Lips and Cheeks - Suki Color's Pure Cream Stain

For a natural and healthy glow use Suki Color’s Pure Cream Stain on cheeks and lips. This fabulous 2 in 1 product contains organic ingredients such as jojoba oil, chamomile extract and organic and fair trade shea butter. Every girl will easily find her ideal colour as there are 7 flattering shades for every skin tone. I tried the Opal colour which gives lips a pearly sheen and makes cheeks shimmer with a flushed look. Definitely a must buy!

Special Offer at Naturisimo - £21.49 (reduced from £31.95)

Vegan Snacks by Pulsin'

Breaking news! I think I have found a way to enjoy chocolate without the guilt and even without dairy, gluten or soya these wonder products taste amazing! I have been trying to give up my milk chocolate dependency for awhile and Pulsin’s delectable discs are the perfect way for me to satisfy my craving for cacao.

Pulsin’ create their delicious morsels on UK premises using 100% renewable energy and their discs taste like healthy and natural treats churned out from the Amazon with exotic ingredients such as raw cacao, goji berries, guarana, ginseng and ashwagandha.
I’m officially hooked and love how there is a disc for every occasion. Try the Energy Bombs before a workout session, Goji Bursts for an antioxidant hit, Bliss Bombs for unwinding at the end of a hard day and to feel protein packed and just a wee bit Canadian there is Maple and Peanut Protein. I also hear there are Coffee Brownie and Protein S’port varieties that will only make it that much harder to choose a favourite.

Purchase at UK health food stores or visit Pulsin’ for further information.

'So Organic' Beauty Shop - Greenwich, London

There are many good reasons to visit Greenwich. You can see where time begins, naval ‘things’ or have some serious shopping time at So Organic.

This cute shop near the Greenwich Indoor Market offers organic and natural skincare and cosmetics from all the leading brands. Nvey Eco, Spiezia Organics, John Masters Organics, Sante and Trilogy are just some of the vast lines on offer that meet So Organic’s ingredient criteria of being free from: SLS, parabens, mineral oil / petroleum derivatives, propylene glycol and synthetic colours and fragrances.

This Greenwich gem offers a one stop shop either in-store or online, with homeware, baby and men’s products also available. So Organic earn more eco points too for operating a carbon neutral delivery service.

I particularly love how the shop has been designed according to Feng Shui principles. The chi definitely feels right as you wander around perusing the shelves of organic goodies.

So Organic – 7 Turnpin Lane, Greenwich, London, SE10 9JA.

Tibetan Recycled Paper Notebook

Are you an ethical girl who used to love buying pretty stationary? Me too! The good news is we don’t have to completely give up notebooks or settle for school style recycled stationary anymore because there are some lovely alternatives becoming available.

Here is the perfect notebook to use as your diary, travel journal or for jotting down all of your eco friendly ideas! This recycled notebook not only looks beautiful but it also helps the Tibetan community in Dharamsala, India. The Tibetan Welfare Office (TWO) is working to help the local community and environment in Dharamsala through initiatives such as recycling waste paper which will improve the environment, create employment opportunities and increase environmental awareness in the area.

For such a good cause and at affordable prices, you may want to pick up more than one notebook as there are other striking colours and designs on offer also.

Purchase Yellow Tibetan Recycled Paper Notebook online at Ethical Wares for £5.95
Learn more about the Tibetan Welfare Office (TWO)

Best Black Ethical Party Dresses - On Sale

Green Lashes has tracked down 5 beautiful LBDs to suit any girl, style and budget.

Ciel Keira Dress
The perfect LBD with attitude that can be dressed up or down. Love the luxe looking hemp and silk fabric. Size 10 only, hurry while stocks last!
Purchase online at Ciel - was £155, now £75

Annie Greenabelle Prom Dress
For a cute and flirty look, try this strapless organic black cotton dress with full pleated skirt. Pair with bubblegum coloured heels to complete the ultimate prom look.
On sale at Equa – was £92, now £70

Ciel Tallulah Dress
This dress is perfect for girls like me who feel the cold and need a LBD with sleeves. The Tallulah dress is casual yet stylish, made with organic hemp and organic silk. Personalise the look with your favourite long necklace, bracelets and stockings. Ciel is a member of Labour Behind the Label.
On sale at Adili – was £166, now £41.50

People Tree Silk Pod Dress
Calling all size 8s and 10s, rush over to People Tree’s website to buy this Audrey-esque dress made with raw silk. Technically not on sale, but a wise investment purchase that had to be included on this best of black dresses list. Made in Bangladesh to fair trade principles (IFAT – International Fair Trade Association).
Purchase online at People Tree - £146.81

Linda Loudermilk Floret Dress
How could you not have fun in this beautiful black dress, complete with playful black bow on the hemline. Fair trade, made in the USA with sustainable silk and azo free dyes, you better be quick to grab this sale bargain for US$177.50, reduced from US$355.

On sale at Eco Citizen

5 Ways to Use Organic Coconut Oil

1) Moisturiser
Do you want an ultra hydrating, organic, affordable moisturiser that smells like Tahiti in a jar? Organic coconut oil is perfect for moisturising the body (particularly dry skin) during winter. Use it also for a wonderful hand and foot moisturiser. I have tried many hand creams and coconut oil appears to literally reverse the signs of dry and ageing skin, almost having a Benjamin Button effect. Store at room temperature so you can easily scoop out the solidified oil which will quickly melt into skin when applied. A little goes a long way!

2) Hair
Apply to hair for a deep conditioning treatment (rinse with water first before shampooing out) or massage into scalp to treat dandruff.

3) Shaving
Why spend money on shaving gels and creams which are probably loaded with toxic ingredients? Organic coconut oil is the only ingredient in the jar and will intensely moisturise legs during and after shaving.

4) Eyes and Lips
Apply a small dollop to an organic cotton pad or muslin cloth and see eye makeup wipe off completely. It is gentle and makes the lashes look glossy. Also use as lipgloss!

5) Cooking
I initially bought coconut oil to make a raw vegan chocolate cake (courtesy of Raw Fairies) which was divine. You can also use the oil in Asian stir fries and baking.

For £3.95, I’ll be keeping one jar in the kitchen and another in the bathroom. The intoxicating reminder of Tahiti and Hawaii isn’t too bad either!

Buy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil online from Akamuti (fair trade, cold pressed and not bleached).

Buy Biona Organic Virgin Coconut Oil at Goodness Direct - £3.69 for 200ml or £6.89 for 400ml (unfiltered and unheated).

Borlind Natural Eye Liner Pencil

I get so excited when I find a green alternative to an ‘old’ make up favourite. This time I have found Borlind’s Natural Eye Liner Pencil to replace my Stila Convertible Eye Colour and the results are impressive. The liner applies remarkably well, making it super easy to apply a steady and neat line along the lashes. This is the only toxic free eye liner I have found that comes with the handy sponge applicator on one end which allows you to blend the liner for a softer more eye shadowy effect. Borlind, a revered German brand use lovely ingredients such as jojoba and mango seed oils and minerals provide the colour. I’m all about the brown liner at the moment for a more natural winter look, but it is also available in black and graphite grey.

Available online at Naturisimo for £7.34

Interview with Neon Collective founder, Clare Childs

There is a hot new vegan boutique online that all style savvy women must check out. Green Lashes interviewed Neon Collective founder, Clare Childs, former editor of BBC2 fashion show, ‘Mary Queen of Shops’ to learn more about her amazing product range and why vegan accessories are proving so popular amongst stars such as Leona Lewis and Natalie Portman.

How did your background lead you to create one of the UK’s first online vegan accessories boutiques (that is actually super stylish)?
I’ve been vegetarian all my life, and have always found it hard to source quality shoes and bags that aren’t made of leather. There was never a convenient one-stop shop, I always had to contact individual designers and get my high-heels from one place, my handbags from another, and my pumps from somewhere else. It was driving me crazy! Then I realised other women must be feeling just as frustrated – so armed with savings from my former life as a television editor, I created a vegan boutique that brings together cutting-edge designers from around the world for the first time. My aim is to make it easier for fashionistas to make the short-step to a leather-free wardrobe. And I haven’t looked back since!

Neon Collective stock beautiful shoes by the likes of Olsenhaus and Charmone, which rival any Louboutins or Jimmy Choos. However, what would you say to any non-vegetarians to convince them to cross over to the green side?
Our shoes and bags really do stand up to scrutiny from the fashion pack, not just in good looks, but in quality construction too. People are falling over themselves to shop more ethically – and leading the way are celebrity starlets Natalie Portman and Leona Lewis, who are both committed followers of vegan fashion (and big fans of Charmoné shoes which we stock). In the UK up to 35% of people now consider themselves as ‘meat – reducers’ so I would encourage anyone cutting down on animal products to choose a non-leather shoe.

Simply put, we’d all like to buy more ethically if we could. No-one sets out to buy a pair of heels with the explicit intent of also making animals suffer in the process. But that is exactly what happens by purchasing leather! The trouble is, the industry has been very clever in disassociating leather products from the pain and deplorable practices used in their manufacture, and before there hasn’t been much of an alternative. Brilliantly, new technology means high-quality microfibers can be constructed exactly like leather, making them breathable, lightweight, water-resistant and colorfast. With such a fantastic choice of ethical footwear now available at Neon Collective – you can stay en vogue after turning green!

There is growing public awareness surrounding the manufacturing processes behind many high street stores. Neon Collective only stock designers with ethical manufacturing practices, don’t you?
Yes, that’s right! Ethically sourcing our products is really important to us. To supply Neon Collective, designers must
fully meet our philosophy of responsible luxury: no animal-derived materials, no sweat-shop production and only the very highest in quality and design. Many brands have gone one step further by utilising techniques such as recycling and carbon offsetting. If you chose not to wear leather then you need to ask what materials are used to make the shoes? The fashion industry has long been structured for us to consume, throw-away, consume again - and not even consider what fabrics are used or who made them. However, people are starting to grasp the idea that our purchases have consequences, which gives me hope.

So that’s the hard hitting journalism out of the way, now let’s talk shoes and bags! I’m loving the Crusier bag from English Retreads. Can you tell us what else will be big this Spring?
I love the vintage rubber Crusier bag too - English Retreads have turned recycling into a bold fashion statement, making old lorry tires into gorgeous handbags! Top of my splurge list this season is the Sotero bag from vegan label Matt & Nat. With colour a big fashion story this summer, this hot magenta arm candy is totally on-trend and will see you through a day at the office to a night on the tiles. If you’ve got a special day looming this year, then get in the queue for the Saphire from the new Sui Generis collection (pictured). These super sexy skyscraper heels are rammed with eco features to make you weak at the knees. Made from organic hemp with patent trim and stunning jeweled detail, this luxurious court shoe is skillfully crafted by hand in the UK. They are utterly gorgeous and perfect for weddings.

For any woman starting to build her ethical wardrobe, what are the key items she should invest in?
I’d start off with the basics first – you can’t go wrong with a simple pair of black court shoes teamed with a glossy clutch. Check out the Mariposa in black patent faux leather with the Kala clutch from Matt & Nat. Simple, stylish and trans-seasonal.

Before we let you go, could you share a few of your vegetarian and eco discoveries with us?
I love bright nails and I’ve just discovered Nubar eco nail polish. It’s free from chemical nasties, is animal friendly, and will look stunning with the Matt & Nat hot summer collection of vegan handbags.

I’m a big fan of inhabitat.com and always look forward to their weekly newsletter full of sustainable technology and design - I’m saving up for the fiber optic wallpaper!

Favourite ethical fashion label or designer?
For me Stella McCartney is the queen of ethical fashion. She’s a real trailblazer and inspiration, designing stunning eco-collections year on year. I love her tailored trenches, ultra floaty florals and her passion for animal welfare. But her designs are expensive - a more affordable alternative is Edun or People Tree.

Favourite vegetarian or vegan restaurant?
Luckily for me I live in Brighton where I’m spoilt for fine veggie eateries: I love the veggie breakfast at Sanctuary Café on Brunswick Street, and for a special occasion Terre à Terre on East Street is the place to go. However, the best vegetarian restaurant in the world is Food for Friends in the Brighton Lanes. Simply delicious.

Best green tip for Green Lashes and Fashion readers?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The industry will never change unless we collectively make a stand. Resist the temptation to buy something simply because it’s cheap, as there’s a high chance someone in a developing nation will have been paid a pittance for their hard work. Ask the shop if they can guarantee their products are sweatshop free? If they don’t know – they don’t deserve your custom. If enough people make a stand they’ll be forced to change. And don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to keep totally up-to-date with what’s hot at Neon Collective.

Green Lashes and Fashion readers will receive a 10% discount when using the code, GLF10 at the Neon Collective checkout (valid from 22nd January).

Review - Carrot Butter Cleanser by The Organic Pharmacy

How to use: Scoop out pea size amount of balm with spatula provided, apply to face, remove with warm muslin cloth.

Feel on skin: Rich and nourishing

Scent: Natural fragance with menthol undertones

Skin types: All skin types

Results: Skin appears to have more of a glow

Value for money: Yes, because you need such a small amount and it lasts months

Who would like it? Women that like luxurious products with pure ingredients

How to clean muslin cloth: I thought it would be a pain cleaning the cloth after every use but a few drops of Dr Bronner’s soap cleans it well (then you can machine wash it weekly).

Would I buy it again? The price did seem a lot at first but now that I see how long it lasts and how good it is for my skin, I would definitely buy it again.
Score: 10/10

More about the Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter Cleanser
One application of the Organic Pharmacy’s Carrot Butter Cleanser and I immediately understood why it was a bestseller, award winner and celebrity favourite.

The nourishing ingredients of antioxidant packed carrots, moisturising shea butter and skin soothing lavender and chamomile combine to cleanse skin thoroughly yet gently. You only need a pea sized amount as it melts wonderfully onto dry skin before being washed off with a warm organic muslin cloth. When you see how much make up and city grime wipes off onto the cloth, you’ll either think, ‘darn, I wear a lot of makeup’ or ‘wow, this cleanser really does the job’.

This is a great first product to try from the Organic Pharmacy if you haven’t already sampled their luxurious products that are handmade in London and free from petrochemicals and artificial ingredients. I picked up this cleanser from their new Hampstead store where the staff are really helpful and friendly. I love having a new one stop shop for homeopathy, organic skincare, makeup and spa treatments.

Carrot Butter Cleanser – £29.95
Organic Cotton Muslin Cloth – £3.43

If you want to read about another supreme organic cleanser, read my review on Pai’s Rose and Camellia Cleanser.

Green Lashes Budget Cleanser Tip

To save some money you can wash your face with honey. Honey has anti-bacterial properties and works well as a cleanser. I thought it would be way too sticky but it wasn't and I was surprised at how easily it rubbed into the skin. Give it a try!

Project Runway's Green Episode

Actress and vegan, Natalie Portman will be guest judging Wednesday’s green themed episode of Project Runway on Sky1. Contestants must design a cocktail dress made from eco friendly fabrics chosen by their models.

Season 5 just started last week with a new bunch of designers oozing creativity and attitude. Start watching now to see which one can 'make it work' for mentor, Tim Gunn or which one can't make it work and unfortunately hears the words, 'auf Wiedersehen' from host / judge, Heidi Klum. Let’s see which designer wins the challenge and proves eco fashion is the way forward! Check it out tomorrow night, Wednesday – 21 January at 8pm on Sky1. (Image: Bravo TV)

Spiezia Organics Sale

Hurry over to Spiezia Organics website to grab a bargain at their ‘Big Purple Sale’. All the old Spiezia purple jars are being replaced with new style packaging, so their divine organic skincare line is being pottled into the last remaining jars at great discounted prices.

Now is the time to stock up on organic treats to nourish your skin this winter. The citrus scented Organic Body Oil was £21.55 and is now £13 and the rich Organic Hand Cream is now £10 reduced from £23.40. Organic baby products such as Baby Massage Oil and Nappy Salve are also majorly discounted.

This is your chance to familiarize yourself with Spiezia’s sublime product range which is handmade in Cornwall and certified organic by the Soil Association. Or if you already know and love them, what are you waiting for? Get your favourite Spiezia Organics’ products today while stocks last!

Soy Candles for an English High Tea

How sweet are these limited edition tea cup candles? Filled with fresh cut roses and soy wax, you can enjoy the beautiful rose fragrance and the fact they are environmentally friendly. Soy wax is non-toxic, biodegradable, made from renewable and sustainable resources and just to be even more king of the candle world, soy wax burns ‘up to 50%’ longer than paraffin wax. Corfe Candles’ vintage bone china tea cup comes with matching side plate and will ‘glow through the china as it burns down’ so you can savour the last drop of soy.

Corfe Candles hand make their gorgeous and inventive collection of candles in Dorset, always keeping the environment in mind. There are also Soy Scented Votives available in delicious fragrances such as Banana Nut Bread, Vanilla Hazelnut Mocha and Peppermint. I can’t wait to try the Mediterranean Fig or Orange Clove ones. These candles just may be the way to overindulge without going up a dress size!

Corfe Candles offer a bespoke design service and deliver internationally.

Vintage Soy Filled Teacup Candles - £25
Soy Scented Votives - £9.99

For more information visit Corfe Candles

Naam Vegetarian Restaurant, Vancouver

Next time you are in Vancouver, stop by the Naam restaurant for some heavenly vegetarian food in the beachy, hippy-esque area of Kitsilano. Winner of countless awards for a menu that is available 24/7 (except Christmas day), the Naam has something for everyone, vegetarian or not.

Grab some pancakes, granola or free-range eggs over easy for breakfast or for dinner choose from Mexican enchiladas, burritos, burgers or Asian stir-fries. My all time favourite meal had to be the ‘Maui-Maui Platter’ which featured the Maui burger with mushrooms, water chestnuts, pineapple, teriyaki sauce served with sesame fries, salad and miso gravy. I still dream about it to this day! Despite the large portions it is difficult to say no to the dessert menu which includes the ‘Shakti Cake’, a vegan chocolate carrot cake with hemp icing or try the wonderfully named, ‘Noh-Pie’ which has no eggs and no dairy but lots of yumminess in a banana date nut cream pie.

The Naam is the city’s ‘oldest natural foods restaurant’ and very popular with locals who love its relaxed vibe and live music. The garden patio is especially great during the summer. If you visit, have a ‘Maui Maui Platter’ for me and let me know what other dishes you enjoyed.

The Naam – 2724 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC.
Image: From Naam website.

Vegan Confectionery (because we eat candy too!)

If you are vegetarian, vegan, health conscious or just love hearing about new sweet treats that taste sublime, then have I found the goods for you! Biona Organic Tutti Frutti Jelly Bears are the answer to gelatin eschewing girls the world over (only carnauba wax is used in these little bears). The certified organic ingredients and fruitful flavours are tangy and burst happily about on the taste buds. They taste like the real thing to me (and I used to be quite the authority on candy back in the day when gelatin was too hard for me to give up).

Pop these chewy bears in your handbag for that 4pm sugar slump or take them to the movies so you feel just like all the other candy munchers. And if you have any kids in your life, decide whether to share these delicious treats with them at your own peril because they will love them.

I have yet to try other confectionery from Biona but they also offer organic tutti frutti wine gums, cola bottles, licorice bears and pineapple chews. If anyone has tried these or other vegan confectionery they love, do let me know!

Available for £1.94 at health food stores or online at Goodness Direct UK.

Vegan Bags with Va Va Voom by English Retreads

What do you do to save mountains of old tyres from winding up in a landfill? Turn them into impossibly cool black handbags and accessories if you are Heather English. She got the idea to create these unique bags made from reclaimed truck inner tubes while floating down Boulder Creek on an inner tube!

English Retreads was born and now eco conscious and style conscious girls have a great range of vegan bags and accessories to choose from, all with car themed names (forget the Birkin it’s now all about the Model T or Coupe). I love the Model T Tote Luxe with green apple coloured lining (very Green Lashes) as well as the sleek looking Crusier which is a perfect work bag (pictured above). I had also been looking everywhere for a vegan messenger style bag and have fallen big time for the Coupe bag (pictured below). English Retreads' coveted bags were given to the A-listers at Sundance and the Critics’ Choice Awards in LA last year as part of the celebrity gift bag swag.

English Retreads are definitely stylish and sustainable. The company ensures employees and the environment are their top priorities. Bags and accessories are made in Boulder, Colorado, 100% of the company’s carbon emissions are offset through Native Energy and they are also a member of Co-op America’s Green Business Network.

Pick up a bag here in the UK through online site, Neon Collective or visit English Retreads for more information about their accessory range which includes dog collars, mobile phone and ipod covers, belts and wallets.

Model T Tote Luxe – £94 at Neon Collective
Crusier Bag - £42 at Neon Collective
Model T Tote Classic - $129 Large at English Retreads
Coupe - $85 at English Retreads

Kaight - New York Eco Boutique

Next time you're in New York, be sure to visit Orchard Street to peruse the fabulous green fashion on offer at Kaight. This eco boutique offers cult labels such as Linda Loudermilk and Edun as well as other green faves such as Stewart + Brown, Loomstate and Lara Miller. You can find your perfect pair of Del Forte organic denim jeans or perhaps pick up a popular Ashley Watson bag made from recycled leather. From fashion and accessories to organic home wares, Kaight never compromise on style (this is New York after all) so green girls will look just as chic as other New Yorkers without having to compromise their conscientious lifestyles. Check out Kaight’s website too for online shopping and regularly updated articles and party news from the New York green scene.

Kaight: 83 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002.

Shop at http://www.kaightshop.com/. Kaight news - http://www.kaightnyc.com/

Ethical Evening Dresses - Perfect for any Red Carpet

Yesterday’s Golden Globes signaled the start of award season which means red carpet fashion watch has officially begun! Sadly, I did not spot any stars peering over their shoulders, draped in ethical dresses or organic fabrics, but the display of lavish dresses did inspire me to search for some green carpet worthy outfits myself.

I came across some great dresses by London designer, Julia Smith who appears to be the go-to-girl for the ultimate party dress. She has fashion and eco credibility (working with Alberta Ferretti and a fair trade project in Ghana no less). Julia’s collections are made from organic or sustainable materials certified by SKAL and the Soil Association and her ‘trade-fair’ philosophy ensures the design and manufacturing process is highly ethical and kept local, with her mainline collections being produced in the UK.

Angelina, Cameron or Kate would look stunning in the sophisticated black, ‘Silk Grace Dress’ made of hemp and silk with built in corset (pictured above). Brides to be might also like to know the Grace dress is available in cream!

For a youthful and edgy red carpet look, there is the Hilary Silk Hemp Couture Dress, available in either bronze or black. Great paired with black tights or sky scraper nude coloured heels to elongate the legs!

These dresses are obviously investment pieces but that fits with the ethos of many green girls who like to avoid buying disposable fashion and instead prefer to focus on purchasing clothing will a long closet life.

Black Silk Grace Dress available at the Natural Store for £720.
Bronze Hilary Silk Hemp Couture Dress available at Fashion-Conscience for £485.

To view more of Julia Smith's collections visit www.juliasmithfashion.co.uk

Wash Dishes the Natural Way

I am absolutely loving Michael’s Original Luffa Scouring Pads. I know I shouldn’t get so excited about cleaning products but this luffa ticks so many green boxes, it is hard not too. It is good for the environment (biodegradable and sustainably sourced), chemical free, ethically traded from the Philippines and lasts 1-3 months. Michael’s Luffa is also hygienic as it can hang from the tap to dry. Thankfully, I no longer have to use anymore of those dubious supermarket cloths and can now use these environmental and economic luffas instead (I will only need 4 luffas for the entire year!).
Available at some UK health food stores or online for £1.49 each at Michaels Luffas or Green Brands.

Upcoming Post: Learn how to make your own natural dishwashing liquid with only 6 ingredients (that are probably already in your kitchen cupboard).

New Organic Pharmacy Store in London

Good news, green girls! The Organic Pharmacy has opened its fifth London store in North London's lovely Hampstead. You can enjoy shopping for homeopathic products in the pharmacy or indulge at their Urban Day Spa with facials, manicures and more! If you want to kick start your health the holistic way this January you should also pop into the Organic Pharmacy Clinic where vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be detected and stress levels managed with homeopathic treatments and herbs. Stay tuned for upcoming Organic Pharmacy skincare reviews and Organic Glam make up reviews in future posts.

The Organic Pharmacy - 44 Hampstead High Street, NW3 1QG

Organic Cleanser - Pai's Rose and Camellia

Pai Cleanser Review

How to use: Pump a few dollops and apply to face, rinse with muslin cloth (optional)
Feel on skin: Deliciously creamy and soft

Scent: Delicate, feminine and subtle rose fragrance
Skin types: All skin types
Results: Skin feels thoroughly clean
Value for money: Yes
Who would like it? Women that like the pretty things in life!

How to clean muslin cloth: I thought it would be a pain cleaning the cloth after every use but a few drops of Dr Bronner’s soap cleans it well (then you machine wash it weekly).
Would I buy it again? Absolutely, this was one of those products that got my attention for all the right reasons.

Score: 9/10

More information about Pai's Cleanser

I’m convinced Jane Austen and all her female (and possibly male characters) would have used this organic cleanser religiously had Pai launched the range back in the 19th century. There is something about the rose and camellia ingredients that just seem so prim, proper and well, English (even though camellia oil is a rare oil used in Japan).

The cleanser feels deliciously creamy and gentle on the skin, even when removing eye make up. An organic muslin cloth is also available to rinse off the cleanser, which has a soft exfoliating effect (£3). The ingredient list is wonderfully minimal and is certified organic by the Soil Association. Pai Skincare are also the first cosmetics company to be accredited by SEE Companies, (which ensures companies meet strict criteria regarding Social, Environmental and Ethical issues). With these seals of approval, Pai certainly live up to their name which means ‘goodness’ in Maori.

Price: £19.95
Available: Pai Skincare
Or Lovelula / Content / Puresha / Naturisimo / How On Earth

Full Ingredient List
rose water*, water, camellia oil*, castor oil*, sweet almond oil*, coconut and corn-derived emulsifier, shea butter*, vegetable glycerine, natural vitamin e, manuka oil, rosemary extract*, lavender oil*, geranium oil*, may chang oil*, rose oil*

Natural Lip Balm for Winter

Protect your lips this winter by applying long-lasting Weleda Everon Lip Salve. The wax ingredients from beeswax, candelilla, rose and carnauba work together to shield your lips from the harsh winter elements while the moisturising ingredients of jojoba oils and shea butter leave your lips feeling oh so soft. The rose and vanilla scent is rather heavenly too! Definitely a staple for any girl's handbag this winter.

Ingredients From Weleda Website:

Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Oil, Beeswax (Cera Flava), Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter, Candelilla (Candelilla Cera) Wax, Rose (Rosa Damascena) Flower Wax, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera) Wax, Vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia) Extract, Rose (Rosa Damascena) Extract, Citronellol*, Benzyl Alcohol*, Geraniol*, Eugenol*, Farnesol*.*from natural essential oils (i.e. naturally present in the essential oil).

Available from independent health food stores and pharmacies, mail order Weleda Direct on 0115 944 8222 or Weleda UK for £5

January Competition: Win a copy of the new book, Quantum Wellness by Kathy Freston (COMPETITION NOW CLOSED).

Congratulations to our winner from the West Midlands!

Quantum Wellness has been a hit in the US and thanks to Ebury Publishing, Green Lashes will be offering a copy of the new book by Kathy Freston to one lucky competition winner this month.

January is often the month we try to improve our lives and this book can offer guidance on how to achieve optimal health for your mind, body and spirit. This New York Times Bestseller focuses on the '8 Pillars of Wellness' which include meditation, visualisation, fun activities, conscious eating, exercise, self-examination, spiritual practice and service.

To be in with a chance to win a copy of Quantum Wellness, simply answer the question below via email to: tarar23@hotmail.com (please write 'Quantum Wellness Competition' in the email subject line).

Question
Author, Kathy Freston inspired which talk show queen to go on a 21 day cleanse?

Competition closes Saturday 31st January 2009 at midnight. Entrants will be selected at random after the closing date. The competition winner will be notified by email.

To purchase online visit Amazon UK. To learn more about author Kathy Freston and her other books, visit her website.

This competition is advertised through The Prize Finder

Organic Soap with Good Kaarma

Chocolate Bliss, Marmalade Queen, Dance of the Dakini! The delectable names, pretty packaging (100% recycled with vegetable inks) and all important dose of good karma with every wash have turned me into a great fan of this handmade soap range from Estonia. The soaps contain over 97% organic ingredients of oils and spices which they combine in such a way that choosing just one soap is virtually impossible.

Being a chocolate lover, I of course opted for the 'Chocolate Bliss' soap which contains fair trade cocoa powder and essential oils of orange, cinnamon and patchouli. In a word it was, bliss! But I also really loved the spiciness of the GKNY bar which contained orange, cinnamon and clove essential oils with turmeric and paprika! The soaps lather well and last a very long time (despite their smallish appearance).

With over 10 bars, I’m sure you will find the right one (or several) to suit you and you may even become slightly addicted to their intoxicating scents like I have.

Available at Lovelula.com for £3.50.

Detox The Organic Way

Is your recycling bin overflowing with wine bottles, chocolate wrappers, mince pie packaging and any other evidence that you had a fantastic Christmas? No need to feel guilty but maybe a detox is in order, especially if you are feeling sluggish, stressed and sallow of skin. The Organic Pharmacy is offering a special on their Detox at Home Kit for a limited time only. The kit contains a skin brush, detox cellulite body oil (with grapefruit and fennel essential oils) and all sorts of wonderful tinctures and capsules. If the price is too steep for some, you can always purchase detox products individually such as the Liver and Kidney Detox Tincture (£10.76 - 50ml) or Superantioxidants Capsules (£29.31 - 60 capsules). Detox at Home Kit - £110

NEW SHOP: Keep an eye out for a new Organic Pharmacy store opening in Hampstead Heath soon.

UPCOMING POST: Budget Detox Ideas to do at home

London Walking Directions (and other UK cities)

January is the perfect month to start incorporating more exercise into your daily routine. Walking is one of the best options during this financially challenging time and suits green girls perfectly. Using the website, Walkit.com, you can receive simple walking directions for your UK city just by typing in your starting and finishing post codes. You will also receive the walking time, distance, calories burned and carbon emissions saved. Sure, it is winter and a wee bit chilly but a brisk walk in the fresh air is a great stress buster. Don't be put off if your urban jungle is high on traffic because Walkit.com also provide alternative greener walking routes (less pollution and noise). I think walking is definitely the best way to shift those unwanted pounds. My mum embarked on a daily walking regime 6 months ago and has lost over 44 pounds to date!

UK Cities with Walking Routes (as of January 2009)

Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle and Gateshead, Norwich and Sheffield.

Your Organic Exercise Kit for 2009

Yoga and Meditation Badger Balm

If your 2008 exercise routine was more sloth-like and less gym bunny-ish, you may find yourself without any decent or eco exercise gear. Here are some ideas on how to look good the organic way, whilst doing your sun salutations.

To really get in the yoga mind zone, you can use ‘Yoga and Meditation’ Badger Balm. These USDA certified organic balms contain essential oils of mandarin, ginger, sandalwood and frankincense and can be used to soothe the mind and body. I think their website says it best though that the ‘Yoga and Meditation’ balm will ‘calm, centre and balance your inner Badger’. Available at the Ethical Superstore for £5.86.

Organic Yoga Pants

Take advantage of the clearance sale price of the organic Blue Canoe yoga pants at Yogi Wear. These 90% organic cotton pants were £37.50 and are now £22. They are made in the USA and come in cocoa and khaki colours (only small and medium size).

Organic Exercise Bra

For a pretty organic exercise bra, check out Adili’s sale where you can find the Odette Practice Bra for £16.10, reduced from £23 (made in the USA).

Eco Yoga Mat

No one can enjoy ‘Child’s Pose’ on an icky yoga mat, so take a look at the UK made, yoga mats by, ecoYoga. Their mats are PVC free, biodegradable and ‘made from entirely natural and plant based material’ which is sustainable. Price: £30.83