Green Options » Organic Beauty View

Alicia Silverstone Collaborates With Eco Tools.

Emma Pezzack — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:20:45 +0000

It’s long been known that Alicia Silverstone is one of our most eco-savvy Hollywood Stars from her vegetarian stance to her green nuptials, so it comes as no surprise that her latest venture shows her walking the talk yet again. Inspired and designed by the natural beauty herself, Ecotools by Alicia Silverstone is a collection featuring environmentally-friendly makeup bags & brushes. The cosmetic bags are made with natural hemp and the floral designs on the bags are printed with non-toxic inks, as are the hangtags which are also printed on tree-free stone paper. The interior is made from a recycled PET lining and the brushes are compiled of earth-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic, soybean oil and crushed walnuts - with cruelty-free, non-animal bristles.

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Zoya Matte Velvet :: A New Trend In Natural Nail Polish.

Emma Pezzack — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:07:54 +0000

Call me a magpie if you must but I’m a big fan of shine & shimmer. Sure, I’ve long given up those eighties skintight silver leggings worn with a matching silver & gold headband (which I proudly - at the time - made), but whether it’s sequins, glitter or a simple sheen, I’m often overheard oooing and ahhhing over just about anything with luminosity. Kind of unusual then that I’m newly smitten with the new Matte Velvet Nail Polish from Zoya, but they seem just right for the winter/fall season ahead. All the color, none of the shine and a deep, velvet finish that’s completely new (and fashionable) - what’s not to love! We’ve featured Zoya Nail Polish here before but in case you haven’t heard, this non-toxic and natural nail polish allows you to go a little more green with your nail care products, without giving up your glam.

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Project Green Search :: Are You The Next Green ‘It’ Girl?

Emma Pezzack — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:50:32 +0000

Are you an aspiring model? Do you know one? Want to be a green model? Enter Project Green Search! www.projectgreensearch.com. Project Green Search is looking for the next green “it girl”: The woman who wants to take a stand, get noticed, and align her career endeavors with her personal beliefs, to be an advocate for the environment, animal welfare, fair trade, and human rights. She’s a model, spokesperson, host, brand ambassador and all around green model citizen, for progressive, sustainable, ethical companies, from fashion & beauty to cars & computers. Are you the one? Entry for the 2009 competition period will be open until Sunday, October 11^th, 2009. Starting Monday, October 12^th, the general public will be able to view entrants online and vote for their favorite ten candidates. All search contestants will be required to donate a minimum 10 hours volunteer time to an environmental non-profit of their choice.

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New From Aveda :: 16Hr Sun Defense For Hair.

Emma Pezzack — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:52:14 +0000

I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t enjoy summer & warmth, but while we’re soaking up the sunshine and relaxing there are some extra preventative measures that need to be taken to ensure our skin, hair & bodies are given the right TLC during these lazy, hazy days. Whether you’re at the beach or pool, UV Rays, salt, sun & chlorine all wreak havoc on skin & hair, but while most of us understand the need for sunscreen & moisturizers, almost all of us forget to take care of our tresses! Aveda have just launched a new hair care collection called the 16hr UV Defense & Recovery System that protects & restores for, well… up to 16hrs.

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Sustainable Youth Skincare :: Facelift In A Bottle?

Emma Pezzack — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:47:10 +0000

There was a time when conversations surrounding elasticity, loss of collagen, sagging and lack of tone, were for me like hearing someone speak in a foreign language. Convinced I’d somehow and miraculously been blessed with ever youthful skin, I never paid much attention - until now that is. Whether you’re there already or you think this is something that doesn’t apply to you, it’s never too early or late to start using skincare that addresses these very issues. Now, let it be said I’m a total skeptic (and more than a little jaded) when it comes to product claims, having worked with and tried just about everything. My latest discovery however, more than lives up to its rep and having used it for the last six wks, I can verify that my skin feels noticeably smoother, firmer and more radiant.

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Rare El’ements :: Anti-aging Hair Care For Luxurious Locks.

Emma Pezzack — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:37:59 +0000

I most often think of anti-aging products as related to skincare and I’m fastidious about taking care of my skin, but how many of us remember that hair suffers from the same aging process – and hands up who treats their hair as well as their face? C’mon, be honest! Having recently tried Rare El’ements and experiencing glossy, healthy, strong, shiny hair in place of my usual frizzy, slightly dry, fine locks, I’m a new convert to the world of anti-aging hair care. Rare El’ements set out to revolutionize the mainstream hair care industry by creating products that combine natural luxury with the same performance that salon professionals depend on, and in my opinion, they succeeded.

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Treehugger Best Of Green Awards :: Futurenatural Wins Best Beauty Store.

Emma Pezzack — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:53:32 +0000

After 4yrs of exploring, critiquing and lauding the modern world of green, Treehugger decided it was high time to put their heads together to nominate, debate and select what they believe to be the best-of-the-best when it comes to today’s environmentalism - dubbed the ‘First Annual Best Of Green Awards. Once the many hours of discussion amongst the massive brainpower of a group of roughly 50 writers from 5 continents concluded, it was declared that in the Fashion & Beauty Category, Futurenatural is the ‘Best Online Beauty Shop’!! Treehugger has always been at the forefront of helping to bring sustainability to the masses and promoting green as mainstream. For Futurenatural to be recognized as the Best Online Beauty Shop by TH & their global team is a HUGE honor.

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Beat The Heat (and the burn!) :: Summers Best Skin Soothers.

Emma Pezzack — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:04:57 +0000

You may not immediately see the effects of overexposure to the sun. According to scientific studies, the skin actually keeps burning long after your sun exposure has ceased, and in case you forget to cover up and apply sunscreen, the resulting sunburn can be painful as well as dangerous. It may actually take up to 24 hours before the full damage is visible but first-degree sunburns cause redness and will heal, possibly with some peeling, within a few days. These can be painful and are best treated with cool baths and moisturizers, but there are also ingredients such as cucumber, yoghurt, aloe vera, all known for their soothing & healing properties, making them ideal to treat sunburn. Here’s a few of my tried & tested after-sun treatments that won’t reverse the damage, but will help with the heal:

When Fake Is Better Than Real :: The New Self-Tanners

Emma Pezzack — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:56:31 +0000

Real is better is generally considered the maxim when it comes to most things, however there is one time in life where faking it is positively au courant – when deciding to get your tan from a bottle, not the sun.

There will always be those among us who haven’t been able to resist the urge to lie around drenched in Tropical Sun or Coconut Oil, relishing the deepening of our skin color as our skin fries (me among them over the years!), and blithely ignoring the vast accumulation of sun damage facts well documented. However, as the greatest cause of aging on the planet and the dangers of melanoma an increasing reality, you have to ask yourself; is all that pain really worth it, or is it better to just slather from a bottle & skip the collateral damage?

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Oliv :: New Organic Skincare From The Son Of L’Occitane Founder.

Emma Pezzack — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:06:52 +0000

Well known for gracing the trays of antipasto everywhere and a regular feature in a vodka martini, the olive has far more illustrious uses than that of sophisticated snack or simple garnish. Olive oil has been used for thousands of years for eating & cooking. And lest no part of this miracle plant go unnoticed, olive leaf extracts are one of nature’s most potent antioxidants - up to 100 times more powerful than echinacea for boosting immunity. You can freeze it, burn it or cut it down, and the Olive Tree always reappears. The leaves stay on olive trees for seven years and develop a waxy coating for protection against harsh climate conditions that when scraped back, after all that time, reveal a bright-green, young leaf underneath! Conceived and created by Laurent Baussan, son of L’Occitane (no introduction needed) founder Olivier Baussan, the Oliv laboratories have found the secret to skin longevity in the olive leaf, then combined it with the moisturizing properties of green tea, edelweiss & aloe vera to produce this new organic skincare collection called Oliv.

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Aveda Lights The Way :: A Scented Candle That Gives Back.

Emma Pezzack — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:50:47 +0000

I’m a die hard scented candle afficianado, but besides the obvious olfactory pleasures I gain from burning a delicious organic version, the new ‘Light The Way’ limited edition soy wax candle from Aveda gives me extra reason to feel good.

Inspired by a French stress-relieving aroma comprised exclusively of certified organic ingredients including clary sage, lavender and lavandin, 100% of proceeds from this sale of this candle will help Aveda donate a total of $1,000,000 to clean water projects around the globe. Over 1 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water and children are dying every day from preventable diseases as a result.

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Project Green Prom :: Win A Trip To NYC, Green Makeover, Eco-Prom Dress & More!

Emma Pezzack — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:19:47 +0000

Oh the excitement of prom season! Selecting the dress, practicing makeup techniques, reserving a corsage, hiring a limo with your GF’s, mani/pedi… who doesn’t want to be princess for a day! With so many choices to make, thinking about the environment & being healthy amongst all the distraction might not automatically be a high priority, but Teens Turning Green & Whole Foods are joining forces to prove just how easy (and stylish), it is to make thoughtful, earth friendly decisions around prom season. The program, called Project Green Prom, is launching with a fun, online video contest for high school juniors & seniors. All you have to do is post your most creative & fabulous three-minute video that answers the question, “How would you green your prom?” Submit between now & March 30th via

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Think Pink, Go Green :: New Organic Beauty From Victoria’s Secret.

Emma Pezzack — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:45:26 +0000

The girls spoke and Victoria’s Secret listened! Who among us hasn’t lusted after some of the sexy underpinnings I regularly drool over at Victoria’s Secret? Well now there’s another collection for you to covet, and holy moly, wait for it… it’s both organic & vegan!! PINK BODY is a unique and bold new move for this conventional retailer and they get a big gold star for paying attention to their customers. The brand new line of skin-loving and earth friendly products is created specifically for the pink girl who loves beauty products, but will not sacrifice looks for anyone, or anything. Designed to pamper pink girls from tip to toe: nourishing for dry skin, energizing for dull, sluggish skin and soothing for extra-sensitive skin. Plus, four additional essentials that everyone can use and love. PINK BODY is a testament to the power we all have as one lone voice, to collectively impact positive change in this world. Go girls! From: www.organicbeautyview.com

Aveda Does It Again :: Red Carpet/Green Beauty At The Oscars.

Emma Pezzack — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:25:43 +0000

Hot off NY Fashion Week came the Oscars and in this recession, I’m happy to report, not for a moment did they disappoint. As an Organic Glamazon, who loves to watch the stunning parade of gorgeous, glamorous and uber chic gowns, hair and makeup, it was a night of decadent, unapologetic, head-turning, fashion glory that saw couture from Galliano, Yves Saint Laurent, Balmain, Versace, Dior and on it went - in styles from fairy-tale princess to sheathed, strapless, modern goddesses (what about that lineup of past Best Actress winners??). In a show that’s been accused of sadly lacking a ‘green’ emphasis this year, it was refreshing to hear at least some small measure of eco-friendly pushed through the ranks to front and center stage - literally. Yep, Aveda did it again with the red carpet looks of Freida Pinto (radiant in John Galliano) and Dev Patel, the gorgeous stars of Slumdog Millionare, as well as Taraji Henson (Benjamin Button). Celebrity editorial hair stylist Jeffrey Paul was on hand with a team of Aveda stylists to create the elegant and simply beautiful looks, using everything from the Pure Abundance Volumizing Shampoo, Phomollient Styling Foam, and Light Elements Defining Whip, to do just that… whip them into red carpet ready stunners.

Image Credit :: Photographer - Jason Merritt // Getty Images

Aveda Rocks Rodarte :: NY Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2009

Emma Pezzack — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:46:38 +0000

Rodarte started making an eco-splash about 4 years ago, having partnered with Aveda in various ways for their shows. Known for their groundbreaking, artisan & artistic approach to their work, the girls have become more and more environmentally savvy over the years. “They are unique,” said Kirsten Dunst of Kate and Laura Mulleavy, front-row at their show today. “They didn’t just study fashion. You can see that. It’s very emotional clothing.” Inspired by Aveda’s committment to the environment, this year, besides using all recycled & recyclable materials for their sets, they enlisted the help of celebrity & uber famous hairstylist, Odile Gilbert, notable for creating looks for all the top supermodels, all the top magazines and all the top designers over the last 15yrs. His latest tour de force has him leading a team of Aveda stylists for the Winter/Fall Rodarte show that hit the runways this week. Using a slew of Aveda products, including Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener (which if you recall we reviewed recently) and Air Control Hair Spray (to minimize flyaways & add shine), the girls had a “modern, architectural look with slicked back hair and a deep side part. A ponytail was then laced up and wrapped to create a modern version of a chignon.”

Image Credit :: Photographer - Greg Kessler // Style.com

Cashmere Soft 3-In-1 Cleansing :: Kaia Bamboo Facial Cloths.

Emma Pezzack — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:24:00 +0000

Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths are a brilliant, 3-in-1 quick cleansing solution that removes all traces of makeup, daily grime & buildup. Inspired by a sustainable clothing designer, not only is bamboo cashmere soft to touch making it perfect for sensitive skins & eye makeup removal, it is naturally antimicrobial and antifungal, requiring no pesticides to grow. Formulated to bring convenience to our lives with essentially three products in one cloth, these are great for eye makeup removal, facial cleansing & toning. Infused with 8 pure citrus essential oils, organic Canadian honey, sunflower seed oil, oat amino acids, and fatty alcohol that won’t dry skin. Leaves skin feeling velvety soft, non-irritated, no sticky residue & no need to rinse with water. Made from 100% sustainable bamboo, Kaia Facial Cleansing Cloths are natural, non-harmful, unbleached, biodegradable and recyclable. The container snaps shut to keep the cloths fresh & ready for use, anywhere & anytime you need them. At only $18 for a pack of 30, toss out those MAC wipes & go for the healthy version instead! Available exclusively at www.futurenatural.com

Organic Beauty View Giveaway :: Who Wants To Be Enbrightened?

Emma Pezzack — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:51:22 +0000

As a sun worshipper many years ago, who giddily slapped on coconut oil and eagerly awaited the burn I’d get after hours of baking, I’m now suffering the effects of too much exposure. The greatest cause of skin damage including premature aging, discoloration, fine lines, pigmentation, is the sun. Period. Free-radicals are formed with over exposure which run rampant, cause havoc and breakdown the very structure of skin, which leads to all of the above. Ah, if only I’d listened to my mother admonishing my bad sun habits! Too late for hindsight, but not too late for some enlightenment. Aveda are about to release a new skincare line called Enbrightenment, an entire line containing a plant-powered, skin brightening blend.

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Bad Hair Days Meet Your Match :: Aveda Smooth Infusion.

Emma Pezzack — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:35:49 +0000

Far from being my ‘crowning glory’ my hair is actually my worst nightmare! I have hair that happily resides in ‘neither here nor there’ land when it comes to attributes and seems to have a mind of its own: oily & flat at the roots but some days I get amazing root lift; dry ends that are fragile no matter how many 6wk hair cuts I maintain; easily straightened but immediately ruined by humidity; some days does exactly what I want and others not… I curse that I was not one of the fortunate (and rare?) people who has ‘normal’ hair! However, I was recently sent a sample of the new Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother and not only am I loving it, so is my hair.

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Style, Naturally :: Summer Rayne Oakes Launches New Book.

Emma Pezzack — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:41:11 +0000

Environmental activist, green advocate, model, scientist & gorgeous girl-about-the-green-scene, Summer Rayne Oakes is about to launch her first book titled ‘Style, Naturally’. Touted as a savvy shopping guide to sustainable shopping & beauty, the book will be available at all major locations like Amazon.com, Borders and Barnes & Noble, but also cool, conscientious booksellers like Better World Books, which has raised over 5.2 million dollars for literacy projects and diverted close to 17 million books from the landfill. Coming soon is also a website, stylenaturally.com, which in Summer’s words, “is for all the latest updates and a big-ass style directory with all the great sustainable fashion and beauty brands.” You can view a sneak preview from the book on Summer’s site and you can also read an insightful interview with her in the new issue of Coco Eco Magazine, (she’s also the Jan/Feb covergirl).

Beauty Alert :: Popular Moisturizers Linked To Skin Cancer?

Emma Pezzack — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:54:49 +0000

I wrote about this last year on Organic Beauty View when the news first broke, and since then, there’s been a storm of response from the manufacturers of the brands that were listed - all fiercely defending their million dollar investements, as you’d expect them to. According to Cosmetics Design - Europe, tests were conducted by scientists at Rutgers State University of New Jersey, with the study concluding that applying a number of commercially available moisturising creams (Dermabase, Dermovan, Eucerin or Vanicream), to the skin of mice pre-treated with UVB (to make them high risk for skin cancer), increased the rate of tumor formation.

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