Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

Recently, Beautorium sent me a sample of Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil ($20 or $40, depending on size). It came with a note saying they were sending samples of their top-selling product to thank their customers. They also sent a nice discount code, which I plan to use before the month ends.

I have used Trilogy's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil over my Sisley anti-aging serum at night for the last two weeks. The sample looked small, but a little of the oil goes a long way (2-3 drops per application). I love it. I love everything about it! I haven't used it long enough to verify the clinical results, but they are believable. This oil reminds me of argan oil, and I already know how miraculous argan oil is.

Could rosehip oil be nature's answer for perfect skin? Triology thinks so, and Beautorium's respected and selective choice of brands gives it a double stamp of approval. Endorsed by dermatologists and therapists, rosehip oil is ideal for normal, dry, mature, sun-damaged, scarred, and sensitive skin. It is said to smooth fine lines and restore the skin’s moisture balance. I can testify to the latter already. It leaves my skin moist and dewy.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil improves the skin's barrier function by delivering skin-compatible lipids that are undetectable on the surface of the skin, but provide daily protection from dehydrating environmental conditions (such as the autumn change in the weather that has started with cool nights). Rosehip oil contains nutrients and essential fatty acids that are vital for perfect skin health and a glowing complexion. Trilogy's rosehip oil contains several of these fatty acids, the most abundant of which are alpha linolenic acid (Omega 3), gamma linolenic acid (Omega 6), and linoleic acid (Omega 6). In smaller quantities are palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids. Trilogy's rosehip oil contains at least 80% essential fatty acids. That's a pure product!

This super-fine oil absorbs instantly, allowing the skin to breathe while it prevents or reduces the signs of premature aging and assists skin growth and repair. Fifty percent of the 20 women who were evaluated in Trilogy's clinical tests self-reported sensitive skin, and 50% had dry skin. The results speak for themselves.

• Moisture was improved by up to 44%, and roughness and dryness were reduced for 74% of participants
  
• Appearance of wrinkles was reduced by 23%
  
• Smoothness was improved by 21%, with 89% of testers seeing significant improvement
  
• Overall appearance was improved for 79%
• Radiance, tone, and clarity were improved for 74%
• Firmness, tightness, and elasticity were improved for 74%

Certified Organic Rosehip Oil is the key ingredient in most Trilogy skin and hair products. Trilogy was so impressed by its performance that the company created an entire product line around it in 2001. You can learn more about Trilogy at their Web site.

Trilogy products contain 100% natural active ingredients. The rosehip oil is certified organic by Bio-Gro of New Zealand; many other organic ingredients are certified by Eco-cert. Trilogy products contain no parabens, petrochemicals, PEGs, pesticides, synthetic colors or fragrances, GMOs, or harsh surfactants. They are 100% vegetarian and never tested on animals. Trilogy uses innovative fiber recycled from sugar cane waste for all of its sales materials, and all products and packaging are biodegradable. These Earth-friendly features make you feel good about using Trilogy products.

If you need any more enticement to give Certified Organic Rosehip Oil a try, Beautorium just sent out a store-wide free-shipping offer. This week, use code SHIP4FREE. You can try this wonderful oil, or any other Beautorium offering, and save money at the same time. Make sure to check out the gifts with purchase that are currently available.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! May the luck of the Irish be with you today and every day!

Remember to wear green today. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day! Here are some green-themed products and offers to put you in the mood.

Interested in a new green fragrance? Bond No. 9 High Line ($145 or $220) is now available (you can read the BTiB post here). The scent starts off with a prairie grazing weed - purple love grass - mixed with citrusy bergamot and zesty Indian rhubarb. The perfume’s floral heart is composed with red-leaf rose, Lady Jane tulips, and grape hyacinth. Its lingering base notes combine bur oak - from the sheltering tree that thrives in New York - with imported sea moss, musk, and teakwood to evoke the Hudson River’s proximity.

How about a green eye shadow? Even if you don't want to cover your lid entirely with green, you can use the shadow as a liner close to the base of your lashes or "paint a pop" of green in the center of your lid.

The Armani Beauty Maestro Eye Shadows ($29) are among my favorites. The formula contains pure silk-like powders to create a soft, lightweight texture that glides onto the eyelids in a silken veil of color - the application is even and easy to blend. Three different finishes replicate the breathtaking effects Giorgio Armani achieves with silk in his clothing: #15 is matte and gives smooth, deep color; #13 is satin to create a lustrous sheen; and #14 illuminates with iridescent deep teal shimmer. All three are gorgeous, and as you might imagine, I have all three! I'll be wearing #13 today.

Don't forget the green nail polish! Choices abound.

Let's not forget the earth-friendly products we now call "green." Beautorium is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a drawing. Three Green Beauty Selection Kits worth over $100 each will be given away. You can enter their contest by becoming a Beautorium fan on Facebook or following @Beautorium on Twitter - or both. Sign up today, and you will receive special offers in e-mail. Beautorium is a standout company - one of the best natural and organic beauty sites on the Web!

How will I be celebrating? I will prepare my hair with John Masters Organics shampoo and conditioner that I bought from Beautorium. I'll be wearing my latest green fragrance, Armani's green eye shadow, a green tourmaline on my hand, and, of course, a touch of green in my clothing. I may have to go looking for some green beer too! Hope you have a fun day!

Photos courtesy of life123.com, Armani Beauty, and Beautorium

John Masters Organics Lavender Hydrating Mist for Skin & Hair

I'll admit, I'm on a spritz spree. I really like the convenience - spray and go. The John Masters Organics Lavender Hydrating Mist for Skin & Hair ($16.00) has a lot going for it. Lavender is known for its therapeutic, relaxing, and rejuvenating properties. Spray your skin or hair with this mist before bed, and you may forget all about the cares of the day.

The fragrance is fleeting - by the time I fall asleep, it's gone. How do I know? There are many daytime occasions when I need the calming influence of lavender. I'm reminded of an old, comfy sweatshirt that says, "Saint Dogbert casts out the demons of stupidity." Makes me laugh. Lavender makes me calm.

Is there anything hydrating about this product? Yes, but not in any long-term sense. It's basically certified organic lavender flower water. Spritzing your face, body, or hair with this will result in a temporary moisture boost and a mood-altering treat.

John Masters Organics products are made with highest quality, fair-trade, organic ingredients. None of the products are tested on animals, and the only animal products used by John Masters are honey and beeswax. John Masters' products are free of petrochemicals, genetically modified organisms, artificial fragrances, colorants, and sulfates. They won't arouse your allergies.

You can find John Masters Organics at Beautorium and John Masters Organics. There are always great gifts with purchase at Beautorium. See the current promotions at this link.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium

Beautorium 15% Discount Sale

Another great sale! For one week, Beautorium.com is offering a 15% discount on all full-priced items. Use code FALLSAVINGS at checkout.

If you are a natural and organic products fan, this is your sale! I'll be stocking up on my favorite John Masters Organics, ordering more Korres Materia Herba, and trying Revolution Organics for the first time. The Revolution products are new to Beautorium. I have to try the Beauty Balm ($34), but I may need help choosing between Blushed and Bronzed.

Beautorium has lots of special offers. It's a good time to check out the Marina Cosmetics lip products reviewed last week at Best Things in Beauty.

Happy Shopping!

Photo courtesy of Beautorium

Marina Cosmetics Lipstick and Lip Gloss

Beautorium has a very special deal for you. Purchase a Marina Cosmetics Lip Gloss, and you will receive a gorgeous Marina Beach Berry Lipstick ($20) for free!

Marina Cosmetics nourish and enrich your skin with marine extracts. They are dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic. The company uses no artificial color, fragrance, parabens, preservatives, petroleum, or toxic synthetics, and their products are not tested on animals. They use natural, Ecocert, and certified organic ingredients that soothe and quench your skin with luscious tropical antioxidants.

The Sea Perfected Lipstick ($20) was developed to be natural, anti-aging, hydrating, and long-lasting. It contains vitamins A, C, and E, along with nutrient-rich sea minerals. The Beach Berry color that's a bonus right now is gorgeous. I have worn it out of the house for the last two days, looking at myself in various mirrors and thinking, "Wow, is this a pretty color!"

