What They Say: (about the cleanser) "A totally natural solution compared to harsh glycolic and other hydroxy acids, this instant foaming cleanser transforms into a delicate, creamy mousse to help gently dissolve and lift surface debris and airborne pollutants. Bio-compatible fruit acids and enzymes derived from complete, whole food nutrients help to gently loosen the bond of dead skin cells to accelerate dermal regeneration resulting in a fresher, healthier complexion. A perfect cleanser to prep the skin for the penetration of bioactive ingredients present in all Sophyto products."

(about the moisturizer) "A lightweight corrective and protective hydrating daily moisturizer. Imparts optimum levels of organically derived essential fatty acids to help restore moisture, elasticity and tone to the epidermis. Helps support skins natural barrier function providing long-lasting hydration from damaging environmental aggressors. This luxurious formula also serves as a hydrating primer before mineral or liquid make up application."

Jamie's Thoughts: Man, I hate to be a buzzkill, but I cannot recommend either of these products. For this price (and organic hype), I definitely expected more.

Regarding the cleanser: First off, I love love LOVE that this product is comprised almost entirely of organic ingredients. Kudos to Sophyto! I really do encourage all the Delush readers to challenge the idea that beauty products have to be full of synthetic stuff to be "good." Unfortunately, this cleanser simply does not live up to my standards. The foam is nearly flat - it falls apart when I try and apply it to my face. The scent they claim it has (a mild apple) is nonexistent, and I truly didn't feel it did anything to remove my make-up (another claim of the parent company). This is a pass.

Regarding the moisturizer: Texture? LOVE. Smell? Non-existent (LOVE). Effectiveness? DON'T LOVE. I would have liked to be able to use this in the winter months, because I have a sinking feeling it was simply too thick for summer use (at least for my complexion). And it doesn't have any SPF coverage, which is a major dealbreaker for this fair-haired girl. I was oily in the T-zone by lunch, and feeling/looking greasy by the end of the work day. Yuck. That said, it may not be the perfect option for me - however, I do think it would be a fantastic choice for dry/combo complexions, particularly those with troubled/stressed skin. It's calming and light.

Retail Prices:
Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser $30.00 (at
Mega Omegas Moisturizer $45.00 (at

Delush Ratings:
Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser:
Mega Omegas Moisturizer:

What They Say: "Helps restore moisture and softness to skin, protects against moisture loss and free radical damage. Absorbs quickly. For all skin types.

When it comes to softening and soothing, rough, dry faces, is there anything quite like Organic Shea Butter (extracted from naturally harvested Karite Nuts) blended with Organic Cocoa Butter (from high quality beans)! Processed without chemicals, these two weightless butters have a super smooth texture, plus vital nutrients and antioxidant benefits. There's also Organic Glycerin from vegetable oil and Linoleic acid-rich Organic Sunflower Oil to hydrate and soothe and Organic Coconut Oil to help skin dodge signs of dehydration. Patent Pending Formula.

Origins own blend of Organic Clove, Rose, Lavender, Patchouli and Red Thyme Essential Oils helps protect the purity of this product.

HOW TO USE: Apply twice daily after cleansing."

Melissa Says: As a general purpose face lotion, this is a winner. You will still need a sunscreen if you want to use this as your main facial lotion, but if using something that is pure and organic is important to you, you'll be glad to know that this hydrates the skin without leaving it greasy - instead it is soft and supple. The clove and other ingredients do create a significant scent which you may or may not love, so if you aren't sure check it out in the store first before buying it. In all other respects, there's a good possibility you will be very glad to have this new option when looking for organic skincare to nourish your face. The price tag isn't low, but it may very well be worth it to you.

Retail Price: $42.50 / 1 fl. oz. (at origins.com or at a retail location near you)

DeLush Rating:  

What They Say: "Our shea butter is top quality. It is naturally extracted from the wild crafted karite nuts and hand picked in West Africa. This butter then undergoes natural cleaning to take out impurities. Shea butter provides natural sun protection and skin healing properties. We add only all natural fragrances and pure essential oils to fragrance our butter.

The essential fatty acids present in shea nourish the skin. Shea butter is doctor recommened for eczema, psoriasis, post-surgery scars and rashes. It also works wonders on a babies' gentle skin, replacing petroleum and mineral oil, which can be toxic. Applied daily, shea butter can help reduce the onslaught of stretch marks in expecting women. Natural shea butter replaces many toxic skincare products found in households around the world.

Each jar comes wrapped with a geniune shea nut!"

"You'll love the aroma and soft texture of Kalahari Melon shea butter. Melons originally grew in the wild in Africa. Bush tribes of Southern Africa still use the wild melons as a valuable source of water in the dry desert region. We've added skin quenching melon seed oil to our organic shea butter and sprinkled it with all natural melon fragrance for a one of a kind, delectable experience."

Melissa Says: This shea butter is so very soft, it begins to emulsify almost the moment you dip some out with your fingers. It feels comforting and smooth going on, and soaks into the skin quicky without leaving a greasy feeling afterward that some shea butters do (some of those more intense ones are best for overnight treatments for this very reason). Instead, all you are left with is incredibly soft skin and no mess. You can even use it at your keyboard, smoothing onto hands and dry cuticles, and continue to go about your work. Some of their other scents to try include Frankincense and Myrrh, Cape Chamomile Lavender, Moroccan Mint Vanilla, and Madagascar Vanilla. While I loved the scent in the jar, one thing I noticed was that that scent dissipated quickly after I applied it, though it was still faint.

Retail Price: $10.95, 6 oz. (currently $10 on sale or 3 for $28 online at store.africansheabuttercompany.com with free shipping on orders of $60 or more) - OR try a mini jar (1 oz.) for $3.50. I've seen this jar size and there is plenty to last long enough for you to test out the formula or a new scent. Also, be patient with their website, though it's a Yahoo storefront for now, it looks like this month they're getting ready to unveil their new retail site.

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Biggs & Featherbelle soaps are handmade with unique recipes to meet the needs of different skin types, using the properties of natural resources to heal and nourish. Every ingredient is purposeful and free from synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: These not only come cleverly and cutely packaged, but the soap bars themselves are attractive with each formula featuring swirls, exfoliating bits, or other special additions along with lovely soap colors. There are several unique formulas and scents for different skin types and with different benefits. I tried the Chai Latte, which is a holiday version with a spicy, peppery fragrance and super soft suds.

Many Biggs & Featherbelle soaps are vegan and all are vegetarian.

Whether you want a unique hand soap for the bathroom or want to indulge in the special feeling of gentle, natural handmade bar soap in the bath or shower, this is a line you might want to check out.

Retail Price: $4.49 each (at biggsandfeather.com or go here for retail locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "specially designed for people with sensitive skin this soap and surfactant free cleanser is formulated with Echinacea, Chamomile, certified Organic Aloe Vera and Sea Buckthorn Berry CO2 to promote smooth and clean skin.

Thoroughly cleans skin and removes dirt and make up without drying skin."

Jen's Experience: This is the first product I've tried in this line, and so far I'm impressed with this creamy cleanser. Since my skin is very sensitive, I really have trouble finding cleansers that work with my skin. Normally, they either make me break out or get very dry. My skin is neither now that I've been using this product for a month or so. While the cleanser is very creamy, I definitely feel like it's doing the job; it's got a slight little tingle that tells me that it's working. Since it's creamy, I found it a little difficult to remove with just water -- you'll definitely need a washcloth.

Need another great reason to use this product? It's earth-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free!

Retail Price: $14.00 (SeviCosmetics.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "Kiss My Face, a pioneer and leader in natural and organic personal care products, brings consumers a joyful, creamy, preservative-free latger at the sink or in the tub with Sudz by Kiss My Face, and organic line of essential bath products. FOAM-ulated with organic botanicals and essential oils, the Sudz line includes a bar soap, shower gel and self-foaming soap in four tempting scents. Each yummy formulation, "in the pink", "sports complex", "c-weed", and "rough seas", takes care of more than just cleaning up your act. The different scents and ingredients have unique benefits to address a variety of skin care needs."

