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Easy & Effective DIY Hair Mask… and it smells fantastic!

Lately it seems like everyone’s been talking about hair masks – maybe as an end of winter exercise.  And typically, I’m the one who runs out to try whichever great, organic product is recommended… but not this time!  In my research to find which mask to buy, I stumbled upon this oh-so-easy recipe to make.  3 simple ingredients.  I didn’t even have to go shopping… I had it all on hand!
1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup coconut milk
3 tsp olive oil
(**I doubled the amounts because I have long, thick hair.**)


How to:
1. Mash the avocado with a large spoon until it’s completely smooth

2. Combine the coconut milk and olive oil, stirring rapidly to make sure it’s mixed in well.

3. Warm up the mask in your microwave, about 20 seconds or until it’s slightly warm (*I don’t have a microwave, so I did old school stove top).  Apply the mask to your hair a palmful at a time from roots to ends, and massage it into your scalp.

4. Leave on for at least thirty minutes or as long as you can (I did 1 hour) and wash your hair.

And presto… shiny, healthy, moisturized hair & scalp!

POST BY DEANA BRACKEN

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The (Eco) Beauty Biz: Heavenly Green Tea Eye Gel

Under eye moisturizer is a huge part of my job.  I am constantly searching for the perfect under eye remedy.  You see, I am the lucky one that gets to transform overworked and overtired individuals into beautiful young well-rested stars. So, when I came across the Green Tea Eye Gel from Alba, I was over the moon.

This eye gel equipped with green tea extract, and aloe vera gel, was exactly what the doctor ordered. The caffeine in the green tea extract is perfect for soothing puffy eyes while the aloe vera gel helps maintain a youthful appearance. As a bonus, they’ve added vitamin C, chamomile, and papaya extracts to help maintain smoother, firmer looking skin.

The Alba Green Tea Eye Gel is a perfect base to be worn under makeup in the morning, or simply as a part of your nighttime ritual.

Vanessa Rose Price

With The (Eco) Beauty Biz, celebrity hairstylist & make up artist, Vanessa Rose Price, schools us all about sustainable make up, hair and skin care .  Not only does she tame those famous Justin Bieber locks (along with a scrolling list of other celebs), but Vanessa kindly takes time out of her ridiculously jet-settery schedule to bring us “Eco” beauty tid bits along the way.

POST BY VANESSA PRICE

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The (ECO) Beauty Biz: YAY for John Masters Organics Sea Mist Spray!

In the wake of our much celebrated Green With Giveaway John Masters Organic skin care set, celebrity beauty stylist, Vanessa Rose Price delves into JMO even further…

As a hairstylist, I am constantly asked for hair advice. “Vanessa, what’s the best conditioner for my hair?” “Vanessa, should I cut bangs?” (Deana, you know it’s true). “Vanessa, what’s a good hair spray?” But the one I get the most is “Vanessa, where can I get a sea salt spray for my hair?” No joke.

Up until recently, there has really only been one company (who shall remain nameless) that produced a nice sea spray for hair. Not anymore. John Masters Organics just made my day. Sea Mist (USDA Organic) is a sea salt spray that they have infused with lavender. Delicious.

Sea Sprays give the hair body and texture. They can mimic the look that your hair has after you’ve sat at the beach all day sipping Mai Tai’s. Sitting under an umbrella of coarse. Let’s not get too crazy.  Think Olsen Twins messy waves.  I love it sprayed on straight and wavy hair. Simply spray and scrunch. I also like to spray it into to thin or fine hair to give it a little extra bulk. It’s also great used in up do’s it just gives a little extra hold.


Vanessa Rose Price

With The (Eco) Beauty Biz, celebrity hairstylist & make up artist, Vanessa Rose Price, schools us all about sustainable make up, hair and skin care .  Not only does she tame those famous Justin Bieber locks (along with a scrolling list of other celebs), but Vanessa kindly takes time out of her ridiculously jet-settery schedule to bring us “Eco” beauty tid bits along the way.

POST BY VANESSA PRICE

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The (ECO) Beauty Biz: Get your GLOW on with Nature’s Gate glow lotion!

Let’s start off by saying that I am not the tannest person in the world.  Mostly intentional, partially genetics.  Regardless, during the summer months, no one wants to see my pale transparent legs in a dress. Seriously. Well, except for my boyfriend but he doesn’t really count when it comes to this.  Enter Nature’s Gate Glow Lotion, used daily it will gradually enhance and tan your skin.

At first I was a bit skeptical. But I gave it a shot especially since it’s filled with moisturizing agents: Shea Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil, Soybean Oil, Vitamin E, Rose Hip, Algae Extract, and Sweet Almond Oil. Used as a daily moisturizer it was quite easy.  I saw results in 24 hours. Although subtle, the effects were noticeable.

DAY 1                                           DAY 2                                         DAY 3

The tan was even and did not come across as too orange. It actually looks quite natural. The lotion smells nice, not funky and over powering like some other self tanners and lotions. Another bonus, It won’t stain your hands, as long as you wash them after application.  Cruelty free, vegan, paraben free, phthalate free, mineral oil free, petrolatum free, and synthetic fragrance free. It comes in 2 shades: Light skin tone, and Medium skin tone.

With The (Eco) Beauty Biz, celebrity hairstylist & make up artist, Vanessa Rose Price, schools us all about sustainable make up, hair and skin care .  Not only does she tame those famous Justin Bieber locks (along with a scrolling list of other celebs), but Vanessa kindly takes time out of her ridiculously jet-settery schedule to bring us “Eco” beauty tid bits along the way.

POST BY VANESSA PRICE

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Green With Giveaway: John Masters Organics skincare set!

If you haven’t yet tried the John Masters Organics product line… it’s really something I recommend!  To me, John Masters is very much a pioneer in the field of luxurious (but not crazy-expensive), effective and delicious, ORGANIC beauty products.  I’m a fan of everything from his shampoos and styling products to his lotions and potions.  And just in time for you new Fall feel, Green With Glamour is giving away a set of 3 scrumptious products worth $52!

What you’re getting…

JMO Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash – lathers into a rich, creamy foam (from mild corn & coconut-based cleansers) to gently wash away dirt and oil - without drying your skin.  Essential oils of pink grapefruit, bourbon vanilla & blood orange create a euphoric scent.  Follow with my Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk to moisturize.  *Certified Organic.  Contains no artificial color.  Cruelty free.  Bio-degradable.  8 oz.

JMO Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk – is a luxurious lotion that replenishes your skin with a quickly absorbing, delicate blend of milk thistle, aloe vera and sea algae.  Essential oils of pink grapefruit, bourbon vanilla & blood orange create a euphoric scent.  *Certified Organic.  Contains no artificial color.  Cruelty free.  Bio-degradable.  8 oz.

JMO Lavender Hydrating Mist for skin & hair -  the perfect rejuvenating formula.  You feel fresh and alive, your skin and hair sparkles with new vibrancy.  Excellent for extra hydration when travelling.  Use wherever you need a quick touch of beauty. *Certified Organic.  Cruelty free.  Bio-degradable.  2 oz.

Leave a clever comment as to why you’d like these goodies… and you’re entered to win!

BE SURE TO STAY TUNED FOR THE (ECO) BEAUTY BIZ EDITOR, VANESSA ROSE PRICE’S REVIEW OF MORE JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS GOODIES… COMING SOON!


POST BY DEANA BRACKEN

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The (ECO) Beauty Biz: Amazing care for color-treated hair!

Check it… J/Â/S/Ö/N Jojoba & Lemongrass Shampoo and Conditioner for color treated hair.

It’s all about being eco conscious and beautiful. Am I right, or am I right!?!?

No more beauty sacrifices, ladies and gents!  Well, almost no beauty sacrifices, it is getting easier, and I’m here to tell you how.…

Not only is the J/Â/S/Ö/N beauty line innovative but they’re actually accessible and affordable.  And, they’re right up my alley, brand spanking new line for color treated hair, (don’t tell anyone, I really can pass for a natural blonde).

Using jojoba and grapeseed oils and Panthenol, they’ve created hair care products that will moisturize your hair without weighing it down, while at the same time shielding it from environmental damage. But wait, there’s more!

SLS and paraben free, (trust me it’s a good thing), no animal testing or animal by-products. And to top it off, 100% biodegradable.

Phew, I’m overexcited. Time for a drink.

With The (Eco) Beauty Biz, celebrity hairstylist & make up artist, Vanessa Rose Price, schools us all about sustainable make up, hair and skin care .  Not only does she tame those famous Justin Bieber locks (along with a scrolling list of other celebs), but Vanessa kindly takes time out of her ridiculously jet-settery schedule to bring us “Eco” beauty tid bits along the way.

POST BY VANESSA PRICE

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The (ECO) Beauty Biz: Add a little Vitamin C to your suncreen!

So, now they’re telling us it’s longer good enough to use sunscreen alone…even a really good fancy expensive one.  You have to wear an antioxidant if you want to help fight against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Recent studies have shown that pairing an antioxidant with a sunscreen significantly decreases UV damage when compared to just wearing sunscreen alone. I know, I know…I thought putting on sunscreen was asking a lot but we gotta do what we gotta do…

A pea sized dollop of AVALON ORGANICS VITAMIN C VITALITY FACIAL SERUM worn under your sunscreen should help fortify the barrier. And here’s a bonus, not only will the VITAMIN C SERUM help fight free radicals and fortify that barrier against harmful UV rays but it will also help brighten and tone your skin. AVALON ORGANICS VITAMIN C SERUM is super lightweight, non-greasy, and super yummy.  And as with all GWG beauty picks it’s organic and 100% vegetarian. Not too shabby. – VRP

With The (Eco) Beauty Biz, celebrity hairstylist & make up artist, Vanessa Rose Price, schools us all about sustainable make up, hair and skin care .  Not only does she tame those famous Justin Bieber locks (along with a scrolling list of other celebs), but Vanessa kindly takes time out of her ridiculously jet-settery schedule to bring us “Eco” beauty tid bits along the way.

POST BY VANESSA PRICE

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Living GWG gets a new look… and amazing, new experts!

We’re stepping it up, People!  As our retail big sister, Green With Glamour, grows and grows… we’re keeping in stride as any younger sibling might.   We’ll still be bringing you major, eco-chic bargains, letting you in on fantastic “green” design finds and ooh-ing & ahh-ing over all amazing things vegetarian and vegan, but now you’ll be getting more than just our 2 cents.  We’ve enlisted some serious (& delightful) experts to cover what you love!

Meet our new (& seriously stylish) team:

Celebrity hairstylist & make up artist, Vanessa Rose Price, will be schooling us all about sustainable make up, hair and skin care with The (Eco) Beauty Biz.  Not only does she tame those famous Justin Bieber locks (along with a scrolling list of other celebs), but Vanessa will be taking time out of her ridiculously jet-settery schedule to bring us “eco” beauty tid bits along the way.

Vanessa Price

Switching gears from the fast-paced hullabaloo to the bucolic countryside, comes our new foodie team, Abby Lutz and Shane Walsh.   A clothing designer and photographer respectively, this couple traded in their edgy Brooklyn address for a bit of paradise on a farm in rural Vermont.  With a slower paced life now (though they still both work and turn out insanely gifted work), Abby and Shane have found themselves lingering in the garden and creating in the kitchen.  The result?  Mouth-watering, inventive concoctions crafted from the very food they grow.  Whatever is ready to be picked is what goes on the plate…  the very reason why they are The Accidental Gourmands.

Abby Lutz & Shane Walsh

And from the moment I met writer Tiffany Romigh in her well-appointed home in the Hollywood Hills, it was obvious that she was a woman of style.  Seamlessly fusing Street Art with French antiques, bold pop colors with delicate metallics, Tiffany has a knack for merging genres and mediums – and boredom is her enemy.  Never one to ask others to do what she can, Tiffany rolls up her sleeves and dives right in – whatever the task might be!  Having recently relocated to Austin, TX… she’s now faced with a whole new house to grace with her good taste – and a whole new city to explore.  With Chic Re-do, Tiffany shows us how turn the simple into the sublime and the unexpected into the unbelievable!

Tiffany Romigh

Professional TV producer (and semi-pro shopper), Katie Vaughan, has traveled many, many miles and shopped her way across multiple countries in her young life.  And though her career is a demanding one, she always manages to find time to take several trips a year, snagging chic (and sometimes hilarious) thrift store finds all along the way.  By writing 2nd Hand Spotlight, Katie will be sharing with us her favorite vintage shops, thrift stores, flea markets and hidden shopping spots… and maybe she’ll even explain what possessed her to get those metallic high tops!

Katie Vaughan

Of course, I’m still here… wrangling stories from the inspirational, unique and supremely talented bunch above!  I’ll also still be covering divine architecture (both old and new) and must have interior design pieces (as some of you know… I’m an Interior Designer by trade).  On top of that, I’m writing a  new piece called Green Goodie Review. With it I explore great, sustainable finds that are exceptional and moderately priced (under $25).  Everything from brilliant hostess gifts to vegan dog treats to organic room sprays.  Stay tuned… it’s going to get fun!

Deana Bracken (pictured with very understanding husband, Nadim)

Read on, Friends!


POST BY DEANA BRACKEN

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Green With Giveaway: BAMBOO HAIR BRUSHES by Spornette International!

So a few months back, we reviewed a line of Bamboo Eco brushes by Spornette International – raves from our beauty editor!  And now, as Summer winds down and we’re headed back from vacation, back to school, etc., we think it’s the perfect time to GIVEAWAY 3 wonderful, high quality ZHU hair brushes by Spornette ($60 value)!  UPDATE: Spornette International is adding an additional paddle brush (worth another $15 – total value $75)!!!


ZHU II #2260

ZHU 2115                                                     ZHU 2110

What you get:

ZHU 2115 – Small round with bamboo handle, boar & ionic nylon bristles and tourmaline-coated barrel (to moisturize your hair as you use)

ZHU 2110 – Large aerator with bamboo handle, ionic nylon bristles and tourmaline-coated barrel

ZHU II 2260 – Large round with bamboo & cork handle, boar bristles

LEAVE A COMMENT and your automatically entered to win!

POST BY KITTY CARTER

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Green With Giveaway: Marie Veronique Organics KID SAFE Sunscreen!

With the sun burning bright this month… We thought nothing seemed like a better giveaway than KID SAFE SUNSCREEN by Marie Veronique Organics ($24 value)!  GWG’s Beauty Editor, Sara Jones-Rust, schools us as to why it’s an eco-chic must for you & your beloved little ones:

There has been a lot of talk about sunscreens and their safety lately. It seems I don’t go a day without an email or a Facebook post about nanoparticles, which are being shown to destroy DNA in studies on mice, or the photocarcinogenic properties of Vitamin A.  It’s a scary thing to realize that what we’ve all been slathering on our largest organ to keep from getting skin cancer or looking 20 years older than we really are, might actually be making the situation worse.

But chucking the SPF is not the answer. Clearly, making smart decisions, like staying out of the mid-afternoon sun and rocking a sun hat are good decisions. But let’s not give up our days at the beach or afternoon’s spent poolside. Summer is too short, as is life.

The Environmental Working Group, a watch dog group who has a lot of great articles on their site about sun and sunscreen safety, has a few handy-dandy lists of the best and safest sunscreens for Beach & Sport, Daily Moisturizers and Lip Balm. So all your bases are still covered.

In fact, our friends at Marie Veronique Organics, consistently rank at the top of their list for SPF Moisturizers and they want to share with our lovely Living Green With Glamour readers! More on that in a minute. They have a new product out called “Kid Safe Screen” that protects from those nasty UVA/UVB rays and contains non-micronized zinc oxide, which is “a physical sun block that reflects UV rays without releasing wrinkle and cancer-causing free radicals.” Perfect protection for both you and the little ones. Plus it’s highly absorbable and won’t leave your skin with a chalky white film, which would just be tragic against that new black bikini.

So now to the good stuff – the GIVEAWAY!  Leave a comment below and we’ll pick one lucky lad or lady to receive a complimentary bottle of Marie Veronique Organic’s  Kid Safe Sunscreen (a $24 value). Bon Chance!

POST BY SARA JONES-RUST

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Beauty: a glowing review of Marie Veronique Organics

About a month ago I was introduced to Marie Veronique Organics and I’ve been using their four step facial regiment ever since. The first word that comes to me when trying to describe this natural skin care line is simply – lovely. The products look lovely, smell lovely and make my skin look and feel, you got it, lovely.

First of all, they come in charming brown glass bottles that make you feel like you had an age-defying potion especially mixed up at an old-timey apothecary. And they are oh-so attractive in the medicine chest (if you’re the type of person who likes the inside of their cabinets to look good – which I am.)

Cleanse – I have been using the ‘Gentle Cleanser.” It smells fresh and leaves your skin feeling soft and not at all dry. It has a base of green and white teas and is infused with spirulina, so it’s a nice shade of green. I do recommend using an eye make up remover if you don’t already.

Hydrate – The “Anti-Aging Mist” smells so nice that I always have to force myself to stop spritzing the intoxicating concoction of tea, flower extracts and essential oils on my face.

Replenish – I wasn’t sure how I would feel about using an oil instead of my typical cream based moisturizer, but the “Anti-Aging Oil +” is just spectacular. This is not just any old oil, it is a complicated mixture of many natural oils that combine for maximum moisturize-ation, without grease-ification. And it’s completely free of any toxins, just as all MVO products are.

Protect – The sunscreen doubles as a tinted moisturizer. The “Moisturizing Face Screen +” is SPF 30 and the light scent doesn’t cling to your skin like some SPF moisturizers. I used the medium tint, which I would typically think would be too dark for me, but this blended beautifully with my skin tone and did a great job of evening out my pink spots.

I would highly recommend checking out these and other MVO products, for healthy and naturally lovely skin.

POST BY SARA JONES-RUST

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The Sweet Smell of Organic Scents!

I believe I’ve mentioned my feelings on fragrance on this blog before – I like hate it in my cosmetics, unless it’s very subtle and dissipates quickly. I do, however, enjoy the occasional spritz of perfect perfume, but it has to be light and never synthetic. I prefer Earthy scents over flowery or fruity, but nothing too reminiscent of a Grateful Dead show.

I have been loving the “Lotus Bamboo” scent from Acorelle. After all, who does fragrance better than the French? All of Acorelle’s scents have an impressive 90% organic ingredients. They are made out of flower water, essential oils and natural extracts.

Even the perfumes with more of a food-centric note, which I typically don’t care for, such as the “Wheat Almond

or “Citrus Verbena” went on light and blended nicely with my natural scent. I wasn’t reminded of baking in the slightest.

The best thing about this line of natural perfume is its subtly. There is no chance of overpowering your carpool mates or leaving your smell on anyone you might happen to hug, like a dog marking its territory.

Let whatever fragrance you pick compliment your style, enhance your essence. It should not be the only impression you leave behind.

Get your preferred Acorelle scent HERE!

POST BY SARA JONES-RUST

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Jump start your Spring look with pretty polish!

The weather’s been delightful the past couple days here in LA and it’s making me think spring, which always makes me want a pedicure. I always bring my own polish (BYOP) to the lovely ladies who take such good care of my tootsies, because they don’t carry a line of non-toxic polish. But when I went through my stash I realized my colors were too fall winter. What’s a girl to do? Buy new polish, of course!
Enter Priti and their amazing line of Toluene, Formaldehyde and DBP free polishes. You won’t even believe their selection of colors, it’s almost overwhelming. So here are my picks for spring and summer 2010:

Play it Neutral – Go with Starry Trail Violet and dress up a neutral nail with a bit of shimmer.

Rock it Out - Chelsea Star is the perfect shade for those hot summer nights, preferably spent dancing your cares away.

Keep it Earthy – Deep and rich, but more Earth mother than vampy rocker, Floral Dance Matte tones down your dark side.
Be Bold - After spring comes summer which is the best time of year to show off a little color. Snapdragon and Fishbone Cactus (my favorite color for the season) will do just that.

