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Love Those Hands, Throats and Necklines

May 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Don't forget to love up your hands and decollete when you are caring for you skin. Easy enough to do; just spread your skin love around.

This is a very simple tip that will make a huge difference. 

When applying your face cream  scoop enough for your hands, neck, chest and slather on. 

But don't stop with just your facial cream. 

When you use an exfoliating scrub, keep going. Exfoliate your hands, your throat, your neck, your chest. 

Are you applying a mask? Treat these same often forgotten areas as well. 

Don't forget your serum. Take that serum on down to your beautiful neck, and chest area too! 

So Simple!

And yet, are you doing it? 

This will pay off in a big, beautiful way down the road. 

Really. 

Start today. 

You will thank me. 

What about you? Do you treat your skin with love and care? Do you have any tips to share to help us keep our glow? Let us know, right here in the comments. 

Or, come on over to Style Essentials Facebook page, and tell us your thoughts. 

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Get A Second Opinion

May 9, 2012 By 2 Comments

Do you use Environmental Working Groups Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database to verify the safety of your cosmetics?

I dare say I may lose some of you with this post. However, I need to be truthful with you; So, I am coming out of the cosmetic closet. 

I know you are one of the scores of women who are concerned with the safety of the ingredients in your food, personal care products and general environment. You check the Environmental Working Groups Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Database before you buy something; or, sometimes, after you buy something. You check the company in question ethics out as well.

I know this, because I do the same.

However, I am just not convinced we should be putting all our eggs into the EWG basket.

For two reasons, as I see it.

  • Reason #1 

The folks at EWG would have us not wear makeup at all. (It seems, according to them, every single ingredient is suspect.) 

Reality check.

That's not going to happen! 

We will be more selective with our product choices.

We will vote with our dollars by purchasing from safe and trusted partners. (I am hoping you feel that is me & Style Essentials!)

And we WILL wear our makeup.

Makeup (and skincare) helps us to feel pretty; it is fun. Sometimes even frivolous in a serious world. Grown up toys, if you will. However, also sometimes serious, you know, in our culture, the woman wearing a bit of well applied makeup, will get the job, all things being equal, over the one who did not take time to care for her appearance. 

You may not like it. But it is true. 

  • Reason #2

I think EWG has gotten carried away. 

What do I mean by that? Allow me to let Leslie of Crunchy Betty  fame give it to you straight. 

Leslie says it so eloquently here , and I urge you to read it. . Since, I can not say it any better (dang, she writes well) I will steer you to her post where she tells us why she does not 100% believe in EWG and their mission. And she is a true blue DIYer, if ever there was one. 

So. What's a makeup lovin girl to do? 

Of course I have ideas ;-)

I suggest we use EWG as a resource, but not as a stand alone. Definitely NOT, as Jennifer of It's Not Easy To Be Green (and I linked to a tasty sounding pudding recipe post, just for fun!) says, "as a bible".

I also suggest you check another source. You know, get a second opinion. 

My recommendation?

PersonalCareTruth.com

The folks here are varied. Ranging from scientists to small indie cosmetic companies. I trust them. Give them a look-see.

The funny thing is…I used to be really bothered by these folks. But now, I have the utmost respect for them. They spoke their truth. 

I suggest you use both resources.

Then, use your instinct. Your gut. YOU decide.

And vote with your purse. Don't let the government have more authority than you do. 

Phew. There. I have said it. 

What about you? Do you have another trusted resource that you use when checking out personal care products? Let us know, right here in the comments. 

Or, come on over to Style Essentials Facebook page, and tell us your thoughts. Play nice, now. 

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Magnificent Mascara

April 30, 2012 By 9 Comments

 

Healthy Mascara

Healthy beauty-style Guide, By Lisa D Liguori

Mascara. Beauty. Health.

Which one of these words does not belong with the others?

Answer:

Trick question. They all belong.

Mascara is one of the most basic beauty tools that women wear on a regular basis. Yea, OK. We got that, but why are we talking about health in a post about mascara?

Just this.

Stop and think about what you are putting so close to your eyes. What is the chemical makeup of mascara? 

Here is a listing of the ingredients in a typical mascara. (This happens to be one of the most popular mascaras, Maybelines Great Lash)

Petroleum Distillates, Pentaerythrityl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Carnuba Wax, Polyethylene, Synthetic Beeswax, Quaternium-18,  Hectorite, Quaternium-18 Hectorite,Magnesium Carbonate, Beeswax, Kaolin, Aluminum Stearate, Silica, Propylene Carbonate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Wheat Germ Oil, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Iron Oxides (May contain), Titanium Dioxide (May contain), Ultramarines (May contain), Mica (May contain)

Use This. Not That

Compare this to a healthier version of mascara (HoneyBee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara – click here for more information or to purchase one for your very own).

purified water; vegetable glycerin; beeswax; copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax; vegetable glyceryl stearate; lecithin; vegetable stearic acid; safflower oil; glycine soja (soybean) oil (and) aloe barbadensis leaf extract; simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil; silica; cellulose gum; tocopherol; xanthan gum; chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract; rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract; cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract; phenoxyethanol. May contain: mica; titanium dioxide (CI 77891); iron oxides (CI 77491; 77492; 77480).

Do you see a difference?

I have highlighted some of the ingredients that I personally would avoid. You can go to the Environmental Working Groups Cosmetic Safety Data Base to check them out yourself. Note that I have higlighted phenoxyethanol, in yellow, as I see it in many healthier versions of products. and I have yet to find a mascara that works fabulous and is 100% healthy. So, I am good with the 99%, and this mascara is fabulous, smudge proof and lash building, or I wouldn't be carrying it. 

Ingredient Safely

Ingredients are loosely monitored by the FDA so it is OUR job to monitor our own health. And, by the way, if you have young girls in your household, please teach them the importance of using safe ingredients. Look here for more ingredient  help.

Toss it

Between the 3 to 6 months mark, best practice is to toss your mascara out. Even before that time frame, if the smell is off, toss it, Mascara, in it's closed tube can grow bacteria and cause allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are often due to  paraben, aluminum, ceteareth- 20, or benzyl alcohol. Or shellac. Shellac is a natural resin produced by the insect Laccifer lacca and is mostly harvested in India for use in varnishes, food coatings, and cosmetics. 

Need mascara? Shop now for your healthy Black Magic or Espresso Brown Healthy Mascara!

References

Medscape 

Cosmetics Safely Data Base

And Just For Fun

Natural Homemade Mascara 

  • 1/8 tsp. Activated Charcoal (about 1/2 capsule)
  • 1/8 tsp. Aloe Vera Gel
  • Mix up & apply with a sterilized, mascara wand

Shimmer Lashes

Creative mascara tip: Use mineral eye shadows to create interesting looks with your mascara. Dust your wand with mineral powder of any color that pulls your heart strings. Purple? Silver? Apply mascara as usual, directly to your lashes. WOW!

Here are a few other helpful mascara and eyelash articles for your perusal.

Eyelash Conditioning Treatment

'Safe' Mascara? Ask Diva.

Do you have a favorite healthy mascara? Are you concerned with what you put around your eyes and the ingredients you use daily? Please leave a comment below. We want your contribution!

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Mother’s Day Gift With Purchase

April 26, 2012 By 1 Comment

A Mother's Day Gift with Purchase for you, my friends.

With any purchase of $25.00 or more, I will gift you with a pretty, sparkly, even iridescent, super fun-to-wear crystal bracelet, AND a pretty, sparkly, even iridescent fun-to-wear 1 gram pot (that is more than the big names FULL size pot) of mineral eye shadow. 

For FREE! 

Two beauties. For all my beautiful women friends. 

I will surprise you with the colors. 

However, for the eye shadows, feel free to request "warm", 'cool' or 'neutral'. I will do my very best to get it right. 

And for the bracelet, One size fits all.

Supplies are limited.

Offer runs through Mothers Day, May 13th. 

You glow girl!

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Is Titanium Dioxide Safe?

April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Healthy Beauty-Style Guide, by Lisa D Liguori~

There is a dirty little rumor floating around that titanium dioxide, a key ingredient in mineral makeup, is harmful to our health. Titanium dioxide is not only in mineral makeup, but in so many different types of traditional and healthy beauty makeup, from lipstick to nail polish. In mineral makeup, it adds sunscreen protection & coverage to our skin. 

Is Titanium Dioxide safe?

Oh boy. You know, this is a tough question. And really, I don't have a definitive answer for you. Sorry. That would make it so easy. Right?

The quick answer is, with all my knowledge and experience in the cosmetic world, Yes. I believe it is.

I use it.

If that helps at all.

I want to say that, for better or for worse, I am not a scientist. I follow my intuition. And do tons of research. This may resonate with some of you. It may turn some of you off. 

However, I certainly don't want to be flip and take the issue lightly.

So let's work it out a bit, and keep it real simple and easy.

First, to read up on what titanium dioxide is, click here. 

Titanium dioxide concerns~

Here are the issues, as I see them, and the answers that I can give you to the best of my knowledge, or anyones at this point. 

  • Causes free radical damage
  • Causes cancer 

Free Radical Damage?

Titanium dioxide is a natural sunscreen. It actually blocks and absorbs sun damage from occurring, which protects your skin from sun damage, as opposed to causing sun or free radical damage. However, the questionable aspect comes in when you are speaking about nano sized titanium dioxide; which may indeed cause some free radical damage. Stay away from nano sized particles, until we know more about the effects. So, check this off your worry list. 

Style Essentials does not carry any nano particles in titanium dioxide, nor in any mineral product. 

A carcinogen?

Rats exposed to high concentrations of powdered titanium dioxide dust showed evidence that it caused lung cancer. Similar cancers were found in people working in dusty environments. (Not titanium dioxide, just general dust). Keep in mind, this is in reference to industrial environments, and LARGE quantities of dust. In fact, human studies do not even suggest an association between occupational exposure to titanium dioxide and cancer.  Feel safe with your jar of mineral makeup, and the bit of dust that emerges. I do. 

Katherine Corkill writes an excellent response here about the safety of titanium dioxide. She addresses many of the issues, including the flying powder issue.  Read more about what Katherine has to say in PersonalCareTruth.com.  By the way, Katherine offers a fabulous line of mineral makeup as well, in case for some strange reason, you don't use Style Essential Minerals. ;-)

Does this help? Does it raise more questions? Feel free to ask them. I will do my best to help. 

No more waking up in the middle of the night worrying about your mineral makeup. All is well. 

For those of you who would like an alternative to titanium dioxide in your mineral makeup, I can work with you. Contact me here to let me know. I like to give you as many options as possible.

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Do You Need A Facial Toner?

April 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Healthy Beauty-Style Guide, by Lisa D Liguori ~

Do you need to use a facial toner? How important is this misunderstood step in the care of your skin?

OKAY, so let's think about this. Morning and night, when you cleanse your skin, how many times do you wash? Ahem. You DO wash your face twice a day, don't you? Of course you do. I am so proud of you. 

Back to our question, when you do wash your face, how many times do you wash? Truthfully. Once, right? That's OKAY. I only wash once as well. 

Though, twice would be better.

But, how long do you spend on washing your face? Let me take a guess. Two seconds? You wash it quick, right? Then, you splash water around in an attempt to rinse your cleanser off. You pat dry. Was your towel clean?

You're done. Right?

I know. You have things to do. I get it. 

Well guess what? That is not enough to clean your face of the days accumulation of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that are on each one of  our skins; dirt and grime accumulates during the day.

Even if you have dry skin.

Even if you don't wear makeup. 

Think about this: How many times a day do you touch your face? With out washing your hands first? Tons!

So, you see…you are missing a crucial step – facial toner! The right facial toner for you skin. A gentle facial toner for your skin.

A facial toner can help you by:

  1. Removing residual cleanser. facial dirt, dead skin cells, and oil that was not removed while washing (and it wasn't).
  2. Leaving behind beneficial actives for healthier skin.
  3. Balancing the ph of your skin, for clearer, brighter, more comfortable skin.

By the way, a facial toner will not tighten pores, as your pores do not open and close to begin with. 

See what I mean? If you are not using a toner, it is time to begin. Here is what you do: 

  1. Remove your makeup.
  2. Cleanse your skin .
  3. Squirt your toner (feel free to try Style Essentials Crisp Cucumber Toner) on a cotton pad and swipe away the remaining days worth of debris.
  4. Now, you can treat your skin to your serum, moisturizer and eye creme.. 

You glow girl. 

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Skin Love – Skin Essentials Pure Bliss Eye Creme

March 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

all botanical formula
 

Looking for a natural eye creme with organic ingredients? An eye creme that feels good, can be worn under makeup and at night? An eye creme that helps you to get your glow-on?

You will love the way Skin Essential's Pure Bliss Eye Creme feels when you first apply it. You will feel a soothing and cooling sensation upon application. That feeling comes from a key ingredient, a hardy sea fennel, called Samphire, which has protective and restorative properties. Pretty cool stuff, this samphire.

