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Archive for the ‘Bath & Body’ Category
Every once in a while I spend a little time browsing Etsy, as many of us do. Etsy is such a great place to find safer bath goodies and we’ve reviewed some before. My newest find is a store full of handmade soap and spa goods made by Catherine Filippeli. Her store is chock full of bar and guest soaps that look good enough to eat. With scents like Oatmeal Lavender, Ginger Mint Fig Coconut Milk, and Pomegranite Sage you are sure to find something that suits you.
I was attracted to her lovely Honey Lime Bee Soaps full of lime oil and honey to boost circulation and clear congested pores. Plus the unusual shape makes this great for guests or just for something new and fun. Sometimes it’s nice to depart from the usual rectangle bar. Along with lip balm, my other collection habit is bar soap – so I’ll be ordering a few to get me through the summer. Nothing like a shower with a fresh bar of soap that smells like citrus, honey or herbs.
Many of her soaps are made with only essential oils but a few do use other scents. A quick note to Catherine and she confirmed that all of her scents and oils are phthalate free. Sweet!
Get Soap: You can check out Catherine’s shop on Etsy at catherinefilippelli.etsy.com
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Categories: Bar Soap, Etsy Finds
I stumbled on Cactus & Ivy through another blog (Eco-OfficeGals.com I think?) and saw what a great looking line of products they carry. So I looked deeper to check out the ingredients and found that they have an exceptional line that’s free of parabens, phthalates, PEG’s, propylene glycols, synthetic fragrances and SLS. I ordered myself their cute little sampler kit to get acquainted with their products.
All the products I tried were really impressive. They aren’t separated like some natural brands and apply and feel great on skin. Sometimes with really natural products you feel like you’re putting food on your body. Not so with Cactus & Ivy. My favorites? The Key Lime Body Wash (I’m a sucker for citrus smells) and the Peppermint Tree Foot Balm that comes in a twist up applicator (like a deodorant!).
They have a really wide variety of products like lip balms, bar soap, and one thing I haven’t seen before, Nail Balm which looks totally intriguing! Olive oil and horsetail strengthen and nourish brittle nails and cuticles… sounds divine! One or two products do contain phenoxyethanol but if you look through carefully the vast majority of their products don’t contain it. They publish the ingredients on their website for easier shopping. I really tend to respect companies who do that more than the ones who don’t!
Get It: You can pick up a sampler set or any of their great products on their website Cactus & Ivy.
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Categories: Bath Goodies, Cactus & Ivy
I’ve long been curious about Jurlique products. There were a few that I’ve wanted to try, but I’m trying to get by with less is more. I love product, but I’m trying to be less wasteful and of course, there’s the whole second child on the way that is forcing me to spend less money. But I got some Jurliqe samples and I can’t pass up a good sample. Samples will never go to waste in this house, because what I don’t use, I stuff in my toiletries bag for travel. A great way to travel light without giving up my girly luxuries.
I have to say, I’m impressed. I really like the Jurlique lotions. I tried out both the soothing day care lotion and the balancing day care cream and they both smell great and are heavy without being overly greasy. I tend to hate most lotions because the extra water means I have to use more to achieve the same results, but this is a great cream with a pleasant rosey smell.
I will say though, that not ALL of Jurlique’s products are free of the safe ingredients we like to avoid. Most of their lotions are LovelyMama worthy, but their shampoos and cleansers tend to have more unfavorable ingredients, so this is another case of learning to decipher the labels. But both of these lotions are great for night time and I can easily see these being a staple on my night stand. Especially with summer sandal season coming along. I can feel the softness already!
Get it: You can order any of the Jurlique line off of Saffron Rouge. Or find some products in your local Whole Foods.
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Categories: Body Lotion, Jurlique
It’s no secret I get hooked on certain products. Just ask me how many lip balms I have at any given time in my purse. (Currently 6). See? Addict. My other secret addiction is bar soap. I don’t know if it’s the traditional nature of bar soap or the rush I get when I open a brand new bar. Either way, I prefer it over body washes… especially for my face. I have sensitive skin and am prone to rosacea. So I am on a constant hunt for an alternative to Cetaphil’s bar soap that my dermatologist recommended. I just can’t bring myself to continue using it.
During my search I found Tilvee Eco Ethical Skin Care. I haven’t had the opportunity to try their products out but I was giddy over the simple facts. Their products are free of all chemicals including Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Preservatives, Petrochemicals, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates and not to mention they don’t test on animals, are committed to green business practices and are signers of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Can you say “love”?
As a suitable replacement for that old Cetaphil Cleansing bar I think their Shea Butter Facial Cleansing Bar might be a good contender. People who suffer from rosacea tend to be sensitive as well as have dry patches so the gentle shea butter would be an ingredient to combat that. Stuff is on sale right now so I might have to pick up a lip balm too. See? Can’t ever resist.
Follow Up Review: I started using this on my face (remember…I’m sensitive with rosacea flare ups) and my skin has actually improved in the last few days of using it. My skin isn’t as dry and dare I say my rosacea is clearing as well. I think this is a great product. Bye bye Cetaphil.
Get It: Pick one up on their website Tilvee.com – go now because their having an Earth Month sale… 25% Off!
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Categories: Bar Soap, Face Wash, Tilvee Eco Ethical Skin Care
You all probably know by now, how much we LOVE Bubble and Bee’s products. I have quite a few of their products around my house and I love all of them. Especially anything that’s lime coconut. It smells fabulous. Even my husband likes their stuff, particularly their solid lotions, like the lotion stick and the lotion bar. It really helps heal his hands, which tend to split a lot in the cold weather.
I had put in a request for an actual “liquid” lotion with Stephanie, which thankfully was already in the works. I love the solids, I use them every day, but I do like the actual ability to spread lotion on my skin.
Introducing Body Butta. This stuff is fantastic. The smell is heavenly. I was lucky to be able to try out the raspberry vanilla, which smells like dessert, and looks like cake frosting. I’ve had a hard time refraining from digging my finger in it and eating it (because that’s what you do with frosting, right?). And I’ve just gotten word from Stephanie that you actually COULD eat it if you wanted to, and that it doesn’t taste bad. I think I’ll refrain from being the one to experiment, but, you know if you want to give it a shot, go ahead (and let me know if I need to get a spoon). The ingredients are all natural of course, and include coconut oil, raspberry extract, vanilla extract, sweet almond oil and a few more. Best of all, not one single ingredient on this list is water, so you’re getting a nice thick lotion that will leave your skin feeling soft and silky, not only to dry out again after 6 minutes.
The body butta has a shelf life of 10 months from date of purchase. Another thing that is a GOOD thing. Your lotion shouldn’t outlive you.
Get it: You can order Body Butta directly from bubbleandbee.com, and as an extra LovelyMama bonus, you can take 15% off your order using the coupon code “hotmama03“, which can also be combined with free shipping on orders over $65. That’s a great deal! Code expires 6/1/09.
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Categories: Body Cream, Bubble and Bee
Valentine’s Extravaganza Week continues with massage oils! Granted, there isn’t a whole lot of massaging going on around my house considering I’m pregnant. However, making a point to put each other first is important in any relationship! Typically, massage oils are made with mineral oils that use up valuable resources that are taxing on the environment. Plus, wouldn’t you rather put a natural unprocessed oil on your body rather than some refined petroleum? Me too.
There are a few store bought brands that use natural ingredients if you’re looking for a nicer gift… or you can stick to the tried and true at-home ingredients that are both affordable, multipurpose and make your skin feel great.
Massage Products We Love
Mountain Rose Herbs Massage Oils: These oils contain only blends of natural essential and organic oils like organic olive oil and organic almond oils and vitamin E. They offer a range of scents, scented with rose, chamomile, and lavender and come in 4oz pumps and 1oz sample kits!
Weleda Massage Oil: This is a great massage oil for those of you with active lives… whether you’re chasing kids or a workout king – this oil helps restore tired, aching muscles before and after physical activity. Weleda is one of our favorite lines using only natural and organic ingredients.
AuraCacia Massage Cream in Tangerine Grapefruit: A cream instead of an oil this might be a little less messy. Based with grapeseed oil and scented with oils like tangerine and grapefruit this sweet smelling citrus rub down will refresh and awaken the senses for a fun night out. Rawr!
DIY At Home Massage Treatments
Pure Coconut Oil: Available at your local health food store or aisle, this ingredient is great for your skin. Use it to moisturize after a shower, soften cuticles or massage your muscles. Better yet, you can cook dinner with it too. Add it to a romantic meal with stir fried veggies and shrimp to add a full flavor. Also, we hear it makes a good personal lubricant. *Tee Hee*
Make Your Own: You can make any kind of massage oil concoction that suits you with a few simple ingredients from the health food store. Pick up organic vegetable and nut oils, such as olive (great for skin and hair), sweet almond, jojoba, avocado and some vitamin E to make your own sexy combination’s. Add drops of your favorite essential oils like lavender, orange, or arnica to spice it up.
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Categories: DIY Recipes, Massage Oils, Weleda
I’m a sucker for bath products. I mean, tell me what girl doesn’t love a good pampering spa day? I know that’s where my love of all things bath for the home, stems from. Of course, it’s a little harder now that I don’t have: a.) dispensable income and b.) limited choices in the name of greener beauty. But that’s OK, because there are a lot of things you can make for a nice luxurious spa like bath for a way smaller price tag. Of course you have to listen to the hum of a monitor with your martini (organic vodka, of course), instead of that new agey soothing music, but hey, it’s a little time for Mama, and that’s what really counts, right?
