A few weeks ago, after a post about my picks for summer's best sunscreen-moisturizers, a couple readers asked me to recommend a sunscreen that absolutely, positively won't break them out—aka no plant oils of any kind!
As someone who's favorite word in the skincare dictionary is "non-comedogenic," I appreciate this caution (even though most plant oils are non-acneic).
After much research, I found one. It falls in the lenient "more natural" category: Korres Watermelon Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 is dermatologist-tested, has the official "non-comedogenic" stamp and contains no plant oil of any kind. It gives great coverage for a tinted moisturizer and provides broad-spectrum sun protection.
Pretty factor: Nutrient-rich watermelon extract prevents photo-aging, tumeric extract wards off free radicals, and algae and glycerin soothe and moisturize. According to InStyle, Angelina Jolie uses Korres' sister product Ginger & Vitamins Foundation SPF 10.
Eco factor: No parabens, mineral oil, silicones or propylene glycol
July 27, 2008
Korres Watermelon Lightweight Tinted Moisurizer SPF 30
July 18, 2008
Ferro Cosmetics Eye Candy Pearl Eye Shadows
I'm not much of an eye shadow gal. I find them too dully matte or disco-queen sparkly to spend my hard-earned money on. Depending on the outfit, I either quickly sweep my bronzer or blush on the outer creases and c'est tout. But I recently became a fan of Ferro Cosmetics Eye Candy Pearls—they're the perfect blend of cream and shimmer.
Eco factor: No talc, bismuth oxychloride, preservatives, petroleum by-products, fragrance or dyes. Ferro Cosmetics runs a "green" office, using recycled-content paper, unplugging everything at night, using smart light bulbs, etc!
Ingredients
July 14, 2008
Nikkel Holistic Skincare Microdermx Cream
I know, I know. Another microdermabrasion cream-kit on the market? But this one is different. This one is q-u-a-l-i-t-y. Of the eye-crossing number of microderm creams and facial scrubs I’ve used in the past few years, Microdermx, made by L.A.-based Nikkel Holistic Skincare, is truly the crème des crèmes. Why? The quality of its crystals and the plethora of soothing, healing ingredients.
Pretty factor: Instead of harsh, second-rate exfoliants like pumice, magnesium oxide, sodium bicarbonate or unfused aluminum oxide, Microdermx uses medical-grade corundum crystals—which are second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale of hardness. The crystals are so microfine (at first touch, the product actually feels like a regular face cream) that they exfoliate with superb evenness.
Generous amounts of chamomile and aloe prevent the skin from becoming ruddy, and rose hip seed oil, rich in vitamin A, aids reparation. I was wow-ed by how baby-butt-smooth my face felt afterward.
Numerous Microdermx customers have reported their skin tone to be more even, pore size smaller, and wrinkles, acne scars and brown spots diminished after just a couple months of use (2-3 times/week).
Eco factor: No parabens, petrol additives like mineral oil or propylene glycol, or synthetic dyes or fragrance
To buy: $45 at microdermx.com
July 1, 2008
The Body Deli Skincare: Raw, Fresh and Food-Based
Many natural beauty companies boast that their products are "so pure you can eat them." I recently discovered a line in which that is almost the case.
The Body Deli, based in Palm Springs, uses so many fresh food ingredients that some of their goods actually ship with an ice pack and require fridge storage. Equally cool: The brand's fans include Goldie Hawn, Kate Hudson and Alicia Silverstone.
I’ve been using the best-selling Cucumber Juice Elixir daily for the past month. Kept in the frig, it's perfect for summer—an anti-inflammatory cocktail of organic aloe vera, cucumber juice and chamomile soothe the skin while barley grass and spirulina feed it a wealth of nutrients.
Another delectable top seller: the Blueberry Fusion Scrub, which
Eco factor: Body Deli products contain fresh, organic plant, fruit and veggie extracts. No sulfates, parabens, silicones, petrochemicals, or synthetic colors and fragrances
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