The Hydrating Lip Gloss ($22) is creamy and not at all tacky. It's enriched with anti-aging sea kelps, Buriti oil (the "tree of life" that grows in South America), vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I purchased Seaberry, a nice complement to the Beach Berry Lipstick. They make a beautiful dark rose combination. The only thing I could wish for in the gloss is a bit more shine. I found it to be have a satin finish on me.

The Buriti oil is an interesting ingredient that is making its way into the mainstream cosmetic market. Buriti oil is highly prized for its essential fatty acids and emollients that work overtime at keeping skin smooth. The antioxidant properties of Buriti oil have skin repairing and protecting properties. In fact, the concentration of carotene in Buriti oil is even higher than that in carrot oil. All in a lip gloss!

Want to know a little more about Marina Cosmetics and the ingredients? Here's some information from Beautorium.

Marina Cosmetics combine two organic seaweeds that are packed with easy-to-absorb proteins, vitamins, minerals, and lipids, which protect the skin against environmental factors and ward off aging by nourishing, moisturizing, firming, and smoothing skin cells. The products feature:

• Antileukine6 (derived from golden seaweed), which aids in decreasing wrinkle depth, boosts hydration, and promotes firmness and smoothness; and
• Organic sea kelp, which is high in silicon, delivers essential vitamins and minerals, and promotes a firmer skin tone.

Marina Products are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and Vitamins A, C, and E needed to retain moisture levels to the skin. Five certified organic and natural oils soften, renew, and rehydrate the skin. Marina formulates its products with Zenigloss, a natural replacement for petroleum that is water resistant and provides long-lasting wear. Instead of parabens, Marina uses natural Japanese Honeysuckle to ensure freshness. There are no artificial colorants used in Marina products. All colors are made from the natural minerals of mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and carmine.

Interested? You can read more, see the products, and shop at Beautorium.com. I love my new lip treats!

For a limited time, you can get free shipping with a $50 purchase. Use code FREEFALL at checkout.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium

Beautorium's Think Pink, Go Green Campaign

"Think Pink, Go Green" is the theme of Beautorium's campaign for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and this campaign will last well beyond October!

Natural beauty retailer Beautorium will be donating the proceeds from select products listed on their Web site to support a new initiative that will unite breast cancer fundraising, in support of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Jersey Affiliate, with education about the health benefits of natural and organic beauty products. From October 15, 2009 to January 15, 2010, 25% of the proceeds from select products will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Beautorium has enlisted several of its brands, among the top natural beauty companies in the world, to participate in the effort. Exuberance Beauty, John Masters Organics, Juice Beauty, Marina Cosmetics, Pangea Organics, Red Flower, Revolution Organics, Saaf, Sophyto, and Trilogy will donate to the cause. Melvita Organics will also join the lineup at the time of its US debut. Among the 40 natural and organic products hand-picked to benefit Susan G. Komen North Jersey are Beautorium top-sellers like Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil, Exuberance Brightening Facial Serum with Vitamin C, Saaf Organic Eraser Body Oil, and Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer.

The unique support that Beautorium brings to Susan G. Komen highlights the organizations’ interest in health awareness and education for women. In addition to raising funds that will help save lives, bring care and support to breast cancer patients, and work toward a cure, Beautorium seeks to further the understanding of the importance of natural and organic products for our best health. Many ingredients that are commonly found in commercial beauty preparations have been linked to cancer or other health issues. Given that skin is our largest organ, able to absorb 60% of what we put on our bodies, the choice of natural and organic personal care products is an important step in protecting ourselves from an overload of harmful chemicals.

Beautorium offers only the highest quality natural products that are free from ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sodium laurel sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and polyethylene glycol, which may pose serious health risks. To learn more about the potentially harmful ingredients in your beauty products, visit Skin Deep.

Beautorium founder Ann Francke says, “We are passionate about the fight against breast cancer and thank Susan G. Komen North Jersey for the opportunity to support their work. We are hoping that our benefit campaign will be highly successful and enjoyed by all!"

