I’m a self-confessed organic glamazon (in fact, that’s my blogging alias) and I looooove all things beauty, but I’m also a trained makeup artist who has used practically every cosmetic brand you can think of over the years, organic & not. As a discerning makeup user I’m extremely picky about quality, efficacy and application, so it was with a wary kind of excitement that I tried the new Organic Glam makeup collection from The Organic Pharmacy. The glossy black packaging is indeed glam (though I can’t help be a little disappointed that it isn’t more environmentally sensitive), and the makeup… let’s just say ‘impressive’ is a word that springs to mind.

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From widely published author, Ms. Marjorie Moutari, comes Kazam Natural Body Care. With an increasing need for chemical free beauty products and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietics, as well as ten years of experience as a holistic nutrition and diet consultant, Ms. Moutari founded Kazam.

Being the wife of a high ranking diplomat has given her plenty of opportunites to live and travel worldwide. Some of her training in natural beauty products was received in Africa and Europe where she also lead many workshops and seminars, allowing her to give back to the communities. In Africa, she taught women how to make soaps, lotions, essential oils and perfumes. This has allowed the women to run their own businesses, earn an income for their family and gain independence. In 2008, Marjorie hed a jewelry show in which all proceeds were given to the American Cancer Society. Impressed yet? Wait until I tell you about her lotion… 

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Futurenatural is the ultimate modern-cool-stylish beauty emporium. Hailed as the new ‘Sephora’ for the savvy organic and natural set, they represent everything from cult classics to boutique lines. The product selection is perfectly edited, beautifully curated and most are thoughtfully designed to consider the environment. I’m excited because they’ve just unveiled some exciting new additions to their line-up including Baby Bear Shop (the gorgeous go-to organic brand for mama’s & babies), 100% Pure Fruit Pigment Lip Gloss (a cult fave), Yes (the first and only certified organic personal lubricant), Shobha (hair removal based on ancient indian rituals) Jimmyjane Porcelain Massage Stones, Suki Skincare-To-Go (now in handy travel or trial sizes) and more.

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Face Boutique was created by some savvy, hip London girls who went searching for skincare specifically for young skin with issues, and surprise surprise … they couldn’t find any. At least none that met their mandate for a great aesthetic, divine smell, formulations that worked better than anything else out there, and most importantly contained nothing harmful. Three years in the making with a group of highly qualified experts and voila! Face Boutique was born.

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Honestly, “natural” seems to be about a common a word as “green” these days and hands up who besides me is getting tired of the all the rhetoric? Being a natural brand should mean something and that’s exactly the position of Alima Pure. Not content with being ‘just another mineral makeup line, they went in search of the most rigorous and highly coveted natural certification they could find, and passed with flying colors. Being BDIH certified ensures that all the products contain only the safest natural ingredients, and are created and packaged in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

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Lush Cosmetics have always been ahead of the game when it comes to reducing packaging. Their line of solid shampoo bars, conditioners, body butters and soaps are freshly cut for each customer and don’t require packaging. However, they’re about to take that concept to a whole new level. In an effort to reinforce the message that we need to reduce waste through re-thinking packaging of consumer goods,  what better way to emphasize the point than to enlist your sales team to reduce their own packaging. This Wednesday, August 27th, Lush salespeople in 25 stores across America will be wearing nothing but aprons saying, “Ask me why I’m naked.” Customers are also being asked to take action and will be urged to ‘go naked’ by purchasing products with no packaging.

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Made with sustainably farmed ingredients grown exlusively in Hawaii, these Malie Organic Aroma Mists are to-die-for. The scents are all steam-distilled directly from indigenous plants and flowers to produce a hydrosol that is the very essence of the source. Plumeria smells exactly like burying your face in a franjipani bloom; the coconut is fresh; the vanilla is local and indigenous; mango nectar smells juicy and freshly peeled; Koke’e is straight out of the rain forest. Because the mists don’t contain any of the chemical binders that make the scent last a long time on your skin, you do have to spray more often. Small price to pay if you think about it for not spritzing yourself with endocrine disruptors and petrochemicals. Designed for use around the home, for freshening linens, and you. The best thing about them? You can spray liberally and often … DELICIOUS.

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In April, Macy’s launched their Turning Over A New Leaf campaign and this Fall they plan to expand their natural/organic beauty departments starting on the East Coast.  One line they are adding is Pangea Organics, known for their pure formulations, sustainability efforts and cool (biodegradable/compostable) packaging.  It’s such great news that the demand for organic beauty products is becoming so great that large retailers cannot ignore it, in turn making it more accessible to everyday consumers.  Macy’s is currently accepting applications for Organic Cosmetics Beauty Advisors & Organic Cosmetics Shop Managers positions in the following areas: Herald Square (NY), Philadelphia Center City (PA), Downtown Boston (MA), Roosevelt Field (NY) and Paramus Garden State Plaza (NJ). 

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Here’s to true natural beauty! Futurenatural offers environmentally sound style products that make you look good on the outside and feel good on the inside. Emma Pezzack, the owner of Futurenatural, offers some insight into her world of high quality skin products that are backed up by a socially and environmentally conscious business. ~ Current Review

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An online oasis for natural face and body products, B-cause (or beautywithacause.com) provides healthy and affordable cosmetics for a woman’s beauty regimen while doing its part for beauty in society as well, with 10% of all proceeds going towards breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and scleroderma research. You’ll find mineral makeup, facial cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, as well as hair care, fluoride-free toothpaste, and a few products for men, too. Every product offered on the site meets the self-imposed standards of Beauty With a Cause for safe, natural ingredients, affordability, operating ethics, and animal kindness.

In her own search for truly natural beauty products, owner Julie Ann Price found a way to not just effect change in the world of cosmetics, but to do it with style. “Beauty is a measure of how much women love themselves,” says Price. “B-cause wants to be a trusted resource for women where they can shop for effective skin care and vibrant cosmetics knowing that the owner is as concerned as they are that the products are both beautiful and safe. I use what I sell and I believe in my products.”

Currently the FDA lacks stringent guidelines for natural beauty products. If only 1% of the ingredients used in a product are organic, the product can have an “organic” label. B-cause has an “Ingredients to Avoid” list and it’s a little frightening to see how many of these ingredients appear in products that are probably on most bathroom shelves.

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The Farmaesthetics Cool Aloe Mist in particular is a brilliant multi-tasker for these Summer months. Scientifically known to draw oxygen to skin, aloe vera is revered for its potent healing and anti-inflammatory properties. This mist can be used to relieve the discomfort associated with sunburn, laser surgery, over exposure to the elements, and reduces skin dehydration. Lavender reduces irritation while bergamot disinfects and provides a further ‘cooling down’ effect.

Carry your bottle around and spritz at any time on the face or body to simply relax and refresh, or use as an antidote to what ails your skin. If you are treating sunburn, your skin actually burns for hours after you’re no longer in the sun so keep in the fridge during summer to give your skin a deliciously cooling treat and help stop the burn. Writer :: Emma Pezzack - www.futurenatural.com: the best organic beauty products in the world.