeds the efforts to produce it in a sustainable way.

So what to do?

Support companies like LUSH who put their money where their mouth is and remove palm oil from their products.
Support the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Center in Borneo, which cares for orangutans orphaned by deforestation
If you have to buy something with palm oil in it, look for a product that carries certification that it was sustainably produced.

The Problem With Palm Oil originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Going 'Poo-Free for the Environment

Cat Lincoln — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:08:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Health, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images)

I know I'm a little late to the No 'Poo Party, but I love -- no really, love -- hair product and styles and rituals. I'm a loyal salon customer, and my bathroom looks like a beauty supply store. So the thought of completely giving up shampoo puts an icy shard of fear in my heart.

Instead of indulging in the rich lather and floral fragrance of store bought shampoo, people are "cleaning" their hair with baking soda. And "conditioning" with apple vinegar. Please say it isn't so!

But loads of people are doing it, and not just the ugly hemp-ghetto girls and dirty hippies. To my amazement, the No 'Poo movement was started by Lorraine Massey, a stylist. The blasphemy! She swears that swearing off shampoo is what helped her curls become the envy of the hair world, and inspired her to write the best-selling Curly Girl, a guide to managing your waves and ringlets.

Perhaps Lorraine's intentions were less about the environment, and more about her hair. But it caught on with the green crowd for several reasons:

One Less Plastic Bottle in Your Home
Those plastic shampoo bottles are exactly like water bottles, and we know where they wind up: Ground into particulate matter, floating in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, or piled two miles into the sky in a landfill. Anything that reduces plastic bottles is good for the environment, and for people.

In a Word: Cancer
Some of the chemicals in shampoo are seriously bad for you! Common cleansers such as octoxynol-40 and sodium laureth sulfate can easily turn into ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane and even formaldehyde. Remember that whole thing about triclosan last week? Getting clean is deadly!

No, Really, It's Bad for Your Health
If that wasn't bad enough, some studies also indicate that toxins present in common shampoo brands contribute to nerve damage and abnormal fetal development. And here's what I mean when I say common: a bunch of toxin were found in baby shampoo. Sigh.

Environmental Runoff
Again, like triclosan, shampoo goes down the drain and into water sources -- from drinking water to the ocean to lakes and rivers. And all of those chemicals hang around the environment, giving frogs extra eyes and killing native wildflowers. Plus we drink it! See above, "Cancer" and "Bad for Your Health".

Our Old Friend the Carbon Footprint
Also, those chemicals, especially ammonium derivatives take a lot of energy to make, so the manufacturing process creates an additional carbon load on the environment. Which probably means Al Gore would give No 'Poo the Green Thumbs Up.

Are you convinced yet? I'm on the verge of getting rid of even my greenest, most eco-friendly, refillable glass-bottle shampoos. While Lorraine Massey's version of No 'Poo permits conditioner, most of those have the same bad for you/bad for the environment chemicals in them, so a full, 100% green hair effort means (sob) giving it all up.

That might be more than I can do, but my label reading skills are getting yet another workout, that's for sure.

Can you do it? Have you done it? Is it madness to try, or selfish to hesitate for even one second? Have your say in the poll!

Going 'Poo-Free for the Environment originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abe's Market - Like Your Local Co-op Only Online

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Food, Health, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Abe\'s Market)

Every day it seems like another new all-natural and organic brand hits the market. It's hard, and kind of a hassle, to try to track down the story and to verify that all of these products really are made with TLC ... and not BPA!

It used to be that you could take a stroll or bike ride down to the local food co-op and chat with the folks behind the counter to get scoop on all the products sold there. Often you could even meet the producers or farmers, because practically everything was sourced locally.

For better or worse, times have changed and we have literally the entire world at our finger tips. And soon we will have a resource that blends that co-op feeling with the convenience and choice of the internet. Abe's Market is a new online marketplace where you can shop for all-natural beauty, food, kids' stuff, and home and garden goods, plus participate in a community to exchange information and tips. It's sort of like the co-op with the bulletin board except you can go there at 3 a.m. if you feel like it, and have it all delivered to you.
Starting with just 50 brands, each seller on Abe's Market will have a page with the story behind the brand including photos and videos. It sounds like one of my favorite aspects of Sephora's site, where you can learn about the philosophy of the company, which is just as important to me as the ingredients when I'm making a purchase decision.

From the screenshots and graphics I've seen so far, it also looks like a sophisticated and easy to use e-commerce site, which would be a welcome change. I can't believe the number of all natural sites out there who seem to believe that fuzzy pictures and weird navigation gives them some kind of granola-cred. Finally a site for all-natural products that isn't afraid to be slick!

The site is slated to launch at the end of August, and as a way to build and engage a community from the very beginning, they're taking suggestions for brands to include in the first wave of 50 sellers. Got a brand you feel passionate about? ~~Tack up a 3x5 card~~ Submit your idea to on the Abe's Market site.

Abe's Market - Like Your Local Co-op Only Online originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sexy Vegan Makeup is Not an Oxymoron

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Natural Body Care

(Photo by e.l.f. cosmetics)

Just catching up on my Greeading* after a week away from the "office" and SheFind's post Vegan Makeup That's Friendlier To Animals Than Hayden Panettiere caught my eye for a couple of reasons, including the fear that a dolphin had attacked her. Because that's what they do (sometimes) and also what mammal could resist Miss Panettiere?

But no, the post was about vegan makeup, which is also really fun. SheFinds reviewed four vegan brands, including one of my green favorites, von Natur. This line is amazing because it's a) totally organic, b) vegan, c) has kick-ass colors, plus d) the lipgloss has this addictive minty goodness that's hard to explain, but you want to experience it, believe me.

Also on the list was Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencil, which I adore, and had no idea was vegan. Again, fantastic colors, and cruelty-free.

Not on the SheFind's list, but one of my best vegan picks is e.l.f cosmetics, aka eyes, lips, face cosmetics. This amazingly affordable line -- most items are in the $1-3 range -- doesn't have any animal ingredients, not even beeswax, and they don't test on animals. They are partners with PETA in the Caring Consumer project, and have a special "fur-free" tweezer set for $10, with half of the proceeds going to PETA.

Not to beat a dead horse, because PETA could be all over that, but see? Cool products can be green. And green products can be cool. And vegans can wear makeup and look hot. Hey, what's that banging sound? Oh, it's another nail in the Hemp Ghetto Stereotype coffin!

*Greeading = "Green Reading"

Sexy Vegan Makeup is Not an Oxymoron originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Natural and Organic is Your Eyeshadow?

Cat Lincoln — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Beautorium.com)

Reader Mary G. commented on last week's All Natural Beauty Round-up post, asking how to tell when a "natural" product was really natural, especially since so many of them have some skeevy sounding ingredients.

Good question, Mary! Interestingly enough, last week's Smart 2 Be Green newsletter addressed the same question, and guess what? Your husband is right, natural doesn't always mean what you hope it means. Unless it says 100% certified USDA organic, there's no certainty that all of the ingredients are organic. And natural can mean almost anything!

It takes a little work, but there are some great sites out there to help you sort through it all. For starters, there is the Consumer Reports Greener Choices eco-labels center that Smart 2 Be Green recommends. It's old school Consumer Reports meets the new eco-millenium.
I'm also a big fan of the new(ish) site GoodGuide, which actually rates products from 1 to 10 on how eco-friendly they are. Literally thousands of products are already rated, and more are added daily.

Sephora's natural and organic beauty section is pretty good, with a broad and ever growing selection of well known eco-friendly cosmetic brands. They list ingredients and information about the brands, so you can evaluate and make your decision based on facts.

If you want the beauty brands pre-screened for you, then you can't beat Beautorium. They have a well-edited selection of certified all natural and organic skin products, with complete information about ingredients, which they help you interpret with a "good to know" section. They also have the coolest samples program, and even offer personalized service to help pick the right product for you!

How Natural and Organic is Your Eyeshadow? originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's Easy Being Green - Yes, I Changed My Mind

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:07:00 EST

Filed under: Home, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Envirosax)

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post complaining about how hard it is to be green. But after thinking about it a little bit while I'm doing my daily life, I take it back: there are lots of things about being green that are easy!

Reusable straws -- I use straws for hot and cold drinks. Even at home. Believe me, the used straws start to stack up quickly. I was feeling guilty about my daily hollow plastic contribution to the landfill when my best friend gave me some cool acrylic straws from Crate & Barrel. I wash them, like cutlery. It's actually no big deal, and one little way to avoid producing needless waste. While still being OCD and orally fixated.

Recycled paper towels -- They are available everywhere, with several choices at all of my local supermarkets. My husband (who objects to "those gross brown ones") has even bought them by accident, thinking he was sneaking contraband virgin paper fiber into the house. Yes, I just said that it's so easy even a husband can do it. By accident.

Earth-friendly laundry practices -- I threw that little laundry experiment (from earlier in the week) together in five minutes without even trying. Most brands offer at least a less-harsh-chemical version for people with sensitive skin, and the truly "natural" brands are increasingly ubiquitous -- and more importantly, the same price as "traditional" detergents.

All-natural and organic makeup -- it's not just rusty, clay-colored "mineral makeup" any more. You can get awesome, high quality, pretty organic makeup. Physicians Formula's organic mascara rocks, and Sephora has a whole natural and organic makeup section of their site. You've probably even bought organic makeup without even realizing. Yes, I just said that it's so easy even a painted hussy like me can do it. By accident.

Bringing my bag to the grocery store -- this is actually convenient! The bags are bigger and easier to carry. I keep them in the car, and don't even have to think about it. Keys, wallet, grocery bag. And probably my favorite green item of all time is my Envirosax bag, that rolls up smaller -- and lighter -- than a deck of cards, and is always in my bag. The best $8.50 I've spent in years.

It's really a glass half-full or half-empty thing. Which one do you want to focus on? Seeing as it's Friday, and a beautiful mid-summer Friday at that, I'm going for the optimistic answer. Since this is a democracy, you are invited to share your opinion through the handy poll below.

It's Easy Being Green - Yes, I Changed My Mind originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All Natural Beauty Products Roundup

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Health, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Dr. Hauschka)

One of the most fun parts about beauty blogging is getting to try all kinds of neat stuff I wouldn't otherwise hear about. And since all-natural products are one of the fastest growing markets these days, I've been trying a ton of eco-friendly, body-friendly, and gorgeous-making treats lately! Here are a few of my current favorites:

Dr. Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass Oil
I am totally obsessed with this body oil, which is purported to "reduce the appearance of cellulite." I can tell you that it made my bumpy upper arms smoother than I ever thought possible, and it smells like a sunny day on a citrus farm. My only complaint is that the bottle is too small -- I whizzed through it in less than three weeks, and at $28.95, it could get to be an expensive, but worthwhile, habit to maintain. It's no wonder Dr. Hauschka is "swamped with demand" for their products!

Decléor Aromessence[TM] Neroli
Another oil I am really into lately is this face serum from French spa brand Decléor. The subtly sweet/bitter scent is a blend of neroli, sandalwood, petitgrain, sage, parsley and juniper berry essential oils, which leaves your skin glowing, and your mind calm. At first I was worried about using oil on my face, but you just use a dab at a time, and the results speak for themselves. It's $68 for a .05 oz bottle, but believe me, you use it much more slowly than the Dr. Hauschka body oil!

skyn ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels
Naturally my husband walked in the house two seconds after I stuck these soothing gel-backed strips under my eyes. "It's a beauty treatment!" I said, and he just shook his head. But ten minutes later, when I pulled them off, I looked -- and felt -- refreshed and awake. Like the entire skyn ICELAND line, the eye gels ($45 for six pairs) are forumulated to pamper and rejuvenate stressed out skin. They are quick and easy to use, awesome for eyes that are tired from too much travel.

Wai Hope Illuminaire Enzymatic Revitalizing Mask
I made sure my husband was gone for the day before I tried this next product: a minty green organic exfoliating facial mask, made with pinapple and papaya fruit enzymes. I have to admit, my favorite part is that the jar comes with a bamboo paddle, to make application a little neater! Of course, I also liked how bright and smooth it made my skin in just five minutes, and without parabens, formaldehydes, perfumes, resins, sulfates or petrochemical ingredients. A 1.7oz jar, which is good for several masks, is $65.

Got a favorite that I missed? Share your great find in the comments so we can all reap the rewards of natural beauty!

All Natural Beauty Products Roundup originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Be Good and Green to Yourself!

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Health, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Getty Images)

The gals over at PrettyCity tell us that it's "pretty being green," and they're helping the rest of us put that uplifting idea into practice with their Green and Gorgeous pledge, which started on June 5th, World Environment Day.

Across the country, spas are participating in Green and Gorgeous by pledging to recycle, conserve water and energy and provide green products to their clients. And I was also intrigued to read that the spas are developing signature treatments that have a reduced negative impact on the environment.

