Valentine’s Day approaches the sexy color red takes center stage. What better time for Weleda to launch their Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care line! The antioxidant-rich pomegranate is well known as a healthy super food, but it can also work its magic on your skin. This may be their most powerful beauty line yet!

Turkish pomegranates prove effective to prevent and reverse signs of aging. Dryness, diminished elasticity and age spots on skin are the enemy of every woman (or every man, for that matter). Weleda’s 100% organic pomegranate seed oil promotes skin renewal, protects against skin damage from the environment and brings renewed vitality and radiance to skin.

* Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash – Revitalize faded skin with this gentle, creamy body wash infused with pure essential oils of vanilla, blood orange and neroli.
* Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil – Dermatology tests showed a 50% accelerated skin renewal after only two weeks.
* Pomegranate Hand Cream – Dermatology tests showed a 33% increase in skin moisture level with roughness reduced 9.1% over four weeks.

A perfect eco-gift for Valentine’s Day is the Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care Gift Kit ($18) that includes a body wash and body oil. Give yourself a special treat or give this gift set to someone you love. Both products come in an attractive, eco-friendly tote.

Weleda farms are alive and self-sustaining. They believe that if they keep the soil in proper balance, their products will deliver the same eco-benefits to customers. Nurtured naturally, without chemicals or pesticides, whatever they can’t grow themselves is purchased through their Free Trade partnerships around the world.

Those of us committed to eco-beauty have all had a turning point in our past that led us to seek non-toxic, chemical free cosmetics. For Christina Marcacinni, founder and creator of Raw Natural Beauty mineral makeup, that moment came in 2003. While working many years for large cosmetic companies, she grew frustrated observing their unwillingness to invest in green research to find safer products for women.

Striking out on her own, Ms. Marcacinni spent three years searching the world for ingredients that did not include parabens, petrochemicals, or synthetic dyes and fragrances.

By promising that her products “aren’t just good for the skin, but are also good for the planet,” Raw Natural Beauty respects environmentalism and fair trade. They use only biodegradable ingredients from sources that practice sustainable agriculture and reject pesticides and genetic engineering. Only 100% biodegradable product cartons are used with cruelty free brushes and formulas.

I fell in love with this company when I was first introduced at an Environmental Working Group event. One product that caught my eye is their Natural Transformation Brightening Powder. Every face needs a lift at the end of a long day especially if she’s got a dinner date after work! This healthy looking, toasty-golden color (with a hint of pink shimmer) delivers instant facial radiance.

One of Raw’s best selling products— Soft Focus Illuminating Skin Perfector. - is similar to the brightening powder, but with added foundation. It uses a moisturizing formula (pure plant extracts) that absorb quickly and diminish fine lines, wrinkles and helps to hide imperfections. Skin is invigorated with active botanicals that firm and illumine skin for a smoother complexion. Added antioxidants help protect skin against free radicals. Both products are hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types.

Right now Raw Natural Beauty is offering two free trial offers that may be of interest to you. Check them out!

California girl Debbie Leavitt’s collection of less toxic Sheswai Nail Lacquers is perfect for green beauty fanatics, like myself, who prefer being their own manicurist. You’ve got to love a company with catchy manifesto statements like, “Painted fingers and toes don’t need to match,” and “We believe in living eco-chic!”

Who wouldn’t want to feel like a “Honeyfox!” That’s the name of Sheswai’s fun and flirty bright red color. More conservative eco-babes might like “Nice,” (a chic beige/nude shade) that’s a step up from no color at all. The five other shades that complete the collection are a soft peach (“so cute”) deep red (“fersure”), sophisticated fuchsia (“totally), and a dark eggplant/gray (“what”). All their lacquers are free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dbp’s.

Sheswai is also trying to be as earth friendly as possible, their bottle caps are made from sustainable wood. Because a portion of Sheswai’s sales goes to organizations that help educate and sustain our planet, this earns them another gold star in my book!

Companies that make green nail lacquer and offer free hot polishing tips are eco-cool too! Ever wonder what’s the most important step to the perfect manicure of pedicure? The easiest one (of course)—wiping the nail plate clean before painting. Any residue left on the nail after filing and moisturizing acts like a shield and prevents the polish from adhering properly. Be sure to use an acetone free nail polish remover to clean the nail prior to painting.

One more big surprise that will also save you money—skip the basecoat! Sure, you can use one, but it isn’t necessary. If the nail is properly prepared to receive the polish, color applied directly will last just as long.

Two coats of brilliant Sheswai lacquer, covered with your favorite non-toxic top coat, will do the job just fine!

When you see advertising that claims 100% pure, you may wonder if it is possible for any company to make this claim. Welcome to “100% Pure!” Check out these claims and see what you think. (Your green makeup expert is very impressed!)

* All formulas are 100% pure
* All are biodegradable
* All labels are printed with non toxic soy ink
* All packaging is post recycled and/or recyclable materials
* All brushes are cruelty-free – (no animal fur)
* All shipping materials are pre-cycled—(They even ask neighbors for unused packing materials like popcorn or boxes for reuse.)

The first ones to use fruit and vegetable colored pigments, 100% Pure products are naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Their mission statement is one I can agree with— “Pure health food for the skin without any harsh, unsafe chemicals that can pollute our bodies or our planet.”

For an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day, 100% Pure has you covered!

Pink Champagne Sweet Valentine Gift Set – all natural and gluten free. It includes Pink Champagne Bubble Bath and Pink Champagne Body Scrub. (The pair usually sell for $30 but for a Valentine special they are priced as a set at $15.)

Everyone knows a eco-chocoholic that would love to bathe in the stuff and Dark Chocolate Sweet Valentine Set delivers. How can anyone resist a Dark Chocolate Syrup Bubble Bath combined with the Dark Chocolate Body Scrub! After that combination, your special Valentine will be sweet and sumptuous enough to eat! It’s no surprise that rich Belgium chocolate is the key ingredient. Hydrating honey, vitamins and other natural nutrients are added to pamper your skin.

Be sure to check out their full line of cosmetics, bath and body products. They also have a great idea for eco-kids. It’s a 2-1 body wash and shampoo called Yummy Ice Cream.

As much as I love natural products, I also love a green company with a sense of humor. Hamadi Organics states on its product labels, “Tested on Actresses— Never on Animals.” (This is an eco-motto that makes me smile!)

Even if they didn’t have a sense of humor, I would recommend their gentle Hamadi Honey Soymilk Hair Wash. This product has everything I look for in green organic beauty products:

* 100% organic essential oils (guaiac and ylang ylang) and plant extracts
* 100% biodegradable
* 100 % all natural ingredients
* 100% free of perfumes and colors

Honey delivers a triple benefit for volume, texture and body while the soymilk ingredient is the perfect light hydrator for all hair types. Soymilk also invigorates and purifies the hair with added proteins.

If you’re more of a ginger than honey kind of girl, try the Ginger Soymilk Hair Wash with all the same benefits. This one is infused with aromatic ginger, sweet orange and rosewood essential oils.

Naturally, all eco-chic glamoristas understand the importance of using an occasional facial mask for the skin, but have you ever heard of one for your hair? If your hair needs nurturing repair maintenance, Hamadi Organics offers the Shea Hair Mask moisturizing treatment with vanilla and ylang ylang essential oils.

With natural ingredients designed for hair maintenance (including color), it can be used daily or weekly for overly dry hair from too many chemicals. Organic aloe vera hydrates the entire hair follicle and avocado delivers a silky, touchable finish.

Even UVA friendly shea butter provides a natural sunscreen to protect hair and scalp from damaging sun rays - making it perfect for those who swim daily and need a product that protects as well as gently cleans.

