I’ve been using Eufora products for about 2 weeks now and I think that is enough time to have developed a very strong opinion of them. One of the things that sets Eufora hair products apart (and above) other hair care lines is that they use certified organic Aloe Vera, instead of water, as the base.

Known as the miracle plant, aloe is rich in over 200 biologically active substances, including 75 nutrients, 20 minerals and 12 vitamins.  Aloe contains elements that are essential to cellular healing, renewal and growth.  Aloe also delivers amazing antibacterial, anti-viral and antiseptic properties. It is a naturally effective solution to help alleviate the symptoms caused by skin and scalp conditions such as acne, dandruff and seborrhea.

Here’s what I’ve been using………

Pure Cleanse Shampoo has a nice herbal scent. I found that it cleanses gently, without drying out the ends of my long hair.

Urgent Repair Replenishing Treatment can be used for both a deep conditioning or an everyday moisturizing treatment. It all depends on the amount of time you want to leave it on. So far, I’ve only used it for a 3 minute conditioner. It has a mint scent and when it’s on your head, there’s a cooling effect on your scalp. I loved this stuff.

Smooth Straightening Balm is a gel that you apply after shampoo. I’m not much of a hair straightener. I have long hair and it’s wavy, fairly curly underneath. I have a hot head and no matter how much smoothing I do, my hair ends up wavy by the end of the day. I do, however, like to blow dry and then smooth my waves with a curling iron or large rollers. I like that this product felt light on my hair and it did cut down on frizz.

Elevate Finishing Spray is an all-purpose hairspray. I used to use a lot of hairspray, but as I’ve let my hair grow out (and left the 80s even further behind) I’ve dropped my hairspray habit. Hairspray has changed a lot since then. This spray has a softer scent and a less stiff hold. I liked that I could come my hair with it in there. I still won’t use hairspray much, but if I do, I will use this. It’s designed to help protect chemically treated hair and it helps the hair to resist fading.

Illuminate Shine Mist, I think it’s the biggest treasure of the whole set. I misted my hair lightly and wow, did it ever shine. My friend at work, she said, “Ooh, I love your new haircolor.”  Well, I didn’t have a new haircolor – my hair was so shiny and healthy looking that she assumed I had just come from the salon. The Illuminate Shine Mist is non-greasy, just leaves a beautiful sheen on your hair.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Infusing grapefruit into your diet, along with following a balanced lifestyle can keep you looking lovely:

· Watch your waistline.

If you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight, consume fruits and vegetables with high water content, like grapefruit to feel satisfied. One-half of a Florida grapefruit is fat-free and contains 60 calories. Grapefruit juice is fat-free and has fewer calories than most fruit juices at less than 100 calories per 8-ounce glass.

· Great for glowing skin.

Studies have shown the natural vitamin C found in fresh grapefruit and grapefruit juice is essential for collagen production. With more than 100 percent of the recommended Daily Value of vitamin C in each serving of fresh grapefruit or 100 percent grapefruit juice, regular consumption can contribute to a radiant glow.

o Fountain of youth.

Collagen breakdown in the skin can lead to the formation of wrinkles. The natural vitamin C in fresh grapefruit and 100 percent grapefruit juice supports collagen production to fight signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles.

o Ease seasonal skin woes.

The vitamin C in fresh grapefruit and grapefruit juice can actually protect your skin from sun and wind burn. The nutrient is essential for collagen production, which promotes smooth, supple skin tone. To recharge after a day outside, add a few cups of 100 percent grapefruit juice to your bathwater to smooth skin.

· Marvelous mani’s and pedi’s.

The natural ascorbic acids in grapefruit help to exfoliate and smooth skin on hands and feet. Sweeten your next at-home manicure and pedicure by soaking hands and feet in a mixture of warm water and 1 cup grapefruit juice to soften cuticles, calluses and heels. Jennifer Iserloh also recommends rubbing fingers with a slice of grapefruit dipped in sugar to brighten nails.

· Sassy smile.

Gum health is essential for a bright smile and strong teeth. Grapefruit is loaded with vitamin C, which keeps teeth healthy by strengthening gum tissue by protecting against gum disease.

· Healthy hair and scalp.

Grapefruit extract has been shown to help fight dandruff by moisturizing the scalp. Mix ¼ cup of your usual conditioner with grapefruit juice to add extra sheen and softness to your locks.

Grapefruit Salt Scrub

Salt scrubs mixed with fragrant oil exfoliates and moisturizes at the same time! My version can be quite inexpensive compared to some store bought brands, though it is just as fragrant and keeps in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Makes 1 1/2 cups
Ingredients

1/2 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon grapefruit zest, yellow or pink
1 cup almond or sesame oil

Directions
Stir all ingredients together and store in an air-tight container. Use all over body but not on the face or freshly shaven legs, ouch!

Image: Florida Grapefruit

Post from: Pretty by Nature

I am a huge fan of weekly deep conditioning treatments for your hair. I’ve used masks and oils and I find that the oils are especially good for when it’s cold outside and dry and warm inside. This month’s Lucky magazine has a little blurb about Wen’s Cucumber Aloe Hair and Body oil. I actually tried his hair and body oil out last year (the Sweet Almond Mint) and I absolutely loved it. It’s basically just jojoba oil and essential oils which you could obviously do yourself and stick it in a pretty glass bottle. You can get those bottles with a dropper at any craft store and voila your own little potion. I’m lazy though and sometimes I just like to buy something already made to make me feel better. Planet killer that I am.

The best way to use it I have found is to apply it in sections to dry hair and comb through with a wide tooth comb. I usually then cover my head with a shower cap and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Then apply a little bit of your shampoo to your dry hair. Add a little water if you need to get it going and then rinse and condition as usual. My hair is so excessively swingy, shiny and soft after one of these treatments. It’s also great to combat winter hat hair if you run just the teeniest, tiniest bit of it through your hair before you put your hat on. The really great thing about it is that you can use it as a body and bath oil as well so it’s a much better bang for your buck.

Via Chaz Dean

Post from: Pretty by Nature

I’ve been trying to replicate it and I think I have come pretty close to the results if not the wonderful smell and sexiness of the salon version. I mix a few teaspoons of olive oil with maybe a few tablespoons of canola oil and 2 tablespoons of honey. Heat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds and them apply to your hair and comb through. Cover your head with a shower cap and then wrap a warm towel around your head. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes. Heck I think even and hour would be okay. Then shampoo and condition as usual. Once every month should do the trick. And heck, what did that cost you there, nothing at all.

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Via Etsy

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Via Anita Grant

Post from: Pretty by Nature

I’m sure you’ve all been watching the Olympics, I’m sure of it. Have you noticed the little bottles of honey at the women’s gymnastics events? It’s for coating their hands for the uneven bars. Honey can bring the world together, no? Okay no but you can do a lot with it. The best hair treatment I have found in a long time is to use about a half cup of honey mixed with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Adjust the amounts until it’s easy to work with and then coat your hair with it. Comb it through with a wide tooth comb, cover with a shower cap and let sit for approx. 30 minutes. Now okay seriously be careful here. If you get it all over the bathroom you will be kicking yourself when it’s teeming with ants tomorrow. I recommend applying it while standing in the shower. That way you can at least wash it down.

Shampoo, condition and style as normal after that. It should make your hair super soft and shiny. I swear it works. It smells better than mayonnaise but works just as well. Make sure you get it all out though or again, problems. Now I am going to watch the women’s all-around competition and I hope you do the same. You can condition your hair while you watch it even. Go Nastia!

Via igourmet

Post from: Pretty by Nature

For instance, their Top Five DIY Eco Hair Conditioners.

Some of these ideas have graced the digital pages of this very blog before, such as using olive oil, henna or tea. But there’s also a couple brandy-new ones, like cider vinegar or rosemary oil.

Enjoy! You can thank me later.

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Via Specialty Bottle

Post from: Pretty by Nature

I love all things coconut. It comes in second only to my love of vanilla. It’s actually a family thing. My husband ended up in the emergency room with a handful of stitches one night all because he just had to have a fresh coconut. The real thing has been banned since. I did get to rip out carefully remove the stitches myself which was AWESOME. It was like a Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman moment finally come to fruition. Have I shared too much?

Anyway loving all things coconut I purchased coconut oil a while back figuring I could use it for cooking. It was simply horrible. Gagworthy. Vomitous. I stared at the jar through angry tears like I was a betrayed lover. HOWEVER, I have since discovered that really it was the brand I chose and not the coconut oil itself. I got a different brand eventually and it is actually quite tasty. I couldn’t bring myself to throw out the first jar so I have been just glaring at it reproachfully every time I open the cupboard. Well Crunchy Chicken saved that little jar’s life today since I ran across the other great uses for your hair and body. Check out what she has to say about it here. I will definitely be trying it out on my hair. I am all about the hair mask thingy. I believe in it whole heartedly. Has anyone tried it as a body moisturizer before? I would think it would be quite lux and make your skin silky. Then you could walk around smelling like you just got back from St. Tropez. I would probably smell like coconut oil on someone who hasn’t showered in a day despite the oppressive heat. Like a piña colada with sweaty funk. The truth hurts.

Via Drugstore.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature