Eco*Pretty's Last Post

Yes, Eco*Pretty is ending. During a time when everyone and their aunt is blogging and tweeting, I'm going offline. I think this Internet trend has only two, maybe three more weeks before people lose interest.

Ha! No, I've been working an increasing number of hours as the Chicago-area account exec for a top organic skincare company the past few months. I was recently promoted and given more responsibility that includes frequent travel and management (and most exciting, health benefits!). I'm also contributing to the company's blog and to a magazine in my hometown, Indianapolis.

Thank you so much for your readership and kind comments. It's been hugely pleasurable serving and interacting with you throughout these 150 posts. I've tried to feature the best of the growing crop of high-quality natural beauty products. I hope you've seen great results with any that you've bought based on these recommendations. Good luck in your environmental and beauty endeavors.

xoxo,
Lindsay

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Buy organic. Eat local.
Plant trees. Take the bus or bike.
Always stop to smell the flowers.

NEW The Body Deli Blueberry Fusion Resurfacing Facial Wash

When the weather is humid and the sun is unflinching, this skincare junkie can't help but be attracted to a brand with fresh food ingredients, names like Sea Cucumber Gelee, and products that require refrigeration.

Last week, after a few sessions of sticking my head in the freezer to cool off, I found myself typing thebodydeli.com into my browser. (I was instantly addicted to its fresh cucumber cell toner last summer after discovering the brand.) This year, I was excited to discover that they've launched a Blueberry Fusion Resurfacing Facial Wash. From its rich purple hue, description and ingredients list, I thought it just might be my favorite new cleanser. It is.

Pretty factor: Naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids from organic acai and blueberry slough off dead skin cells and unclog pores (the wash tingles upon application!), while the berries' antioxidants slow aging in skin cells. Decyl glucoside, a mild plant-derived surfactant, gently removes all grime and makeup. Tamarind extract boosts hydration and oat flour soothes.

If you have extra bucks, check out the Sea Cucumber Gelee mask—a summer must for sun bunnies. It hydrates parched, sun-zapped skin, calms redness, and helps repair free radical damage. Some of its irresistible ingredients: Organic aloe vera juice, kombucha tea, sodium hyaluronate, and fresh cells of cucumber, pomegranate and kiwi, green tea extract. Ships on ice and must be stored in the frig.

Eco factor: Body Deli products contain fresh, organic plant, fruit and veggie extracts. No sulfates or other harsh surfactants, paraben preservatives, silicones, petrochemicals, or synthetic dyes and fragrance.

To buy: $38 for the facial wash and $45 for the cucumber mask at TheBodyDeli.com

Collective Wellbeing Hot Pore Cleansing Scrub with Active Charcoal

Grill season is here. And while I won't be sizzling slabs of meat over charcoal (a carcinogen-producing activity), I will be slathering a little of that black, porous rock over my face via my current product obsession: Collective Wellbeing's Hot Pore Cleansing Scrub, a purifying mask and jojoba bead exfoliator in-one—that warms upon contact!

Pretty factor: I've scrutinized countless ingredients lists, and this scrub's raised both eyebrows in pleasure. Like a sponge, active charcoal absorbs impurities in the skin, while kaolin clay soaks up excess oil (much appreciated during this sweaty summer). Jojoba wax beads gently exfoliate, and salicylic acid and retinol further assist in removing dead skin cells and smoothing texture. Finally, tea tree extract zaps any acne-causing bacteria that might be having their own summer bash on your skin's surface.

Eco factor: Collective Wellbeing uses organic botanicals and no sulfate detergents, parabens, or synthetic fragrance or color. They're members of 1% For the Planet and The Chicago Climate Exchange, through which they completely eliminate their carbon footprint!

To buy: $14.99 at Whole Foods and collectivewellbeing.com

Alo-ha! Pacificia's $9 Solid Perfumes

A few readers have asked why I haven't reviewed natural fragrances. One simple reason: They're dang expensive. Most I've seen have hovered around 80 bucks a bottle—which is out of my wallet range and, I imagine, many of yours given the economic climate. As a result, the only eau's I've used in recent years have been Stella McCartney's roll-on and, sadly, whiffs from my essential oil-scented haircare products.

But that changed last month after discovering Pacifica's solid perfumes. Just $9 each(!), they come in cool, Andy Warhol in the garden-esque tins with 20 alluring scents to choose from, like Malibu Lemon Blossom, Tahitian Gardenia and, my favorite, French Lilac.

Pretty factor: These perfumes are a lesson in simple beauty. Just a few ingredients: organic soy and coconut waxes and a blend of essential oils—no nasty chemicals that you have to worry about sinking into your skin (or giving you asthma). The tins are easily transportable and the scents are time-released via pores and sweat ducts throughout the day. Perfect for summer.

Eco factor: Pacifica products are free of parabens, propylene glycol, phthalates, lead wicks, animal ingredients (including beeswax), and animal testing. Packaging is made with recycled content, the company reuses and reduces wherever possible, and it's working toward carbon neutrality.

To buy: $9 at select Whole Foods, Sephora (which sells 6 of the 20 scents) and pacificaperfume.com

Josie Maran Bear Naked Makeup Remover Wipes

I've always favored gentle foaming cleansers over makeup-removing wipes to wash my face. But a lot of women love the no-water-required convenience of wipes, plus they're ideal for this time of year; they remove sweat and runny foundation in one quick swipe. Model Josie Maran has launched some nice ones: Bear Naked Makeup Remover Wipes.

A portion of every sale benefits the Polar Bear SOS, an initiative by the Natural Resources Defense Council that aims to have polar bears protected under the Endangered Species Act. One tragic effect of global warming is that rising temperatures have melted huge amounts of Arctic ice. As a result, polar bears must swim further to find land and are drowning in the process. There are some heart-breaking images that document their plight....

Pretty factor: These gentle wipes use a soothing cocktail of cucumber, chamomile, aloe and vitamin E. They're free of artificial fragrance (which can irritate the delicate eye area), instead using a splash of grapefruit oil for a refreshing, zesty scent.

Eco factor: No parabens or artificial dyes or fragrance. A portion of proceeds goes to the Polar Bear SOS, an initiative by the Natural Resources Defense Council to get polar bears protected under the Endangered Species Act.

To buy: $12 at josiemarancosmetics.com and sephora.com