Inner and outer beauty are major keys to healthy living. Daily we are bombarded with free radicals, harmful GMO’s, negative commentary of world events, and general un-coolness. So, how do members of the modern hippie tribe combat this and maintain “eco-beautyness”?

Steve

My eco-beauty habits are pretty simple. I take a shower when I feel dirty or sweaty and generally wash my hair with some sort of shampoo product. I dry my hair with a towel, run my fingers through it, sometimes with some jojoba oil or natural gel/mousse, and then let it dry on its own. About twice a week, I shave with the razor I’ve written about using the same products I used two years ago (literally, the same containers… I don’t shave often). Then I use some sort of deodorant, spray a bit of organic cologne so I smell a little better for a little longer, and brush my teeth. That’s as eco-beautiful as I’m gonna get. – Steve, Lifestyle Guru

Shayna

Habits that promote inner health along with a handful of products that I rely on every day are the basis of my beauty routine. The energy, calm and clarity I get from being outside, doing yoga regularly and being sure to drink lots of water, eat plenty of fruits and veggies and avoiding too much dairy are elements of my life that no products could ever replace. There are a few products have really stood out for me these past couple of years. I take Cellfood, a mineral, enzyme and amino acid oxygenating supplement every day- it’s the only thing I’ve ever taken that I notice a huge difference with (in everything from my energy level to my skin). Good For You Girls Blemish Wash might be the best darn face wash I’ve ever used; it’s sulfate-free, enzyme-based, really keeps my pores clear and also works great as a mask. Lastly, I love to smell good but I also cannot tolerate synthetic fragrances! The combo I’ve been wearing of Malie Kauai Koke’e and Ambre Blends Solace not only make me feel fabulous every time I smell it, but has garnered more compliments than anything I’ve every worn! – Shayna, Beyond Beauty Editor

Adwoa

My eco-beauty routine is as hands-off as I can get it. I have eczema on my face (severe in high school, but it’s gotten more manageable over the years). So I try to interfere as little as possible. I’m careful to drink lots of water, and I use mostly organic products on my face and body. I don’t wear makeup because when it’s on it often irritates my skin, and removing it strips my skin of much-needed oils. My scalp is similarly sensitive, and I’ve found that since shaving my head and removing the need for styling products, it is much happier!

When I was still swimming competitively, I relied on a steroid cream to keep my face in check. But after I stopped – and found out that persistent use of topical steroids can thin the mesoderm and increase risk of melanoma – I switched to a cortisone cream instead. Recently I came across a study implying that the skin of those with eczema is higher-cholesterol than average, and that a low-cholesterol diet can go a long way towards mitigating symptoms. So that’s another thing I’m weighing and might try.

Overall, the condition has pushed me to nourish my body while avoiding petroleum products and needless stress: not bad advice, regardless of what might be going on at skin level! – Adwoa, Managing Editor

Nadya

Since I am trying to be very mindful of what foods I use to nourish my body, it would be counterproductive to keep using chemical-loaded beauty products to nourish my skin. At the end, skin is the biggest organ in our body and absorbs everything we smother on it so it better be good! In my search for effective, natural, and preferably not too smelly products (my boyfriend rejected a few creams that smelled like a mowed lawn) I found a few that became my favorites. Right now I use coconut oil or ghee to prevent chapped Winter lips, Sundari Neem and Aloe Vera Tonic followed by a Neem and Avocado Balancing Moisturizer, Pratima products for my hair, and Oatmeal, Honey Whipped Shea Butter as a whole body moisturizer. Juicing or salad leftovers often end up on my face: cucumber skins is my favorite! A drop of essential oil works as a perfume and a good workout creates a healthy blush! – Nadya, Wellness Warrior

Jaszy

I have noticed that since passing the 40 year old mark my beauty regimen has taken on a bit more and a bit less in the process. I’d say that I probably use more products than I did in my 20’s and 30’s but I know that I’m using less in the way of ingredients and products that are bad for me.  My dear friend and fearless eco-beauty goddess Shayna has been my source of beauty education since MHMag began and I credit her with helping me understand the dangers of Parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol.

Over the years I’ve had occasion to sample and play with many a product and can honestly say that I’m just tickled that I’ve found a routine that works. Daily I wash my face with Acure Olive + Mint creamy cleanser and tone with pure Witch Hazel. For the increasing lines and wrinkles around my eyes, yes they are there…I use a super creamy eye cream and follow with Acure Chamomile + Carrot Day Cream or the Acure Radical Age Reversal Night Cream…’cause I ain’t getting any younger people. Every other day or so I use a brightening facial scrub to help with uneven skin tone and on days where I’m on stage or in front of the camera I dust with a natural mineral foundation and add some color.

All in all, I’d say the best part of my beauty routine is understanding and coming to peace with myself and my endeavor to be more conscious of my lifestyle choices and to not be so hard on myself when I sometimes miss the mark. Oftentimes a good eco-beauty choice can be as simple as deciding to drink more water, walk more, or trade one questionable beauty product for something more nature based. Whatever your inner or outer beauty routine, I hope that you choose to be present and be happy. - Jaszy, Head Honcho

We ‘d love to hear what you do to stay beautiful. Feel free to share your eco-beauty routine with us!

Feature image courtesy flickr.com/jadendave. 

How do you eco-beauty? is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Amanda

I always get totally giddy when asked to collaborate on these types of articles. Naturally a few days were spent tossing around what I would share with you as “my must have for summer”, I went down the list: Bug Spray, Hats, Sunglasses… I took a few moments to go down the list of summer activities and then it hit me! What goes with us, EVERYWHERE and is often on my bedside table at night? What do we buy by the case and is our go to in sickness and in health?  Coco H2o!!

Summer is the time to enjoy water, food, and fun OUTDOORS. Inevitably it’s also the time for massive amounts of heat and sweat that can leave even the most self aware person in a bit of a sluggish state. Signs of dehydration can include: loss of sweat, heart palpitations, and vomiting (Totally a party foul at the 4th of July BBQ) and can sneak up on you fast. It’s particularly easy for little ones to get dehydrated due to their little bodies working supremely hard to regulate their body’s temperature. With all the sketchiness surrounding bottled water, why not choose Coconut instead? An excellent source of potassium ( an essential electrolyte that keeps the cramps away) an average 8oz. serving of Coco H20 contains a whopping 294 milligrams!

Low in sugar=(contains only naturally occurring sugars) completely kid friendly. 99% Fat Free= Mommy approved, Organic hydration a’la Mother Earth.

Jerah

I like my smoothies with mango, my coffee with cream, my jeans skinny and my jewelry natural. The most unusual summer fun jewelry is coming out of South America. The colors are brilliant, the weight light, the designs vogue, and the price affordable. My sustainable summer pick for jewelry is the Palma Collection, bringing you exotic handcrafted pieces, each made unique from a rare palm tree nut only found in the tropical rain forests along the South American coastline.

The nut, known as Tagua, a 200 year old ivory, is used to make buttons, necklaces, sculptures, and chess pieces. Also called the “vegetable ivory” of South America, similar in nature to animal ivory, for its texture and cream color but smoother, harder and more manageable to carve. Harvested after it falls off the palm tree with brilliant colors infused with non-toxic dyes, makes this entire process environmentally friendly (click to watch video). Interestingly enough, Tagua was a major commodity of luxury and utility items in the global marketplace spanning over three continents until plastics came along.

Tagua is known to bring happiness, prosperity, love and abundance. The Palma Collection has designed an array of beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces to choose from including vegan friendly necklaces, adjustable straps, chokers, dangling collars and plunging necklines. Don’t be afraid of color this summer, and pick up a necklace with a matching pair of earrings and a bracelet from Palma Collection. Kudos to Palma for giving 5% of gross sales to causes that support preserving Mother Earth and fighting cancer.

