I was happy as little kid on Christmas morning when I received my package from Origins Organics. I've been obsessed with finding USDA organic brands that I could trust to not only use organic ingredients but also that I could rely on to make a good product that I would still feel was "luxurious" for lack of a better word. You know what I mean?  I've tried several organic brands that smell, well, organic. They make me think of like, brown things. Not how what you want to be smothering your skin in before a hot date.

The purifying tonic to me is my fave. I love that I can use it after I wash my face, get any leftover grime off of me without feeling like I'm just rinsing my face in chemicals.  I love the scent of all the products. They make me think of a spa. And I feel like since they're healthy and safe that I really am clean after I use them. Unlike when I use a drugstore brand and I am left wondering what chemicals I just ingested. 

The Purifying Tonic:

It eliminates excess oil  and shine with Organic Lavender Alcohol. Organic vinegar sloughs off dead cells and  organic willow bark, the natural source of salicylic acid soothes and purifies skin. It's only $25. For the extra ten bucks, I'd definitely splurge since tonic stays on your skin and will likely be absorbed by your body. It did seem to clear up any blemishes I had.

The Lip Balm:

It's $15.00, yes it's a little pricey but it works great and is 97% organic ingredients (even higher than USDA requires for the seal). To me it's worth it to feel safe, especially since as I've mentioned putting things on your lips is the quickest way to put something in your bloodstream. It's filled with organic shea, cocoa butter, sunflower, safflower and coconut.

The Face Lotion:

95% Organic. Filled with Shea and Cocoa Butter (organic of course). Essential oils blend of clove, rose, lavender, patchouli and red thyme give it a spa-riffic scent. This is $42.50 but again I'd splurge on lotion before shampoo which most of is rinsed off. This is getting absorbed straight into your skin. I read a review saying they thought the lotion was heavy, but I gotta say, I really don't agree. I thought it was very light and I thought the scent was very light as well.

The Foaming Face Wash:

It's $25.00. I like that it actually foams alot. This product isn't USDA organic though. I do like the scent which is composed of Organic oils from clove buds, grapefruit, lemon, lavender, ylang ylang, patchouli, rose oil and red thyme. If you had to skip one product I'd say maybe skip this one just because I think it's most important to use organic products when your body is going to be most affected. With face wash of course it's rinsed right off. Also, this is the only product in the line that doesn't bear the USDA seal.

*I received these products in consideration for a post. But as always we give you our honest opinion. We receive many products that we do not choose to share wtih you*

Image Courtesy of Eco-Fabulous

That’s right ladies, your favorite most comfortable thong, Hanky Panky have come out with an ecofabulous green version! Same awesome seamless sides and comfy-fit.

Made from 100% Supima cotton organically grown in the U.S., the thong is available in both Original and Low Rise styles as well as boy shorts. It’s made with a natural cotton color and no bleach or dyes are used.

Available on Nordstrom.com, Neimans, Bergdorf and the like.

Visit HankyPanky.com to learn more about the brand.

Phil B Botanicals just created the most luxurious shampoo, evs. It’s like this sticky, ooey gooey, goppy deliciousness. It’s called Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo. It’s pretty expensive, running at $100 for 7.4 ounces. It’s not say an everyday use item. However, it literally transformed my moisture-parched locks after one use.  Seriously, after one shampoo I feel like my hair had so much more bounce.

It has a natural amber scent, which is warm and delish.

It’s an instant fix that seals up dry and fuzzy strands into silky, luscious locks. You know me being the cheap Jew that I am, it would be hard for me to fork over $100 at once but it also comes in a 2 oz. version for $18.  It’s that perfect product if you have a big date and want to feel glamorous and spoiled but don’t have the money to hit up the salon.

PS–It’s an eco-friendly brand and Philip B is paraben adn phthalate-free.

Visit PhilipB.com for more info!

Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid

Russell Organics is a brand of luxury skin care products that is dedicated to formulating the purest, most toxin free products in the market. Its philosophy is to use natural based ingredients, waxes, and preservatives. We’ve never tried its products but they put together an amazing list of ingredients that we, as Smartypanties, should avoid!

So many companies advertise their products using the words ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ yet their products are full of toxins. They apparently use the words to try to make their products appear healthier by adding one natural ingredient. Other brands use the words, yet do not disclose the full ingredient list on their advertising material. What are they hiding?

Russell Organics do not use the words unless they actually apply to an ingredient or product. They fully disclose all ingredients on the label, website, and product brochures. You will never see the words; ‘base’ ‘blend’ ‘complex’ or any other word where toxin disclosure can be hidden. They have nothing to hide, and are proud of our fantastic formulations. Their ingredients do cost more than the cheap synthetic detergents and toxins, but we feel, as you know, that this is something that is worth the extra cash!

They have compiled this list of known toxins that are frequently used in the beauty industry. None of the ingredients on this list is ever use in Russell Organics products.

Carefully check the labels of products you use. You will be shocked to find that almost every beauty brand in the market uses one or more of these toxins.

Avoid these toxins:

1. Parabens:

The four paraben sisters – Methyl, Ethyl, Butyl, and Propyl. Used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of a product. These ingredients contain highly effective anti-microbial properties. For this reason, they are widely used in the beauty industry. Unfortunately, they are also toxic. Not much effort is required to uncover the mountains of information regarding the toxicity of these synthetic preservatives. Do not use any product that contains any ingredient ending with the word “paraben.”

2. Tetrasodium EDTA:

A preservative made from the known carcinogen – formaldehyde and sodium cyanide. Also used as a ‘penetration enhancer’ in the beauty industry. This means it actually breaks down the skin’s protective barrier, going right into your bloodstream. How lovely.

3. Urea (Diazolidinyl and Imidazolidinyl):

Another synthetic preservative. As the ingredient starts to break down sitting on the shelf, it releases formaldehyde. Research has shown the ingredient to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis. Growing evidence of links to other diseases.

4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS):

Sodium Laurel Sulfate is a great detergent. It really is. In fact it is so good that it is used in laundry detergent, dishwasher powder, pipe cleaners, car wash liquid, and many other commercial cleansing products. We wonder though, why anyone would use it to clean their skin? It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, and allergic reactions, among many other issues. In research studies, SLS has been used to determine if someone has skin allergies by rubbing it on the skin and waiting for a reaction. Avoid this ingredient if you want healthy, rash free skin. Also beware that some companies try to convince consumers that their SLS is ‘coconut derived’ and somehow safe. Not true. It is used for one reason, it is very inexpensive. We don’t use it because we don’t need it, and our customers are worth the extra cost and effort in formulating great products without it.

5. Fragrance (Parfum):

Our current favorite toxin. We enjoy reading about this ‘loophole’ of a word. You see, legally you can create the most toxic sludge on the planet, label it ‘fragrance’ and that is it for labeling requirements. One word covers it all. Ever come across a cologne or perfume and suddenly start sneezing, or worse your skin develops a rash? It’s because in that scent, there is a toxin that you are reacting to at that moment. Who knows what it is. So when you see the word ‘Parfum’ on the label, avoid the product.

6. Petrolatum:

Petrolatum is a mineral oil based jelly. Use often leads to dryness and chapping of skin. This ingredient causes the very problem it claims to treat. Another ingredient used because it is cheap.

7. Propylene Glycol:

A tricky one here. Can actually be made from vegetable glycerine and grain alcohol, but more often than not is a synthetic petrochemical mix. This is used as a penetration enhancer, which accelerates penetration and leads the product directly into your bloodstream. Avoid.

8. Stearalkonium Chloride:

A chemical often used in hair conditioners and creams. Stearakonium Chloride was originally developed by the chemical industry as a fabric softener. It can cause rash and allergic reactions.

9. Color:

The truth about colorants. There are very few natural colorants that are available for use in beauty products. And those that are available are not the bright, vibrant colors you see on the shelf. They tend to be earthy type colors of brown and green shades. So, where do the pretty colors come from? They are synthetic, often petrochemical toxins. Look for FD&C or D&C followed by a number. For example – FD&C Blue No. 8. Avoid any product with these toxins.

10. Triethanolamine (TEA):

A long list of reactions can occur from exposure to this chemical. Often used to balance out the pH of a product, sort of a short cut ingredient. Look for it mainly in skin cleansers.

11. Phenoxyethanol:

A chemical preservative. We were actually told by a factory that Phenoxyethanol has been used for decades and is a safe ingredient. When we replied that the tobacco industry used the exact same arguement in favor of cigarettes, the conversation ended abruptly. This is a widely used preservative in the beauty industry. Also known under the brand names; Dowanol, Arosol, Emery 6705, Phenoxetol, Rose ether, Phenoxyethanol alcohol, and Glycol Monophenyl Ether. It is toxic. But don’t take our word for it. The FDA itself has warned against the ingredient as being potentially harmful to infants. Here is a quote directly from the FDA website: “Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that is primarily used in cosmetics and medications. It also can depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.” Avoid. Enough said.

12. Petrochemical Ingredients:

We have singled out some of the worst offenders, but clearly all petrochemicals should be avoided. Petrochemical distillates are banned in Europe. They are cheap to make and use and are often irritating to the skin and in some cases toxic.

13. Phthalates (Diethyl Phthalate):

Commonly found in fragrance, nail polish, deodorant, and body lotions. Industrial chemical. Research has linked to potential birth defects in male reproductive system. This chemical is used inside and outside of the beauty industry. This chemical has been found in urine samples and remains in the bloodstream and tissue. Avoid whenever possible.

So we’ve told you about Juice Organics line before but now we’re fully obsessed with Juice Beauty (related). After professing my love to the PR people over at Juice they told me about their SPF20 Mineral Medium Moisturizer. If you’re anything like me you are always in a whirlwind rush in the morning. Putting on lotion, pore minimizer, foundation, bronzer and blush often leaves me sprinting for the subway.

Enter Juice Beauty mineral-tinted moisturizer, which is combined with chemical-free, full spectrum SPF 20 sun protection. Did I mention it’s Paraben Free!? It’s also packed full of certified organic juices, vitamin antioxidants and essential nutrients for the coverage you’re seeking and the protection you need.

How it goes on: Smooth as butter. It glides on your skin. It doesn’t give as much coverage as say my Cover FX foundation but damn it sure fills in my pores and gives me great basic coverage while not polluting my body with harsh chemicals, which is a huge concern of mine. It also feels super light but still evens my skin tone and gives coverage.

Scent: It smells a little fruit juicey. it’s one of my favorite parts of the product. I kid you not I’ve been excited to use it each morning. I’m also a beauty blogger so go figure. DORK! Yep

Look I’m part Jap and part Tree-Hugger these days (at least as far as what goes in my pristine (ha!) body).  So the fact that this is vitamin rich and stuffed with things like green tea leaf extract, apple juice, grape, pom juice, cucumber makes me much happier than checking a bottle of some fancy-pants brand that contains a bunch of ingredients that I can’t pronounce.

I think that as far as blogging goes and the amazing products I’ve been able to try, this so far is my favorite. It combined exactly what I was looking for into one product.

It’s available in 3 shades of coverage Sheer, Light and Medium. The Light and Sheer are even 30SPF!

Visit Juicebeauty.com to purchase!

*Smartypanties received this sample to do a product review but as always opinions are candid and honest*

So, Sabon, a line we’ve always loved has recently gone organic. We can’t wait to test out all the products. One paycheck at a time. They’re not super pricey but they’re def more than your average trip to Duane Reade (but in a good way–you’re really getting quality with Sabon stuff).

Products range from $15 for foot cream to $49 for Organic face serum. Don’t pollute your body. You know our thoughts about organic. The new organic line is paraaben-free, sulfate-free and never tested on animals.

Sincerely excited to sample, xox Smartypanties