Let’s talk about milk baths. Milk baths are popular at swanky spas and resorts. Why? Because they’re great for the skin. They’re great for nourishing really dry skin, because the lactic acid helps to loosen dead skin cells. Milk baths date back to the days of Cleopatra, who swore by milks beautifying properties. The best thing is, you can make a nice milk bath from products you probably already have. I found one in a book, that’s really quick and easy, and also easy to alter based on your needs. You’ll need:
1 cup of heavy-cream, half and half, or regular milk.
1/2 cup raw honey.
That’s it. Just blend together, add to your running bath and swish. If want a little more luxurious, add some of your favorite essential oil. If your skin is extra itchy, blend a cup of oats in a blender or food processor and add to the mix. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can try goats milk. One of the other great things about this recipe, is that you know exactly what’s in it. No hidden ingredients like you might find in the overly processed, high priced “milk baths” out there at a beauty store.
I have heard that the thicker dairy products might leave your skin feeling a little oily afterwards, which makes sense, since you’re basically soaking in milk fat. You could also use lower fat milk to acheive the same effects. I’d stick with at least whole milk at the very least, if your skin is really dry.
Posted by Statia • add a comment •
Categories: Bath & Body, DIY Recipes
A friend turned me on to Eminence Organics a while back and I was able to try a few of their products. Their lines all are free of parabens, mineral oils, petroleum and SLS and they have some really divine products. I got a few samples their DiVine collection which included a Mimosa Body Scrub and Mimosa Body Lotion.
Let me tell you, this stuff actually smells like a real mimosa – without making you smell like a drunk. It a light citrus champagne scent and the body cream is really luxurious. My hands are instantly soft when I use it. Pampering is tricky when you’re trying to go as natural as possible and these don’t make you feel like a hippy… they feel like a real spa treat. They have other delicious scents like Cucumber Mint, Pear & Green Apple and a Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. It’s too bad you can’t order these online or I would – but they are available at select spas!
Get It: Eminence is only available at partner spas and salons – call toll free at 1-888-747-6342 to learn of a spa near you.
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Categories: Body Lotion, Body Scrub, Eminence Organics, Uncategorized
Now that winter is full upon us (though technically, the first day of winter is next week), my skin has decided to revolt. There is nothing really that seems to be helping my skin. It’s itchy, dry, flaky and scaly. I’d blame it on pregnancy hormones, but my poor toddler’s skin is much the same way. We try to keep as hydrated and sealed as possible, but we’re fighting a losing battle.
So instead of trying to win, we’re just hoping to keep the playing field even. I have a heavy artillery of lotions, bars, lip balms and other things to help with our winter skin.
One of my musts this winter, is our Bubble and Bee lotion stick. I love it because it’s a stick, not a tube, so you get more for less and a little goes a long way. It’s also very portable and inexpensive. So I can stock up and keep them in my handbag, a diaper bag, and just about every other corner of my home. It’s great for all over the skin, but especially great for sealing your hands while you’re out and about.
If you’ve read here or over at SafeMama for any length of time, you’ll know that we LOVE Bubble and Bee’s products. They’re always up front about their ingredients, because they have nothing to hide. They’re safe for both kids and adults alike. And another thing I love is that you have other options aside of lavender, such as orange, lime coconut (I’m addicted to this scent, I can’t even begin to tell you how good it smells), and chai, to name a few.
Is your skin suffering like ours? Head over to Stephanie’s blog and read her tips for helping your skin through winter.
Get It: You can get all of Bubble and Bee’s awesome products directly online and enjoy 15% off your entire order using code wintermom3
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Categories: Body Lotion, Bubble and Bee
As a working mom on the go, I am always interested in finding safe products that are multi-purpose. So when I found Revolution Organics I went crazy over their All-Over Body Balm. This hefty tube of balm has over 22 possible uses. How can it get better than that? I’d rather replace the tubes of hand lotions, lip balms, cuticle balms and baby cream in my diaper bag with this ONE handy compact tube. It has a light citrus scent and really is a wonderful moisturizer. I use this as a lip balm, rub it on my hands and cuticles, relieve wind chapped kid cheeks and it can help with frizz when you’re in a pinch.
Revolution Organics uses no synthetic ingredients, parabens, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals and they don’t test on animals. They are also certified USDA Organic which is only reserved for products with 95% organic ingredients. Now that’s something I can live with! After trying and failing with many Certified Organic products either due to their lack of performance or the overpowering smell (Aveda Organics I’m talking about you) I have really fallen in love with Revolution Organics.
They also offer a few other gret products including an All-Over Skin Creme (I keep in on my desk for hands and elbows during my workday) and a yummy All Over Lip Balm that I’m dying to try.
Get It: Pick up any Revolution Organics products at Saffron Rouge, Lilou Organics or on Beauty.com
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Categories: Body Balm, Body Lotion, Lip Balm, Revolution Organics
