Safe Cosmetics ~ Healthy Faces by Eve Organics

Nanotechnology - NOT Cool Technology

I just received this post in a newsletter from the Organic Consumers Association.  Just a note:  Eve Organics does NOT use nanoparticle sized titanium dioxide in any of our products for this reason:

From the Organic Consumers Association Alert of the Week:

Keep Nanotechnology Out of Organic!

A major reason why consumers shop for products that are certified organic is to avoid hazardous and unlabeled Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), toxic chemicals, and now the most recent, and likely most dangerous hi-tech poison of them all - nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is now a multi-billion dollar Frankenstein monster industry churning out a vast menu of untested and unlabeled products containing tiny nanoparticles including non-organic vitamin supplements, food packaging, processed food, cosmetics, and sunscreens.

The United States Department of Agriculture's National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has been debating an official ban on nanotechnology in organic. When it meets November 3-5, 2009 in Washington, D.C., the NOSB will consider a recommendation supported by the the OCA and the organic community that would "prohibit nanotechnology in organic production, processing, and packaging."

Nanotechnology is inherently dangerous. Mounting scientific evidence indicates that nanomaterials produce dangerous "free radicals" which can destroy or mutate DNA and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Nanotech particles not only injure and kill lab animals - they can kill you as well.

Every day, new evidence of the dangers of nanotechnology emerges:

• Workplace nanoparticle exposure was linked to seven cases of serious and progressive lung disease in China including two patient deaths.
• Nanoparticles present in a chemical found in sunscreens - titanium dioxide - are being examined as possibly causing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Tell the USDA that you want the National Organic Standards Board to take a strong stand against the use of nanotechnology in organic. Please act before the October 19 deadline.

Go to the Organic Consumers Association website to read more.

Try Our New Pumpkin Sandalwood Masque!

Eve Organics has whipped up a fantastic Pumpkin Sandalwood Masque for this fall.  It isn't even on the website yet!  We are offering our loyal bloggers a chance to try it, along with our new Ultimate Facial Serum for free with a $50 purchase.

Try it out and give us your feedback!  You will absolutely love them both.  Just place an order for $50 or more and type Free Pumpkin Set in the Comments box.  We'll send it to you ASAP to enjoy for the fall season.

Ingredients:

Pumpkin Sandalwood Masque:

Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin), Glycolic Acid, Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit extract, Saccharum officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer saccharinum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus medica limonum (Lemon) Extract, Aqua (Water), Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam Oil), Xanthan Gum (Polysaccharide gum), Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon) Bark, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Root Powder, Pimenta officinalis (Allspice) Powder, Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) Powder, Pimenta officinalis (Allspice) Powder, Rosmarinus officnalis ( Rosemary Oleoresin), Santdalum Austrocaledonicum (Sandalwood) Essential Oil, Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil

 

Pumpkin ~ 3 Reasons to Rub It All Over Your Skin

While the pumpkins are a plenty this fall and you are carving those Halloween jack-o-lanterns, keep the pulp and give your face a good rub!  Your body will thank you for it.  Why?  Read on. 

1.  Anti-Aging:  Pumpkin is more than a veggie for Halloween carving . . . it contains more than 100 beneficial nutrients, which are used in skin care to help reverse the signs of aging.  Pumpkin is a rich source of anti-oxidants, vitamins and enzymes that act like alpha hydroxy acids (which have been proven to promote younger looking skin by increasing the rate of cell renewal and hydration in the windy, cooler autumn and winter months.

2.  Skin Nourishment:  Fresh and cooked pumpkin is loaded with Vitamin A, C, E and beta carotene.  These essential nutrients absorb quickly and deeply into the skin for top notch nourishment.  When used as a facial masque or peel, followed by a safe toner and moisturizer, skin gets an instant boost of vitamins, promoting a healthy, glowing appearance - without the extra calories!

3.  Anti-Inflammatory:  Pumpkin masques help acne prone skin.  Inherent nutrients are naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory, helping skin recover from acne related damage.

Look for do-it-yourself pumpkin masque recipe here on our blog in the weeks to come. 

Do you have any other ideas on how to use some of the over-abundance of pumpkins this fall?  Let us know.  Comment below.

FREE Product Wednesday - Pumpkin Sandalwood Masque

Well, the kids are back in school and it's time to get back in the swing.  Paula came into the store last week and had the greatest eye cream tip. 

Paula daughter gave her our Fortifying Eye Repair Cream for Mother's Day.  She said "I was really loving it for my eyes and my whole face actually, since I have dry skin all the time.  Then, after weeks of trying to get rid of this dry, scaly patch of skin on my foot, I decided to try my eye cream on the patch on my foot as a last resort, because it was bothering my so much.  I figured it was a stretch (literally!), but I also knew how great it worked on my face.  I couldn't believe it!  It took the itching away almost immediately and in a couple days' time, it was gone." 

I have always said our eye cream was a fantastic multi-tasker . . . but this is definitely a new way of using it!

Paula recieved our FREE Product Wednesday giveaway, Pumpkin Sandalwood Masque (which, by the way, we don't even have on the website yet).  Congratulations Paula!

What are new ways you've found to use Eve Organics products?

Keep your tips, tricks, stories and testimonials coming!  Email me at info@eveorganics.net and you may win our next FREE Product Wednesday giveaway.

We Need Your Help!

Got a few things on your mind?  We know you do.

Would you be able to spare a moment or two to comment below?

We would really like to know what you like reading or would like to see in the blog. 

Just comment below or email info@eveorganics.net and let us know what subjects you want to hear more about:

Good/Bad Ingredients

Tips and Tricks

Essential Oils

Being Green

Health & Wellness

Contests

Green Washing

or any of the other subjects listed at the top left in the Content List.

Thanks for your help!  Your feedback gives us focus!

Jojoba Oil ~ For All Things Beauty

What is jojoba oil?  Jojoba oil is a multi-use miracle product that everyone should have it her bathroom.  Jojoba is not technically an oil; jojoba is scientifically considered as a naturally occurring wax pressed from the seeds (or beans) of the jojoba plant.  The jojoba plant itself is native to very dry climates, such as southwestern American (Arizona & California) and Mexican deserts; and like a succulent or cactus, can hold moisture for long periods of time.  Native Americans use jojoba for many purposes, including cooking, healing and beautification of the skin and body.

Jojoba oil is virtually odorless and chemically very similar to sebum, the naturally occurring oil in the skin.  For this reason, jojoba is wonderful for head to toe skin care and is absorbed without clogging pores.  Because of the wax-like properties, jojoba also protects the skin from further damage.

Jojoba oils is considered a "dry oil".  When applied to the skin it is readily absorbed, leaving no greasy feel.  It virtually never goes rancid (3-5 year shelf life), is a humectant (pulls in moisture and keeps skin moist), emollient (softens).  Jojoba soothes and nourishes.  It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

Most people can use jojoba without adverse reactions. It can be used for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin types (such as eczema and rosacea). 

Other Great Uses for Jojoba Oil:

Makeup Remover - Just apply a small amount of jojoba to a cotton ball and wipe over eye makeup.  Not only will it be gently removed, but your eyelashes will be conditioned as well!

Natural Personal Lubricant- Are you in those pre- to post- menopausal "dry times"?  Use a little dab of jojoba as a personal lubricant; it works wonders and I guarantee you'll love the results!

We use jojoba oil in almost all of our skin care products and will be adding a fantastic organic jojoba oil, formulated with therapeutic grade essential oils for these and other uses within the next month or two.  Keep an eye out!

Do you have any tips or uses for jojoba oil?  Let us know!

Hot Fall Makeup Colors

This fall's hot makeup colors are metallic earthen colors, rich bronzes, deep honey and plum.  Add just a touch of pink to cheeks for a healthy flush of color.

Try one or a combination of these smokin' hot eyeshadow colors for fall.

    Camo, Bling and Cabernet

Try one, two or all three . . . they'll carry you into the holiday season!  Leave us a comment on how you like them!

Home Grown Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe

If you garden, I'm sure you're trying to figure out what to do with the overabundance of tomatoes. I was contemplating just that when I remembered an episode of Tyler's Ultimate I watched a couple of months ago, featuring Roasted Tomato Soup.

I found the recipe on-line and improvised with what I had in the house.  My version (which, by the way, was sooooo deep in flavor . . . it was awesome!) ended up like this:

3 lbs of various tomatoes

(I had orange cherry, yellow heirloom and red big boys(?). . . I don't know . . .some kind of red.  The idea is to have a couple of different kinds if you have them)

2 yellow onions, sliced thick

6 cloves garlic, smashed

1/4 c. olive oil

salt and pepper

1 quart + 1 cup chicken stock

2 bay leaves

2 Tablespoons butter

3/4 c. organic half-and-half, optional

Basil to Garnish

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Core and cut tomatoes in half, or quarters if large.  No need to cut the cherry tomatoes.  Place tomatoes in a roasting pan with onions and garlic.  Add olive oil, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly into vegetables by hand.  Roast in oven for about 30 minutes, or until carmelized.  Remove from oven.

In a large saucepan add roasted vegetables, chicken stock, bay leaves, and butter.  Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes to reduce liquid.  Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth.  Reduce heat and add half-and-half.  Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Garnish bowls with sprigs of basil.

I then bought a little round loaf of whole grain bread, sliced it, drizzled it with olive oil and fresh grated parmesan.  I threw them under the broiler until the parmesan melted and browned.  OMG! 

Easy, filling and yummy.

What are your favorite recipes for excess garden vegetables?  Let us know.  Leave a comment.