Israel’s Natural Resources

One thing that unites all women is the love of cosmetics. Israel is often overlooked for some of its greatest resources and we are not talking about technology; this time, we mean amazing mainstays from nature, including olive oil and pomegranates. Here we focus on two skincare lines sourced in the tiny Middle Eastern nation.

New York-based Jean Pierre Cosmetics launched Blum Naturals at Expo East 2008 Blum Naturals products are made with seven to natural ingredients, including plant extracts, fruit sugars and antioxidants. All products are hypoallergenic, alcohol free and PH balanced and do not have any parabens, synthetic preservatives or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The company uses recycled and recyclable packaging and soy ink for printing when possible. While the line includes oil absorbing facial tissues and a regular cleanser, we love the gentle travel-friendly towelettes which have both a seal and a plastic snap closure to prevent leaking. The towelettes come in a bunch of varieties catering to combination skin, both oily and sensitive, but our favorites are the exfoliating towelettes and the makeup remover pads. The eye makeup remover pads have aloe vera and chamomile extracts, glycerin, water, and plant and sugar-derived elements. They removed makeup easily and did not sting our eyes, even while still wearing contacts. The orange peel towelettes are gentle with a nice awakening citrus smell and little dots to gently scrub skin, without irritating.

Family-owned Eden Naturoils employs olive oil extracted from trees in the Galilee. Products range from scented soaps with olive oil and essential oils, to a natural deodorant stick, baby items, face and body products, and a makeup remover comprised of sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E and lavender essential oil. We like their Macadamia Body Cream with oil from the nut and she butter fruit oil, and their Anti-Aging Serum with citrus and macadamia nut oils to simultaneously nourish and tone skin. If your hands are chapped, try the rich Coconut Body Butter with organic shea fruit oil, organic coconut butter and macadamia seed oil. We used this after continual hand washing in cold season and it prevented chapping and scaling.

Where:
Blum Naturals products range from $2.99 – $6.99. For more information on products or to find retailers selling Blum, , visit the Blum Naturals website. Eden Naturoils products range from $5.95 – $39. For more information on products or to find retailers selling Eden Naturoils, visit the Eden Naturoils website..