Monday, July 28, 2008

Tinted lip balms

Like tinted moisturiser, tinted lip balm gives a bit of colour without being too full-on. A really good, affordable tinted lip balm I like is Alba Botanica Terratints, $8.99 for 4.2g, from Commonsense Organics and Homestead Health. It's available in six shades - Blaze, Bloom, Dawn, Garnet, Sienna, and Sunset, though I have only seen it in Blaze, Bloom and Sienna. I have tried Bloom, a nice shimmery pink, and also Sunlit, a bronze, which has now been discontinued. It has a yummy peppermint smell. It also has an an SPF of 8, although the ones I've seen say 18 - maybe it's been reformulated and the new ones haven't reached New Zealand yet? Anyway, while this gives the lips a really good amount of colour, I don't find it all that moisturising, so I put it on over another lip balm.
Aveda Lip Tint SPF 15, however, moisturises the lips really well, I've found. It's $27 for 4.25g, and comes in eight shades - Apricot, Copper, Coco Plum, Berry, Frosted Tulipa, Spice, Peony, and Verbena. The amount of colour it gives is awesome, as much as you'd get from a sheer lipstick. I used to have it in the peachy shade Apricot, now long used up, and I'd definitely like to try it in other shades. It lasts a really long time on the lips (like a few hours, which I consider to be a long time, at least), and it smells and tastes great.

For a much more subtly tinted balm, you could try Kereru Lipsalve in Geranium - pink, or Natural Rose - pink. Both $4.50 from Commonsense Organics. The balms are coloured with carmine, so vegetarians and vegans may wish to go for another tinted balm instead of this one.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Tinted moisturisers


Tinted moisturiser is useful if you don't want the full coverage of a foundation, but you don't want to be bare-faced either. I don't use one myself, but there are a few natural ones available.

The most affordable one is Living Nature Clear Lights Tinted Moisturiser, $45 for 50ml. It comes in three shades: Dawn Light, Day Light, and Evening Light. It's suitable for all skin types.

The next one up in the price range is Dr Hauschka Toned Day Cream, $58 for 30ml. It comes in only one shade. It can be used on normal, dry, or sensitive skin.

The most expensive one is Aveda Inner Light™ Tinted Moisture SPF 15, $79 for 50ml. It's oil free, and comes in six shades: Aspen, Beechwood, Sweet Tea, Sandstone, Sienna, and Burl. It doesn't say what skin types it is suitable for.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Celebrities - the products they like, and the brands they create

Yes, I know, it seems a bit shallow to be writing about what celebrities like. But, I'll admit, although I wouldn't buy something because, say, Jennifer Aniston, said she liked it, it's still interesting to hear what beauty products the rich and famous use.

Liv Tyler and Elijah Wood both like New Zealand brand Hema, which, I'm guessing, they tried when they were over here for the filming of Lord of the Rings.
Quite a few celebrities like Lush products. They have a gift pack called You're a Star, $99, and it has eight products in it, all of which have been bought by celebrities. The products are:
Therapy Massage Bar 65g - Julia Roberts
Sea Vegetable Soap 100g - Jude Law
Dreamtime 30g - Madonna
Ceridwen's Cauldron Luxury Bath Melt 80g - Gwyneth Paltrow
Lush Aqua Mirabilis Underwater Massage Bar 95g - Kylie Minogue
Dream Cream 240g - Halle Berry
Tisty Toasty 90g - Liv Tyler
Kylie's sister Danii likes Trilogy products, and Jennifer Aniston likes Dr Hauschka products.

Then there are celebrities who start up their own natural beauty product brands. Quite a few celebrities have done this (or are in the process of doing it), such as Stella McCartney, Josie Maran, and Kate Hudson. Most of these brands aren't available in New Zealand, but I have come across a couple which are.

SUNDARI was co-created by model Christy Turlington, along with Ayla Hussain and Cavan Mahony. Meaning 'a beautiful woman' in Sanskrit, SUNDARI is an Ayurvedic based skincare range.
Duchy Originals is an organic company created by Prince Charles. The company makes food, but they also have body care products. Good to hear that the future king is concerned about the enviroment!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Baby products

There are heaps of great natural products available for babies. The most affordable range available in New Zealand (that I know of) is Ecostore. The range consists of:

Baby Shampoo 200ml $10.95
Baby Body Wash 200ml $9.95
Baby Sleepytime Bath 200ml $10.95
Baby Soap 80g $3.65
Baby Nappy Balm 60ml $11.95
Baby Moisturiser 125ml $13.95
Baby Massage Oil 200ml $13.95

These are the prices according to their websites, but they are quite a bit cheaper in supermarkets. I used to use the Baby Soap and Baby Moisturiser (on myself), and I like to use the Nappy Balm for moisturising my cuticles, dry bits between my fingers, rough heels, etc. I don't have a baby myself, so I can't tell you how well it works at preventing nappy rash!

Another affordable New-Zealand made range is Made 4 Baby. Their products are available in Fragrance Free, or the yummy-smelling Organic Citrus. They have some gift packs, which would be great to give to new parents. Check out their list of stockists on their website.

GAIA Natural Baby has a great gift pack called Baby Starter Kit. For $34.99 you get Baby Bath & Body Wash, Baby Shampoo, Baby Moisturiser, Skin Soothing Lotion, and Baby Massage Oil, each in a 50ml bottle. I have seen the GAIA baby products at Babycity, and at a pharmacy (can't remember which one, sorry).

Living Nature's 'Kekebaby and 'Kekemama range also has a couple of gift packs. I blogged about them previously, check it out here. They have some products for mums, as do several other baby ranges, like Weleda's baby range, which has a Nipple Care Cream, $11.

I spotted a very cute range of baby body care products in a gift shop recently - Peter Rabbit Baby Care! The packaging has pictures of Peter Rabbit on it, the ingredients are all natural, and some are organic. There are six products, all $26.90 each. Bod for Bubs also has a nice range of baby products.

For babies six months and over, a good sunblock is UV Natural Sunscreen Baby SPF30, $18.50 for 50g, and $35.90 for 150g.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Oral Care

Want to start using more natural oral care products? There are plenty of great products to choose from.

Some natural toothpastes are quite expensive, but others are a similar price to mainstream brand toothpastes which you'd buy in a supermarket. I use Phyto Shield Botanical Propolis Toothpaste, $5 for 100g. Available at Hardy's, Health 2000, and Commonsense Organics. This toothpaste also comes in Herbal, and Lemon Myrtle. I have tried the Herbal, but I prefer the Propolis.

I've also tried Red Seal Natural Herbal & Mineral Toothpaste 110g, $2.60 from supermarkets, Hardy's, Health 2000 and Commonsense Organics (costs a bit more at the health stores than it does at supermarkets). It does, however, contain parabens.

Some other options:

$10 and under: Comvita Propolis Toothpaste 100g $6, Comvita Oralfresh Toothgel 100g $6, Wala Vita Toothpaste 75ml $8.95 (available in Lemon & Salt, and Neem & Mint), Weleda Toothpaste 75ml $9.10 (available in Calendula, Plant Gel, Ratanhia, and Salt)

$15 and under: Miessense Toothpaste 150g $12.95 (available in Mint, Lemon, and Anise)

$20 and under: Jason Nutrismile Toothpaste 119g $16.50, Jason Powersmile Toothpaste 170g $17

If you want a toothbrush with natural bristles, Fuchs Toothbrushes has quite a few different ones. I'm not sure of prices, but they are available at Commonsense Organics.

For a dental floss that is free of artifical colourings and flavourings, try Desert Essence Dental Floss - I think it's about $10 at Commonsense Organics.

For mouthwashs, you could try Wala Vita Sage Mouthwash 300ml 19.95, Miessense Freshening Mouthwash 250ml $21.95, Jason Nutrismile Mouthwash 480ml $23, or Jason Powersmile Mouthwash 473ml $23.

And to keep you breath nice and fresh, give your mouth a spray with Miessense Breath Fresh Spray, $7.95 for 12ml.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Dr Hauschka Stone Colours

Dr Hauschka has put out a limited edition collection of makeup, Stone Colours. The range consists of:

Eye Shadow Palette $69
Kajal Eyeliner Duo $35
Lip Colour (available in Beige, Rose, Red, and Brown) $39
Rouge Powder $47
Volume Mascara Anthracite $45

Available at Farmers and Hardy's stores. I'm not sure how long it is available for. I like the look of the eyeshadow palette, it has some really nice shades in it, but it's a bit pricey for me. However, it would be cheaper than buying four individual Dr Hauschka eyeshadows.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Hand creams


I'm slightly paranoid about hygiene, which leads to a lot of hand washing, which leads to dry hands, which leads to needing a really good moisturising hand cream. I use Sukin Hand & Nail Cream, $12 for 125ml, and it's a really good cream, but have also tried and others, like A'kin Lavender, Geranium & Jojoba Hand, Nail Creme 75ml $15.20, and Natural Instinct Hand Cream 125ml $12. A'kin also makes Unscented Intensive Hand, Nail & Cuticle, also 75ml and $15.20.

