You know, it's funny when it comes to our personal reactions to bad things. Let me explain, because you're probably all, "what the f?" I have a friend whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was fine, thank goodness, but my friend made a lot of lifestyle changes in her own life based on the experience. I can relate. My mother was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor almost four years ago, and there were certain things that I just didn't do anymore. Aspartame? Not in my house. Mobile phones up against my head for hours during a day? Hello, bluetooth headset. So I totally get it. These things may not really make a difference, but they make us feel better - they give us a feeling of control over a horrible situation.
Going back to my friend, one thing that she really focused on was a more natural deodorant/antiperspirant. I'm not entirely certain, but I believe there were questions about whether or not aluminum chlorohydrate contributed to or had an effect on cancerous growths, especially in regard to breast cancer. I do hope they have sorted that all out, but it made me aware of more "natural" options other than the standard choices on the drugstore shelf. But back to those choices she had for the natural products: most of them just didn't work out. I mean, they really didn't help keep matters under control, if you know what I mean. I specifically remember her thoughts on the underarm crystals that were popular for a time. Not good.
So when I was asked to try out Lavilin Underarm Deodorant
Let me give you the basics on the product before I share my experiences with it. Lavilin
Apply the product to clean, dry skin, preferably at night. Place a small amount on a fingertip and spread gently over the area that can be problematic, especially where hair grows. The cream will absorb into the skin in just a few minutes, leaving no white marks, even on dark clothes.
Okay, okay. I know you want the good stuff. You want to know if it really works, right? Do you really only have to apply it once every seven days? Does it really keep the smell away? Do you sweat when you wear it?
The first day I applied Lavilin was a Saturday, it was very warm outside, and I was planning on taking the kids to the local carnival before my new furniture was to be delivered at 1 PM. I took a quick shower, shaved, and applied the Lavilin exactly as directed. Then, because I was all sorts of crazy, I threw on an Old Navy tube top, shorts, sandals, and called it good. I spent about two hours in the hot sun, and I was NERVOUS. But no problems, certainly no smells. A slight bit of wetness, but nothing dramatic at all, and it didn't show up on my shirt or anything. After the fair, we were back home and moving furniture around. I also put another coat of paint on my bedroom walls and chased my kids around. I took a sniff check, and no problems. I was prety impressed at this point, because I was giving it quite a workout. After the furniture arrived, we set to opening boxes and putting all that stuff together. And if you have put hardwood furniture together (thanks EQ3 - I needed that exercise), you know it can be some serious work. I had a dining table, six chairs, a bed, two dressers, and two nightstands that day. A few checks of my underarm regions were surprising - there really wasn't any odor at all.
Next day, another shower, but it's waterproof, right? Right. Another full day of no odor. I was seriously amazed. More physical work, and then by Monday it was a work day. By Monday morning I decided I need another application. That application lasted three days as well. And so far I'm averaging every three days. Not the "up to seven days" that the literature mentioned, but still far more than what I get with my Secret antiperspirant.
I'm impressed with this product, and would recommend it to anyone. Especially those who are interested in reducing certain chemicals or a more natural/eco-conscious lifestyle. But even people like me, who never thought they would give up their Secret, it's something to try. You never know, you may love it. And I found it worked extremely well. Much better than I thought it would.
There is also a foot deodorant product that works exactly the same. I've found it to be really helpful on those days that you're just wearing your flats or sandals. You know what I mean.
You can purchase this product at Amazon
Product Review: Lavilin
Green Company Profile: Pangea Organics
A very hip and eco-conscious company that even has music releases on their website! Which are quite good, really. Do check them out.
Pangea says that you have only one body and one Earth, and they will do their best to take care of both. A great philosophy which is backed up by some truly amazing products.
Pangea promises to use only 100% plant-based ingredients, each of which is clearly on their bottles. If it's not on the label, it's not in there. Petroleum products are not used, instead the focus is on quality organic and sustainable herbs and essential oils, many of which are grown here in the United States. They saponify (convert into soap by treating with an alkali) their oils to create products that lather well without the use of petroleum-based ingredients. These ingredients also begin to biodegrade within 48 hours of use.
Pangea follows the trifecta of facial skincare: cleanse, tone, moisturize. A complete line of cleansers, scrubs, toners, and creams take care of dry, normal, and oily (or demanding, as Pangea's website puts it!). A complete body care line includes bar soaps, liquid soaps, shower gels, lotions and oils. Ingredients run the range from fennel to ylang ylang, with benefits listed for each. All of which look like they should be on my bathroom shelf.
The best part of it all is the packaging. All made with a Zero Waste process with 100% post consumer paper. Plus, embedded in each are organic seeds such as sweet basil and amaranth. Just soak the box in water for a minute and plant!
So, it's on to the wish list!
- Oatmeal with Italian Bergamot Bar Soap
- Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Body Oil
- Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean and Cranberry
I Am Not a Paper Cup
More green goodness! Instead of always using a Starbucks paper cup (even if they are mostly recycled and eco-friendly, what with their soy ink and all that), how about a ceramic reusable cup with travel lid? A great way to reduce waste while still getting your coffee on, yes? (via FashionKitty)
Green Company Profile: Lush Cosmetics
No doubt about it, Lush is my favorite "green" company. You really can't turn around in my house without bumping into something made by Lush: we have bath bombs, shampoo, shower gel, lotion, cuticle cream, shaving cream, lip balms, and a huge basket of other stuff too. I've never been unhappy with a Lush purchase, and I always make a point of stopping in anytime I'm in a city that is lucky enough to have one.
But what are they really all about, other than fantastic-smelling products? From their website:
We believe in making effective products out of fresh organic* fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics, without animal ingredients, and in writing the quantitative list on the outside.And be sure to check out their very informative page on the ingredients they use.
We also believe in buying only from companies that test for safety without the involvement of animals and in testing our products on humans.
We believe in making our own fresh* products by hand, printing our own labels and making our own fragrances.
We believe in long candlelit baths, massage, filling the house with perfume and in the right to make mistakes, lose everything and start again.
We believe that our products should be good value, that we make a profit and that the customer is always right.
*We also believe words like "fresh" and "organic" have honest meaning beyond marketing.
It would be impossible to get together a wish list, because really, I'd like one of everything please, thank you. But, since it's Earth Day, I thought I'd focus on one product that gives back.
Charity Pot is a body lotion made from natural oils and fair trade cocoa butter, and is scented with ylang ylang, geranium, and marigold. But the best part about this cream is the good it does. According to Lush, "Every penny of the retail price (excluding taxes) goes directly into a charitable fund to support animal rights, environmental protection and humanitarian concerns."And really, if you need something else to buy, here are my top five.
- Alkmaar soap
- Jasmine and Henna Fluff Eaze
- Creamy Candy Bath Melt
- Honey Trap Lip Balm
- Buffy: Exfoliating Body Butter
Earth Day: Canvas Totes
Now would be a great time to commit to reducing your carbon footprint on the Earth. Start with something simple: canvas tote bags instead of grocery store plastic ones. Here are a few picks:
Green Company Profile: Josie Maran Cosmetics
No doubt you have seen some press for Josie Maran cosmetics. She has been featured in Allure, Domino, Elle, Shape, and Glamour, among others. A former model, Josie Maran decided to take her love of makeup to a more responsible level. From the website:
This isn't the first time that Josie Maran has been the face of a cosmetics company. Her lucrative contract as the international spokes-model for the wildly popular brand Maybelline lasted for an unprecedented ten years.What I like about the line is the impressive collection of eye shadows. Occasionally in a natural or mineral line of cosmetics, your choices for vibrant eye shades are somewhat limited. Not so in this case:As a top model, Josie learned about makeup from the best in the business. While world-famous makeup artists worked their magic on her, she paid attention. She learned about the transformative power of makeup, and how just a little can do a lot. She learned what works and what doesn't, which ingredients to seek out and which to avoid.
Over time, Josie noticed a hole in the market. It was hard to find products that matched her approach to life - products that are pure and gentle, that contain no toxins or ingredients that damage the planet. The few earth-friendly products she found were lacking the sophistication and the level of luxury she craved.
Josie knew that if she wanted products that met these high standards, other women would want them too. So in 2006 Josie set out to create her own makeup line.
Josie Maran Cosmetics is arriving at the perfect time. Today's woman is discriminating and asks a lot of the products she buys. She's unwilling to compromise style, beauty, quality or caring for the planet. Now she can have all of these things and have her makeup, too.
The philosophy of Josie Maran Cosmetics comes from Josie herself. It's a balance of her low maintenance, go-with-the-flow attitude and her refined, worldly taste. "I know exactly what I like. My tastes are very specific," Josie says. "I crave quality, whether it's the best fabric, the best food, or the best makeup. I try to surround myself with the best of everything." Josie's passion for everything she does is evident in the line. Every element, from the packaging to the makeup shades, is a reflection of her unique sensibility.
The Josie Maran Cosmetics look is healthy, natural and vibrant. It's about enhancing, not covering. It's about youthful, glowing skin. "What most women don't realize is that when models and actresses look fresh-faced and makeup-free, it's because they know how to apply their makeup to make it look that way," Josie explains. "I want to open the vault on all the tips and tricks I've learned in the makeup chair. I've seen how makeup can make a person feel great. I want to share that with women everywhere."
I could certainly use most, if not all of these shades. Especially Cappucino, Chianti, Pewter, and Smoke.On to the wishlist!
- My Favorite Powders Palette
- Finger Paints
- Wildflower Powder Palette: the 2008 spring collection
Going Green
In honor of Earth Day, Daily Dose of Coffee will be bringing you profiles of eco-conscious and natural cosmetics companies. Isn't it great to shop totally without guilt?
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