While supplies last, green ladies -- and gentlemen -- who get a treatment at a participating spa also get a "Tote-ally Pretty" tote that is super cute and a great reusable shopping bag.
Even better, the spas are all offering special rates for select treatments, and the prices are as compelling as the green benefits. The cool services and prices include:

Organically Smooth & Beach Ready: Eucalyptus-Lime foot soak, organic pineapple & coconut exfoliation and hydration at the Awa Spa & Wellness Sanctuary in Tampa, FL. $59, usually $70.
Gorgeous Shape: A relaxing Pureology shampoo with deep conditioning treatment followed by a haircut with blowout and style at the Aqua Salon in Chicago, IL. $39, usually starts at $50 and up.
Many Thanks Organic Pedicure: This invigorating pedicure includes cucumber scrubs to exfoliate dead cells and nourish skin! At Skintology in Chelsea, NYC. $39, usually $65.

Not all states are represented, but if you have a spa you love, and would love to see participate in Green and Gorgeous, you can always submit their information to PrettyCity, which maintains an extensive list of spas, including reviews, as well as information about the latest trends!

Be Good and Green to Yourself! originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Cosmetics Packaging More Common, Still Tempting

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:11:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Sephora)

I'm so excited to see so many cosmetics companies have embraced earth-friendly and sustainable practices. Clearly they finally figured out that it's a money maker -- I know I'm twice as tempted by organic eyeshadow when it's in a bamboo package!

Physicians Formula's OrganicWear line is sold in completely recyclable packaging, from the paper compact holders to the corn-based brush handles. Sephora is offering a "Pure Palette" of 95% natural ingredients, and at least 10% organic ingredients. It comes in a compact made of sustainable bamboo and recycleable metal.

The latest cosmetic temptation to catch my eye is the Mother Earth Palette from Smashbox. It's has four subtle and versatile eyeshadows that are certified-organic, as well as a peachy blush that will compliment most skin shades.

The compact is made from sustainable materials, and for each purchase Smashbox will plant a tree through Trees for the Future, a global non-profit that dedicated to sustainable agroforestry. You can take home this sweet, limited edition palette at Sephora for $45.

While you're shopping for "green" makeup, check out some other Smashbox products that have earned the Sephora natural seal, like:

O-GLOW -- a cheek color with Goji Berry-C complex and pomegranate seed
Bionic Mascara -- ionic mascara that contains aloe, silk and wheat proteins to make your lashes long and healthy
Photo Finish Lipstick with Sila-Silk Technology -- super smooth, silky, long wearing and organic

Earth-Friendly Cosmetics Packaging More Common, Still Tempting originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:11:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth Day Giveaway Winner - The Sak, Altru and Physicians Formula Organic Makeup!

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Home, Natural Body Care

(Photo by The Sak)

One of the many ways we celebrated Earth Day here at GreenDaily was with a fantastic combination giveaway:

The Sak Eco Harmony Dip Drawstring Bag -- made of 100% Bamboo and Recycled Cotton in hot caynne red
The Unity Collection from Altru -- a collection of Altru home frangrance items, in the sensual Unity flavor
Physicians Formula Organic wear(R) 100% Natural Origin Makeup-- a full collection of this new and incredible line of natural makeup!

There were loads of entries, but we could only pick one winner, Angie, who shared these Earth Day plans:

I have actually already started celebrating Earth Day! On Sunday, I attended Columbus, Ohio's Earth Day Celebration in Goodale Park by visiting all the many information tents and enjoying a vegan hot dog. Tomorrow, my hubby and I (he is taking the day off from work) are going to start the foundations of our new organic vegetable garden! I can't wait!

We hope she looks and feels awesome while working in her new garden and enjoying her eco-friendly prizes!

Earth Day Giveaway Winner - The Sak, Altru and Physicians Formula Organic Makeup! originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth Day Giveaway Reminder!

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:14:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Home, Natural Body Care

(Photo by The Sak)

We have an eco-tastic double giveaway for you this week, in honor of Earth Day. The prize pack includes an amazing eco-friendly bag from the Sak, filled with amazing natural treats for your home from Altru, and gorgeous organic goodies for you from Physicians Formula. Check it out:

The Sak Eco Harmony Dip Drawstring Bag -- made of 100% Bamboo and Recycled Cotton in hot caynne red
The Unity Collection from Altru -- a collection of Altru home frangrance items, in the sensual Unity flavor
Physicians Formula Organic wear(R) 100% Natural Origin Makeup-- a full collection of this new and incredible line of natural makeup!

And best of all, we're giving away another whole set of these prizes at sister site, StyleList! So when you're done entering here, go and enter there, too, for a second chance to win.

To enter, visit the original post before 5pm EST today and tell us how you celebrated Earth Day. It's that easy!