Go Metallic – For just a hint of bling in your LBD at fancy spring parties – Hard Water Lily.
This is just a smattering of the amazing colors Priti has to offer and many are on sale at this very moment, so move quickly and be Priti.

POST BY SARA JONES-RUST

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DIY Beauty: Simple make-at-home skin remedies

Much of the country is in the home stretch of winter, which is putting on quite the finale show, I hear. I am spoiled with Los Angeles weather now, but I’m a Midwestern girl and so I know when it snows as much as it has lately the harsh, dry conditions wreak havoc on your face and skin. Here are a few at home remedies for keeping it soft and supple over these last few weeks of winter.

I like to keep my DIY beauty products under four ingredients and made of only things that can be found at the local grocery store. I’m sure orange flower water is lovely, but where am I going to get that on a Sunday at 9 p.m.? Also, it’s probably going to be pricey. Keeping it simple is key.

Cleanse – Pine Nut Scrub – Exfoliates while moisturizing.

Throw a 1/2 cup of pine nuts in a food processor with 2 tablespoons of light oil. Grind them up until they are a fine paste. Apply to face, arms, legs, whatever spot needs a little TLC. Rinse and pat dry.

Balance – Madzoon Facial Mask – Restores skin’s natural protective properties.

Spread a 1/4 cup of organic, plain yogurt over your skin, relax for 20 minutes and then rise off with warm water. Seriously – that’s it.

Moisturize – Essential Oil

Making your own moisturizer is not easy, a lot of things go into those creams we depend on. That’s why they have such a hefty price tag. But when I’m feeling like simplifying as much as possible I do keep a bottle of almond oil in my medicine cabinet (jojoba works great too). It’s a wonderful moisturizer and the scent hints at baking without being too overpowering.

Treat Yourself – Greta Garbo Bath – You just saved a bunch of money on beauty products and did your tired winter skin a favor, you deserve it.

Tie 3 chamomile tea bags around the faucet of your tub and then draw yourself a hot bath. Before hopping in, toss 3 sliced oranges into the water. Commence relaxation and aromatherapy.

Voila! A beauty routine change up for the winter months. Try it for a week and then go back to your tried and true. It never hurts to spice things up a bit.

All recipes above were adapted from “Natural Beauty for All Seasons” by Janice Cox

POST BY DEANA BRACKEN

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Sara Jones-Rust is in the mood for love….

Valentines day gifts can really, well…suck. Roses? Yawn. Little boxes full of waxy, nearly inedible mounds of chocolate. Ew. Cheesy teddy bears holding a heart that you are going to do what with? Come on! It’s time we all stepped up our game. The best gifts are experiences or things that add to an experience.

After a nice evening out, or home cooked dinner, how about drawing a nice bath for you and your special someone. Embellishments are endless. Create some mood lighting with Pacifica’s soy candles. The sexy smelling Bourbon Island Vanilla will put you both in the right state of mind. Speaking of states of wine…I mean mind. Domaine Carneros’s Brut Cuvee Sparkling Wine is certified organic and will add the perfect amount of bubbles to your bath.

Now let’s get back to the issue of chocolate. I love it. That’s why I know when it’s done badly and it often is. Voges Haut Chocolat, however, does it very very well. Their organic peanut butter bonbons will forever turn you off the common drug store peanut butter cup. Upgrade.

Voges Haut organic peanut butter bon bons!

PI Organic makes lovely little things to compliment any body type. And the Red Love boy shorts by A Lot To Say are the perfect underthings for the jeans and t-shirt kind of girl (available at the Green With Glamour online store). So much more desirable than one of those synthetic rayon nighties that litter the local discount chain. Who wouldn’t feel their sexiest in these?

PI Organic nightie

End the night (yeah right) with a massage using Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender Body Oil or Body Lotion if you prefer a little more friction.

Most important of all, say tell someone you love them. Sometimes that’s the best gift you can give!

POST BY SARA JONES-RUST

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Raw Minerals Makeup: Great for appearing ageless… and delicious?

