It’s love. :)

Katie

What is the allure with Ren?

• Renpure products are healthier for you and the earth.
• Ren is easy to use – pump the product out, massage it into your scalp, let it sit and rinse (does not require multiple steps like Wen and Hair One).
• You can use it as a leave-in conditioner or detangler in addition to using it as a shampoo/conditioner.
• Your hair is left amazingly soft, clean and shiny.
• Ren contains Keratin, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter.
• Ren comes in two scents: Rosemary Mint and Sweet Pomegranate. I have both in my shower and alternate between them.

Try Ren! Let me know what you think below. My experiences with Renpure as a brand have been awesome, and I’m excited to continue using their products.

-Katie

I challenge you to tally up the number today. Now, think about the ingredients label for each product. Can you read all of the ingredients? If not, are you comfortable with applying those chemicals to your body? Since there is very little legislation protecting consumer health, when it comes to cosmetics and beauty products, it’s up to you to choose healthier options. It’s easier than you think and even committing to make small changes to your routine will have a great impact.

Organic products are better for you and for the earth! Here is a guide for going green with your makeup:

1. Commit to buying healthier beauty products

2. Discard old makeup and beauty products (Seriously, the eyeshadow you wore to prom? Needs to go…)

3. Enjoy the products you have and once they run out, replace them with greener versions

4. Purchase new products. Some of my favorite brands are Zoya, Josie Maran, Eco Tools , Lavanilla, LUSH, SpaRitual, Tarte, and Renpure.

5. Enjoy your new products and spread the word. Consumers can shape the cosmetic industry and change the landscape of it with the demand for healthier, greener products.

Quick fixes to help you get started:

• Pick up a healthy shampoo/conditioner, I recommend trying Renpure Organics
• Use a greener deodorant, I recommend Lavanilla or Tom’s
• Swap out your nailpolish for a Big 3 Free version (meaning free of Formaldehyde, Toluene or DBP), check out Zoya or SpaRitual
• Read this article from the Cosmetic Databse, Top Tips for Safer Products.

If you still need some convincing:

• Making small changes to your beauty routine will make a huge difference! Start out by using Big 3 Free nail polishes and avoiding products with fragrance.
• Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval authority, with the exception of color additives. - Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Beauty products (makeup, fragrance, etc.) will make its way inside your body -whether it is by absorption through the skin (your largest organ) or inhalation.
• Chemicals found in beauty products have been linked to cancer, reproductive and respiratory concerns, and have been linked to other diseases.
• Visit the Cosmetic Database, type in the name of a product you use, and evaluate it. Your product will be given a rating on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the safest.

Happy Earth Day!

x0,

Katie

1 3/4 cup flour

1/4 cup oil (or 1/2 cup applesauce)

1/2 cup sugar (or 1/4 cup splenda)

3/4 cup fresh blueberries

1 egg

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 cup milk

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

1. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.

2. In another bowl, beat the egg, add milk, vanilla and oil/applesauce. Add to flour mixture. Stir until it looks lumpy.

3. Fold in blueberries.

4. Spoon into baking cups in a mini muffing pan using a tablespoon.

5. Bake in oven (for approx.10-12 minutes) until the tops are golden brown and the center is cooked through (check with a toothpick/fork.)

If you use the Splenda and applesauce as substitutes for sugar and oil, each mini muffin is approximately 35 calories.

Hope you enjoy this,

xo Katie

Although I have a decent collection of brushes, I found the Sigma Complete Kit to be a necessary purchase for me because it contains every type of brush for the application of eye and face makeup. (I purchased this kit with a coupon. I always check http://www.retailmenot.com/ when purchasing online – the second it takes to look up a promotion code is worth it because it can yield great savings). So I received a total of 12 brushes:  Small Angle E65, Medium Angled Shading  E70, Large Shader  E60, Pencil E30, Large Angled Contour  F40,  Large Powder F30,  Duo Fibre  F50, Foundation F60,  Concealer F70, Tapered Blending E40,  Eye Shading  E55,   and Eyeliner  E05. The brushes came in a classy black mesh drawstring  pouch. I also received a free gift (every purchase over $30 gets one!), which is an E25 travel size brush. There was an insert with the brushes too which contains information on brush cleansing (it is absolutely essential to clean your brushes).

I am impressed with the quality of these brushes and am already enjoying them! This set can also be purchased with a brush roll (for an extra $20). This was not necessary for me because I prefer to store my brushes in decorative mugs. This is a matter of preference, if you would prefer a roll, go for it, at the very least it will allow you to travel with your brush set.

I think that investing in good brushes is a necessity! If you are willing to purchase quality makeup, splurging on great tools and brushes to use in conjunction with your products is definitely essential.

If you are interested in Sigma products, check out their website: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Default.asp

Let me know what you think!

xx,

Katie

Nail polish is one of my favorite things. I love wearing it, putting it on, and looking at it (both on me and on others!). I love it on my fingers but also on my toes and I think it looks so pretty in the bottle. It is easy to travel with, can make an outfit pop, and is a reflection of personality.

I was really disappointed when I discovered how harmful conventional nail polish brands are (on the cosmetic database – http://organicmakeupgirl.com/cosmetic-consumers-read-me/). Some of my favorite brands that I have been wearing for years (like Essie) suddenly seemed off-limits and dangerous. Nail polish lost its appeal to me because I felt so guilty wearing it.

A little bit of research led me to Zoya. This brand really enables me to enjoy nail polish again! Zoya nail polish is free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl pthalate and camphor. The polish is also vegan-friendly. I like the fact that my nails can look pretty without compromising my health. :)

Zoya has an incredible range of colors to select from – each shade has an intensity rating (of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most opaque). In addition, each color has a color description, and information on the color family it belongs to, the finish (cream, frost or metallic), and tone (warm or cool). Zoya makes it really easy to find colors that work well with your skin (check out this youtube video on how to find the right color for your skin tone:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHPecpNYehc).

Right now, I am loving Zoya Elodie and Zoya Erin. I recently purchased Zoya Audrina, Zoya Sabrina and Zoya Kali (I am waiting for them to come in the mail!).

I get my Zoya nail polish at zoya.com, where each bottle is $7 (+shipping and handling). This is an awesome brand and I highly recommend purchasing their nail polish! :)

x0 Katie

Today I am going to talk about Renpure Organics Amazing Miracle Deep Penetrating Reconstructor. This product is a great deep conditioner! To use it: apply it after shampooing, wait (3-5 minutes) & rinse. The best part about Miracle Deep: it can be used daily! Many deep conditioners are too heavy to use daily but not this one. It is a great pick for co-washing because it is free of sulfates, parabens, colors & dyes, which is awesome. Additionally, the product is made with organic extracts. It is safe on color-treated hair as well.

In terms of consistency, the product is pretty thick. It smells awesome. Also, the conditioner was not tested on animals (it was actually tested on the family that produces it!) and it is made in the USA, which is awesome.

I bought my Renpure Miracle deep at Harmon’s (and there is actually a try it free rebate attached!) — give it a try if you are looking for a healthy deep conditioning option.

Katie x0

As a side note, I just wanted to say that I have been most faithful to Burt’s Bees and Neutrogena over the years but have tried so many (including: Cetaphil, Aveeno, Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Noxzema, Biore, Korres, Murad, Kiss My Face, Burt’s,  Alba, The Body Shop, Etc.) The brand that I am turning to for my 2011 skincare is Philosophy. There is so much buzz about this brand — I want to experience what it is all about! Oprah named Hope in a Jar one of her 25 favorite things of 2010. I purchased the kit pictured below at Sephora, it is called the Philosophy Makeup Optional Skin kit.

My expectations for the products within are really high! The kit comes with Purity face cleanser, Hope in a Jar moisturizer, 3 face peels, a serum and a cream for the eyes/lips. I am so excited to try out these products! The skin regimen will commence with the new year & I will review the products shortly thereafter.

My hopes for the new skincare regimen: less breakouts, diminish acne scars, some overall firming, and pretty skin that is makeup optional. I will let you know how it goes – join me if you like! :)

x0 Katie

Exfoliation is too often associated with summer, spray tans and sand. Exfoliating can make your skin feel luxurious, even when it is cool outside! Tree Hut sugar body scrub is an amazing, accessible scrub that is used to exfoliate the skin. The main ingredient in this product is sugar and the scratchy substance is a fabulous exfoliator. The prodcut smells sweet and has an incredibly thick consistency which makes it easy to work with. To use Tree Hut sugar body scrub: scoop some into your palm, rub in circular motions on your body, and rinse. Follow up with a moisturizer to complete the  treat for your skin! :)

Exfoliating the skin will improve the overall appearance of it. Keep in mind, it is unnecessary to exfoliate every single day but it is beneficial to do it 1-2 times per week. Avoid exfoliating by the skin surrounding your eyes – it is too sensitive and will not respond favorably.

I have purchased Tree Hut Sugar Scrub repeatedly throughout the summer and now into the fall…it is a shower staple that everyone should try! There are no parabens in this product, and it is formulated with organic shea butter and brazilian nut oil.I use about 1 tub/month but at less than $6, it is a luxury that anyone can afford. And of course, I got it at Harmon’s.

x0

Katie

Lush products can be a bit pricey, for example, the bath bombs range from approximately $4 – $6, which is a lot considering they really do not last very long (1-2 baths). Since LUSH products are handmade and formulated with many natural ingredients, I think they are worth indulging in, at least every once in a while! :)

x0 Katie