I used to use Ecostore Baby Moisturiser (125ml, $13.95) as a hand cream, and found it works well. I also really like House of Herbs Organic Hand Repair Cream with Vanilla 120ml. It smells amazing, and it has an awesome, mousse-like texture. I got when I was on holiday in Sydney last year, and unfortunately, I don't think there are any shops over here which sell it. However, you can buy it online from their website, http://www.houseofherbs.com.au/. It's $22.75 in Australian dollars.

Some other options:

$20 and under: Organic Surge Hand Lotion 250ml $16.90 (available in Citus Mint, Lavender Geranium, and Orange Blossom), Apicare Therapy Handcreme 125g $18.90, Aveda Hand Relief 40ml $20

$25 and under: Evolu Nourishing Hand and Cuticle 125ml $23, Duchy Originals Hand Moisturiser 250ml $24.90 (available in Rose & Mandarin, Bergamot & Lime, and Lavender)
$30 and under: Tebe Hand Moisturising Cream 75ml $25.80, Trilogy Rose Hand Cream 100ml $27

$35 and under: Dr Hauschka Hand Cream 50ml $30.35, Antipodes Deliverance Kowhai Flower Hand Cream 75ml $31.50

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Hand washes


If you want to use a natural hand wash, there are plenty to choose from. The most affordable one I know of is Viola Organics Liquid Hand Soap, $6.50 for 250ml, and $9.95 for a 500ml refill bottle. It's available in Lavender, Summer Fresh, and Unscented Mild/Baby. I have tried it in the Unscented, and I like it, though the texture of it is very thin, about the consistency of water. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it foams up really well.

I also like Sukin Cleansing Hand Wash, $12 for 250ml, and $27 for a 1 litre refill bottle. This is a lot thicker than the Viola Organics hand wash.
Some other options:
$15 and under: Natural Instinct Hand Wash 250ml $12, Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash 50ml $13, Living Nature Purifying Hand Wash 250ml $14, A'kin Hand Wash 240ml $14.90, available in Eucalyptus & Tea Tree, and Lemon Myrtle
$20 and under: Blue Earth Flowing Soap 300ml $15.50, available in Oranges & Lemons, and Lavender & Rosemary, Tebe Hand Liquid Soap 280ml $15.80
$25 and under: Duchy Originals Liquid Soap 250ml $24.90, available in Rose & Mandarin, Bergamot & Lime, and Lavender
$30 and under: Natural Instinct Hand Wash Refill 1 litre $27
$35 and under: Emma Green Pohutakawa & Kanuka Hand Wash 500ml $33
$40 and under: Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash 250ml $40

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Cool brand: Sukin


As you have probably realised, (because I've written about quite a lot of their products), I really like the Australian brand Sukin. Their products work well, smell great, and are very affordable. They have fourteen different products, which come under the catagories of skincare, hair care and body care. The hand wash, body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner are available in several different sizes - Hand Wash in 250ml and 1 litre, Body Wash in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre, Shampoo and Conditioner each in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre. A number of the products also come in either flip top or pump top bottles (the Facial Scrub, Foaming Facial Cleanser, Facial Moisturiser, Cream Cleanser, Hand & Nail Cream, and Aloe Vera Gel).

Sukin products do not contain any: sodium lauryl sulphates, artificial fragrances, animal derivatives, artificial colours, petro-chemicals, harsh detergents, mineral oils, parabens, or triethanolamine, and they do not test on animals. All of their products, except the Hydrating Mist Toner and the Aloe Vera Gel, are scented with tangerine, mandarin, lavender, and vanilla. Not all of them smell exactly the same though - the shampoo smells quite citrusy, and the conditoner smells like a vanilla pudding! Yum...

They use some great ingredients like witch hazel, green tea, chamomile, aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, rosehip oil, evening primrose oil, rosewater, avocado oil, wheatgerm oil, vitamin E, glycerin, seasame oil, jojoba oil, burdock, nettle, and horsetail. The organic ingredients used in the products are all up the top of the ingredients lists, right after water, so you know they contain decent amounts of them.

The packaging is also great. Not only does it look pretty cool, but it is all recyclable (except for the lids). All the products are packaged in number one recyclable plastic bottle, except for the Moisture Restoring Night Cream, which comes in a glass jar.

The products do contain some ingredients which some people would prefer to avoid: Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (Suttocide), Decyl Glucoside, Cocomidapropyl Betaine, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, and Alcohol Denat.

So not as natural as something like Dr Hauschka or Living Nature, but still I think it is a pretty awesome brand, and it uses a lot of great ingredients.