Homeopathic clothing: Fad or fab?
We all know that wearing stylish clothes can make us feel more confident and attractive. But what if our clothes could actually make us physically better?
Coming Clean About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) has received a lot of bad press over the last few years due to its widespread use as a surfactant, or cleansing agent, in personal and household products, as well as for its tendency to be corrosive to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
Make-up That’s Good for Your Skin!
Glowing, luminescent, healthy skin is the face of beauty in 2006. More and more of us are breathing a sigh of relief as we say good-bye to the traditional make-up routine of pasty matte powder and heavy foundations. However, few of us are blessed with perfect skin from the get-go and need some help in achieving that rosy-cheeked, nature girl look.
ZENMED: Treating Problem Skin Naturally
Do you have problem skin? Have you tried many different products promising you blemish-free skin? Chances are they didn’t work, leaving your skin sore, irritated or dry. ZENMED is a natural cosmetics company based in Colorado specializing in products for problem skin that work from the inside out.
Celebrity Beauty Booty
Natural and organic skincare has shaken off its homespun image. Replacing the odd-smelling concoctions are luxurious products the stars can’t get enough of.
Safe, Natural Nail Polish: Is it Possible?
We all know that nail polish smells awful, and most of us have assumed that those fumes are not good for our health — but what exactly are those smelly chemicals and what are the specific dangers to human health? Is there a polish out there that is completely and unquestionably safe?
What Do “Natural” and “Organic” Really Mean?
Natural and organic food and beverages have finally made their way into the collective consciousness of mainstream America, and those all-important words — “natural” and “organic” — are spilling into the cosmetics and personal care products arena as well.
Hot Trend: Nantucket Natural Oils
What do Madonna, rock singer Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and actress Kate Bosworth all have in common? According to the press, they’ve all been raving about a company called Nantucket Natural Oils. Specializing in natural perfume and cologne, Nantucket Natural Oils features hundreds of different designer and specialty fragrances.
Weleda: Beauty in Harmony With Nature
“All-natural” beauty product lines are big business these days, but many so-called “natural” products are filled with chemicals, dyes, petroleum products and other undesirable ingredients. Cosmetic companies of all stripes claim to offer “natural” products — but obviously, not all are being completely truthful.
Men: The Delicate Gender (Their Skin, At Least)
It’s a fact. Men’s skin is more delicate than women’s. The daily shaving ritual aggravates the skin, destroying the hydrolytic film on the skin’s surface, thereby increasing dryness and reducing the skin’s natural protection. What’s more, men — especially outdoor men — tend to expose their skin to a torturous array of damaging conditions including sun, wind, water, salt, building products, chemicals, cuts, scratches and grazes.
Soapmaking For Fun
You see these people at fairs of all sorts: smiling, hopeful people with handcrafted wares to sell. I remember a Christmas fair in Crockett, Texas. The whole downtown (don’t blink, or you’ll miss it) was solid with crafters. Beautiful, stay-on-the-shelf bears in moiré satin, toilet paper dispensers that took the shape of wide-mouthed frogs, and the thing my husband shoved money in my hand for and said, “Just keep walking straight and you’ll know”: a cake stand in the shape of strawberry shortcake. I didn’t make a buck that day, but I made my mind up not to get discouraged.
A Cure for What Oils You
Once you have an idea what you want to do with your soaps, you can get even more creative. Make a batch of soap; divide it into two or more sub-batches. Add complementary colors and/or scents to each. Pour them in the same mold, then swirl! Or make some opaque soap and some transparent soap. Cut the transparent soap into small cubes and add them to the opaque soap. Once you get the hang of soapmaking, you can have tremendous fun. If you get to be like me (heaven forbid!), you’ll have a stash of soaps on hand, ready to mix and match or toss in a gift basket. It’s gratifying to know what is in the shampoo or body soap you’re using, because you made it.
The Nuts and Bolts of Soapmaking
All soapmaking starts out the same: an alkali mixed with water and a base, which results in a salt. But once the two are mixed, where you go after that is up to you. See my previous article for an introduction to basic ingredients and recipes.
Why You Should Go No ‘Poo
Almost three months ago, I was introduced to the idea of no longer using shampoo. I was intrigued. After looking into it somewhat, I figured I didn’t have anything to lose. So I picked up some baking soda and apple cider vinegar and then took the plunge. I love the results! There was an adjustment period where I had to play around with the measurements a bit but I finally got the hang of it. I have straight-as-a-board, baby-fine hair that has never held a “do.” After “no ‘poo,” I don’t even have to use styling products. I just blow dry and go; my hair now keeps any style. It’s awesome!
Black Tea Natural Remedy & Beauty Tips
Most of us know all about the health benefits and pleasures of drinking black tea. What you may not know is that tea is also a fabulous beauty aid. When applied to skin, black tea’s strong antioxidants, along with vitamins E and C, fight the free radicals that can cause premature aging. And tea is also an astringent that will help with puffy eyes and blemishes as well as toning lips, perking up the complexion, highlighting hair and making your feet smell sweet. Its tannins are great at soothing sunburns.
Intoxicate Your Skin With Moisture from the Soap Lounge
Whether you’re looking for a special gift, a fun theme party idea or just the right products to pamper your own skin, chances are you’ll find the perfect fit at The Soap Lounge. All products are hand crafted with high quality ingredients and no harsh chemicals.
Natural Care for Varicose Veins
Our circulatory system is made up of a complex web of arteries and veins. Our arteries carry oxygen rich blood to the cells of our bodies, while the veins are designed to pump oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. This is accomplished through a series of one-way valves that do not allow blood to flow backwards into the vein.
Treating Acne with Homeopathy
You could do like the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and spray something on it, but there’s that annoying ammonia smell that squelches all serious emotions.
The Skinny on Skin - Sun Protection
It’s easy to protect your skin from the sun naturally. There are a number of natural ingredients that offer some sun protection.
Eating to Cure Your Eczema
But while it’s true that food allergies can trigger eczema flare-ups, eliminating allergenic foods doesn’t address the root of the problem.
The ABCs of Treating Your Kid’s Excema
Eczema is a common, recurring skin condition characterized by a dry, flaky, itchy rash, which can affect different parts of the body. Its appearance may vary depending on its severity and topical location. Another commonly used term for this condition is atopic dermatitis.
Ease Those Bug Bites with Easy Herbs
Summertime means insect bites and stings. Ouch! Take a leaf from Susun S. Weed's storehouse of natural remedies: Soothe, heal and prevent bites with safe herbal remedies that grow right where you live: north or south, east or west, city or country. The best natural remedies for insect bites are right underfoot.
Do-it-Yourself Natural Beauty Homemade Gifts
I must say that I cannot stand to go to the mall during the holiday season -- the parking, the crowds, the prices ... So I like to make and have on hand a selection of quick and easy natural gifts I can give for whatever occasion comes up. And with adult supervision, I think it is fair to say that these projects can be made safely with children, too.
How to Make Lip Balm - Natural Lip Balm
Make your own natural lip balm in any shade you desire from pink to red.
Make Your Own Bubble Bath
Wouldn't it be nice to relax into a bubble bath that you'd created? Indulge yourself and make your own bubble bath that's simple and fun. It can make wonderful gifts for friends and loved ones for the holidays or other special occasions.
Foaming Chocolate Milk Bath Sachets
Enjoy a relaxing, aromatic moment to yourself after making sachets with this milk bath recipe. These also make wonderful family projects and homemade holiday gifts.
Making Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are more economical in the long run, but the initial investment can be a real obstacle for some families. Here are a few tips on getting started without breaking the bank.
Making Cloth Wipes
So you'd like to use cloth wipes? You could buy them, but why not make them yourself out of that stack of 425 receiving blankets you got at the baby shower?
Homemade Luxury Bath Products
If you like the beautiful designer bath products you see in the trendy department stores but you don't want to fork out the big bucks for them, then why not try making your own?
Make your own Toothpaste
10 Uses For Essential Oils In Your Home
When guests first enter your home, the first thing that greets them is the aroma. Essential oils may often be used to create a homely atmosphere within the home.
Question:
What essential oils would you recommend for someone who is new to natural body care?
Question:
I keep hearing about cloth menstrual pads, and it sounds like a great idea – I think! What’s the scoop?
Resources:
Natural Bath & Body
Natural Butters
Natural Clays
Natural Facial Care
Natural Hair Care
Natural Salves & Balms