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Guest Post – Susie Stephen of LongRunYoga.com on Aubrey Organics Hair Products

Jun8

Let me just say, this is by far my most exciting post because it enables me to support another fellow active running girl who is enthusiastic about organic products.

Here is how Susie Stephen, founder of LongRunYoga.com describes the blog she writes:

” “Ooh, I want to tell you, it’s a long run”, The Eagles.

This website aims to provide information about running and yoga, all designed with staying happy & healthy in mind for more than a few weeks or months, but for the long run. Yoga and running suggestions are made that can be fitted into a normal working day or week, for months and years to come.

Both yoga and running meet and satisfy the body and the mind’s need for not only movement and activity, but also relaxation and reflection. They are free and simple practices that we think will help you feel better and sleep more soundly.

Please bear in mind this website is a labour of love, and a work in progress. Click around for a few ideas to get you going, and email us with any suggestions or questions about yoga, running, or anything else – connected.

Happy Trails!”

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To me, her outlook and approach to yoga and running is refreshing, inspiring, and contagious! Love it!

On her blog, Susie also briefly describes herself & experience:

“About Founder:

I started running at age 11, took up yoga as a undergraduate student – and basically have been doing a mixture of the two ever since. On this website I share a few insights from the world of each – and a combination of both activities because they have helped me to stay sane, learn, travel and meet incredible people!”

Susie offered to give her feedback and opinions on

Aubrey Organic’s hair products,

as I had recommended them to her. I was very excited to hear that she tried them–it is a gift that she was willing to write about them! Without further a due, here is her review of these products:

“Aubrey Hair Products for Active Lifestyles, and one running yogi!

Over the the last few months I have been on the look out for hair products that are less ‘sticky’ and more ‘eco-friendly’, if that makes sense. It’s seems difficult to find the combination of something that actually ‘feels good’ – for my hair and the planet! But I think I’ve finally cracked it. Thanks to recommendations from Jesica at Run On Organic, my new go-to hair products are Aubrey’s Swimmer’s Normalizing Shampoo, and the NuStyle Organic detangler & shine booster. 

But why? Let me explain. As a ‘sporty’ girl (and I could have written fit…) with curly, dry hair, prone to frizz, it’s difficult, & far too time & energy consuming to constantly be worrying about my hair. The usual result is that I just tie it back in a bun or a ponytail and pull on a headband or cap – sound familiar? So I was excited to try the new Aubrey Detangler (non-aerosol), especially because it’s made from a range of organic products (quinoa, evening primrose oil and aloe), and isn’t tested on animals. Also the Swimmer’s shampoo claims to, ‘Gently remove chlorine, salt & perspiration to prevent dry, brittle hair’. Awesome. I packed both for a two-day trail running & yoga extravaganza on the North Shore of Oahu. 

And the conclusion? After an action packed weekend of hot & humid trail running (with plenty of perspiration!), followed by breezy hours of yoga-by-the-sea, and a sea swim in Waimea Bay on the way home – you would think my hair was frazzled. But no. Using the all-natural swimmer’s shampoo, followed by a quick spritz of the light & refreshing detangler and a comb, I was always ready to go – with no worries about the condition/ state of my hair! Thankfully I have a feeling my hair will be seeing more daylight from now on thanks to Aubrey, and thanks to Jes!”

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I can relate to Susie in every way, especially in the hair department. Aubrey Organic’s have had the same impact on my constantly sweaty and stressed hair. How cool is it that this groovy girl lives this beautiful, passionate life on Oahu?! I am constantly inspired by this phenomenal gal, and you will be too after checking out her blog. Go read & learn awesome stuff at LongRunYoga.com !

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A gigantic thank you to Susie for providing her honest words and opinions! They are much appreciated. Happy running, sister!

BFree Organics Serum & Scrub Skin Care Review

Jun4

I came across this fabulous line if organic skin care,

BFree Organics

on instagram, where I got to know Cassandra and her company through pictures. She is an absolute delight, a loving mother, a passionate soul and a happy girl–it shows.

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She held a competition via instagram in which the winner would acquire two wonderful BFree products, rose sugar scrub and rose hip serum.

I was elated to win because it meant I finally got to try these products that I had been eager to get my hands on.

Rose Sugar Scrub

BFree Organics’ Description:

“High quality simplicity at its best. Ingredients: Vegan sugar cane, Vegetable glycerin, Rose Water, Almond Oil.”

My Description & Thoughts:

This scrub is quite an experience–gentle yet effective & thorough exfoliation, all while smelling like a bouquet of roses. I have used it on my face, neck and legs. The sugar eliminates dead skin from the surface while still being gentle enough not to cause irritation. My experience is that few scrubs are gentle enough for the face–BFree got it right with this one!

Rosehip Serum

BFree Organics’ Description:

“A little goes a long way! This serum will last a very long time. A must have for spot treating and anti-aging! Organic Rosehip Oil directs moisture to parched areas without over- treating “normal” skin. Use for seasonal dryness, or after sport, to restore softness. Rosehip oil is known for reducing surgical and accidental dermal scars, the elimination of certain hyper pigmented spots. Directions: After cleansing and toning, apply to problem areas. Use in the morning and/or evening.

Ingredients: Virgin Rosehip Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Musk Rose Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil and Distilled water.”

My Description & Thoughts:

This serum is absolutely delightful. In the last few months I have become increasingly enamored with serums and the power they have to heal damaged skin and maintain a beautiful complexion. This serum is comprised of ingredients that are especially effective in doing just that. It has a wonderful aroma to it–my facial is left smelling rosy and fresh. I apply it to my face right after stepping out of the shower. As Cassandra states, a little goes a long way. I use the drops of water left on my face from showering as an aid to help spread the serum around evenly onto my skin. My skin is soothed and stays its clearest with I utilize this serum daily. Wonderful product!

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Homemade, Organic, Raw Facial Masks

May7

I am constantly making new concoctions, potions and “hodge podges,”

homemade, organic, raw facial masks

to put onto my face so that my skin absorbs these substances and reaps the benefits of the nutrients within them. The process is a wonderfully creative adventure! Here are some of my potions so far:

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Coffee Mint Honey Mask:

-Organic ground coffee

-Fresh mint (ground up with coffee grinder)

-Raw honey

The coffee in this mask acts as an exfoliant when washing it off, the fresh mint is wonderfully refreshing and cooling to irritated skin, and the raw honey helps make the mask a desired consistency as well as detoxifying and nourishing the skin. I play with ratios of these three ingredients, always using honey as the base because it makes application easy. This mask also smells amazing!

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Honey Cinnamon Mask:

-Raw honey

-Organic ground cinnamon

As mentioned in the last mask, raw honey is a great vehicle to add other components to in the process of making a mask. Raw honey has healing properties that help repair damaged skin and even out dark spots. Be careful with using a large amount of cinnamon in this mask. Using a lot of cinnamon tends to attract blood to the surface of skin, making skin feel slightly burning and very red. The positive of cinnamon is that a small amount helps revitalize, detoxify, and nourish the skin. This mask is simple to put together and effective in giving skin a good cleanse.

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Oregano Honey Lemon Mask:

-Organic dried oregano

-Raw Honey

-Organic fresh squeezed lemon juice

The oregano in this mask was a last minute decision, as I had it on hand and decided to throw it into the mix. I already knew that oregano essential oil is beneficial for oily skin, thus, I figured dried would be similarly beneficial. Lemon juice is a natural astringent, as it counteracts the oil on your face that pores produce. The honey helps bring the other two ingredients together, while also providing the aforementioned benefits. Any other similar herb can be substituted for the oregano. I am an advocate of using what you have on hand.

I have had fabulous “luck” with creating these homemade, organic masks solely using the high quality ingredients I have already in my pantry. As long as the ingredients are organically sourced, your skin will soak in a lot of great, powerful and healing nutrients that these foods contain.

My Makeup: Aubrey Organics, Juice Beauty, Emani, Faerie Organic, Larenim

Apr5

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This post will be brief, as I just wanted to share some of the organic makeup/cosmestic products I’ve been using.

I have successfully switched every makeup item in my regimen to an organic alternative.

It’s such a wonderful feeling knowing that I am putting good things onto my face and can recognize the ingredients in each of them.

Here’s the rundown of my organic beauty items that are practical for daily use/wear:

-Juice Beauty Organic Perfecting Foundation in “Organic Sand” and “Organic Ivory”

-Aubrey Organics Translucent Base Powder in “Caramel”

-Emani Pressed Mineral Foundation in “Sienna”

-Faerie Organic Eye Shadows in shades “Cocoa Bean” and “Hush”

-Faerie Organic Bambi Eyes Mascara

-Larenim Cosmetics Powder Eyeliner in “Destiny”

-Aubrey Organics Natural Lips Sheer Tint in “Sheer Pink”

I have two shades of both foundation and powder to accommodate my changing skin (i.e. sun tanned in the summer, lacking tan in the winter). This strategy works perfectly for matching my skin tone as close as possible.

I have reviewed these products in earlier posts, so check them out if you’re curious! Happy “makeuping” :)

Dew Puff Plant Fiber Exfoliating Sponge for Acne Prone Skin

Apr3

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Ever since my early teens, I have combatted facial acne and blemishes.

I’ve fervently searched for routines, products, regimens and methods for having clear skin.

I have successfully found several organic face soaps, serums and moisturizers that nourish and feed my skin so that my breakouts are minimized.

Part of my face cleaning routine has consisted of utilizing a facial exfoliating round, one that you can find at your local grocery store or pharmacy. These rounds basically got the job done from a standpoint of creating a nice lather and exfoliating the skin; though they did, at times, leave my skin red and slightly irritated after showering if I scrubbed the slightest bit too hard.

It occurred to me that what these little rounds are made of should not be ignored. I don’t have any knowledge as to what they are made of. Plastic maybe? That’s my best guess.

The reoccurring thought I had was “I am putting so much time and effort into learning about, purchasing and implementing these organic face cleansers, yet I am neglecting the vehicle with which I am applying and scrubbing them into and onto my skin.” I didn’t have any products in mind to replace these plastic rounds yet, though.

It was on a regular trip to a health food store called Natural Grocers that I came across this awesome exfoliating facial sponge. I found this product amongst the organic beauty products, pumice stones and hair brushes. I was eager to try it!

This Dew Puff is effective yet gentle and is made of plant fiber, a more trustworthy and recognizable material.

This is how Dew Puff describes this product:

“Dew Puff facial sponges are made from the root of konjac, a plant native to Asia. Konjac has long been regarded for its health and medicinal properties. With its natural ability to break down dirt and promote circulation, Dew Puff is the perfect puff for dew-beautiful skin, everyday! Dew Puff with Bamboo Charcoal contains activated carbon and minerals to help prevent breakouts, plus antioxidants to fight acne-causing bacteria. Soothing for blemished skin. Super soft and for gentle everyday skin care. Cleans, exfoliates and refreshes. Skin stays naturally hydrated 100% chemical free Just add water to use.”

After using this Dew Puff sponge for several weeks on my face, I am not only a fan of this product but I am surely converted to plant based facial exfoliators.

This sponge provides gentle, yet thorough and effective exfoliation. It is supposed to be used wet, so I put it under the shower nossle to douse it before use.

If you have a skin care regimen that already includes exfoliation, consider trying this Dew Puff. I’m glad I switched.

Aubrey Organics Evening Primrose & Rosa Mosqueta Body Lotion Review

Apr3

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Aubrey Organics Body Lotions

Evening Primrose Soothing Lotion:

Aubrey Organics’ Description:

“Special, gentle care is yours with this hydrating lotion formulated with soothing, organic evening primrose oil, ideal for many dry skin conditions. Use it daily to instantly calm and replenish dry, stressed skin.”

My Description & Thoughts:

This lotion smells wonderful, very calming and soothing, as Aubrey’s description says. The consistency is very rich & creamy. I find it best to apply right after showering so that the skin absorbs the essential oils and nourishing ingredients while the pores are still open. It leaves the skin moisturized, but not goopy. It is the ideal lotion to have on hand. As always, the ingredient list on Aubrey products are recognizable, clean and free of harsh chemicals.

Rosa Mosqueta Luxurious Lotion:

Aubrey Organics’ Description:

“Luxurious body lotion instantly restores your skin’s natural moisture balance to leave it incredibly soft and silky. High in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and other nutrients, this ultra-rich formula is perfect for dry skin. A customer favorite for years.”

My Description & Thoughts:

My review for all Aubrey lotions is and probably always will be similar; they are all wonderfully moisturizing and each scent is pleasant in its own way. I particularly prefer this scent, though. Aubrey makes several products in the “Rosa Mosqueta” scent and they are lovely & floral, reminiscent of fresh cut roses. This is my favorite out of these two lotions because of the scent.

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Aubrey Organics Facial Products vs Proactiv Acne Treatment

Apr3

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No matter how many blog posts I do about Aubrey Organics, my words will not be sufficient in communicating the impact that this brand has had on my life.

Throughout my successes as an athlete and nutrition conscious individual, I have had the hardest time (especially as a teen) in keeping a clear facial complexion.

As cliche as it is, I have truly tried most remedies for acne (both homemade & store bought). I had some success using the Proactiv acne treatment products but was quickly deterred when I read the ingredient list on the bottles.

Proactiv acne treatment products remind me of diet pills, they might be “effective” in addressing the issue (losing weight or clearing acne) however they can be detrimental to the health of your body.

They are a quick fix to a problem that is related to the overall well being of your body.

I could go all day talking about how crucial my switch to a organic facial products has been to my peace of mind and overall health.

Now, to brag on Aubrey a bit….

Aubrey Organics Facial products come in a range from 1 to 5. 1 being for skin that is very dry and sensitive and 5 for skin that is very oily.

I evaluated my skin to be around a 4, which Aubrey calls “Combination Oily Skin.” I also intermittently use the product for “3″ skin, which Aubrey calls “Normal” skin.

The two products I use on a daily basis are Aubrey Organics’ Blue Green Algae Facial Cleansing Lotion followed by the Blue Green Algae Moisturizer.

1. Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Facial Cleansing Lotion

-Aubrey Organics’ Description:

“Soothing formula cleans and balances the complexion and gently exfoliates with active enzymes and a mild castile soap base.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

The consistency is just as it sounds, creamy and lotion-like. It is so gentle on my skin and feeling very nourishing, yet effective. It can also be used daily without drying out skin. It doesn’t feel, at all, like it’s stripping the skin. This is my go to cleanser. Great ingredient list, very effective and has a pleasant herbal smell. Love this product.

2. Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae Moisturizer

-Aubrey Organics’ Description:

“Light antioxidant formula helps protect skin from sun exposure and pollution and restore moisture and elasticity without clogging pores.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This moisturizer is the perfect compliment to the cleansing lotion. It is the perfect balance of moisturizing and not goopy. I can put this on my skin after washing my face in the morning and my skin absorbs it just enough so that I don’t feel like I have a heavy layer on my freshly washed skin. It smells just like the cleanser and has a very pleasant aroma. Great ingredient list in this product too. Wonderful moisturizer to have on hand.

*A little not so obvious use for this moisturizer: before applying eye shadow, I mix this moisturizer with a bit of concealer and apply it to my eye lid. This makes a perfect primer!

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Mineral Fusion Nail Polish Review

Apr2

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A recent venture of mine has been finding a nail polish that is an improvement on the typical nail polish found in pharmacies and big box grocery stores.

At Whole Foods I found a line of nail polish made by a company called Mineral Fusion.

To start, I bought one bottle in a color that I call charcoal gray (pictured above).

Here is how Mineral Fusion describes this nail polish:

“Long lasting, chip-resistant formula. Formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dibutyl phthalate free. Custom, extra thick brush for flawless application.”

To be quite frank, that brief description sounds decent, but I was not impressed with the ingredient list, which they list as,

“Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic, Anhydride Copolymer, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Diacetone Alcohol Styrene, Acrylates Copolymer, Silica, Citric Acid, Benzophenone‐1

(May contain):

Mica, Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Bismuth Oxychloride, Aluminum Powder, D&C Red No. 7 Calcium Lake, D&C Violet No. 2, FD&C Yellow No. 5 Alluminum Lake, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide”

Very discouraging.

The conclusion I’ve come to is this:

Mineral Fusion nail polish is an improvement on the nail polish made by major beauty manufacturers.

Unfortunately though, it seems that to avoid these chemicals, wearing no nail polish seems to be the safest route. Ive concluded this because even “natural” brands like this one are still interested in their polish having staying power, which will always come from chemicals.

To end with a positive, I’ll say…This is a step in the right direction.

Astara Raw Botanical Skin Care Review

Apr1

Citrus & Lavender Salt Scrub

Astara’s Description:

Polish, soften and smooth your skin with this dual-action exfoliating scrub. Dead Sea Salts and papaya enzymes promote the absorption of a nourishing botanical cocktail, to nourish the skin. A glycerin base leaves skin hydrated without an oily residue.

My Description & Thoughts:

Yum! This scrub smells wonderfully citrusy and floral. It is an interesting combination of aromas. I used it to exfoliate while showering and it really feels like it soothes the skin. I normally use a bar of organic soap, so this was a nice change of pace. I enjoyed the aromatic experience, more than anything.

Antioxidant Infusion

Astara’s Description:

“This potent repair cream is healthy, nourishing, and balancing food for all skin types. Featuring time-released delivery over five hours as well as powerful antioxidants such as Green Tea, Borage Seed Oil, and Vitamins C and E, this nearly weightless emulsion achieves profound penetration and encourages cellular repair for all skin types.”

My Description & Thoughts:

This infusion is a light, nourishing, creamy textured product that I apply after cleansing my face. It provides a protective & restorative barrier to my skin. It is only mildly moisturizing, so I follow it with a moisturizer, as a Astara consultant even suggested to me. I find that this infusion also helps (when used in combination with a moisturizer) to prevent my skin from getting dried out with frequent washes. It’s another nice change of pace in my regular beauty and skin care routine.

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Juice Beauty Organic Skin Care & Cosmetic Products Review

Mar15

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Juice Beauty Organic Skin Care & Cosmetics

I was extremely curious and excited to try Juice Beauty Products! I had read about this company months before as a top organic beauty brand. Not sure why it took me to long so finally get my hands on these products. Actress Alicia Silverstone helped create this beauty line and also is behind several animal-rights and eco-friendly efforts.

Perfecting Foundation: Organic Sand & Organic Ivory

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“This Perfecting Foundation is packed with organic ingredients that will leave your complexion looking refreshed and perfected. The combination of organic aloe juice, fruit extracts and minerals provides a cream to powder finish that will wear all day, while giving you a perfect airbrushed look and feel.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I cannot say enough good things about this foundation! I absolutely love and recommend this foundation. I am so excited to talk about this product–as I haven’t ever been a foundation wearer before. Because of the unevenness of my skin (due to sun spots, blemishes, etc.) I had recently become open to the idea of foundation to even out my skin tone. While shopping on Juice Beauty’s site, I became increasingly impressed with their make up products and their ingredients. That, along with my recent interest in increased coverage makeup drove me to purchase this foundation.

After buying the “Organic Sand” shade, I figured that my skin’s closest match would be a mixture of “Organic Sand” and the next shade lighter, “Organic Ivory.” So, when I apply it, I mix them together to match my facial skin tone.

It is such a clean, natural looking foundation. I am wearing this foundation in the picture below. I am pleased with how it looks on me.

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PomSmooth Conditioner

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Achieve more silky, hydrated hair with this smoothing blend of organic pomegranate and aloe juices, nourishing organic essential fatty acids and repairing organic olive and jojoba.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This is truly the best conditioner I’ve ever used. That’s the most succinct way to say it. It detangles just as well as it moisturizes. It has a pleasant, light, fruity smell and leaves hair manageable and easy to comb/brush. The clean ingredient list mixed with the effectiveness of this conditioner make it the best I’ve ever tried.

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Green Apple Peel Sensitive

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“This patented organic fruit acid complex with raw cane sugar exfoliates to reduce breakouts, discolorations and fine lines. Heals while hydrating with rejuvenating algae, vitamins and antioxidants for a smooth, glowing complexion.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I enjoyed using this peel; I applied it onto skin like I would a mask. It found that the fruit acids in this peel help revive the skin (a similar effect to what exfoliating has). I was a nice morning pick me up. My skin felt fresh, clean, and detoxified after using this green apple peel.

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Blemish Clearing TRIO Sample:

1. Blemish Clearing Cleanser

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Prevent blemishes, deeply cleanse and remove impurities with this clarifying cleanser of certified organic lemon, cherry and aloe juices. Deeply cleanses, heals while hydrating.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

I could tell that there was lemon in this cleanser right away. Lemon has this incredible power of detoxifying skin and acting as an astringent. It gave my skin a thorough, clean, refreshed feeling.

2. Blemish Clearing Serum

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Reduce breakouts, unclog pores, and even skin tone with this powerful serum packed with organic fruit acids and salicylic acid from willow bark; while organic aloe, CoQ10 and fat-soluble Vitamin C renew the skin for a healthy, clear complexion. Heals while hydrates.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

This serum is an effective and solid barrier that protects and heals my skin when used in combination with the moisturizer. I could also recognize the fruit acids in this serum immediately because of how it felt it detoxified my skin. Serums are new to me, as I’ve never used them in my skin care routine before. However, this serum seemed to really add an extra layer of “skin food” to my face.

3. Blemish Clearing Moisturizer

-Juice Beauty’s Description:

“Hydrate, quench and restore your skin’s natural moisture balance with this lightweight oil-free moisturizer that contains a blend of certified organic grape and pomegranate, soothing aloe vera, vitamin antioxidants and nutrient-rich sea algae to restore the skin’s natural balance.”

-My Description & Thoughts:

The texture and moisturizing abilities of this moisturizer are ideal. It is light enough that it does not leave skin goopy and greasy, yet it is substantial enough to effectively moisturize my skin. All three of these blemish clearing products smell pleasant as well.

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