Ciao (for now)!
July 6, 2014
Ecochicify is moving!
Sorry for my hiatus, but I've been super busy traveling and working on my new blog.That's right, Ecochicify is moving adressses-web adresses that is. Unfortunately, I'll be absent for awhile while this change occurs. But, you can still stay updated with me on Pinterest.
April 3, 2014
Spring Cleaning
3 Easy Steps To Being More Organized
OUT WITH THE OLD
Get rid of everything you don't need. That includes unwanted clothes that end up at the back of your closet, loose papers from years ago, and anything else you really have no use for. Ask yourself honestly, "How much have you used this, how much do you use this, and how much will you use this."
HAVE A SYSTEM, AND FOLLOW IT
Whether your organize by alphabet, size, shape, or the Dewey System, you should try to find a way that works for you. Everything should have a place to go. That's my mother's mantra, words to live by when it comes to organizing.
BREAK IT DOWN
Instead of looking at as one monster to-do sheet, break it up into smaller lists with breaks in between. This will make it a lot easier and you'll be surprised how much you can get done.
Closet Clean
COLOR CODE
This is a fun, visual way to easily find what you're looking for.
ON A ROLL
Try rolling your lightweight clothes instead of folding. It's space-efficient, wrinkle resistant, and super easy.
JUST HANGIN'
Buy accessories hangers, or make your own. No more tangled jewelry!
OUT WITH THE OLD
Get rid of everything you don't need. That includes unwanted clothes that end up at the back of your closet, loose papers from years ago, and anything else you really have no use for. Ask yourself honestly, "How much have you used this, how much do you use this, and how much will you use this."
HAVE A SYSTEM, AND FOLLOW IT
Whether your organize by alphabet, size, shape, or the Dewey System, you should try to find a way that works for you. Everything should have a place to go. That's my mother's mantra, words to live by when it comes to organizing.
BREAK IT DOWN
Instead of looking at as one monster to-do sheet, break it up into smaller lists with breaks in between. This will make it a lot easier and you'll be surprised how much you can get done.
Closet Clean
COLOR CODE
This is a fun, visual way to easily find what you're looking for.
ON A ROLL
Try rolling your lightweight clothes instead of folding. It's space-efficient, wrinkle resistant, and super easy.
JUST HANGIN'
Buy accessories hangers, or make your own. No more tangled jewelry!
March 31, 2014
March Loves
Hey everybody! So today it's time to March into April (excuse the pun). Today's post I'll be showing you what I've been loving for the month of March. These products have all been ones I've been testing out and are becoming my Spring Essentials.
BEAUTY
Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Fruit & Seed Oil Blend
Photo Credit: Spirit Beauty Lounge
DIY Sugar & Honey Mask
Super simple and effective, great for a smooth, clear complexion. I use this once a week or when my skin needs some TLC.
Vapour Organic Beauty Mezmerize Eyeliner
Pricey little pencil liner, but natural and goes on smooth. I love making winged out liner looks or smudging it out for a smokey eye.
MUSIC
"Happy"-Pharrel Williams
All in the name.
"All Of Me"-John Legend
Such a melancholy melody.
"Brave"-Sara Bareilles
Such a fan of her. She's got such a smooth, versatile voice and a natural affinity towards music. Plus, this song has a good beat and an even better message.
BEAUTY
Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Fruit & Seed Oil Blend
Photo Credit: Spirit Beauty Lounge
This little beauty has helped me tremendously with acne scarring and sun damage. Its also loaded with essential fatty acids.
DIY Sugar & Honey Mask
Super simple and effective, great for a smooth, clear complexion. I use this once a week or when my skin needs some TLC.
Vapour Organic Beauty Mezmerize Eyeliner
Pricey little pencil liner, but natural and goes on smooth. I love making winged out liner looks or smudging it out for a smokey eye.
MUSIC
"Happy"-Pharrel Williams
All in the name.
"All Of Me"-John Legend
Such a melancholy melody.
"Brave"-Sara Bareilles
Such a fan of her. She's got such a smooth, versatile voice and a natural affinity towards music. Plus, this song has a good beat and an even better message.
March 22, 2014
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum Review
Juice Beauty says:
Reduce blemishes, unclog pores, and even skin tone with this powerful serum packed with organic fruit acids and willow bark that contains natural salicylic acid; while CoQ10, Vitamin C and organic aloe renew the skin for a healthy, clear complexion.
Today I'll be reviewing the Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum. I wanted to wait until the very last drop was done before doing this post. I started using this product three months ago and now, here is my review.
First Impression: It was a thin, clear liquid with a subtle, almost sweet fruity scent. Not unpleasant and barely noticeable. It seemed slightly sticky at first, but when I smoothed it over my face it absorbed quickly. I would say I used 1-2 drops of it for my entire face, mainly focusing on problem areas like my forehead.
While the blemishes do seem smaller and less irratated, I want to see if they will completely disappear at the promised two week mark. This serum is also loaded with tons of antioxidants, which I'm hoping will help deal with hyperpigmentation issues. I usually apply it after cleansing and toning. Even though it instructs you to use it AM and PM, I only apply it at night because that is the time your skin is regenerating.
Final Thoughts: I think this product works fairly well, but is a little on the pricier side. I feel my skin has greatly improved and I definitely have fewer blemishes. Though the acne is not completely gone, it has considerably diminished. Overall, I am satisfied with the results and would repurchase. Maybe if I used the whole Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Collection, my acne would fully heal. (I like how they describe it as healing instead of something harsher.)
This product would be good for someone looking for a good, natural acne product and is wiling to pay a little more.
Stay Eco-chic!
March 21, 2014
A Spring To My Step
So lately I've been into puns (maybe it's from watching Mr. Peabody & Sherman, comment down below if you liked the movie) and this post is no exception. Whenever Spring comes around, I always feel this new energy. I want to try something different, be adventurous, and walk with a spring in my step. In honor of Spring, I'm going to be doing a series all about my Spring Cleaning advice for your house, skin, makeup, and life. So expect some exciting new posts coming up!
P.S. Have you guys checked out my Google+ Giveaway? You could win a surprise eco-gift!
Stay Eco-Chic
P.S. Have you guys checked out my Google+ Giveaway? You could win a surprise eco-gift!
Stay Eco-Chic
March 16, 2014
What You Don't Know CAN Kill You
5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT CHEMICALS FOUND IN COSMETICS
1. Chemicals commonly found in cosmetics have been linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities, asthma, and other illnesses.
2. Just because a product says they are "natural" and "organic, doesn't mean they are. These terms have no legal definition. They call this greenwashing.
3. The Food and Drug Administration does not require all ingredients to be listed in a product. If the chemicals that are listed are toxic, how bad are the ones they don't list?
4. Since 1938, the FDA has banned only ten out of twelve thousand ingredients.
5. There are only 10 banned ingredients in the U.S., but more than 1,400 in Europe. If they are already skin smart in other countries, why not in America?
Stay Eco-Chic
1. Chemicals commonly found in cosmetics have been linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities, asthma, and other illnesses.
2. Just because a product says they are "natural" and "organic, doesn't mean they are. These terms have no legal definition. They call this greenwashing.
3. The Food and Drug Administration does not require all ingredients to be listed in a product. If the chemicals that are listed are toxic, how bad are the ones they don't list?
4. Since 1938, the FDA has banned only ten out of twelve thousand ingredients.
5. There are only 10 banned ingredients in the U.S., but more than 1,400 in Europe. If they are already skin smart in other countries, why not in America?
Stay Eco-Chic
March 15, 2014
Skin Smarts
Many consumers are not aware of the chemicals and dangers that lurk behind most cosmetic products. They either aren't aware or believe that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are regulating the products, but the truth is less than 20% of chemicals commonly found in cosmetics have been tested. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities, asthma, and other illnesses. All of these toxic ingredients are getting into us, we absorb 60% of what we put on our skin into the bloodstream.
So you might say, just buy products claiming they're "natural" and "organic". But, these terms have no legal definition. Just because they say they are good for you, doesn't mean they are. And nobody is stopping that from happening. Even with all the evidence that these chemicals are harmful, there are no laws against them. Since 1938, the FDA has banned only ten out of thousands of toxic ingredients.
Right now, you're probably wondering how you can find safe products if the cosmetic industry is filled with so many toxins and lies. But don't worry, this blog will act as a guide to help you find natural and effective products. Today I'm going to be explaining what chemicals are lurking in your conventional products, what damage they can cause, and how to be aware of what you are putting in your body.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Parabens
Use: man-made preservative
Risk: These chemicals are used in a variety of products such as cosmetics, lotions, creams, shampoos, and almost anything you can think of. They are known to be endocrine disruptors that interfere with glandular activity and hormone production. They can also lead to learning disorders and problems with the immune system.
Triclosan
Use: antibacterial/anti-fungal
Risk: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registers it as a pesticide, declaring it a high risk to both humans and the environment, and as a chlorophenol. This class of chemicals is suspected of causing cancer. It is known to disrupt hormones and can accumulate to toxic levels when stored in body fat.
Dienthanolamine (DEA)/Trienthanolamine (TEA)/Monoethanolomine (MEA)
Use: emulsifers/surfacants
Risk: These hormone-disrupting chemicals are carcinogens and can form cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines.
Propylene Glycol/Butylene Glycol
Use: humectant/surfacant/anti-fungal
Risk: They can easily penetrate the skin and weaken protein and cellular structures. They can cause abnormalities in the brain, liver, and kidneys. Propylene glycol especially is toxic. It has to be disposed by burying it in the ground and is strong enough to remove barnacles off of a boat.
Petrolatum/Mineral Oil/Petroleum/Polyethylene Glycol
Use: lubricant/thickener
Risk: These carcinogenic chemicals have been linked to allergic reactions, promoting acne and premature aging, and clogs pores. It also interferes with the skin's ability to eliminate and resist toxin. Plus, would you really want same chemical used to put gas in your car also used on your face?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Use: surfacant
Risk: This chemical is known to alter the skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin. Animals exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, diarrhea, skin irritation, and even death. It can also be transformed into carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Diazolidinyl Urea
Use: preservative
Risk: It releases formaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation, asthma, trigger heart palpitations, depression, headaches, chest pains, chronic fatigue, loss of sleep, ear infections, joint pains, and many other significant health problems.
So how can you avoid these toxic chemicals and more? Look at the label and do your research. If you don't recognize an ingredient, look up what it does, how it affects you, and any health concerns with it.
Stay Eco-chic
So you might say, just buy products claiming they're "natural" and "organic". But, these terms have no legal definition. Just because they say they are good for you, doesn't mean they are. And nobody is stopping that from happening. Even with all the evidence that these chemicals are harmful, there are no laws against them. Since 1938, the FDA has banned only ten out of thousands of toxic ingredients.
Right now, you're probably wondering how you can find safe products if the cosmetic industry is filled with so many toxins and lies. But don't worry, this blog will act as a guide to help you find natural and effective products. Today I'm going to be explaining what chemicals are lurking in your conventional products, what damage they can cause, and how to be aware of what you are putting in your body.
INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Parabens
Use: man-made preservative
Risk: These chemicals are used in a variety of products such as cosmetics, lotions, creams, shampoos, and almost anything you can think of. They are known to be endocrine disruptors that interfere with glandular activity and hormone production. They can also lead to learning disorders and problems with the immune system.
Triclosan
Use: antibacterial/anti-fungal
Risk: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registers it as a pesticide, declaring it a high risk to both humans and the environment, and as a chlorophenol. This class of chemicals is suspected of causing cancer. It is known to disrupt hormones and can accumulate to toxic levels when stored in body fat.
Dienthanolamine (DEA)/Trienthanolamine (TEA)/Monoethanolomine (MEA)
Use: emulsifers/surfacants
Risk: These hormone-disrupting chemicals are carcinogens and can form cancer-causing nitrates and nitrosamines.
Propylene Glycol/Butylene Glycol
Use: humectant/surfacant/anti-fungal
Risk: They can easily penetrate the skin and weaken protein and cellular structures. They can cause abnormalities in the brain, liver, and kidneys. Propylene glycol especially is toxic. It has to be disposed by burying it in the ground and is strong enough to remove barnacles off of a boat.
Petrolatum/Mineral Oil/Petroleum/Polyethylene Glycol
Use: lubricant/thickener
Risk: These carcinogenic chemicals have been linked to allergic reactions, promoting acne and premature aging, and clogs pores. It also interferes with the skin's ability to eliminate and resist toxin. Plus, would you really want same chemical used to put gas in your car also used on your face?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)/Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Use: surfacant
Risk: This chemical is known to alter the skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin. Animals exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, diarrhea, skin irritation, and even death. It can also be transformed into carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Diazolidinyl Urea
Use: preservative
Risk: It releases formaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation, asthma, trigger heart palpitations, depression, headaches, chest pains, chronic fatigue, loss of sleep, ear infections, joint pains, and many other significant health problems.
So how can you avoid these toxic chemicals and more? Look at the label and do your research. If you don't recognize an ingredient, look up what it does, how it affects you, and any health concerns with it.
Stay Eco-chic
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