Hamadi Organics is available on-line or at selected salons and spas nationwide.

Let’s get down to basics for a minute and talk about natural, non-toxic body care. One of the leading companies for green body cleansing products is Pangea Organics. They promise that their “bodycare is as honest as it is organic” with no petrochemicals or parabens, GMO’s or other synthetic or harmful ingredients.

For those who are still fans of bar soap, Pangea Organics uses whole plant essences in their natural, most healing and therapeutic form. Lather your body and expand your mind with a selection of nine soaps with exotic names like “Indian Lemongrass with Rosemary, Geranium & Yarrow,” “Pyreneese Lavender with Cardaman,” or “Canadian Pine with White Sage.” (Five different body washes are also available.)

After sudsing happily away in your shower or tub, the next important step is body lotion. Choose from a selection of five different body Pangea Organics body lotions. (Three in fragrances to match the soaps listed above.) Feel confident in the integrity of the non-toxic, earth friendly ingredients that naturally hydrate and are therapeutic and organic.

Sometimes using oils after bathing is a nice change for your skin. Pangea Organics offers three 100% silky oils in formulas to calm and refresh your nerves, improve circulation and skin tone. Besides, doesn’t everyone love a relaxing massage! Every eco-athlete will be interested to know that many sports and Ayurvedic specialists favor Pangea Organics Oils for their therapeutic massages.

This green beauty expert also applauds Pangea Organics for supporting sustainable agriculture and culture. Their products are crafted by artisans, are hand-blended and gently preserved to retain the natural properties of their customized botanicals.

“If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin!” So says Dr. Alkaitis (Ph.D in physical chemistry) who believes that living these words is the key to intelligent beauty. The Dr. Alkaitis holistic skin care line proves that science and nature can work together without the dangers of synthetics and toxins.

Especially impressive is his line of organic facial masks:

* Organic Flower Mask – An active, energizing mask that leaves skin glowing and improves skin tone. (Not recommended for acne prone or sensitive skin.) Works best for oily or normal skin conditions and also works as an exfoliating scrub.
* Organic Enzyme Exfoliating Mask – Offers a gentle anti-aging treatment that’s ideal for renewing, refreshing and rejuvenating skin. Formula adds essential phyto-nutrients, antioxidants and minerals to brighten and lighten skin.
* Organic Cellular Repair Mask – For environmentally damaged or aging skin, this mask repairs, regenerates and fortifies skin. (Do not use if allergic to strawberries.)
* Organic Universal Mask – The ultimate therapeutic mask, it nourishes, calms and rejuvenates sensitive or irritated skin. Works well after skin peels or micro-dermabrasions. Skin feasts on a wide assortment of organic grasses, goat’s milk protein, vegetables and seeds. (Do not use if you have grass allergies.)

What differentiates Dr. Alkaitis’ gender-neutral skin care approach from others? All of the products are biologically active. This means that only living ingredients are used making them completely free of all chemicals, synthetics, “plant derived products”, trans-fats and GMO’s. Not only that, but these products use 100 percent Organic Aloe Vera Gel as the base for all products—not water!

In 2009 Avalon Organics’ Grapefruit Geranium Hand and Body Lotion was voted the “Best Body Moisturizer” at the 5th Annual Natural Health Beauty Awards sponsored by “Natural Health” magazine.

This winning green body lotion delivers a refreshing and energetic combination of grapefruit and geranium essential oils and rich lipid sources of organic sunflower, flaxseed and coconut oils. Not only does it absorb quickly for a silky smooth, long-lasting moisturizing, but it’s also enriched with Beta Glucan for cellular rejuvenation!

Avalon Organics shares my belief about “Consciousness in Cosmetics.” For over 16 years they’ve been “inspired by organic agriculture and the on-going cause of sustainability—both of health and of the environment.”

Exactly what is “Consciousness in Cosmetics?” Avalon Organics believes there are five elements.

