Natural Beauty: Non-Toxic Nail Polish

As my journey continues to explore natural beauty products and avoid toxic beauty ingredients... the next thing I'm looking into is nail polish!!!

I hardly ever wear it, but I still like to use it from time to time to match my crystal gem rings (I am obsessed with crystal healing these days lol!) - deep purples, gold and black being a favourite... so naturally, I felt that I had to explore the natural options out there.

The 3 big toxic ingredients in nail polish are:
~ Toulene
~ Formaldehyde
~ Dibutyl Phthalate

It's so important to be aware of their dangers... so many beauty blogs and magazines promote products without even mentioning the hidden ingredients that can build up over time.

Great article to read:

Is organic nail polish really an option?

Great video exlaining the toxic ingredients...

OK, now for the good news... there are some lovely brands out there that do offer a wide spectrum of colours to choose for your non-toxic nail polish... here are a list of brands and their descriptions. 

Zoya nail polish is now my new best beauty buy! There is a HUGE choice of gorgeous colours and you can also order a colour spoon (see video on website) to really see if it's the right colour for you! Or like me, I just google'd "Zoya swatches" images to see examples of the colours I was interested in.

Free from: Formaldeyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate, Camphor and Vegan Friendly.

I'm loving the Winter 2010 collection...

Gorgeous!

Products I LOVE: Dr Organic Range

My Top 3 choice from this range of Dr Organic natural products:


Organic Manuka Honey Body Butter 200ml

A luxurious, deeply hydrating natural butter containing a delicate blend of Organic Manuka Honey, Aloe Vera, Shea butter, Jojoba oil, Sunflower oil and Vitamin E. This light textured butter, which is easily absorbed, restores and nourishes dry skin areas; it brings silky softness to the skin by attracting and retaining moisture and gives it a supple softer, firmer, younger looking feel. It helps improve elasticity and promotes a healthier skin tone and smooth natural glow.

Organic Aloe Vera Conditioner 250ml

A soothing conditioner suitable for all hair types formulated with Organic Aloe Vera, Shea butter, Hydrolyzed milk protein, Panthenol, Sunflower oil and Vitamin E. This incredibly effective formulation gently reinforces the hair’s natural condition by coating and penetrating the external cellular keratin fibre of each follicle, allowing the Aloe Vera complex to soothe, nourish and moisturize the condition of the hair leaving it soft, shiny and protected from the damaging effects of the sun.

Organic Vitamin E Lip Balm 5.7ml

A rich soothing, protecting and moisturising balm, designed to hydrate dry lips. It combines the hydrating properties of Organic Vitamin E with the nourishing and emollient properties of Shea butter and Beeswax. It restores the natural moisture content of the skin leaving the lips noticeably supple and beautifully hydrated. This moisturising lip balm also provides SPF 15 protection from the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays.

UK Shopping: Some Yummy Body/Hair Treats!

Here are a few products that are bound to fight off the last of the Winter blues... getting you ready for Spring!

1. Raw Shea Butter Styling Souffle £6.99
"Our Raw Shea Butter Styling Soufflé is a carefully crafted blend of hair conditioners and strengtheners that delivers maximum control for exquisite styling and hold. This nourishing and restorative styling product contains African Shea Butter, Soy Milk, Vitamin E, Hemp Oil, and extracts from Frankincense and Myrrh, Blended with Aloe Gel and Jojoba Oil to condition and protect hair from styling damage."

2. Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles £10.95

"A rich and moisturizing styling cream for kinky curls and dreads, or highly textured hair. Style and define your curls or twist locs, while naturally hydrating. Perfect for finger twisting curls! Create defined curls, with maximum moisture and softness. Dries touchably soft and satiny, not sticky or greasy."

3. Sankofa Face Cream £12.00

"A rich face cream with pure unrefined Shea Butter, Carrot oil and Marula enhanced with the rejuvenating essential oil blend of Frankincense, Rose and Neroli."

4. Handmade Naturals African Black Soap Shampoo £ 6.65

"Our liquid black soap, which looks like melted chocolate, is made from African Black Soap produced in Togo (West Africa) in small batches by hand, using age-old traditional techniques, from pure virgin oils following fair trade and organic guidelines. The high percentage of shea butter (48%) is one of the unique features of this black soap. Additionally, African black soap has a very high natural glycerin content (usually removed from commercially produced soaps), which gives the soap its exceptional moisturising qualities.

UK Love: Zayunu by Design

@ ZayunubyDesign.com

This continues to be a firm favourite... GORGEOUS items from third-eye jewels to bangles and loc accessories!

Her work is truly inspiring and is guaranteed to add sunshine to any outfit or crowning glory head!

Links:

@ myspace

@ etsy

@ Flickr Gallery

@ Her blog

Check it out!

Product Focus: Blac Minerals For Womben Of Colour!

Natural Mineral Make-up For Womben Of Colour!

I have been avoiding make-up, rooting for natural beauty. But I must say that this line of products has caught my eye and works wonderfully!

So far, I have tried the foundations out with a nice sample pack to begin with - With Blac Minerals, I've found it to be very easy to use, with great service, fast shipping (even to the UK) and feels like I'm not wearing anything at all! A little goes a LONG way and you can choose the amount of coverage - I personally LOVE mixing a small amount with my moisturiser for a fuss-free application of a tinted moisturiser. It leaves my skin glowing and soft - without that cakey-want-to-wash-it-all-off-right-now feeling that I always got with other foundations/products. It feels light and works with my skin (type and colour).

I'm loving this line of products. It's a keeper (for me)!