It might seem contradictory that a beauty blogger would despise her morning makeup routine, but that is totally me. It all comes down to time and my life long love affair with sleeping. After hitting the snooze button far too many times each morning I am forced to run around my apartment cutting all unnecessary bits of my routine just to make it into the office on time (ish). This has successfully squelched any relationship I might have had with foundation. All that blending and dabbing is not happening at 7:00 in the morning.  However, I am no longer in my twenties and my days of naturally lovely skin are past me. So in a compromise with myself I decided to give mineral makeup a shot, since it’s all the rage these days.

A friend of mine did a funny video promo for Raw Minerals before the holidays (for your perusal below – get ready to laugh…or gag, depending) which brought the company to my attention. I liked what I saw on the website – no animal testing, natural and sustainably sourced ingredients. So I ordered some of the Active Mineral Foundation in Light 3 for $30. There is a bunch of other stuff recommended, like Skin Perfector and Active Veil, but brevity in application was my goal, so the foundation needed to stand on its own.

Active Mineral Foundation

Skin Perfector

I was really surprised at how nicely it matched my skin tone, after all ordering online is always a bit of a gamble in that regard. It wasn’t cakey, went on smooth and actually kind of creamy – something I wasn’t expecting. And the best part is it was quick! A few swooshes with a powder brush and I’m set. Much to my dismay my co-workers have noticed a big difference – “you look so rested,” “you’re absolutely glowing,” “did you get work done over the holidays?” Gee thanks, just ignore that sobbing you hear from behind my office door, it’s just me mourning my youth. Ah well, at least now I have Raw Minerals in my age-combating arsenal.

Click to watch Raw Minerals Video

*Just a note on some nasty rumors on the interwebs about some scam Raw Minerals is running regarding free trials of their product. I wasn’t trying to get anything for free. I paid full price and got a fully functioning product in return so I can’t comment on anything that may or may not have happened to others. But always remember, you get what you pay for, Lovelies.

POST BY SARA JONES-RUST

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Green With Giveaway: Alicia Silverstone-designed makeup bags by Eco Tools!

We want to kick off 2010, Green With Glamour’s year of giveaways, with a serious bang!  So, hello adorable, hemp and vegan-chic bags from Eco Tools… designed by none other than accomplished actress, animal rights activist and all-around-darling, Alicia Silverstone.

After Living GWG’s very own beauty editor, Sara Jones-Rust, gave the bags her seal of approval… we thought to ourselves, “you know who would really enjoy these gorgeous bags?  Our readers, clients, colleagues, um… everyone!”  And here we are.

What exactly we’re giving away:

1 Eco Tools “Overnight” bag along with a matching “Cosmetic” bag – both designed by Alicia Silverstone, given as a set.  The Overnight (11″ x 9″ x 3.3″) is perfect for traveling.  It’s roomy and chic while it’s multiple inside compartments make it easy to stay organized at the same time.  The Cosmetic bag (8.5″ x 5″ x 2.5″) is the go to bag for your everyday makeup needs.  Throw it in your handbag, on your vanity, in your car… and you’ll always have your beauty necessities at the ready!

The Overnight Bag

The Cosmetic Bag

Both bags are made of a gorgeous hemp print (non-toxic inks), lined with recycled plastic and finished with a “tree free” hang tag featuring the lovely Alicia.

How (easy is it) to win? Leave a comment on this post and you’re automatically entered.  Winner will be chosen at random and notified in the 1st week of next month.  GWG provides all shipping and handling costs. YAY!

POST BY KITTY CARTER

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Beauty is in the (Alicia Silverstone-designed Eco Tools) bag!

One of my favorite gifts this holiday season was Alicia Silverstone’s new book - The Kind Diet. I’m so excited to start reading it! (It’s up next as soon as I finish reading a Coco Chanel bio.) But just gazing at the cover of The Kind Diet got me thinking about Alicia and how she was really the first outspoken vegan in Hollywood. Or at least the first one who caught my attention. I remember making the decision to become a vegetarian at 15 for moral reasons, which was hard for me to explain to some people at that age. Then just a few years later there was the gorgeous Ms. Silverstone speaking out for animal rights, promoting veganism and all the while looking fabulous. She really walks the walk and stands out as a person who incorporates sustainability in all aspects of her life.
So how excited (although not surprised) was I to find out about her collaboration with EcoTools in making a series of cosmetic bags and makeup brushes? They really thought of every detail with these. I must say, I am very impressed. The bags are made of natural hemp, the pockets are recycled plastic, they are printed with non-toxic ink and even the tag is tree-free stone paper! I didn’t even realize that was a thing. The bags come in four sizes from toss-in-a-purse to month-long-European-journey.
One of my favorite features in their larger bags are the removable pouches. So if I pack thoughtfully I can take one small bag with my nightly beauty routine into my host’s bathroom and I don’t have to lug the 10 pounds of tools it takes to get the natural glow I strive so hard for.
Oh and the brushes! I have to admit I was skeptical. I know the value of a good brush and these seemed just too reasonably priced to…well, work. I should have never doubted Alicia, however. My mineral makeup went on flawlessly. They are made of bamboo and recycled aluminum with cruelty free taklon bristles – soft as brushing a kitten against your cheek. {Note: Green with Glamour does not suggest using kittens to apply any type of make up – stick with EcoTools brushes.}
All of these products are amazingly priced and can be found at Target, Walgreens and the like. Accessible and affordable. I’m jumping for joy.

POST BY SARA JONES-RUST

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Sara Jones-Rust tackles Beauty and the Brush…

Can you believe it’s almost Christmas? Hanukkah begins Friday! How has this happened? I hope for your sanity and your loved ones that you haven’t failed in the gift buying department as hugely as I have this year. Luckily I have a great idea for stocking stuffers!

Spornette International, a 50+ year institution in the brush manufacturing world, has started making bamboo brushes, and they have quite the selection. I love their well-crafted ZHU collection with bamboo handles and nylon bristles. They range in style from a paddle brush, for the hang straight blow-out, to aerated rounders with ceramic barrels, for styling bangs and creating flips… and Spornette brushes can be found at over 5,000 beauty supply retailers (that’s pretty much everywhere)!

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I have found that the smaller barreled rounder is perfect for creating lift when I work it around the crown of my head. The nice ceramic barrel also helps avoid embarrassing adolescent mishaps, like getting the bristles tangled in your hair so badly you have to have your mom cut it out with the kitchen shears.

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Well, hello Hairbrush Hero!

Okay, well that was easy (and my hair looks luscious)… Now on to more last minute shopping.

POST BY SARA JONES-RUST

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Naughty or Nice…Team GWG holiday gift lists! 1st up – Sara Jones-Rust, Beauty Editor

So… we thought it would be fun for the Green With Glamour team to share their holiday gift lists and wish lists.  We’re an eclectic bunch, but all seriously value style, substance and sustainability.  This week we’re featuring our First Lady of Beauty, Sara Jones-Rust!

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Sara Jones-Rust

Getting:

My husband and I have a five year plan to live in a city that lets us have a yard, and in that yard we want a big garden. This beginners canning kit will help us eat local all year round.

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Dirty Librarian chains have got to be my favorite find of 2009 (thanks to Deana). It’s hard for me to narrow it down to just one, but I think the “Reference necklace” would suit me just fine.

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I am a book worm at heart and would love nothing more than to amass an entire library. From the classics to the Twilight series, I love them all. But why buy new when the latest best sellers pop up in my local used book store in no time?

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Since I am also a makeup junkie, my list would not be complete without some BEAUTY!   The Nvey Eco gift set is complete with blush, bronzer, gloss and shadow.  This kit has it all.

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And what’s an eco-diva to do with all those fantastic, sustainable, beauty products when she wants to leave the house? Put them in the gorgeous Alicia Silverstone line of makeup bags for EcoTools, of course!  The hemp & recycled plastic train case seems to be about the perfect size for all my basics with room left over for those fancy holiday shades.

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Giving:

My favorite thing to give and get, especially this time of year, is a donation to a charity. One of my favorites is Women for Women International which helps women in war torn countries rebuild their lives. Having sponsored and corresponded with a young woman from Kosovo, I can tell you it’s an incredible experience and better than any thing you can buy at a store.

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POST BY DEANA BRACKEN

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