You know from reading Best Things in Beauty that Beautorium is an online marketplace with a premier collection of natural and organic beauty care. They take the guesswork out going green by carefully editing the world’s most effective and ethical natural beauty brands. The beauty world is saturated with “natural” and “organic” products, and it’s hard to know what’s real and if it works. Beautorium has hand-picked and carefully screened over 650 products from 20 brands according to five selective criteria to ensure consumers get an authentic, effective, and elegant experience. For more information go to their Web site.

I've certainly been impressed with the products I have purchased at Beautorium. I anxious to try their new brands: Revolution Organics and Melvita, which will be added on November 9. Meanwhile, I'll have bouncy, shiny hair from John Masters Organics hair care products!

P.S. Until midnight today, you can get free shipping on a $50 order with code FreeFall.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium

John Masters Organic Lip Calm

Can you adore multiple lip balms? My answer is an emphatic yes! Last week, when I was ordering my John Masters Organic Hair Care products from Beautorium.com - naturally using our BTIB 15% discount - I saw Lip Calm ($6). Any lip balm addict would try one, right?

This little balm, currently parked next to my bed, is delightful. Its long ingredient list is chock-a-block with botanical ingredients. Reading down the list, from most to least concentrated, the ingredients include olive oil, castor bean oil, sunflower oil, beeswax, carnuba wax, jojoba oil, shea butter, calendula extract, wheatgerm oil, flax seed oil, borage oil, kukui nut oil, rosehip oil, vitamin E...and much more. How cool is that?

The texture is much softer than ChapStick - Lip Calm glides on - and it stay around for awhile to keep your lips soft, hydrated, and feeling good. I love it!

You can purchase Lip Calm from Beautorium.com. On my next order, I'm buying one for every balm port - my office, purse, bathroom, bedside, and car. A lip balm addict has to have it nearby at all times!

Photo courtesy of Beautorium

Juice Beauty Giveaway Contest Winner

Bonnie C. won our giveaway contest for Beautorium's Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer. Bonnie had some stiff competition! We had more entries for this contest than any contest in the past. Congratulations, Bonnie!

We selected a winner by using a random number generator, random.org. It's a great way to give every entrant an equal chance to win.

I hope you enjoyed your visits to Beautorium.com. If you haven't already done so, sign up for their e-mails so that you will always be notified of their wonderful specials. And don't forget that they have given Best Things in Beauty readers a 15% discount for the rest of 2009! Just use the code BTIB when you check out.

Many thanks to the generous folks at Beautorium - and to everyone who entered.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium.com.

Beauty Bits

Remember that the deadline for our Beautorium.com Juice Beauty Giveaway Contest is midnight tomorrow night, September 27. I just used the Best Things in Beauty 15% discount to order John Masters Organic products. Saving money makes me so happy, and saving money on extra-special products makes me giddy!

If you have some free time this weekend, check out the newest addition to my favorite blog list: The Non-Blonde. Gaia's blog is excellent.

WWD reported that Hearst Magazines Digital Media and ModiFace announced the launch this week of a new beauty makeover tool on RealBeauty.com, an online beauty destination that went live Thursday. The new tool allows users to upload photographs to see how they would look with new hairstyles/colors and cosmetics, visualize anti-aging, and simulate weight loss. The makeover tool can be found on RealBeauty.com and is slated to be launched on the Web sites for Seventeen, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and Harpers Bazaar in the next few months. Estee Lauder had a similar tool available now, so this must be the next best thing.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium.

Juice Beauty Giveaway Contest

The generous folks at Beautorium.com, the go-to site for natural and organic beauty products, are sponsoring our giveaway contest this week. Not only that, they are offering Best Things in Beauty readers a 15% discount on all purchases between now and December 31!

If you have been reading Best Things in Beauty, you will know that I am smitten with Beautorium. The range of brands and products available is stunning. They have carefully edited the world's natural and organic offerings, selecting the best, and they provide so much good information that I find myself browsing all the time.

