I’m not lying when I say the low point of this week was finding out someone stole my first Gilt Group purchase, a $25 starter kit of products from Jessica Simpon’s line, BeautyMint. The Lipstick Effect truly is solid economic theory; months ago I came home to a Staples delivery to find my new shredder and WiFi multifunction printer in plain sight, no Staples box or brown paper to disguise them. So let me get this straight – no one wants $300 in electronics but they do want $25 in beauty products. Yes, that makes sense. Vanity first people.

Naturally after a shitty week I was horrified to learn that my building inauguration – my first case of package theft – left me moisturizer free. Need I remind you people how bloody cold and windy it is in Boston?! So, I headed to CVS before work to find a moisturizer. A pleasant surprise is what I found.

In the past I’ve been amazed at how effective Neutrogena’s marketing campaigns were because there’s nothing natural about their products, at least no more so than any other mass market brand. And yet the average shopper seems to think Neutrogena products are more gentle. Hell until a few years ago it was impossible to find a Neutrogena sunscreen with a physical blocker (look for the baby line in pink packaging).

But, then came Neutrogena naturals, a line free of parabens, sulfates, dyes, petrochemicals, and phthalates. The line launched with a lip balm/chapstick, a few cleansers (bar and liquid), and a gentle exfoliant, the latter of which I use twice a week. But, no serum or moisturizer. Until now.

I've got no lightbox so the back of a glossy will have to do for you people!

Today I found the Neutrogena naturals multi-vitamin nourishing moisturizer. First thing, please note there’s no SPF in here, so one needs to add that on top of the moisturizer, either as a separate layer or within a foundation. But, it’s nasty-free and filled with vitamin-rich ingredients. Among the ingredients on the back are elements sourced from: coconut/palm kernel, olive and palm oil, yerba mate tea, cassava (yucca), and Peruvian Tara seed (more research to come). Sure, the palm oil is probably not sustainably sourced and these aren’t top notch ingredients, but it’s gentle and paraben and sulfate free, meaning it’s gentle enough for daily use, even for us sensitive hormonal types. Plus, the price is the best I’ve seen yet at just ~$15 for 3 oz. Most serums and day and night creams retail for $15-20 for 1 oz so this is a steal. I can only hope a serum is coming soon, preferably with licorice to quell red, winter skin.

Of late I’ve pondered if the “pregnancy glow” might have something to do not just with hormones, but the fact that most pregnant women are more hydrated, consume less caffeine and alcohol, and eat a bit healthier than the average individual. But, most of us are not committed to that long-term and for a solution to pasty skin, self tanners and bronzers are an easy go-to. There are plenty of products on the market, including long-time industry favorites such as products from L’Oreal, Jergens and Lancome, but a few new lesser known brands are offering more subtle solutions. Still, for those that want a deep tan fast, a new celebrity self tanner is the way to go.

Before you apply self-tanner, exfoliating is a must to ensure an even application. There are plenty of options and one can even make their own scrub with olive oil and sugar, or kosher salt, assuming there are no open cuts. But, if DIY is too time intensive, the drug store and beauty counters alike offer options from about $5 to $30. Caudalie products are always luxurious and their placement in the newly renovated Plaza means the upper crust trust them. Inspired by the fruit of the vine, the Merlot Friction Scrub ($29) has a citrus note that accompanies a gentle thick grain comprised of brown sugar and essential oils to shed dead skin cells.

Another option comes from Britain-based Liz Earle, which is known for its essential oil-rich formulations, from scrubs and lotions to amazing masks. Using a similar model, Energising Body Scrub ($24) blends different oils with olive stones and rose water to smooth skin. Following exfoliation, the next step is the self-tanner. Veteran self-tanners know to allow enough time for the product to dry before getting dressed, and to wash hands frequently to prevent staining the palms of the hands. Also, some recommend using a bit lotion on rough areas after scrubbing, such as on knees and elbows.

Elemental Herbology, a boutique brand from the U.K., was a pleasant surprise of a product. At first, the efficacy of Sun Kiss ($39) is questionable but with a little time, it proved the perfect product for naturalists. The consistency is that of a very thin lotion, pale yellow in color. In addition to a number of nature-based ingredients, including aloe, fig extract, macadamia and watermelon seed oils, and lavender, the product features a sugar beet-derived natural self-tanning agent that over time takes skin from pasty and pale to healthy and glowing, with a hint of a tint. Plus, the line does not use mineral oil, fake fragrances or colors, sulphates or parabens.

For those consumers seeking a multi-tasking product, Tarte’s CelluFIGHT ($40) is the answer. The combo gel contains caffeine from green tea extract, among other ingredients, to make skin appear more tight and firm. But, slowly, if used often, the gel also tints the skin to serve as both a mild firming gel and self tanner. Packed with algae extract and a plant-based self tanner, like all of this trendsetting line, it is free of the chemical nasties some buyers try to avoid, from talc and dyes to sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and GMO.

For the ultimate tan, though, one that walks the fine line between a natural medium Caribbean tan and overnight orange, the latest release from the Kardashian sisters is the way to go. No matter what people think of the family, one thing is for sure–those women know style and makeup. Glamour Tan is a clear gel made with a self-tanning agent, lactic acid, and vitamins C, D3, and E. The combination means regular use a few times a week will leave skin smooth, in addition to almost bronzing overnight. Beginners should note that because it is clear, careful application and hand washing is especially important to prevent an uneven application. But, once you are accustomed to using it, it’s natural enough to use to fake a beach holiday even if a staycation was the true vacation.

Finally, the last brand to note for tanning and bronzing purposes is Australia’s Napolean Perdis. Already known stateside for the Target collection, the main collection includes self-tanners, bronzers and shimmer cosmetics that are natural and instantly improve one’s complexion.

The liquid tint item, Liquid Veil, is a beige shimmery color that works well when mixed with a daily moisturizer with SPF. A 1: 4 ratio at most gives the user just enough shimmer to shift the eye away from any blemishes. Follow that with one of the NP’s Mosaic powders, shown below, and you’ve created the perfect base for your daily powder bronzer.

NP also makes a bronzing stick but we did not test it. For powder bronzers, the options are almost limitless. Rimmel makes a decent powder bronzer that sells at Walmart while the drugstore in your area most likely carries a dozen or more options. Milani carries bronzers for darker complexions, while Neutrogena offers a more neutral color palette, and Sally Hansen delivers combo pressed powder compacts, including hues to suit yellow-orange undertones. But, the drugstore brand with the most options is Physician’s Formula. Among their offerings is a line with SPF50, including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide; the Organic Wear line with eco-friendly packaging and no parabens; and the bamboo silk line, which is also free of chemicals such as parabens, a man-made preservative.

Caudalie products are available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Caudalie-usa.com. Liz Earle products are available at www.us.lizearle.com, STUDIO BEAUTYMIX at Fred Segal, Santa Monica and Brownes & Co. Apothecary in Miami. Elemental Herbology is available at SpaceNK stores and at SpaceNK.com Tarte products are available at Tarte.com and Sephora, among other stores. Glamour Tan is available at Sephoa stores. Napoleon Perdis products are available at Ulta stores and his concept stores in California. There is also a NP line for Target.

Followers of the Mediterranean diet are less likely to develop depression according to the results of a recent study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, reports NHIondemand. The Mediterranean diet is based upon traditional diet of the Mediterranean Basin region. Researchers had over 10,000 healthy, depression-free adults follow the Mediterranean diet and fill out questionnaires between 1999 and 2005. Study participants were asked to consume a diet low on meat, with a moderate level of alcohol and dairy products, and with high levels of fruits, nuts, cereals, vegetables, fish and olive oil. The researchers questioned participants again after an average of 4.4 years and found that the overall incidence of depression was 30% lower among those who had followed the diet closely. Even lower rates of depression were recognized among those that that specifically ate fruits, vegetables and olive oil. The researchers noted that adopting the Mediterranean diet is not an appropriate treatment for depression, but that the diet might serve as a preventative measure for those with a family history of depression.

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Named after its founder, Lafe Larson, this small-business deserves a gold star for bringing the safe plastic movement to the world of cosmetics. Most mommies and camping folks know the growing prevalence of metal water bottles is thanks to the debate over the possible harmful effects that can come from an element found in most plastic bottles, Bisphenol A. Lafe’s new baby line includes a combination shampoo and body wash, massage oil, baby lotion, bug spray and deodorant for pregnant women, all packaged in “baby-safe” plastic. The line is certified organic by the Department of Agriculture, certified vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. It shuns preservatives, pesticides, parabens, phthalates and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). The result is a gentle collection that is safe for the whole family, especially since the scent is so subtle.

When one set of parents tested the body wash on a 10-month old girl, they noticed it did not lather too long and was a very subtle scent. The wash comprised of coconut, sunflower seed and palm oils is lighter than most baby shampoos and washes and has a barely undetectable scent because Lafe’s ingredients are organic and chemical-free, so any cleaning action or fragrance is organic, straight from nature. The parental response is one more sign we need to wean ourselves off the usual products that have artificial fragrances and ingredients that come not from the lavender or chamomile plants, but likely from a lab. We must remember that lather and foam do not necessary mean clean, and that we ingest both what we eat and absorb, which is why Lafe’s is a proponent of natural deodorant. Note that a deodorant will keep odors from forming, but it will not prevent sweating because there is no chemical antiperspirant. Deodorant options include sticks, roll-ons, sprays and crystal (mineral salts) products, most of which contain aloe vera, essential oils and hemp oil, and come in about five scents, including tea tree and unscented.

The bug spray is a blend of essential oils including geranium, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lemon, lavender and sweet almond oil. While we wouldn’t recommend going so far as to bring to this to the mosquito net locales, we think this is a great way to protect the newest member of the family. However, our favorite item is the aloe- and water-based lotion that contains hemp oil, olive oil, coconut oil, wheat starch and silk protein for a light but potent body moisturizer. Start the New Year and your pregnancy off right with a brand you can trust and afford.

Bonus: Lafe’s is working on baby sunscreen, diaper cream, and baby wipes. Lafe’s also has an organic intimate line called Joi Organics. Lafe’s donates 1% of profits to causes that support breast cancer and environmental awareness.

Where:
Lafe’s products range from $9.99-$19.99. To learn more about all Lafe’s products, visit the Lafe’s store and website.

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..