* Purity & Safety – Consciousness understanding that ingredients are absorbed directly into the body through skin. They seek the purest most natural or organic elements to create safe products.
* Sustainability – Consciousness of organic agriculture that reaches the highest level of sustainability.
* Products That Work – Consciousness of radiant good health by delivering products that perform to expectations and delivery on their promise of real natural beauty.
* Sensuality – Consciousness of deeper intimacy with your body through bathing and grooming using aromatic fragrances and organic essential oils.
* Personal Choice – Consciousness of choice to avoid animal testing or use of animal-based ingredients. Special allergic sensitivities are respected with products free of synthetic fragrances or harsh irritants.

Avalon Organics has a full line of skin, hair and bath and body products available not only for eco-savvy adults, but for babies and children too. New eco-moms will enjoy browsing their website that includes Yoga tips for mom and baby!

Everyone knows that our scalp requires special attention as we age just like the rest of the skin on our body. It needs to be nourished and pampered to preserve overall good hair health. One of the best natural products on the market to prevent ever having a “bad hair day” is Yarok’s Green with Envy Volume Shampoo.

Featured in “InStyle” magazine (to name just one), this shampoo promises healthier hair at your fingertips! It boasts a tangy herbaceous aroma, a combination of organically grown essential oils, and wildcrafted flowers, plants, fruits and herbs (including lavender, cedar atlas, red mandarin, sweet orange and rosemary) and grapefruit seed extract as its eco-safe preservative.

In Hebrew the word “yarok” means green and symbolically represents hope, balance, prosperity and renewal. Earth friendly and sustainable, all Yarok hair care products promise the following:

* Sustainable hair and scalp care
* Contains organic ingredients
* Pure essential oils free of synthetic fragrances
* Recyclable packaging
* Free of parabens
* No animal testing

Yarok also sells seven specially formulated hair and scalp serums blended with essential oils to combat the effects of blow-drying, chemical processing, product overload, free radical assaults and everyday stress that can make even the most beautiful head of hair appear lifeless.

Also add Yarok Green with Envy Conditioner that has some of the same wonderful components as the shampoo. This super moisturizing conditioner also contains the ingredients jojoba seed oil, Macadamia nut oil and aloe vera.

Your hair and scalp will feel like it never had it so good!

Gone are the days when eco-savvy women struggled to find cosmetics that weren’t loaded with parabens, dyes, perfumes, talc or bismuth oxychloride. As more companies like Afterglow Cosmetics join the green cause promoting 100% natural ingredients, my job as a green beauty expert keeps getting easier!

Get this! Over a lifetime the average woman can actually consume up to four pounds of lipstick and gloss. Yuck! Remember your annoying habit of licking your lips that destroys your lipstick? (Yes, that’s how it happens!) It’s another good reason to choose lipsticks made from natural, organic ingredients.

Ingredients like jojoba seed oil, aloe leaf gel, vitamin E and pomegranate and grape seed extract all combine to make this organic lipstick a winner!

Afterglow’s Organic Lip Love delivers in every way for the glamorista. There are 15 stunning and luxurious shades to choose from. More kudo’s—for every purchase of the color “Muse,” $2 is donated to the Young Survival Coalition, a breast cancer organization.

The company’s signature shade is, predictably, the color “Afterglow.” (A sheer wash of nude peach that is a good choice for many skin types.) This fabulously creamy formula delivers serious natural moisture protection.

Afterglow Cosmetic products have been enjoying loads of magazine print press (Style, Oxygen, Women’s Health, to name a few) and word-of-mouth buzz in Hollywood. One piece of trivia of interest is that several different shades of Organic Lip Loves were chosen for actress Marion Cotillard in the movie “Public Enemies.”

With rich pigmentation for long lasting wear, it goes on like a balm and stays there. (Ms. Cotillard certainly proved that claim during her steamy love scenes with Johnny Depp!)