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• Safer Deodorant Cheat Sheet
• Rosacea Tips from Soapwalla Kitchen
• Protecting Your Summer Glow
• DIY: Making Your Own Deodorant
• Part 3: What’s In LovelyMama’s Make Up Bag?

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I’m admitting, right here and right now, that I do not make my own deodorant.  Statia does, and her and her husband use it often.  But I have not gone down that road personally.  I have had success using several brands of natural deodorants and with some time and patience, I do not need to rely on a stick of Dove for security.  In fact the last time I did, I smelled within a few hours.  Not sure why, but that was the last time I used a traditional deodorant.

I will also admit that not every natural deodorant works for me, and that’s not because the product doesn’t work or is faulty.  But sometimes, certain recipes don’t mesh with your body chemistry.  You have to find what works best for YOU.

In order for me to consider a deodorant safe, it must be free of the following ingredients:

Aluminum:  Research is suggesting that aluminum may be linked to Alzheimer’s Disease  and some aluminum ingredients may be hormone disruptors to boot. Propylene Glycol, Parabens, Phthalates, Triclosan (believe it or not some “deodorants claiming they are natural contain Triclosan) and all the other usual suspects that I scan for in approved products.  This list is in alphabetical order and is not comprehensive so if you know a brand you think belongs here, let me know and I’ll verify it and add it to the list.

Best In Show

• Aubrey Organics (Spray, Roll-on, & Men’s)
• Avalon Organic Botanicals Lavender Deodorant Spray
• Bubble & Bee Pit Putty & Deodorant Sprays
• Burt’s Bee’s Mens Deodorant
• Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Deodorant
• Erbaviva Deodorant Spray
• Miessence Deodorant Roll-on
• Real Purity Deodorant
• Soapwalla Deodorant Cream
• Terressentials Organic Super Protection Deodorant
• Weleda Deodorant (all scents)
• Yoreganics Natural Deodorizer

Runner Up’s (Better but not great)

• Jason Natural Cosmetics Deodorant – This works well as a deodorant but the first ingredient listed is Propylene Glycol.  I have used this as my safety net deodorant when I needed extra protection but my armpits started peeling recently so I have since stopped using it.
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant – Same deal.  Uses Propylene Glycol as their main ingredient.  My parents both use this with great success but I had a not effective relationship with it myself and never went back.
• Kiss My Face Active Enzyme Deodorant - Not chemical free and contains Phenoxyethanol.
• Earth Science Natural Deodorant – Not chemical free and main ingredient is Propylene Glycol.

I’ve chosen not to list crystal deodorant stones and sprays because of the possible unintentional aluminum content.  To read more about that please visit Stephanie Greenwood’s blog for more information.  If you disagree, that’s fine. I’m sure I’ll get some crap about not including it but…tough noogies.

DIY: If you’re into making things yourself, please check out our recipe for natural deodorant!

Related articles:

• DIY: Making Your Own Deodorant
• LovelyMama Skin Care Cheat Sheet
• Part 2: What’s in LovelyMama’s Body Care Stash?

The creator of Soapwalla, Rachel Winard, has so graciously provided the following tips and DIY recipes for dealing with Rosacea – a common question around here.  I have a mild case of it myself.  Her product line, Soapwalla is one of my absolute favorites so I know you’ll appreciate her bountiful knowledge –   Enjoy!

The single most common question people ask me is what are the most effective natural ways to treat rosacea, a chronic and sometimes disruptive disorder.

What is Rosacea? Rosacea is a skin disorder that causes redness and swelling, primarily on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Others experience increased sensitivity and redness on the scalp, neck, ears, chest, back and eyes. Some people mistakenly confuse rosacea for acne, sunburn, and excessive flushing. The National Rosacea Society estimates that well over 16 million Americans suffer from this skin condition.

I know firsthand how debilitating face rashes can be. When I have a particularly bad face rash, I dread and will do almost anything to avoid public outings.

Causes

What causes rosacea? Experts aren’t sure, although one recent study suggested a link between rosacea and the H Pylori bacteria that commonly causes ulcers.* However, there are certain universal rosacea triggers that we may avoid, including:

• Stress: goes without saying. Nearly impossible to implement, but try to incorporate stress reduction techniques in your daily schedule. I personally cannot function without my yoga practice.
• Temperature: extreme temperature changes, strong winds, saunas and steam rooms, etc.
• Beverages: avoid alcohol, caffeine, and excessively hot drinks – in temperature as well as spiciness.
• Foods: this varies, but the most common culprits include chocolate, vinegar, nightshades (eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers and potatoes), spicy foods, cheese, and citrus fruits. A specific food allergy can also manifest itself as skin redness.
• Skincare Products: avoid witch hazel, alcohol, acetone, and anything that causes burning or stinging upon application. Topical steroid creams can also aggravate red skin. When my skin is particularly inflamed, I cannot use aloe vera as it literally burns my skin (I learned the hard way, and I’ll spare you the gory details). In addition, overzealous skin cleansing and harsh exfoliation exacerbate redness and tenderness.
• Systems: hormone imbalances or synthetic hormones (think hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills) and poor digestion are linked to increased skin flares.

Treatments

I firmly believe that we can help our skin repair itself through diet, supplements and a holistic skincare regimen. Below is a list of highly potent ingredients that replenish our bodies and calm down redness and irritation:

• Wholesome Foods: I often talk about the link between healthful eating and happy skin, and it’s true – what we put in our bodies is as important as what we put on them. Support your body by eating fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains like brown rice and millet, and including nuts and seeds that are high in essential fatty acids, such as flax seeds and walnuts.
• Supplements: Make sure you are getting a daily dose of B-Complex vitamins. If you are vegan, you need to take a supplement. I personally like Floradix Iron & Herbs.

In addition, think about incorporating probiotics, milk thistle (a potent liver cleanser), bromelain (digestive enzyme found in pineapple) and turmeric (a spice with incredible anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties) into your daily routine.

• Skincare: use skincare preparations that are designed specifically for sensitive skin. Seek out products with organic, whole ingredients and that avoid synthetics, chemicals, petrochemicals, and preservatives. Look for the following ingredients, shown to tone down redness and reduce inflammation:
  1. Evening Primrose, Borage and Black Currant Oils – rich sources of gamma linoleic acid, an Omega 6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. [Note: these oils should not be heated prior to use, as their potent health benefits will be reduced.]
  2. Blue Chamomile, Lavender and Carrot Seed Essential Oils – Blue Chamomile contains a concentration of Azulene, which has potent anti-inflammatory, skin healing properties. Lavender, regarded as the most versatile therapeutic oil, is an antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory must-have addition to your skin care products. Carrot Seed essential oil contains substantial amounts of Vitamins A, C, B1 and B2, and effectively removes toxins from the skin, giving it a fresher and firmer appearance.
  3. Calendula – Calendula oil is perhaps the most successful oil in diminishing dry and damaged skin, skin inflammations, rashes, and other skin ailments. An easy DIY calendula recipe is as follows:Place ¼ cup fully dried calendula flowers (make sure there is absolutely no moisture on the flowers; otherwise your oil will spoil) in the bottom of a clear glass jar that has an airtight seal. Pour 1 cup of your favorite oil (olive oil, sweet almond oil and jojoba oil are ideal) over the flowers, completely immersing them. Shake vigorously and place on a sunny windowsill. Shake once or twice a day for a month, until the oil turns a beautiful deep golden color. After a month, strain well and store in a dark glass container away from light and heat. This calendula oil can be used directly on the skin whenever you feel redness or irritation, and truly is a wonderful – and essential – addition to any sensitive skincare regimen!
• Cosmetics: While we ultimately want to eradicate redness and irritation, sometimes we just need to get out of the door looking - and feeling – confident. Luckily, these days we have a number of ethical, progressive cosmetics companies to choose from. Some of my favorites include RMS Beauty and Jane Iredale. Jessa Blades, founder of Blades Natural Beauty and an immensely talented make-up artist and eco-beauty consultant, is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to choosing and applying natural makeup and skincare products. Please stop by Jessa’s website for more information.

NOTE: Please test all new ingredients or formulations on the inside of your wrist to ensure you don’t have a sensitivity or allergic reaction.

Rachel Winard is the Brooklyn-based creator of Soapwalla, a line of luxury organic face and body products made with the highest quality organic and food-grade ingredients, never questionable additives such as sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens or harsh and synthetic additives.

*http://www.rosacea.org/rr/2001/winter/article_4.php

Related articles:

• New Favorite: Soapwalla Organic Face & Body Care
• What’s In LovelyMama’s Shower?

Let’s face it, even though we all know that too much sun is bad for us, most of us love the healthy glow of sun kissed skin.  Now, we’ve said it before, you need some sun.  Studies show that in this day and age, we don’t get nearly enough vitamin D, especially in the winter (and sure, supplements help, but one of the main sources is the sun), so when summer rolls around, we like to spend a lot of time outside.  It helps even out my family’s moods, and we all sleep better at night.

I’ll say this, unless you have a history of skin cancer,  or you’re one of those people that burns even if it’s a cloudy day and you’re in your house with long sleeves on, ditch the sunscreen if you’re going to be out for a short while (say an hour).  Opt for a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes, but let the sun do its magic.  I’m not a habitual sunscreen user.  I feel it does more harm than good.   However, if you’re going to be out at the local pool, or a day trip to the beach,  make sure you use a sunscreen of at least a 30SPF, and keep reapplying, per the directions on the bottle.

Now, with that said, I’m guessing a lot of you probably have a nice summer glow going on right about now, don’t you?  And it makes you feel pretty good.  It makes your skin look more even, and toned.  Not to mention, it helps with some other skin disorders, like keratosis pilaris (of which everyone in my family suffers from, sadly), eczema, and psoriasis (my father suffers from it and his dermatologist went against everything he stood for and told him to high tail it to a tanning bed) and others.  But, with being at the beach or the pool on a regular basis, your skin is probably dry.  Especially if you’re a woman and have to shave every day in the summer.

So how do you keep your skin looking smooth like a lotion commercial, without having to dip yourself into a vat of phthalates and petroleum based products?   Here’s my regimen so far this summer:

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe has great healing properties. It keeps your skin from drying out and also prolongs your tan.  Not to mention it’s really cool and soothing if you happen to get burned.

A good baby/body oil: You can probably easily make your own, but my favorite, that I recommend to everyone, is the Tippy Toes Baby Oil by Mambino Organics.  I love this because it’s very light, and absorbs perfectly.  It’s a simple list of ingredients, and it nourishes my skin.  I added a mixture of a few drops of my favorite essential oils to my bottle and it’s like having my own personalized scent.

I put both of these on immediately after my shower, while my skin is still damp.  It takes me an extra two minutes and my skin has never felt better.  And I actually feel good about showing it off this summer.

(Kathy chiming in here): I love Statia’s tips and totally agree.  I am using a body oil as well as a scrub in the shower to keep the bumps and dryness away all year long. My faves right now are Rocky Mountain Soap Company Bamboo Body Scrub and LuSa Organics Organic Sugar Scrub

You can pick up Aloe Vera Gel (look for preservative free or organic) on Amazon.com or at a local health food store.  Check out Lily Of The Desert Aloe Vera Gel or their Lily of The Desert Aloe 80 Soothing Gel on Amazon.

Related articles:

• Review: Aloe Cadabra Lubricant (& Giveaway)
• Rocky Mountain Soap Company: Bamboo Body Scrub
• What’s In LovelyMama’s Shower?

My husband reluctantly switched his body products to greener products.  It was a slow process, but over the last two years, we’ve made progress.  If you have a boyfriend, or husband, you know how stubborn men can be.  My husband would sneak poisonous toothpaste on business trips, because he hated the “hippie stuff” I was using.

One of the last things to give up, on his list of products, was antiperspirant.   It took me forever to get him to stop using the toxic, aluminum laden axe or whatever he could find on sale.  “But I don’t want to pit ouuuuuuuuuuuuuut,” he would whine.  But I bought him a stick of Tom’s anyway, and he wasn’t impressed.  When my husband isn’t impressed, he takes to the internet.   He came up with an awesome recipe for making your own deodorant, and it’s really easy:

What you’ll need:

• A deodorant container (save your old one, and re-purpose it)
• coconut oil (the solid kind)
• baking soda
• essential oil (whatever your favorite is, which is nice, you don’t have to smell like “fake baby butt”)
• vitamin e oil
• corn starch

To Mix:

1. Add the dry ingredients in a bowl first.  Mix equal parts corn starch and baking soda.
2. Add equal parts coconut oil, mix thoroughly.
3. Add a few drops of vitamin e and your essential oil.  You can add as much as you like, but I wouldn’t go overboard.  The mixture will be a bit more flaky if you use more oil.
4. Knead the mixture with your fingers until it forms a ball like consistency, it should be hard enough to put into the deodorant container, but still malleable and not crumbly.  Put the cap on and let set overnight, and voilà!

Keep in mind that this is obviously a deodorant, not an antiperspirant.  You will still sweat using this stuff, but you won’t stink.  I’ve used this recipe on some pretty hot days, as well as during workouts and I haven’t smelled at all.   Needless to say, since making this deodorant, my husband has been a convert.

 

Related articles:

• Part 2: What’s in LovelyMama’s Body Care Stash?
• New Favorite: Soapwalla Organic Face & Body Care
• Badger Balm: Vanilla Coconut Every Day Moisturizer

I don’t wear a ton of make up.  I know there are parts of the country where women tend to wear more make up than others (*cough* Long Island *cough* and I can say that because I grew up there) and I do wear some… enough to make myself acceptable for public consumption.  I do like my girlie must haves and here is whats banging around in my make up bag:

Foundation: I don’t wear a lot of it and I never really did.  But as I’m getting older I have rosacea and some flaws and I just need a light overall cover to make me happy.  I am using mineral foundation which I have recently read to be less than great due to breathing in particles.  But I loathe liquid foundation.  Hate it.  So I hold my breath and hope I don’t get some funky lung disease from it.  My favorite is Alima Pure Mineral Satin Matte foundation after switching from Bare Minerals when I learned that it contained Bismuth Oxychloride which can be an irritant to rosacea sufferers.

I also use SukiColor Liquid Formula Concealer in Flax (which I can’t find on their website right now) for spot treating under eye circles, zits or whatever weirdness shows up. Blends well and has a more respectable ingredients list than most commercial liquid make up.

Blush: I hide from the sun so much so that I need an extra boost (I wear hats and sunglasses all the time) so I use Alima Pure  Luminous Shimmer Blush in Dianthus.  Dr Hauschka makes a nice blush bronzer too but the cost difference is amazing.  $15 for Alima vs $30+ its an easy choice for me.

Eyes: NVEY Eco Organic Eye Shadow Palette in Palette 3.  I had a palette of this before which I had gotten as a gift and it lasted me forever.  So when I was digging the last of it out I decided it was a worthy investment.  It’s $60.  Yeah I know.  But it lasted me well over a year to a year and a half.  So I figure I’m spending that over a course of time on different ones anyway and this is organic.  So I splurge.  I also have a small Dr. Hauschka Eye Shadow Solo in Shimmering Ivory.  But I may try the 4 color palettes they have next time instead of the NVEY.  $44 vs $60 on that scale.

Eye Liner: I have a basic black eye liner from Sephora. Nothing green or safe about it.  I need to find a better one.

Mascara: I use Tarte Lash Hugger Eco-Friendly Natural Mascara.  Tarte uses better ingredients than most and avoids things like parabens, phthalates and mineral oils and is in a recycled tube.  It works great… can’t complain.  I tried out one of the “natural” brands at CVS and it was awful so I’ll stick with this.

Lips: My favorite topic!  I don’t wear lipstick.  It’s a pretty rare occasion if I do.  I am a lip balm kind of girl and when I get dressed to go out (haha) I am a fan of lip gloss.  Although since I started greening my make up I haven’t found too many lip glosses that do it for me. I have a million lip balms including: Badger Lip Balm in just abut every flavor but I love Tangerine and Lavender Orange, Bubble & Bee Lip Balm in both Coconut Lime and Rude Raspberry (which is Certified Organic now), a Burt’s Bees Radiance Lip Shimmer as well as a Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss in Sweet Pink, LuSa Organics lip balm (love) and an Earth Mama Angel Baby Lip Balm which I use at night.

Nails: I know we did a whole round up of safe nail polish but to be very honest – I hate almost all of them.  They don’t stay on and yes I used them while I was pregnant if at all but my vanity is at stake here so I ave been using Zoya Polishes for my mani pedis.  Zoya is Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP Free so I feel somewhat better using them.

Anyone have any eye liner or lip gloss recommendations?  Hope you enjoyed the peek into my bathroom!

Related articles:

• Part 2: What’s in LovelyMama’s Body Care Stash?
• What’s In LovelyMama’s Shower?

I had no idea people would love to know what products I have as much as they did, so here’s what’s on my bathroom counter top and a few things from inside “The Drawer”:

Deodorant: I use a couple deodorants.  I have found that switching my deodorant from day to day lends to the effectiveness of natural deodorants. But they don’t all work for me so I rely on three to do the job. The first is Bubble & Bee Geranium Lime Pit Putty.  Love this one and when it runs out I’m going to get their Geranium Lime Pit Putty with Baking Soda.  I also use Soapwalla’s Cream Deodorant which I like to use on days when I take a more decadent shower… I don’t know why exactly but just go with it.  I also use Weleda’s Rose Deodorant Spray.  I use the Weleda mainly when I take a shower at night.  The alcohol seems like it should be a bacteria fighter so in my weird brain I think “ok this will keep the stinky away all night and then I can put on regular deodorant in the morning”. I have no idea if that is even true or remotely accurate but it makes sense in my brain. I’ve also been making friends with Miessence products (Ely Organics) and one I do like is the Miessence Deodorant.   If you prefer roll on deodorants this might be the one for you. If you are new to natural deodorants here’s a primer to get you started.

Face: Depending on the time of day I am using two face creams.  This is one area I struggle because as I mentioned, I have very sensitive skin, plus rosacea, plus aging, plus occasional breakouts.  So finding something gentle and effective is really hard for me.  For night I am trying out Yes to Cucumbers Facial Hydrating Lotion and it seems to do ok.  I also have a pack of Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes which I thought would be good for quick sweat wipes or lazy nights to remove make up.  But they kind of burn a little so I think they’ll get tossed. For daytime, its Burts Bees Radiance Day Lotion with SPF 15. It contains phenoxyethanol though so I’m on the lookout for something better. When I last visited the dermotogolist they told me to use Aveeno and I did for a while until I saw what was in it.  I’m constantly trying to find a good replacement.  Have yet to find something I really love.  I’m open to your suggestions ladies.

Eyes: I haven’t used an eye cream much since I had to stop using my beloved Clinique eye cream which was my favorite thing on the planet. I have a small bottle of John Masters Organics Firming Eye Gel but I often forget to use it.

Body: This also depends on the shower.  Showers where I have time for a scrub allow me to skip lotions and potions.  I towel off and get dressed. Quick showers tend to leave me wanting a little extra moisture so I opt for body oils.  While I do like the occasional rub down with a lotion or body butter, oils don’t require any processing or chemical emulsifyers.  And if you find a great body oil it can double as perfume. Right now I use Soapwalla’s Luxurious Body Oil.  It’s light enough for day use and smells lovely.  I also have Burt’s Bees Vitamin E Bath & Body Oil which has a great citrus scent but it’s pretty heavy and greasy so I haven’t used it in a while.  Also making appearances on my counter is The Body Deli Coconut Body Souffle, Weleda Seabuckthorn Body Lotion, and Badger Balm Vanilla Coconut Body Balm (I use this primarily at night).

Hair: This is definitely one area where I need improvement.  It’s sad really. I do own several natural hair products but I shamefully admit that I use one or two NOT natural hair products.  I have one or two natural ones I do like.  One is John Masters Organics Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray.  I use this for curly hair days to give my curls that “fresh off the beach” wind look.  It works great.  The other is Giovanni Frizz Be Gone which is great for straight hair days.  It seals and protects my hair before being tortured by a flat iron.  My shame lies in my use of John Freida’s Fresh Curlz.  I also use Aveda’s Curl Cream which is like the best hair stuff ever for curly hair. See? Not perfect but trying.

Part 3: You get a peek into my make up bag!

Related articles:

• New Favorite: Soapwalla Organic Face & Body Care
• Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Body Care
• What’s In LovelyMama’s Shower?

Someone asked me recently if I would publish a list of products I use.  I was hesitant because like you, I am a work in progress and I sometimes think people expect me to have it all figured out.  I don’t, but I try. So here it goes…

Giovanni Colorflage Beautifully Blonde Shampoo: Ok this stuff isn’t nirvana when it comes to ingredients, it contains phenoxythanol and a few other questionable items but its better than a paraben, phthalate ridden shampoo and it works really well.  I spend a fortune on my toxic highlights (hey I’m vain ok? I like being blond!) and the last thing I want to do is ruin my expensive ‘do with lame shampoo.  This claims to protect from fading and enhance blonds.  So far I’m just really happy with the cleaning power and the softness.

Giovanni Organics 50:50 Balanced Conditioner: Again, not perfect but better than many.  Leaves my hair smooth and soft and works just as well as traditional conditioners.  I also like John Masters Organics Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner but right now I can’t afford a $22 conditioner.  I love it, and when I can swing a bottle I’ll get it but let’s face it, it’s a fortune.  Giovanni is available at Target and only costs about $7-9 bucks.  I can handle that.

Tilvee  Shea Butter Bap Soap (Face):  I have very sensitive skin and mild rosacea and a dermatologist told me to use anti-bacterial Cetaphil.  Well, I’m not comfortable with the ingredients (fragrance, PEG’s and Triclosan as the anti-bacterial agent) so I set out to find a better soap that had few ingredients.  Tilvee was the winner/  I use their Shea Butter bar for dry and sensitive skin and it works great.  Plus no gross ingredients.

BAR SOAP:  Ok this is where my obsession is and it’s evident by the bar soap in my shower. I’ll just list them all. Kiss My Face Sudz C-Weed Sweet Orange and Hemp – I love citrus scents and this doesn’t disappoint. Bubble & Bee Coconut Lime Soap – another awesome one. Dr Bronner’s Lavender Bar Soap – cheap, works and available at Target, Kroger, etc.  One type of soap I don’t have right now that I love is bar soap from LuSa Organics. I like the Ylang ylang and Lavender Goats Milk Soap but they have a ton of choices for every preference.  All natural and they’re purely awesome. I love their sugar scrubs and their lip balms too… actually I love everything they make and need to place an order soon. Worth every penny.  There are tons of natural soaps to pick from – this is the easiest thing to change when going natural.

Weleda Birch Body Scrub: I got this on a whim and reviewed it but it doesn’t get much play in my shower.  It smells nice and I think if I tried it with a loofah it might work better but then its a body wash not a scrub so it gets neglected.  Read my review here.

Rocky Mountain Soap Company Bamboo Body Scrub: I just reviewed this and really love it.  I’ve been using it often and I am buttery soft as a result. I love scrubs and although I don’t always have time to use them, when I do they have to be awesome.  This one is worth of my time for sure.

Next time I’ll give you the inside look at my after-shower body care and perhaps a peek into my make up bag!

Related articles:

• Kiss My Face Sudz C-Weed Organic Shower Gel
• Review: Yes to Carrots (and other vegetables too)!
• Part 2: What’s in LovelyMama’s Body Care Stash?

A box arrived on my doorstep not long ago from a company I like called Rocky Mountain Soap Company. I was introduced to them last year when a reader asked me to review them.  I still use their body butters and went through a bottle of their gentle Tiny Tot Foaming Wash.  So when a box came that I wasn’t expecting with the Rocky Mountain logo on it I was squealing with glee.  (Products tend to evoke that kind o reaction from me). Rocky Mountain Soap Company creates really luxurious body products using the best ingredients available that are really effective.  This is definitely the case with their new line of body scrubs!

These are all natural and when I say that I really mean it.  I have used MANY body scrubs in my day.  I prefer sugar scrubs over salt scrubs because I have pretty sensitive skin and anything too abrasive is too harsh for me so I stick with sugar scrubs.. BUT their Bamboo Body Scrub is the first salt scrub I have used that wasn’t totally chunky and unpleasant.  In fact I thought it was a sugar scrub until I read the ingredients.

Rocky Mountain Soap Company’s body scrubs really deliver. The Bamboo Body Scrub is thick like you would want a scrub to be like and the granules are fine enough not to cause any irritation at all. I was soft and smooth and it smells great… has a lighter citrus scent.  It has shea butter to soothe and moisturize and grapefruit essential oil to refresh and combat cellulite. It’s a delightful addition to my shower arsenal. What I adore about scrubs like this is the lack of need to moisturize after a shower.

They have two other fabulous scrubs… a Blood Orange Sugar Body Scrub and a French Lavender Sugar Body Scrub hich are both equally fabulous. Rocky Mountain Soap Company has a ton of great products without the risk of icky chemical additives and preservatives.  Always paraben, chemical, PEG and phthalate free – but without losing any of the awesomeness.  Rocky Mountain Soap Co. is definitely one of my favorite companies.

GET IT: Trust me you ‘ll love them.  Pick up these scrubs or any other of their great products on their website RockyMountainSoap.com!  They have a deal going now if you order one scrub get the second scrub for 50% off!

Related articles:

• What’s In LovelyMama’s Shower?
• Protecting Your Summer Glow
• The Body Deli: Coconut Cream Body Souffle

There’s been a lot of hoopla around perfume lately, most in part to to a new laboratory analysis done by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  Along with the EWG, they tested 17 mainstream fragrances from Chanel to Calvin Klein.  The study found that the perfumes contained on average 14 ingredients not listed on the label because of a loophole that allows companies to claim their toxic recipes as a “trade secret”. Pathetic.  They also found 10 sensitizing chemicals associated with allergic reactions such as asthma, wheezing, headaches and contact dermatitis and 4 hormone-disrupting chemicals linked to a range of health effects including sperm damage, thyroid disruption and cancer. You smell sexy but cancer is most definitely not sexy.

Have a look at the products they tested and the appalling results:  Not So Sexy Report

What Do I Do?

I hate to say it but ditch the perfume, ladies. People overdo it with perfume and I personally can’t stand being near someone doused in Britney Spears CIRCUS…  However I will admit it’s nice to be able to put on a dab of something when you’re dressed up.  Here is a list of a few natural fragrances that aren’t laden with toxic hormone mimicking chemicals:

• Red Flower (I use this and love it)
• Rocky Mountain Soap Co Natural Perfumes
• LaVanila Perfume Oils
• Tsi-La Organic Perfume Oils
• Blends Organic Perfume Oils
• Parfums Honoré des Prés

I’ve been known to “make” my perfume simply by dabbing a desirable oil behind my ears (just be careful of reactions if you are sensitive) or I rely on the natural scents of body oils.  My current favorite is Soapwalla’s Luxurious Body Oil.  No need for added perfumes to make me smell pretty.

SOURCE

Related articles:

• New Favorite: Soapwalla Organic Face & Body Care
• DIY: Making Your Own Deodorant
• LovelyMama is Loving Shea Moisture

Sunny Lime Skin Care is one of many reasons I love Etsy.com.  You can find great products that aren’t full of chemicals and processes contaminating ingredients.  Sunny Lime sells Organic Shea Butters for your skin with no icky stuff added.  You can get pure Shea Butter which is unscented or one of their scented butters that are lightly scented with a blend of organic essential oils, or oils that were not cultivated with chemicals.  All of Sunny Lime’s  Shea Butter’s are mixed with Jojoba oil for maximum moisturizing capability!

Shea Butter has many great uses and healing properties.  Use it on rough feet, elbows and knees.  Use as a skin primer for shaving in the shower to reduce nicks and cuts. Shea Butter helps reduce  wrinkles and lines, age spots, softens scars, and heals chapped lips. There are a million uses for this moisturizing power house ingredient.  Sunny Lime’s Shea Butters have no gross stuff like preservatives, parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances.  Just simple Organic Shea Butter and essential oils.

Sunny Lime is giving away one full size 4oz jar of Sunny Lime Shea Butter to a lucky LovelyMama reader!

To Enter: (required)

Leave a comment telling me what YOU use Shea Butter for (or would if given the chance)!

For Extra Entries: (Make sure you leave a comment for each of them to count)

• Subscribe to LovelySafeMama.com via RSS reader
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• Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED DAILY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments):  #WIN a full size Sunny Lime Shea Butter from Lovely @safemama #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/34k6nxo

Giveaway open to US and Canada.  One winner will be chosen via Random.org. Entries accepted until midnight PST on May 19th 2010.  Good Luck!

Congratulations Cathy commenter #59!  Thanks to everyone who entered and thank you Sunny Lime for the great giveaway!

Related articles:

• LovelyMama is Loving Shea Moisture
• LovelyMama Skin Care Cheat Sheet

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