Anyway, each ingredient of this all-botanical formula is chosen for its effectiveness and gentleness. Each ingredient addresses our most pressing issues of (dare I say it?) wrinkles,(there, yes, I do dare!)  loss of elasticity, puffiness, hyper-pigmentation, plus the reversal and prevention of free-radical damage. 
 
Free radical damage is what ages us prematurely. 
 
I tested so many samples of eye creme, I found it challenging to keep it all straight! So many bottles and jars on my bathroom counter top, so many conversations with the formulator to be sure I was getting what I wanted; an eye creme with safe, effective ingredients that would do the job, at a good price. Too much to ask?
 
No way!
 
This formula is not only 100% botanical, it is Ecocert-approved with a high percentage (79%) of certified organic ingredients and is chock full of potent actives.
 
For example - 
  • Saccharomyes cerivisiae extract increases cellular – oxygen consumption. (That is a good thing).
  • Roseroot extract, when combined with the above, reduces the appearance of puffiness, strengthens and firms the skin and improves microcirculation. 
  • Sea pine extract shields your skin from damage caused by everyday stress. 

Pat a small dab of creme around eyes, and even mouth lines, morning and night. Turn your hubby on to it as well!

Results? Happy skin! Glowing, softer, more relaxed skin.  

 
Buy it Now (or for more information)
 
 
.5 oz
$25.00
 
Now go get your glow-on girl!
 

Do you have a question about eye creams? About eye cream Ingredients?  About the best way to use them? Be sure to ask in the comments, so I can answer the best I can.

If you liked this post, please do me a favor and share on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or Google +. There are buttons in the floating sidebar to your left.

Or ‘like’ Style Essentials Facebook page and come on over and share your eye cream & skincare questions there! 

 

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Green Smoothie – Romaine Lettuce, Banana & Coconut

March 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Beauty Food Breakfast

The Healthy Beauty-style Guide, by Lisa D Liguori ~ 

This is one of my super fast and super easy green breakfast smoothies. It will fill you up and keep you going, plus give you the added benefits of glowing skin. Oh yea, and it tastes great!

You need 3 ingredients:

  1. 1/4 head romaine lettuce
  2. 1 banana (a frozen banana will make it frosty)
  3. Coconut water, say…about a cup

Add the coconut water first, then lettuce and banana. Blend, blend, blend.

Potential add ons:

  • ground flax seeds
  • hemp seeds
  • chia seeds
  • vanilla
  • protein powder
  • cinnamon
  • maca powder

About that romaine lettuce…, don't be fooled into thinking lettuce does not have much of a nutritional punch, especially romaine; it is a powerhouse. We're talkin calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron as well as vitamins A, C and B. 

Quick Smoothie Tips: 

  • Keep peeled frozen bananas in the freezer to use in a flash
  • Pre-wash your lettuce and store in the fridge, ready to go

The original recipe is from Carol Alts book "the RAW 50". It is one of my favorite resources for new raw, healthy, beauty food recipes. 

Enjoy! 

Do you have a favorite quick and easy breakfast smoothie recipe? Be sure to share it with us in the comments. 

If you liked this post, please do me a favor and share on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or Google +. There are buttons in the floating sidebar to your left.

Or ‘like’ Style Essentials Facebook page and come on over and tell us if you make this smoothie and how you like it. Any other add on ideas? I would so appreciate it! Thank you.


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Safer Sun Protection Tips

March 12, 2012 By 3 Comments

The Healthy Beauty-style Guide, by Lisa D Liguori ~

The warm weather is rolling around again, and with it, your need to protect your skin. What do you need to know to stay safe under the sun?

For starters, you need a safe and reliable sunscreen

For safety, look for these proven safe, active ingredients when choosing a sunscreen:

Also, be sure it is a broad spectrum, water resistant (for pool and beach use), sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50. Anything higher is a waste.

Avoid these ingredients

  • oxybenzone
  • vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
  • PABA
  • Dr. Mercola has an even more extensive list here. (Scroll down to the list and keep in mind that Dr. Mercola's information can be a bit extreme at times; yet still so very helpful).

Additionally, avoid insect repellant as an added ingredient (use one, yes, but apply it separately before your sunscreen, and choose a safe natural based one. By all means stay away from DEET).

Be sure it is not expired. It is recommended that you toss it after 3 years. Personally, I toss after one. 

So, which brands are best?

I  have two favorite sunscreens that we use in my family all year long, but more heavily during the warmer months. 

Eco Face SPF 30. I love this as it is designed for use under makeup, and everyday wear.  
Dr Mercola Natural Sunscreen for the rest of your body. It has a lovely aroma as well. 
 
A few more safe sunscreen tips:
 
Use enough; apply your screen liberally. Most people don't use enough to actually give you the protection you need. Use about 1 oz., enough to fill a shot glass, for your entire body. No worries if you use too much! 
 
Apply 20 to  30 minutes prior to sun exposure.
 
Use clothing and hats as extra protection.
 
The UV rays are strongest between 10:00 A.M.  and 4:00 P.M. Now, I know you are not going to stay out of the sun during those hours. What fun would that be!  Just be aware is all.
 
Babies under 6 months of age need to stay away from direct sun. Keep them in the shade.
 

But wait! Before you apply that lotion…

What about vitamin D?

You need that as well to increase your absorption of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones. In fact, studies are linking many diseases to a lack of vitamin D.  

And we get our vitamin D, from the sun!

What's a girl to do?

Do we need to make a choice between protecting our skin, and getting enough vitamin D? It sure seems that way!

But no, we do not! 

If you can get sun exposure twice weekly for 15 minutes or so on your hands, face, arms or back then you are good to go on the big D. 

Now, get your sunscreen.

Do you have safe sunscreen tips? Let us know in the comments!

If you liked this article, please do me a favor and share on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or Google +. There are buttons in the floating sidebar to your left.

Or ‘like’ Style Essentials Facebook page. I would so appreciate it! Thank you.

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Chia Seeds For Radiant Healthy Skin

March 5, 2012 By 11 Comments

Healthy Beauty & Style Guide, by Lisa D Liguori

Do you want a simple tool in your diet that can help prevent free radical damage, inflammation, and premature aging of the skin? Oh yea!

Teeny Tiny

If you open my fridge, you will see various jars of seeds; hemp, flax, and my new love, the teeny tine chia seed.

Sprinkles

I had this darn baggie of chia seeds in my freezer for months. I bought it, knowing it was super healthy; I just didn't know much else yet.  It just sat there looking at me each time I opened the freezer door. What to do with it? I did not have a clue. So, over and over, close the door I would on that baggie of seeds. I had heard somewhere that  you used chia seeds differently than flax or hemp. Flax seeds you grind up and sprinkle on everything you can, or bake with them, or make raw crackers. Hemp seeds you also sprinkle over your food, or make hemp milk, or just eat em by the spoonful. But chia seeds…I just wasn't sure. 

Eventually, I did my research, and the baggie graduated out of the freezer and into the fridge, into two jars. A jar of dry seeds, to sprinkle, and jar of chia gel to use by the spoonful. 

Nutrient Dense

Chia seeds apparently have: 

  • 3 times the anti-oxidant strength of blueberries 
  • 5 times the calcium of milk, PLUS, magnesium and boron which aid in the absorption of calcium (key point)
  • 2 times the amount of potassium as a banana
  • 3 times more iron than spinach

Chia seeds are: 

  • Rich in healthy omega 3's
  • A fabulous source of soluble fiber
  • Virtually tasteless, tasting like whatever you add them to 
  • A plant based complete protein

What to do with chia seeds

  1. Replace half the butter when baking, using chia gel.
  2. Sprinkle chia seeds on your yogurt or cereal, add them to your smoothies. 
  3. Try this from The Holy Kale (I love that name).
  4. Or this from Eco Diva. 
  5. Or this from Vegetarian Times

Chia Gel Recipe

Warning: My husband wants you to know that chia gel looks gross. :-)

  • 4 T chia seeds
  • 2 C warm water

In a jar, add the seeds to the warm water. Let sit for ten minutes, stirring once or twice. That's it! Put them in the fridge; they will last almost a week. Personally, I cut this recipe in half, or it goes bad before I can eat it. 

I pretty much sprinkle chia, hemp or ground flax seeds on everything and everything to ensure I get my healthy fats, and essential fatty acids that are crucial to good health, and good skin. 

Have you tried chia seeds yet? Do you have a good recipe or suggestion as to how to use them? Do share!

Style Essentials. Always 100% Guaranteed.

Psst… FREE shipping on orders $50.00+ (U.S. only).

Please do comment below. You make my day when you share your thoughts! 

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