Beauty pro division

Seen above is Masela Lusha having her eyes adorned with minerals from Jane Iredale. Jane Iredale was one of the sponsors at the Ultimate Green Room. Jane believes "The most beautiful cosmetic you can wear is a healthy skin" Other celebrities who visited: Daphne Zuniga, Nick Gonzalez, Ashley & Courtney Peldon, Kathy Griffin, Kathy Najimy, Bahar Soomekh & Daryl Hanna. Take a walk around with Daryl Hanna and view the video below. The first interview is on Jane Iredale.

If you're too busy to make an appointment at a day spa or can't spare the cost for skin care treats such as facials, read on to see how a few key organic ingredients and homemade recipes can help you become a do-it-yourself skin care specialist.

Many devoted skincare users have long celebrated organic ingredients and products as an alternative to the sometimes chemically enriched skincare products being churned out constantly. However, knowing what specific ingredients do to benefit skin care practices can help anyone concerned about whether such products would suit them and their skin type. While there are literally too many such ingredients to account for, there are a few whose roles definitely deserve to be in the spotlight.

Nestled away on the beautiful island of Mauritius, a new Destination Spa has opened this month. One that is complete with exclusive spa treatments, luxurious beach-front suites and villas, as well as, leisure and health activities that include a fitness center, yoga and meditation center.

The Shanti Ananda Maurice’s spa treatments focus on Ayurveda to Thalassotherapy using both Contemporary and Traditional methods. Both are rooted in ancient Indian culture and have medicinal and therapeutic values. One example of an Ayurveda technique is called Shirodhara. This involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead. These liquids can be oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water or even plain water.

Aside from the wonderful spa treatments it provides, the location of this enchanting destination spa alone will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. The Shanti Ananda Maurice is spread over 36 acres of tropical gardens, taking in views of the hills and Indian Ocean.

The Shanti Ananda offers all-inclusive packages that range from anti-ageing to stress management to weight management, among several others. Each package offers generous treatments and are available at a 20-25% discounted rate until April 30, 2007. The Shanti Ananda Maurice is sure to become a top rated Destination Spa.

The almost ex-Mrs. Sir Paul McCartney has decided to take a stab at working in the beauty and health industry. Heather Mills, a former Model, will be launching her own website later this year called, “I Do Care,” offering fitness, health and beauty tips on how to live a green lifestyle.

Mills will also be launching her own line of beauty products that some see as a direct competition to Stella McCartney’s fragrance and soon to be released organic skin care line. Will the two be going head to head?

With an ongoing nasty divorce that involves a lot of he-said-she-said, most especially with a man many see as a musical icon and beloved legend, it’s hard to say if Mills can come out of it unscathed and launch a successful career in the health and beauty industry. Only time will tell.

What do you think?

I came across an interesting beauty line today by a company called SAMPAR. They are based in Paris and recently launched a new line of products called Winsome. The line is comprised of 5 products, which are meant to cleanse, contour, moisturize, protect and invigorate the body. What intrigued me most about SAMPAR is their investment in research to find natural active ingredients that can have a positive effect on the skin and go as far as looking at how their packaging can be beneficial to the product it holds.

The main component in their products is their Urban Active Complex, which contains Shea Butter, Mint Leaf and Vegetal and Milk Sugar. While I didn’t know the benefits of the last two ingredients prior to reading about them, I am well aware of how wonderful Shea Butter is for your skin. SAMPAR combines their Urban Active Complex with essential oils, biopeptides, natural vitamin C and antioxidants.

The Winsome Body line is one that offers protection from the elements such as lead, iron and chlorine found in tap water. While the Dew It Again Shower Gel, Joyous Body Milk and Lap of Luxury Sea Scrub sound divine; I am skeptical about two of the other products. Go Figure Slimming Gel claims to be able to eliminate and break down fats while preventing the appearance of new fat and the Lift Me Up Bust Cream says it can envelop the breasts with an invisible firming film for immediate enhancement. I honestly have yet to find any non-medical beauty product that can do either.

Have you tried any of the products from SAMPAR; what are your thoughts on them?

Kiss My Face was a green beauty company before green became an in thing. Every product they sell is organic without anything artificial at all. Yet going organic certainly doesn’t mean that quality is compromised at any point or that organic means a heavy price point. Most Kiss My Face users will tell you, their products are top notch and won’t break the bank in the process.

It’s not very often that you can go to a company’s website and read the background on how things were started, and if you can find one, you certainly will not find one so personable and down to earth. When you read the story behind how Kiss My Face began and their mission and purpose of their products you can’t help but feel their humor, lightheartedness, and of course their love for our great Earth. Their story is definitely a Squash to Riches story and one I think everyone should read.

Kiss My Face sells a variety of products for your bath, body and more. The products range from hair care to soap to facial moisturizers. Since we all know that organic is not only earth friendly, but also skin friendly, more people who may have a sensitivity to ingredients in other products may find comfort here.

If you use Kiss My Face, what is your favorite product from their line?

Decleor Paris is a luxurious face, body and suncare line for both men and women. Decleor was founded by a team of aromatherapy experts who use their knowledge of active plant extracts to create a comprehensive line of products that are both preventative and on going natural skin care. Decleor is also partnered by Shiseido, known for their wonderful beauty products, and are also the 4th largest beauty group in the industry.

Essential oils have wonderful healing properties with aromatic fragrances that, depending on which oil is used or combined with another, promotes such things as well being, calm, relaxation and so on, therefore promoting balance of both body and mind.

While Decleor’s packaging makes you feel like you just bought a diamond necklace at Tiffany’s, don’t be fooled that the luxury ends there. It’s what is inside the package that is luxurious, making your skin look and feel like you just spent hours at the spa. In fact, Decleor also offers Salon and Spa treatments at select locations. Within the US, it is at Hotel Sofitel in Los Angeles where you can receive their Aroma Mosaic treatments that focuses on care of your face, body and the effects of the sun. Each focused treatment is broken down to be tailor made based on the needs of each individual.

You can find Decleor products in various cities throughout the country or locate one close to you with your zip code through their website: www.decleor-us.com

I’m certainly not a scientist, but I am pretty educated and try to always read both sides to a story. Just like when everyone screamed that mineral oil was bad for you, it eventually was proven that it was not. However, you still find many companies today touting how awful mineral oil is for your skin while offering you their version of something safer. I have yet to find a website stating that mineral oil is harmful while not trying to also sell you something in the process. I had been skeptical myself, but after some researching of my own and contacting my friends at The Beauty Brains blog (who happen to be both cosmetic chemists with 30 years experience), they insisted it was all hype and that mineral oil was indeed the best moisturizing product for your skin. So I have learned to look deeper into an issue than to be frightened by scare tactics.

