beauty biz – honestly

A new beauty launch.  This time by actress-turned-CEO Jessica Alba as she branches out, adding a beauty line to her Honest Company, known for its eco-friendly household and baby products. honest3

Jessica Alba didn’t build a $1 billion company by playing it safe.

The Honesty Company has turned Jessica, 34, into a bona fide entrepreneur – and a rich one at that – and now the gorgeous mom-of-two is set to sell a new line of cosmetics from the all-natural and organic-focused brand.

The Instagram account for Honest Beauty launched and started teasing the new line a week ago, but yesterday the brand shared a sneak peek at the upcoming collection.

Take a first look at the development of our color collection,’ reads the caption under the snap, which features pink and red-pigmented products that appear to be lip glosses and blush powders.

Pretty pigmants: The brand's Instagram account shared this image teasing the line's offerings
Pretty pigmints: The brand’s Instagram account shared this image teasing the line’s offerings

The cosmetics will likely be marketed as eco-friendly, safe, and sustainable, which are all major tenets of the company and characteristics that Jessica has been vocal about in the past.

‘There’s a real need for beauty products that aren’t like piling dirt on your face, are healthy and don’t make you sick but actually work and feel luxurious,’ she told Cosmopolitan.co.uk earlier this year.

Jessica opts for natural or non-toxic makeup products that are free of the following ingredients:makeup1So do I.  Look forward to seeing what the products are like.  I’ll probably be falling for some come Fall.

Source for launch:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Beauty with benefits – a MIST opportunity

A cool fix with added beauty benefits that’s what I call a facial mist, spray or essence – same thing.

http://SkinsoDivine.com
http://SkinsoDivine.com

I started spritzing Evian water (the equivalent of Perrier but for your face) in the spray bottle on my skin in my late teens and have been using a facial spray ever since.  It was not fashionable then but it just felt natural to do so – wish I was the one who started the trend.  Now I make my own with a combination of pure spring, exotic rose & orange blossom water and essential oils of frankincense, lavender, geranium, eucalyptus and a key natural secret ingredient (there always must be one and we can’t give away all our secrets).  Then I found this out:

It’s the One Product Allure Editors Always Have on Their Desks

A collection of face mists might seem gratuitous, but if you take a look at any Allure (the beauty magazine – I’m using this as an example since they know everything there is to know about beauty) editor’s desk you’re bound to see a mist—or five. So why are they so obsessed?

Not only will a midday spritz wake you up faster than a 3 p.m. coffee break but, depending on the formula, it can also instantly calm irritated skin and brighten a dull, dry complexion.  It leaves your skin really soft and feeling fresh and hydrated.

Some good ones to try:

La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.

It may feel like you’re just spraying expensive water on your face, but this one tops multiple editors’ lists—and for good reason. “The mineral-rich water is immediately soothing to the skin,” says dermatologist Jason Emer.


Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water

Another…water? Yep. But this 100 percent natural mineral water is so soothing, it’s associate beauty editor Lexi Novak’s pick for her finicky skin. Emer calls it the gold standard for redness-prone, sensitive skin.spray2

AmorePacific Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System

Shelling out $60 for a face mist sounds cuckoo. And OK, maybe it is. But there’s no getting around the fact that, on a scale of one to dewy, this mist (with minerals and glycerin) makes skin Miranda Kerr–level glow-y.

Amore Pacific
Amore Pacific

 Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

Tatcha - nice packaging
Tatcha – nice packaging

Some editors spritz this on a dozen times a day. It’s packed with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and royal jelly extract—that make dry skin feel crazy soft (again and again and again).

Skin so Divine - naturally
Skin so Divine – naturally

Skin so Divine Hydrating Facial Mist

This divine smelling essence in an apothecary style bottle has exotic Frankincense oil  to promote healthy cell regeneration, Lavender & Geranium to calm irritated skin, rose water to hydrate even the most sensitive skin and Eucalyptus oil to keep your skin soft and blemish free.

For all: use right after cleansing but before moisturizing.

Do you use one?  What do you recommend?

beauty – the passion of Maracuja Oil

I first found out about this strange fruit called maracuja when I lived in Brazil and found it sitting at the bottom of my favourite cocktail at the time – a caipirinha with a twist…of passion.  It was divine.

Passions Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Maracuja
Passions Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Maracuja

Now I put it on my face.  Well not just that alone, it’s part of my nighttime ritual “cocktail for the face” that I mix along with other essential oils in the “Skin so Divine” Facial Oil.

Maracuja oil (pronounced mah-rick-oo-jah and is portuguese for passionflower) is derived from the passion fruit in the amazon and only one crop is harvested each year by the amazonian women.

The vitamin C content in Maracuja Oil can help to make your skin look brighter, while calcium and phosphorus work to nourish and enhance skin’s healthy appearance.

Maracuja Oil is very rich in essential fatty acids and has a high antioxidant activity.  It contains nearly 80% linoleic acid together with oleic, palmitic and stearic acids.  These essential fatty acids not only work as a great moisturizer but they also have anti-inflammatory properties helping to alleviate inflammatory skin concerns such as rosacea and acne. By calming inflammation in skin, less sebum or oil is released and thus the likelihood of blocked pores in acne is greatly diminished.  Because of its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, Maracuja Oil has a balancing effect being suitable for all skin types including sensitive, dry and oily skin.  What it does:

  • rebuilds and repairs
  • soothes and heals redness and irritation
  • hydrates and brightens
  • reduces lines and wrinkles
  • improves elasticity, tone and texture
  • boosts collagen production thanks to the vitamin c

Have you tried it?

oil1To order:  http://getspoiled.myshopify.com/products/get-spoiled-facial-oil

Beauty benefits of Avocado oil

Could Avocado oil dethrone coconut oil?oil4

Coconut oil has had way more than the allotted 15 minutes of fame and now we’re hearing about the skin care benefits of yet another fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) – that of Avocado.  In the oil game I think there’s still room for everyone and even better if they can learn to work together.

Of course now every major cosmetics company makes one. Combine this newfound fascination with oil and consumers’ desire for all things “natural,” and you can understand why people are now shopping the grocery store for beauty products.

Photo: Elle.com
Photo: Elle.com

It’s kind of crazy to me because I’ve been mixing oils for years, way before it became fashionable for the face or body. Oh, and let’s not forget hair.  Apparently Lupita Nyong’o uses it on her hair and skin – enough said.

Celebrity esthetician Renee Rouleau explains “It has a high amount of vitamin E in it, which is an antioxidant. And it does hydrate deeper and better than coconut oil.” Avocado oil also contains fatty acids, phytosterols, and a substance called sterolin. There’ some evidences that phytosterols can help repair skin, although, as with most things on the internet, the claims far outweigh the proof. But still, avocado oil seems to be at least as legitimate, if not more so, as coconut oil for hydration and moisturization.

FYI: Avocado oil is one of the few oils not derived from seeds, but is extracted from the pulp of the avocado fruit.

Avocado Oil Skin Benefits

In addition to providing the skin with moisture, the antioxidants found in avocado oil — particularly vitamins A and E — can help soothe sunburned skin. Avocado oil also contains sterolins, which are natural steroids. They may be effective in boosting collagen production and in treating age spots. With its high level of vitamin E, avocado oil may reduce itching and inflammation of the skin and is also beneficial in softening rough and cracked skin.

Aside from adding it as an ingredient for two of my skin care products (facial oil & makeup remover) I love to add avocado to salads, spread it on toast and of course to eat in guacamole.  Now my favourite salad dressing oil is very simple – it’s a bottle I bought at a California Farmers Market,  hand-crafted on a family grove in San Diego (non GMO) extra virgin, cold pressed Avocado Oil with lime.  It’s so superb on fish too that I’ll have to make a special trip back just to buy more bottles even though I can order it online. oil1

I love this body lotion that has added Jasmine - a favourite essential oil.
I love this Avocado body lotion with Jasmine.

SHOP (for Skin so Divine skin care, etc.) page: https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/shop/

                                               

Source: Elle

beauty – fashion for the face

Pretty upscale packaging right?H&M

Who would believe that clothes giant H&M is launching a beauty and makeup line, which will hit some 900 stores worldwide this fall.  H&M is branding the new products — in sleek, gold-tinted packaging — as “fashion for the face.” The 700-item line will include makeup, hair care and skin care products, with prices ranging from $2.99 to $24.99.

“This is an opportunity to be inventive, creative and have fun with fashion and colors,” H&M Beauty’s concept designer Sara Wallander said in a statement.

A premium line and sustainable products certified by Ecocert will also be available, as will seasonal products.

There will be dedicated store areas for customers to try out different products, and the new line will also be available online.

When the Swedish brand came to America in 2000, opening its first store in Manhattan, it brought fast-fashion into the spotlight. H&M has mixed high- and low-fashion by featuring collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and more recently, Alexander Wang, among other designers. Balmain Is H&M’s Latest Designer Collaborator.

It might require taking a break from Sephora to check it out.

Source: News Wire Services

beauty that makes scents: Frankincense

Only wise women use Frankincensefrank3

The word Frankincense comes from the word “franc encens” which means quality incense in old French.

Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia frereana) is a tree or shrub that produces a gum or resin that can be steam distilled into an essential oil with HUGE health benefits. Although frankincense trees can be grown anywhere, they are most popular in the middle east and the region of Oman is known for producing the best, highest quality oils today.

The Tree
The Tree

Frankincense has long been esteemed as being holy in the Middle East. Remember the old bible story about the three wise guys who came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh? Once three of the most prized items in the world, two now mostly forgotten and overlooked.  Frankincense has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda medicine and for the first time is being taken seriously by medical science. Thanks to some scientists, Frankincense may again be worth its weight in gold.

Frankincense is known to have emotional and spiritual affects because of its high vibrational aroma which is why it is commonly used in prayer and meditation.  But aside from all that, basically I just love the scent.  It is one of the oils used in the “Divine Hydrating Facial Mist.”  It is believed that the oil will transmit messages to the limbic system of the brain which is known to influence the nervous system. A little bit of oil goes a long way. Frankincense oil is known to improve skin tone, heal cuts and grazes and infected skin. When combined with the other oils used and the floral waters (especially rose) it is extremely beneficial as a treatment for dry, mature or wrinkled skin. It also helps to lessen the appearance of scarring.

Most people have heard of this essential oil, many have tried it but sometimes it’s nice to know a little more about the overall benefits:frankincenseFrankincense has many uses.  Traditionally it was burned as incense, and also charred and ground into a powder to produce the heavy kohl eyeliner used by Egyptian women.

Now used in skin care products, it is known for its ability to prevent and reduce wrinkling.
To use the oil in meditation, add four drops to a vaporizer. As you inhale the oil, it helps to slow down and deepen the breath which in turn brings a sense of peace, restores balance and opens the mind, increasing awareness and spiritual understanding. It is also thought to help the release of past traumas, helping someone coping with grief to ‘let go’ and come to terms.
On a totally different note: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYBELLINE.  Going strong & still looking good at 100 years old!
 Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline!

Remember that slogan? To this day the company’s pink+green Great Lash Mascara is still a top seller.  The company has released a 100 year Milestone limited edition “commemoration collection” available in stores today. Prices range from $4.49 to $9.99.  So if you’re not born with it….go out and buy it.  Isn’t that what they want us to do?

beauty: Shea’s the one!

Shea Butter: the multi-purpose all natural Vitamin A, E & F skin cream (with SPF 6) is derived from the seed of the Shea (Karite) tree which is found in the dry arid regions of Central Africa.sheabutter1 The pits are collected to sun dry and then roasted to get it ready for the difficult work of extracting the creamy, rich solid oil by hand. This butter has an amazing amount of healing properties and softening capability. Shea butter has been used in Africa and other countries for years as it provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production.  It’s one of the ingredients used to make the “Divine Balm” for “Skin so Divine“.  On it’s own it is very rich but splendid when mixed with the other healing oils which make up this amazing balm.


Here are 21 uses of Shea Butter 

  1. Dry skin
  2. Skin rash
  3. Skin peeling, after tanning
  4. Blemishes and wrinkles
  5. Itchy skin
  6. Sunburn
  7. Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave
  8. Small skin wounds
  9. Skin cracks
  10. Tough or rough skin (on feet)
  11. Cold weather
  12. Frost bites
  13. Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
  14. Insect bites
  15. Healthy skin
  16. Muscle fatigue, aches and tension
  17. Use before and after strenuous exercise
  18. Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
  19. Eczema
  20. Dermatitis
  21. Skin damage from heat (hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems, etc.)

http://skinsodivine.com

beauty: Anti anti-aging!

Are you as tired as I am of hearing all the buzz surrounding anti-aging marketing?

index
All the advertising in magazines, newspapers and the internet implies that most of us are not content to imagesage gracefully.

While this advertising is aimed at women primarily, lots of men are paying attention too, but I find the ads are misleading. No product on earth should make these claims unless they can actually back it up with proven research (without those cheesy re-touched before & after pictures).  How many of them can?

It’s not so much the fact of getting older but rather, looking older. If there was a magic pill to turn back the clock I’m sure everyone would take it.  In the meantime, and eventually, aging is going to happen – deal with it! The notion that age can and should be transcended underlies an industry that has profits in the billions in the United States alone. Paired with the spending power and consumer habits of a characteristically youth-oriented generation, the search for a means of taking control of and ultimately conquering age has been met with a surge in available products and procedures to meet this demand.

Photo: huffington post-uk
Photo: huffington post.uk

While I’m not against those who opt for plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, the numbers of those choosing to have them frighten me.

How about good old natural measures? We can age gracefully and stay youthful depending on how well we treat ourselves and our surrounding environment.  What about using common sense and doing the best we can to stay strong and healthy.  What we should most be concerned about is avoiding stress. If you have a lot of stress it will age you faster than anything.

Naturally good genes are a bonus, but you can eat well, exercise in moderation, try to get enough sleep, don’t drink too much, be nice to yourself, treat others well, find humour in life and use good products. (My conscience tells me not to use those tested on animals)  There is no compromising in these areas. Not only will you feel better but it will make you look good on the outside too.

Some skincare products can help prevent further wrinkles from forming and certain vitamins can help further the aging process but they can’t do all the work. You have to work together.  But no matter what you do, the facts show that having a lot of stress (which we all do at times) in life weakens your system and in turn can contribute to sickness and aging. I suppose this is where meditation comes in handy (for those who know how to do it properly) and taking time out for yourself.

I don’t think anyone truly has all the answers but for me personally I find taking a long walk in fresh air helps to clear up thinking.  Lately I’ve gone back to yoga (or semi-yoga, semi-workout since I’ve been breaking out a sweat) classes to help me work on my “core” issues. Seeing the results makes me feel better and makes me want to continue to get in the best shape I possibly can.  Listening to music while cooking is another relaxer and dancing is always lots of fun.  Anything that lifts your spirits is good for you. Shouldn’t we be concentrating on that.

mind you, there's something about his ad I like
Speaking of lifting your spirits, there’s something about this ad I like

What do you do to look after yourself?

beauty – Divine Skincare

I’m very pleased to announce the launch of my new skincare lineSkin so Divine.skinsodivine - Copy - Copymakeup1It’s been in the works for many months being tested and approved by people of all ages with all sorts of different complexions and skin types.  I wanted to make sure it was fit for sale before announcing it on my blog.  It’s been meticulously but lovingly formulated and re-formulated to finally acquire the perfection it has now become. Yes, I’m aware of the multitude of products out there and have probably tried hundreds of them myself.  From Crème De La Mer to Dr. Hauschka,  you name it!  There are many good ones on the market.

What makes these any better?  It’s my personal choice to want to create something completely natural and effective from scratch using high quality ingredients that are proven to be beneficial. I’m pretty picky – that’s all.natural1

About Skin so Divine:

The ingredients used to create these four products were sourced from the world’s finest from my various travels. I’m always curious wherever I go to find out what local natural products women with beautiful skin are using.  For instance in Brazil I discovered (well apparently I wasn’t the first one) the benefits of Maracuja oil. Maracuja oil contains 72.6 % linoleic acid, which is an omega- 6 fatty acid. This data comes from just one source. This makes maracuja oil undoubtedly one of the best sources of linoleic acid on earth.  In Hawaii it was Kukui Nut Oil (This oil contains vitamins A, C, and E) and in Africa it was Pure Unrefined Organic Shea Butter which now many other skincare lines are incorporating into their product line but you have to make sure you get the right kind.  The face oil contains Baobab Oil from Africa. If you haven’t heard of it, the baobab is the most intriguing and probably the best known tree in Africa.  It is often referred to as the “upside-down” tree which can have a lifespan of up to 6,000 years.  Of course this doesn’t mean that if you use this oil you’ll live longer but the oil from this tree contains nearly equal amounts of saturated (33%), mono-unsaturated (36%) and poly-unsaturated (31%) fatty acids, and the essential linoleic acid is of special interest.

I found a great supplier for Camelia Oil which is made from the seeds of actual green tea and has outstanding moisture and emollient properties. It has been used for centuries for beautifying purposes by women in China and Japan. Geishas of Kyoto used to moisturize their skin and hair with this Camelia oil. Enough said! Samurai used to wipe their swords with the oil to protect it from rusting and corrosion, which is early evidence of its excellent antioxidant qualities. This is assurance that your face won’t rust.  I had to say this. It penetrates skin as fast as water, leaving it supple and hydrated. The oil contains mono-saturated essential fatty acids and very high in oleic acid (Omega 9 fatty acid). Camellia oil contains vitamins, A, B, and E and  Squalene, which is a natural component of human sebum. With age the deficiency of squalene results in dry skin, premature aging and wrinkles. So applying just a few drops of camellia seed oil replenishes this deficiency, protecting, nourishing and moisturizing skin.

Some of the other exotic oils used are Rosehip Seed, Sea Buckthorn and good old Coconut.  Some old standbys like Avocado, Jojoba and Apricot Kernel even out the line.

Many of these oils you have already heard of, now that they’ve gone mainstream but that doesn’t make them any less effective.  Some are easy to buy (like Lavender) and others are more difficult (like good carrot seed oil) and quite expensive (like Frankincense).  Some smell incredible (like Jasmine).  I enjoy the whole process.  I’m not looking to change the marketplace, just want to find my niche within the market and hope other women, like me will appreciate something simple, straightforward but rich in quality.skinsodivine - Copy - Copy (2)

What makes these products unique:

The Divine Makeup Remover is not only 100% natural but it will remove all your makeup (even waterproof mascara) gently, quickly and efficiently.  It’s a complete makeup remover to be used all over your face including eye area.

The Divine Facial Mist is beautifully hydrating, uplifting and smells heavenly.  It doubles as a toner (which you can use to remove any extra makeup remover if you feel like it).

The Divine Facial Oil is just that!  Use it alone at night after cleaning & spraying your face or in conjunction with your daytime moisturizer with SPF.  I like to mix a little with my daytime tinted moisturizer that has SPF.

The Divine Balm is the closest thing to a miracle product that I’ve come across so far (even if I dare say so myself). It completely melts into the skin around your eyes, lips and cuticles.  I even put it on my eyelashes before bedtime and sometimes during the day instead of mascara (just use your eyelash curler right after).

The products, even though completely natural do not have to be kept in your fridge.  Just try to keep them away from direct heat or sunlight.  A cooler dark place (like your bathroom cabinet or in the bedroom) is best.  For the time being they are being sold exclusively online.

And remember, you can be allergic to anything in any product, natural or otherwise.  Look at the ingredient listing to make sure.

SHOP page on blogsite: https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/shop/

beauty: by GOSH, I really like these!

It’s really hard to pass up trying something new when you’re a lipstick addict.lipstick

I spotted, sampled and bought a tube of GOSH Velvet Touch Lipstick because the colour choices were so pretty. The company, based in Denmark, is a young and innovative cosmetics firm that also sells bath, body and fragrance products.   Founded in 1945 as a pharmaceutical company, GOSH quickly moved into the cosmetics industry and now their products are sold in more than 75 countries throughout the world.  I found it at Shoppers Drug Mart.20150403_125955

Review: due to a high concentration of colour pigments the lipsticks give an intense and lasting colour. Contains Vitamin-E to soften and help protect against free radicals. Packaging is nice.

Price: $14.00

Have you tried anything from this brand?