Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner Review

Here in the northern states, the weather has warmed and the days have lengthened. But some wintry effects remain. The earth is still bare and brown...and hair is still indoor heat-beat. To soothe dehydrated locks on a budget, try Giovanni's Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. They're enthusiastically recommended by a friend—a product switch-a-holic who has used them the entire past year. She says the line "awesomely" tames her thick hair and leaves her scalp feeling fresh for two days. And she's obsessed with the awakening valencia orange, lemongrass, and mango extracts.

Pretty factor: Nutrient-loaded sea kelp, chamomile, and soybean protein, plus a small amount of silicone (just in the shampoo), smooth dry, unruly hair and leave it virtually knot-free post-shower. Rosemary, lemongrass and lavender tone the scalp and encourage hair growth.

Ideal for: Dry, curly or coarse hair. For extra frizz protection, apply a little of the conditioner to the ends of hair after your shower.

Eco factor: Giovanni products contain 100% natural, organic ingredients. No petroleum derivatives, artificial fragrance or animal byproducts or testing.

To buy: $8 at Whole Foods and drugstore.com

Naturopathica Rosehip Seed Regenerating Facial Oil

A couple week ago, guest writer Jen featured Juice Beauty's USDA Organic Facial Moisture Concentrate, which she's been loving lately.  The elixir that I'm enamoured with?  The Rosehip Seed Regenerating Facial Oil by Hamptons-based Naturopathica. 

First, a little info on facial oils.  As we age, our skin's sebum production decreases, causing dryness and dullness. Plant oils—e.g. rosehip, olive, evening primrose, coconut—nourish and hydrate to restore youthful plumpness.  Packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids, they also help reduce redness, fine lines and scarring.  

Should you shy away from face oils if you have oily skin? No! Contrary to popular belief, most plant oils are non-comedogenic.  In fact, many people think that their anti-inflammatory nature actually calms oil production. 

Splurge: Naturopathica Rosehip Seed Regenerating Facial Oil.  Sunflower and rosehip seed oils (rich in vitamins A and essential fatty acids) soften skin and boost collagen production to reduce fine lines and surface scars.  Pomegranate extract neutralizes free radicals and geranium and everlasting (immortelle) essential oils lend a divine aroma that quickly lulls you to sleep.  $40 at naturopathica.com and skinbotanica.com

Save: Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Intensive Repairing Serum. I commend Burt's Bees for progressing from their hippie-in-the-woods image and making some quality skin care products the past couple years, including this new serum. It contains a base of repairative rosehip seed oil plus several other moisturizing and antioxidant-rich oils, such as pomegranate.  $26 at drugstore.com

Tip: Worried that facial oils will make your face an oil slick?  Massage just a few drops on slightly damp skin; they'll sink right in.

NEW Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin mascara

Until now, natural mascaras have been the beauty bane of my existence—there wasn't a wallet-friendly option. Lavera, Dr. Hauschka and Tarte's mascaras are sublime, and if I had a full-time job now, I would buy them. But I can't afford to pay $19 for eye makeup that lasts only two months. So confession: I've been using Neutrogena Healthy Volume mascara. I guess we can't be green all the time...

...or can we? Physician's Formula has launched a 100% Natural Origin Mascara to accompany its popular Organic Wear® makeup line! It contains certified organic ingredients and gives nice, thick lashes with minimal clumping or flaking. And could the packaging be cuter?

Pretty factor: Rice protein, tapioca starch, and beeswax naturally adhere to and volumize lashes. Jojoba esters, olive leaf and soybean oil moisture them, while aloe and cucumber soothe and protect the delicate eye area. The lash-separating brush is similar to Cover Girl Lash Blast or Maybelline Define-A-Lash mascaras. It comes in 2 colors (Black and Ultra Black) and is opthamologist-tested.

Eco factor: 100% ECOCERT^® ingredients with no parabens, petrochemicals, drying solvents, synthetic polymers, fragrance or dyes. It comes in biodegradable packaging and wasn't tested on animals.

To buy: $9.95 at drugstores nationwide

Softlips® Pure Organic Lip Conditioner

During my early teens, Softlips® was the brand for fending off chapped lips: the tall slender tube, the refreshing menthol, the fact that it cost double the price other balms...it was all so sophisticated! 

While I’ve grown and matured, apparently so has Softlips®. Perusing a CVS on a dry, cold day in Boston, I saw a display for its new Pure Organic Lip Conditioner. Actually, I first saw the pomegranate– my favorite fruit—which lured me in like Persephone.

Pretty Factor: The balm is flavorless and colorless, but the organic pomegranate extract leaves a scent that captures the fruit's essence without that over-sweet, bastardized smell  common to fruity products.  Vitamin E, organic shea butter and organic coconut, olive, and jojoba seed oils smooth and moisten your lips for hours without leaving a waxy feeling. I fell asleep wearing some and my lips still felt good when I woke up!

Eco Factor: Softlips® Pure is 95% USDA-certified organic. It is produced without pesticides and contains no parabens or gluten. This cruelty-free balm is also available in honeydew (better for summer) and comes in recyclable packaging.

To Buy: $3.69 at drugstores nationwide and drugstore.com

—Guest blogger Virginia Green

Save Your Skin While You Sleep: Hot Water Bottles in Bed

In the spirit of frugality and eco consciousness, I want to talk about a bedtime beauty secret that British and German women have used for years:  the humble hot water bottle.  

At night, turn down your thermostat, fill one of these bottles with hot water, cap, and slide it under the covers. (Insert "Is that a water bottle in your bed, or are you happy to see me? joke here.)

The bottle will heat your bed up to 9 hours. It will also alleviate aches, cramps and soreness and increase circulation!

Pretty factor: You’ll have softer skin and smoother hair this winter because hot, dry central heat didn't suck out their moisture.  You can spruce up your bottle (and protect your skin from the hot rubber) by wrapping it in a pillowcase or, for crafty gals, knitting a little sweater for it.

Eco factor:  Zero energy used. The traditional red or blue bottles are made of latex rubber. They last for years and keep your water the hottest. If you have latex allergies or are averse to buying non-recyclable rubber, you can buy a German-made transparent bottle of thermoplastic material that's odorless and recyclable.

Frugal factor: You’ll save quite a few bucks on utilities. The latex version costs as little as $3.95. The German version costs about $20 and will also last many years. Most drugstores carry the latex bottles. Click here to buy the German model.

— Jen from Skin Rhythm