Duchess Marden Damascena Creme Cleanser

I briefly touched on the Duchess Marden Damascena Creme Cleanser in an earlier post but I wanted to dedicate an entire post to this delicious product.

I've been using it for several weeks and really, really enjoy it. I use it to remove my makeup in the evening ( after first massaging with jojoba oil to break down all the grime from my day) and in the morning on days when I don't exfoliate.

The creme cleanser has the texture of melted vanilla ice cream: soft and creamy and not too thick or heavy and no matter how tired I am I always find myself deeply inhaling at the first whiff of the elegant rose aroma.

I also love all the many emotional benefits that are to be found by using products containing high-quality damascena rose oil, especially for women:

(from www.organicfacts.net)
Rose Oil boosts self esteem, confidence, hope and mental strength and efficiently fights depression. This can be very helpful to drive away depression from those who are suffering from depression due to any reason. This also relieves anxiety. Being an anti depressant, patients of acute depression or who are undergoing rehabilitation can be given routine and regular doses of this essential oil to bring hope in their lives. This oil is widely used in aromatherapy and invokes positive thoughts, spiritualism and feelings of joy, happiness and hope.

Food for Thought

*From the AOMA newsletter:

Foods for Skin Health:
What you put on your plate can be more important than what you put on your skin:

Carrots and Sweet Potatoes - Healthy skin is directly dependent on the amount of vitamin A in our diet. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful elements in our skin, helping to prevent wrinkles, resist infection and maintain the skin's elasticity. One of the best places to get Vitamin A is vegetables that are deep orange in color.

Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Plums - In a study recently published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, these four fruits weighed in with the highest "total antioxidant capacity" of any food. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can protect the cell from damage and disintegration, thus guarding against premature aging.

Salmon, Walnuts, Canola Oil, and Flax Seed - Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility, but because the body cannot produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained through the diet. Fish, walnuts, and flax seed oil are among the best sources for omega 3 fatty acid.

Olive Oil - Olive oil contains more than essential fatty acids. Eating good-quality olive oil helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier overall.

Whole Wheat Bread, Brown Rice, Turkey, Tuna and Brazil Nuts - Selenium is an antioxidant mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and healthy skin. It may play an important role in preventing skin cancer, as some recent studies are showing that skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.

Green Tea - Green tea's ability to slow down the development of some signs of aging is attributed to its high levels of polyphenols, which have been well-documented for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea also may help prevent or reduce the risk of skin cancer according to a study published recently in the Archives of Dermatology, which shows that whether taken orally or applied to the skin, green tea can reduce the risk of damage from ultraviolet light and thus reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Water - Hydration plays a key role in keeping skin cells healthy. It is essential to maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness. Keeping cells hydrated helps cells move nutrients in and toxins out, which helps keep skin clean and clear.

Source: www.acufinder.com

Fall Lip Pick!

As the weather cools off, inevitably the lip colors deepen. My very favorite for this season is the brand-new Dr. Hauschka #3 Decoratives lip color. It comes in a beautiful and modern square compact and provides a gorgeous sheer blackberry stain on the lips.

From the Dr. Hauschka website:

Lip Colors 01-04

Four new lip colors in shimmering, semi-transparent tones that can be applied by brush or finger. Mineral pigments are fused with healing waxes and oils to soothe and protect lips.

• Creamy consistency for easy application
• Extracts of anthyllis, carrot and rose hip keep lips moist and nourished
• Rose and Jojoba waxes soften and protect
• Colors from nature highlight your natural tones
• Natural mineral pigment tin oxide provides a silvery shimmer

Ingredients:

Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Lanolin, Beeswax/Cera Flava, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Mica, Silica, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Extract, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil (Jojoba Wax), Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Wax, Fragrance/Parfum (Essential Oil), Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Farnesol, Limonene, Geraniol, Benzyl Salicylate, Eugenol, Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Tin Oxide, Carmine/CI 75470, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide/CI 77891

Martha!

Martha Stewart is having a contest at her blog: simply leave a comment with a link to your blog and then link back to her blog on yours and she will choose several winners to feature. There are a lot of applicants, but you should enter too!

Fall is in the Air!

I usually re-evaluate my skincare regimen at the beginning of each season. I am so excited for Fall to finally be arriving but even more excited about a new product I've been using: Duchess Marden Damascena Enzyme Exfoliant. It is a pumpkin-based exfoliant that also contains jojoba wax beads. So it exfoliates both chemically and manually.

I didn't set out to change my entire skincare routine, but that's what happened. I began using the exfoliant a few weeks ago and now use it three times a week. I wasn't expecting it to be anything other than a decent way to slough off a few dead skin cells. Well, what happened to my skin was much more dramatic.

Since I was a teenager I've struggled with congested skin: my cheeks get bumpy and clogged and hard to extract. My skin doesn't do a good job of sloughing it's own dead cells and add to that poor beauty habits (picking at and/or touching my face too much, neglecting to wash it twice a day, not rotating pillow cases often enough, not cleaning my phones enough, etc.) and you have a complexion nightmare.

Anyway, I continued with my lazy skin habits (sometimes I am religious about my skincare and stick to it like glue, but during the dog days of summer I tend to let all things except sunscreen slide) but simply added this exfoliant to the mix. The other day I went to absentmindedly pick at a dry patch of skin and realized...there weren't any to pick. I grabbed a mirror (magnifying no less) and examined my pores: no congestion to be found.

Yesterday I decided to put on makeup (before kids I never went a day without it, now it's maybe once a week or if I have somewhere special to go) and just stood there holding my concealer: I couldn't find anywhere to put it aside from under my eyes.

Today I put on eyeshadow, blush and lipstick and finished with a bit of translucent powder: no foundation. Usually I can't do this, but I took a picture of myself after makeup and realized my skin looked great. Not my makeup, but my SKIN. Clear and even-toned. And--I'm on my period.

I am now alternating between the enzyme exfoliant and the creme' facial cleanser (a really lovely creamy cleanser that is just the right consistency: not too thick) plus using the rose water several times a day. (to freshen up and hydrate, after cleansing, to set my makeup) At night I skip moisturizer but pat a few drops of the anti-wrinkle serum onto my skin before bed. It absorbs immediately and leaves my skin feeling soft and dewy.

But like I said, before I was trying the other products just the exfoliant alone completely transformed my skin. Love, love love it.

Ingredients:

Water, helianthus annus (sunflower) seed oil, lactobacillus/curbubita pepo (pumpkin) fruit ferment, jojoba beads, cetearyl alcohol and cetearyl glucoside, sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate and lauryl glucoside, cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate, aloe vera gel, candeia, rosa damascena (rose) oil, pelagrgonium graveolens (geranium) oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, xanthan, dehydroacetic acid and benzyl alcohol

Weird Product Alert: Play-Doh Is Not For Lovers!

When I was at Whole Foods last night with S I spied this perfume on the shelf with all their other Demeter Fragrances. I couldn't believe it.

"Play-Doh?? Yuck!" I said as I sprayed it all over myself. The Demeter version seemed slightly more almond-y than Play-Doh but all the familiar Play-Doh scent components were there.

I went to find S who was browsing in another part of the store and thrust my wrist out for him to smell. He wrinkled his nose and pushed my arm away.

But...I can't stop thinking about it. It was soothing and I found it amusing. With small kids around the smell of Play-Doh is always in the air...or it would be if I allowed it into the house. The boys eat too many of their art supplies for me to think Play-Doh is a good idea.

But we were recently at a friend's house and the boys grabbed an kneaded the "doh" immediately. It is a classic childhood favorite. And I will at some point let them play with it.

I am such a scent-oriented person. Smells instantly transport me back to another time and place regardless of how long it's been since I was physically there.

I didn't buy the chocolate discs (there just wasn't enough of them in the package to justify the price, I felt like I would have to buy two packages to make one batch of cookies and I just couldn't do it) so I still have my gift card. I will be there in about a week and a half so if I'm still thinking about it, I may just treat myself.

I know I said I had already found my summer fragrance but unfortunately as much as I love everything about that one, it doesn't seem to wear well on me. I find myself catching little whiffs and wondering what it is, but not in a good way.

Ok, I just went and grabbed the shirt I was wearing last night to see if there was any of the perfume lingering on it...there is and it smells even better today. Am I losing my mind??? Does this mean I spend entirely too much time with three year olds? Yes, my sweet boys will be three in less than SIX DAYS!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Play-Doh!

(From the Demeter website:)

Demeter has bottled that fresh, just-out-of-the-can, “eau de PLAY-DOH” aroma as part of a year-long celebration of the beloved modeling compound’s 50th birthday. The 1-ounce, spray bottle fragrance is meant for ‘highly-creative people, who seek a whimsical scent reminiscent of their childhood.’

“One of PLAY-DOH compound’s most notable characteristics is its scent,” said Leigh Anne Cappello, vice president of marketing for the PLAY-DOH brand. “When you open a can of PLAY-DOH compound, you are instantly transported back to childhood. What better way to celebrate the 50th birthday than by bottling the scent for adults everywhere to enjoy as a reminder of their youth.”

PLAY-DOH® brand modeling compound was invented in 1956 at Rainbow Crafts, a Cincinnati-based cleaning company. Scientists there were trying to develop wallpaper cleaner when they discovered the now iconic children’s toy. Realizing the compound’s play potential, the company introduced it at the American International Toy Fair in New York City in 1956. PLAY-DOH compound was first available only in one color and size, an off-white, 1.5 pound can. Now, a half a century later, kids can explore their imaginations and express their creativity with up to 50 colors. The formula for PLAY-DOH compound still remains a closely-guarded secret to this day.

Are Demeter Products “Natural”?

We subscribe to a philosophy that says our products should be as natural and as sustainable as possible. That means:

• No secondary packaging that you rip apart and then throw out
• No artificial colors
• No binders
• No emulsifiers

Regarding essential oils, the percentage varies by scent between natural and artificial ingredients, with a bias towards using the highest degree of natural ingredients possible. For certain things, however, like Vinyl, for example, no natural ingredients are even available. Our experience is that the binders, emulsifiers, and colorants seem to lead to far more negative reactions than the oils themselves. We believe this is for two reasons (but please, this is our unsubstantiated opinion, not proven scientific fact):

• The “palette” of materials we use to make a fragrance is very much tried and tested. Most of those that are prone to create allergic or negative reactions have already been screened out, or exist in such small amounts, they are not highly reactive
• With over 200 different scent formulations, we very rarely hear of negative reactions. The common factor among all our different scents is in what they lack – the colorants, emulsifiers, and binders. Consequently, we draw the conclusion that those are the culprits.

None, of which, unfortunately, guarantees you, as an individual, will not have a reaction to a particular scent.

Whole Foods Video Series: Ingredients to Look For Part 1, John Masters

photo taken from www.johnmasters.com (uh...john? you know it's not really legal to have dogs in salons, right?)

The latest video podcast over at Whole Story the Whole Foods Market blog features a tour of John Masters' Manhattan salon, one of the first natural salons in the country.

I love the John Masters products, especially the elegant rose foaming face wash and the zinc sage shampoo which has a faint coconut aroma that is absolutely yummy.

This is the best video podcast so far, in my opinion. John is very, very knowledgeable about holistic haircare and ingredients. It was great to put a face to the name.

I'm really excited because he mentioned that seaweeds such as chondrus crispus are great ingredients that mimic silicone. I am a holistic junkie, however it's been hard for me to break my silicone habit. Dimethicone and cyclomethicone are ingredients that make the skin (it's great in foot cream) and hair feel slick and shiny. The problem, though is that it does nothing to actually nourish the body and starts to build up on the hair and scalp resulting in dullness and scalp issues. And since it has occlusive properties it can trap perspiration and bacteria leading to deep cystic acneic breakouts.

I am happy to have alternatives to my (admittedly unhealthy) silicone habit and excited to have watched this great video.

Check it out!

Heal Humanity, Heal the Earth!

Photo taken from the New York Times article


There are two great recent articles about Dr. Hauschka skincare and their manufacturer in Germany, Wala.

Here is an article from the New York Times that discusses Dr. Hauschka's 'cult following' and discusses their biodynamic garden and a little about the company's history and background.

This article focuses on Wala and talks about their program in Afghanistan to buy rose oil and other rose products from farmers who otherwise would be forced to earn a living growing opium poppies.

They are such an amazing company and I love reading articles that highlight some of the many great programs they are involved with worldwide.

Stay tuned for my upcoming entry on the FIFTEEN new exciting products from Dr. Hauschka that are launching for fall!

Sunscreen Application & Protection: 10 Tips!

It is probably no surprise that I do not use chemical sunscreen products. I don't want some of their more toxic ingredients making their way into my body, my children's bodies or the bodies of any unfortunate fish or other wildlife that may be swimming along with us.

That being said, I think that the way mineral sunscreen is applied can decrease the level of protection it can provide. I wanted to give a few sunscreen tips now that we are officially into the hot and sunny summer months to help you maximize the effectiveness of your chosen (mineral!) sunscreen!

1. The two mineral sunscreen ingredients are zinc and titanium dioxide. In my two favorite sunscreens, Juice Beauty SPF 30 mineral light moisturizer and Dr. Hauschka SPF 30 for Children and Sensitive Skin, the only sunscreen ingredient is titanium dioxide. It's easy to tell what the sunscreen ingredient is in any product by looking on the ingredient list under "active ingredients."

2. When using a moisturizer with sunscreen it is best to apply two thin layers: a moisturizing layer that will penetrate the skin and a protective layer that will sit on top of the skin's surface and physically filter out the sun's harmful rays.

3. When applying, it is best to "warm" the first layer in your palm and gently press into the skin including the neck and upper chest. The second sunscreen layer is best applied to the top of your non-dominant hand and dotted on your face, neck and chest. After letting it rest a minute, it will easily blend over the moisturized surface of your skin. Rubbing vigorously to blend or apply will break up the minerals. They should be as large as possible so they protect more fully.

4. You do not have to wait fifteen minutes before going out into the sun with mineral sunscreen. They will protect immediately.

5. The use of sunscreen does not fully block out all of the sun's rays. UVA and UVB rays are only two of the many kinds of UV rays there are. Even products labeled "broad spectrum" can't block them all, they only filter out UVA and UVB, which are the rays associated with burning and aging/skin cancer.

6. The SPF factor indicates how much of the active ingredient is present in the product. The number will be a guide as to how long you are protected. It takes me about ten minutes of unprotected sun exposure to begin to burn so ten times (spf) 30 is 300 minutes or five hours of total sun protection. After that I should cover up or move to the shade. Reapplying after five hours will not give me five more hours of protection. After that, burning will occur because the skin has already absorbed the maximum amount of UV rays it can tolerate.

7. Most sun damage occurs from incidental exposure: driving, walking from your house to your car or workplace, etc. Even if you won't be out in the sun all day or even if it's cloudy, sunscreen should still be applied daily to exposed areas. Remember the tops of your hands and feet and ear/earlobes too! (trust me, I have had a serious burn on my ear and it is not pretty!) Use a lot of product, do not skimp! Have someone help you with hard to reach areas.

8. Sun damage is especially present on the left side of the face along the temple area due to exposure while driving. I always apply an extra layer of mineral makeup on top of my mineral sunscreen along that area.

9. Mineral sunscreen should be reapplied if it has been washed off while swimming or perspiring or has been rubbed off with hands or a towel. It will then protect you for the remainder of minutes you have since you first applied sunscreen.

10. Clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat or loose-fitting button long sleeve shirt are very effective along with SPF to help protect from the sun. When I was younger I would have rather died than wear a long sleeve shirt during the summer but now I do so religiously. I was surprised to find that it feels much nicer against my hot summer skin than the scorching rays of the sun. It also absorbs excess perspiration and keeps me dry and fresh even on the hottest of days.

DIY Deodorant!

Photo from http://angrychicken.typepad.com/

My friend B directed me to this blog post about DIY deodorant. I already posted about my favorite store-bought natural deodorants and although I'm always looking for the homemade alternative, I've never seriously thought about making my own deodorant.

I've used cornstarch and powder sprinkled with essential oils in a pinch but I have never replaced my store-bought deodorants altogether.

This recipe is for a creamy deodorant that is stored in a jar. I have seen cream deodorant in health food stores before but never tried it. I was surprised at the price. (I know I use Dr. Hauschka which is close to $20 but I know and trust them and it comes in my favorite applicator--the roll-on bottle)

I have an empty roll-on deodorant bottle. I may research roll-on style recipes. If I find a good one I'll post it and I'll report back once I've tried this recipe.

Thanks, B!

My Summer Fragrance Pick

I had a gift certificate to Whole Foods and so the other day while I was there having lunch with a friend I scoured the Whole Body area in search of the perfect treat for myself.

I have been a big fan of the Pacifica brand for years, mostly using their candles but recently I have begun to use the perfumes as well.

I first tried the Vanilla Vera Cruz spray after receiving it in a Makeup Alley swap.

I love it, and have found myself reaching for it almost every day. It's a very soft almost powdery vanilla and is a great everyday perfume .

I was in the mood for something different than my standard vanilla, though, something fresh and juicy and summery. The Malibu Lemon Blossom fit the bill perfectly. I love the adorable tin and cardboard matchbox packaging and really enjoy gently dabbing it on in the morning.

What is YOUR summer fragrance?

Skin Rhythm Eco-Tip

Dismayed by all the water going down the shower drain, I decided to start stopping the tub up and using the shower water to soak my feet.

It normally takes me about 10 minutes to shower and the tub gets about half full during that time.

I feel good about getting a second use out of my water and my feet are much softer, a big bonus during sandal weather.

**Adding about six "glugs" of white vinegar and a few drops of essential oil to the water gives me added aromatherapy and exfoliation benefits, even without scrubbing! Try it, you'll be amazed!

It's the Balm!

Today I did my test batches of my "Family First Aid Balm" and "Emergency Chocolate Sweet Lips." I was going to do a trial run of the clear batch as well, but I think I'll save that for tomorrow.

I thought the emergency chocolate lip balm would be clear but hello! It's brown! I put cocoa powder in it, so I'm not sure how I thought it would be clear! (all of my lip balms look mostly clear on the lips) I poured this one in tubes but I was thinking of having it in round tins if I decide to keep it in the line. I haven't applied it yet but it smells great, like a batch of brownies!

The first aid balm has manuka oil and lavender as the active ingredients and has some comfrey leaf and organic spirulina to add color and soothing properties.

So--after the clear is done and after I finalize the texture on the lip balms and finish the labels then they will be all ready for sale!! I am going to make all of them in tiny batches to ensure freshness (the vitamin e acts as a natural preservative so they will be good for at least 6 months after opening, probably longer) and make them on demand once they are up for sale on Etsy.

Miracle Ingredient: Manuka Oil

Like a lot of products I now use regularly I first discovered manuka oil when I was working at Elephant Pharmacy. I was able to bring in new products and had been sent a sample of an essential oil I had never heard of: manuka oil from New Zealand.

The literature claimed that it was far more effective at battling acne, body odor and infection than it's well-known cousin, tea tree oil.

I took the sample home and tried it out. My earrings had irritated my ears and I had a nasty infection in one of them that had been raging for over a week. I remembered the manuka oil and applied a few drops. At first sniff it is mild and woody, but later smells a little strange, like feet.

I woke up the next morning wondering what the unrecognizable smell was, then realized my ear was not throbbing and itching like it had been. I looked in the mirror and was amazed to see that the infection was completely gone.

Since then I have used it to treat many, many different first aid issues in my home. It wiped out ring worm on my then-infant son, it has helped fungus on my husbands toenails, it has sped up the healing of monthly breakouts on my chin, the list goes on. Another great thing about manuka oil is that it is far more mild than tea tree oil and never stings the skin, even when applied to blemishes.

It's the best essential oil to have in your first aid kit and a great one to have for summer. It can treat insect bites, sunburn and aching muscles in addition to treating acne, fungus, rashes, scrapes and other abrasions and various other ailments.

I noticed recently that it is an ingredient in the Dr. Hauschka Pure Care Cover Stick (the concealer that replaced the discontinued Cover Stick Puncto) I first suspected it in the product the first time I took the cap off, the smell is very distinct. Here is what the DH website says about it:

"Tea tree and manuka oil in the Dr.Hauschka Pure Care Cover Sticks provide antimicrobial qualities."

I've been experimenting with making my own lip balm, I am also going to make a first-aid salve for my family to use during the summer and manuka oil will be the main ingredient!

Gorgeous: Third Time's the Charm?

I made the third "flavor" lip balm today, Gorgeous which is tinted red and has a rose fragrance. This is the last tinted balm in my line, then I will make one or two clear. The rose was tricky because it is in a jojoba base (pure rose is very expensive) so it was hard to get it as "rosy" as I would like.

I have been trying to figure out the clear balm option. I feel like I need to throw at least a touch of mint in there somewhere. Super minty balms are not my favorite, but I seem to be in the minority there. I also wanted to have at least one that was unisex and maybe one that is chocolate (chocolate-mint?) so I can use cocoa butter as well as shea butter for a creamier balm. I'm going to make some test batches and see what happens.

I'm working on the labels now so I'm hoping to have it all finished sometime in July.

This has been so much fun!

Lovely: The Second Batch of Lipbalm

Today I made the second "flavor" of lipbalm in my humble line. It is scented with neroli and is tinted a soft, neutral nude color. (those are my "temporary" labels!)

I had to scrap the idea of using bergamot because it is photoactive meaning it could cause the skin to be easily burned in the sun. (ouch!) but luckily neroli does not do that.

The color isn't as apparent on the lips as the pink is in the Amazing balm, but it is much shinier thanks to the addition of castor oil. I may tone it down a bit for Gorgeous (red rose) I'm still playing with the formulations. I like the idea of a bit of shine, especially with the tinted balms but I want it to still have substance and staying power on the lips.

A thinner consistency will also disappear faster in the tube and be less economical. Although most people tend to lose their lipbalm before finishing it completely anyway!

What do you think? Do you prefer a richer lipbalm or a slicker, shinier, glossy balm?

More Summer Survival Tips!!!

Yesterday I gave you summer skincare tips, now Whole Foods Market has a couple of new podcasts to help you navigate the other annoying aspects of hot weather: sunburn, scrapes, bites, bruises, sore muscles, and sprains among other things.

Malia Curran, MS, MPH, is a nutrition and health consultant from Boston and is featured in the latest podcast, Natural First Aid for Summer.

Dr. Tiffany Binder is a Naturopathic Physician, a general health care practitioner and a leading expert in nutrition and supplements from Colorado and is featured in the first Whole Body podcast of June, Summer Fun Not Sore Muscles.

I'm especially excited that I now know how to naturally treat my twin toddlers' sun exposure and inevitable scraped knees and also have some great tips on staying healthy during the scorching summer months.

Be sure to check out the Whole Foods Market blog, The Whole Story often for great tips that benefit...well, your whole body. ;)

Hot Weather Survival Tips

Here in Texas we are careening towards summer at a breakneck pace. We normally have a two to four week period between seasons where it is in the 80's and gorgeous. We skipped right over that and have been in the 90's now for weeks.

That means that my skincare normal skincare routine flew straight out the window. Luckily I have some emergency products in my arsenal that have kept my skin from freaking out too badly in response.

Here are a few tips and my current faves.

Modifying My Regimen:

During the cooler months I love the full-on Hauschka ritual complete with twice-daily warm compresses. This time of year I cringe at the thought of having anything warm come near me (aside from my morning tea. )

Luckily, the Dr. Hauschka lemon bath is there to step in where my Spruce and Lavender baths left off. A cool lemon compress after a day outdoors is absolutely dreamy. Simply dip a Dr. Hauschka biodynamic cotton compress or a cotton wash cloth or diaper in a basin filled with cool water, squeeze out the excess and press onto clean skin. The point of the warm compress is to soften dead skin cells and relax pores, but if you are in warm and/or humid weather that will do the trick instead.

It feels even better if you refrigerate your Cleansing Milk and Facial Toner and cleanse as usual beforehand. The antiseptic properties of lemon also help keep breakout-causing bacteria in check.

Any mask you may use, especially a gel or cream-based mask feels great when refrigerated, especially if you have a sunburn (just spot-test first to make sure there are no acidic ingredients that may irritate sun-sensitized skin)

Toner is the usual refrigerated skincare product, and you can also make your own skin refresher using distilled water and essential oils in a non-plastic bottle. Aluminum chills nicely, so I have a few on hand to make my own aromatherapy face and body splash. (lavender -peppermint is a favorite combination of mine)

Accepting Nature:

2. I have oily skin (I am just now admitting that to myself! Hi! I'm Jennifer and I have OILY SKIN!!) and love the beautiful semi-mostly-matte finish that my Glominerals pressed powder foundation usually provides. However, during this time of year I embrace the sweaty dewy look instead. It is much less of a hassle and looks much more beautiful and natural in the bright sunlight. Powder touch-ups + sweaty skin = cakey mess.

The best way to do this is to use a tinted moisturizer. If you need more coverage than this provides, you can additionally use a thick, creamy concealer on any blemishes, hyperpigmentation or redness you may want to tone down. (apply after you apply your tinted moisturizer) I also love this sheer foundation which is one step up from tinted moisturizer and doesn't feel heavy at all.

It's important that it is thick and slightly sticky to provide staying power in the hot sun and I like to apply with a brush. The fingers will melt the concealer slightly due to body heat and therefore it will be a bit thinner and not stand up well to sun exposure.

Start at the center of the area needing to be covered and concentrate the product there, blending outward in short, feathery strokes. Blend the edges until they disappear into the surrounding skin and leave the middle well-covered. You can finish with a tiny bit of translucent powder applied with a small brush. The idea is to not apply powder all over the face, so you would just use it to set the concealer. I only do this on major breakouts that I want to minimize and leave the redness around my nose, etc. to fend for itself.

If you are using a tinted moisturizer with SPF you will need to do one of two things. Either apply a thin layer of a non-SPF moisturizer underneath or apply two thin layers of tinted moisturizer with SPF. The reason for this is that a moisturizer needs to be able to penetrate the skin while the SPF needs to sit on top of the skin to protect from the sun. If your skin is dry it will absorb the moisturizer leaving your skin less protected from UV rays. I love using the Juice Beauty oil-free moisturizer underneath either the Juice Beauty Light Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 or the Dr. Hauschka SPF 30 for Children and Sensitive Skin mixed with a) Translucent Bronze Concentrate on good skin days or b) Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer on not-so-good skin days.

Controlling Excess Oil

I have the unfortunate problem of a combination of active sebaceous glands along with a dry, dehydrated epidermis that refuses to slough itself off properly. This has led me in the past to believe that I had dry skin. I actually have oil-rich, water-dry skin.

If you're still following me, this means that I should drink LOTS of water, especially in hot weather, take an EFA supplement daily and exfoliate regularly. A manual exfoliant doesn't really provide a uniform finish on my skin so I need to use a mild chemical exfoliant instead.

I am IN LOVE with the Nude Skincare Miracle Mask. I have tried EVERYTHING to help combat the milia that form inside my skin when I do not exfoliate often enough. The very first time I used this mask I got such incredible results. If I use it weekly my skin is much brighter and smoother. It was due to this mask that I could actually experience the oil level of my skin. It turns out I was quite oily underneath that layer of sandpaper skin!

Which leads me to my next "miracle" product, the Dr. Hauschka Normalizing Day Oil. If I use a few drops of this after toning my oil level is regulated within a day or two. Once it is balanced I can switch back to a light moisturizer underneath my sunscreen.

Finishing Touches:

I love makeup so much, but this time of year it is easy to overdo it when applying the same amount you would use during the winter. The sun is bright and will unattractively highlight a heavy-handed makeup application.

Once your (very few!) flaws are concealed and your skin is protected from the sun all you need is a touch of color. That is where you Sun Goddesses would sweep on a bit of bronzer. I am fair-skinned and turn as pink as a little piglet in the sun so bronzer just makes me look dirty and unnatural.

Instead I use a bit of bright pink cream blush on the apples only, well-blended and a touch of highlighter along the cheekbones and slightly up the temple and on the inner corners of the eyes.
Shimmery nude or matte taupe eyeshadow, a smudge of brown liner and a coat of mascara finishes the breezy, summery look I'm after.

The Dr. Hauschka Blue Mascara is one of my favorites. It really makes my brown eyes stand out. This is not Diorshow, however so if applied heavily it WILL smudge and run. Applied with a light touch, though it stays on great all day.

If I want more dramatic lashes during steamy weather, I need one of the "Japanese tubing technology" mascaras. These surround each lash with a plastic-polymer formula and stay on until you apply both water and pressure. This means it will stay on if you go swimming UNLESS you also rub your eyes afterwards.

This one has always been my favorite brand, I've used it for about five years. The Kevyn Aucoin mascara is almost identical. It's important to point out that this is not a natural product. However, I do use it for it's superb performance during the allergy season and throughout hot, humid weather.

I hope this helps you beat the heat beautifully!

Remember: stay protected and stay hydrated!

Lipbalm--Maiden Voyage

Yesterday I made my first batch of lip balm. I tried out the recipe I had recently created using elements I liked from all my favorites. (and believe me there have been MANY I have tried, loved and hated)

I didn't add color or pour into tubes, I just wanted to get a feel for the texture and try out fragrances.

I was pretty excited about it, it turned out nice and hard (important if it will be in a tube in someones hot pocket or purse all summer) yet creamy. I wasn't 100% sure about the texture, though, I was afraid it was a bit too waxy. (although I like a balm with some staying power, like you could take a shower and still have some on your lips when you get out) I decided to try again today, perhaps keeping the original formulation for use as a cuticle cream.

Today I modified the recipe adding less beeswax, more shea butter and more agave nectar and tinted it a soft rosy pink.

I was afraid to get too excited about it, but I had a tube in my pocket that I applied as the day wore on and I have to say I'm pretty pleased. It is creamy, stays on well and gives just a touch of color.

I love the agave nectar, it does make it slightly sweet without being sticky. I am using a lot of floral essential oils and really, they don't taste great.

Here are the final picks:

1. Serene: vanilla/agave/lavender--clear

2. Gorgeous: rose/agave--touch of red

3. Amazing: geranium/agave--touch of pink

4 . Lovely: orange blossom/agave--touch of nude

Thanks so much to all who offered feedback.

These will all be for sale in my Etsy shop as soon as I build up some inventory. I'll keep you posted on when I'll be open for business. In the meantime, if you are dying to buy one send me an email (jen@skinrhythm.com) and I'll make you a custom tube. I just have to design the labels and I'm all set.

Holistic Kisses,
Jen

Opinions, please!!

Hi, all!

I am experimenting with making my own line of yummy lip balm. I have always been into DIY beauty products, when I worked at Elephant Pharmacy I taught a Do-It-Yourself Spa Products class and it was a blast!

I have a few ideas and wanted to get some feedback before I continued. They will all be in a beeswax/shea butter base (sorry vegans!! If I get a lot of interest I will do a vegan coconut oil/shea butter blend) so there will be a natural sun protection of about spf 4.

I have six names and "flavors" in mind although I may not do all at once. I may start with a few and add to the line later. I'm mostly making these for gifts and to sell on Etsy.

1. Sublime--bergamot/agave nectar (natural sweetener) This is in tribute to my favorite morning tea--Earl Gray with LOTS of agave! My only concern is that the bergamot may increase sun sensitivity.

2. Delectable--vanilla/agave

3. Gorgeous--rose/no agave? Should this one be colored? Red?

4. Serene--lavender/no agave? Is lavender too overdone? Should I put agave in all of them? Do you lick your lips enough to where you would like for them all to be slightly sweet?

5. Amazing--geranium/no agave? Geranium has always been one of my favorite essential oils along with neroli, AKA #6. Should this one be colored? Pink?

6. Lovely--orange blossom/no agave? Should this one be colored? Nude?

Thanks in advance! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and I will draw three names at random to receive a tube once they are ready to go! State your preference for "flavor!"

LiveMom Giveaway!!!

I've teamed up with LiveMom to give two lucky winners the chance to win a set of three yummy Juice Beauty lip balms each.

All you have to do is leave a comment there describing the ways you like to multi-task with your favorite beauty products.

Good luck!!!

ps: You don't have to be a mom to enter!

Natural Deodorant Tips!

*Note:
For some reason the font gets bold/wonky at the end of this post. I have this problem with this blog but not my personal one. It's driving me crazy but it's late and it's not letting me fix it. I apologize!


I have tried every natural deodorant I could get my hands on over the years in the search for the one that would do the trick for my body chemistry.

I have a specific approach for making sure I am protected all day. There is absolutely nothing worse than feeling self-conscious about body odor or worrying about having wet spots on your clothes. This takes quite a bit more effort than using conventional deodorant, but for me it was absolutely worth it and it does become second nature after a while.

First, find a deodorant. Like I said, I've tried a lot of them. These two are the only ones I would buy again. I currently have both on hand. (see below)

Next, apply a layer of body powder. I avoid baby powder--it's thick and made of yucky talc and makes everything feel gunky. I have two that I love and also a "recipe" in case you're in a DIY kind of mood. (see below)

Carry a package of baby wipes (I love the Whole Foods 365 brand. They are in a convenient travel pack and come in handy in general. Don't bother getting hand wipes. The baby wipes are stronger, softer and bigger) with you for emergency touch-ups for extra hot days or if you are wearing something made of synthetic fabric and it's not wearing well.

It's best to wear loose-fitting shirts made of natural fibers anyway, but definitely when you are making the transition to natural deodorant. I like wearing cotton and linen and there are all kinds of great, soft bamboo and other plant fibers on the market now.

Ideally you will have a second deodorant that you can stash in your bag (mine is huge so it's not a problem) in your car or at work. You should bring powder too, I put it in a snack-sized baggie but that could be awkward to explain if it falls out of your purse. ;)

A better way for on-the-go reapplication is to invest in a refillable powder brush.

Using a brush is the absolute best way I've found to apply it. It's best to apply before getting dressed. You can also apply it to areas that are prone to chafing or extra wetness like between the breasts or inner thighs.

The last thing you should do is go internal. Like everything, starting from the inside is the best way to support health and wellness on the outside.

Two good supplements to try are chlorella and probiotics.

The biggest thing to understand is that this is a process and well worth making it through. Your body has to adjust and you have to get used to changing the way you think about how deodorant is supposed to feel and work.

I once read somewhere that it takes one month for every year you have been wearing aluminum-based deodorants to transition, but I have no idea if that is true or not or even where I heard it. For me that would have been fourteen months. And although I felt comfortable after a few weeks, it was over a year that I didn't feel tempted to go back. At this point I would never consider using conventional deodorant again.

Best Deodorant:


Dr. Hauschka Fresh (spring/summer) Dr. Hauschka Floral (fall/summer)
$$: $19.95


Ingredients:
Water/Aqua, Alcohol, Triethyl Citrate, Glycerin, Fragrance/Parfum (Essential Oil), Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Zinc Ricinoleate, Bentonite, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Benzyl Benzoate, Farnesol, Coumarin, Citronellol, Eugenol, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil (Jojoba Wax), Sucrose Laurate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lecithin, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid


I prefer roll-on deodorants. Sprays tend to drip and sticks feel either chalky or sticky depending on the formulation. And don't even get me started on the idea of putting water on a giant rock of salt every day. The DH deodorants are a thick lotion-style formula and really make me feel like I'm getting a nice even application.

I first tried this deodorant when I was pregnant and it gave me a terrible rash. I put it away and forgot about it, then gave it another shot after I had my boys. I have never had another reaction.

The DH deodorants do take a bit longer to dry than my other top pick, but not by too much.


Naturally Fresh Liquid Crystal Roll-On
$: $3.99


Ingredients: Purified Water, Natural Mineral Salts, Xanthan Gum, Phyotphingosine, and chamomile extract


I first tried this deodorant for the first time when I was in Massachusetts for a Dr. Hauschka training, ironically. I was out of my trusty DH and had brought another brand that I had recently bought. What a mistake. I went to CVS and this was the only other option besides Tom's of Maine (which DOES NOT work for me) so I gave it a try.

It has a really nice, fresh fragrance and the thin consistency dries quickly and evenly. I feel like I can wear the DH alone but with the Naturally Fresh I definitely need to back it up with an application of body powder.


Body Powder:


Dr. Hauschka Body Silk
$: $32.95



Ingredients:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Silk/Serica Powder, Silica, Fragrance/Parfum (Essential Oil), Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Coumarin, Citronellol, Citral, Gentiana Lutea (Gentian) Extract, Quercus Robur (English Oak) Bark Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Diatomaceous Earth/Solum Diatomeae

Nutribiotic Body Powder with Grapefruit Seed Extract

$: $4.95

Ingredients:

• Treated Corn Starch - Heat treated corn starch to absorb a greater volume of moisture. You can actually eat this.
• Silicone Dioxide - A food-grade flowing agent added to prevent clumping of the powder. See above for further explanation.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract - Added for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Helps to curb yeast growth and support generation of healthy skin.
• Tea Tree Oil - Another all natural antibacterial, antifungal herbal oil.

DIY Recipe:

2 parts cornstarch :

1 part baking soda

A few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender and tea tree are good bets for the anti-bacterial benefits) or perfume oil. Or you can leave fragrance free.

Mix together cornstarch and baking soda. Add a few drops of fragrance oil of your choice, making
sure that you do not add too much and that it doesn't come into contact with any plastic. Leave unopened for a few hours until the essential oils have dried, then break up any clumps with a spoon, stir well and enjoy!

*Other body powders using corn starch usually heat treat it to maximize absorption of wetness so this version won't work quite as well as a store bought, but pretty close!


Another Great Powder Trick:

Have you ever noticed how long it takes to get through a container of loose facial powder? I have had some that I have had for years.

The same ingredients that will absorb excess facial oil will also do a good job absorbing extra wetness. I would use a different brush for each purpose but if you have it around there's no reason not to multi-task. (my favorite!)

Just make sure it's translucent! (colorless)

Makeup Alley Board: Go Green!

I have never been very active on the Makeup Alley boards, but I am really interested in a new board they started called "Go Green."

It is described as:

Go Green Board: Related Topics of Green Products + Eco-Friendly Living

Check it out, there are already some pretty interesting topics on there!

Love Your Whole Body!

This month at Whole Foods Market online the Whole Body department will be featuring three podcasts.

This is a quick and easy way to learn more about Whole Body and what they have to offer.

If you need a last-last minute gift for Mom, head to Whole Foods and choose products to help her create a blissful spa experience right at home!
And don't forget the essential oils!

How to Build the Perfect Spa Basket

Most everyone enjoys the pampering and results of a day at the spa. Not everyone has the things they need to enjoy a similar experience at home any time. So, whether you’re gifting or stocking your own personal spa “toolkit” here’s a how-to walk-through, featuring quality natural products that provide benefits beyond the normal spa ahhhh. (Video)

Demystifying Aromatherapy

Have you ever wished you could enjoy a spa right in your own home? Listen and discover how easy it is to: create the perfect relaxing—or energizing—bath; make your own professional quality massage oils; and add aromatherapy to your lifestyle. You’ll also learn the benefits of pure essential oils, and what differentiates them from other oils on the market. Tim Blakey has been an aromatherapist and herbalist for 30 years. He travels extensively doing education and sourcing oils from around the world for Aura Cacia and Frontier.

(AUDIO)

Now that we are moving into the warmer months, it is the perfect time to re-evaluate your skin, diet and exercise level and tweak your daily regimen.

If you are new to natural skincare or are confused by all the choices, this podcast will be a great way to get started. If you need more help, contact your local store to see if they have an on-site aesthetician.

Many stores now have licensed skincare professionals on staff to do skincare consultations and makeovers. Even if your favorite store does not have a licensed skincare practitioner on staff, the Whole Body team is very well-trained on all products and can also help support the skin internally by suggesting the proper supplements.

Beauty truly does begin from the inside and I have seen dramatic results when pairing my favorite skincare with supplements such as B vitamins, Chinese herbs, anti-oxidants and probiotics-- just to name a few.

May 12th

Natural Facial Care for Your Skin Type
The natural facial care shelves are loaded with hundreds of products. Which ones are right for you? Holistic Aesthetician Traci Reazer guides us through a daily healthy skin care regimen for three common skin types. She discusses a variety of natural facial care products and the properties that make them effective. Take a fresh look at face care!