3 Great Natural Tinted Moisturisers Reviewed

Why You Need Tinted Moisturiser In Your Make Up Bag
Tinted moisturisers do not have the heaviness or cake-iness of some foundations and they don’t require a make up brush like mineral powder foundations do. Perfect for girls on the go that want a healthy, light and natural look but also want just enough coverage for those little imperfections. Our pick of tinted moisturisers contain only the best organic and natural ingredients too but for your own peace of mind you can also check the full ingredient lists included below.

SukiColor Tinted Active Moisturiser
Suki will give you the natural, golden hue of a California beach babe. I love how you can customise the liquid to your ideal shade by either applying 1-2 drops neat or simply combine with your favourite organic moisturiser (if you have fair skin). This looks and feels really pure, with a fruity scent that gave my skin a much needed boost of natural colour.
Ingredients: White willow bark extract, moisturising organic jojoba oil and organic rose extract for an antioxidant hit.
Certification: Suki Organic Innovation Lab
Country: USA
A la Hue?: Natural (medium skin) or Bronze (olive and darker skin).

Price: Listed stores have discounts on Suki at the moment, approx. £24.99
Available at Content, Naturisimo and Your Natural Beauty Store

Madara Moon Flower Tinted Fluid
For a soft and ‘All right, Mr De Mille, I’m ready for my close up’ kind of look. I love the fresh cucumber like scent and the matte finish that is light and flattering.
Ingredients: St John’s Wort, Baltic algae, chamomile, rose water, plantain.
Certification: Ecocert
Country: Latvia
A la Hue?: Moon (cool shade, fair skin), Sun (warm shade, medium skin)
Price: approx. £21.50

Available at Naturisimo or So Organic

Living Nature Clear Lights Tinted Moisturiser
For a light and natural look that says ‘I’ve just returned from my gap year in New Zealand and always look this healthy and youthful’. Light yet effective coverage from a brand generating much buzz in the natural and organic skin care world.
Ingredients: Moisturising manuka honey, macadamia oil, avocado oil and shea butter
Certification: BDIH
Country: New Zealand
A la Hue?: Dawn Light (pale, fair), Day Light (medium skin), Evening Light (Darker skin tones)
Price:approx. £16.63

Purchase at Living Nature, Naturisimo or Your Natural Beauty Store

Do you know of any other stellar Tinted Moisturisers? If so, let me know by emailing Green Lashes and Fashion at tarar23@hotmail.com.

Full Ingredient Listings

Suki
Purified water, organic sunflower seed oil, beeswax, organic grape seed oil, organic jojoba seed oil, hazelnut oil, borage oil, cetearyl alcohol, shea butter, standardized willow bark extract, organic food-grade non-gmo lecithin, vitamin and retinol liposomes, sodium borate, organic rose extract in food-grade ethyl alcohol, organic food-grade acacia catechu gum, organic food-grade xanthan gum, fragrance (made only from pure, steam-distilled essential oils) [may contain: titanium dioxide, iron oxides]

Madara
Aqua, Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Distillate*, Glycerin*, Theobroma Cacao Seed (Cocoa) Butter*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hypericum Perforatum (St. John's Wort) Extract*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Camomile) Extract*, Algae Extract, Plantago Major (Plantain Leaf) Extract*, Cetearyl Glucoside, Capryloyl Glycine, Stearic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide***, Xantan Gum, Aroma**, Citral**, Eugenol**, Limonene**, Linalool** [+/- (may contain), Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)]*** * ingredients issued from Organic Agriculture; ** natural essential oils; *** inorganic substances and/or pure mineral pigments; 99,875% of the total ingredients are of a natural origin; 13,86% of the total ingredients are issued from Organic Agriculture; Natural and Organic cosmetic certified by ECOCERT SAS B.P. 47 F-32600 according to ECOCERT Standards.

Living Nature
Aqua (water), Jojoba esters, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil (macadamia oil), Simmondsia chinensis oil (jojoba oil), Persea gratissima oil (avocado oil), Cetearyl wheatstraw glycosides (&) cetearyl alcohol (wheatstraw extract), Butyrospermum parkii butter (shea butter), Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Glycerin, Citrus grandis seed extract (grapefruit seed extract), Mel (manuka honey), Pelargonium graveolens oil (geranium oil), Sclerotium gum, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Leptospermum scoparium oil (manuka oil), Melaleuca alternifolia oil (tea tree oil). May contain: +/- Iron oxides, Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide

What's In Your Eco Handbag?

Before we delve into the depths of eco goodness within your bag, we need to make sure you’re toting a truly eco handbag. English Retreads is my go to company for stylish bags that have the eco trifecta (recycled and vegan materials / made lovingly in Boulder, Colorado). To read more about my love of English Retreads, click here.

Model T Tote Classic available in small and large at English Retreads

(US and International – US$109 and $129). For more funky English Retread’s designs within the UK, visit Feel Good Handbags or Neon Collective.

Lavera Lipstick
Every girl needs a lovely lipstick in her bag and Lavera offer a range of 14 flattering cool and warm shades to suit everyone. With moisturising shea butter, sweet almond oil and organic jojoba oil and a price tag under £10, you may need to pick up more than one! BDIH certified.
Available at Lovelula or So Organic

Badger Healing Balm
If you have discarded your winter gloves and now have some dry hands that look like they need to be re-gloved, you will need an organic hand cream a.s.a.p. Badger Balm’s Healing Balm is USDA certified organic and contains nourishing organic virgin olive oil, aloe vera extract and has a gorgeous sweet birch scent.
Available at Lovelula and So Organic for under £7

Water Bottle
Say no to plastic water bottles and still stay hydrated when you’re out and about by taking your own water bottle in your bag. I’ve started using a glass bottle (not practical for everyone but I’ve had no spillages) because all reusable water bottles on the market appear to either have aluminium in them or are made in China (without fair trade certification and quality control). I’m reusing a pretty iced tea glass bottle at the moment but see what you can find.

Biona Natural Lollipops
Reach for some natural Organic Fruit Lollies (Biona) next time that 4pm sugar slump hits. Made with natural fruit and plant extracts that taste super duper natural and like your favourite fruit juice on a stick!
Available at the Ethical Superstore £1.89

Key 2UR Heart Ring
These cute hand made, heart shaped key rings are made from vegetable ivory (nut derived) and are available in Jade, Scarlet and Olive but in limited availability, so be quick!
Use UK £7.99

Eight Ways to Detox Your Mind, Body and Home

Are you stressed, sluggish and sallow of skin? Did you miss your January detox?

1. Create a Tranquil Environment
Unplug the TV, phone and turn off the Blackberry. If this is too unrealistic, at least consider reducing the harmful radiation emitted from electrical equipment in your home or office with plants. Placing plants such as Boston ferns or Peace Lillies near televisions, computers and microwaves are all ways to help absorb radiation in the home.

2. What to Eat & Drink
Start the day with fresh seasonal and organic fruit for breakfast. To drink, sip some hot water and lemon juice or detox tea (Pukka). For lunch, try a light green salad with protein and fibre rich pulses and seeds or opt for a warming homemade soup. At dinner, keep the nutrients locked in your food by lightly steaming vegetables with quinoa (similar to rice or couscous but packed with protein). Remember to also drink lots of water throughout the day to flush toxins from your system.

3. Breathing
Aim to do 10 deep breaths at the start of each day to calm the mind and improve blood circulation and brain function. Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale completely through the mouth.

4. Exercise
Raise a sweat by either walking briskly outdoors or taking a yoga class. Try Bikram yoga, a form of yoga that usually takes place in a studio with extra heating to encourage profuse sweating. Great for eliminating toxins and improving flexibility!

5. Meditate
Repeating mantras and affirmations or practicing visualisations are effective ways to start meditating daily. You can try visualisations where you see a coloured light filling your body or transport yourself to your own utopia: a sun drenched beach, peaceful mountain top or any other place that symbolises relaxation to you.

6. Improve Circulation
Make skin glow with daily body brushing. Use a loofah or body brush and make long sweeping strokes all over the body, always brushing towards the heart.

7. Salt Bath
In ‘Feng Shui Your Life’, author Jayme Barrett explains how salt has the ability to ‘disintegrate negativity, cleanse your energy field, and increase the energy circulation in all of your chakras.’ Run a bath and add 2-4 cups of sea salt (and your favourite essential oil such as lavender) and the water will absorb ‘dirty energy, and the salt immediately breaks down negative physical, emotional, and mental residue’ continues Jayme. If you don’t have a bath, make a salt exfoliating scrub for the shower with salt, sweet almond oil and lavender or lemon essential oil.

8. Detox the Ego
Read Echkart Tolle’s the ‘Power of Now’ and ‘A New Earth’ to learn how to achieve inner peace by disengaging from your mind and ego. Other inspiring books to help your holistic health include, ‘Quantum Wellness’ by Kathy Freston and ‘You Can Heal Your Life’ by Louise Hay.

Image: Pukka tea (Pukka Herbs)

4 Ethical Statement Rings

A statement ring is a great way to express your individuality. You can be wearing head to toe black but one bold and over sized ring can make the whole outfit pop. Check out our pick of the 4 best statement rings that are gorgeous and ethical.

CROO2 Rays - Cast Silver Collection
Every girl needs a beautiful silver statement ring and you can choose from 9 intricate and unique designs at Kirsten Muenster. The Ray ring jumped out at me not only for its sublime design and the fact it is made from recycled sterling silver but I also feel if I wear it long enough the Ray ring may actually bring the sun to London!
Kirsten Muenster Jewelery - US$250

Hovey Lee - Structural Eco Gem Ring
Such a quirky and unusual ring that is sure to start a conversation wherever you go. You can tell your friends that your Hovey Lee Jewelery is fair trade too (member of Co-op America and No Dirty Gold).
Fashion-Conscience - £45

ROO3 Recycled Series - One of a Kind Collection
This ring is an investment piece that will stand out decade after decade. Made from recycled copper fire brick and recycled sterling silver from a San Francisco jeweller who has the utmost respect for the environment.
Kirsten Muenster Jewelery - US$500

Hovey Lee - Structural Eco Gem Ring
Blue, green, orange and a pearl. Sounds so wrong but looks so right. Hovey Lee uses fair trade gemstone suppliers and where possible, recycled materials. This combination of ethics and creativity produces jewellery that will never fail to get noticed. Fashion-Conscience - £45

5 Great Online Organic and Natural Beauty Stores (USA and Canada)

Last week we brought you the 10 Best Organic and Natural Online Stores here in the UK, so this week we have crossed the pond to profile 5 great websites to buy all your favourite skincare and cosmetic brands.


Futurenatural
Why We Love Them: Futurenatural acts as your online best friend guiding you towards the best cult natural and organic skincare and cosmetic products. Visit the sleek website or check out their informative blog, Organic Beauty View.
Some Brands They Stock: Deep Steep, Nature Girl, 100% Pure, Suki, Face Boutique, Kimberly Sayer and John Masters Organics.

Saffron Rouge
Why We Love Them: Because you can trust owner Kirstin Binder will only stock the very best organic / biodynamic products. Saffron Rouge also have a boutique just outside of Toronto to visit and a membership club, the ‘Inner Circle’ to join (to stay up to date with the latest products and receive monthly samples).
Some Brands They Stock: Dr Hauschka, Intelligent Nutrients, Nvey Eco, Suki, Dr Alkaitis, Jurlique and Pangea Organics.

Vert
Why We Love Them: Shop online or visit this gorgeous boutique located in Venice, California which is perfect for perusing the lovely brands or trying the expert make up services available. Vert is also available for private hire for special events.
Some Brands They Stock: Jane Iredale, Josie Maran, Jurlique, International Orange and Buddha Nose.

Beautorium
Why We Love Them: Every order receives a fair trade burlap bag and the site is really easy to navigate with a great section for shopping for your specific beauty issue.
Some Brands They Stock: Pangea, Sophyto, Weleda, Logona, Dr Hauschka, Saaf and Trilogy.

Sephora’s Natural and Organic Section
Why We Love Them: Super popular store, Sephora are providing eco alternatives for green girls who want to access natural and organic brands easily.
Some Brands They Stock: Josie Maran, Jurlique, Nvey Eco, Nude Skincare and Juice Beauty.


Image: Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush


Have we missed your favourite online organic and natural beauty store? If so, let us know as we want to compile the best beauty list for our Green Lashes and Fashion readers.

RetroActif - From Banners to Bags!

How clever are RetroActif to use discarded billboards, PVC art and street pole banners and then transform them into stylish statement bags! Now you can inject some cool graphic designs amongst your other bags and reusable totes (which may look a little subdued next to RetroActif’s bold and fashion forward designs).

Stay chic by doing the black and white thing with the elegant Fashion Tote’s (Martinique), or capture the bright coloured, neon, ‘Pop Art’ look with their range of colourful bags suitable for any occasion.
RetroActif are not only keeping stylish green girls happy with their sophisticated bags but guys and kids are also going to fall for their quirky and fun messenger bags. Corporations can even impress clients by converting their company’s old ad materials into unique promotional bags!

RetroActif accessories are handmade in Florida and they also donate a percentage of their sales to ‘Room to Read’ (an organisation that helps improve education for children in the developing world). Conscientious, cool and cash friendly (prices range from US$15-$69). Just what we love here at Green Lashes and Fashion!

Visit RetroActif online for further information and to locate a stockist near you.
Purchase at Shop Recycle (UK). Green Hobo Bonaire (US$60)

Black and White Fashion Tote, Martinique (US$64)

Red Large Messenger Bag (US$60)

Special Offer at Puresha

Receive a gorgeous pair of knickers and chocolates when you spend £50 at Puresha.

Online Organic Beauty Store, Puresha are offering a special treat at the moment to match the romantic mood of February. When you spend £50 online you will receive two fabulous treats, underwear and chocolate. Luva Huva knickers are made from end of line fabrics and cut-offs which are sourced locally and hand made in the UK. And the award winning chocolates come courtesy of Chococo from Devon. Puresha offer many divine organic beauty products from brands such as This Works, Perfect Organics, Erbaviva, Buddha Nose and more!

Simply enter the following codes at the online checkout:

‘loveknickersm’ (for medium size)
‘loveknickersl’ (for large size)

Visit Puresha today and hurry while stocks last!

To find more exciting beauty and fashion discounts and special offers, check out the side bar (right side) of Green Lashes and Fashion.

5 Pink Eco Finds

We have found 5 ways to add a dash of pink to your green life

Stewart + Brown, T Back Henley Dress (Pomegranate)
This gorgeous T back dress is perfect for layering or equally cute on its own. Made in the USA from heathered organic cotton knit.
Available at great new online store, Miki (£54.99)

Pukka Love Tea
Sit back and sip some organic and fair trade tea with rose, lavender, chamomile, elderflowers and a little bit of licorice for sweetness. If you could transform a bouquet of flowers into a tea, it might just be this floral-esque Love Tea!
Available online at Pukka or health food stores (£2.09 – 20 sachets)

Use UK Luxury Soy Wax Candle – Pomegranate and Rose
These stylish and elegant satin trimmed candle tins will look lovely placed around the home. The candles have a hemp wick and contain no toxic ingredients as the natural wax is 100% vegetable oil (sustainable and biodegradable).
Use UK (£9.99)

Toxic Free Boutique Nail Polish - Spice Island
Reach for this cute line of water based, odour free nail polishes the next time you need your nails done. Ingredients are free from the big three (toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate) as well as xylene and acetone. Try soft and pretty pinks or vibrant candy coloured shades. I should point out, I have yet to try this line of nail polishes but the ingredient list, colour range and price all indicate this is the safer option for girls who love painting their nails!
Toxic Free Boutique (£8)


‘Eco Chic’ earthBorn Claypaint - ‘Flip Flop’ Pink
Be shocking and paint a splash of pink on a feature wall with earthBorn’s award winning paints developed with TV presenter Oliver Heath. The paints are low odour and acrylic, oil and toxin (voc) free.
Ecocentric (£39.95 – 5 litres) or visit earthBorn for further information and stockists.

Raw Fairies' Raw Chocolate Mousse Cake

Thanks to chef Anya Ladra and the team at Raw Fairies, we have their most popular dessert recipe to share with you. Enjoy!

Raw Fairies' Raw Chocolate Mousse Cake

Dates provide the natural sweetness in this cake. They are the oldest fruit, with the highest concentration of fruit sugars. It also contains avocado and coconut butter, both of which are full of good fats.

Crust:

2 cups almonds, soaked for 6 hours or overnight
6 soft dates
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons maple syrup (note that strictly this is not raw)
Pinch of salt (Himalayan pink salt or fine sea salt if possible)

Drain and rinse the almonds. Place all ingredients in a food processor and chop into a fine meal. The mixture should be crumbly and sticky. If it is too dry, add a few tablespoons of filtered or mineral water. Press the dough into the sides and the bottom of a loose bottom cake tin.

Filling:

1 ¼ cup soft dates
3 ripe avocados
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 tablespoon coconut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 rounded tablespoons raw cacao powder
¾ cup raw carob powder

Blend the dates, vanilla extract, coconut butter and agave into a smooth paste. Scoop the avocados into the food processor with the dates and blend until smooth. Add the carob and cacao powder. Spread the mousse over the crust.

Frosting:

1 cup cashews, soaked for at least 30 minutes
6 soft dates
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 tablespoon coconut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a food processor, blend all the ingredients until well combined and creamy, adding more water as needed. Spread on top of the mousse. Decorate the cake with fresh berries – goji berries are excellent for colour. Refrigerate for a few hours at least, or overnight.

My friends and I tried this cake at Christmas and were all stunned that it was not laden with cream and calories because it tasted so positively sinful. All ingredients are rather holy though and contain no wheat, gluten, soya or processed sugar.

Raw Fairies is the UK’s first raw food delivery service and they are showing Londoners that raw and vegan food can be innovative and immensely tasty (and comes with extra perks such as increased energy, weight loss and clearer skin).

I don’t know how Raw Fairies manage to create such inventive menus but one perusal of their menu plans online and I am seriously considering crossing over to the ‘raw side’. Meals include Almond Avocado Burgers with ginger and raisin chutney or Courgette Spaghetti with red pepper walnut bolognese. And then there are the divine drinks such as Creamy Pecan Milkshakes or Green Smoothies with raw cacao and spirulina.

Visit Raw Fairies' website to learn more about their raw food delivery service.

Annie Greenabelle Launches Online Store - 23rd February

To coincide with Fair Trade Fortnight (23 February to 7 March), Annie Greenabelle’s popular and flirty designs will now be available through her new website. Great news for international green girls that simply must have a piece from the new ‘Never Had It So Good’ collection.

Annie Greenabelle’s Spring/Summer ‘09 Collection is inspired by ‘British Nostalgia’ and features the trademark cute, playful and feminine designs with floral and check prints. Visit the online store and find a selection of 1950’s style prom and party dresses (starting from £65) as well as square neckline sailor tops and bow skirts.

Annie Greenabelle is causing major buzz in the fashion world with supermodels such as Agyness Deyn already spotted wearing these fabulous retro designs. Here at Green Lashes we are loving the Poppy Duffle Coat made with organic cotton, handmade wooden toggles and lined with red and blue tartan check reclaimed Irish linen (very Little Red Riding Hood).

Annie Greenabelle’s designs use organic, fair trade or reclaimed fabrics and comply with the Ethical Trading Initiative, with production taking place in the UK and Europe. You can also look out for Annie Greenabelle at select Top Shop stores (Oxford Circus, Edinburgh, Preston and Leicester), eco boutique Equa in Islington or online at Adili.

Visit Annie Greenabelle’s Online Store!

Poppy Duffle Coat £95
Party Dress £65

The 10 Best Natural and Organic Beauty Stores Online

BEST FOR SHOPPING ONLINE AND INSTORE
Content
Why We Love Them: Shop online or visit their Marylebone shop to buy organic goodies and indulge in Pai facials, Butter London manicures and homeopathic treatments. Read more.
Some Brands They Stock: Jane Iredale, Jo Wood Organics, Suki Color, Tsi – La, Henry Tianus, Ila.

So Organic (ENTER OUR FEBRUARY COMPETITION)
Why We Love Them: Shop online or visit their Greenwich store for great skincare and cosmetics. They also offer products for babies, men and the home.
Some Brands They Stock: Circaroma, John Masters Organics, Logona, Neal's Yard Remedies, Trilogy, Spiezia, E-clothes, Natracare, Soapods.

Appuru
Why We Love Them: Shop online or at their cute shop in London’s Pimlico area.
Some Brands They Stock: Antipodes, Australian Bush Flower Essences, Ecosoapia, Skin Deli, Young and Pure, Kaeline, Kimia and Raw Gaia.

BEST PRETTY PLACES TO SHOP ONLINE
Puresha
Why We Love Them: Another gorgeous site to peruse and shop by ethics, scent and skin type.
Some Brands They Stock: Erbaviva, L’Artisan Parfumeurs, This Works, Neom, Patyka, Chocolate Sun and Perfect Organics.

Lovelula
Why We Love Them: This organic apothecary provides helpful tips and guides to purchasing the best product for your skin type. Lovelula also offers reward points and free samples with orders.
Some Brands They Stock: Face Boutique, Good Kaarma Soaps, Green People, Ila, Kimberly Sayer, Lavera, Neom by Natural Magic, Organic Apoteke, Pai, Spiezia.

BEST SITE FOR PRODUCT RANGE AND SAMPLES
Naturisimo
Why We Love Them: One of the largest organic beauty collections in the UK with over 1200 products. They also offer an excellent 5 free samples with each order as well as £1 or £3 samples / testers.
Some Brands They Stock: Barefoot Botanicals, Borlind Cosmetics, Living Nature, Ila, Inika Cosmetics, Nvey Eco, Madara Cosmetics and Perfect Organics.

BEST SITE FOR AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND BRANDS
My Pure
Why We Love Them: Not only great Aussie and Kiwi product range but good selection for teenagers and pets (sorry to group them together).
Some Brands They Stock: A’kin, Barefoot Botanicals, Inika, Living Nature and Suki Color.

BEST SITE FOR INFORMATIVE ARTICLES
There Must Be A Better Way
Why We Love Them: Really helpful site with articles on ingredients and skin conditions such as eczema. There is also a forum to chat with other like minded individuals.
Some Brands They Stock: Aubrey Organics, Raw Gaia, Badger Balm, Dr Bronner, Florascent Natural Perfumes, Inika Cosmetics and Pure Nuff Stuff.

How On Earth
Why We Love Them: Shop by skin and hair type, grab great 3 for 2 offers and read interesting green articles.
Some Brands They Stock: Balm Balm, Pukka, Suki, Nvey Eco and Trilogy.

Your Natural Beauty Store
Why We Love Them: A friendly and helpful site with links to ingredient and cruelty free information.
Some Brands They Stock: Akamuti, Eselle, Living Nature, Simply Soaps, Trevarno and Living Nature.

Have we missed your favourite online organic and natural beauty store? If so, let us know as we want to compile the best list for our Green Lashes and Fashion readers.

Image: Nvey Eco Blush

Next Sunday: A list of the best Online Organic and Natural Beauty Stores in the US.

Organic Champagne and Chocolate Truffles

The perfect indulgence for any occasion!
For any celebration, special occassion or ‘chocolate and champagne is the only way to get through this’ kind of moments, then I have two new friends to introduce to you. Booja Booja and Vinceremos.

Booja Booja’s decadent chocolate truffles are handmade in Norfolk and are heaven for vegetarians, vegans, and any ‘hold the dairy and gluten’ peeps. You are sure to find the perfect flavour for you as these award winning truffles come in varieties such as Cognac Flambéd Banana, Hazelnut Crunch and Midnight Espresso. I’ve sampled both the Raspberry Ecuadorian Chocolate and Ginger Wine Truffles and let’s just say, I came very close to writing a sonnet about them!

Visit Booja Booja for more information about their Gourmet Selections and Luxury Gift Boxes (stunningly hand painted).
Purchase at health food stores or online at Goodness Direct (80g boxes - £4.99, 220g boxed - £11.99)

The perfect accompaniment to your chocolate truffles is a lovely bottle of organic champagne. Every eco girl should have Vinceremos penciled into her ‘little green recycled notebook’. Choose from a selection of 5 organic champagnes or try their extensive range of organic wines, beers, ciders and fruit drinks.

To read more about Vinceremos’ wine range click here or visit Vinceremos.

Purchase Rose Carte d’Or, Joses Ardinat at Vinceremos (£21.99)

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Organic Laundry Soap Nuts by Soapods

Do your laundry the natural way with just one organic ingredient!

Like me, you may have been washing with an eco laundry powder or liquid and feeling well chuffed with your greeness. But if you want to change your shade of green from ‘lime’ to ‘forest’ then you must try Soapods’ Soap Nuts.

These little gems from nature come from the soap nut tree and contain saponin which is released when in contact with water. The Soapods are biodegradable and the trees sustainable. I love it!

Washing clothes with Soapods is just as effective as when I used an eco laundry powder. All you need to do is place 6-8 pods in the bag provided and to create your own fragrance, you can add 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil (lemon or any citrus oil gives the desired laundry fresh scent). The same bag of pods can be used three times and a 190g sack will provide approximately 25 washes. Get in touch to let us know what you think of Soapods or let us know what products have made laundry time lovely at your house!

For further information visit Soapods online.
Available in health food stores or many online stores such as So Organic and Goodness Direct (£4.84 – 190g, £10.28 – 500g). To locate other online stockists click here.

Vegan Lipstick - Perfect Organics Lip and Cheek Shimmers

The Green Girls Answer to Nars The Multiple!

Why do I love these Lip and Cheek Shimmers so much? Is it because they contain organic and vegan ingredients or because each shade is named after stylish destination cities that appeal to the global nomad within? Whatever the reason, all vegan girls can get those colour deprived nude lips ready for a make over because the colour range from Perfect Organics is divine.

Choose from pretty pinks (Tokyo and Cairo), peaches (Faz), ‘sparkling swirls of lilac’ (Sydney) or earthy browns (DC and Santiago). Being a former Sydney sider now living in London, I was understandably torn between the lilac of Sydney and the ‘golden burgundy’ of London. London won out in the end as my pale winter skin needed a strong colour to perk my face up.

The ingredient list is fantastically minimal and contains lip loving organic argan, coconut and macadamia nut oils and softening organic shea butter. I particularly love the addition of organic peppermint essential oil which creates a delicious chocolate peppermint crisp / mingle scent!

I wasn’t sure the colour would be strong enough on the lips and soft enough on the cheeks when I read the word ‘shimmer’, but the coverage from the London shade is spot on. Lips are a terracotta shimmery brown and cheeks have a dewy ‘I look like I just did my daily ashtanga class but really didn’t’ kind of flushed look. Perfect!

Purchase online at Naturisimo (£14.99 each - 4 shades available)
Purchase online at Perfect Organics (US$18.99 each - all 7 shades available)

5 Great Vegan Clutches

Find the perfect clutch for any occasion and budget

(as low as £7)

Mad Imports Opal
Is it just me or does this bag immediately cheer you up and help you forget the greyness of winter? Winter schminter, I say because I am loving the multi ray of colours and would use this raffia bag anytime and any season. The Opal is also available in 5 other delectable colours (punch, mango, sunflower, apple and ocean).
Purchase online at Mad Imports for US$75

Nahui Ollin Clutch Bag (ON SALE)
Handmade in Mexico from recycled wrappers, this slimline black clutch is ready to take you from day to night in style.
Purchase online at Adili for £62.40 (was £78)

Vegan Queen Lollipop Clutch
Proof that leather eschewing girls have luxury designer options too! Vegan Queen’s playful red Lollipop clutch will make any outfit pop. With attachable strap, external and internal pockets, this clutch will stealthily hold the contents of your life. Made in the USA.
Purchase online at Vegan Queen for US$300

Doy Woven Silver Clutch Bag
A Barbarella clutch with a budget price tag. These Doy bags are made by a women’s cooperative in the Philippines who are saving juice cartons and foils destined for landfills by turning them into cute little clutches.
Purchase online at Bochica for £7 (was £14)

Mad Imports Isadora (ON SALE)
Why hadn’t I heard of Mad Imports before? I love their colourful and unique plethora of bags that seem to radiate happiness. Snap up this handmade Isadora bag while it is on sale in your favourite shade (blue, apple, natural, sunflower or berry). Mad Imports’ bags are made in Africa and they are members of the Fair Trade Federation.
Purchase online at Mad Imports for US$34.99 (was $79).

Now you know where to find the perfect clutches but do you have the perfect ethical party dress? If not, click here to view our selection of the best dresses (black, colour, metallic and evening).

John Masters Organic Hair Salon - New York City

Find out where to get the best organic hair treatments and styles in New York

Staying green in the Big Apple couldn’t be easier thanks to the growing number of fabulous eco boutiques, vegan shoe stores and raw food restaurants. Green girls can even find an organic hair salon in the city. John Masters Organics is an organic hair pioneer known for his luxurious range of certified organic hair products (Ecocert) but he also owns New York’s ‘only clean air salon’.

This toxic free salon in SoHo offers hair cuts, styles and treatments in an earth friendly manner and avoids offering chemical treatments such as perms and bleaches. Pure essential oils are the only sweet smelling aromas permeating this salon and rest assured that your lovely locks will not be bathed in any ingredients containing SLSs, parabens or artificial colours and fragrances. Even the décor is green with items such as the salon mirrors being reclaimed from antique stores. Let’s hope John Masters Organics open up a London salon quick because we're jealous!

John Masters Organics Hair Salon – 77 Sullivan St, New York

Best Ethical Party Dresses - Colours and Metallics

Stand out in the crowd with our selection of the best colourful and metallic eco dresses.

People Tree Gold Bow Silk Dress
Oh, how you spoil us People Tree. Here is a divine dress (with cute silk bow belt) by People Tree that is available in gold or black at Asos. Made of raw silk in Bangladesh to fair trade standards (IFAT).
Purchase online at Asos for £72 (was £150)

Julia Smith Metallic Bronze Hobo Dress
This gorgeous Julia Smith dress is more than 50% off at Equa so be quick! The metallic shift is made in London from hemp and silk and is ultra flattering to all shapes and sizes.
Purchase online at Equa for £145 (was £335)

Doucette Duval Mer One Shouldered Dress in Burgundy
A-listers are loving this luxe eco label that manufactures their decadent designs in New York using pre-existing fabrics. Liv Tyler wore this dress in black and clearly knows one shouldered dresses are the way to go for 2009!
Purchase online at Fashion Conscience for £270

People Tree Green Cocktail Dress
This colour is an obvious but beautiful way to show the world your green status. Made from raw silk in Bangladesh (fair trade), this dress also features adjustable shoulder straps and nifty side pockets. Love the jade shade so much I want to make it the Green Lashes office uniform! Also available in black.
Purchase online at People Tree for £88.09

Want to know about the best black ethical party dresses? Read our run down of the top 5 and learn about other great dresses here.

Natural and Aluminium Free Deodorant That Works! By Weleda

Weleda’s zesty spray deodorant smells like freshly squeezed limes and reminds me of sunny days and tequilas on Copacobana Beach (and I’ve never been to Brazil and don’t drink!).

Weleda’s Citrus Deodorant is the most effective natural deodorant I have ever tried and it passed my rigorous perspiration test with flying colours (pilates class, job interview, sky diving and awaiting the US presidential election results). No need to worry about those pesky white marked stains on black clothing either.

There still appears to be inconclusive evidence linking aluminium deodorants to cancer but I personally feel safer using natural deodorant that is free from aluminium and toxins. And I stay just as dry and have not lost any friends.

I loved that I could try the smaller travel size first before buying the larger size. Also available in Sage and Rose scents.

Ingredients: INCI: Alcohol, Water (Aqua), Fragrance (Parfum)*, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Citral*, Farnesol*.*from natural essential oils (i.e. naturally present in the essential oil).

Available at health food stores or online at Weleda UK (£6.50 100ml £3.50 30ml)

If you want to recommend other effective natural deodorants or have any comments about the safety of aluminium deodorants, drop us a line!

Fair Trade Mats and Trivets for the Home

Must-have items for the home

Who doesn’t need some cute little trivets scattered around their kitchen and dining room? Use these pretty heat and water resistant mats for saucepans, teapots, coasters or vases and enjoy the fact you are supporting a women’s cooperative in the Philippines who make the mats from recycled newspapers. Fair trade, sustainable and affordable!

Purchase Fair Grounds Fairly Traded Mats / Trivets at the Natural Store for £4

Mats are approximately 19-20cm in diameter

Ethical Ahimsa Silk Night Dress by Quail

Indulge and invest in this beautiful and luxurious Ahimsa Silk Night Dress for Valentine’s Day, a wedding or just as a special treat to yourself (you know you’re worth it). You can enjoy the softness and opulence of silk fabric with a clear conscious too, as Ahimsa silk is made once the moths naturally leave their cocoons, so they are not harmed as many moths are in other silk production. Quail could not be more conscientious as a company, sourcing organic, fair trade and sustainable materials and designing and manufacturing their clothing in the UK.

Ahimsa Silk Night Dress £110 at Quail

For more Valentine gift ideas, read our posts on the UK’s largest Organic Wine Supplier, Ethical Jewellery and Organic Perfumes.

Organic Perfume by Jo Wood Organics

Are you looking for an alluring and luxurious perfume that is also certified organic? Jo Wood Organics offers two tantalising eau de toilettes to suit any woman’s style, personality or mood.

Amka, meaning ‘to wake’ in Swahili is feminine yet bold with organic essential oils of Iranian rose otto and Egyptian jasmine, top notes of neroli and bergamot and a base of cedarwood. This is a delicate yet daring perfume, perfect for those girly girls who love wearing heels and dresses but also know how to do karate.

I particularly love Usiku, meaning ‘night’ in Swahili which is earthy and has a spicy and fiery ginger aroma with top notes of rosemary and pine needle and a base of patchouli and Moroccan cedarwood. This is a natural and exotic perfume, ideal for sophisticated hippies.

These beautifully packaged 95% certified organic eau de toilettes (Ecocert) are available at Fenwick, House of Fraser and John Lewis.
Purchase online for £35.24 (50ml) at Jo Wood Organics
Also available online at Content, Naturisimo, Lovelula, Ethical Superstore and The Natural Store.

February Competition - Win a So Organic £20 gift voucher (NOW CLOSED)

Congratulations to our winner from Pembrokeshire!

Have fun shopping online or in-store at So Organic with this £20 gift voucher. Choose from gorgeous skincare and make up products from Nvey Eco and Neal’s Yard or stock up on essential cleaning supplies such as Soapods Laundry Soap Nuts, E Cloths, Liv fair-trade and organic towels or even Moltex Oko Eco disposable nappies. Men can also enjoy quality skincare products from brands such as Spiezia and Lavera.

This gift voucher is perfect for anyone new to the organic world who wants to discover how wonderful pure products can be. And for those that already know their propylene glycol from their parabens, here is your chance to pick up your favourite organic brands now!

Read more about So Organic here.
Visit So Organic online

To enter our February Competition, email your name and answer to the question below to: tarar23@hotmail.com (please write 'Green Lashes February Competition' in the email subject line).




Question
Where is So Organic’s shop located?


Competition closes on the 28th February 2009 at midnight. Entrants will be selected at random after the closing date. The competition winner will be notified by email. Please note the names and email addresses of competition entrants will be passed onto So Organic.

This competition is advertised through The Prize Finder and UK Wins

Ethical Jewellery at Avasarah

Here is a beautiful ethical jewellery website, Avasarah to discretely or blatantly pass on to your significant other this Valentine’s Day (there is even a gift guide to help).

Small Smoky Leaf Earrings from Essence Collection (Michelle Tuck)
20% of profits go towards charity in India, Apne Ape / Ethically Cut Gems / British Made
Smoky quartz and pink sapphire - £39

18ct Ethical Gold Pod Earrings from Bibi Collection (Oria Ethical Jewellers)
Ethical mining / Ethically sourced gems / British Made
Aquamarine bead and gold - £317

Silver Oval Branch Bird Necklace from Branch Collection (Catherine Weitzman)
Created in Hawaii from 100% recycled sterling silver - £89

Avasarah, meaning ‘opportunity’ in Sanskrit provides the ultimate shopping opportunity for stylish and conscientious women looking for gorgeous earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. Avasarah also provide an opportunity to learn more about the ethical side of the jewellery industry through informative articles and an ethical star rating system for each piece of jewellery. The website is incredibly user friendly and you can shop by ethics (British made, conflict free, ethically sourced, recycled metals and upliftment project).

Visit Avasarah for more ethical jewellery