In Search of Positive Product Evolution & Giveaway!

Posted by Shayna Teicher on Nov 25, 2009 in Beauty | 14 comments

I am all for change as part of a positive evolution. Let’s take a generally accepted product, method, belief, etc., and build upon what’s working and modify what isn’t, so that it can better work within the parameters of our current needs, system, dogma, etc. Essentially, I’m for more ‘good’ and less ‘bad’. Aren’t we all? The hard part is differentiating those entities which truly deliver change from those who simply promise it.

I tell you this to demonstrate what a product has to accomplish in order to win my favor and also to help explain why, despite my being constantly on the lookout for new, can’t-live-without-them, beauty products, I am fundamentally a creature of habit. I want to see change, and a lot of products only promise it. When I use a product I want it to meet my needs and expectations to the degree that when I run out, whether it’s shampoo or dish detergent, I am happy to replace it with the same kind. What I don’t want to do is feel the need to stand in the middle of the aisle for twenty minutes poring over toilet paper, debating whether I think the one with the half naked-baby on it will be less linty than the one with the cartoon bear or whether it’s better to have three layers of softness instead of cushiony quilting. So I save myself the aggravation (seriously!) and go with the supermarket recycled brand which is always exactly what I expect it to be: toilet paper and nothing more.

Case-and-point, I have used Kiss My Face’s Obsessively Natural Moisture Shave in Cool Mint almost exclusively for the past five years. I tried another brand once which was very nice, but also very expensive. Another time I got the peach one instead. That’s not a lot of straying for five years. Why have I stuck by Kiss My Face for this long? It’s because they give me more ‘good’ and less ‘bad’. It gives me a great, super-close shave, with zero irritation and it does it while being 99% natural, moisturizing, pH balanced, free of dyes, not tested on animals, and  biodegradable (to name just a few of its merits). Oh, and it lasts a really, really long time.

On the flip side, a product that recently inspired me to change my routine is Adara Organic Coconut Virgin Oil. Its scores from my “more good, less bad” method of product evaluation were outstanding. Adara is pure, cold-pressed (meaning they don’t use chemicals to extract it), organic, virgin coconut oil. Aside from being supremely moisturizing and soothing, coconut oil boasts natural antioxidants, vitamin E, minerals, and antimicrobial/antibacterial properties. It also works synergistically with our skin’s natural oils to help prevent clogged pores and breakouts. It can be used on your face, body, or hair and has innumerable health benefits both when applied topically and used as a health supplement. Even their production and employment practices are stellar. From paying fair wages to all their employees to helping provide educational and medical facilities to the community where Adara is harvested, this company truly understands what it means to be green. In fact, I highly suggest you check out their parent company  www.jcbeautygroup.com to learn more about the amazing ways this company gives back. Adara comes in 5 lush scents (Green Tea, Peach, Jasmine, Lavender and Rose) as well as an unscented version and sinks in so quickly (especially right after bathing) that if it didn’t leave your skin totally hydrated, super-soft and subtly scented, you might question whether or not you even put anything on.

So in light of green giving, I’m sharing the love by giving away sets of Kiss My Face Obsessively Natural Moisture Shave and Adara Organic Coconut Virgin Oil to three Modern Hippie Mag readers!

For a chance to receive one of these gift sets, here’s what you have to do:

1. In a comment on this post tell us which Adara scent you’d like to try, (Green Tea, Peach, or Lavender).

2. Subscribe to Modern Hippie Mag here.

3. Follow Modern Hippie Mag on Twitter, @modernhippiemag, leave your twitter username in your comment.

4. Retweet this giveaway (feel free to retweet often, everyday even!)

5. Become a Modern Hippie Mag fan on facebook and be sure to leave a comment there.

For more chances to win leave a separate comment for each.  For an added entry, blog about this giveaway and/or add Modern Hippie Mag to your blogroll. 

More details:

• Your gift will be mailed directly from Butterfly Effect so please be sure we know how to contact you to get your mailing address.
• You must complete all requirements to be eligible.
• Recipients chosen at random using random.org.
• Open to U.S. entrants only.
• Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd 2009.