Unfortunately, scare tactics are the route that Dr. Epstein of the Cancer Prevention Coalition is taking when going after Origins, an Estee Lauder company. They try pointing out that Origins cannot be taking, "A totally integrative approach to skin care ... to help your skin be as healthy as possible, (and) optimize its defenses against age accelerators" claiming that Origins uses parabens (among other ingredients) in their products. They site that parabens are known to cause “endocrine disruptive.” However, there has not yet been one study that has conclusively, 100% proven this.

Sharon Bolton Scents
4 out of 5 Stars
Sharon Bolton Scents gifted me with her Body Wash, Lotion and Perfume Oil in Luv. Luv smelled like heaven. It smelled like luxury in a bottle. Luv is the scent of rare pink gardenias, lush Hawaiian white flowers, with a hint of creamy vanilla and a whisper of white musk. The Body Wash is thick and creamy and makes you feel like you are showering at a 5 Star hotel. This scent absolutely lifted my spirits and made me feel like I was being purely indulgent...Read more.

Darshan Beauty: Luna P.M. Creme & Multani Mud Facial Mask
5 out of 5 Stars
Darshan Beauty products are all natural, and because of this, they are only made in small batches to prevent them from spoiling. This thick night cream is made with aloe leaf oil and extract combined with noncomedogenic sesame oil. I can't say it is fragrance free, because there is some scent to it. However, it appeared to be the natural scent of the ingredients and not any added fragrance...Read more.

Pure & Petal Hair Fragrance
4 out of 5 Stars
When I was approached to test out the products I was intrigued because I have never really heard of fragrance for your hair beyond that in your typical shampoo or styling aid. The fragrances are light, so you don't have to worry about smelling like a perfume factory and they are also alcohol-free, so it won't dry out your hair. My favorite was Linden Blossom which is floral linden blossoms and pink grapefruit...Read more.

Booty Parlor Dust Up Body Shimmer
3 out of 5 Stars
Punch Drunk Pink was my favorite because of my fair skin. It provided a light shimmer, that honestly when you dabb some powder on, instantly makes you feel a little "vixen-ish." Punch Drunk Pink is scented like cotton candy and is not glittery, but actually makes your skin glow...Read More.

Hungarian Apothecary Mud comes from the Heviz Lake in the Hungarian town of the same name. The mud has long been known to have healing qualities dating back to the Romans. Heviz Lake is heated by geothermal activity, this combined with water flowing from a catchment area of the surrounding hills taking with it metals and minerals along the way, makes Hungarian Apothecary Mud a highly sought after spa treatment.

Hungarian Apothecary Mud (Moor Mud) from this lake contains a complex array of nutrients, natural trace elements, minerals and humic substances easily absorbed through human skin. The benefits to the skin include toning, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits, which help to renew old or damaged skin cells. Due to the thermal activity in which it resides, the mud is a great retainer of heat, but can also be used cold.

Local New Yorker, Greg Cartwright, owner of Downtime Massage and Skin Care and a dually licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician, primarily uses Hungarian Apothecary Mud prior to and after Body Sugaring. He has a three-step process he follows prior to Body Sugaring that includes a full body application of Hungarian Apothecary Mud. This eases inflammation and any skin sensitivity prior to hair removal. It is a process he recommends a few days prior to having Body Sugaring done. Once Body Sugaring is complete, the application of Hungarian Apothecary Mud following the procedure helps calm the skin, close pores and begins the healing process immediately. The mud is left on the body for a minimum of 20 minutes.

This mud can be used in a variety of ways including as a facial mask, in a body wrap and for a mud bath. It’s been known to cure over 50 ailments. I have long been a fan of mud and have seen for myself the amazing benefits using it lends.

Be sure to watch for my Industry Experts Profile interview with Greg Cartwright next week on our main blog.

Lancome is not one to let a lifestyle trend go by. As more and more companies begin to promote organic skincare lines, Lancome has decided to take it one step further by taking part in a green initiative with Carbonfund.org. The one who initiated the effort? Lancome’s own spokesmodel, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann.

Carbonfund.org is a nonprofit organization that educates the public about the dangers of climate change and makes it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce their climate impact. Their website even has a Carbon Calculator where you can see how much CO2 you are responsible for (mine was 61.01 tons of CO2 per year--yikes). The organization gives you simple tips to reduce how much CO2 you are responsible for such as things you can do for your home, car and when traveling.

According to WWD, Lancome will participate in a climate offset program that involves a paperless press office, where pictures, releases and videos will be accessible via the Internet; retrofitting its four freestanding Lancome boutiques to reduce their carbon footprints, as well as, planting a tree for each of the first 10,000 bottles of the new Primordiale Cell Defense & Skin Perfecting Serum sold in the U.S. when it launches in June.

I received the Korres Body Butters Trio and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With winter actually beginning to set in, my skin starts to get so dry and I know that Shea Butter is a fantastic deeply moisturizing lotion.

Korres Body Butter is mineral oil, silicone, propylene glycol and ethanolamine free. The butters glide on smooth with no greasy residue. The trio comes in Guava, a tropical sweet scent; Quince, a fruity & spicy scent; and Yoghurt, a baby pure fresh scent. If I had to pick a favorite scent of the three, it would be Yoghurt because it is so fresh out of the shower clean smelling. Besides Shea Butter, all of the butters contain Sunflower, Almond and Avocado oils, which nourish the skin and restore its elasticity and smoothness.

Some of the benefits of Shea Butter are:

* Helps cell regeneration and capillary circulation. This favors the healing of small wounds, skin cracks and crevices, and skin ulcers. In the cosmetic field, this property is an asset against skin aging. It has restructuring effects on the epidermis, also on dry and fragile hair.

* Due to it’s natural high content of fats, fatty acids, vitamins A, E and F) and other active ingredients; it’s no wonder it has been used for centuries for skin care.

* Shea is used to moisturize severely dry skin. It heals and smoothes itchy dry skin, as well. It has an anti-elastase characteristic that makes it an excellent product to prevent and reduce wrinkles. It aids in the healing of stretch marks and helps heal and restore elasticity to the skin of burn victims. Shea Butter helps control eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and skin discoloration; it helps heal bedsores on bedridden individuals.

With a very bold question mark, that is exactly what I was thinking when I read this headline in Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine. Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine only reported on the gloss and gave no opinion either way to support the claim, however, all sorts of questions popped into my head, as I am sure it would for anyone hearing that a lip gloss has been produced and can help you lose weight. The lip gloss, Promise, is made by Omega Tech Labs and claims that it’s users and dr. have confirmed weight loss through using it.

When scouring the internet for information about this product, I found out that it came out in April of 2006. I’m not sure why I haven't heard about this product before. Maybe because if it really worked it would be all over the news? I obviously can't say for sure, since I have never actually tried this product.

Promise is made of essential oils that are indeed known to be appetite suppressants and the website says that by licking your lips these oils are delivered into your blood stream. Some things that pop out at me are the lack of directional use; how many times a day do you apply it and is there such thing as lip gloss overdose? Sounds silly, but when a lip gloss is meant as a means to lose weight, you do have to wonder. Also, the website simply states, "Many people have lost weight and keep it off." How many is "many," how much weight did they lose, how long did they keep it off, how many tubes of Promise were the norm for an average weight loss, and honestly, my questions go on and on and on. The testimonies page simply shows 3 testimonies of weight loss, two of which are quite strangely, from the same town.

I don't want to be one to put down a product I have never used, so if you have used Promise, I invite you to leave your thoughts about it in our comments.

Sometimes there are products I get excited about and then there are the products I want to shout from the rooftops about. Some products I got to try out for review from Earth Therapeutics have me wanting to shout from the rooftops without a doubt.

Purifying Salt Scrub Detox Formula: Out of the three products, this is the one that I was most excited to try. I know the benefits of using Salt Scrub, especially those made with Dead Sea Salts. Earth Therapeutics Salt Scrub also contains organic Tea Tree Oil, which enhances cleansing and detoxification, and moisturizing essential oils. While the oils feel slick in the shower, once you get out and dry off, you feel nothing but baby soft skin. Using this once a week has given me fabulously soft skin, which has helped solved my winter-skin dilemma.

Soothing Leg Lotion: The scent of this lotion is heavenly. This lotion has Rosemary, Wild Mint and Aloe Vera. The consistency is almost like a silky shower gel. It spreads easily and absorbs nicely. It made my legs feel wonderfully soft and I loved the scent so much, that I put it on my hands before bed. I found the scent to be so relaxing, that it helped me fall to sleep.

Nail & Cuticle Care: If you are someone whose nails are brittle and whose cuticles crack easily, this is surely the nail conditioner for you. When I rubbed it on my nails and over my cuticles I could almost hear them saying, “ahhh,” in relief. The scent was a nice citrus scent, which I love. It contains Sesame Oil to moisturize, Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil to protect your nails from infection and an Organic Nutrient Matrix to nourish and deep condition your nail bed and cuticles.

Have you used any Earth Therapeutics products? Let me know what you thought in the comments.

French brand L’Artisan Parfumeur is venturing into skin care with an organic line based on the Himalayan nard plant Jatamansi. Jatamansi is wrapped in essences of blue chamomile, saintwood and rose, as well as, jojoba extracts and is said to be an herbal-scented luxurious fragrance to wrap your body in with this skin care line.

The Jatamansi plant is said to have healing and relaxing properties and is used in Ayurveda, an Indian practice that deals with the measures of healthy living, along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. L'Artisan Parfumeur’s Jatamansi skin care line has received organic certification by France's Eco Cert. Jatamansi consists of a Body Oil, Shower & Milk Bath and Body Cream.

Jatamansi will be launched in the US next month. It is currently available in France and the United Kingdom. An eau de toilette based on the skin care line will be available in May.

Lately I have become a big fan of Korres beauty products. For about a month now I have been using their facial skin care products exclusively and something my mother pointed out to me the other day, was that my skin is looking the best it has in years. It’s not that I didn’t notice this myself, I just had become used to my face being flawless without blemishes. She asked me what I had been doing differently and I had to give kudos to Korres.

What Korres says about the Wild Rose Mask:
An instant brightening and illuminating vitamin C mask. Suitable for all skin types, an instant brightening effect is immediately visible upon application. Korres' active complex targets skin discolorations and promotes cell renewal, adding brightness and radiance to the skin. Wild rose oil is a natural source of vitamin C, which helps significantly repair fine lines and imperfections.

Their Wild Rose Mask is not the type of mask that hardens or has to be peeled off. It is the same consistency of the Korres Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer I have been using and goes on smooth, leaving you with a white mask on your face. You simply leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off. You don’t feel anything while you are wearing it, it isn’t heavy or cakey, in fact it feels like you have nothing on your face. It also has a lovely light floral fragrance.

I’ve been using the mask twice per week and have found that in combination with the other Korres skin care products I have been using, which include the Olive Stone Natural Scrub, Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer, Lemon Anti-Shine Gel and Wild Rose Brightening Serum, my skin has made such a remarkable turn around. My skin seems to glow and has been blemish free for 4 weeks now, which for my skin, is quite remarkable.

A little product goes a long way and I absolutely would recommend this mask to anyone looking for radiant skin.

Today while attending a webinar by Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine, Peter Lamas introduced his brand, Lamas Beauty. The topic was Beauty Goes Green and Lamas Beauty definitely fits into that category as they are 100% Vegan. However, it wasn’t only his products that caught my attention, but the fact that he was prompted into action to create them through life events. It is brands like Lamas Beauty that often catch my attention because I love hearing the passion and circumstances that made the brand possible.

Peter Lamas’ passion for organic Vegan products stems from the unfortunate circumstances that resulted in cancer striking his mother, then three close family friends (all sisters), and then his client at the time, Jackie Kennedy Onassis. After learning that certain chemicals they encountered in their lifetime may have been the culprit, Lamas set out to create beauty products that were safe and led the way creating the first line of hair care products free of parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate; several products from this same hair care line is also Certified Organic. Nearly all of his skin and body care products are paraben-free and he is currently working on converting his entire line over using new ingredients that replace parabens.

Some of the products that caught my attention are:

I had never heard of Mode Cosmetics until its owners, Cristina Samuels and Jennifer Isaac, contacted me to give them a look. Mode Cosmetics is out of New York and prides themselves on using as many natural ingredients, botanicals and essential oils as possible, including organic, kosher and biodegradable ingredients. Mode doesn’t believe in being wasteful when it comes to packaging, which is one of the ways they are able to keep the price of their products very affordable.

Not only was I impressed with the high quality ingredients listed in each product, but that both women grew up immersed in their parent’s cosmetics company and took their love for beauty onto another level to create their own brand. Both Ms. Samuels and Ms. Isaac are actively involved in designing, formulating and creating their products. While their line may not be extensive at the present time, they have many new products in the works that will be added to their line up soon. It shows their integrity in painstakingly working with a product to ensure that it delivers on its promise before launching it for purchase.

I’ve only recently begun using Kiss My Face products and have been loving the Tinted Moisturizer and 3 Way Color. Among the many other Kiss My Face products I have received lately, the Tighten Up Moisturizer tops my list for one of the best organic body moisturizers out there.

The Tighten Up Moisturizer’s fragrance is a blend of grapefruit, lime and chamomile. I’ve used products scented like grapefruit and chamomile, but never lime and was unsure if I would like a lime-scented product. I was pleasantly surprised, as the scent had me begging Mother Nature for springtime weather. It’s a nice refreshing scent making you wish you could throw on a fabulous Old Navy dress showing off your well-hydrated healthy skin.

Not only do the certified organic herbs and essential oils make your skin so super soft, the Tighten Up Moisturizer also uses natural proteins, wheat extracts and Ayurvedic Botanical "Centella Asiatica" to naturally firm your skin. I also loved that if I skipped a day of using moisturizer for one reason or another, that my skin didn’t just revert back to being dry and itchy. The lotion seemed to keep my skin hydrated for longer than 24 hours, which tells me that the organic ingredients are really working their magic to keep my skin both looking and feeling healthy. At only $10 for an 11oz. bottle, this lotion is worth every penny.

For more information on Kiss My Face products please contact:

Beauty PR Division: Lance at piercemattie dot com

Korres Lemon Anti-Shine Gel
4 out of 5 Stars

Always on the hunt for an anti-shine product that will last for hours on end, I received Korres Lemon Anti-Shine Gel to see if it could combat my oily t-zone. I’ve been applying the anti-shine gel as part of a step by step process in my facial routine, which have made my skincare issues turn around 360 degrees. I have been exclusively been using only Korres skin care products on my face and the results have been amazing...Read more.

Kiss My Face Tinted Moisturizer
5 out of 5 Stars

I love when I get to try a product I have never tried before. It really helps to come into a review without having any preconceived notions about how it should work. 1. I’ve never used a tinted moisturizer. 2. I’ve never used Kiss My Face. So it was a double whammy with Kiss My Face’s Tinted Moisturizer in Sisal, which is for light coverage. This moisturizer has an SPF of 8 and its oil and fragrance free. LOVE the oil free part because then it means less shine to contend with for my combination skin...Read more.

Lumiere Mineral Cosmetics
4.5 out of 5 Stars

While I absolutely love every product I received, my most favorite has been the Lavender Pearl eyeshadow. Even my mother remarked on how gorgeous the color was and asked where she could get it. Lavender Pearl is a pinky lavender with an opal-like sheen. The picture on the site does not do it justice. It has an iridescent shimmer to it. This is the product I have been using to make my eyes really pop...Read more.

Kiss My Face 3 Way Color
4.5 out of 5 Stars

After trying Kiss My Face’s Tinted Moisturizer, I was intrigued to try out their 3 Way Color product. I received mine in Heather, which is a light frosted berry looking color. The 3 Way Color can be used on your lips, cheeks and eyes. Kiss My Face’s 3 Way Color has an SPF of 8 and is moisturizing with olive and mango butter. The scent is completely delicious and its a mix of pink grapefruit, pomegranate, rasberry and white grape...Read more.

One of my favorite hair care lines, Ojon, has recently added another product to their Rare Harvest collection; Tunu Elastik Flexible Finishing Hairspray. Tunu Elastik features a rare protein-rich extract from the Tunu rubber tree that provides extreme body, bounce and hold due to its flexible isoprene polymer chains.

Tunu Elastik benefits:

* Eco-friendly formula, no CFC's
* Has sunscreens to prevent hair color from fading
* 100% Ojon Oil strengthens and restores
* Brocolli seed oil adds shine
* Natural algae extract eliminates static and frizz
* Soft, flake and frizz-free, hydrated hair
* prevents breakage
* extreme bounce and hold

This product is sold exclusively through QVC (and has often sold out since it debuted in March).

Alterna Caviar Anti-aging Shampoo & Conditioner

Caviar=Indulgence. It is no surprise that Alterna's Caviar hair care line feels like complete indulgence. I was completely taken by surprise when I used their Caviar Anti-aging Shampoo & Conditioner. My hair is long and feels thick and coarse. I've never had a day when I can simply use a pick through my hair without spraying on detangler first...Read more.

Zerran Oily Hair Dandruff Shampoo and Sulfate-free Conditioner

My hair is really finicky. If I put too much moisture into it, it gets oily, if I use regular shampoo, it dries out. Many times I have to change up which styling products I use each day, otherwise my scalp dries out and flakes. Oh, and let's not forget that I color my hair to cover that hideous gray that reminds me I will be 33 this summer. So when I was given the chance to try Zerran's Oily Hair Dandruff Shampoo and Sulfate-free Conditioner, I decided to give it a shot...Read more.

Ojon Ultra Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner

I admit it, I color my hair. If I didn’t, I would have that grey Bonnie Raitt stripe at the front of my hair. When I color my hair it tends to dry and frizz a little more than usual, an existing problem that gets magnified. This week for a review I tried out some products by Ojon specifically for dry, dull and chemically-treated hair. From the moment I opened the Ultra Hydrating Shampoo, I knew this was going to be an experience...Read more.

Bain de terre White Lily Daily Leave-In Renewal Treatment

In the winter my hair gets so dry. And frizz? It is positively unruly. So this season I decided to take a new approach to my hair by using a daily leave in conditioner as opposed to the wash and rinse kind. I received bain de terre, which is part of the Zoto’s brand, White Lily Daily Leave-In Renewal Treatment. What’s interesting about this bottle is that the opening is on the bottom with a cap that twists open to allow product to come through a hole in the center. This is the least messy bottom capped bottle I have ever used...Read more.

Whether your feet are pounding the pavement or hitting the hot sand, don't let them cry out for help before paying special attention them. For many women, Spring and Summer are the seasons for pedicures, but come Fall and Winter, their feet become hidden away and forgotten about. A little pampering can go a long way and Kiss My Face has a great organic foot creme to deliver the moisture that your trouble spots (heels, balls of your feet, etc) need.

Kiss My Face's Foot Cream smells of invigorating peppermint, which is known for its cooling and soothing properties on your skin. The Foot Creme is rich and thick, but spreads easily and is non-greasy. Kiss My Face includes ingredients such as Shea Butter, various fruits, essential oils and Vitamin E to complete their nourishing and moisturizing formula. Vitamin E is known for its many skincare benefits, including reducing the formation of free radicals on the skin.

So be sure to pamper your feet daily with this organic pedicure in a bottle to avoid the aches and pains (and callouses) that walking in the city can bring on.

A definite "beauty don't" is wearing sandals baring your cracked heels. Heal and deeply condition your worn and weathered heels with Cracked Heel Repair Push-Up Stick from Earth Therapeutics. Soothe rough, cracked heels with Cracked Heel Repair’s natural formula to smooth and soften cracked skin, restore moisture and pamper overworked feet with a mess-free application.

Cracked heels are relieved with Earth Therapeutics’ natural formula of anti-septic tea tree oil and deeply nourished with shea butter, a natural emollient to repair, soften and protect dry, rough, cracked skin. Cracked Heel Repair Push-Up Stick is hypo-allergenic, contains no mineral oil and is paraffin free.

Key Ingredients: tea tree oil, shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa seed butter, beeswax, olive fruit oil, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin A, and vitamin B

Application tip: For softer and smoother skin, push the stick up and apply daily to heels, feet, or any rough, dry patches such as elbows, knees or hands.

Just this past week Treat introduced the new ultra-healing, fragrance free and paraben free Sugar Free Therapy Hand Butter. This moisturizing mix of nutritious ingredients includes 25% wildcrafted shea butter, organic aloe and organic jojoba to create a soothing and healing hand Treat.

Sugar Free Therapy is made twice as sweet by using ingredients that lend a hand to soothe the hands. Sugar Free Therapy is made with 25% shea butter sustainably grown and harvested in Ghana by a tribe of women who hand gather the nuts and hand process the butter out of the nuts. These pure, natural and organic ingredients provide long-lasting relief to even severe dry skin. Sugar Free Therapy is free of lanolin, which is can be known to irritate sensitive skin.

I personally fell in love with Treat's beauty products when I got a hold of their Bon Voyage collection of bath truffles. It was deliciously fragrant and wonderfully moisturizing. You can see my review on them here.

Treat is available at upscale boutiques and spas in the US and Canada and can be found online at Treatbeauty.com and Amazon.com.

Today is Blog Action Day, on this day thousands of blogs across the globe are coming together to unite on discussing a very important issue: The environment. Every Man Jack is an all natural company and I asked Ritch Viola of EMJ if he could share with you the reason he chose this route for his company and his thoughts on the topic.

Why wouldn’t you use more natural products on your body or in your home, put organic foods in your body, and take measures to create a sustainable world for all of us? EMJ is not a bunch of eco-activists, just ordinary people who believe in making smart choices that will better our lives and more importantly the lives of those closest to us. The smarter (or should we say greener) choices and steps are all right in front of us.

Start with the simple things:

* Buy natural products for body and home.
* Eliminate toxic chemicals from your home.
* Buy organic foods when possible. Eat more fruits and veggies, less pre-packaged foods.
* Recycle, Recycle. Check with local municipality to ensure that you are recycling as much as possible.
* Electronics. Does anyone else feel like you go through electronics quickly – donate them to a school or have them recycled or refurbished?
* Buy a smaller car (consider a hybrid). Take public transportation when possible. Or even better walk.

At the end of the day, the real reasons we believe these changes are smarter….my children and their children and so on….

To see all of the eco-friendly male skincare products Every Man Jack has to offer, visit their website or your local Target.

Every so often, a brand comes along a publicist’s portfolio that changes their perspective on their personal beauty regime. I have been fairly loyal to my body/skincare products for many years --- with sensitive, a tad dry, and allergy-prone skin, I am always a little big apprehensive to try new products. Then came Pañpuri.

I had the beautiful box of the Organic Cream Wash Bar in Thai Jasmine sitting in my bathroom --- it smelled wonderfully even from inside, and was a lovely addition to the decor. Knowing that the ingredients were not only all natural, but also certified organic, gave me the courage to open up the hand-wrapped bar. Wow. I am so used to synthetic jasmine, that the essential oils used in the bar are overwhelmingly relaxing. My whole bathroom smells like a spa, and I start to use the creamy lather. Not only is my skin not itching me, but I don’t have that tight skin feeling from soap.

My nightly hand cream has been officially switched to the Beyond Self Nourishing Hand Cream. My hands are fully moisturized without leaving my palms or pillows a greasy mess. Not to mention, I am convinced that my sleep has improved because I am going to bed with the scent of ylang ylang gracing my skin.

All of the products are manufactured in Thailand and have been a successful line in Europe and Asia for years --- I must say, I am forever in debt to the founders of Pañpuri for recently brining it to the states. Now I know, even a girl with sensitive skin can enjoy skincare with fragrance – all natural fragrance.

In previous years the beauty industry transitioned into the importance of being all natural with products ranging from skin care to spa treatments to hair care to cosmetics. In 2009 the focus will no longer just being about who is green or all natural, but about specific ingredients and their benefits. Pierce Mattie is known for forecasting trends in the beauty industry, so without missing a beat, we've named the top 10 beauty ingredients that consumers will hear more about in 2009.

Argan Oil: This incredible skin care miracle, known for being one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E with 80% essential fatty acids, has been a beauty secret of Moroccan women for centuries. It can be dually used on skin and in hair for its high level of antioxidants and ability to replenish hair and skin’s natural moisture.

Acai: Sometimes referred to as “The Fountain of Youth,” this Brazilian berry contains antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein that positions itself as a formidable fighter in anti-aging products. Acai can be found across the board in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products.

Goji Berries: This nutrient-rich berry, well known as Wolfberries in the Himalayas, has often been called a “super food” due to its abilities to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. While there are no inherent benefits of Goji in fragrance, that hasn’t stopped perfumers from including this sweet yet tart scent into their perfumes.

Baobab: Rich in riboflavin, niacin and vitamins C, A, D and E, baobab has incredible anti-aging properties although you won’t just find it in creams and moisturizers, but also in exfoliating scrubs and hair care.

Acerola: Ingredients high in Vitamin C, like acerola, are being used more often due to their ability to even out skin tone and brighten complexion. Skin care brands will be using acerola more to target those who have issues with skin redness and inflammation.

Blueberry: Chock full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin; it was just a matter of time before beauty brands began to incorporate it more into their skin care products.

Probiotics: Last year Pierce Mattie PR termed probiotics a “buzzword” among beauty brands, but now those brands are delivering more than just buzz with this sister category to Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals. Probiotic skin care will be branded as another “clinical-like” line of products, which beauty consumers tend to lean towards as science-based.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3: This Cosmeceutical that is becoming found more often in anti-aging products to fight fine lines and wrinkles will be even more prevalent in 2009. Products that contain Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be branded as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures.

Myrrh: With the increasing popularity of Ayurveda in the Unites States, this ancient ingredient is also resurging in perfumes and skin care products. The rich royal resin with the slight vanilla fragrance so popular in incense also stimulates circulation and has lifting effects.

Turmeric: A highly regarded ingredient in India, Turmeric is widely known for its medicinal properties. Turmeric will be found in acne-related creams and lotions, as it is an antiseptic and can aid in preventing and removing blemishes. It will also be found in hair removal products as well as in the formulation of sunscreen in more natural products as well.

After 22 years of searching I can confidently say that I have found the “fountain of youth.” The location? My tea cup!

Green Tea has been used as a medicine in China for thousands of years. With extensive studies, scientists around the world have found that drinking four to six cups of green tea daily is proven to help reduce the risk of illnesses such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease and impaired immune function to name a few. The tea leaves have been found to be rich in anti-oxidants and vitamin C which helps boost the immune system and body. If green tea can work miracles for the inside of the body, what about the exterior?

The beauty industry figured it out. Now, more so than ever, green tea extract is found in acne related moisturizers, cleansers and toners to help reduce swelling and redness. (Neutrogena Acne Stress Control, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Perfume, Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Serum, Clarins Pure and Radiant Mask, etc.) I had severe acne for 10 months. My face was crying for help. Finally in November 2008 I stopped using all of the fancy topical creams and cleansers that the dermatologists were prescribing and starting doing three simple things:

In general, most beauty products are luxury items; things you buy when you want to try something new or realized you've been using the same tube of mascara for half a year. In times like these, it's hard to justify spending money on beauty products. I can't seem to let myself buy that $25 mascara or the $50 eye cream anymore.

So lately, as I stroll the drugstore aisles, I've noticed products that I've never seen before. Not only that, the products that I've purchased work about as well as the products I spend up to five times as much on. So, which drugstore beauty products are the best for less?

L’Occitane has been known for creating some of the most luxurious beauty products on the market. Now, you can become a part of it with the brand’s new Ma Crème Nature. The luscious lotion includes a kit with ingredients to mix the lotion at home, ensuring freshness and quality in the product you’ve bought. The DIY idea is nothing new, but L’Occitane has taken it to a new level to promise customers a truly unique, refreshing and organic experience. Beauty companies have been trying to create a more “green” experience for consumers and L’Occitane may have just found the perfect solution!

With global consciousness attuned to environmental issues, companies from every major industry have endeavored to increase the sustainability of their business. Cosmetic companies are the latest organizations to take on the mantle of eco-responsibility and this Nov. 16-17, the beauty industry’s active commitment to going green will be on full display at the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit being held in Frankfurt, Germany.

The industry’s inaugural sustainability meeting will address important issues pertaining to the beauty trade – from Fair Trade products to optimal ecological practices to a broad and diverse audience which is expected to include leading natural cosmetic companies, large cosmetic firms, ingredient companies, packaging firms, industry associations, certification agencies and NGOs. In addition to distinguished speakers and delegates, the Summit also boasts an informative and compelling program including two interactive workshops geared at business, marketing and technical professionals.

Socially conscious makeup mavens agree that the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit is truly a momentous step for encouraging widespread sustainability and establishing eco-friendly cosmetics as the latest beauty trend. With this industry-wide focus on the environment, going green has never been so beautiful!

This spring Pierce Mattie PR’s lifestyle team launched a new collection for our client Earth Therapeutics called The Pro- Organic Collection. It was very well receive by the long lead consumer women’s publications with features in Self, Family Circle and several others as well as on The Today Show.

This new line of products is perfect for the upcoming heat that is headed our way in just a few weeks.  Get ready to pack your beach bag with all the necessities you need to keep your skin smooth, silky, and completely moisturized after relaxing in the sun. These four products are formulated with all natural, paraben-free and contain certified organic botanical ingredients, leaving skin feeling healthy and smooth. Every gal knows how important it is to maintain their skin with the best products to avoid dryness, especially during the summer time. After all, we all love to glow with a golden tan and feel refreshed.   

Everyone wants their hands to look their very best at all times.  Using the Nail & Cuticle Care Conditioner, you are ensured to strengthen and nourish your nails, leaving them to look healthy and clean. The ingredients of this amazing product include sesame oil, tea tree oil and organic nutrient matrix for extra moisture. You can even use this product year- round to avoid dry hands at all times.

It is extremely hard to not have dry feet during the summer. Wearing sandals definitely does not help this condition but with Tea Tree Oil Foot Repair Balm by Earth Therapeutics, our feet will be smooth and look ravishing in every pair of sandals we wear. Just make sure you apply the balm after taking a walk on the beach! This natural herbal conditioning treatment soaks deep into the skin while healing and hydrating the feet without feeling greasy. 

It’s the natural botanical extracts that do the job. The ingredients include aloe vera and chamomile to remove dryness. This is an absolute favorite of the beauty editor’s, we will be seeing this fantastic product in the Self Beauty Awards the upcoming May issue.  

There’s more treatment for your feet.  Tea Tree Oil Spray is just something a little extra to spray on your feet to ensure a fresh odder and rejuvenated.  Enriched with peppermint oil and wild mint, the skin feels cool and circulation is enhanced! With the additional key ingredients of aloe vera and chamomile, the soles of the feet become soft. It’s just so simple to use! Just spritz some on your feet whenever you feel like it and watch them dry, leaving your feet feeling  moisturized and smelling great!

Your feet do the most work on your body, that’s why it is so important to take care of them with the right product. You can’t get much better than using products from the Pro-Organic Collection. Using the Cracked Heel Repair, you can smooth out all that cracked skin that builds up on the bottom of the heels. Cracked heels are so common but with the natural ingredients of anti-septic tree oil and shea butter, all those cracks can be wiped away. This product is the perfect size to throw in your makeup case to use every day when your skin feels dry.

British esthetician and organic skin care expert, Kimberly Sayer started her beauty line in the early 2000’s after moving from London to New York. She had recognized the need to create a beauty line that was not only great and suitable for every skin type but also had natural ingredients. In the effort of bringing the highest quality skin care and body products to life, she has created paraben-free, organic formulas of a natural preservative system using Japanese honeysuckle and botanicals. The product line includes cleansers, moisturizers, anti-aging products, masks and more with packaging made from recycled materials.

If you ever wanted beautiful, stronger and healthier looking nails, Perfect Formula may just have what you have been searching for! Perfect Formula will take brittle, torn nails and revive them. Whether your nails have been damaged by acrylic, gel, or glue, their products are made to produce healthy nails through their formulated products unparalleled in the beauty industry. The founder of Perfect Formula, Shari Gottesman, has been in the nail industry for over 15 yrs with extensive background in creating her own nail care and lacquer products.

Depending on the different nail concerns you may have, Perfect Formula has created the fool-proof supplements for those with brittle nails, weak nails, thin nails, and/or dry cuticles. For instance, for brittle nails, Perfect Formula introduces Strong Nail Strengthening Therapy ($29.50) which contains Jojoba oil and Keratin. Jojoba oil is used to moisturize the nails effectively and easily as the Keratin is used to strengthen the protein within the nails.

Another popular and best selling treatment from Perfect Formula is the Pink Gel Coat ($30) dubbed as the “Suit of Armor” for nails. The Pink Gel Coat creates a sheer pink, protein-rich coating for nails to grow longer and stronger. Seen on QVC, Pink Gel Coat improves the overall appearance and color in the nails. The patent formula contains an optical brightener to enhance the natural color in your nail bed and to get rid of any discoloration within the nail. Suitable for any nail type, the Pink Gel Coat is easy to use and manage.

In addition, the Perfect Formula even has a lacquer line - Perfect Color nail polish ($15) with “Instant Strength Technology.” The same strengthening technology used in the nail care line is also used for their lacquer line to give an instant strength and thickness to the nail with their custom designed applicator.Perfect Color is also Toluene, Formaldehyde, and Dibutyl Phthalate free.

You can visit Perfect Formula online at www.perfectformulas.com.

Sass Brown professor of Fashion Design at FIT, designer and fair-trade fashion consultant has recently penned a new book due out this fall titled Eco Fashion published by Laurence King Publishers. We caught up with Sass to discuss her latest project.  

PM: What prompted you to write Eco Fashion? 

SB: I had two main motivations for writing the book. The first was that I felt the industry had reached a tipping point of sorts, where the level of design excellence was raised to a comparative level of the rest of the industry, and that was worthy of promoting. Second, despite the standard and success of many eco labels, I felt they still weren’t known by many students entering the industry, or for that matter professionals in the main stream fashion arena and hoped that the book would act as a means of exposing their work to a wider audience. 

PM: What is eco fashion? 

SB: Now that’s a loaded question.  The word ecology has a pretty defined meaning; according to the Oxford English Dictionary ecology is “the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.”  Eco fashion however is a lot more open to interpretation (and misinterpretation). Broadly speaking however, eco fashion is a branch of fashion production that respects the earth and the people on it.  That respect can be expressed in a multitude of ways;  recycle, reuse, redesign, sustainable fabrications, diversion of waste materials from landfill, fair trade, community development  and the reduction of CO2 emissions. 

PM: Can you share with us what was some of your greatest finds in doing research for the book pertaining to range of sustainable and ethical products? 

SB: There were so many talented and creative designers I came across during my research that I had simply not known about previously so the small lesser known designers (at least to me) are the ones I cherish the most.  Elena Garcia, an incredible designer based out of the UK that works with traditional Shibori indigo dye techniques and needle felting.  Her design sensibility is exquisite and her workmanship outstanding.  Christine Birkle based of Berlin, works with traditional Nuno felting techniques and designs exquisite items from pure silk, each laboriously hand felted using traditional methods.  Josh Jakus in the US, who works with recycled industrial felt and makes wonderfully conceptual bags and purses known as the UM bags. Royah, a women’s cooperative and atelier in Afghanistan, working to empower women in the midst of a war torn country and who produces exquisite designs based on the rich heritage of Afghanistan textiles. The list is endless but these are just a few. 

PM: Any countries doing better than others in creating eco fashion? 

SB: There are countries that excel in particular areas of eco design, for example the UK has a plethora of really great recycle and redesign companies.  They have long had a fascination and respect for vintage, so it only makes sense that they would excel in this area of design.  Brazil has a good number of artisanal women’s cooperatives that work with traditional handmade techniques such as crochet and fuxico.  Germany excels in urban design and accessories. 

An old boss once told me the negatives to conventional fragrances. They can cause allergic reactions in certain people and are made up of harsh synthetic chemicals that aggravate the senses. While this concerned me, I didn’t think I had an alternative and I continued using my perfumes. Now I’m learning that thanks to Lavanila you can actually purchase fragrances that are good for you!

Your skin acts like a sponge and absorbs 60 percent of what’s applied to it, directly into the bloodstream. This is definitely a cause for concern. Danielle Raynor and Laura DiGirolamo, two beauty product junkies who both suffer allergic reactions to traditional perfumes (including headaches, sneezing and itching,) decided to create a fragrance with natural, skin friendly ingredients. Their mission is to provide consumers with luxurious products that are 100 percent good for you and have the best quality natural and organic ingredients. Most importantly, they are completely free of harsh chemicals.

Dr.Hauschka Skin Care is one of only twelve natural beauty brands to receive the highest rating, a 10, on Kline & Company Inc.'s natural scale.  The scale appears in their recently published report, "Natural Personal Care 2010: Global Market Analysis and Competitive Brand Assessment(1)."  

"Dr.Hauschka Skin Care has been 100% natural for over 40 years and we are proud, yet not surprised, that the brand received the highest possible rating on Kline & Company Inc.'s natural scale," said Mirran Raphaely, CEO Dr.Hauschka Skin Care, Inc.

The complete list of brands to achieve a rating of 10 in the 2010 edition, based on their ingredients:

• 100% Pure
• Ayush
• Burt's Bees
• Dr.Hauschka Skin Care
• Forest Essentials
• Green People
• Intelligent Nutrients
• Juice Organics
• Lafe's
• Primavera
• Reserva Folio
• Weleda

Dr.Hauschka Skin Care products are free of parabens, Sodium Laureth Sulfate and synthetic fragrances, colors and dyes.

Throughout 2011, Dr.Hauschka Skin Care products will begin displaying the mark of NATRUE certification, a new, international standard for natural and organic skin care. NATRUE certification ensures that a product has met the strongest criteria available for natural ingredients in cosmetics, as verified by an independent certifier.  NATRUE is a non-profit, international association founded by the pioneers of natural and organic cosmetics.

Dr.Hauschka Skin Care manufacturer WALA Heilmittel is proud to recognize the NATRUE seal as a major advancement in establishing a natural and organic cosmetic certification that is internationally recognized, transparent and whose criteria is readily available to consumers worldwide. www.natrue.org

All Dr.Hauschka Skin Care products are available at: www.drhauschka.com Editors may call Pierce Mattie PR for more information 212-243-1431.

With the idea of global warming looming over our heads, organic foods and recycling have become a way of life for many people. That's why Horst Rechelbacher, creator of Aveda Corporation, has introduced a line of products made from food grade ingredients that are pesticide-free (good for the earth and your body) called Intelligent Nutrients.

Some of the products that this label produces include organic hair treatments, hair and scalp treatments, as well as skin care and aromatics. Drugstore shampoos or even high-end labels are all usually full of artificial fragrances and dyes that can cause irritation. Their Harmonic family is composed of gluten-free and non-toxic ingredients that are able to work with all hair types. In this collection is a shampoo ($22), conditioner ($24) and treatment oil ($34). Other products made include body oils, lip balms and travel sized goodies!

Bamford, started by Carole Bamford, carries many luxurious bath, body, and baby products that are made from organic materials. To ensure you get the best quality of body care, Bamford also ensures that the ingredients and oils they use are pure. Carole Bamford believes that what is on the body is just as important as what goes inside. Therefore she ensures that all her products are certified to the highest standards by the Soil Association. Bamford products are combined in such a way that their ingredients and oils blend together perfectly to provide a perfect balance to you, body and mind.

All the products in the Bamford Organic Collection are harvested and made in England and are 95% organic. I love the body creams in this line because they are made from Rosemary and Chamomile which are so relaxing to the senses. The body oils in this line are also great because they do not leave you with a greasy feeling like many others do. Bamford’s Botanic Collection products are made from the highest quality plant extracts and all the products are GM-free.

In addition, the products are completely natural and are not made using any synthetic fragrances or artificial coloring. Because all of Bamford’s products are so gentle to skin it only makes sense that they have an Organic Baby Collection. All the products in this collection are made to ensure that your baby’s sensitive skin is protected and kept supple and soft. Bamford’s Holistic and Ambient Collection carries items such as plants and flowers that can leave your home looking plush and well-managed.

Born of the LUSH Cosmetics bloodline, STEAMCREAM is a multi-purpose moisturizer for the face, body and hands created through a revolutionary “Steam Infusion” manufacturing process in which the high quality, natural ingredients emulsify producing a light, glossy cream that breaks down immediately on contact with the skin for maximum absorption and benefits.

What also makes STEAMCREAM so unique is its packaging. Each cream is packaged in limited edition, recyclable, reusable tins designed by a team of artists from around the world. And while most of the time it should be what's in the package that counts, we can say that STEAMCREAM hits the jackpot by offering something funky to look at, while delivering an exceptional product.

STEAMCREAM is UK-based, although last year and this past summer we heard that it was coming to the states...but from their website (and their fan page) it doesn't appear to have happened yet. (Insert sad face here.) Have you tried STEAMCREAM? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Cooking Light Magazine features Pierce Mattie PR client John Masters Organics. If you’re working on a natural wellness story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Cooking Light Magazine features Pierce Mattie PR client John Masters Organics. If you’re working on a natural wellness story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Aesop is a world-renowned beauty company that offers remarkable products for your skin, body and hair. Aesop uses natural ingredients, which are then put through extensive testing to ensure that the products are effective and healthy for your skin and hair. Their products are reported to have a rapid healing effect - this is particularly the case with their Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. This therapeutic hand cream is one of their most popular products due to its ability to heal cracked or chapped hands. Especially now with the cooler temperatures, this hand balm will keep your hard-working hands soft and well-moisturized.

Aesop is not only well known for their body and skin treatments, but their hair products as well. One of their hair products I admire the most is their Revitalizing Hair Sealing Conditioner. It has all the great aspects that a conditioner should have, without the negative effects that some have. It leaves your hair soft and shiny, while sealing dry ends - which is perfect if you blow-dry or straighten your hair a lot. My favorite part of this product is that it doesn’t leave your hair sticky and greasy, which I find a lot of conditioning products tend to do. Your hair goes through a lot, especially heat damage, and keeping it hydrated is the best way to maintain healthy hair.  Aesop offers many hair care products that help with healthy hair maintenance.

Aesop has numerous specialty stores, including a Aesop kiosk in Grand Central Station. The atmosphere their stores provide is very unique with a professional and neat aspect. They also offer all of their remedial and beneficial products online for you to order.

Have you tried Aesop products? Let us know what you think and tweet us @PierceMattiePR!

Sulwhasoo is a Korean skin care line that uses all natural herbs and ingredients to generate soothing and transforming products. Sulwhasoo caters to both men and women providing products that aid in wrinkle therapy, hydration, makeup, cleansing, hair care and more. The beauty of these products is that by their refreshing scent and soothing touch, after the use of each product you feel as though you have just stepped out of a calming spa treatment.

Their new line, Hydro-Aid - that has come out right in time for the cool dryer weather, features an intense moisturizing effect, through eye serums, toner and various creams. If you’re looking for an effective hydrating cream, one of Sulwhasoo’s best-rated and most popular products is their Concentrated Ginseng Cream, which sells for $220.00. This cream is reported to revitalize your skin by cleansing and conditioning your skin from its deepest set layers.

These products are offered in four distinctive scents, ginseng, pine tree, prunus mume flower, and camellia; each of which are used to help with the specific duties of each product. Their products range from about $35.00 to $400.00, depending the size and value of each treatment.

These Korean medicinal treatments are created to help you with your slight skin imperfections and to keep you looking healthy and refreshed. You can purchase these products online, or at the Sulwhasoo Boutique in Bergdorf Goodman on 5^th Avenue in New York City. For more product and line information be sure to ‘like’ their Facebook page, and follow them on Twitter @Sulwhasoo_Girls.

Have you tried any of their luxurious products? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

'C' Magazine features Pierce Mattie PR client Dr. Hauschka's cosmetics. If you’re working on a green beauty story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

'C' Magazine features Pierce Mattie PR client Dr. Hauschka's cosmetics. If you’re working on a green beauty story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

'C' Magazine features Pierce Mattie PR client Dr. Hauschka's cosmetics. If you’re working on a green beauty story be sure to give our Pierce Mattie beauty PR team a call at 212-243-1431 or follow us on Twitter @PierceMattiePR and FaceBook.

Today, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of more than 150 nonprofit organizations working to protect the health of consumers and workers by eliminating dangerous chemicals from cosmetics, recognized global wellness leader XANGO, LLC as a Champion in the area of green personal care for its Glimpse and Juni by XANGO branded products. In achieving Champion status, XANGO fulfilled all the goals set out by the Compact for Safe Cosmetics, a voluntary pledge to avoid chemicals banned by health agencies outside the U.S. and to fully disclose product ingredients.

Brazil is quickly emerging as a hot spot for beauty...but so is Russia, and Brazilian beauty brand, Natura is looking to expand their successful cosmetics and skin care brand into like-minded emerging markets to spawn growth.

The natural cosmetics brand is looking to take their international sales from 3% to 10% in the next 5 years with eyes on the US, Russia and UK markets. That's an ambitious plan in light of a global economy that seems to walk on egg shells just about every few weeks. However, the beauty industry continues to grow, especially in Russia, which has seen double digits in its growth over the last few years. I recently wrote about Unilever acquiring Kalin Cosmetics in Russia for this very reason. 

Natura is a direct sales company, of which MLM companies such as Avon and MaryKay, have become more mainstream, paving the way for international direct sales companies to set up shop here in the US seamlessly.

How do you think Natura will fare once it expands more internationally? Tweet us @PiercemattiePR.

To wake up every morning with beautiful skin is a fantasy, right? Only celebrities have perfect skin (or is that courtesy of Fotoshop by Adobe)? If you've tried everything from store-brand products, products as seen on TV in the wee hours of the morning, to the most expensive products and nothing seems to work, you may just want to give it one last try with ClickR Skin Care.

ClickR Skin Care’s products are all vegan and their products are all benzoyl peroxide-free (which we all know causes your skin to try out.) ClickR Skin Care includes three different skin care collections: Figure It Out, No More Derma Drama, and Easy Karma.

The Figure It Out line includes Day Brilliant Lotion, Diamond Dust Skin Polisher, Pearl Wash, Night Cream, and a Skin Polishing Kit. Zits or no zits this collection is for all skin types and for everyday use. Reduce lines, tighten pores, and tone and smooth your skin with this collection.

The No More Derma Drama collection is for acre prone skin that will have you seeing results in 24 hours! This collection includes an Acne Spot Serum (aka, a miracle in a bottle), Hot Face Mask, Daily Dermabrasion Wash, and the Vanishing Mist. This collection also offers three kits: the Acne Treatment Mini Kit, The Boyfriend Kit, and The Total Acne Care Kit. This collection will leave your skin looking the best it has ever looked as it exfoliates your pores, gets rid of dead skin cells, and disinfects acne-causing bacteria.

And while you’re busy worrying about your face, ClickR Skin Care has your eyes covered. Their Easy Karma collection includes the Magic Eye Cream that will soothe and soften the bags under your eyes. The individual items are affordable and range from $20-$45 and their sets are an even better deal ranging from $70-$75. Would you give ClickR Skin Care a chance to save your skin? Let us know @PierceMattiePR.