Is donkey milk the new goat milk?

I never expected the word beauty and the words “donkey” milk to be in the same sentence; but why should it be any different than “goat” milk?

Plus, they’re just as cute. Have a look at that face – *that’s a nice looking ass!*

Since donkey milk soap and goat milk soap are both made with the high-fat milk of their respective animals, they are both known for their skin-nourishing, moisturizing, and protective properties. However, donkey milk for beauty purposes is new to North America.

It was while looking at all the different soaps at the lavender shop that the owner pointed out the donkey milk soap bar and told me that he’s getting more products that will either contain or be made entirely of donkey milk and how good it is for the skin. He said that the soap can be used on the face and there’s a whole list of beauty benefits that goes along with it. He mentioned it helps exfoliate, softens, fades scars, evens skin tone and reduces acne and wrinkles.

Hmmm….always something new to explore and learn about. I’m always open to new suggestions but I’m also aware how saturated the beauty market is and maybe they have to keep coming up with new ways (taken from old ways) to draw people in. Not saying that Donkey Milk is not beneficial, but I decided to do some research which I’m sharing here.

Right off the bat, Donkey milk is rich in vitamins and minerals: potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iodine, retinol, vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, D, C, E. All good! The negative point is that it’s supposed to be the most expensive milk in the world.

Donkey milk may sound like a trendy newcomer to the milk market, but in reality, it has been around for thousands of years.

It has become popular again recently, especially in parts of Europe, appealing both to adventurous foodies who want to try new foods and beverages, as well as those who aim to eat natural foods with health benefits.

Spurred by interest in using donkey milk for both cosmetics and culinary reasons, Europe is experiencing a donkey milk revival.

It has a long history of medicinal and cosmetic uses. Hippocrates reportedly used donkey milk as a treatment for arthritis, coughs, and wounds. Cleopatra is said to have maintained her soft, smooth skin with donkey milk baths. Apparently she added honey to it. According to Google, she had more than 700 donkeys. That makes for a lot of milk baths!

Compared with milk from other dairy animals like cows, goats, sheep, buffalo, and camels, donkey milk most closely resembles human breast milk. In fact, it was first used in the 19th century to feed orphaned infants.

So another ancient beauty product has found its way here and is having a resurgence. I think we’ll be hearing more about this.

Let me know if you’ve tried it?

“Donkeys live a long time. None of you has ever seen a dead donkey.” ~ George Orwell

I came across this more in-depth blog post from Better Living about donkeys in general; including their milk:

https://foodtravelist.com/donkey-milk-health-benefits/#:~:text=It%20was%20quite%20mild%20and,not%20nasty%20in%20any%20

Some info taken from Healthline

beauty

For the love of Lavender

Provence en Couleur

A bundle worth its weight in blue/gold. Photo: d. king

If you’re looking for lavender products in Vancouver, look no further than Provence en Couleur – a one-stop-shop for all things lavender and more. Located at Granville Island.

Known as “The Blue Gold” because of its value as a crop, Lavender oil is a staple of perfumes, skincare and soaps.

In Provence the lavender fields conspire with the landscapes and perched villages to make stunning technicolor scenes.

So French to place in a market bag. Photo: d. king

The scented flowers signify purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. That’s why spraying lavender scented water on your pillowcase before bed will give you a more restful sleep. Putting a few drops of the oil in a humidifier does the same.

You can hang, stuff or plant them anywhere you want to have more beauty. Photo: d. king

The scent of their dried flowers stays stronger for a lot longer than other types of dried flowers.

Purple is the color of royalty and speaks of elegance, refinement, and luxury.

My bathroom window in a nautilus shell. Photo: d. king

Check them out:

https://www.provenceencouleur.com/

beauty

Tried & Treasured Skincare Products

An update of six products I’ve tested over six months or longer

For cleansing the face:

Micellar Water: is a highly effective one-step all around gentle cleanser for removing makeup and to help clear out pores while removing impurities and toning the skin. Perfect for those nights when you want to quickly clean up before bedtime. Plus, it’s free of alcohol and may help promote skin hydration. It can be used on any skin type but may be especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin, as it can help reduce skin inflammation and irritation. There are many kinds out there. I bought Sephora brand shown in photo.

evanhealy Rose Cleansing Milk:This soft and creamy cleansing milk can be followed up after micellar water or can be used on its own. It’s very gentle with a lovely light rose scent. This brand helps to balance skin and prepare for nightly moisturizer. Made with plant oils and floral waters, It helps draw impurities out of pores. I bought it at Whole Foods.

https://www.evanhealy.com/products/rose-cleansing-milk

Face Cream for Day:

Grown Alchemist: I love this cream for morning before applying *sunscreen. I keep it in the fridge not to preserve it but because it feels cooling on my skin. It not only has the nicest fresh scent, it’s super hydrating in a non greasy way. I first tried it as part of the Curateur Box of Style and loved it from the get go. The clean ingredients really helps to nourish the skin. It’s a keeper.

https://www.grownalchemist.com/ca/hydra-repair-day-cream-camellia-geranium-blossom.html

Face Cream for Night:

Nonie of Beverly Hills: I decided to list the ingredients first on this one.

This lightweight but effective night cream has 10% Alphy Hydroxy Acids from extracts of Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Maple Cane, Orange & Lemon Oils. It has Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Citrus Mix of Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot & Neroli Oils; Coconut Emulsifier, Orchid Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract & Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

With vitamins A, B, C, this is touted (according to the website and several reviews) as the best anti-wrinkle, anti-aging exfoliator, and renewer around. It was created from real plant ingredients in the kitchens of Hungary. It helps to stimulate cell renewal and is considered a natural exfoliator for the skin. You can use it around your eyes too. I found it at Clark’s in Palm Desert but I’m sure you can find it at other natural health food stores as well as here:

https://nonieofbeverlyhills.com/collections/moisturizers/products/aha-10-moisturizer-1-75-oz

Cult face/hair/body balm:

Cult King: this balm is the bomb. Sometimes we need a little extra help with hydration. This I believe was developed first as a hair product. My hairdresser turned me onto this balm which you can use for a multitude of reasons. The website says it’s the go-to botanical godsend for hair, skin, shaving, the works. Loaded with organic ingredients, I put a tiny bit on dry areas of my skin and under the eyes. For me the efficacy & scent is what cements the purchase.

https://cultandking.com/product/balm-mini/

Body Scrub:

Suzanne Somers Organics Acai Scrub: this delightful natural fruit acid complex has to be my favourite exfoliating body scrub (and sometimes used for face). Good for anywhere you develop rough dry patches.

https://www.suzannesomers.com/en-ca/products/suzanne-organics-acai-exfoliating-body-polish

*Sunscreen: Supergoop Glowscreen SPF 40

Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and the results you found.

beauty

Beauty in a box: Rachel Zoe’s Spring box of Style

The Spring box of Style never felt so good as at a time like this. A little pick-me-up.

Here’s what’s inside:

**ERNO LASZLO** Hydraphel Skin Supplement

This is considered one of those holy grail skincare items. Erno Laszlo was one of the first luxury skincare products. He had many famous clients. Everyone from Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo and Ava Gardner to Cary Grant, Marlene Dietrich and Jackie Kennedy. That’s not a bad lineup.

This one is an easy-to-use toner that offers high-impact results to your regular skincare routine. It gently clears away flakes and aging skin cells while it sweeps on calming, skin-renewing nutrients. So far I love it. It reduces redness too while supporting natural renewal and repair. Retails at $60.00

**R + CO.** Waterfall Moisture + Shine Lotion

I’m starting to pay more attention to hair health (more on this in a separate post). For now I use this vegan + cruelty free lightweight hydrating cream on damp hair for a smooth finish. It leaves hair soft, glossy and manageable. Retails at $29.00

I must admit when I first found out there was yet another camel bag in the Spring mix I was not so excited, as I already own several. However, this one is different. It’s a sueded 2-tone vegan leather shoulder bag with an interior pocket that’s appealingly structured, and comes in quite handy as a lightweight shopping bag. Very nice. Retails at $74.00

I own many gold, silver and beaded bracelets that I love but there’s something about a chain-link bracelet that adds instant glamour to everything. This elegantly crafted chain-link by Rachel’s friend Nikki Reed you can wear with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to an evening gown. Wear alone or with other bracelets. It’s 6″ with a 2″ extender sustainably made with gold plated recycled brass. Retails at $195.00

These tortoise and black sunglasses are both striking and timeless and supposed to look great on everyone….except me. We got a choice between the two and I chose tortoise. Yet again; my sister gets another pair of my sunglasses that don’t suit me….but they all happen to look great on her.

Retails at $85.00

Get exclusive seasonal styles delivered right to your door…four times a year! And don’t worry, you can change or cancel your membership at any time with no questions asked. How great is that?

https://www.boxofstyle.com/

All images: taken from Box of Style Website

beauty, Girl Who Would be King

beauty – apothecary appeal

Ever since the time I set foot in the original Kiehl’s homeopathic pharmacy in NYC

people are starting to go for a more natural approach - not tested on animals is a good start — people are starting to go for a more natural approach – not tested on animals is a good start

I was in heaven; hooked on the clean simplicity of the packaging and their natural old-fashioned appeal. Plus I actually loved a lot of the product line and it was a special treat to not be able to find it everywhere. As in “I went to New York and brought you back this special “ultra-facial” moisturizing cream, blah, blah.” But that was before it was purchased by L’Oreal and started to become mainstream and now sold in independant retail and high-end department stores including select airport locations world wide. You can’t blame them for selling out but it was more of a unique shopping destination at the time.

Several hundred years ago, you’d go to an apothecary to pick up medicine or to seek medical attention. Those jobs belonged to pharmacists and general practitioners, but now apothecaries are popping up again, just in a slightly different capacity. Back in the day, an apothecary treated all different ailments, now the term encompasses beauty products, home goods, natural stuff and the like. What’s old is new again?

But in line with the apothecaries of old, a lot of beauty products are medicinally focused. Things to help with thinning hair, dry skin and scalp, eczema and the like. It’s all need-based and since the products are packaged fairly simply, the prices are usually lower – but not always.

A lot of these products are made with herbs and essential oils – but there are herbs that are good for your skin and there are others that are not depending on your problem area. You should do a little bit of homework beforehand even though sales people should be aware of what will work for you. Don’t always count on it.

Most of the apothecary products selling now are very good, clean products and they have a lot of heart behind them. If you look closely you’ll find that the bottles all look the same or very similar – it’s the label that sets them apart (of course, what’s inside is what really counts). The focus being that a certain care and quality is infused (and expected) in products which are made in small batches.

If the recent shift in the beauty market towards transparency and awareness is any indication, this is the kind of shopping experience consumers are starting to be attracted to again. Customers now are more educated and come in with the right questions and they know what they’re looking for. You have to because there’s much more to choose from but isn’t that a lot better than not having any choices?

WANT Apothecary has launched its first West Coast boutique in Vancouver's South Granville neighbourhood. — **WANT Apothecary** has launched its first West Coast boutique in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood.

Montreal-born clothing and lifestyle boutique WANT Apothecary has opened its first West Coast outpost in Vancouver. Nestled among the art galleries and shops on South Granville, WANT Apothecary (2956 Granville Street) fits right into the neighbourhood with its charming boutique storefront and European flair.

What kind of skincare products are you using? Do you stick to the same line, mix it up or go for something totally different each time?

beauty

beauty – from the inside out

INNER BEAUTY is more relevant now than ever

so why are we still obsessed with outer beauty? — so why are we still so obsessed with outer beauty?

While we can always try to cover up our tiny flaws and imperfections with makeup correctors & concealers, and enhance our complexion with blush and bronzer, nothing beats a real lit from within healthy glow that comes from eating healthy foods, drinking lots of water and limiting alcohol intake.

It seems that our beauty routine lately is becoming a lot less traditional and a lot more ingestible. We don’t really need a lot of expensive night creams to do the trick if we live a relatively healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and lots of sleep. I believe in the arsenal of a common sense routine mixed with a few tried and true products.

I want to introduce you to five of the latest beauty products on the market meant to make you more beautiful from the inside out – picks that are sure to blur the line between your kitchen cabinet and your vanity.

Starting with..1) Drinkable Hyaluronic Acid

Drinkable Hyaluronic Acid Spike your favorite drink with 2 teaspoons of this liquid hyaluronic acid to plump your complexion and keep skin hydrated. The Hyaluronic Molecule, Fountain $30 — Spike your favorite drink with 2 teaspoons of this liquid hyaluronic acid to plump your complexion and keep skin hydrated.
The Hyaluronic Molecule, **Fountain** $30

2) Powdered Collagen

Mix a sachet of this marine-based powder with smoothies, coffee, water (or any other beverage of choice) to naturally boost collagen production and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. Gratitude Package, Vida Glow $50 — Mix a sachet of this marine-based powder with smoothies, coffee, water (or any other beverage of choice) to naturally boost collagen production and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.
Gratitude Package, **Vida Glow** $50

3) Drinkable Free Radical-Fighter

Drinkable Free Radical-Fighter This cocktail of organic coconut water, aloe vera and lemon myrtle hydrate the body from the inside-out to combat dry, dull skin, fine lines and also fights free-radical damage caused by environmental stressors. Inner Beauty Boost, The Beauty Chef $40 — Drinkable Free Radical-Fighter
This cocktail of organic coconut water, aloe vera and lemon myrtle hydrate the body from the inside-out to combat dry, dull skin, fine lines and also fights free-radical damage caused by environmental stressors.
Inner Beauty Boost, **The Beauty Chef $**40

4) Skin-Perfecting Pills For Oily Skin

Skin-Perfecting Pills For Oily Skin 2 antioxidant and omega-infused capsules per day repair skin, boost hydration and help regulate oil production. It's also suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets. Vegan Omega 3-6-9 Supplements, Zelens $50 — 2 antioxidant and omega-infused capsules per day repair skin, boost hydration and help regulate oil production. It’s also suitable for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
Vegan Omega 3-6-9 Supplements, **Zelens** $50

5) All-Around Beauty Booster

When mixed into a beverage, this powdered mix of raw vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, and seaweed increases collagen and silica production and hydrates and strengthens skin, hair and nails. Beauty Dust, Moon Juice $65 — When mixed into a beverage, this powdered mix of raw vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, and seaweed increases collagen and silica production and hydrates and strengthens skin, hair and nails.
**Beauty Dust, Moon Juice** $65

I’m not promoting these products as I haven’t tried any of them and don’t intend to – just that it’s interesting to find out how the market may be changing. With so many things out there it’s hard to decide what to choose – you have to be selective. I did come across a vegan chocolate bar that claims to slow the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin – hell, I’m all for that one!

Never mind the saying “you are what you eat” – I’m changing it to “you are what you live” – it’s much broader and more forgiving.

What do you think about that?

beauty

beauty: by GOSH, I really like these!

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

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.

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?

beauty

beauty – find it everywhere

What never escapes my attention is all kinds of beauty products from makeup to skincare to candles & accessories. I might not buy everything I see but there is enjoyment in looking at pretty objects of desire. The different smells, the packaging, the discovery of something new and the pure beauty of it all.

Spotted today on Main Street:
These sweet sterling silver plated jewelled hair-pins from Lucky Feather. Available at front and company – 3742 + 3746 Main Street. $9

Some temptations that smell good enough to eat – at Barefoot Contessa – 3715 Main Street.

**Maria Evora** body lotions and soaps from SPAIN

Blithe Bunnt — **Blithe & Bunny** – handmade in the USA (honey almond)

ILLUME coconut milk mango — **ILLUME** coconut milk mango

Go be Lovely – USA

Roberts Rose Cleansers & Toners from Italy

Raising the bar – while you’re there you should try the latte & lemon bar at Coco et Olive – 3707 Main St. The very best lemon bar!

Be dashing, bold and fearless

Photos: d. king

FUN

Beauty biz – a visit to Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s on Robson St., Vancouver draws inspiration from Kiehl’s New York east village roots as an old–world neighborhood apothecary developed by innovative pharmacists and herbologists.
Kiehl’s has an unorthodox marketing approach, exceptionally large male clientele base (they have a section dedicated to men) and its products’ simple and straightforward packaging.