Jen's Experience: I've been trying out two of Kiss My Face's new organic shower gels, "in the pink" and "sports complex", over the past month, and I would have to say I have some mixed emotions about these.

First off, the scent. It's very strong, and I guess that's good when I am trying to wake up in the morning, but...well, they're really just not my style. On the other hand, they do smell very clean, and the scent washes clean away, so there's no lingering aroma once the shower is complete. I don't think the scents are bad necessarily, but I do think that you should smell them before purchasing.

Secondly, I didn't find them to lather easily, even when I used a bath sponge. But, that said, I did feel clean when I showered with them. (Especially the "in the pink" flavor. The alpha hydroxy acids in that one give a nice tingle.) Plus, they didn't irritate my skin a bit, and instead left it feeling moisturized even after my shower as complete.

Can you see why I'm conflicted? I think I'd be thrilled with them if I loved the scents. If you see them in your local market, take a whiff. If you're into the scent, then you may be their newest fan.

Retail Price: $7.95 (Amazon, Whole Foods, and Wild Oats)

Rating:

“We started making plant derived aromatherapy products free from parabens, synthetic fragrance, sulfates, formaldehyde releasing preservatives, artificial dyes in 1997, after not being able to find alternatives to help our ailing family member, Mundo – the earth loving German Shepherd. As our company grew, so did the customer demand for new as natural as it gets products, hence we started to add products for people such as Vegan skincare, mineral makeup, hair care and fragrances made with certified organic or wild-crafted raw materials.

Our motto has always been about making a difference, being honest and creating products that are based on our way of life -- straightforward, honest and cruelty-free. We always want to make sure that our footprints match this very motto. So when we needed cosmetic brushes for our mineral makeup line, we walked the talk and created a brush line that did not put even one animal in harm in the name of beauty,” said Sevi Kay, Founder and main formulator for Mundo Botanica.

The new Sevi cosmetic brush line is created with 100% Taklon fibers that offer the perfect combination of softness and delivery. Each brush was designed to pick up color well and deliver a smooth makeup application.

Continue reading Hot Off the Press: Vegan Beauty Line Unveils Cruelty-Free Makeup Brushes.

What They Say: "Using organic extracts of Sage, Lemon, Patchouli, and Tea Tree Oils with organic grain alcohol, Erbaviva has created a sweet smelling product that counteracts the growth of bacteria and doesn't clog pores."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I know some of you have got to be into organic products. And really, when they work, who wouldn't? This one is tricky, and let me tell you why. I actually found this to work well for me. Granted, it's a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant, but if you don't sweat excessively that shouldn't really be a problem. As a deodorant, it is effective. But here's the thing: the scent (I wouldn't necessarily call it SWEET). It's very woody and patchouli-laden. Now, personally I am a HUGE fan of patchouli. But see, my husband isn't. Every time I have this on I say, "Don't I smell good?" and he says, "um, you smell like spicy wood". He just doesn't get it. But still, that is something to keep in mind when you consider if this spray-deoderant is for you.

If you do get it, use ONE TINY SPRAY for each underarm. Seriously, it's like you just can't do a smaller squirt to get the effect you need. It comes out stronger at first than it actually wears as it warms to your skin. I think then it really mellows out, and I almost feel like I put on a dab of patchouli fragrance oil somewhere. (If that doesn't appeal to you, don't get this.) I'm giving this a high rating because it does what it claims, but your experience with it will be determined by your personal taste.

One more thing. Don't spray it on just after you've shaved. Just don't. Holy Ouch.

Retail Price: $16.00 (beautyintuition.com - thanks for the sample, guys!)

DeLush Rating:

Torrie Tried It: I was so excited to try the Dazzle Dry Quick-Dry Nail Polish System. As someone who is always on the look-out for chemical free products, let me tell you- there is slim pickings in the nail polish department. The Dazzle Dry System is free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, and nitrocellulose.

The system includes a 4 step process- a nail prep, a base coat, a lacquer coat, and a top coat. Now, here's my first complaint- a product that requires 4 steps and anywhere between 2 and 10 minutes of drying time after each step, I wouldn't exactly label "quick". Second, I made the mistake of doing my nails in my bedroom, and it smelled like fumes in there for hours. I was really disappointed in this because I was hoping that an "eco-friendly" product would have less VOC's (fumes).

So, I did my nails, and it took about 10 minutes after I finished the top coat for them to be completely dry. Again, I'm not sure how that qualifies this product to be "quick dry".

My nails looked nice when I was done, but not 24 hours later my nails started to chip. Now, I will say this- I have always been the type of person who's nail polish chips. I'm not delicate, and I used to be a pastry chef, and now I'm a mom, both of which require that I wash my hands a lot. But, after all the work I put into the 4 steps I was hoping the polish would last longer than 24 hours. My final issue- even though my nails started chipping so quickly, I still had a hard time getting all of the polish off with nail polish remover. $54, vbcosmetics.com.

DeLush Rating:

Torrie Tried It: I was really excited when Physicians Formula announced their Organic Wear line. I'm a "green" freak. Most of the products I use are organic, or at the very least natural, with the exception of my make up kit. I was hoping the Organic Wear line would change that. The first of their products that I tried was the Eyeliner in Black Woods, a very dark brown. I was so disappointed. The color was too harsh, and they don't offer a lighter color- color options are very limited.

Within a couple of hours of application it was collecting under my eyes giving me an unattractive raccoon look. Then, when I washed my face that night, it didn't come off. I'm not sure how a product can be non-long lasting, and yet not wash off easily. I'm hoping the next Organic Wear product I try will fare better. $7.95, drugstores, etc.

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Safe and healthy loose mineral foundations made with pure pigments -- free from artificial fragrances or essential oils, bismuth oxychloride, animal by products (carmine), talc, preservatives such as parabens and FD&C dyes.

16 unique shades, mostly yellow based, without excess shimmer and glow -- our foundation is buildable yet does not require the use of a finishing powder to complete the look. We have many shades that cater to women of color and will be adding a few more..."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Since I've begun using this mineral foundation I've been hooked. This is a TRULY non-irritating and non-orangey mineral powder formula. The fact that many of the Sevi shades are slightly yellow-based works to my benefit. The shade I have is actually 715, described as a light neutral olive. It blends perfectly and invisibly into my skin and helps to camouflage darkness under the eyes.

I love the perfect soft-focus look and the fact that there is no glitter or sheen. My skin looks healthy and stays fresh for pretty much the entire day. I don't looked cakey or powdery. My hair stylist even asked me last week what kind of foundation I was wearing as she was washing my hair under the bright salon lights! She said she absolutely loved how CLEAN and natural the finish was.

I also use their angled brush instead of the foundation brush to apply the foundation, but no matter which you use, each brush is incredibly soft, gentle, and provides a smooth even application (AND they are made of synthetic Taklon and thus are animal hair-free).

Retail Price: $25.00 (at sevicosmetics.com - you can also get shade samples for $2.50 each OR $35.00 for one of every shade!)

DeLush Rating:

About the OnBody Line: "A leader in natural body care for 25 years, Kiss My Face makes body care products that go way beyond what's good for your body; they're also healthy, effective, and earth friendly. Plus, they contain no animal ingredients and involve no animal testing.

Every product contains ingredients like Olive Oil, which stimulates new cell generation, tightens and tones, slows the development of wrinkles and creases, and contains anti-inflammatory properties, and shea butter, which prevents dehydration, restores suppleness, and improves the appearance of dry skin.

Whether you're on the go, need rejuvination, or looking to relax, ONBody by Kiss My Face is at the forefront of body care. Products are priced at just $2 to $10 - go ahead and indulge."

Jen's Experience: It was really hard for me to find any information about this product at all, but that's okay because this is less of a review and more of a warning. This product might be a little more tolerable if I had picked up the white chocolate + orange flavor that I so dearly love as a moisturizer, but the Mango flavor that I ended up with is just terrible. It tastes like that one flavor in the pack of Tropical Fruit Lifesavers that's just weird and doesn't improve no matter how many times you try it. And it's not even a very good lip balm.

Retail Price: $2.00 (Old Navy stores)

Rating:

"Introducing upurea! upurea is North America's leading on-line provider of high quality all natural and organic skincare, haircare and home fragrance alternatives to the typical chemical-laden products that we encounter daily.

Brands include: Anthony Logistics, Billy Jealousy, Bod, Bod for Bubs, Botani, Evolu, fresh Faced, Hamadi Beauty, John Masters Organics, Juice Beauty, Kimberly Sayer, Nyakio, Ole Henrikson, Timothy Han, Trilogy, vedaBABY, vedaMAMA and more...

upurea brings together unique all natural and organic products from around the world for the mind, body and soul. upurea's skincare, haircare, and home fragrance lines provide for a totally balanced approach, designed to fit your active and demanding lifestyle.

upurea's approach to skin and haircare, is as unique as the all natural and organic products we sell. upurea makes taking care of your skin and hair simple, by providing you with the right products and tips to match your individual needs. upurea knows that not everyone is alike. That's why upurea provides different product lines for you to choose which lines and products are best suited for you.

upurea for the mind, body and soul is about lifestyle and balance. upurea's products are not only great for your skin and hair, they also help bring a sense of calm and relaxation or intense revitalizing energy. Whether it's getting ready for a hectic day, or just getting over one, take a few extra minutes and do something provocative for yourself. upurea's goal is to make the start and end to your day more enjoyable.

upurea is dedicated to the distribution of organic skin care and 100% natural skin care for safe and healthy use by the entire family. Our products and their organic and natural ingreadients are never tested on animals. We take great pride in offering products are paraben free, cruelty free, phthalate free, SLS free (sulphates) and totally non toxic.

upurea - your destination for all natural and organic skincare, haircare, and home fragrance products for the mind, body and soul."

technorati tags: upurea, organic, shopping, skincare

“We started making plant derived aromatherapy products free from parabens, synthetic fragrance, sulfates, formaldehyde releasing preservatives, artificial dyes in 1997, after not being able to find alternatives to help our ailing family member, Mundo – the earth loving German Shepherd. As our company grew, so did the customer demand for new as natural as it gets products, hence we started to add products for people such as Vegan skincare, mineral makeup, hair care and fragrances made with certified organic or wild-crafted raw materials.

Our motto has always been about making a difference, being honest and creating products that are based on our way of life -- straightforward, honest and cruelty-free. We always want to make sure that our footprints match this very motto. So when we needed cosmetic brushes for our mineral makeup line, we walked the talk and created a brush line that did not put even one animal in harm in the name of beauty,” said Sevi Kay, Founder and main formulator for Mundo Botanica.

The new Sevi cosmetic brush line is created with 100% Taklon fibers that offer the perfect combination of softness and delivery. Each brush was designed to pick up color well and deliver a smooth makeup application.

Continue reading Hot Off the Press: Vegan Beauty Line Unveils Cruelty-Free Makeup Brushes.

North Bergen, NJ (PRWEB) April 22, 2006 -- Just as Whole Foods is a leader in providing natural and organic products; the inky Loves Nature brand is also a leader, paving the way in beauty products targeting African American skin and hair, with vegan, organic and community traded ingredients, pushing a positive "Black is beautiful" aesthetic and shaking up the status quo.

Inky screams out to the culture craving "brown skinned beauty", "the vegan", "the organic head" or the conscious consumer with funky-fresh style. Inspiring self-love and a holistic mind.

UK native Leesah B, a long time vegan, animal lover and environmentalist launched the brand in the summer of 2005. Making indulgent goodies that are exclusively vegan (certified), free from parabens and formaldehyde donors and made with over 70% organically grown ingredients. Consciously crafted using community traded and traditionally extracted butters and oils, biodynamic herbs and plant-based ingredients. A unique collection of customized aromas, concentrated formulas and unusual textures.

The addiction to these decadent treats just continues to grow. Everyone of every color, everywhere is feverishly embracing inky goodness.

Visit inkylovesnature.com or a Whole Foods market near you and ask for inky!