Fall and Winter can be tough on the lips.  Chapped lips can be painful and they look terrible.  

Keeping your lips smooth is easy.  The trick it to use a two-step lip care program. First, exfoliate. Second, moisturize and protect.

I usually use a moistened washcloth or toothbrush (no toothpaste, just use water) and I massage the rough skin off gently.  I follow with a lip balm that contains a mixture of almond oil (to smooth) and wax (to protect). 

Sometimes, unfortunately, that is not enough. If you’ve reached that point, then try something like the Fern Lily Girls Pear Kiwi Pod Exfoliating Lip Scrub. It’s made with healthy vegan ingredients like Candelilla Wax, Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Sugar (for exfoliating), Olive Oil, Safflower Oil, Mowrah Butter, Flavor Oil, and Organic Kiwi Seeds (for exfoliating).

The lip scrub is easy to use. Apply a small dab, gently work across lip surface, then rinse. Follow with Fern Girl Lip Conditioner.

The lip conditioners are available in a variety of scents/flavors. If you have a hard time narrowing down a favorite, you can chose 3 to try here. They are made with a combination of moisturizing, protective, vegan ingredients and pure essential oils.

Image credit: Fern Lily Girls at Etsy

Have you tried the Caudalie line of natural products?  I was shopping at Sephora and I saw that they have a set of “must haves” in smaller sizes. It includes everything that you need to cleanse, tone, moisturize and care for your entire face, including eyelids and lips. It’s all packed into the cutest silver cosmetic bag. Great for a gift, to take when you travel, or just as a way to become familiar with the products.
The products contain ingredients that help protect against premature aging. Polyphenols like those in the grape seed are powerful antioxidants that shield the skin …read more

Where do you stand on the issue of faux fur? 
I was reading a column the other day where the author frowned on any use of faux fur. She felt that looking like you were wearing animal fur of any sort – even fake – was unsettling. I will admit that I am not a fan of certain types of faux fur.  I can’t explain exactly why, but wearing anything that is supposed to look like pony fur, for example, feels wrong to me personally. (Ponies? What’s next?  Faux puppy skin? Ick.).
Vegan, but not necessarily eco-friendly, faux fur is traditionally made …read more

The latest trend for nail color Fall and Winter 2009 is a matte look in a dark tones. Current colors in vogue include rich, dark plums and purples, dark browns, wines, navy, deep greens, and grays. If you are looking for more sparkle, try a metallic-look red, gold, or silver.
This year nails are worn a little longer and in a “squoval” shape. What is a “squoval”? It’s a square-ish nail with a rounded tip. It’s a more natural shape, it sort of mimics the tip of the finger. Go moderate in length to be most current – not too long, …read more

I’m a big fan of flip flops. I wear them much of the year, but when the weather turns cold, I need a little something more to keep my toes warm. For me, the natural progression is flip flop to ballet flat. It’s still a slip-on and it’s still on the casual side. Zoe&Zac has a line of inexpensive eco-chic shoes available at Payless shoe Source.  They’ve got both ballet flats and the ballet flat’s sportier cousin – the skimmer.

Dahlia Boucle Ballet Flat
$24.99
Available in a purple wool-blend boucle. The upper is made of faux suede and the inside is soft …read more

I’ve got a fresh bunch of dresses for you to take a look at. I love dresses. I love throwing one on and instantly feeling a little more feminine, a little dressed up. I am always looking for something new to add to my collection. The dresses below are made of ec0-friendly fabrics like Peace Silk or Lyocell.

Chitin Dress
By Linda Loudermilk
$725
This dress is an onyx-black eco-silk, also known as “peace silk” chemise. I love the layered look and high neckline. With it’s beautiful sheen and sophisticated design, this dress is the perfect choice for any occasion that calls for a little …read more

Origins is wishing you a “Happy Holidays” with a savings offer for their “friends and family.” Beginning today 11/14/09 and running through 11/19/09, you can save 25% off your online order or print out an in-store coupon. To redeem online, use the savings code NovFF.
When you visit the Origins website, don’t forget to enter their Wake Up & Win Sweepstakes.
The grand prize includes:
*A 3-month supply of Origins New GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff
(A $29.50 suggested retail value)
* A $250 Origins gift certificate
* The illy Francis Francis X7 espresso machine and case of illy espresso capsules
(A $500 suggested …read more

Have previous attempts to find a nature-based hair color left you with little or no choice in color or formula?  Advanced Cosmetics Technologies – ACT Naturals -  makes an all-natural permanent hair color that is a 100% plant-based color. It is free of Para-Phenylene Diamine, which is both an allergen and suspected carcinogen. The formula contains conditioning botanical extracts, it’s vegan, and uses “renewable and sustainable plant dyes,” that tint hair by bonding to it. It’s gentle and does not alter the natural pH balance in your hair. 
Traditional haircolor contains ingredients like ammonia or PPD, which can damage hair (or …read more

NOAH handbags are cruelty-free, made of vegan-friendly materials like canvas and Italian PVC. They are  easy to organize inside with 3 pockets which can be used for stashing phone, change, or your lipstick. There’s a clip for your keys and an inner zipper compartment. They are closed with a magnetic closure.
The Fall Collection includes beautiful appliqued bags. Each piece an artist statement. Below you can find a few that I thought were especially cute. If you find something that you like, then use offer code DEAL25 at checkout to receive 25% off of your purchase price.

Autumn Leaves
The Autumn Leaves bag …read more

Carol Alt is a long time proponent of a raw food lifestyle. She has written a couple of best-selling books on the subject; Eating In the Raw and The Raw 50.  She believes that by subjecting food to high temperatures, we destroy a lot of the vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants the food contains.
After much research, Alt found that the body absorbs 60% of what is placed upon the skin. She wanted to develop a healthier alternative to traditional skin care. RAW Essentials is the end result. The products are made with certified raw ingredients, they are vegan, and cruelty-free. They …read more