Chic Galleria » Organic

Skin: Your Biggest Organ, Treat it Right

Dawn Del Russo — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:31:57 +0000

Everyday more and more beauty companies are choosing to go green with their products, and why not? So many of the best ingredients come from nature, so why pick up a product where you can barely read words like propilparabeno, or Laurent sulfate? Your skin is your biggest organ, take care of it. I found and use a ton of fabulous products that have simple ingredients, but work amazing. One of my ultimate indulgences is body scrubs. I love them and seriously, cannot get enough.

Valley Green Natural makes this Wildflower Honey Scrub that smells like heaven and leaves your skin ridiculously soft. The only ingredients, coarse sugars, bran oil, honey, and essential oils…and well it only cost $12..yup crazy!

Another super natural “body buffer” scrub is Nettiescrub. It has a bit of a different feeling from your usual scrub, less oily with fine granules. Simple ingredients like grape seed oil, olive oil sugar, and acai make it delectable. I tried the grapefruit, smelled fresh and clean and left my skin perfectly smooth.

How many shaving creams, lotions, and gels have you gone through to get your skin soft while shaving? I have tried countless bottles of different ones. I have only recently seen more natural products for this on the market. One sold at my all time favorite market Wholefoods, gets the natural job done, it’s by Pacific Shaving Company, and it is oil. A few drops right before shaving, your legs will be as sexy as the starlets on the red carpet. I love that your man can use it too.

Finally the last organic beauty item for instantly perfect skin is Stratus by Vapour. It is a mineral anti-aging primer that rids the complexion of lines, wrinkles and something I will do anything to get rid of, enlarged pores. Personally, I think large pours will make anyone’s skin look older..uggh hate them.

Natural, organic products are becoming so much more accessible in drug stores, at make-up counters, and of course online. Take care of your skin, no matter what your age. You can have a healthy glow with a little special attention and the right natural products.

Kisses

Dawn Del Russo is a TV personality, fashion expert seen on National TV Better TV, Fox 5 NY, InStyle Magazine, Life and Style Magazine, US Weekly for her fashion and lifestyle tips and advice. She is the author of “101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle”

Dawn has not been paid in any form for her thoughts or opinions.

Giveaway: Organic Soap Nuts

Editor — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:00:51 +0000

Canadian Entrepreneur’s Laundry Detergent Grows on Trees

Demetria Organics Soap Nuts Benefit the Body, Environment and Wallet

New e-business Demetria Organics is striving to save our planet, and our pocketbooks, one load of laundry at a time with its launch of Soap Nuts.

Soap Nuts are Himalayan tree berries that create cleansing bubbles when agitated in water. The suds are an antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, scent-free and additive-free alternative to laundry detergent and household cleaners.

Frustrated with questionable ingredients in commercial cleaning products, Canadian entrepreneur Marlese Assman began an extensive search for healthful, environmentally friendly household products for her own use. Her introduction to this one-ingredient all-natural cleanser ultimately led to the creation of Demetria Organics earlier this year.

“I could not get over how effective and affordable soap nuts are,” Assman said. “The more I learned about the product, the more I wanted to share it with others.”

Four berries placed in a drawstring bag and thrown into the wash can be reused up to six times before composting. A bag of 100 Soap Nuts — which retails for $13.20 tax-included — can wash up to 100 loads of laundry. Soap Nuts also replace the need for fabric softener, which means extra savings per load. Since they are naturally low-sudsing, Soap Nuts may be used in any washer, including high efficiency machines.

Assman also boils Soap Nuts in water for an all-purpose cleaning liquid. She might mix in a few drops of Demetria Organics’ lemon essential oil for a more powerful disinfectant or add a tablespoon of vinegar to a spray bottle for cleaning glass.

Demetria Organics Soap Nuts are biodegradable and sustainably grown. Assman works directly with fair-trade growers’ cooperatives in Nepal to import the wild, hand-harvested berries.

“We have created a symbiotic relationship between the growth and distribution of all our products,” Assman said. “We are dedicated to environmental sustainability, products that are as natural as the body itself and quality of life for our customers and suppliers.”

Demetria Organics Soap Nuts are available for purchase online at www.demetriaorganics.com.

Chic Galleria is giving away soap nuts to one (1) lucky Chic Galleria reader. The winner would receive a 250g bag of soap nuts (which does 75-100 loads of laundry) and organic sweet orange essential oil that you can add to fragrance their laundry if you wish. Just leave a comment on this article and tell us your worst laundry problem? The winner will be chosen at random from those who leave a comment and the winners will be announced January 25, 2010.

Congratulations Kym!

100% Organic Kids Tees From Norway

Editor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:02:37 +0000

Chic Galleria’s latest find is an import from Norway called Tyler Trends. A wonderful new environmentally conscious company who produces Fair Trade 100% Organic short sleeve T-Shirts and short sleeve onesies made in India as well as long sleeved tees and long-sleeve onesies Made in the USA from Sweatshop Free manufacturers.

Tyler Trends is a family owned company which sells quality clothing designed for kids inspired by kids. Our main target groups are parents, relatives and friends that want to buy unique quality clothing for children age 0 – 6 years. They believe their customers care for the children’s comfort and enjoyment. The clothing has cute and funny prints of Animal Faces which have been designed by the Norwegian establisher and digital artist Anette Tyler. Anette has been inspired by her children who love animals, colours and shapes. The designs will make you smile.

Monkeys, giraffes, polar bears and more, the bold colors of the fabric and graphics bring out the whimsical and sweet tone of the designs. The clothing is high-quality and super soft.

All are available online at www.tylertrends.com. and prices range from $26 – $29. Tyler Trends Clothing is offering Chic Galleria readers a discount code for a 15 % discount of purchases through December 9, 2009. Just enter chicg15 at checkout.

Pumpkins Aren’t Just For Carving–Fun Beauty Products For Fall!

Paige Muller — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:01:57 +0000

Pumpkin pie.

Jack o’ lanterns.

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

Thoughts of Halloween wouldn’t be complete without images of the weird-shaped, orange gourd. All of those holiday pumpkin pies and goodies offer so much more than just window dressing and an excuse to indulge in forbidden treats.

They hold enough anti-aging magic to dazzle even a broomstick-riding witch, especially when applied externally.

How’s that for a Halloween mask?

They’re loaded with beta-carotene, and because of their antioxidant content, including vitamin A and active enzymes, they’re often a main ingredient in peels to brighten and nourish your skin with a natural chemical exfoliation. And thanks to its natural soothing ability, pumpkin is also a superb choice for all skin types, even sensitive, reactive skin.

DIY Pumpkin Facial:

Step 1: Take 1 medium slice of fresh pumpkin and remove the skin.

Step 2: Cut up into small chunks and puree in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Step 3: Add 1 egg yolk and 2/3 cup milk. Blend again until egg is well incorporated.

Step 4: Apply the mixture to cleansed face and neck, keeping away from the eye area. Leave this mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

But beyond all that sciencey stuff, seasonal pumpkiny-scented products are just fun to have around in the fall!

For me, Demeter Pumpkin Pie fragrance is a fall favorite; I spray it on myself and all over my house. It is a sweet yet tart fragrance and it truly conjures up visions of a perfect pie leaving a hot oven, or better yet, a fork coming toward your open mouth with a big bite of pumpkin pie on it (topped with a dollop of whip cream, of course).

Of course, there are plenty of pumpkiny beauty products to choose from. There are pumpkin-scented soaps, pumpkiny body washes and lotions, pumpkin lip gloss–even pumpkin-flavored toothpaste, to scent yourself with the lush, delicious scent of the season.

Check ‘em out:

(The Great) Pumpkin Soap, Lush ($5.95)

This limited edition pumpkin-colored and shaped soap is with a devilishly spicy scent. It’s only around for Halloween so get yours before All Hallows Eve.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, Sephora.com ($44)

Detoxifying peel with a yummy pumpkin scent for the face and neck with pumpkin enzymes, age-fighting anti-oxidants and vitamin A to stimulate cell turnover.

Simple Pleasures Pumpkin & Spice Gift Set, Kohls.com ($7.20)

Pumpkin and spice and everything nice! Scented hand lotion and hand soap with coordinating shower caddy.

Ulta Pumpkin Spice Shower Gel, Ulta.com ($8.00)

A spicy shower scent that’s the perfect way to make a warm shower on a cold fall day feel extra-cozy.

Philosophy Pumpkin Spice Muffin Flavored Lip Gloss, Sephora.com ($12)

Smooches! Delicious, kissable, high-gloss lips with great taste without the calories. Feel free to encourage a second helping or three or more!

Pumpkin Pudding #30 Toothpaste, Smallflower.com ($4.95)

Forget the regular old mint toothpaste! This tooth whitener bursts with pumpkin flavor.

Have you ever tried pumpkiny beauty products? Do you think the scent is yummy, too much of a muchness or “I’ll just stick with my Starbucks pumpkin lattes, thank you very much?”

Vintage Body Spa: Natural, Paraben-Free Products to Pamper Your Body and Soul!

Christie Crowder — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:01:00 +0000

As with most companies run by moms, Vintage Body Spa (VBS) was created from a need. Owner, Alyssa Middleton found VBS whild doing a search for natural products for her daughter. She had excema and Alyssa did not want to use the prescribed topical steriods. “I knew there had to be a more natural approach to treating her skin. I’d made bath and body products as a hobby years prior but had stopped since getting married and having my daughter. I saw this great opportunity to be able to work from home and raise her while supporting the family doing something I enjoyed.” The Middleton’s acquired the already two-year old VBS in 2007. They have kept much of the original product line but have added more of Alyssa’s specialties and more new products slated to launch this year and beyond.

As a busy mom-preneur, Alyssa knows the value of relaxation and that other moms desire to take time to recharge our batteries. “I love that our products create a luxurious spa experience at home at a fraction of the cost. I think about they types of treatments I’d like to have and create products that fit the bill.” Two of their best sellers are Butter Beans which are like mini bath bombs for an extra moisturizing soak and the Butter Bar which can be used as a massage bar, deep moisturizing treatment for dry, cracked skin, or can be cut into slices and used as a bath melt.

VBS’s all natural, organic products are not just good for your body, they are packaged in reusable or recyclable materials so they are equally good for our environment. Alyssa is also concious of supporting eco-friendly and fair trade organizations locally and globally. “My daughter is a huge source of inspiration. I want to leave the world a better place for her so we try to be as gentle on the planet as possible.” VBS will be launching Eco Baby Botanicals this summer — a line of baby-gentle products free from the toxins and chemicals normally found in mainstream baby/child skincare lines.

“My favorite experience is hearing from customers who report the great changes their skin has experienced since using VBS products.” For the best in home spa experiences, indulge yourself with the luscious products from Vintage Body Spa. www.vintagebodyspa.com