January Eco Emi box has arrived!

Today I received my January Eco Emi box!  The Eco Emi box works like Birchbox except all products are eco friendly, meaning certified organic, paraben, sulfate, gluten free and free of harsh chemicals and preservatives!

For $15 a month (including shipping) you will receive a minimum of five samples wrapped in chic earth friendly packaging.  I have been receiving the Eco Emi box since November ’11 and love every product I’ve ever received!  Another great part of Eco Emi is the products are not all beauty; there is food, laundry detergent, cooking oils and teas!

January Products:

Lip Tint by JR Watkins (full size), Endangered Species lip balm by Merry Hempsters (full size), Sprouted Organic Quinoa by Tru Roots (serves 2), Herbal tea by TeaGschwendner Marani Green Tea and Acerola Fruit Tea (no caffeine), Organic Fair Trade Coconut Oil by Kelapo, Honeydew Spearmint Lotion by Deep Steep, Organic Hand Purifier by Dr. Clean Green, Organic Eyeliner in black brown by Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques (full size) and Grapefruit Seed & Orange Peel Liquid Laundry Detergent by Biokleen.

Eco Emi just announced on Facebook that there is no waiting list so sign up today!

Stay fabulous!

Paraben free products I use

I said I would post the paraben free products I use to show how easy they are to find and how these products do not have to be expensive.  I buy most products at ULTA, Sephora, QVC, Wal-Mart and Target.  Arbonne products are sold exclusively through an Arbonne consultant.

While these are not the only products I use, below is a list of tried and true products that are free of parabens and harsh chemicals that I use on a regular basis.  Look for further posts that feature some of these products.

Shampoos/Conditioners: CHI Infra Shampoo, Lea Journo Hydrating Shampoo/Conditioner, L’Oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner.

Face Wash: Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil, Origins Checks and Balances Frothy face wash, sibu beauty sea buckthorn facial soap

Body Wash: Tree Hut Shea Moisturizing Shower Wash

Shave Cream: EOS (Evolution of Smooth)

Exfoliators: Pangea Organics Facial Scrub, Arbonne FC5 Exfoliating New Cell Scrub

Leave in Conditioners: SexyHairOrganics Leave-in Conditioner, hair rules nourishment leave in conditioner

Styling Products: CHI 44 Iron Guard, hair rules blow out your curls, CHI Silk Infusion, Oscar Blandi pronto gloss Instant Glossing Cream

Face Moisturizers: Arbonne FC5 Nuturing Day Lotion with SPF 20, Arbonne FC5 Moisturizing Night Creme, Arbonne FC5 Hydrating Eye Creme, Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil, OleHenriksen truth serum collagen booster

Body Moisturizers: St. Ives Skin Renewing Collagen Elastin Body Lotion, Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion, Burt’s Bees naturally nourishing body lotion, Pacifica Body Butter, LaVanila Body Butter

Please comment if you use any paraben free products that are not listed here!  The more options the better!

Stay fabulous!

Discover Josie Maran Argan Oil Products!

Josie Maran is a model/actress who landed a job in Morocco and discovered the benefits of Argan Oil.  She has developed a wide range of all-natural products which are infused with the anti-aging and hydrating benefits of this wonder oil!  I first discovered her line at Sephora in New Jersey and have been using her products ever since!  Her products are exclusive to Sephora and QVC.

All Josie Maran products are without parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, and triclosan.

These are the Josie Maran products I use and highly suggest you try:

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil ($32 Sephora; $32 QVC with Bonus Rosy Water): This cleanser removes makeup and skin impurities while providing deep hydration.  I use this product at night to remove makeup and as my primary facial cleanser.  I have been using this product every night since August ’11 and am still using that same first bottle!

Josie Maran Argan Color Stick ($22 Sephora; $39.98 QVC set of 5): This color stick can be used on lips and cheeks to provide subtle color and hydration.  I use this product in the am before going to work and when at home to add color to my face after taking off makeup.  This product lasts a very long time!

Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil ($14-$96 Sephora; $48 QVC with Bonus Color Stick): This 100% pure Argan Oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids and grown organically in Morocco.  Argan oil can be used as a daily moisturizer, skin treatment, treating split ends, and softening cuticles.  I use this oil once a week as an all over face moisturizer before bed and also to treat split ends.  I also use the oil as a hand moisturizer since my hands become very dry during the winter months.  Because this product is quite expensive, I use it sparingly.

Today, QVC’s Special Value is the Josie Maran Argan Beauty Practice 5-pc Collection ($69.96).  This is a great way to try her various products without making a big commitment!

Please comment if you use Josie Maran’s products!

Stay fabulous!

What are parabens?

PARABEN FREE IS ME!

In this blog I talk a lot about parabens and am providing links to some great online informational pages to help educate people on what parabens are and why I made the choice to avoid them.  In a future post, I will list the beauty products that I use that are paraben free to show you that finding these products is not difficult or expensive!  Yes, I am well aware that the information out there is contradictory but why not avoid these potentially harmful ingredients when so many products are available without them?

What Are Parabens and Do I Need To Worry About Them? (Real Simple)

What Are Parabens and Why Should You Avoid Them (The Good Human; 2007)

What are parabens? (Discovery Health)

Please post a comment about the information you have read and tell me what you think!

Stay fabulous!

Alternative to Clarisonic Mia

I loved the idea of the Clarisonic Mia but just couldn’t see spending over $100 on a face scrubber.  In the past I used a similar product by Neutrogena (not the Wave Sonic) only to find my skin very red and irritated.  Just when I was about to give up on the hope of ever buying the Clarisonic, I was told about Olay Professional Advanced Cleansing System.

The facial scrubber, which looks very similar and functions very much like the Clarisonic, is a great alternative!  I bought mine at ULTA for $26.50 (with coupon) and have been using it for approximately one month.  It comes with one 2-speed facial cleansing brush and batteries.  The brush head is replaceable and the box states that each brush should last approximately three months.  The system also comes with a trial size of Olay’s Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser (20 mL).  The system can be used with any facial cleanser, no specific cleanser is required.

If you are a member of Sam’s Club, they sell the system, which includes a full size cleanser, two brushes and a battery pack for approximately $39.

I definitely recommend this beauty tool if you are looking for softer, smoother skin with the added benefit of a deeper clean.  Another benefit to using this beauty tool is the process is quick, about 1 minute, therefore you may be more likely to use this tool on a regular basis.

Stay fabulous!

January’s NewBeauty Test Tube arrived today!

I received January’s Beauty Test Tube today!  This is my third Test Tube and I’m most excited about the OleHenriksen Truth Serum and the tarte aqua-gel eyeliner!  Both products are paraben and sulfate free and made with all natural ingredients.  The Test Tube on QVC has not sold out yet (I can’t believe it!) so you still have a chance to order!  This is a great way to sample high-end beauty products for a great price!

January’s products:

Full-sized Mally Volumizing Mascara; full-sized tarte emphasEYES Aqua Gel Eyeliner; Kate Somerville ExfoliKate;  Ole Henriksen Truth Serum;  Nick Chavez Yucca Root Shampooing Cream;  philosophy field of flowers perfumed shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath;  philosophy field of flowers perfumed body lotion;  Calista Tools Achieve 10 Styling Cream;  First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream; and January edition of NewBeauty magazine.

Past Test Tube Products:

August 2011 products:

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss (full size); OSCAR BLANDI pronto invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray; Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15; Lea Journo Hydra-Riche Hydrating Conditioner; Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer; philosophy the microdelivery exfoliating wash; LAVANILLA The Healthy Body Butte; IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil (full size); NewBeauty magazine.

October 2011 products:

Supersmile Professional Whitening Toothpaste; Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer; Perricone Firming Neck Therapy; philosophy snow angel 3-in-1 shower gel; Mally Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner (full size); Laura Geller Baked Eyeshadow (full size); Josie Maran 100% pure argan oil; WEN Winter Vanilla Mint; NewBeauty magazine.

Stay tuned for upcoming reviews of January’s products and please comment if you have ordered the Test Tube!

Stay fabulous!

NewBeauty Test Tube on QVC!

 

Today all day on QVC they are focusing on beauty products!  I am an admitted QVC addict and have bought many awesome beauty products from them!  They offer great prices, auto-delivery and many products qualify for Easy Pay (make payments on a credit card with no interest).

