What is hiding in 'fragrance'?

This is the third in a series of posts about ingredients to avoid in cosmetics and personal care products.

When a personal care product lists 'fragrance' as one of it's ingredients, run for the hills (and leave the product behind); for hiding there is another ingredient that we are better off with out.

Phthalates (pronounced THAlates) can be used to moisturize as well as to help chemicals absorb into the skin. It will show up as dibutyl phthalate in nail polish; however, it may not show up at all on most of your cosmetic & personal care product ingredient labels since companies are not required to list the ingredients in fragrance mixtures, and that is where it is hiding, inside the 'fragrance' mixture. It is most likely to be in most anything that contains artificial fragrance, especially cosmetics and body care products.

This does not mean, however that if a product has an aroma, it has Phthalates in it. It may be that it contains cucumber, hence has the scent of cucumber, or contains the true essence of lavender and so hints of lavender. THAT is a good thing and can have therapeutic value.

It is the synthetic fragrance that you want to avoid, that is where you will find Phthalates, and Phthalates can interfere with hormones in the body, posing potential risks to the reproductive and thyroid systems.

So, if your product lists the word 'fragrance' on your label, pass it up.

Because Phthalates are found in many everyday plastic products (it softens plastic) exposure is unavoidable. One good way to reduce your exposure is  is to choose phthalate-free cosmetics and body care products. Choose products that do not list "fragrance' as an ingredient and nail polish that does not contain dibutyl phthalate. You could also choose fragrance free cleaning products, and of course, use less plastic.

This information taken from Environmental Working Group.

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Is it Organic?

I often get asked "Is your mineral makeup organic?" I find this a very interesting question, and the answer is something that I had not considered until I really thought it through. Let's look at that....

The answer to that question is actually... well...No.
The question does not really make sense when applied to true Mineral Makeup.

Here is a definition of 'organic' from a google search:

• relating or belonging to the class of chemical compounds having a carbon basis; "hydrocarbons are organic compounds"
• being or relating to or derived from or having properties characteristic of living organisms; "organic life"; "organic growth".
• of or relating to foodstuff grown or raised without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides or hormones; "organic eggs"; "organic vegetables"; "organic chicken"
• simple and healthful and close to nature; "an organic lifestyle"
• a fertilizer that is derived from animal or vegetable matter

Of course, the term 'organic' can mean different things in different contexts. However, minerals, by their very nature are inorganic.

Typically, when asking the question "Is this organic" we are talking about 'organic' that comes from a practice of farming that does not use pesticides, but instead works with rotation of crops and healthy soil practices. That is not the case here. For minerals are not farmed. Therefore, they cannot be organically farmed. They are rocks...and there are no chemicals used in the growing of the rocks. (!)

Style Essential 

Scarves 

I dont often go anywhere without a scarf of some type somewhere on my person. Usually it is a large pretty pasmina type that I can throw over my shoulders or wrap around my neck if the weather turns colder than I am prepared for. It makes a great leg warmer in a theater too. A scarf, small or large, can be a fun and functional accessory to grab on your way out the door.

Share YOUR style tips...Go ahead, comment and share. I love to hear what you have to say!


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Inspired

I have found myself inspired from being around all this jewelry all the time, and by my two jewelry designing friends Marcy (of course from Marcy's Designs who many of you know is the jewelry line that I share and just LOVE) and April of Beadcentric in San Carlos with her gorgeous designs (thanks Marcy and April, and April..I hope you bought those very cool 'glow in the dark' beads!). The result of this is that my daughter Kasey and I have started to design and make some jewelry of our own. I set up a table for the two of us with all our supplies, she on one side and I on the other, and we have been enjoying ourselves!  I have always done a bit of beading, but only for myself or for friends, and my kids are suprisingly good at. (My son, when he was 10 or 11 spent some time jewelry making and I was quite impressed with his design skills. He has since moved on to designing web sites ;).
Well, the other day I found myself googling for the next bead and gem show in the area and, lo and behold, there was one just one week away.
So today, off we went to spend three hours exploring all the glittery, shiny baubles. And goodness, we had to take a few breather breaks so I wouldnt get over stimulated with rows and rows of beading vendors! Phew!
I thought you would like to see what we ended up with for our days haul:

Glass pendants with coordinating swarovski and czech cyrstals, I wish you could see the sparkle here!

