The Organic Beauty Expert

Forget Starbucks and Juicy Juice boxes! All you need is O.N.E.

Let me say from the beginning, not everyone will enjoy these O.N.E. drinks. In fact, I couldn't stand the Coconut Water and I simply couldn't bring myself to try the Cashew Nut Juice. But what I loved about this entire line, was that my two-year-old, who is my accidental vegetarian, loves those particular juices! What he initially enjoyed, I'm sure, are the bright, shiny Tetra boxes the juice comes in. When they arrived, he literally tackled my leg to grab a box! But he kept coming back because his little taste buds like it!

So last night when I sat down to write this review, I figured I should try the Coconut Juice. Awful... for me. He came home and went right for it and my photographer hubby snapped this great shot.

Now, the Coffee Berry and Acai juices are why you can dump your Starbucks. What a nice smooth boost of energy these drinks gave me. I had a five massage day, so I figured this was a great way to test out the drinks. Readers, I was hesitant about the taste, because I don't do well with change. But O.N.E. adds acerola, a wild cherry, making it sweet enough for my palate. Even my husband, who's more cynical than I, and is always wary of my newest "natural thing" had a few swigs. I had energy, a kick in my step and not a bit of down time that you get from coffee drinking. Although I loathe shopping at Whole Foods, I hear they carry it there and I always price check before making bulk purchases.

I wouldn't suggest you jump right out and buy a 12-pack. I also would suggest you drink straight from the box. Pouring the drinks into a glass offers a visual that may detract from the wonderful taste of the drinks. I highly recommend the Acai and Coffee Berry for a great morning start or if you're just trying to do something good for your body.

As for me, I much prefer to see Sebbie knocking back a O.N.E. Coconut Water than a kool-aid infused juice drink. O.N.E. drinks retail for about $2 bucks a box.

Update/correction to Tela Beauty Organic review

I was wrong about this product line. A few days ago I wrote the review and basing the statement "100% organic" from the company website, I gave the implication that that statement was true, right? They have "organic" in the name and they so seductively state, "This blend consists of 35 organic USDA certified ingredients selected to penetrate and enhance every hair type." Makes you think they're certified? Nah, just two products in the line are certified. This blog entry may enlighten.

Organic marketing at its finest simply by the way they've chosen to list ingredients. They list "active ingredients", "ingredients" then the "organic enhancing blend and base." For two months I've thought it was organic, because of the long list of what are essentially herbs. Here's the ingredients in order of amount as listed on the box: white, green and oolong tea, guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, polysorbate 20, phenoxyethanol,  caprylyl glycol, prop. herbal blend, organic aloe juice and organic lavender EO.

I'm no scientist, so I'll list some of the ingredients found on the box for "Guardian." Sadly, I threw away the boxes for the shampoo and conditioner, cause my curiosity is now peaked.

• Benzophenone -3 -- used as a sunscreen, and has been shown to be readily absorbed into the body. Some studies have shown this chemical promotes harmful effects on adults and warrants extensive studies
• Ku Shen -- an herb that, while natural, poses toxicity if used in large amounts. Large amounts is certainly subjective, but those with heart and liver issues are most at risk. BTW, this is the first ingredient in the "organic enhancing blend."
• Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D₅), part of the "organic base blend", is an odorless, colorless non-oily siloxane fluid used as an ingredient in personal care products and dry cleaning. While the sites states it safety, my question is about the organic nature of this ingredient. Anybody?
• Chlorphenesin -- Know where I found information about this one? WebMD. It's a drug. Not necessarily a good one based on this FDA warning in a press release a few months ago. While the press release is about a Nipple Cream containing this ingredient, I'm still confused why my hair care would need muscle relaxant. The release states, "Chlorphenesin relaxes skeletal muscle and can depress the   central nervous system and cause respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing)   in infants." Its inclusion in this product is minimal, but why is it there at all in a "100% organic line"

So, if any of you OBE readers are scientists or work for the USDA department, or even better, if the owner or PR people from the line could provide a little clarity, I'd be interested in learning more about why these ingredients are in a stated "100% organic line." While some ingredients may have low toxicity, the use of chemicals is not what consumers are expecting when buying an organic line. So, for me, this is again an example of "organic gone wild" with a fairly large price tag.

So if I'm coming across a bit snotty, believe me, I'm not. I get very angry when it seems as if manufacturers have very good copywriters and skate a very thin line when selling a product. In this case, I really would like to know the full story.

Have you shopped Beautorium? Better do it soon!

OBE readers, time is running out to save on some fabulous natural and organic beauty products available at Beautorium.

• Get 20% off any order through July 31 2008. Good for ONE deal per customer, so stock up.
• Just enter OBE2008 to get the discount at checkout
• Order more than $100 bucks worth of products and get FREE SHIPPING, too
• Lastly, every order gets the cutest bag this season FREE! One caveat about the bag... don't wear all black and use the bag, other than that, it holds A LOT! and is super cute at the beach

Shop up, ladies (and the few gents) and be sure to tell Barry thanks!

There's no stopping this Indie -- Pin Up Balm diva!

When I moved to San Diego two years ago, I immediately started teaching workshops through The Learning Annex on starting a beauty company and making your own products. One of my first classes had this woman with huge hair who blew in with a plan. I recall that she has five kids and wanted to be able to stay at home with them but also have a business of her own. Her original beauty plan didn't work out... but this woman is from Brooklyn, ya'll and you know how Brooklyn do!

A few weeks ago she sent me an email and I wanted to share it with all of you. Her sexy lip balm line, appropriately named Pin Up Balms, won the Lisa Kline Insider design contest on Style Hive. Not only did she win, but her line is now being sold in Lisa Kline's stores!

You rock, Henrietta and much continued success!

New products from Origins launching Fall 2008

For all you Origins lovers, this news is for you! These products aren't in the Origins Organic lines, so check out the full ingredients at your local store.

GLOWING GREEN!      
NEW! Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Skin-Calming Face Mask features Bamboo Charcoal and Kaolin Clay to absorb impurities and detox pores.  These two dirt dredgers give the mask a creamy green hue while the Plantidote™ collection’s signature six skin calming agents, Hypsizygus ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi mushrooms plus Ginger, Holy Basil and Turmeric, work to eliminate redness and deeply moisturize skin.

RAVISHING REDS!      
Origins introduces two NEW! Limited Life shades in its popular Flower Fusion™ collection featuring flower extracts to moisturize and protect lips. Winter Rose shimmers with a berry tinted luster, while Peony bursts with an electrifying violet red.

UNBRIDLED BROWNS!         
Two NEW! Limited Life Origins Eyeshadows take brown hues to the extremes. Harvest Taupe has a light, creamy, pink-tinged tone while Bark is a deep, dark and dramatic brown that accents the natural tones of the eyes and face.

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Skin-Calming Face Mask will be available September 2008 and Origins Limited Life Flower Fusion™ and Eyeshadow shades will be available August 2008 at Origins Retail Stores, department stores and www.Origins.com.

Saaf Pure SkinCare Review

Saaf Pure Skin Care is a beauty company based in the UK created by homeopath and pharmacologist Dr. Mah Hussain-Gambles. According to the website, "Saaf Pure Skincare is a marriage between safe science and nature, providing you with highly concentrated therapeutic formulations. These are a blend of rare organic cold-pressed botanicals and finest quality steam distilled organic essential oils, with scientifically proven healing properties."

Products Reviewed:

Pure Shower Gel, £9.99, approx. $19.75 U.S.

Organic Eraser Body Oil, £32.99, $65.20 U.S.

Organic Enriching Hair Oil, £24.99, $49.40 U.S.

Number of times used: more than 25
Overall: Loved the oils, the shower gel is not my most favorite

Review:

This is a pretty nice line. The oils come in a glass bottle that, while lovely and looks nice on the counter, isn't always the easiest to use once you've used the oil. Putting that aside, here's a concise look at each product.

The scent description of the Shower Gel had me drooling at the mouth. Sadly, for me, the actual scent wasn't as terrific. The gel does foam up nicely and it's pretty soothing on the skin, not at all drying. But for me, the scent of a shower product is most important and I was missing the sultry smells of clove, patchouli and ylang ylang that enticed me to try it.

The Hair Oil on the other hand, is simply divine. The ylang ylang comes through so heavenly that EVERY TIME is use it, I then shake my hair so I can step back and inhale the scent. Yes, the price tag is a bit steep, and my basic search on mustard seed and sesame oil, makes them seem fairly reasonably priced. But I also know that using pure cold-pressed oils as the main ingredient base gets pricey by the sheer volume of product. The choice is yours. Comparably, Origins USDA Certified Hair oil sells a 1 ounce bottle for $23 bucks, so add it up.

Lastly, the Body Oil is super rich, boosted with Rosehip oil and the scent of mandarin oil is simply delicious. I've cheated and used this on my hair, and I must report, keep it for body use. After a hot shower it feels like a silky glove.

The product line is available at their home site as well as Beautorium.

Tela Beauty Organics review

Tela Beauty Organics is the line created by Philip Pelusi. Tela Beauty is available at Barney's. If you've heard of Barney's, this will give you just a hint of the price tag attached to this line. Which is why I'm slightly ambivalent about this review. Here's the thing...

Products used
Tela Beauty Harmony Shampoo and Conditioner: $50 each for 5 oz bottle
Contain 100% organic ingredients
Number of times used: more than 10
Overall: Great results but the price tag is outrageous

Review:

Yes, the line uses organic ingredients. Yes, the packaging is sleek and stylish. Yes, it's created by a  guy who obviously knows his customers like to be pampered. I get that. Reading his bio gives a clear indication of that. I love being pampered. However... without the shiny hardwood floors, freshly prepared organic foods, teas and wine, why the hell am I being charged for the indulgence?

I guess I could give a review without the commentary, but that just wouldn't be the OBE, now would it? I read some of the other reviews on this line on other blogs and while they sang the praises, not many commented on the price. As a blogger, a reviewer of products, we're not journalists who give an objective view. I did that for seven years. That's boring. Bloggers offer opinions based on experience and what I'd recommend to my girlfriends. In this case, I'd give my bottles to my girl so she wouldn't be out the cash.

When I think indulgence, I think spas and going to a place to be indulged. Cushy robes, elegant crystal stemware and hushed, reverent tones. Selling your line of hair care at Barney's and slapping a $50 retail price is ridiculous. Organic ingredients can be pricey for the manufacturer, but this just seems a bit of "organic hype" to me. With so many companies launching organic lines, this kind of "luxury" (read: overpriced) line may not last. In fact, perhaps they should take a hint from other salons who've created products for the masses. Keep good ingredients, offer more product and reduce the price.

The products are nice, they work well. My hair feels wonderful after using them, although the scent could be a bit more decadent. If you have an extra $100 plus tax to spare for the shampoo and conditioner, I'd recommend buying it, though I'm sure there's something else like gas, food or your mortgage that you could use the money on. For most of us, however, I'd say pass and try The Body Deli's Hair Care set, selling for just $28.

Seriously? Disgruntled ex-employee or grain of truth?

L'Oreal USA has to contend with either the ravings of a very unhappy ex-employee or as Desi Arnaz would say, "L'Oreal you has some splainin' to do?

From CosmeticsDesign.com: A former L'Oreal executive has accused the company of using ingredients in markets where they are banned and of selling products that contain unlawfully high levels of preservatives.

Jerome Chevalier claims that he was harassed and ultimately dismissed by L'Oreal USA after he complained about the company's allegedly unlawful activities.

The former head of regulatory affairs has filed a suit against L'Oreal USA in Union County Court, New Jersey, asking for compensatory and consequential damages from the company and demanding reinstatement. Read the full article.

This issue brings up the question: just how much do we believe beauty when they tell us it's green, natural, eco, less of a carbon footprint, etc?

Aveda Uruku Makeup Collection

I should first state that I have not been a shopper at Aveda in many, many years. Many of you OBE readers have stated that buying from companies that are bought by big beauty (i.e. Estee Lauder) makes you a bit uneasy.  While I agree on some levels that companies are wont to change after the BIG sale, I'll leave off the editorializing about this new line until I actually try it and view the ingredient listing, instead of the ever ready "active ingredients." Since I know some of you swear by Aveda products, you'll be happy to read the following:

... To coincide with their 30th year anniversary, Aveda™ celebrates the culture and heritage of the Yawanawa peoples of the Brazilian Amazon with the re-launch of its Uruku makeup collection. A new, refreshing Uruku Lip Pigment formula and Uruku Bronzer are formulated with rich annatto pigment from the urukum shrub, organically grown by the Yawanawa Tribe in Brazil. The Uruku collection also debuts a new, luxurious, non-animal Uruku Bronzer Brush, along with new packaging inspired by the Yawanawa. From Brazil to Aveda, Uruku reflects how indigenous art and culture can inspire modern beauty. The new launch is slated for September 2008.

Read on for the product lineup...

Interested in owning a natural beauty company?

This post serves two purposes: it offers me an opportunity to continue to use the great products from this line and it offers you the chance to be an indie beautypreneur with the hard work already done for you. The owner of Perianne Skin Care has an incredible career opportunity that just happened to be offered as she was getting her line off the ground. I'm sure many of you have been there; I know I have.

While being an beautypreneur is fabulous, sometimes it's not your heart's passion and you have to go with your ultimate dream. So, I know that some of you are interested in starting a new career in beauty. I know because I get emails from you. Well, here's your chance! This line is already created and best part, it actually kicks ass. I use the toner from the Summer Collection just about everyday and come fall, I'll pull out what's left of the Winter Collection. Cora put her heart into creating this line and it would be a shame for it to fall and be a beauty memory.

Owner and Founder Cora Michael is announcing the sale of her company, Perianne Skin Care LLC. This innovative beauty brand sells organic, seasonal skin care products for Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer, and has caught the attention from bloggers and beauty editors around the country. The business launched in December 2007, and is priced at $40K (or best offer). Includes rights to formulas for six products, website, design (logo, labels, etc.), inventory at time of sale, domain name, legal trademark, and more. Please contact Cora at info@perianneskincare.com.

Eco-friendly toys we can all get excited about!

A few months back I posted about lubes, so it only seems fair to write about eco-friendly adult toys! Now, you may ask what the hell do toys have to do with beauty and I'll answer you this: an orgasm gives my skin the most beautiful hue that beats any foundation I've ever tried and overall, OBE attempts to help the whole you. And while product reviews are the meat of this blog, other information can be just as valuable, and in this case, enjoyable.

So.... Babeland gets the notice this week, with an extensive selection of "tools of the trade."

If you have any suggestions to add, please share your knowledge in the comment section.

And ladies... enjoy!

Envirosax does its part to help fight breast cancer

THIS SUMMER THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER IS IN THE BAG
American Cancer Society To Sell Limited Run of Flora Envirosax Bags on HOPE Shop eCommerce Site

You don't have to wait until October to help the fight against breast cancer.  The American Cancer Society's eCommerce site, HOPE Shop, features some great ideas including the limited edition Flora Envirosax breast cancer awareness bag, an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag that rolls up small enough to stow in a glove compartment or purse.

At $10 each, you can afford to buy one for yourself, and a few for your friends, too.  Each bag will be delivered with a mammography reminder magnet from the American Cancer Society, and all proceeds go towards the American Cancer Society's breast cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient and family services programs.

While on the site, check out the other products that can be bought separately or as part of customized care packages from luxurious robes, candles and other spa-like products to journals, jewelry and t-shirts with inspirational messages.  The HOPE Shop is a great way to give a gift and give to the fight against cancer.

The Flora Envirosax breast cancer awareness promotion is part of a multi-tiered marketing campaign by the American Cancer Society to highlight the importance of the mammogram as the most effective early detection method for breast cancer.  For more information about breast cancer screening guidelines, how to join the fight against breast cancer, or to learn about programs and services in your community, call 1.800.ACS.2345 or log onto www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913, the Society has community-based offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Clarisonic brush now available to international beauties!

If you're living abroad and have been lusting after the Clarisonic brush, you'll be happy to know that they now have an adapter available that allows you to finally get your hands on one of these babies! Although I don't use it as often as I should, I return time and again to this beauty tool to freshen up my skin.

Here's the 411 from the company:

The Clarisonic Skin Care System is a sonic oscillation facial brush that deeply cleanses the skin.  It is 2x more effective than traditional manual cleansing, and it opens the pores so any topicals applied to the face after use will better absorb into the skin, making acne and anti-aging creams more effective.  It is available at Nordstroms, Saks 5th Avenue, Sephora and clarisonic.com for a suggested retail price of $195.

The 411 on organic & natural perfumes

Thanks to Xina from Nature's Parlour across the pond for sending me this post from The Scented Life, which features organic and natural perfumes.

The only thing I'd add to the information in the article is that she states that natural perfumes can last all day. This is not to be compared to the way that commercial brands stay with you. The haze of scent that lingers from one hit of say, CK One, is not what you'll experience from natural perfume. Generally, the intensity of the smell, for me, stays about three to five hours. And I've used natural scents from Mandy Aftel, JoAnne Bassett and Strange Invisible perfumes. Additionally, the length also depends on your body: how dehydrated you are, your chemistry and pH. This is also what makes one scent smell fabulous on your girlfriend but maybe not so great on you.

Overall, it's a nice article and also gives links to some natural lines. Enjoy!

Last day to win your free stuff from Nature89

If you haven't entered for your chance to win some great organic clothing from Nature89, today's your last chance.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:  simply email contests@nature89.com with your name, tee choice and "OBE". You must include OBE so they know you're coming from this blog for the giveaway. Giveaway ends July 14th, so ENTER NOW.


If you mis your chance, take a gander at this great article from Fashion, Evolved that features ANOTHER giveaway that ends July 16th. So either way, you're covered!

Shop on, OBE readers!

Free bag, free shipping, 20% off... It's a beauty deal from Beautorium.com

OBE readers, ya'll are going to rack up some great beauty bargains this month from Beautorium! Barry King, the fabulous Brit and owner of the online organic boutique has offered OBE readers the following deal:

• Get 20% off any order through July 31 2008. Good for ONE deal per customer, so stock up.
• Just enter OBE2008 to get the discount at checkout
• Order more than $100 bucks worth of products and get FREE SHIPPING, too
• Lastly, every order gets the cutest bag this season FREE! One caveat about the bag... don't wear all black and use the bag, other than that, it holds A LOT! and is super cute at the beach

Wondering just how much this natural burlap bag can hold? Take a peek at this cute video produced by Beautorium then GO SHOPPING!

It's a bargain filled green summer at The Beauty Ideal!

Thanks to Joy David of Makeup Junkie and this month's editor for The Beauty Ideal.

Check out my article on natural summer deals all under $30 bucks, and peruse the other beauty articles from members of the The Beauty Blog Network!

Discover Biodynamic Beauty & win a trip to Australia from Jurlique

Jurlique has launched their newest line, Biodynamic Beauty Skin Care and CEO Eli Halliwell is offering an opportunity to win a trip to their certified organic and biodynamic farms in South Australia—where the plants and flowers used to create the products are harvested.

Three winners (each with a guest) will have the chance to tour the farms, partake in authentic harvesting experiences, and be pampered with a Jurlique treatment.

One first prize winner will be chosen from each of the following regions, the US/Canada, Australia, and the UK.  Other prizes include $1,000 product giveaways and online gift certificates. Winners will be selected by a Jurlique panel based on the quality of submissions.

The competition is currently running on www.visitjurlique.com and closes August 15, 2008.

Additionally, if you want to try the Biodynamic Beauty range, these cute little introductory sets, made entirely from newspapers and post consumer recycled fiber, are selling for $52. Here's more info about the sets from the company:

Fresh from the Farm!
Changes in the environment and life’s daily stresses can alter the skin’s natural state of balance, resulting in excess oiliness, dryness or heightened sensitivity. To bring skin back into balance, Jurlique has developed specific biodynamic blends of ingredients—hand-picked herbs and flowers from the certified organic and biodynamic farms in South Australia—each uniquely selected and developed within Jurlique’s products to bring each specific skin behavior back into a state of balance.

These Beauty from Balance Introductory Sets feature a range of products for each skin behavior to help restore unity and re-establish balance for naturally beautiful skin. The four sets include: Citrus to Rebalance Oiliness, Rose to Maintain Balance, Lavender to Rebalance Dryness and Chamomile to Rebalance Sensitivity.

How does your sunscreen measure up? EWG says it probably doesn't

from CosmeticsDesign.com

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has attacked leading sunscreen brands for offering inadequate protection against UV rays or containing potentially hazardous ingredients. The consumer group said the top selling products were some of the worst offenders in its survey of the safety and effectiveness of 1,000 branded sunscreen products.

It said none of the 41 sunscreens produced by the market leader Coppertone met its safety and effectiveness standards. The EWG also criticized Neutrogena and Banana Boat, which are the second and third largest brands, recommending only one of their 103 products.

Overall the organization claimed that 85 percent of sunscreen products with an SPF rating of 15 or more are potentially unsafe or ineffective.

Learn about the products the EWG recommends.

OBE Readers -- Go shopping at Ekoh and get 20% off!

Gas is expensive, food prices are rising... but there's no need for a green glam gal to go without her natural beauty products!

The Ekoh Store has offered up a 20% discount on the products they sell for OBE readers through August 30, 2008. Shop from such product lines as nvey eco, Dr. Hauschka, REN and 100% Pure.

Just follow this link, shop and use code "organic" at checkout. That's it! Happy shopping OBE readers and be sure to comment here or to me about your online shopping experience at Ekoh.