Earth Day Giveaway Reminder! originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth Day Giveaway - The Sak, Altru and Physicians Formula Organic Makeup!

Cat Lincoln — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Home, Natural Body Care

(Photo by Physicians Formula)

In honor of Earth Day, we have a truly eco-fantastic giveaway this week. It's an amazing eco-friendly bag from the Sak, filled with amazing natural treats for your home from Altru, and gorgeous organic goodies for you from Physicians Formula. Everything in the prize is earth-friendly!

(Photo by The Sak)

The Sak Eco Harmony Dip Drawstring Bag -- You'll love the look of this fabulous and fashionable bag, which is made of 100% Bamboo and Recycled Cotton. As always, you can count on the functional SAK interior, with two pockets and a zippered pocket. It also has some eco-cool bling: a hand carved and painted mandala made of sono-wood, a sustainable wood from Indonesia, attached with traditional Indonesian prayer beads.

The Unity Collection from Altru -- Make your home an oasis with this collection of Altru home frangrance items, in the sensual Unity flavor, a combination of burmese woods and honey. The collection includes a soy blend wax candle in hammered copper, interior fragrance oil with diffusing reeds, and rich exotic incense sticks.

Altru, which was created by Manuela Testolini, is commited to social responsibility through it's support of Perfect World, a non-profit organization that she also created, to help children become "compassionate, socially conscious and responsible leaders."

(Photo by Altru)

Physicians Formula Organic wear(R) 100% Natural Origin Makeup -- this is an incredible line of natural makeup available at drugstore prices. It's 100% free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives or parabens, comes in eco-conscious packaging, and contains 100% certified organic ingredients. The prize includes a huge set of Organic wear(R) products, including the yummy Superfruit lipgloss and the mascara with the green leaf applicactor that everyone is talking about!

And even better? We're giving away another whole set of these prizes at sister site, StyleList! So when you're done entering here, you can go and enter there, too, for a second chance to win.

Are you ready to celebrate Earth Day with all of this schwag? Then let's get this giveaway rolling!

To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us how you're celebrating Earth Day.
The comment must be left before 5pm EST on Friday, April 24, 2009.
You may enter only once on each site.
One winner will be selected from each site in a random drawing.
One winner from each site will receive a SAK bag (valued at $89), a Unity Collection of home fragrance from Altru (valued at $135) and a set of Organic wear(R) makeup (valued at $150).
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
Click here for complete Official Rules

Earth Day Giveaway - The Sak, Altru and Physicians Formula Organic Makeup! originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Baby Signs Potty Training

Kelly Leahy — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:22:00 EST

Filed under: Kids and Parenting, Natural Body Care

When it comes down the the cloth verses disposable diaper debate, the obvious winner is early potty training. However, elimination communication or infant potty training is not for every parent; but trying to get a strong willed two-year-old to sit still on a toilet can be most challenging. The folks over at Baby Signs have created a potty training system designed to have your toddler trained by that "terrible twos" stage.

Baby Signs combines sign language, engaging animation and rewards to entice your toddler to come aboard the "Potty Train." In the box is a comprehensive manual explaining the benefits of teaching sign language to young children, a Potty Train DVD, book, reward stickers and a wooden train whistle. The entire system retails for $39.95.

After looking over the materials myself and counting down the days until my 18-month-old would leave her diapers behind, I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I used sign some language with my first daughter and she caught on brilliantly. With my second, I started signing even earlier but the kid wouldn't even sign the most basic one of all, "milk," back at me. However, thirty seconds into the Potty Train video and she was signing "potty" along with the animated babies on the screen.

The video was a hit not only with the toddler but also with my three-year-old. They both enjoyed the music and learning the five signs shown. I enjoyed using the included whistle to blow along with the theme song.

There is no denying that waiting until a child is three, four or even five to potty train puts an unnecessary strain on the environment. Baby Signs is trying to rid the landfills of all of those dirty diapers while boosting baby's language skills.

We're still a few weeks away from being a completely potty trained household but I like this method enough to stick with it. I'm certainly looking forward to selling the last of my cloth diapers.

Review: Baby Signs Potty Training originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spring Into Fleas

Christina Clark — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Home, Natural Body Care

Now that spring is here and summer will be coming soon, it is time to think about fleas if you have pets. It is definitely good to have a plan and work on preventing fleas rather than trying to get rid of them once they are on your dog and in your house - trust me.

I learned a few things about flea control when I got my dog in November. She came with a really bad case of fleas and it took time and dedication to get rid of them.

Fleas don't like pets that taste bad. You can give your pet garlic tablets (made for them, not the human ones) or, garlic and brewer's yeast tablets. My dog gobbles them up and they are relatively inexpensive at the pet store or Walmart. You can also give your pet some apple cider vinegar inside and outside. I spritz a little on my dog's dry food each evening and she doesn't seem to mind at all. And when she is spending a lot of time outside I spritz some on her coast and brush it in - that one isn't so popular with her though!

If you frequently brush your pet you can keep fleas at bay and if your pet does pick some up, you will know about it before it gets out of control.

And here's a simple solution if you do end up with some fleas. Fleas don't like to take a bath. A simple bath with soap and water - not even flea shampoo - will kill off the majority of fleas that you have. And if they have invaded the house sprinkle boric acid on the carpets and let it sit overnight, then vacuum it up. That should rid you of most of them.

You can get rid of fleas naturally. It just takes some patience.

[Via EcoSalon]

Spring Into Fleas originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renee Rouleau Toning Cloths

Cat Lincoln — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Natural Body Care

Do you still use cotton balls or pads to apply toner or to remove makeup? And do the piles of used puffs in your trash give you green guilt? Skincare expert Renée Rouleau has a better choice -- ultra thin toning cloths.

Renée has always believed in quality tools and simple packaging -- it's what's inside the bottle that counts. Taking this philosophy to the creation of her Toning Cloths, an economical alternative to cotton balls.

The Toning Cloths soak up 50% less, so you reduce the amount of makeup or cleanser you need to use. Also, they are packaged in 100% recycled cardboard packaging, reducing the impact on the planet.

They are soft, lint-free, and actually work better than cotton balls, which always drive me crazy by falling apart and leaving behind clumps of white stuff!

Plus, for just $10.50, you get 160 in a box, which is also a great deal. Use them with Renée's alcohol-free witch hazel infused Balancing Skin Tonic, or the nourishing Elderberry Toner with anti-infammatory properties.

Renee Rouleau Toning Cloths originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can't Sleep? Try These Natural Cures

Kelly Leahy — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:38:00 EST

Filed under: Health, Natural Body Care

If you have trouble sleeping you might be tempted to reach for the medicine cabinet or even fall asleep in front of the television. Neither solution will give you the restorative type of sleep that you need in order to be at the top of your game. Sleep aids can become addictive and television can actually cause insomnia (not to mention waste energy if left on all night long).

Here are a few natural sleep tips to help you along:

Start with the bedroom. Keep your work, toys and any other distractions out of the bedroom. Make sure that you can shut out most of the light with heavy blinds to combat early morning awakenings. Finally, how's your bed? An uncomfortable mattress could be robbing you of your sleep. You may even want to invest in an organic mattress to avoid off-gassing of volatile organic compounds.
Routines help. Exercising during the day and staying away from caffeine and sugary snacks before bed are obvious solutions. However, you may want to indulge yourself with some aromatherapy at bedtime. Take a bath in lavender oil or use peppermint for a soothing foot bath. You can even use an oil diffuser to give your room a pleasing scent that you associate with relaxation.
Use herbs to get drowsy. Make an herb pillow with a relaxing scent or drink some chamomile tea. A hot compress on the forehead scented with lavandar might also do the trick.
Your daytime diet can help as well. Make sure that you are getting plenty of foods rich in vitamin B (green vegetables, nuts, eggs and dairy). Choose slow burning carbs like oats, rice andbeans. Finally, if you must have a drink before bedtime choose the time favored glass of warmed milk or even mulled cider.

Can't Sleep? Try These Natural Cures originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sephora Event Helps You Green Your Makeup Regime

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Natural Body Care

I've definitely been greening my makeup practices -- chemicals don't belong in rabbits' eyes or mine -- and I'm always looking for affordable ways to try new products.

If you're eco-curious like me, and a Sephora Beauty Insider (which you totally should be -- you get deluxe size samples!), then stop by your local Sephora store this Saturday. They're holding "Naturals Events" at their stores, with tons of info on organic and natural makeup.

They'll be doing complimentary one-on-one green makeup consultations, plus giving out a goodie bag full of green makeup samples.

It's a great way to can explore your inner mineral makeup goddess, without shelling out a fortune for something you might not want. Plus, it's so fun to get insider tips from makeup pros.

And the samples, aaah, samples. But you can only get them if you're a Beauty Insider, so sign up now!

Sephora Event Helps You Green Your Makeup Regime originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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