I am thinking a ribbon added to this would be beautiful...What do you think?

Howli beads, and beads that look like those little chewing gum rocks. Do you remember those?

Turquoise, pearls and crystals. I just had to have those rainbow crystal beads. Can you imagine the possibilities? I can not wait to sit down and play.

If you see anything you would like or have any ideas for me, please comment below. More inspiration is always good!

Black onyx, garnet and cherry quartz crystal

I am really enjoying reds right now...

I dont know where this is taking me, but you just may find a few of these beads turned into jewelry on my boutique shelves or on my online catalog (or, I just may keep them for myself ;).

By the way, I have also felt the tug to make my own makeup....hmmmm.....

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Be sure this ingredient is not in your cosmetics....

Have you been purging your parabens? Keep going, it is well worth it. 

The next ingredient on the list to avoid is Triclosan. Triclosan is an artificial antimicrobial chemical (say that three times fast) used to kill bacteria on the skin and other surfaces. It is the most comon ingredient found in antibacterial hand soaps and you will find it in skin care and cosmetics as well. In skin care, it tends to show up in your facial cleansers. You will also find it in a number of everyday items such as dishwasher detergent, toothpaste and deoderants.

Because Triclosan is stored in the fat cells and can build up in our bodies over time, it is important to avoid it where you easily can. Your cosmetics and skin care is an easy area to start. Recent studies indicate that the thyroid function is effected by Triclosan and potentially other hormone systems can be disrupted. There is also evidence that it can react with chlorine in tap water to form chloroform, another suspected chemical that can be damaging to our health. 

Blech.

The Environmental Working Group is working hard to share this important health wise information. Please check them out at www.ewg.org
Another nasty ingredient will be shared on the next post...be on the watch for what to stay away from..but for now some Style Essential News.

Come see the gorgeous silk, cotton and wool scarves, in many styles. Some warm and cozy for those chilly days coming up, others stylish & light enough to wear around your neck all day. 

Join me at the San Carlos Art and Wine Festival on October 10th & 11th downtown San Carlos.
Saturday I will join Yesi's Imports, a new womans & kids clothing store at 653 Laurel Street and will be doing makeovers with the natural minerals. This is a good opportunity to have a fun day out and try the minerals on, or try on a new look. To book your appointment contact Yesi at 650-394-4690, or me. The $15.00 appointment fee is refundable in product.

You know, it occured to me that Dash Minerals are so new to California, there are only three woman who sell it direct here and Yesi's Imports is the first retail store to be carrying the line. You get to watch it grow with me ;)

Sunday I will be sharing my jewelry at the fair, exact location to be determined, either Yesi's Imports, Glinda's Fudge and More, or Bloomingayles. All on Laurel Street in San Carlos and all my wonderful friends!!  

Please come say hello.
Pink Agate with Smoky Quartz & Pearl. Chunky and Funky! Necklace $36.00, Earrings $12.00

Other News...

Style Essentials on line catalog is now open and ready to use for your convenience! I am very excited about this and we have been working very hard to make this happen because so many folks have asked for it. So, please, take a moment to look through the website shopping (currently only the full line of mineral makeup that I offer can be purchased on line, but more is on the way) pages and tell me what you think.
We are really in the 'beta' phase and wanting to improve as we go along so we welcome your suggestions and loving comments. My wonderful son has done a great job on the storefront so when you see him, please congratulate him on his work. Thanks!

Gift with Purchase through the holidays.

Purchase $35.00 with Style Essentials and receive this silver cosmetic bag (or 'anything' bag!) as your gift. After the holidays, if there are any bags left, they will retail for $12.50. Quite a steal!  The bags measure 6 1/2 by 3 1/2, have a nice soft feel, are 'pleather' and can hold quite a bit of stuff! They make sweet & gift giving with say... a lip gloss or pair of earings inside.

Tidbit of essential style: I have taken to carrying a fabulous pink or purple pen with me whereever I go to use when signing or writing anything. 

What about you? What is your style essential?
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Fall Beauties ~ New Jewelry Just Arrived

A new shipment of beautiful jewelry has just shown up at my door. Many pieces that match the mood of fall that I have begun to feel. Do you feel it too? I have had such resistance to this summer ending, but now I feel a shift and I am eager to get out my soup pot and try a new bread recipe too. And of course, the fabric shop is calling my name so that I can get started with my daughters Halloween costume!

Several of you have asked, so over the next few days I will post some of the newest styles that have just arrived. Keep checking back AND Please contact me for a private viewing, or you can host a private party here, to come see what is new. Photos just dont do these pieces justice!

As always, when you stoo by I will put on a pot of tea for us. Chamomile?

Hand knotted bronze freshwater pearls on brown crocheted cord with an antique chinese coin clasp. This comes in two lengths, 16 inches & 36 inches. It also comes in white freshwater pearls on a black crocheted cord. Short style $29.00. Long style $48.00

A bit of stone lore; Amazonite is thought to improve skin, alleviate stress and exhaustion.

V neck style, Amazonite stone and freshwater pearl necklace $34.00

Matching Amazonite drop earrings with sterling silver ear wire $10.00

Amazonite stone bracelet with pearl drop and antique coin clasp only $22.00

(These stone braclets are so fun!)

One of my favorite sets!

A statement piece. Gorgeous! Great for the holidays. Or ... with jeans.

Five strands of light and dark bronze freshwater pearls with smokey quartz and crystal. So sparkly.

$52.00

Matching earrings with sterling silver ear wire $12.00

Hand knotted necklace and bracelet with hematite, black onyx, and tiger eye. 

Necklace $67.00

Bracelet $28.00

There are lots more to see, including those great gift items under $20.00. More photos of new jewelry to come (as well as the next 'stay away from these' ingredient post for makeup... now off to pack for Disneyland (ahhh the last of the summer vacations ;)

Next Open House is a 2 day event 

 November 13th 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.

and

November 14th 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.

Mark your calendars!

Host a party with your friends here, in my home and boutique. 

I will provide appetizers, drinks, music and gorgeous handmade jewelry at hard to believe prices, quality mineral makeup, candles, scarfs, oh all kinds of great gift items for your loved ones and yourself! You get to leisurely shop with your friends and family in a cozy home atmosphere.

Or, I am happy to set up shop in your home for a few hours.

Fudge!

With any $50.00 purchase at Style Essentials be gifted with a $5.00 off coupon at Glinda's Fudge & More in downtown San Carlos. I just love this candy shop; it reminds me of the old fashioned candy retailers from Little House on the Prairie or some such bygone era. Support a small local business and a mom by making your candy purchases at Glindas. Compliments of Style Essentials. Say hello to Linda for me!

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And the winner is.....

The winner of our drawing for a pair of beautiful and fun earrings is....

Julie Noonbarg!

Fun green stone earrings with sterling silver ear wires

Julie, please contact me so we can arrange delivery/pick up of your new earrings. Congratulations!

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Just Say NO! to toxic ingredients

I scroll through the internet sometimes looking at other mineral makeup lines and what is available out there. I look mostly at ingredient listings; I am often surprised at what is in what we put on our skin! IF, and this is a big IF, I am lucky enough to even find them listed on the site. Most times, I search the entire site and find nothing. That makes me wonder...Why dont they list thier ingredients? Dont other people look? Don't we want to know what were putting on our skin? Why would someone buy cosmetics with out knowing what is in it? I know you read the ingredient labels at your grocery store...don't you?

Once you find the ingredients, the comon advise is to read through the list and if you cant pronounce something on the list, dont buy it. Now, I don't think that just because we can't pronounce a word it is harmful, although, it is something to consider, I think, if we don't recognize a word It just means we have not learned what it is yet; we have not yet educated ourselves. So, let's get started...

Go into your bathroom, your purse, your bedroom and pull out your cosmetics. Set them all in front of you, .....now, let's read those labels. This post is the first in a series about ingredients to watch out for. Let's start with ....

Parabens, of any kind (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl), it will look like this: methyl- paraben, ethylparaben, probylparaben, butyl- paraben.

Parabens are a group of inexpensieve synthetic preservatives commonly found in many different cosmetics and body care products, such as moisturizers, face and skin cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, sunscreens, deodorants and antiperspirants, shaving gels, toothpastes, makeup (including some mineral makeup brands), and many others. They are also used as preservatives in food and beverages, and in some medications.

The issues are : Parabens are possible hormone disrupters and possible carcinogens. Here are some highlights/excerpts taken from a series of articles from the EWG (environmental working group).

"Some parabens can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions.  Laboratory studies indicate that parabens are estrogenic, meaning they can mimic the hormone estrogen, disrupting normal function of the hormone system.  In a recent study, traces of 5 different parabens were found in the breast cancer tumors of 19 of 20 women examined."

"There is no clear consensus on the risks of parabens, however studies have linked it to several ailments, including breast cancer. Some reports claim parabens are a carcinogen that can disrupt normal hormone function and can mimic the effects of estrogen. This exposure to external sources of estrogens is what increases the risk of breast cancer. Though cosmetic companies argue that parabens used externally in products are not absorbed by the body, one study found the chemicals in breast cancer tissue of 19 out of 29 women studied."

"Urine samples of 100 adults were also studied by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and nearly all contained parabens."
"The European Union already banned the use of sodium methylparaben in fragrance because it can strip pigment from the skin, and while the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. has regulations regarding the use of parabens in food and drinks, the same regulations do not apply to the use of parabens in personal care products."
Yes, some cosmetic companies claim that cosmetics do not get into your blood stream, I for one, don't buy it. The pores on your skin absorb what you put on it. Be sure what you put it on it is worthy of your health.
Clearly, the debate is ongoing, for me though, if the likelihood exists that using parabens is toxic and I can easily avoid them in my cosmetics and body care...then why wouldn't I? That to me is a no brainer.
Next newsletter, another ingredient to watch out for, so stay tuned. For now, get rid of those parabens.

Friends enjoying the garden party open house last month

Next Open House September 13th
2:00 to 5:00
San Carlos
Contact me for an evite with details

Join me for an ice cream social with April of Beadentric studio in San Carlos and see, touch and try on all our goodies. This will be a real treat! In more ways than one ;) 

New Products to try

I searched and searched for a Truly Natural Mascara that contained healthy ingredients. As something we wear so close to our eye, I feel this is important and mascaras are generally not known for thieir beneficial ingredients. Well, here it is! Ready for you to give it try. Those that have tested it so far like that it does not clump, it covers well and stays on. 

Velvet Crush Mineral Lip Stick
A beautiful, creamy mulberry shade

I am bringing in more mineral lip colors with coverage that feel  "substantial" on the lips. I have two colors so far, Velvet Crush and Antique Brick. I will add more soon! Along with these, lip and eye liner pencils.

I also found Non-Toxic Nail Polish and Polish Remover, with out that noxious aroma that is SO unhealthy to breathe. When you use other brands of polish, be sure to be in a well ventilated room.

All, of course, with no parabens ;)

Raffle Winner!

Each month I hold a raffle to win a treasured gift. This month it is a free pair of earrings.  Stay tuned for the announcement of the lucky recipient, and be sure to ask how to get your name into the raffle.

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Just a quick update on a few new & exciting news items at Style Essentials.

Don't miss the End of Summer Garden Party and Open House on Sunday August 23rd at 2:00 in San Carlos. For more information look here

Bring a friend or two and enjoy the afternoon in the garden.

There are few things to highlight this month~

I have a steep SALE on eye pencils and brow pencils, until stock is gone. Normally these pencils are $14.00, NOW are only $5.00 each. First come first serve!

I have a brand new mascara to share with you...you will love this one. Those of you who know me, know that I am a stickler for pure ingredients, so I searched and searched for a mascara with out parabens and other unhealthy ingredients. I found a truly natural mascara for you (and me too!). I will be taking orders for this new product through August and will carry it in my inventory ever after.

If you have not been here in the last couple of weeks you don't know about the great Dash Stacker Mineral Eye Color Pots. These are beautiful colors of eye shadows, stacked three high that would normally sell for $15.00. Now you can get them for $5.00 when you purchase $50.00 at Style Essentials.

As always, there are new jewelry styles waiting to be taken home by you!

I would love to see you at the Garden Party, but if you cant make it, call and set an appointment to visit the Style Essential Boutique...bring a friend, we'll have a cup of tea together.

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Blue Green Smoothie

Just in! Green stone necklace and purple stone necklace with magnetic clasp and matching earrings on sterling ear wires. Necklace $18.00 and earrings $10.00

I got a lot of positive responses from my juice blog a bit ago, so I thought I would add a new smoothie for you to try. I call it my Blue-Green smoothie because it has blueberries and....hold on...SPINACH in it. Yum!

Here is the (kid friendly) recipe:

Juice of 2 valencia oranges and 1 lemon (fresh juice is best)

1 frozen banana (doesn't have to be frozen, but it does give it that slushy frozen effect)

1/2 Cup frozen blueberries (or fresh)

handful of baby spinach

a squeeze of flax oil

Blend this all in a blender and pour into a pretty glass to have for breakfast, or a snack or even dessert! In fact, this could be dinner on a hot day! BTW, to make really good smoothies you’ll need a really good blender. I use and recommend the Vita Mix.

Speaking of blues and greens...You can apply almost any mineral to any part of your face; this multi purpose feature is the beauty and flexibility of mineral makeup. However, blues and greens are regulated to your eyes only.

Now, I have, what I think is good news on the Mineral Makeup front.

As you know, I believe the "Affordable Mineral Makeup" to be one of the finest products you can use on your skin. I also appreciate the fact that the company is very eco-friendly.

However, I have been personally challenged by how the reps are treated in the company. For the past few months I have been researching to see what else is out there that would give us the same quality ingredients and wide range of color selections.

Well, I have found it! Drum roll please.....

Introducing DASH Natural Mineral Makeup!

Not only is the line the same quality that I have come to expect from the first line, but they have other great features as well.There is a more extensive lip color line, a Skin Care line with high quality ingredients (I am very excited about this), and what's more....their pricing is much better! Dash Natural Mineral Makeup is truly the AFFORDABLE Mineral Makeup. You get a lot more minerals for you money. Plus, they are so friendly! We all win!

And really, not only do we need to remove toxic ingredients from our products, we need to remove them for our emotional life's as well. Don't you agree?

I am no longer offering the old line of makeup. As much as I loved it, and still feel the product itself is excellent, I have not loved the company behind it. If you bought from me before, please know that if you want to continue to use the products you have, I will support you in that. However, I will be offering the new line of DASH Natural Minerals "You only need a little Dash" from this point on. I have a few other surprises as well, so don't go anywhere ;-)

When you are ready to make your next makeup purchase, let me know. I am excited to show you what DASH has to offer. Please call or email me so you can come to see the minerals in person. You always have the option of ordering online, but I am happy to show you live and in person the products. It just so much easier that way, as well as more fun! Plus, you will get to see the latest jewelry that I showcase. There are ALWAYS new designs coming in.

And there is more news...I have been VERY busy. Another drum roll please......

To go along with the new line of makeup....Also introducing....the new Style Essentials website

www.style-essentials.org

Please take a look to see what it offers. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to give me suggestions as well. I can sure use them!

and with all this talk of makeup, let's not forget.....

Marcy's Designs

Fabulous jewelry at amazing prices

New designs just arrived! Gorgeous as usual, some old favorites and many new ones. Contact me to set up an appointment to see them before they are all gone!

I still have lots more to share, but I will save it for next time, but here is a peek:

Coming soon....Young Living Essential Oils!

&

Future blog posts:

How to apply your mineral makeup

Let's talk about ingredients

How to apply mineral makeup videos

Mineral Primer, tips and tricks

Style-Essentials.org

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Sun Kissed

Diva Bronzer with Basic Essentials Kabuki Brush

Necklace is Murano glass and Swarovski crystal necklace @ $10.00

Warm and sparkly!

Don't skip your bronzer. Your mineral makeup bronzer provides your skin with a perfect golden appearence while ensuring a healthy and natural look. All you need is just a small amount brushed onto your face to achieve a luminous sun-kissed effect. Bronzers extend the life of your natural tan, and can give you that sun-kissed look with out the damaging effects of UV rays. However, the right brush is crucial to get the right look, a kabuki is good. And be sure to keep your bronzer brush seperate from your foundation brush. You don't want bronzer in your foundation and foundation in your bronzer. Oh my!

Affordable Mineral Makeup offers two shades of Bronzer, Grand Bronzer and Diva Bronzer; I think most of us can wear Diva. For a natural look, apply Diva Bronzer to those areas of your face that the sun normally hits- the tip of your nose, your cheeks, your forhead and your chin, even your chest and neck area, giving you a warm healthy glow.

Coming soon, a video to show you a great way to apply your bronzer!

As always, do let me know if you have questions, and please, share your comments.

In fact, do send me your questions/concerns with makeup, health and beauty. I will do my best to answer your questions or forward you to the right source. What would you like to learn about from Style Essentials? Send your questions and comments via the comment section of the blog or directly to me. I want to hear from you. What do you want to know?

Contact me through the above link.

Frivolous

Radiant Rose Cheek Color

You know what is fun, frivolous and creative about using minerals for your makeup? Well, alot of things, but for today I will tell you this; you can use your eyeshadow for nail polish. Or, your cheek color for your lipgloss.

So, try this: Take one of your pretty colors of any mineral, one of your favorites, and sprinkle a bit on a tissue. Now, take your clear polish and pick up some minerals on the brush. Now, spread on your nails. Perfect. No need for base coat, as there are NO DYES in the minerals so you dont need to worry about your nails yellowing from the dyes in the polish. (No dyes is good news for your skin too). Now, apply a top coat and wa la, your done.

Easy to travel with. Just pack your favorite minerals and clear polish.

Now, try this: choose another favorite mineral color, say.....Wish Shimmer, and sprinkle it on a tissue, now dip a clear lip gloss wand in it and apply to your lips. There. That's pretty.

I do have another recomendation for you in regard to nail polish...for those times you just want the old fashioned kind of polish, Grin. Try Butter London Polish; a non-toxic line of nail lacquers. Butter London comes in the most dazzling array of colors AND it does not contain the three offensive ingrediants in most polishes; because of this you would think that this polish would not have very good performance, but it does. It lasts and is it ever shiny! I just love it.

"NO Formaldehyde, NO Toluene, NO DBP, and NEVER have."

If I could carry Butter London I would! Oh now, that would be fun.

Here is helpful information from Affordable Mineral Makeup

Affordable Mineral Makeup has a customer forum that is very helpful. A tremendous amount of information and guidance is there for the mineral makeup. You can ask for help, get makeup application techniques and get color comparisons to other brands. Of course, you also can ask me, because I would love to help. (I may even go to the forum to find your answer if I dont know it off the top of my head ;) but feel free to look there as well.

Remember, 20% of all profit from Style Essentials goes to www.tapproject.org to help children over the globe have clean water to drink.

To try the minerals, or jewelry designs (great graduation gifts) contact me from my website below, and I would be thrilled to be of service.

www.naturalmineralmakeup4you.com

Honey and Almonds

Look to your kitchen cubboard for healthy, glowy (did I make that word up?, I like it) skin. You have heard it before, the simplest and healthiest skin care can be found in your cubboard. Save some of your raw honey you use for your tea, and use it to wash your face. Really. I keep a jar of raw honey in my shower, and scoop some on my hands to wash my face with it. It rinses off much easier than you would think. It feels and smells yummy too. Honey is antiseptic and a humidifier so it keeps mositure in your skin, while cleaning exceptionaly well. It isnt sticky either. Rather suprising, I think.

Want another trick? Almond oil. I have searched for a quality eye makeup and face makeup remover for YEARS. They either sting my eyes, or contain ingrediants I cant even pronounce, or just plain cost too much. My friend Rupal had a brilliant idea. Almond oil. Again, really. No stinging, pricing very fair, and best of all one simple and beneficial ingrediant, almonds. So, I gave it a try. I LOVE it. Another suprise? I dont find it too oily. For good pricing and a quality almond oil, I shop at Mountain Rose Herbs. You can even buy the organic version, a bit pricier but I find it worth it. Give honey and almonds a try, and let me know what you think.

Juicy

Some of my favorite beauty tips that I could ever think to share are actually health tips, because, are they not one and the same? Oh, sure, I could recommend the right colors, techniques and products, but nothing works like bathing your cells in nutrients. Juicing, in my opinion is one of the best things you can do for your skin, health and life. When I juice regularly, I feel fabulous. In the past friends have asked me for my juice recipes, so here are a few of my favs:

• (All organic, all washed) Four carrots, one apple, one stalk celery, half a cucumber, and one bunch parsley. I use a champion juicer, but there are several good juicers on the market. 
• Or, try two small cucumbers, three stalks celery, four large romaine leaves, two green apple and one lemon (peel the lemon). Yum. 
• One last one, for now, instead of juicing, this one is blended, then strained. One bunch kale, one apple, one lemon (peeled again) and one cup water. Blend (I use a vitamix) then strain. To strain I use the amazing nut milk bag.  You could also use cheesecloth.  Coincidentally, as I was finishing up this blog entry, along comes Dr. Mercola again, with a post of his own about....juicing! 

Glow from the inside. Your affordable mineral makeup will look gorgeaus on your glowing skin. And, you will feel great!

Oh, and drink LOTS of pure water as well.

And, while your at it, try these beauty goodies...All NEW

Envy

This is a pearlescent array of greens.

Light greens with a touch of gold pearl.

Looks great on eyes. 

Jade

This is a jade green accented with green and gold cosmetic glitter to make an alluring green.

Golden Grape

This is a shiny combo of grape purple and light gold making it an unique color with different tones.

Cork (more matte colors to come, by the way)

This is a semi matte light brown shade with green undertone

Bamboo

Bamboo is a pearlescent combination of greens and browns.

And something else new...., Introducing Affordable Fabulous Jewelry!

My dear, long time friend Marcy, designs lovely jewelry and I am honored to offer the line to you. Many pieces are made with sterling silver and fresh water pearls, these designs also have amazing affordable prices. At this point, nothing I offer sells for over $30.00; these same designs would sell in the stores for at least double these prices. If you know me, then you know that in addition to good pricing, I would only feel comfortable offering high quality, and that they are. I have been wearing these designs as I go to the park pared with my jeans, as well as with skirts while running errands around town. Easy to wear, fun to wear and terrific. They dress me up, and I like that! 

Bronze Coin Pearl and Crystal Necklace $30.00 and Sterling Silver Earrings $15.00

Shell Pearl Bracelets $6.00 each

These look fabulous worn together

Coin Pearl Necklace $25.00

Wear long, or doubled up. Stunning.

More designs to come! Curious? It can be as simple as asking me to bring a few pieces next we see each other, or ask to arrange a showing, with friends or one on one, or merge the two and have a jewelry and mineral makeup party. They make sensational gifts too!

www.naturalmineralmakeup4you.com

A bit about minerals and sunscreen. 

At lunch today, while sitting outside and enjoying the warm spring sunshine with my homeschool group, the subject of the sun, sun protection and vitamin D came up. Everyone is concerned with the damage the sun can do, but just perhaps we are a bit over the top? We need sun. We need vitamin D. My natural inclination is to say the sun feels good, and must be good for us. Must we slather ourselves with sunscreen every time we go outside? And what of the sunscreens we are using? What type of ingredients do they contain? Are they doing more harm than good? Hmmmmm, perhaps. As far as sunscreens go, check out this site and read the fabulous article about about the sun and healthy screens www.mercola.com. This site does a much better job at sharing the information that we need, so read up.

And, how about this.....did you know that Affordable Mineral Makeup is a natural sunscreen? Well, it is, with only a short list of ingredients:

~Titanium Dioxide also has waterproof and SPF properties while providing a Matte look. 

~Mica has some transparent properties and allows the makeup to go on smoothly.
~Iron Oxides give the makeup its pigment.
~Zinc Oxide is known for its healing properties in problem skin such as rosacea and acne, it has the ability to stay on even while sweating and swimming, as well as offers protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Pure and safe, you can feel good about going out into the sun, just with your make up on, and dahling...you look wonderful!

Here are some sparkly new colors just added to the line, as well as a blending brush:

Blending Brush

Cheers Lip Gloss

Babe Lip Gloss

Yours Truly Pearlescent Minerals

Dance (gotta love that name) Shimmering Minerals

www.naturalmineralmakeup4you.com