If you’re interested in deluxe beauty samples, check out the New Beauty Test Tube on QVC! The cost is $29.96 plus $6.97 shipping and auto-delivery is available.  You will want to act fast (order today on QVC.com!) because this product sells out fast!  If you sign up for auto-delivery, you will receive a Test Tube this month, April, August and October.

January’s products:

Full-sized Mally Volumizing Mascara; full-sized tarte emphasEYES Aqua Gel Eyeliner; Kate Somerville ExfoliKate;  Ole Henriksen Truth Serum;  Nick Chavez Yucca Root Shampooing Cream;  philosophy field of flowers perfumed shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath;  philosophy field of flowers perfumed body lotion;  Calista Tools Achieve 10 Styling Cream;  First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream; and January edition of NewBeauty magazine.

Stay tuned for a future post on past contents of the Test Tube!

Please post a comment if you have ordered the Test Tube!

Stay fabulous!

Email to a FriendShare This Link

Copy this link and paste anywhere: Loading

To: Please check addressjohn.doe@gmail.com, jane.doe@yahoo.com

From: (email address) Please check address

From: (your name) Please add name

Post to Wall: Please choose a friend

Message: (optional)Say something about this…0

Your Tweet has been posted!

Sent!Copied!

powered by

Beauty Haul

(Products pictured left to right)

CHI 44 Iron Guard: If you use a blow dryer, flat iron or curling iron, this heat protectant spray is for you!  I’ve been using this product since late summer ’11 and swear by it!  It reduces breakage and fried ends and smells great too!  When using it on dry hair, don’t be scared when your hair sizzles and smokes, no harm done!  (ULTA $14 8.5 fl. oz.)

CHI Silk Infusion: This paraben free oil like serum is great for making curly hair straight.  I use this product on damp hair before blow drying.  Only downfall of this product is it’s price but I use such a small amount that it will last a while. (ULTA $24 6 fl. oz.)

*Both CHI products are paraben free.

OSCAR BLANDI pronto gloss INSTANT GLOSSING CREAM:  This paraben free cream fights frizz and flyaways while also protecting your hair from heat styling tools.  I use this cream before and after flat ironing.  I love it because it leaves my hair looking and feeling very silky and the shine it gives is amazing!  (ULTA $19 4.2 fl. oz.)

*NEW* L’OREAL EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner: I have never used this product and first read about it in People StyleWatch (thanks Jen!) magazine.  It’s the first cleansing conditioner by L’OREAL and is sulfate, salt, and paraben free.  This product is also 100% vegan which means there is no animal byproducts and not tested on animals.  Stay tuned to a full review of this product!  (ULTA $6.99; Target $5.99 8.3 fl. oz.)

Stay fabulous!

January Birchbox has arrived!

Today I received my January Birchbox full of great products!  This is the first time since signing up that I didn’t look online for a sneak peek and was really surprised by the fabulous beauty products that were inside!  If you’re into beauty products but are hesitant to make the big purchase, Birchbox is for you!  You can sign up to be a yearly or monthly member and for a mere $10/month you get 4-5 deluxe samples.  Birchbox also provides a beauty profile where they will send samples based on your beauty needs and preferences.

Here is what I’ve received in the past:

October 2011:  AHAVA Mineral Foot Cream, blinc Mascara, Ouidad Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel, Pangea Organics Facial Scrub, The Lash Card.

Recommend: Pangea Organics Facial Scrub          Disappointed By: blinc Mascara

November 2011: kate spade new york Twirl, Jouer Lip Enhancer, Thymes Body Lotion, Alex & Isabelle Classic Hair Ties, Zoya Gems & Jewels Collection.

Recommend: Thymes Body Lotion          Disappointed By: NOTHING!  Loved everything!

December 2011: Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss, Harvey Prince Ageless (Pink Grapefruit), Orofluido Elixir, Showstoppers Designer Fashion Tape in Nude/Black, Benefit the POREfessional, EBOOST Orange Natural Energy Booster.

Recommend: Benefit the POREfessional          Disappointed By: Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss

January 2012: Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy, VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Lotion, ORIGINS Cheeks and Balances Frothy Face Wash, stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner, LARABAR Mini Bars

Look for reviews of the January products very soon!  If you like what you read and found the information useful, please ‘like’ this post!

Stay fabulous!