Palma Collection - Tefani Earrings, Hozwayama Necklace, Arrayan bracelet

My 3 picks are an un-dyed Hozwayama necklace, a yellow pair of laser-cut Tefani earrings and a black and white zebra striped stretchy Arrayan bracelet. What’s yours?

Shayna

While there is a lot of information out there (most of it conflicting) about the risks and benefits of using an SPF, there’s one thing that is certain: if you’re out in the sun for long enough without one, you’re gonna get burned. So what’s the safest way to keep you and your family protected from the sun’s damaging UV rays this summer without putting your health at risk in other ways? The answer is a 100% natural sunscreen that uses minerals (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) to protect skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays along with naturally protective plant oils and anti-oxidant rich botanicals.

My pick for the past few years has been Badger Balm’s award-winning SPF30 Sunscreen and it isn’t changing. Using only NON-nano zinc oxide in a base of certified organic oils, this SPF is fantastic! The mineral Zinc reflects and scatters UV rays to prevent burning and sun damage. The organic extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, cocoa butter and shea butter protect skin, enhancing its lipid barrier and preventing water loss without clogging pores while the nutrient-rich and reparative vitamin E and Seabuckthorn prevents and repairs damage. It’s also super concentrated and water resistant (after an hour in the ocean, the water was still beading off my skin where I had applied it) and it starts working immediately upon application (no need to wait 20 minutes like with chemical SPFs). After a day at the beach, my skin is still soft, moisturized and burn-free.

It’s available in a completely unscented version, lavender, a chamomile and calendula baby formulation, and an essential oil-based anti-bug formulation .And at under twenty bucks, it’s one of the most reasonably priced organic sunscreens available. The only caveat, being non-nano, it does leave a slight “sheen” if you have darker, more tanned skin; on the flip side though, you’ll know if you missed a spot!

Jaszy

Personally, for me summer means VACATION and getting away from my normal routine…even if for only a weekend at a time. Why not carry your summer essentials in fab eco-fashion style?!

Check out the Canopy Verde Cassia Weekender bag ($199.00) made of organic cotton and bamboo blend fabric. CanopyVerde designer, Linda Wong, is committed to ensuring that her designs are of the greenest handbag collection by examining every aspect of production down to the last detail. Everything from the lining to the stitching was taken in to consideration. The organic cotton used is dyed with special OEKO-TEX 100 Certified Dying Process. They are then finished with chemical-free embroidery, chrome-free leather and wooden hardware.

I love that the designs are light to carry with a simple aesthetic. The Cassia Weekender features an opening similar to the doctor’s bags of days old, making it easy to stay open for loading your digs.

Canopy Verde also has a collection of clutches in bright summer hues like coral and plum!

My ultimate summer must-have is a travel size version of my most favoritest board game ever…Scrabble!!! I love words and I love strategizing, which is why I LOVE this game…I always go for the triple word scores! I have fond childhood memories of playing game after game of Scrabble with my family, especially during summer vacation from school.

The travel size version of Scrabble makes it so easy for you to take it on the road…in the car, to the park, on a flight even! The cute board folds in half with storage inside for the game parts. The letter pieces snap in place on the board so there’s no worry your game will be disrupted by potholes or turbulence. And comes with a nifty zippered travel case.  I love it!

In honor of my favorite summer past-time and all our facebook fans who love it too…we’re giving away one travel-size Scrabble game to one lucky Modern Hippie Mag reader!

Here’s what you gotta do…

1. Leave a comment here telling us what your family summer plans are.
2. Like Modern Hippie Mag on Facebook.
3. Follow Modern Hippie Mag on Twitter.
4. Tweet this: {Giveaway} Playin’ Summer Fun with Modern Hippie Mag http://ow.ly/5oKdl #mhmfun (Tweet often but don’t forget to add #mhmfun to your tweet so that we can keep track!)
5. Subscribe to Your Weekly Vibe to know if you’ve won!

For additional entries, chat us up!

• Blog about this giveaway and link to this post.
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook wall.
• Add Modern Hippie Mag to your Blog Roll or Featured Blogs list.

(Remember to leave a separate comment for each requirement for more chances to win!)

More details:

• Open to U.S. entrants only.
• Recipients chosen at random using Random.org.
• Won something in the last thirty days?  Last month’s winners are ineligible for this giveaway.
• Giveaway ends 12 noon EST, on Friday, July 8, 2011.
• Be sure to subscribe to Your Weekly Vibe to know if you’ve won!

5 MUST-HAVE’s for Summer! is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

When I mention blotting papers I usually get one of two response: “Oh my gosh- I LOVE blotting papers!” OR “What the heck is a blotting paper?” Either way, most people I know who have tried them, end up being hooked, and for good reason.

Essentially, blotting papers are just what they sound like: little sheets of “paper” used to absorb excess oil on the face or set makeup in place. They usually come in a little pack of some sort. Simply press a sheet (gently) against your skin and the fibers of the paper absorb oil and moisture, eliminating shine but leaving your makeup intact. They’re especially fantastic for oily and combo-skin as they help eliminate the excess oil without having to re-apply powders throughout the day. For the drier skin types, they can help with sweat and humidity. Even guys can use these!

Seems pretty basic, right? So what’s the “eco catch”?  While blotting papers are traditionally a natural product made from some sort of absorbent material (rice paper, silk, linen, and hemp to name a few) and sometimes have additional ingredients (like silk powder or botanicals) on or in them, some companies have managed to complicate this simple concept. They may use other ingredients, including dyes and perfumes in or on the papers and the papers themselves may not even be natural (Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control papers are a great example of this).

For me at least, the whole point of blotting papers is to help control oil without putting any chemicals or additional product on my skin. Additionally, as they are single-use and each sheet is thrown away after use, it’s ideal to find papers that are made from sustainable fibers and are also biodegradable.

ENTER TATCHA: ABURATORIGAMI JAPANESE BLOTTING PAPERS

Tatcha’s blotting papers are generously sized- larger than many other blotting papers. They’re also strong and absorbent enough to use both sides; one sheet was plenty to “de-shine” my oily complexion. In barely seconds they whisk away oil and you can see it on the paper so you really know it works!  It doesn’t hurt that the packaging is beautiful, too. When asked, “These papers are that special?” in a recent interview for the blog Beautylish, Tatcha’s founder, Victoria Tsai, answered “Absolutely. It’s unusual to find something truly historical. The further we get along in the future, we must realize that there’s wisdom in the past to look for. I think it’s a beautiful concept to perpetuate old rituals and secrets, and if people in Japan still use it after 300 years, it’s working.” I agree!

The origin of these papers comes from the heart of imperial Japan. Abura-tori-gami actually means “oil blotting paper” in Japanese and refers specifically to the papers that result from the production of gold-leaf. For centuries gold craftsman used the abaca leaf to protect the gold as they hammered it into whisper-thin gold-leaf which was then used to enrobe the majestic pavilions. What was left was sheets of natural, absorbent abaca paper. Aburatorigami are considered to be the “gold standard” (no pun intended) in blotting papers. It remains a mystery exactly when, but somewhere along the line, the geishas realized the benefit of using the discarded papers to keep their makeup flawless and their complexions oil-free. Aburatorigami have been a Japanese beauty staple ever since.

Because Tatcha papers are made from abaca leaf, not only are they strong, soft (no potentially irritating wood pulp) and absorbent, but they’re also environmentally friendly and sustainable. As blogger/professor/scientist Alastair Iles puts it, “artisans hammer away on old leaf and use the abaca leaf to protect the gold. As such, it’s a by-product from a tradition craft process that’s deeply rooted in Japanese culture, thus using material that might otherwise be thrown away. After the paper is used, it can be composted, as it degrades naturally back into the earth. No oil-based chemicals are used; the energy comes from human, not from fossil fuels. As a result, aburatorigami has relatively low environmental impact.”

TATCHA’S PHILANTHROPY

When the recent natural disaster hit Japan, founder Victoria didn’t hesitate to jump in to find a way to help. Donating all the profits from their March special Kokoroyori Aburatorigami gift set, Tatcha was able to donate $10,000 for disaster relief. They’re also an active supporter of Save the Children, a humanitarian organization that has been active in Japan for over 25 years. In response to this act, Victoria said “In times like these, our friends are our greatest resources. Amidst the tragedy in Japan, there is also astounding beauty in the spirit of the Japanese people working collectively to support survivors. [It was] In appreciation of a culture that inspires us so.” And, as Victoria and Tatcha Aburatorigami were inspired by the traditions of Japan and its people, I’m inspired by Victoria and by a product that demonstrates how green and gorgeous beauty can be.

Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese blotting papers are available at Butterfly Effect and Tatcha.com

The Japanese Secret For a Shine-Free Complexion republished with permission from the Butterfly Effect blog.

Shayna

After nearly three years managing a bath and beauty boutique, Shayna decided to go out on her own and open Butterfly Effect, a holistic, eco-conscious beauty boutique located in Sarasota, Florida. Our very own “Beauty Chick”, read Shayna’s other intriguing articles and product reviews here.

The Japanese Secret For a Shine-Free Complexion is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Seed Body Cream contains shea butter that is Ultra Hydrating, but used alone can be greasy and oily.  Seed Body Cream blends rich shea butter with ultra absorbent grape seed oil in a unique formula that feels indulgent, smells wonderful (essential oil aromatherapy blends), and goes on smooth – all while nourishing your skin with antioxidants and essential fatty acids for your most healthy look.  Experience the benefits of Seedology^TM.

• Deeply Moisturizes even the driest skin
• Soothes mind and body with natural essential oil fragrance
• Absorbs quickly, yet long lasting
• Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids
• Natural ingredients and nutrients with (published science) skincare benefits:
  1. Grape seed oil
  2. Shea Butter
  3. Green Tea Extract
  4. Aloe

Seed Body Care promotes healthy skin through proprietary formulas of seed blends that contain an abundance of skin nutrients, including: antioxidants, essential fatty acid and more.

Introducing NEW Seed Body Cream – 100% Natural, 0% Compromise is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Made up of six unique products: Whipped Cream Cleanser, Nutrient Toning Elixir, Hydrating Day Cream, i-cream Nourishing Eye Care, Cellagen Renewal Serum and Nighttime Recovery Cream, the Active Age DefenseTM system is Earth Science’s most advanced line of premium skin care products. All formulated with an exclusive Beta-Ginseng® Complex and packed with an arsenal of age-fighting ingredients including Jojoba, Avocado Oil, Aloe Vera, and Vitamins A, C and E. Free of animal products, parabens, toxins, artificial colors and mineral oils, advances in natural cosmetic chemistry have crafted a system of only the purest and highest quality ingredients. Daily use dramatically reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots and reveals radiantly soft, healthy and younger looking skin.

For over 30 years, Earth Science has delivered a remarkable line of natural skin, body and hair-care products known for their clean ingredients and immediate results. Their continued commitment to excellence has led to revolutionary products abundant in beet derived hyaluronic acid, azulene and micellized beta-carotene. Now you can treat yourself using the power of Mother
Nature.

Earth Science cares about the environment we share. While so many other companies are owned by large corporate parents, they remain a family business, putting their hearts into the products we make. They are committed to making a positive contribution to your life and to our planet.

Act now to receive samples of all 6 Active Age Defense products PLUS coupons worth over $40 in savings!

New from Earth Science Naturals! is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Far too often they contain all kinds of harmful synthetic chemicals and preservatives. The good news is that you can reduce the amount of chemicals you are exposed to and still look fantastic by making easy substitutions.

Consider making some of these natural beauty swaps!

Face Cleanser
The cleanser is the foundation of all beauty routines that keeps us clean and clear. In an effort to manufacture products cheaper and have a longer shelf life, many cleansers contain all kinds of harsh chemicals like BHA, PEG, Parabens, Salicylic Acid, and Triclosan. Consider swapping out your conventional face wash for safer chemical-free cleansers or simply dab a cotton ball with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and massage gently over your face; it’s is a very good natural cleanser to eliminate dirt and oil.

