TheChicEcoFreak: August 2009

8.31.2009

CEF's Product of The Week - earthscience deep conditioning mask

I had been on what seemed to be a never ending pursuit for a natural deep conditioning masque that could stand out against it's synthetic opposers for about 2 years now. Of course, just when I started thinking that it might be a lost cause and just one of those things I couldn't replace with a green alternative, it hits me in the head (literally.) I was at my local Whole Foods and the answer to my green haired dreams fell off the very top shelf when I was perusing the area for some new coconut oil (def would recommend the Jarrow Formulas certified organic variety) and actually hit me on my head. It was a true serendipitous moment and my pursuit had finally ended. I found my new hair care obsession! Or in some ways it found me- Earth Essential's earthscience olive & avocado deep conditioning mask. It works like magic! It instantly smoothes your hair, penetrates your hair shaft to repair long-term damage, and re-builds it with natural silk protein. Then, it coats your hair shaft to give it amazing shine and a super-sleek look.Whenever I use it, within minutes my hair feels soft like buttah and becomes incredibly manageable. Have you noticed that most conditioners make hair smell amazing when you air dry it but if you blow dry it it looses its scent? Well, another reason I fell for this conditioning masque is because even when dried it leaves my hair smelling like I just sprayed some lavish floral perfume on it.
The only downfall to this amazing hair treatment it that it is not 100% natural. As us eco freaks know- the words natural, organic, and the phrase "all natural" are used very loosely when it comes to marketing "green" products. However, it is vegan, paraben free, and is never tested on animals, so I'm not about to give it up anytime soon!
Buy a trial packet for $1.25 or make any purchase on the Earth Essentials website and get one for free! Here is the link to the page where you can find it: http://www.shopearthessentials.com/pd_deep_conditioning_masque_for_hair_1_oz.cfm Full sizes available for purchase on website as well.

8.28.2009

Chic Eco Tip #1

Swap out your old toxin ridden nail polish remover for a much healthier household alternative. Tea tree oil pads! Yep...they really work, and tea tree is a natural antiseptic, so it prevents fungus (typical polish removers wreak havoc on your nails and the acetone in many of them can cause fungus! yuk!) These tea tree pads by Desert Essence can be found at most health food stores, including Trader Joe's. I always keep these bad boys stocked as I use them for everything from removing make-up to fighting breakouts. Now I can add nail polisher remover to the list! Tip: considering this is a natural alternative... apply more pressure than you normally would while removing your polish, and have a little bit of patience. These things are good but they are definitely not as potent as chemical removers.

8.23.2009

Blow Green!

A Stylist favorite: Professional hair care brand Barbar recently came out with a green blow dryer called the Barbar Eco-8000. The Eco-8000 uses a fully ceramic heating system to negate radiation while making your hair amazingly soft and shiny. Who would have thought you could help save the planet by way of your daily blowout? The Eco-8000 saves electricity by converting 90% of all power used into heat. Whereas coil-heated blow dryers convert most of the electricity they use into harmful radiation and toxins! Standard blow dryers emit 200-400mgs of EMFS (electro-magnetic fields.) That is more EMFs than a microwave emits!! Now that is seriously dangerous! Thank the green gods for the Eco-8000 which only emits 1.9mg of EMFs (a much safer alternative.) The Eco-8000 is as powerful as an 1800 watt dryer but is only 1000 watts, and it's clean heat is gentle on hair so you can use it everyday without having to worry about getting that over fried look (not. hot.) It is also built to last about 5xs longer than your coil heat dryers.

I have to admit I was hesitant to order this $150 dryer before trying it for two reasons 1) my abnormally thick head of hair that takes over an hour to dry 2) The last dryer I ordered (the Chi Nano) was a total let down and almost doubled my drying time. To my surprise the Eco-8000 lives up to it's claims. Now that I started to use it I actually have time to blow dry my hair before work and it doesn't wind up looking like I sucked every bit of life out of it. I even found a great deal on it...I got mine for only $79.95 total by using a coupon code and got free shipping. If you want to start blowing green...click on the title of this post and enter code ECO at checkout.

7 Winter Essentials

1.TRAPP POURED CANDLE IN WHITE FIR- Finally, the true aroma of Christmas in candle form! Created with a high grade fully refined soy wax blend, pure natural oils, and essences of Fraser Fir and Juniper, this clean burning lead-free wicked delight will melt your heart and overwhelm you with feelings of nostalgia. When the White Fir candle is burning, it’s hard to differentiate between the scent of a live tree and the candle itself. Trapp’s candles truly live up to their motto “A bottle of perfume in every candle.” You seriously have to smell it to believe it! With the holiday season behind us, the scent has gone on sale in many stores (search for one near you on the Trapp Website.) Luckily, the fragrance of White Fir is still amazing all winter long.
2. A NEPALI BY TDM DESIGN SCARF- This line of gorgeous eco-friendly designer scarves are hand-made out of natural materials using AZO-free dyes. The designs include bamboo, organic cotton, cashmere, and silk styles (just to name a few,) in patterns such as tie dye, stripped, and checked. A portion of the profits of these masterpieces goes to support educational and health care programs for poverty-stricken women and children in Nepal. Click here to start browsing their Fall/Winter collection and to get one of these wardrobe staple stunners for yourself.
3. HARNEY & SONS HOT CINNAMON SUNSET TEA- Based out of the fabulous Berkshires of upstate NY, this premium tea brand does much more then create fantastic tea! The co. supports local and global non-profit groups and is also a member of 1% for the Planet. Aside from the draw of these philanthropic practices, the superb quality of the full leaved tea, natural flavoring, and lavish packaging (Reusable tin and silken sachets) makes Harney & Sons a “steep” above the rest. Hot Cinnamon sunset’s premium black tea leaves blended with cinnamon, orange peel, and sweet cloves epitomize the true meaning of awakening the senses, and makes this blend the perfect companion for a fireside curl-up on a cold winter’s day. Buy a mini 5 sachet tin to try at Harney & Sons online for just $3.50
4. TRADER JOE'S CANDY CANE JOE-JOE'S- These seasonal snacks are one of the only things I actually enjoy about the winter. They’re the sandwich cookie with a minty makeover and just the right amount of sweetness. Eat 'em how you would an Oreo, without having to worry about pesky preservatives or hydrogenated oils. You can even blend them with some organic vanilla ice cream to create a delicious winter-mint shake. Trader Joe’s recently added a dark chocolate covered version too for all you chocoholics out there. The best part? They usually go on sale for about 99¢ a box later in the season!
5. OPI NO ROOM FOR BLUES NAIL LACQUER- The middle schooler in me was so excited to see blue polish make it's comeback in '09, and today's shades are far trendier than their mid 90's counterparts! This past summer, Paige Premium Denim "paired" up with OPI and created a line of 6 eye-catching shades of both polish and pants in which this beautiful blue hails. Although this was marketed as a summer hue, I found it a bit too obvious to sport in the warmer months, but in the winter this breathtaking blue is sure to make a statement! It's perfect as a cheerful pop on a gloomy day but still fits in great with the winter scheme of whites, blues and frost covered snowflakes.
6. CARLSON VITAMIN D DROPS- Throughout the winter months, our bodies tend to lack the proper amounts of this essential "sunshine vitamin", which can lead to serious medical problems including muscle pain, fatigue, decreased immune function, depression and eventually more serious conditions. To beat the winter gloom and avoid some unnecessary aches and pains, consume at least 2000 IUs of this stuff a day. Also, be sure to choose a liquid formulation such as this one as it ensures better absorption. Head over to Vitacost.com to order some for yourself ASAP, and never let the dreariness of this season get you down again!
J.R. WATKINS HAND & CUTICLE SALVE- Available in Lavender, Aloe & Green Tea, Mango, and Lemon, this heavy-duty salve is the sulfate, phthalate, and paraben-free answer to chaffed, desert dry, wintery hands & nails. Reasonably priced and pocket sized it is also très convenient for everyday use! Sold at food and drug stores such as Ralphs and Walgreens or online at JRWatkins.com

7 Fall Essentials

1. SLATKIN & CO TRIPLE WICK CANDLE IN AUTUMN APPLE, SPICED CIDER, VANILLA NUTMEG, & PUMPKIN PATCH: These industry leading candles boast natural lead-free wicks (less soot), veggie wax (last much longer than traditional candle waxes), & the highest concentration of natural fragrance oils (somehow never overwhelming.) Pick 'em up at most Bath and Body Works Stores Nationwide but hurry up before the x-mas scents take over!
2. PURE COLLECTION CASHMERE SWEATERS: 100% Eco-friendly UK based cashmere company that guarantees it's sustainable products. The painless process they use actually helps goats shed excess cashmere fiber rather than shearing them like traditional cashmere companies. Right down to the transporting of their shipments, Pure Collection is über aware of their environmental impact and discloses their practices and Green guidelines in detail on their website. Their Round Neck Sweater is a must-have 100% cashmere basic that's reasonably priced at $148 and comes in an array of Fall shades including Burnt Orange, Heather Camel, and Sapphire. Go to us.purecollection.com and check out the bounty of styles/colors they offer.
3. ORGANIC ACORN SQUASH: Many picky palates may hear the word squash and cringe, but please- do yourself a favor and just try it this Autumn! Not only is acorn squash delicious, but it also supplies high amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Fiber, Manganese, Folate, Vitamin B complex, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Copper and Tryptophan. Due to it's vitamin, mineral, and nutrient rich qualities it prevents various forms of cancer, lung disease, and some studies show that many of it's ingredients actually prevent depression. It is great alongside roasted chicken or turkey and frequently used in soups and desserts... I prefer mine baked with a little bit of brown sugar and butter (both organic of course!) Always purchase seasonal produce from a local farmstand whenever possible in order to support your local farmers and ensure a quality product. If you're not lucky enough to have one nearby, you can pick up your acorn squash on the way into your local Whole Foods Store. In celebration of the Fall they're displaying them in giant boxes outside of the doors right now.
4. VEGETARIAN SHOES AMBER RIDING BOOT: Every trendy girl knows that a good riding boot is a staple for Fall, but do they really look as good when they aren't made of traditional leather? In the case of the Amber Boot- Yes! They look just like a classic black riding boot, and although they look and feel just like leather, they are made from a synthetic microfibre material that is typically used for yachting upholstery. Pretty Cool huh? Fit and breathability aren't compromised in the process either. Order a pair online at mooshoes.com for just $125.
5. ZOYA POLISH'S MATTE VELVET FALL COLLECTION: During a recent trip to LA I visited Recess Nail Spa (a trendsetting 100% Green nail Spa-which I would def recommend if you are looking to give those digits the royal treatment sans chemicals and fumes) and fell in love with Zoya's (Always big 3 free nail polish line) Matte Velvet Fall Collection. The shades are the perfect compliment to any Fall wardrobe and the matte finish creates a cool effect that ensures that both you and your nails are totally glam. Go to Zoya.com to get the collection but before you checkout don't forget to add their new Matte Velvet Winter Collection to the cart. It includes next season's gorgeous gem tones with the same super-hot finish!
6. BRAVE STUDDED JAKKI BELT FROM KAIGHT SHOP: Before Fall comes to a close make sure you get on trend with the perfect eco-chic skinny belt, ethically made of patent leather and available in the perfect Fall shades. Get them on sale now at Kaightshop.com or even better if your in their 'hood check out the super cute lower east side boutique and it's array of eco-friendly fashions firsthand!
7. LAVANILLA LABORATORIES THE HEALTHY BODY BUTTER IN PURE VANILLA: Now that the Fall elements are upon us, it is time to give our hands and bodies a little TLC. Whether you need to soften your hands on the go, or nourish your skin at home, reach for this richly scented 100% natural body butter. It's pure essential oil fragrance is strong without being nauseating, and totally alluring. This paraben, sulfate, and petrochemical-free cream is infused with Goji Berry and Kakadu Plum for a healthy dose of 30 essential vitamins and minerals. Bottom line, this eco-chic body butter will make you feel good in more ways than one. Purchase it À La Carte or as a part of the Pure Vanilla Set which includes a lip gloss and roller ball perfume too for just ten dollars more at beauty.com!

7 Summer Essentials

1. Capri Blue Hand Poured Candle in Aloha Orchid- This is one of the most beautiful candles you will ever lay eyes on. It is encased in cobalt glass and when its lead-free wick is illuminated it has a gorgeous glowing effect. The fragrance is light and summery but totally intoxicating. Its eco-friendly soy wax blend makes for such a clean burn, not to mention it lasts super long!
2. Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen- This 100% natural sunblock uses Titanium Dioxide to shield your skin from harmful rays instead of chemicals and it really works! Bonus: It won't give you that white nasty lifeguard nose look
3. Trader Joe's Caribbean fruit floes- A modern take on the frozen fruit bar with whole chunks of all of the summertime fruit favorites like pineapple, coconut, and mango.Delicious, light, and refreshing!
4. Demeter Vintage Naturals 2009 Eau De Parfum Spray in Mimosa- The classy girl's favorite a.m. cocktail is now available as a 100% natural perfume spray
5. Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polish in Locavore- A fun, multi-colored glitter polish that somehow pulls of this popular 90's trend in an updated and "polished" way. Big 3 free (DBP, Toulene, and Formaldehyde!)
6. Evian Brumisateur (natural mineral water facial spray)- The most natural way to hydrate skin on the go and a great way to cool off while at the beach or lounging poolside
7. Alba Botanica Cocoa Butter Lotion- Smooth, nourishing, and the perfect compliment to your summer tan