Holiday Wishlist 2014

'Tis the season to give to others and unashamedly hope that someone is thinking of you too... I've scoured the online eco-boutiques to pull together my personal wishlist of eco-fabulous pieces. Go ahead and forward this to those you might like to help guide in their gift giving. xx

ECHO JEWELRY BOX, Melissa Joy Manning X The Style Line, $100 #reclaimedwood #madeinUSA

INTENSIVE HAND & HEEL THERAPY , Odacite, $39 #organic

CASHMERE LEGGINGS, Chinti & Parker, $357 #carbonneutral #fairproduction

BOUCLE WEAVE FINGERLESS GLOVES, emiLime, $45 #naturalfibers #handmade

CAGED DECO AGLEA RING, Akaliko, $90 #artisanmade 

CALM BATH SALTS, Herbivore Botanicals, $19 #natural #fragrancefree #madeinUSA

SUNDAY TOTE II IN DARK GREEN, Angela & Roi, $150 #vegan

CONSCIOUS MAGAZINE, A Boy Named Sue, $18 #madeinUSA #ForestStewardCouncilCertified

MEDA BLACK SCARF, A Peace Treaty, $385 #handmade #local

Clean Sweep Beauty Routine

I've long been hearing about these face wipes that help remove makeup and rebalance the ph levels in your skin, but had yet to try them until NatraCare sent me samples of their new sensitive skin face wipes. After a day of full makeup, I know the benefits of getting skin clean and letting it breathe. I washed my face with Dr. Hauschka's Cleansing Cream (using a wash cloth too), and then did a pass with a NatraCare Cleansing Make-Up Removal towelette. They didn't feel moisturizing, but they didn't sting or irritate my skin either. It was like using a lighter wash cloth, and after I wiped my eyes and the rest of my face I was pleased to see it did its job at removing any traces of makeup that were left.

I followed this double cleansing with a layer of California Natrurel's Nourishing Cream and a touch of Dr. Alkaitis Eye Creme. The next morning, I awoke to very happy skin. I may have to stash these wipes in every bag for when I am traveling or coming off a photo shoot!

* Thanks Natracare for the samples! This post reflects my personal experience with this product.

Eco Edit: Miranda Kerr's Midi Skirt Magic

The fash pack have deemed the midi skirt a style staple for fall, and with this effortlessly chic ensemble by Miranda Kerr, it is easy to see why. Offering a modest cut, usually accompanied by playful peats or a flared hem line, the midi skirt is one of the easiest ways to inject stye into an existing wardrobe. Pair with a button down and heels for an office outfit, or try a cropped top with ankle boots for something a little more edgy. Or, try Miranda's every day look with these eco chic pieces listed below:

ARMY GREEN MAO JACKET, Hart, $980. The army green jacket is still trending, and this embroidered version is perfect for adding this wardrobe staple with some added interest. #artisanmade #naturalfibers

STRIPED TOP (similar to this one), Heidi Merrick, $125. The perfect under layer for transitioning from summer to fall. #madeinLA #naturalfibers

MIDI SKIRT, The Reformation, $98. The midi length, high waist and flared skirt will keep you twirling down the street. Perfect for pairing with a crop top. #upcycled #madeinUSA 

CHOPPER TOTE, Gunas the Brand, $149. The woven design of this bag makes it a forever classic. #vegan

LUICHINY D'ORSAY PUMP, Lulu's, $89. Add a little spice to your life with these fiery red heels. #vegan

Three Non-Toxic Nail Polish Colors from Aila to take You Effortlessly into Fall

Here it is August 1st and we are already thinking about fall... c'est la vie for fashion! While I tend to stretch my summer for all its worth, I do get excited about these fun fall colors from Aila. I was recently introduced to Aila and lucky enough to sample their nail care system. Aimed to go beyond simply good looks, the Aila nail polishes promote better nail health.

The application is super smooth, and the coverage rich. The bottles feel like little geographic statues, and the colors are lighthearted yet sophisticated. In addition, Aila is 5- free formulated and vegan. This multi-faceted nail care line is quickly becoming one of my favorites! Use the white color (Mackenna) now, the mauve (Kelly) in September, and the muted black (MIster Pookies) in October. Done and done. 

Four Makeup Products for an Effortless Summer Look

Whether you are taking a summer holiday (and need to pack light- those zip lock bags are so frustratingly small!), or are sweating it out in the summer heat, a lighter makeup regimen is perfect for getting a natural summer look. Boiled down to just four products- these organic beauty enhancers are all you’ll need.

ARGAN TINTED MOISTURIZER, Josie Maran, $38. Summer skin typically requires less moisture, and a tinted moisturizer packed with hydrating argan oil and broad spectrum SPF is the perfect prep for creating an evened complexion while offering sun protection. Be sure to layer a little extra product around your nose and under eye area for slightly more coverage which will act as a lighter weight concealer.

ANDREA’S BLUSH, Sappho Organic Cosmetics, $24. A coral colored blush with some ‘rust’ undertones works well in the summer. The dusty apricot is a great compliment to sun-kissed skin for various skin types. Swipe across your cheeks from the apples out to the ears, and then pull the color downwards into the hollows of your cheeks to create a slightly ‘bronzed’ affect. You can also use this color across your eye lids- blending up and out into the middle of the eye for a little contouring. Finally, if you want to subtly enhance your natural lip color pat the blush into your lips and top with a clear lip gloss or chap stick.

100% NATURAL ORIGIN MAKEUP, Physicians Formula Organic Wear, $10.95. For a daytime look, use a light hand when applying a single coat of mascara to darker and lengthen your lashes. For evening, apply two or three coats and wiggle the wand side to side while pulling through to create thickness and volume for a more defined eye.

BE TRUE, Tata Harper, $28. Your natural lip pigment is usually the best lip color your could ever wear- especially in the summer when you want your look to be natural and carefree. A hydrating lip conditioner adds a touch of shine, and blends wonderfully with your overall no fuss look. This chap stick from Tata Harper packs an added punch with lip plumping benefits. Use a swipe across your eye lids for a slightly dewy affect.

Stranded on a desert island (and wanting to look our best of course), these are the four products that would make the cut. Do you have any favorites that would make that list?