Face & Body Moisturizer
Moisturizers are vital to keep our skin soft, happy and balanced. One wonders then why so many contain all kinds of eyebrow raising ingredients like Hydroquinone, Triethanolamine, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance, and Alumina. Keep yourself healthy and hydrated by applying a little jojoba or coconut oil to your face and body after showering; these oils are light, absorb fast and won’t clog your pores.

Eye Makeup Remover
While working great to remove waterproof mascara after a long day of work or a late night partying; most conventional pads or gel eye makeup remover is full of synthetic chemicals like Benzyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, and Tetrasodium EDTA. Next time put a few drop of coconut or olive oil on a cotton ball and smooth over closed eyes to clean them without irritation.

Cuticle Softener
Hydrated cuticles are important for healthy hands and nails. Unfortunately, many cuticle creams and gels contain stuff like Linalool, Limonene, Propylparaben, and Ethanol. You can achieve soft cuticles naturally by simply placing your fingers in a bowl of warm olive oil for a few minutes a few times a week.

Eye Cream
Hydrating the delicate skin around the eyes is important to prevent fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. It’s a shame that so many anti-age eye creams and serums are made with harmful ingredients like Coumarin, Oxybenzone, PEG, and Methylparaben. Try swapping the expensive creams for sweet almond or argan oil, just massage a little around the eyes each night before bed.

Got your own secret beauty substitutions? Share it by posting in the comments below!

Charmaine Leah

Charmaine Leah is a professional esthetician and skin therapist with a deep passion for beauty and living a natural lifestyle. She hosts the popular video blog Glamology and is the founder of Mint & Berry an online organic beauty retailer. Having grown up with sensitive skin, she became an activist for chemical-free products and now helps educate others on the dangers of toxic cosmetics. Find her on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Use This Not That – 5 Natural Do-It-Yourself Beauty Substitutions is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Eco Me Beautiful Box Set

The limited edition Eco Me Beautiful gift set officially launches today!  Crafted by seven very eco-glam ladies, (including yours truly…but really, I didn’t do much except stand around and look pretty!), this unique box set includes:

• Pure Pleasures Recipe Book by Natalia of Glowing Temple – 75 fresh recipes and essential lifestyle tips that focus on the joy of preparing and eating raw, organic foods.

• Butterfli Tube by Jerah & Russet of Ecovogue365 – A divine chocolaty brown Butterfli “shorty” tube hand made exclusively for the box set by Russet using reclaimed fabrics.  Convertible, versatile, and stylish, the Butterfli tube can be worn many ways.

• Urban Girl Bohemian Wrap by Christina of Urban Eco Beauty –  A unique and versatile hand-made fashion accessory made with recycled and vintage material.  Each piece will vary slightly per box set.

• Beauty Box by Shayna of Butterfly Effect Holistic Beauty Boutique – This collection contains a sampling of Butterfly Effect’s best-selling natural and organic bath, beauty and skincare products including but not limited to, Zoya nail polish, LaLicious Sugar Scrub, Badger Balm and more.

• 7-day cleanse from  Cylleria of Cylleria’s Complete Coaching & Liz of Liz Schau’s Holistic Health Counseling – This double gift includes Oxy-Powder, a powerful, yet safe oxygen-based colon cleanser that flushes and detoxifies your colon while you sleep and detailed guidance of  which foods and beverages to consume while on your one-week cleanse. A BONUS 30-minute session with Cylleria or Liz for support and information during or after your cleanse also included.

Designed with a vision to help you radiate your eco-glam from the inside out, this “green & glam” gift set will be your luxe indulgence this holiday season!

Starting today through 11/25/10 only 100 will be sold at the extremely low price of $199 plus FREE shipping, (total value is $500!)

Eco-fashion, beauty, and health & wellness, this box set has it all for the lady in your life…including YOU!

To get the full scoop and to order your very own Eco Me Beautiful Box Set before they sell out, visit www.ecomebeautiful.com.