I remember visiting the original location in New York (they have a Norman Rockwell Holiday Window) where I bought my first bottle of ultra-facial moisturizer and recently on Robson I sampled the new multi-corrective cream. L O V E at first sample!

There’s something else I like about Kiehl’s besides their skincare products:

In 2010, Kiehl’s introduced the Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, an annual, week-long motorcycle ride through major U.S. cities that includes multiple high-profile events at Kiehl’s stores along the way to raise consumer and media awareness about amfAR and the fight against AIDS. In the last four years, LifeRide has raised over $400,000 for amfAR.

Super Multi-Corrective Cream Key Ingredients:

Jasmonic Acid

Inspired by “signal molecules” secreted by plants that begins a self-repair process – corrects wrinkles and fine lines, loss of suppleness and elasticity. Beech Tree Extract

Sugar extracted from Beech Tree which helps improve skins overall firmness.

Fragmented Hyaluronic Acid

A power booster, discovered to enhance Jasmonic Acid’s efficacy, super charging the improvement in skin elasticity and smoothness.

Have you tried their products?

Photos: d. king

FUN

beauty biz – Rose Day Cream = LOVE

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet – Romeo and Juliet ( Juliet argues that the names of things do not matter, only what things “are”).

Product Review – Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream

I’ve used the cleansing milk and now I’m addicted to this product. It smells like……roses!

Soothes and protects

A rich, luxurious daily moisturizer. Soothing rose ingredients nurture and renew sensitive, dry and weather-damaged skin. Protects skin against dryness and soothes red, irritated skin and couperose.

Protects the delicate outer layer of the skin against dryness and irritation
Avocado oil with extracts of rose petal and rose hip soothe and renew red, irritated, sensitive skin
Seals in moisture to help prevent dryness
Thirty rose flowers go into each tube of Rose Day Cream.
Used as directed, Rose Day Cream lasts approximatley 3 months

Dr. Hauschka has been in existence since 1967 and has gained an impressive celebrity following, including Julia Roberts, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Jack Nicholson, and now The Girl who would be King.

Hollywood Tips you want to know:

Actress Julia Roberts, plagued like many of her colleagues by stressed skin due to having to constantly apply and remove make-up, discovered Dr. Hauschka’s Rose Cream in her make-up artist’s cosmetics case. She swears by the cream because it stimulates the skin’s own resources and does not cause allergies. When Julia Roberts was asked, yet again, at a press conference what was behind her radiant complexion, she whispered into the microphone: ”Dr. Hauschka.” And soon Cate Blanchett was bathing in Dr. Hauschka’s lavender bath oil, Madonna underwent a two-hour Dr. Hauschka treatment in the chic New York Sanctuary Spa, and the whole world wanted the rose cream. At Sephora in New York, it is to be found right next to the Kiehl products.

The special thing: Most of the medicinal plants used are not only grown under strict organic conditions in the company’s own garden, they are also processed according to an 80-year-old recipe which respects nature’s rhythm: light and dark, movement and rest, heat and cold.

Shhhhh….Here is a short list (so I’m told) of who uses what:

Stars that love the entire Dr.Hauschka line include:

Annette Bening
Elle Macpherson
Julia Roberts
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Naomi Watts
Rebecca Romijn
Robert Downey Jr

Other celebs covet particular products. They include:

Celebrity / Product
Amy Poehler – Lavender Body Oil
Brad Pitt – Lip Care Stick
Chloe Sevigny – Neem Hair Oil
Jennifer Aniston – Moisturizing Day Cream
Katie Holmes – Cleansing Cream / Facial Toner
Keri Russell – Neem Hair Oil
Kerry Washington – Rejuvenating Mask
Kirsten Dunst – Blackthorn Body Oil
Madonna – Rose Day Cream / Facial Toner
Martha Stewart – Regenerating ProductsNicole Ritchie – Neem Hair OilNicole Kidman – Neem Hair Oil / Rose Day Cream Nora Ephron – Lemon Bath Rachel Hunter – Normalizing Day Oil Rachel McAdams – Rose Day Cream Rosie O’Donnell – Rose Day Cream Vivienne Tam (designer) – Revitalizing Eye Cream How About You – Have you tried any of these products? If so, which do you personally recommend?