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Archive for the ‘Eco Beauty News & Tips’ Category
One of the last things I ever really thought to replace in my “beauty” cabinet was personal lubricant. I’ll venture to guess that it may not have crossed your mind either. But let’s face it, we all have sex and we’ve all used lubricant. I’m actually somewhat surprised that I didn’t find this stuff sooner as my, err, girly parts tend to be extra sensitive, so I sought out long ago to find something that was less harsh on my skin. When I look at the ingredients on something conventional, I’m aghast. “They expect people to put that WHERE?”
Propylene Glycol, parabens, ALCOHOL. No wonder this stuff was giving me an adverse reaction, because there’s just nothing natural about that stuff. Gross. So as a joke, Kathy and I like to find the most ludicrous thing we can think of and see if they make it in an organic version. And that’s how I stumbled upon Firefly Organics. I wish I would have found this stuff years ago. While the name says organics, the product itself is technically not organic, BUT, all the ingredients are completely all natural and preservative free. There is nary a paraben nor polymer to be found in this bottle. In fact, Firefly is so safe, that you don’t even have to wash it off if you don’t want to (and really, have you ever tried to wash off conventional lube? Forget it).
What can I say about this stuff? I love it. When I first opened the bottle it reminded me a lot of olive oil. The feel of it isn’t at all sticky or overly greasy. A little goes a long way and unlike conventional lubricants, it doesn’t get tacky over time, so you never need more. The aloe vera soothes so there’s no burning afterward. This is just an all around great product. I’ll never use anything else. And dare I say that it makes me want to get randy more often. And being pregnant while chasing around a toddler, that’s saying something.
Get it: You can order Firefly Organics directly from their website. A bottle retails for $18.95, but it’s a big bottle and it should last you a long time. Unless of course, you party like a rock star. In which case, better get a few bottles.
Bonus! LovelyMama has one bottle of Firefly Organics to giveaway. Here’s how to enter:
Send an email to safemama.contestsATgmail.com with the subject “Firefly Giveaway” and include the following:
1. Include in your email, your full name AND address.
2. Tell us what you’re currently using and what you like or don’t like about it.
You must complete BOTH steps in order to qualify. Don’t worry, we don’t sell or give your information to anyone. Only to contact you if you are the winner. One winner will be chosen at random. We’ll accept drawings until Midnight, December 1st. Contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery of goods as we’re getting close to holiday crunch time.
Posted by Statia • add a comment •
Categories: Firefly Organics, Giveaways & Contests, Personal Lubricant
Our friends at Fig+Sage are doing a great giveaway of two gorgeous sets of the new Alima Pure Gift Sets they just released for the holidays. There are 3 sets in total and they all have really beautiful color palettes. We reviewed Alima Pure not too long ago and we were both really pleased with the products and the natural feel of this line. Alima released 3 Holiday Gift Sets that are beautifully complimentary without being overly bright. Very subtle rich colors.
Head on over to Fig+Sage to enter to win two sets: Fig+Sage
Posted by admin • add a comment •
Categories: Alima Pure, Blush, Eye Shadow, Giveaways & Contests
Ok ladies. I have a new *must have* line of products for you. In a late night search I found LuSa Organics. I immediately started drooling over their products. Since I first tried a few delectable items I jumped back online and ordered $80 more. LuSa Organics is a family run business, a very cute family with 2 adorable little kids and a whole slew of inspired and luxurious bath goodies that cater to women, mom and baby.
I am seriously addicted, and it’s been a while since I found a line that I really truly loved in that “buy my self a girly treat” sort of way. First, I am totally committed to their unbelievable Organic Sugar Scrubs. I tend to 
prefer sugar scrubs in general but this one is really amazing because it’s not a big sloppy scrub which I find doesn’t have as much “scrub” and more “goop”. This one though is a tin packed with organic sugar so you really get your scrubs worth on one scoop. They smell good, they scrub great and moisturize the toughest spots. I attribute my now smooth arms and legs to this scrub. Seriously, even my husband commented on my softness. I. Love. It. The Mint scrub leaves you feeling clean and sparkly and the Lavender scrub is a soothing treat for the skin. This is my must-have bath treat.
Also? Lotion Bars. I have never used a lotion bar before but I was dying to try it. I don’t know if this is the right way to use one but I take the whole thing out of its pretty tin and rub it all over feet and hands before bed. I swear, he next morning I wake up with the softest feet and hands. My lavender Lotion Bar is now a permanent fixture on my night stand. These are great for traveling too, no trying to drag a big silly pump in your travel bag or risking a tube opening up accidentally. Lotion Bar is my new staple beauty item.
Their fresh goats milk handcrafted soaps are all unbelievably fresh smelling. I have a bar of Ylang Ylang and Lavender in my shower and I reach for it over all the others. It lathers perfectly and the smell… oh heaven.
I could go on for eternity, but I assure you all their products are divine. They carry Belly Balms, Diaper Balms, Essential Oils… I promise you, you will not be disappointed. LuSa Organics has a cool Soap of the Month Club too which would make a great gift (HINT HINT) and they have some lovely Gift Collections for New Mom and Baby.
Lovely SafeMama Winner! Ok not only do I absolutely adore this company and their products but everything they carry is totally natural, organic when possible and they use sustainable and local ingredients to craft their wonderful goodies. They also donate 10% of their profits to organizations generating positive global change.
Get it: LuSa Organics has so graciously offered our readers a special promotion. When ordering from their website enter “LovelySafeMama Freebie” in the comments field on checkout (not the coupon box, comments field) and they’ll toss in a free gift with your order. Thank you LuSa Organics!
Posted by admin • add a comment •
Categories: Bar Soap, Bath Goodies, Body Lotion, LuSa Organics, Safety Award Winners, Sugar Scrubs
The lovely ladies at one of our favorite organic beauty blogs Fig+Sage are doing a really great giveaway of Earth Mama Angel Baby Breastfeeding Support Kit. We’ve been long time lovers of all the Earth Mama Angel Baby products and their commitment to providing safe products to treat mom and baby. The Breastfeeding Kit they are giving away (in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!) contains Milkmaid Tea , Natural Nipple Butter, Booby Tubes, and Bosom Buddies (a $45 value of products!). You can enter until October 29th, 2008, check out how on their blog Fig+Sage.
Further, if you haven’t seen Fig+Sage yet it’s a great resource and full of eco-fabulous finds!
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Categories: Earth Mama Angel Baby, Giveaways & Contests
Here we are at the end of John Master’s week! I’ve loved sharing these products with you. But I saved my favorite for last. And that would be the sweet orange styling gel. I tend to hate gels or hair spray because of the crunchy factor, but given that my hair is so fine, it’s a necessary evil. But with this stuff, not only can I run my fingers through my hair if I so desired (I don’t, as I risk looking like Sideshow Bob if I do), but it holds up all day.
When I get out of the shower and start my hair styling routine, I get kind of giddy when it’s finally time to use this because holy mother, it smells so good. Like fresh clementines. I have to smell it several times before and during application. Citrus smells make me happy and energized, so it’s no wonder it’s a staple in my regimen.
My next goal is to invest in the face and skin care products as I seem to have a handle on the hair care products. They’re all fabulous. I think you get that right now. And really, you just want to get to the good stuff. Like the giveaway details.
John Masters Organics Week Giveaway!
Thanks for reading along during John Masters Organics Week with us! We have one holy mother of a giveaway for you. Up for grabs, one VERY lucky winner (seriously, we’re mega jealous) will receive the following John Masters Organics products:
Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray with Lavender, Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner, Green Tea & Rose Hydrating Face Serum, Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash, Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair, Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel, Rose Foaming Face Wash and Lip Calm in a canvas reusable grocery tote. That’s over $140 worth of John Masters Organics products!
Here’s how to win it:
Go back through our John Masters Week reviews and answer this question: “What product sounds like something you’d love to try on yourself? And if you have tried any John Masters Products, what is your favorite?“
1.Required: Send your answer to safemama (at) gmail.com with the subject “LovelyMama John Masters Giveaway” with your answer, name and mailing address for one chance to win this fabulous gift pack. (We will never share your personal information, it’s just so we can send out your gift if you win.)
2. To get 3 extra chances to win, paste our cute little LovelyMama button on your website or blog and send us a link to it. (Grab button from the left sidebar over there… it you got it from this entry you might have to fix it, Wordpress gobbley gooked up the code, Sorry about that!)
3. For a fourth extra chance to win, write a blog entry about our fab giveaway and send us a link! That’s FIVE whole chances to win. Entrants may do one or all of the options listed above.
Deadline: Entries will be accepted until Midnight on November 3rd 2008! We’ll announce a winner, chosen at random, on November 4th. Open to U.S. residents only!
Giveaway closed. Congratulations Heather from Lanesville, Indiana on winning the loot. Thank you everyone who entered.
Posted by Statia • add a comment •
Categories: Giveaways & Contests, John Masters Organics, Styling Products
Lots of organic skin and body care contains coconut derived ingredients and some contain coconut oil. Since I have started greening my beauty routines I have become far more interested in home made spa recipes. One ingredient I found to be particularly awesome is Organic Coconut Oil. You can buy a jar of it in the natural foods section of the grocery store (or online) and while yes, it is great for cooking (stir fry!) it is also a really moisturizing emollient.
Coconut oil is great for dry skin… and we’ve all had our bouts of the flakiness come winter months, while some of use suffer from more persistent dryness. A coconut oil massage before a shower or bath can do wonders for your skin. Some recommend using it on dry hair as a “mask” to restore shiny frizz free hair. Some of us have dry spots in areas like cuticles, elbows, knees, lips and feet.
The nice part about it is, in the jar its in a solid form and only turns to oil once warmed up with your hands. One of my peeves with some body oils is the utter mess I make applying them. Its on the floor, on the counter and all over the bottle. Since coconut oil is in a sold state at room temperature applying it is considerably less messy.
Something else to note is the lack of fragrance. When I bought a jar my immediate assumption was that I’d open the jar and smell the tropical no mistaking scent of coconuts. Not the case. It is completely odorless when bought this way. (Extra Virgin Coconut Oil has that telltale coconut smell)
LovelyMama Moisturizing Body Scrub
- 1/2 cup organic coconut oil
- 1 cup organic raw sugar (or fine)
- 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil (orange oil works well for a day scrub)
Mix organic coconut oil, sugar and 1-2 drops of essential oil of choice (I like lavender but some people don’t so choose whatever strikes your fancy). You can let this solidify a bit in the refrigerator if you want a solid scrub or use it as a warm oil scrub. Scrub gently all over and rinse.
Edited to add: Lovely reader Rachael wrote in to remind us that coconut oil can also be used as a sexual lubricant! Nice! However not suitable for use with condoms and beware if you have any kind of coconut related allergies… that could get ugly. Thanks Rachael!
Posted by admin • add a comment •
Categories: Body Scrub, DIY Recipes
The Environmental Working Group released a report yesterday revealing that 16 chemicals including parabens, phthalates, triclosan and musks were detected in teenage girls aged 14-19. All the girls tested had these chemicals in them including methylparaben and propylparaben, varieties of phthalates and triclosan which the EWG recently did a study on in July.
Why is this a problem? According to the study:
Adolescence encompasses maturation of the reproductive, immune, blood, and adrenal hormone systems, rapid bone growth associated with the adolescent “growth spurt,” shifts in metabolism, and key changes to brain structure and function. Alterations in an array of sex hormones, present in the body at levels as low as one part per billion (ppb), or even one part per trillion (ppt), guide this transformation to adulthood. Emerging research suggests that teens may be particularly sensitive to exposures to trace levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals like the ones targeted in this study, given the cascade of closely interrelated hormonal signals orchestrating the transformation from childhood to adulthood.
Not to mention, teenagers experiment with a wider variety of cosmetics and bosy products and use on average 17 products daily compared to adult women who use on average 12. That’s a big difference in terms of exposure to hormone mimicking chemicals.
What can you do?
Educate your teens on the importance of becoming educated about what they’re putting on their body. The sooner they start questioning what’s going on their face every day the better. It’s important for all women to investigate the products they use every day.
Safe Costmentics Database: Cross check your products in the Skin Deep Database to find out what’s in your products and how they could affect your health. Some products are downright scary!
Use less! No one needs to use 17 products a day. We don’t think you have to sacrifice beauty and cleanliness to be gorgeous, but using less reduces your bodies burden overall and helps it regain its natural self maintaining abilities.
Choose Better Products: Look for products with ingredients you can pronounce. If you don’t know what it is, look it up or don’t buy it. Our rule of thumb is “Can I eat it?”… ok not always, just kidding. But you really want to choose products that have certified organic ingredients if possible, or from companies that pride themselves in providing safer alternatives to typical beauty products.
Source: Environmental Working Group: Teen Girls’ Body Burden
Posted by admin • add a comment •
Categories: Eco Beauty News & Tips, Reports & Studies
A few months ago, while doing one of my many searches for safe skincare for myself, I discovered an awesome company called Bubble and Bee Organics. One thing I love about Bubble and Bee is that they always use organic ingredients when possible, and better yet, they never use synthetic ingredients, ever.
I love all of the products that I’ve tried. Especially their Pit Putty. I raved about Pit Putty over at SafeMama a few months ago and I stand by that review. Pit Putty is hands down the best deodorant I’ve tried. It’s very soft and powdery. And a little goes a long way. Once I used it properly, I never had a problem with white stains on my shirt and it lasts, even in the hot sun. Something I tested profusely when first tried it out (I was the girl with her face in her armpits all day).
This is a deodorant, which you shouldn’t confuse with an antiperspirant. While we think it’s great to not sweat, antiperspirant not only has awful synthetic chemicals in it, but they block your pores, preventing you from sweating. This is just not natural. Sweating is good for you. And over time, conventional antiperspirant clogs your pores making it more ineffective. Since I’ve made the switch to a natural deodorant, I sweat less and I rarely have any odor.
When I didn’t think that Pit Putty couldn’t get any better, Stephanie surprised me and came out with a new scent specifically for women: geranium lime. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview and let me tell you, it’s awesome. I didn’t mind the scent of the original, but I know that some women want something just a little more feminine. It’s so feminine, that I’m now back to sniffing my armpits, but not because I’m self conscious. But more because it smells so good.
We give all of Bubble and Bee Organics products the LovelyMama Seal of Approval.
Get It: Be one of the first to get the new scent of Pit Putty. You can order directly from Bubble and Bee’s website and take 15% off your entire purchase using the code “lovelymom9“
Posted by Statia • add a comment •
Categories: Bubble and Bee, Deodorant, Safety Award Winners