The Ladies of Eco Me Beautiful

7 fabulous women + 6 unique products = the Eco Me Beautiful Box Set is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Chemicals such as phthalates, mineral oils, sodium lauryl sulphate, propylene glycol, and parabens are all commonly used in cosmetics; many of which have known or suspected links to serious health problems like cancer, infertility, birth defects, and hormone disruption.

Part of the problem is that unlike food or drugs, cosmetics come under little government regulation. In North America, government bodies like the Food and Drug Administration don’t have the power to approve or regulate most cosmetic ingredients. As a result, manufacturers can use virtually any ingredient in their products without having to conduct any pre-market safety testing.

Recently, non-profit organizations like the Environmental Working Group have begun conducting studies looking at chemicals in makeup, hair and skin products. Among other things, they’ve found that more than 1 in 5 personal care products contain chemicals linked to cancer, 45% are reported to be potentially harmful to reproductive systems and/or fetal development, and 60% have ingredients that can act like estrogen and disrupt hormones.

That isn’t to say all synthetic chemicals are harmful or dangerous, or that products which include them should be avoided. It’s just that there is a lack of conclusive long-term safety information and for our health we should try to be as informed, knowledgeable, and smart as possible. We can’t possibly eliminate all exposure to synthetic chemicals; but we can certainly make choices that can reduce it.

Many people have begun to “green” their beauty routines to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals – by buying products with fewer of them. It’s easy and in most cases it’s as simple as choosing Product B instead of Product A.

So what can we do? Here are some practical tips to help you green your beauty routine:

• Don’t Read Labels – There is no legal definition for words like “natural”, “organic”, or “herbal” on beauty product packaging and many products advertise these in their name but may still contain petrochemicals, toxins, and harsh preservatives.
• Read Ingredients – Learn to start reading and recognizing harmful ingredients, things such as: butyl acetate, BHT, coal tar, formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone etc. If you come across any eyebrow-raising ingredients search for them on Skin Deep Cosmetic Database, an independent resource of personal care product safety information.
• Avoid buying products that contain “fragrance” or “parfum”. By-law companies don’t have to disclose what ingredients constitute fragrance but often it’s hundreds of ingredients which may be toxic to the brain and cause endocrine or hormone disruption. Instead choose products that use natural essential oils.
• Conventional cleansers are often formulated with ingredients like sulfates, parabens, triclosan, and fragrance. Try switching to natural cleansers rich in fruit oils like lemon, avocado, jojoba, tea-tree oils, tea extracts, and aloe leaf juice.
• Avoid lip products that contain lead, artificial colors, lanolin, or petrochemicals like petrolatum. Opt instead for those that contain beeswax, shea butter, and fruit pigments.
• When shopping for beauty products, consider simple substitutions, like using avocado oil on your skin instead of mineral oil, cornstarch instead of baby powder, or try using coconut oil as natural eye makeup remover and a face/body moisturizer.
• Using every day ingredients from your kitchen, you can make many of your own beauty products like scrubs, masks, and skin treatments. Lots of easy recipes can be found online or in the book Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles, such as mixing 1/4 cup olive oil & 1/2 cup brown sugar for a fabulous face and body scrub.
• Read the book Not Just a Pretty Face by Stacy Malkan. It’s probably the most important book written about the toxic nature of the beauty industry. The book gives you lots of information on everyday products, resources and tools to make smarter decisions on what to buy.
• Shop online! The easiest place to find organic, natural, and non-toxic beauty products is on the internet. Some of my favorite eco-boutiques are: Mint and Berry, Saffron Rouge, Futurenatural, Spirit Beauty Lounge, Green Line Beauty, Beautorium, Sephora Natural & Organic.

Charmaine Leah

Charmaine Leah is a professional esthetician and skin therapist with a deep passion for beauty and living a natural lifestyle. She hosts the popular video blog Glamology and is the founder of Mint & Berry an online organic beauty retailer. Having grown up with sensitive skin, she became an activist for chemical-free products and now helps educate others on the dangers of toxic cosmetics. Find her on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Don't Just Be Pretty – Have a Smart Beauty Routine is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

We first told you about Nature’s Basin a whee-bit ago in our post, A world of beauty care products from Nature’s Basin and now we’re just pleased as punch that they are offering one very lucky Modern Hippie Mag reader a chance to receive a $25 gift certificate!

Nature’s Basin’s natural and organic beauty care products are formulated with ingredients from natural sources, such as plants, flowers, fruit, and vegetables.  Their products do not contain any synthetic chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, fragrances, or dyes.

Note: To be eligible you must be a Modern Hippie Mag subscriber receiving our updates via email, or RSS, Facebook fan, and/or Twitter follower (tell us your Twitter name in your comment below).

(Complete the following in separate comments below for more chances to win!)

1. Follow Nature’s Basin on Twitter, @naturesbasin.
2. Show that you like Nature’s Basin on Facebook.
3. Sign up to receive their newsletter chock full of exclusive offers, new product previews and more!
4. Tweet this: {Giveaway} Nature’s Basin – Organic Beauty Care http://ow.ly/2ujYL @naturesbasin #natbasin (Tweet often but don’t forget to add #natbasin to your tweet so that we can keep track!)
5. Sign up to receive Modern Hippie Mag’s Newsletter du Jour – we’ve got groovy news and specials for you!

For additional entries, chat us up!

• Blog about this giveaway and link to this post.
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook wall.
• Add Modern Hippie Mag to your Blog Roll or Featured Blogs list.

(Remember to leave a separate comment for each requirement for more chances to win!)

More details:

• Open to U.S. entrants only.
• Recipients chosen at random using Random.org.
• Won something in the last thirty days?  Last month’s winners are ineligible for this giveaway.
• Giveaway ends 12 midnight EST, on Tuesday, September 7, 2010.  Winner will be announced on Wednesday, September 8, 2010.
• Winner will be contacted via email and/or Twitter.  You will have 48 hours to respond at which time another winner will be randomly chosen.

Don’t wanna leave it to chance?  Shop Nature’s Basin and get free shipping on all orders over $65 in the USA and free shipping on all orders over $95 to Hawaii and Alaska. Additionally, Nature’s Basin offers a 30 day lowest price guarantee. If you find a lower price online for a product within 30-days of its purchase, they will refund the difference to you. Nature’s Basin also offers a 90-day no questions asked full refund policy or store credit.  And they have a pretty sweet My Rewards Program too!

{Giveaway} Nature's Basin – Organic Beauty Care is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag

Nature’s Basin is a US based online retail store specializing in organic beauty product and natural makeup from around the world that are safe but also effective. Nature’s Basin analyzes every ingredient in the products they sell to ensure that the product is safe and there are no harmful chemicals in these products.

Our natural and organic beauty care products are formulated with ingredients from natural sources, such as plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables, etc. We select products that do not contain any synthetic chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, fragrances, or dyes.

Nature’s Basin not only selects beauty care brands that are committed to your health, but also a healthier environment through their production and packaging. We also make it easier for you to shop for products that are organic, vegan, cruelty-free, and hand-made based on your needs. We carry many excellent brands such as Erbaviva, NVEY Eco, Suki, Living Nature, Soleo Sunscreens, Pangea Organics, Sophyto, Suzanne aux bains, from around the world.

Nature’s Basin offers free shipping on all orders over $65 in the Continental USA and free shipping on all orders over $95 to Hawaii and Alaska. Additionally, Nature’s Basin offers a 30 day lowest price guarantee. If you find a lower price online for a product within 30-days of its purchase, we will refund the difference to you. Nature’s Basin also offers a 90-day no questions asked full refund policy or store credit.  And not to be missed is their My Rewards Program.

To stay up to date with news and specials, please sign-up for the newsletter and receive a 10% off coupon offer from their home page. Become their Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/naturesbasin and follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/naturesbasin.

A world of beauty care products from Nature's Basin is a post from: Modern Hippie Mag