Argan oil seeps into major beauty products

Some major companies have injected argan oil, the popular natural beauty resource on the scene, into their brand new product lines. 

The rich oil originally from a variety of tree grown in Morocco contains fatty acids which strengthens the hair and softens the skin. 

Below are a few products hoping to generate sales with the guarantee of improving beauty through argan oil.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine promises to soothe the frizz and condition the hair with the addition of argan oil. 

L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Sea Fleur 630 retails around $8.95, and the argan oil keeps your kissable smile moisturized for hours.

Dove Nourishing Oil Care focuses on giving hair extra attention with the argan oil repairing damage from root to tip.

Eco-holiday accessories

With 16 shopping days left, New Year's Day is quickly approaching and parties are already scheduled, so the must-have accessories are necessary for an eventful night. 

They include the pair of pumps to appear taller, the clutch to hold your belongings, the beautiful earrings, and the lip gloss for that midnight kiss. 

And the eco-friendly versions of these accessories can reduce your carbon footprint before the new year begins.

2b Alma Faux Suede Platform Pump (faux suede), $39.95, bebe.com.

Embossed Faux Crocodile Clutch (faux leather), $14.80, forever21.com.

 

Satin Gold Plated 3-Leaf Crystal Chandelier Earrings (handmade), $52, etsy.com.

LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint (paraben-free), $24, sephora.com.

CoverGirl NatureLuxe line contains parabens

Commercials of songstress Taylor Swift applying NatureLuxe mascara by CoverGirl have dominated the TV screen lately, but with the mention of natural ingredients, is it really natural?

From the ingredient list, the answer is no. It's a marketing tool to say keywords like "honey" and "beeswax" to convince consumers the product is natural therefore implying it's also eco-friendly and healthy. 

But a touch of honey and beeswax doesn't mask the parabens in the mascara. The product contains ethylparaben and methylparaben, both chemicals considered endocrine disruptors by the Environmental Working Group.

CoverGirl revealed other products such as foundation and gloss balm under the line which also contain natural ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil. The foundation doesn't contain harmful chemicals, but the lip gloss contains octinoxate, a low-level endocrine disruptor. The NatureLuxe Collection still ranks better than most mainstream cosmetics since it does contain various natural ingredients. 

Though the chemicals create a low risk, some women may experience major health issues depending on other factors such as lifestyle and genetics, and the problems usually start with their cosmetics.

Rise of eco-beauty salons in rural town

Image: redding.com. Hairstylist Stephanie Davis gives
Brianna Griffith of Palo Cedro low- and highlights
with ammonia-free, hypoallergenic hair color at
the "O" All Organic Salon & Spa in Palo Cedro, Calif.

This week, I freelanced a story for the Redding Record Searchlight in Redding, Calif., so I was glad to be able to produce an eco-beauty story on the rise of salons wanting to use more natural, organic products and trying to reduce their carbon footprints. 

They use soy-based waxes for waxing instead of petroleum-based waxes because it derives from a non-renewable resource. One recycles cut hair to oil spill cleanups. One only uses products from the United States. 

Check out the story here.

Get the eco-look: candy apple red lips

Candy apple red lips are always fun to show off. Darker reds are preferred for the winter season, but brighter reds can enhance the holiday festivities. 

This look can be achieved through organic lipstick that will lack some of the following:

• parabens
• sulfates
• phthalates
• synthetic fragrances
• synthetic dyes 

Nvey Eco, $14, sephora.com

Organic lipstick may include some of the following:

• beeswax
• natural oils
• vitamins

Lavera Beautiful Lips Lipstick in Deep Red, $17, lavera.com

FlowerColor Lipstick, $15.95, eccobella.com

Make your lips eco-luscious

Have you ever opened a new tube of fabulous candy apple red lipstick and pressed the luscious color to your lips just to notice the chemical smell? 

Most of our makeup is made from relatively safe products that can age our beauty over time, but there are lip colors and conditioners that can still give us the healthy glow at the same price. 

ChapStick 100% Naturals, $2.99, available at drugstores

LIP BALM

 The bare essential for moisturizing our lips throughout the day is the remarkable lip balm. 

It's also the one lip product that some companies offer as all-natural and organic. 

 Various types of oil like safflower oil and coconut oil are the key ingredients to avoid chapped lips. 

LIP GLOSS
This is every girl's beauty necessity after the lip balm since not only do we need the moisturization, we also desire the shine. But the best lip balms may look like our chapsticks from the outside, so make sure there's a stamp of promise to add that little something to make your lips sparkle.  

Tarte Double Dose Lip Gloss, $6, Sephora

LIPSTICK

Lipstick makes us feel glamorous in the office as well as at the lounge, but this usually contains multiple chemicals like titanium dioxide and carmine. Although your favorite lipstick might not be completely organic, find one with ingredients such as lanolin and aloe that help with the long-lasting moisture issue. 

Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Lipstick, $9.99, honeybeegardens.com

By using more natural products on your lips, they will be healthy and luscious all the time!