Our giveaway contest is for a Juice Beauty Oil-Free Moisturizer ($28). To quoteBeautorium..."Juice Beauty’s lightweight organic oil-free moisturizer blends certified organic white grape and pomegranate juice with soothing aloe vera, vitamin antioxidants, and nutrient-rich sea algae to hydrate and quench skin's natural moisture balance for a beautiful matte finish." Use this moisturizer morning and night on your face, neck, and décolletage to stay moist and gorgeous. This is a great product for oily, combination, and normal skin.

What sets Beautorium apart from its competitors is the wealth of information they provide. I learned on the site that Juice Beauty was voted the #1 organic brand by Style.com and Most Wanted Cosmetic Product by Instyle.com. Juice Beauty counts Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, and Marsha Cross amongst its celebrity clientele.

Juice Beauty meets the strict USDA and the COPA (California Organic Products Act) organic guidelines for all of their certified organic ingredients. Juice Beauty contains no parabens, pesticides, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. and no phthalates. Not only that, their products have not been tested on animals.

To enter the giveaway contest, just e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and tell us what you like best about the Beautorium Web site. There's a lot to like, so have fun out there. The deadline for entries is midnight September 27.

While you are browsing, I'm sure you will find something you have to try. Just use the code BTIB during checkout any time through 12/31/2009, and you will receive a 15% discount. I'll be ordering a huge supply of John Masters Organics hair products (read my review here) - more than enough to get the free Lavender Hydrating Mist, a gift with purchase.

Good Luck!

I will be posting this giveaway contest on Free!Grechen, my favorite site for giveaways.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium.

Let's Talk about Stains!

I mean cheek and lip stains, not the dry-cleaning variety. Many stains are multipurpose and can be used on both cheeks and lips. Others focus on either cheeks or lips, although you can use lip stains on your cheeks. Unless the product says you can use a cheek stain on your lips, I wouldn't recommend it.

Over the last week, I have played with various stains. I will admit that stains have been one trend that I have only toyed with in the past - never got serious about them. That may change with Suki's Pure Cream Stain [for] Lip and Cheek. I told you recently that I had purchased this stain from Beautorium. I had to try one after reading Amber's review, and, like Amber, I choose Nectar. I love it!

Suki's pure pigments transform on the skin into vivid neutral colors with natural shimmers, making your skin look like your own skin - only better. Packed with organic omega oils and extracts, this super-moisturizing, velvety cream tint is specifically formulated for all skin tones. It works really well for me because it's so creamy. My skin is dry, and I need some slip with my cream products. The stain is exceptionally blendable. I used my foundation brush to apply it, but you can use the Sukicolor puff or your fingers if you like. The stain imparts a gentle chamomile aromatheraputic fragrance that is a nice bonus during application, a very light and natural scent, and it's gone before you know it (perfect). Used on the lips, the formula is lip quenching and hydrating without any heaviness or waxiness. Because it has a bit of glow, the color isn't "flat."

Now, I want more colors! I think Sandstone may be next. There is a lot of product in the jar, which is priced at $40.15, so it will last a long time.

I also got my hands on a deluxe sample of Laura Merciers' Lip Stain ($20), courtesy of Chris Coles, my Nordstrom go-to guy for makeup. Laura Mercier Lip Stain is said to provide the visual effect of a stain with the comfort and sheen of a lip gloss. I wouldn't go quite that far to compare it to a lip gloss, but it is creamy for a stain. The sample Chris gave me was Mulberry, and it's a nice color - just a bit darker than I usually wear. If I were purchasing one, I think I would select English Rose. I like the online swatch, and I like the name too.

I used my finger to apply this one. The little pot was small, and I didn't have a lip brush handy. After application, I decided I needed a touch of gloss over it, so I used lip gloss just in the center of my lips. The overall effect was pretty, and the color lasted a long time.

The third stain I used this week was Tarte's Green Siren Limited Edition Natural Cheek Stain ($30). I'm sure you know that Tarte is famous for their fabulous cheek stains. They come in solid colors and swirled, and they provide long-lasting, buildable color. The application is completely “goof proof” – unlike traditional stains, these will not streak, leak, or drip. You have about 20 seconds of blending time before it dries down for a finish that's so natural! These cheek stains won't dry out your skin or clog your pores. I have several - love them all.

