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Friday, January 30, 2015

BEAUTY BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL


Coconut oil has some of the most beneficial properties for both health, hair and skin. I'm going to share with you some of the wonderful beauty benefits this oil offers.

MAKEUP REMOVER: 
I just finished using up a huge jar of coconut oil having used it for the main purpose of removing makeup. It was inexpensive, lasted for a long time and works very effectively. What I love most is it's excellence in removing eye makeup including water proof mascara and eye liner.

SKIN MOISTURIZER:
With out a doubt, coconut oil will quickly heal dry skin. Yes, it is "oily" upon application but as you rub the oil in and allow a couple minutes for your skin to soak up nutrients, it will feel amazingly soft and revived.  If you find it to oily, you can put on socks or gloves after applying, leave them on overnight where you will wake to super soft skin.

FOR THE FACE:
Fatty acids contained in extra virgin coconut oil have proven to help reduce problematic acne far more effectively than benzoyl peroxide, commonly found in acne fighting products. Coconut oil helps reduce redness, is a protectant from the suns harmful rays, combats aging, age spots and wrinkles.

Will coconut oil clog pores? This really depends on your skin type. If you have large pores and tend to get black heads, coconut oil may clog your pores and it would be best to exfoliate before using.

HAIR REPAIR: 
Dry, damaged, dull and frizzy hair will meet it's match with this oil. I have medium to long hair and need no more than a teaspoon for each hair treatment. However, depending on your hair type you may need a larger amount of oil. You may choose to melt the oil in the microwave and then apply to hair or scoop into hand where the heat of your skin will quickly melt the solid oil. Gently work through hair, wrap in a towel or shower cap and leave in for up to 45 minutes. Shampoo well and condition as normal. Beneficial for a healthy scalp and prevents dandruff.

SHAVING: 
You don't need to buy shaving cream to get a close shave. Use coconut oil and you'll achieve better results with the most amazing super soft legs!

TEETH WHITENING:
Coconut oil is used to brighten and whiten teeth usually associated with the oral benefits of, "Oil pulling". Put a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth, swish and push though teeth for 15-20 minutes. Spit out and brush like normal. Avoid spiting it into the drain where is has potential to clog. Avoid swallowing as the oil as it will be filled with oral bacteria. The more often you do this, the better the results.











Wednesday, January 28, 2015

JUICE BEAUTY, Age Defying Moisturizer & Brightening Pads Review


Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer ($45)

About this product: Replenish and firm skin with this clinically proven age defying moisturizer that combines a brightening and refining complex of certified organic apple, lemon and grape juices. Contains alpha lipolic acid, Vitamin C, peptides, Co Q10, and DMAE for age defying results.  Great for ages 20 and up and all skin types (except for sensitive skin). 

Review:  This moisturizer is by far one of the best! From day one it completely surpassed my expectations and could very well be the best facial moisturizer I have used to date.  It has a nice rich texture, is quickly absorbed leaving skin feeling instantly firm and hydrated. I apply it morning and night as part of my routine and love the results. My skin feels and looks healthier.  I definitely recommend trying it out. 

Juice Beauty has another age defying moisturizer called, Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer
I received some samples (pictured below), from a friend and love this moisturizer as well. It contains valuable ingredients such as evening primrose, linseed seed, borage seed, essential oils & vitamins. It is designed to more aggressively reduce fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage. What's awesome about this moisturizer is that ingredients contained within are beneficial regardless if you are in your 20's or your 70's. 
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Juice Beauty Green apple Peel Nightly Brightening Pads ($45)


About this product: Brighten, smooth and tone while reducing the appearance of dark sports, fine lines and wrinkles. These bamboo pads are saturated with antioxidant rich organic fruit acids of apple and lemon to brighten skin while organic algae, Vitamin B3 and hyaluronic acid reduce fine lines, wrinkles and hyper pigmentation for age defying results. 60 pads in original packaging. 

Review:  I received a trial pack of Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Nightly Brightening Pads so I thought I'd do review on them. Though I don't think they are completely essential to my skin care regime, I have loved using them because they make my skin feel more fresh and clean. I wouldn't say they necessarily brighten my skin tone, but in combination with the moisturizer my skin feels and looks healthier. In addition and although not intended for this purpose, the pads help remove makeup particles that my makeup remover doesn't quite get. If you're willing to go the extra mile to pamper your skin, these lightweight bamboo pads saturated in organic acids of lemon and apple are a nice addition to beautifying your skin and making if feel clean, fresh and firm. 
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I'm really impressed with the Juice Beauty products and look forward to trying out the different cruelty free products they offer such as the serum and cleanser. 

For more products from this brand please see: JuiceBeauty.com

Monday, January 26, 2015

THE BEST CRUELTY FREE ANTI AGING MOISTURIZERS






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HIGH END BRANDS:

JUICE BEAUTY - Green Apple Age Defying Moisturizer ($45)- Leaping Bunny Certified. USDA Certified Organic. Designed to Tighten, Brighten and Lighten Skin.

JUICE BEAUTY- Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer ($65)- Leaping Bunny Certified. USDA Certified Organic. Made with apple, lemon and grape stem cells infused into grapeseed formulae to aggressively firm and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

MURAD-Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer ($65)-  Combats fine lines and wrinkles. Rich anti-aging moisturizer to alleviate dry and dehydrated skin. This is the best hydrating moisturizer that Murad offers. Non greasy.

MURAD- Age Balancing Night Cream ($75) - Assists in loss of firmness and deep wrinkles. Hydrating cream which renews skin and minimizes the effect of hormonal aging. Deeply moisturizes to protect against dryness while supporting natural cell turnover.

DERMALOGICA - Age Smart Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 ($65)- Fights against environmental aggressors with sun-filtering SPF 50. Promotes collagen to fill in wrinkles.

DERMALOGICA- Age Smart Super Rich Repair ($80)-  Revives dull, aging skin. Fights free radicals and encourages hyaluronic acid production to combat aging process.

R RADICAL SKINCARE - Anti- Aging Restorative Moisturizer ($150)-  Increases skin hydration by 66% in 2 weeks. Decreases wrinkles 50% in 4 weeks. Firms skin elasticity, brightens and combats color discoloration.

DERMADOCTOR- Wrinkle Revenge, Rescue & Protect Facial Cram ($57)- This lightweight formula firms skin and helps improve visible signs of aging.


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MASS BRANDS (Drugstore):

ALBA BOTANICA - Even Advanced Natural Moisturizer Sea Moss SPF 15 ($16.99)- Leaping bunny certified. Peta approved. Lightweight, antioxidant rich moisturizer with sea moss extract.

JASON - Age Renewal Vitamin E 25,0000 I.U ($12)- Leaping bunny certified. Peta approved. Botanically rich moisturizer to help minimize the sings of aging. Vitamin E to restore deep moisture. Avocado Oil high in fatty acid to help restore elasticity and resilience.

AVALON ORGANICS - Vitamin C Renewal Cream ($16)- Leaping bunny certified. Peta approved. Blend of botanicals to improve circulation, cell repair,  firms, tones and clarifies skin texture.

ALBA BOTANICA - Aloe & Green Tea, Hawaiian Moisturizer ($19.50)- Leaping bunny certified. Peta approved. Contains Aloe, Green Tea and Gotu Kola extracts to provide antioxidant benefits. Oil free hydration.


















Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Vegan & Cruelty Free Nail Polish Remover



Most nail polish removers do not contain animal ingredients and are vegan. The trick is finding a remover by a company that does not test on animals. 

Here is a list of cruelty free & vegan nail polish removers:
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  • Karma Organic ($12) - Leaping Bunny certified. Peta approved. Soy based. Acetone free. Excellent polish remover. They also have a Tea Tree Soy based remover or the unscented remover.








Monday, January 12, 2015

BEST CRUELTY FREE ACNE TREATMENTS




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LOOKING FOR HIGH END, CRUELTY FREE PRODUCTS TO HELP WITH STUBBORN ACNE?
Here is a list of some of the best rated cleansers and serums to help kick that acne good bye!



DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehaving' Medicated AHA/BHA Acne Cleanser - $27 (7 oz)

AHA/BHA acne cleanser is formulated to clear blemishes and work synergistically with you daily acne control regimen. Ideal for anyone looking to reduce excess oiliness, mattify shine or simply refresh their complexion. Skin stops acting out and blemishes are rapidly brought under control. Continued use provides positive reinforcement. Appropriate for most skin types. Soap Free, Oil free. Contains Witch hazel, high level of salicylic acid (helps prevent acne), and polymer technology that soaks up access oils.

DERMAdoctor Ain't Misbehavin' Acne Control Serum - $48 (1 oz)

This serum helps treat, clear and prevent future outbreaks. Helps mattify, clarify and keep skin feeling fresh. Ideal for most skin types.
MURAD CLARIFYING CLEANSER - $26 (6.75 oz) 

This powerful gel cleanser combats acne and skin breakouts. The rich lather strips away pore-clogging grime, oil and irritants as it helps treat and prevent acne breakouts with the time released medication (Salicylic Acid 2%) that remains active for hours, even after rinsing. Shown to reduce 99.9% of irritating surface bacteria in less than one minute.

Dermatologist developed. Tested on people, not animals.


MURAD ACNE SPOT TREATMENT - $16 (0.5 oz)

Sulfur and Salicylic Acid give Acne Spot Treatment the power to deliver effective, on the spot acne control the moment you feel a blemish developing. Convenient size makes it easy to provide extra attention to a stubborn blemish anytime, anywhere.

Dermatologist developed. Tested on people, not animals.





 DR. DENNIS GROSS CLEAR SKIN SOLUTIONS KIT
-$45 to $80

Works preventatively and immediately to treat all forms of breakouts. It works to flatten existing blemishes, absorb oil and replenish moisture. You'll see a reduced appearance of enlarged pores, post acne marks, dark spots and overall complexion redness. 30 day supply. As seen in Allure magazine. www.dgskincare.com




SIRCUITSKIN FIXZIT- $30 ( 50 oz/15ml)

Fixzit + blemish drying serum helps to fight against the ongoing conditions that can occur with blemished skin. Fortified with a potent, new encapsulated form of Vitamin A (Retinol) and combined with 2% Salicylic Acid, it exfoliates skin and helps to decongest pores. Also enriched with Azelaic Acid, from the potato tuber, which naturally brightens and assists in keeping the skin clear. PETA certified.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE LEATHER INDUSTRY


LEATHER 
Most people believe that because farm animals are slaughtered for their meat, it would make sense to use their skin remains to manufacture leather so that "leftovers", are not wasted. The truth is that much of the leather sold comes from animals killed primarily for their skin.

Leather is made because of the high demand for it and not as means to prevent or reduce waste. It helps sustain the meat industry as skins are more profitable than meat itself.

WHERE DOES LEATHER COME FROM?
In the U.S., leather often comes from cows used for meat or milk. However, if you wear leather chances are it came from China or India where the majority of leather is produced.

CHINA
China is the leading exporter of leather where 2 million dogs and cats are skinned annually. These animals are often skinned alive.
Because China has no law that forces an accurate description of material origins on it's product labels, many consumers are mislead. Although a product is labelled as having been made in the US or Italy, it more than likely has come from China or India.

INDIA
Because India prohibits the slaughter of cows, the animals are forced on an agonizing journey. If traveling by train, the animals are crammed into carts where 400 to 500 out of every 900 die because of strenuous circumstances. If traveling by foot, they are whipped in their protruding hip bones where no fat or "cushion" is found. They are not aloud to rest or drink and upon exhaustion, their tails are broken as means to force them to rise and move on. Hot peppers and tobacco are rubbed into their eyes as means to torment the animal when they collapse from exhaustion.

USA
Some leather comes from cows farmed in the US. The life and fate of a US cow is no less agonizing. The majority of US cattle is subject to mass abuse including beatings, castration, branding, dehorning, electric pod shocks and confinement to name just a few.  Cows are taken to the slaughter where they receive a bolt to the head to stun them. Regardless of the stun, they are alert as their bodies are forced to endure a frightening and torturous kill by machine. These machines tear, rip and cut their bodies piece by piece. Other cows are slaughtered by means of hoisting their bodies by rope and slitting their throats. Undercover investigations have video footage of these animals skinned alive before they are dead.

ANIMALS SUBJECT TO THE LEATHER INDUSTRY
Cows, cats and dogs are not the only animals subject to abuse and use of their skin. Sheep, goats, pigs, snakes, alligators, deer, kangaroo, horses and elephants are all victims of the leather industry. These animals are often skinned alive, beaten, electrocuted, tossed in boiling water so that skin "falls off" etc.

ALTERNATIVES
I personally love faux leather options. Here are a few stores of many which offer leather alternatives.
  • MooShoes
  • Beyond Skin
  • Vegan Essentials, 
  • Vaute Couture
  • Alternative Outfitters
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LINKS:
STELLA MCCARTNEY TALKS LEATHER
14 THINGS THE LEATHER INDUSTRY DOES NOT WANT YOU TO SEE 
LEATHER CARE2.COM
HELL FOR LEATHER
ONE MANS STORY, "I CAN STILL HEAR THEIR SCREAMS"
CAT'S AND DOG'S SKINNED ALIVE FOR FASHION ARTICLE #1

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Vegan Nail Polish Brands



Here is a list of vegan nail polish brands which are also cruelty free.

  • a.dorn ($11)
  • a England (Sold in England)
  • AILA Cosmetics ($17)
  • Authority Cosmetics ($17)
  • Beauty Without Cruelty ($17.95)
  • Butter London vegan nail polish ($15) (All polishes are vegan but treatments are not)
  • elf ($2)
  • Flower Beauty ($5)
  • Hard Candy ($5)
  • LVX ($16)
  • Manic Panic ($8)
  • Milani ($4.99) (With exception to the One coat Glitter polishes and Jewel FX")
  • NCLA ($16)
  • No Miss (7.95)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics ($10)
  • Orly (8.50) (All polishes are vegan but treatments are not)
  • Pacifica ($9)
  • 100% Pure ($12)
  • Sante (Unknown)
  • Scotch Naturals ($12)
  • SpaRitual ($12)
  • Wet N' Wild 
  • Zoya ($9)

If you know of other vegan/cruelty free brands please feel free to share them! 

Monday, January 5, 2015

STARFISH TRADE


I'm sure many of you have seen dried starfish ornaments or perhaps a beach themed bathroom and it's creative decor. I saw this very theme at a dentist office not long ago and thought how fun it would be to decorate my bathroom at home in the same way. Of course the trademark of beach theme decor is often the beautiful starfish. I knew exactly where I could purchase these dried starfish because for years I have seen them sold in stores. However, the thought dawned on me that I probably had a misconceived idea as to where these starfish come from. Originally I imagined that perhaps they were all collected from the beach after having had the misfortune of naturally being dried out when the tide receded and left them behind in the shallows of the water. I recall such an incident when I was in the Bahamas and found a large, half dried out starfish during low tide. 
As I momentarily pondered about these beautiful sea creatures I thought how naive I was to not realize sooner there must be a starfish trade. With a few clicks of a button on my Mac, truth was quickly confirmed. Sadly, a huge starfish industry is alive and thriving. 

STARFISH TRADE FACTS
  • Live Starfish are most often, "fished" from natural habitat or farmed 
  • Dehydrated/Dried alive
  • Bleached to remove original color and smell
  • Dyed different colors 
  • Dried body or skeleton of starfish is used for decor, souvenirs, ornaments etc. 
  • Some varieties of starfish are used as food


Starfish Ornament

Starfish food


For more information please visit: