A fun & innovative lip balm November 13, 2009

I never really stopped to think about how companies could get more creative with their packaging and presentation of lip balm. I’ve always gone for sticks over pots because I apply chapstick extremely often and I know that realistically my fingers cannot be pristine all of the time. Now eos (evolutions of smooth) has created the perfect middle man – Organic Lip Balm Smooth Spheres. I love the shape of the container because the lip balm goes on so easily and smoothly. The sphere also has a noticeably soft feeling (the result of a unique recyclable packaging). The balms are also, most importantly, all natural and USDA certified organic. The key moisturizers include shea butter, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E.

I am currently using and loving the honeysuckle honeydew (other flavors include pomegranate raspberry, sweet mint, summer fruit and vanilla bean). I also really like the Organic Lip Balm Sticks, but if I had to choose I would definitely go with the sphere! At $3.29, these moisturizers are quite affordable and easy to find (retailers include: www.evolutionofsmooth.com, www.drugstore.com, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Duane Reade).

Photo Credit: eos Products

How to fake a green thumb November 13, 2009

Now watering your plants can stop being a guessing game thanks to Lechuza’s Self-Watering Planters. Each planter has a sub-irrigation system that enables your plant to supply itself with the amount of water needed for optimal growth for up to 12 weeks (depending on planter size, plant type and location). These little wonders are available in various colors, sizes, and styles for both indoor and outdoor plants. Starting at around $30 they’re totally worth it, especially for those frequent travelers and unintentional plant killers!

For more information and to shop online: www.lechuza.com

Quote of the Day November 10, 2009

“Taking in the good is not about putting a happy shiny face on everything, nor is it about turning away from the hard things in life. It’s about nourishing inner well-being, contentment, and peace — refuges to which you can always return.” -Rick Hanson

Autumn Sunset November 10, 2009

Photo Credit: Dylan Price

THANK YOU AGAIN!! November 10, 2009

Thanks again to everyone who voted and spread the word about the The Body Shop’s Naturally Beautiful Blog Contest! All Natural Annie received 2nd place. I’m really excited and honored by all of the support and enjoyment of my blog! Thank you again so much :)

THANK YOU! November 5, 2009

I want to sincerely thank everyone who has nominated and voted for my blog in The Body Shop’s Naturally Beautiful Blog Contest. Natural Beauty is my passion and I couldn’t more thrilled about this nomination!

If you haven’t voted yet, there is still time! The contest ends tomorrow, November 6th.

You can cast your vote here: Naturally Beautiful Blog Contest

Thank you again and congrats to my fellow nominees! :)

Blemishes Be Gone…Naturally! November 5, 2009

Here is my take on three natural blemish treatments:

• derma e - Very Clear® Spot Blemish Treatment by derma e is such an excellent all-around treatment for problem skin. It has ingredients like tea tree, willow bark, chamomile, lavender and rosewood to fight bacteria while also reducing redness and inflammation. This treatment definitely clears up existin g blemishes and prevents new ones. I really love that this product goes on clear and that you really can’t over do it. No matter how much or how often I put it on, it never left my skin feeling dry. It is truly an excellent breakout treatment for all skin types. I have also been using the Very Clear® Cleansing Scrub, which helps to unclog pores and remove dead skin, making it a perfect precursor to the blemish treatment. The Very Clear® line also has a cleanser and moisturizer if you like using a complete skin care line. This skin-clearing formula costs about $11.50 and is definitely well worth the reasonable price.

• Aubrey Organics - Aubrey Organics Amino Derm Gel Clear Skin Complex has a light and fresh citrus scent and also goes on clear. It has great natural ingredients like burduck, sage, ivy, sea salt and organic lemon peel. This complex successfully dissolves dirt and oil deposits on the skin, leaving pores clean without drying out the skin. It is a great choice for adults with problem skin, as well as teenagers. As with most breakout treatments, the best time to apply this complex is before bed so it can get to work while you get some rest. Aubrey also makes a 3-step skin care line for oily skin, as well as a Natural Herbal Seaclay Mask that is ideal for balancing and purifying oily skin. Aubrey Organics makes skin care lines for normal, dry, and sensitive skin. The Clear Skin Complex can be used in combination with any of the lines and it only costs about $7.95 for a 2 oz tube.

• Burt’s Bees – Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick has a rolling applicator, which applies the liquid treatment directly and easily to the skin. This treatment is completely clear so it can even be applied under makeup. I would suggest this blemish treatment to people with oily skin rather than dry skin since it contains alcohol (from yellow corn). Some of the therapeutic ingredients include tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lemon oil, and fennel oil, which is the overriding scent of the treatment. I do have to warn that this treatment can sometimes burn or tingle a little bit, but my skin did not show any signs of irritation after the initial application. However, both the derma e and Aubrey treatments gave me more obvious improvements in problem areas within one night of use. Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick retails for about $8.50.

No matter what blemish treatment you choose, it’s always best to go natural because these treatments are less harsh and use a more holistic approach. Also, remember to leave blemishes alone as much as possible! Easier said than done, but please resist the attempt to be your own personal esthetician and put one of these natural blemish treatments on instead!

PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE TODAY! November 1, 2009

AllNaturalAnnie.com has been selected by The Body Shop as a finalist for their Naturally Beautiful Blog Contest!

Please cast your vote today: Naturally Beautiful Blog Contest

*Contest ends on November 6, 2009.

Thank you for voting and thank you for being a reader of my beloved blog!

Beauty that’s ocean deep October 22, 2009

I had my eye on Depth products for quite some time and I finally ended up trying the hand soap and body wash this week. I should not have waited so long! First of all, the scents are absolutely divine and reminiscent of a tropical oasis. With titles like Mangrove Citrus, Ocean Blossom, Bay Coconut, and Sea Berry, I’m sure you can imagine what I mean.  The aromas are 100% natural, the ingredients are 70% organic, and Depth never uses any artificial colors. The hand soaps and body washes are cleansing yet gentle and of course, the scents are incredible!

Depth was founded by a husband and wife who met in grad school while studying marine biology (too cute!). The couple continues its passion for the ocean through its products as well as its partnership with Camp SEA Lab, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization located in the Monterey Bay, California. Everything about Depth from its scents, to its quality, to its performance, to its marine appreciation make it a natural beauty company you must put on your next shopping list! I promise you won’t regret it.

Photo Credit: Depth Body

Quote of the Day October 21, 2009

“Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald