Feelgood Style

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The ‘Goodbye Girl’ says a hearty hello to biodyamic herb farming and creates some wonderful, healing organic skincare and wellness products.

Marsha Mason’s publicist reached out to us last year and we rated an excellent sampling of some of the products made on her New Mexico herb farm, Resting in the River Organic Farm.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was truly impressed with the quality of all the products we got to play with, which included:

Healing Body Butter
Healing Body Lotion
Intens-Salve
The Family Herbal Wellness Kit- which includes a variety of wonderful herbal sprays that were surprisingly useful
Healing Hydration Mist

I had the opportunity to meet with Ms. Mason in her Manhattan apartment last year, and was fascinated to learn about her ’spiritual agriculture’ practices and how she got from being an award-winning actress to her farm in New Mexico.

Read the Interview
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1. Hats! Try this hip California Rising ‘We Are One’ Hat (shown here) which features breathable hemp, soft brushed organic cotton jersey, canvas with locally grown, milled and knitted organic cotton all dyed with low impact dyes. California Rising is a member of 1% For the Planet. I also like this visor from the Sierra Club, simply white and all organic. Read the rest of this entry »

Unless you were born in the last ten years and never listen to music, you’ve no doubt heard of legendary Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood - but how many of you know of his wife Jo Wood, organic maven and legend in her own right?

Used to traveling to far-flung, global locales while touring with the band and long a fan of an organic lifestyle, Wood created this line to offer a collection of super luxurious body products that captures the spirit of the exotic places she’s been. Using only the highest grade & rare organic essential oils, plant extracts and essences, all the ingredients are wild-harvested, organic and sustainably sourced, with over 90% certified organic content. The products contain no water but instead use ultra filtered orange juice as a base to deliver extra antioxidant benefits to skin. She says, “My aim has always been to create something organic that’s also exquisitely beautiful. Every product has been made with love & care.” The entire collection is packaged in beautiful 1930’s style etched glass bottles that are eco-friendly as well as gorgeous.

Loaded with some of the world’s most rare, exotic and beautiful oils, the products reveal a depth and sophistication normally reserved for conventional body products & fragrances not to mention their product descriptions read like a great bottle of wine. “With a heart of Iranian Rose Otto, Egyptian Jasmine, Neroli & Bergamot, this is a fragrance of energy and spontaneity. Green Mandarin and sweet orange add a fresh, vibrant layer and the whole combination is grounded in a soft, spicy base of cedarwood.” Mmmmm … Bottle of Amka Body Dew, anyone?

I often think about how ‘feel good’ a one-stop shop online would be if it could really answer my call for style. Just imagine…..eco-friendly cosmetics, jewelery, clothing, all the things every girl looks for, under a single cyber roof. Folks I have good news: Eco Zen Boutique, a socially conscious, Arizona based green fashion boutique owned and operated by eco-preneur Tandy Stepp, has recently opened a new online store at ecozenboutique.com.

This eco-friendly shopping site offers eco chic clothing, organic cosmetics, recycled handbags, earth friendly jewelry and green gifts and goodies at competitive prices. What’s more, in light of a new environmentally conscious business trend, Eco Zen Boutique has aligned itself with two different environmental organizations: it is offsetting its carbon footprint through Carbonfund.org, one of the country’s leading carbon offset organizations and through its alliance with 1% For The Planet, Eco Zen boutique contributes 1% of company sales to environmental organizations. Read the rest of this entry »

Finally, A One-Stop Shop That “Gets It”

You eat organically and locally and sustainably. You clean your home with vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. So why are you still using makeup, moisturizer, and shampoo that contains known carcinogenic chemicals?

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and its critical jobs include keeping moisture in, excreting waste, regulating body temperature, compensating for the harsh UV sun rays, and creating vitamin D. And think of its powerful connection with the mind and body — you blush when shy, perspire when nervous, and inexplicably, those little hairs on the back of your neck stand straight up when you realize you’re not alone in a dark room.

Especially during these harsh summer months, you owe it to your skin to read every label and understand every ingredient of every product you use on it. And now, going organic and natural has never been easier — or more luxurious.

Futurenatural.com is the place for “responsible hedonism.” A new Sephora for the savvy organic and natural consumer, Futurenatural offers the best organic skin and hair care, makeup, fragrances, and body-loving basics. Owner/”natural beauty junkie”/writer (and former Australian farmer girl) Emma Pezzack has searched the world for organic/natural cosmetics and goodies that are as effective as they are lush. They are also fair-trade and environmentally conscious.

“You can get something that works as well as Estee Lauder, for example, but is 100% organic,” states Pezzack. “All the products we sell are sustainably harvested, consider the environment, and contribute not only to the health of the consumer but the health of the planet.” What’s not to love?!

Futurenatural.com has chosen the brands they sell very carefully, and will soon include some exciting new brand additions such as L’Occitane, ThisWorks, Alaska Glacial Mud Co., Bamford, Stella McCartney, Patyka, Shobha, Jurlique and more. They list full ingredients for each of the products they sell. Don’t recognize what a certain ingredient is?

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It’s a well-known fact that I’m an organic & natural beauty junkie, not to mention lip balm addict, scented candle guru, and total body polish freak. So how do you get glowing and gorgeous in one easy step? Body Polish, body scrubs, body exofliants! In my opinion body polish is underrated and under-appreciated as one of the great beauty products of all time.

Body polish or scrubs are usually comprised of sugar or salt grains (but there are various options available) and a gorgeous assortment of base oils, butters, flower essences, herbs and essential oils. By using a body exfoliant a few times a week you stimulate circulation, encourage cell renewal, get rid of toxins & dead skin cells, plus the grains buff your skin into super smooooooth. Organic oils and butters leave your skin ultra soft and glowing to the point where you don’t need moisturizer - and the whole thing happens in the shower in about 30 seconds flat - a bonus if you’re as time challenged as I am!

I have several favorites but this is one of my current obsessions - Lilikoi (passionfruit) & Lemongrass Body Polish from Malie. With organic virgin coconut oil, cocoa & mango butters, Lilikoi has a deliciously tart and delicate scent, while lemongrass has a bright citrus fragrance that’s full of life, zest and vitality. Let me tell you, these two scents will kick start your day faster than a double espresso! You’ll be uplifted, invigorated, exfoliated and softened all in a state of tropical bliss. Ahhhhhh … perfect for Summer.

Some other faves: Nature Girl Organic Sugar & Lemon Peel Scrub, Eminence Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub, Sheaterra Bourbon Vanilla Shea Butter Salt Scrub

Earlier this week we talked about some DIY tips for a healthy glow in the summer sunshine and we will continue to share skin saving tips throughout summer. Please remember when trying these natural remedies for the skin always use a good full spectrum sun protection (preferably organic). When we’re out in that sexy bikini or sundress always try to have good sun coverage for your special skin type. Stay tuned for our brilliant expert tips on great summer skin here on Feelgood Style.

Today I’d love to share more natural home remedies for glowing skin. Fruits like strawberries and papaya contain enzymes that cleanse the skin of impurities. Avocado is a rich natural moisturizer. Anti-inflammatory skin soothers like cucumber and chamomile prevent redness and calm skin after a gorgeous day in the sunshine.

Chamomile is not only a relaxing tea, but it also calms the skin. This beautiful skin article talks about how to make a simple hot chamomile towel mask to feel refreshed. Some swear by placing cool chamomile tea bags under the eyes to reduce puffy, red or tired eyes.

I also have a great summer tip for this flower. Put a little cool steeped chamomile H20 into a sprtizer bottle, and bring it with you when you are out in the sunshine! If you are a blond or brunette it will lift sunlight highlights in your lovely locks!

Cucumber cools the delicate eye area. Try placing a slice over each eye for a mini facial. For an easy cucumber face toner here is a little recipe. Keep it in the fridge for an added cooling effect after freshening up from a yoga class, brisk walk, or bike ride.

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BECOME SUN SAVVY:

1. Sunscreen. Every time you step outside your skin is exposed to UVA & UVB radiation whether it’s a cloudy day or sunny. It’s advisable to apply sunscreen prior to sun exposure and again 20-30 mins after being outdoors if you are in full sun. Apply after swimming regardless of water resistant formulations. The best kinds are those that contain no chemicals and instead use microfine titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that reflect and block the harmful rays from penetrating skin.

2. Find yourself a good natural or organic SPF lip balm that contains good amounts of skin emollients like plant and nut butters to keep your lips protected and smooth.

3. Invest in a decent pair of sunglasses - preferably the wrap around variety to protect the sides of your eyes/face. Good quality lenses are critical to shield the eyes and filter out UVA & UVB rays.

4. Besides a killer pair of gorgeous shades, a hat is the next most important piece of clothing for Summer. There are a huge number of styles out there to satisfy even the most discerning eco-fashionista among you!

5. Throw on cover-up. Lightweight but densely woven clothing is the best thing to act as a barrier. Remember, skin will burn even through your clothing so if you’re spending extended time outdoors, make sure you still have sunscreen on underneath your clothes and move to the shade as much as possible.

6. A pretty parasol or vintage umbrella will not only protect you but can make a beautiful and unique fashion statement.

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The sun can boost brain levels of serotonin which is the neurotransmitter directly associated with good mood. Sun induced smiles are so wonderful. The best part is this happens simply when you see sunlght. So while taking a stroll outdoors for an hour is ideal, just ten minutes of fresh sunlight and a little glimmer in your eyes will help more than you know.Today, I’d love to share some glorious, all natural, summer skin savers, many of which you may have in your cupboard. These ingredients are all from nature and may help keep you healthy in the sunshine. Treats like apricots and pomegranate with refreshing tea and aloe coolers create healing elixers that will give you that summer glow naturally.

Green Tea contains Camellia Sinesis (its plant of origin) which is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds that demonstrate protection from uv sun damage and prevention of oxidative stress. In fact it had been proven that applying green tea to the skin reduced the number of sunburn cells! I suggest making a toner from your extra tea bags because this summer we need all the skin saving shortcuts we can find.

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If you’re the kind of person that likes their skincare straight up with no whizz, bangs, whistles or frills, you’ll love this collection of skincare from Farmaesthetics. Combining the best of organic flowers & herbs from local farms and packaged in chic apothecary style, there’s nothing impure in this line - just the freshest of ingredients.

The Farmaesthetics Cool Aloe Mist in particular is a brilliant multi-tasker for these Summer months. Scientifically known to draw oxygen to skin, aloe vera is revered for its potent healing and anti-inflammatory properties. This mist can be used to relieve the discomfort associated with sunburn, laser surgery, over exposure to the elements, and reduces skin dehydration. Lavender reduces irritation while bergamot disinfects and provides a further ‘cooling down’ effect.

Carry your bottle around and spritz at any time on the face or body to simply relax and refresh, or use as an antidote to what ails your skin. If you are treating sunburn, your skin actually burns for hours after you’re no longer in the sun so keep in the fridge during summer to give your skin a deliciously cooling treat and help stop the burn.