Green Siren is advertised as "golden apricot." That's an accurate description, but don't let it scare you if you have cool-toned skin like me. It will work for you. I applied it with my foundation brush - the same Bobbi Brown brush I used to apply the Suki stain.

The Tarte t5 super fruit complex in the cheek stain is a proprietary blend of five "superfruits" - goji, acai, maracuja, acerola, and pomegranate - that together are an effective blend of naturally occurring, antioxidant-rich nutrients and vitamins. Each application is good for your skin. Not only that, with the purchase of every Tarte Green Siren stain, you will support Sambazon's Sustainable Acai Project, which helps to preserve the Amazon Rainforest through conservation, improved living conditions, and educational opportunities for communities in Brazil. I like that!

Suki stains are available at Beautorium. Laura Mercier stains are available on the Laura Mercier Web site and at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and other department stores. Tarte cosmetics are available from Tarte online and Sephora.

I'd love to know if you have tried cheek or lip stains and what you think.

Photos courtesy of Beautorium and Tarte Cosmetics.

John Masters Organic Hair Care

The nice folks at Beautorium sent me some samples of John Masters organic hair products with my order last week. On Sunday, I used the first two and was thrilled with the results. Monday, the second two. After blow drying, my hair was bouncy, full, soft, and shiny. I hope Beautorium will indulge me as I liberally quote their Web site here. Their product descriptions are fabulous.

The brand was created in 1991. John Masters is a pioneer of prestige natural haircare and skincare in America and internationally. His products use Eco-Cert and Quality Assurance International-certified organic ingredients where possible and are free from parabens, petrochemcials, and other nasty chemical ingredients. In 2004, the United Kingdom Soil Association selected John Master's Organics as Product of the Year at London's leading European organic trade show. I knew about John Masters - he is famous, after all, but I had never tried his products.

I started with John Masters Evening Primrose Shampoo for Dry Hair ($16). This shampoo is made from the gentlest corn and coconut cleansers and infused with conditioning plant extracts and essential oils. It washes away oil and the environment's dirt and grime without stripping the hair shaft. It's safe for color-treated hair like mine. When I pushed the shampoo out of its sample packet, I was amazed, for some reason, that it was brown. That seemed to me to be an unusual color for shampoo. No worries, though - as I worked it into my hair, it turned into the "normal" white lather I expected and left no traces of brown in my blond hair.

The ingredients include:

• evening primrose – anti-inflammatory, adds moisture, strengthens hair;
• rose geranium – strengthens hair shaft, a cellular regenerative;
• meadowfoamate – a conditioning agent derived from the meadowsweet plant;
• avocado oil – moisturizing, assists in cell regeneration, high in amino acids;
• ylang ylang – controls and reduces oiliness of the scalp; and
  
• cedarwood – treats oiliness, eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff and is anti-inflammatory.

For my conditioner, I used John Masters Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner ($22). Even the name was enticing, so while I had other samples to try, I choose this one. The conditioner contains lavender and avocado oils plus vitamin B5, all of which bring moisture and vitality to dry hair. It contains over a dozen plant extracts and essential oils to moisturize and strengthen the hair shaft. Lavender is said to slow hair loss and treat eczema and dermatitis of the scalp. Avocado oil moisturizes and conditions hair. Have you read some of the natural avocado conditioner recipes in the mags? This is a lot easier. Vitamin B5, or panthenol, strengthens hair follicles, makes hair look thicker and fuller, adds shine, and repairs hair damaged by over-processing. The fragrance from the lavender was heavenly, and, it made its exit as I was blow drying my hair - perfect.

What's really amazing is that the bounce lasted overnight. When I get up in the morning, my hair is usually "plastered" to my scalp (the zero-volume look) and stick straight, with only a misplaced wave or two. All of the styling work from the day before is gone. Not so with the John Masters products I used! I awakened the next morning, looked at my hair, and thought, "I could leave the house this way." Now, that's a miracle!

Next up, I tried John Masters’ newest treatment item, John Masters Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor. In addition to honey and hibiscus, the conditioning formula features soy protein, kelp extract, cupuaçu butter, and linoleic and hyaluronic acids (the same acids found in young hair) to help reconstruct and smooth hair. According to WWD, Masters said, “When hair is smoother, it is reflecting more light.” It will also improve hair volume and reduce static electricity.” Retailing for $28, Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor can be used as a once-weekly treatment for normal to dry hair or after every shampoo for more damaged hair. I will use it after every shampoo. I found it to be a perfect conditioner. You should have seen me squeezing every last bit out of that packet!

Another try? John Masters Zinc & Sage Shampoo with Conditioner ($20). Also brown in color, it contains zinc, sage, wheat protein, and yucca root (which gives it its foaming property). Zinc and sage are natural scalp regulators that maintain the equilibrium of oils, ending any itch and flakes caused by over-drying products, the accidental sunburn, or cold weather. Wheat protein conditioner leaves your hair shiny and manageable and your scalp healthy and balanced. It's safe for color-treated hair. After I shampooed, I felt some volume in my hair (even with wet hair you could tell), and it felt good.

The John Masters products I tried were uniformly wonderful in meeting their promises. You can purchase them at Beautorium.com. I love Beautorium, my new "Web shopping site," and hope you will too. They sent two more John Masters Organic samples. I can't wait to try them. In the meantime, the order I plan to place is growing. May have to wait for the next paycheck.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium.

Do You Know about Beautorium?

I didn't know about Beautorium (spelled with a lower case "b" on their Web site) until Amber posted a review of Suki Nectar Pure Cream Stain [for] Lip and Cheek ($40.15) on Beauty Junkies Unite last week. I had to have it!

When I got to the Beautorium Web site, I found a "natural and organic beauty emporium," with lots of specials and brands galore. There was the motto: "Good for your skin, Good for the planet, Good for you." I was smitten.

Beautorium's founders, Ann and Barry, have a great page that explains their philosophy, brand selection criteria, and a unique "Good to Know" system. If you love natural products, you've got to check it out!

Let's start with the brands. There were the familiar Korres, Dr. Hauschka, Trilogy, and Red Flower. Then, there were brands I had never tried, like Suki. I ordered my Nectar, but couldn't stop there. There was a gift (free sensitive cleansing Bar) with a $50 purchase.

Suki is a 100% natural skin care line that was launched in 2002. The products are based on active ingredients, clean environmental processes, and real science. Beautorium told me Suki products were highly effective, highly ethical, and highly evolved - sold! You can read about Suki here.

After browsing, my choice for something new was Suki's Butter Cream Healing Salve ($24.95). The salve is a multi-functional, organic balm and a non-greasy alternative to classic herbal healing salves, which moisturize, heal, and protect areas of your body that need special attention. The description even mentioned eczema. I have a touch of eczema on my chest now and then, and I was looking a bit "pink" the day I ordered. The salve sounded perfect.

What's in it? Organic lavender extract and organic cocoa butter, organic pressed fruit oils, organic healing herbs, and shea and cocoa butters. The blend provides soothing relief from skin irritations and, with luck, helps prevent future occurrences. When it arrived, I instantly smelled the lavender. So relaxing! I love the fragrance.

The salve is almost solid. I dug in with a spatula and "liquified" the product in my palm before applying. I went to sleep with that wonderful lavender fragrance, and it was still with me when I awakened the next morning. Not only that, I was less pink. It works.

I love Beautorium - the site, the selection, the philosophy, the information, and the service (I even knew when my box would arrive). The shipping box told me it was made from recycled materials - excellent. My order was packed carefully, and Beautorium sent me some very nice samples of Suki and other products. I will have a blast playing and trying. They also sent me a natural, reusable carry-all bag - so nice! Don't you love lagniappe?

This is a site I will return to - again and again. Why don't you spend a little time this long Labor Day weekend and explore Beautorium? I bet you'll like it too.

Photo courtesy of Beautorium.