fête à fête

I was in search of an enzyme face peel that isn't irritating and eventually discovered Suki's Renewal Bio-Resurfacing Facial Peel. As one of the rare companies that use 100% natural ingredients, I was happy to see that this product has a potent efficacy. It contains cranberry glycolic acid, along with an advanced botanical enzyme complex of pumpkin, apple and papain. White willow bark is also added to exfoliate the skin.

After I had applied a thin layer, I felt a slight tingling on the cheeks but I didn't see any redness after I had washed it off. My entire face was noticeably brighter, which is amazing to see after just one application. It looked so radiant that I didn't need to add my usual night serums. You can also use this as an overnight spot treatment for blemishes.

If you do need a brightening product, they have a Targeted Bio-Brightening Face Serum. Arbutin, songyi mushroom and licorice root are the key ingredients that will lighten the skin. This is certainly a safer alternative than using chemical lighteners. This concentrated product is also suitable for folks with rosacea.

I also tried their Tinted Active Moisturizer SPF 15. I was worried that the shade was too dark for me (at least in the bottle) but the sheer texture blended right into the skin. This is not your typical tinted moisturizer. It contains lots of good-for-you nutrients (pure minerals, organic jojoba, organic rose extract) and it doesn't look chalky. Derived from white willow, the natural salicyclic acid will help reduce inflammation and prevent new breakouts.

www.sukiskincare.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, moisturizer, natural ingredients, organic, organic ingredients, peel, serum, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

If you're having trouble keeping that new year's resolution to stay healthy, Beautifull! just opened another convenient SF location to help you stick to your diet in a delicious way.

Located in the bustling Sunset district, the new eatery has a much larger space and plenty of table seating, as well as a cozy heated patio in the back. They're also working with Susan Cervantes, Founder of Precita Eyes Muralists Association, to produce a large abstract mural in the patio representing happiness, contentment and love. How Beautifull is that?

There are a few new items on the menu since my last visit. The Moroccan Chicken and Red Thai Curry Turkey Bowl (with organic coconut milk) are my new favorites, and I love the fact that their meats are hormone-free. The Polenta Fries and Farro Risotto are also very good. For dessert, they have a chocolate chip cookie made with whole grains and flax seed. The 'chips' are actually cacao nibs, so it's lower in sugar and healthier for your body.

The best thing about their healthy menu? The food doesn't taste like diet food and it is so nutrient dense that I was pretty full for a long time. I didn't need an afternoon snack and ended up eating a lighter dinner.

Check out the entire menu at beautifull.com.

For editorial consideration, a press visit was provided for this review.

Tagged as: dinner, healthy, lunch, organic ingredients, restaurant, San Francisco

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I have to admit, I like to sleep in on some mornings. As a result I end up tap dancing my way through a 15-minute rush so I can dash out the door. I splash water on my face, slap on the SPF and lipstick and I'm good to go.

As a new year's resolution I'm making more time for myself, even if it's building a few extra minutes into my beauty regimen. To make things easy, Clarins has a new Gentle Beauty Soap that works well for my routine.

As their first organic product (certified by ECOCERT) it contains 83.5% organic ingredients (shea butter and hazelnut oil) and has less air than traditional soaps. This means it has a greater mileage for you and it lathers up wonderfully. The light citrus scent is uplifting and works well as a body and face soap, so you can also wash your face in the shower.

If you prefer a liquid cleanser, the popular Gentle Foaming Cleanser will remove dirt without drying the skin out. Enriched with cottonseed and katafray bark extract, it'll protect the skin from the drying effects of hard water. The tamarind fruit acid also helps clear blocked pores by eliminating dead skin cells.

For best results, Clarins recommends their unique suction cleansing method, which was developed by founder Jacques Courtin Clarins:

-Squeeze cleanser into hands and apply to face using quick, tapping motions working from inside out. You will hear a slight suction sound as the cleanser removes dirt and impurities.

-Rinse cleanser off the face with cool water and follow with toner. This is more effective than rubbing cleanser into the face as the dirt will create microscopic tears on the skin's surface which lead to breakouts and irritation. It also is gentler than tugging at the skin which causes wrinkles by stretching the skin.

us.clarins.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, body care, Cleanser, facial cleanser, organic, organic ingredients, shopping, soap

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Eminence Organics has a really comprehensive and award-winning organic skin care line, but it's great to see that they finally launched a collection of USDA Organic Certified personal care products.

Perfect for the harsh winter, the Shea Butter & Mint Moisture Balm will smooth out all your rough spots. The refreshingly minty balm is packed with organic avocado, shea butter, and tea tree to address cracked feet, elbows, and knees. I do like how it delivers lots of moisture without leaving a greasy residue. The twist-up applicator is also super convenient for the gym or travel.

Want soft and germ-free hands? The non-drying and chemical-free Tea Tree & Mint Hand Cleanser is enriched with organic chamomile, aloe vera and tea tree oil. The 2 ounce size is great for travel bags and larger purses, so you can always get clean hands when you can't locate a nearby restroom. If you want more peppermint goodness, also try their new Vanilla Mint Hand Cream.

eminenceorganics.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, moisturizer, organic, shopping, skin care, Winter

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Marie-Veronique Organics has one of the gentlest organic facial cleansers I've tried. Although it contains 1% lactic acid to promote exfoliation, the Jade Gentle Cleanser is non-foaming and doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils. The anti-inflammatory properties of hydrolyzed jade ensures that this cleanser is usable for the most sensitive skin.

I don't usually like most tinted moisturizers, but their Creme de Soleil Tinted SPF 30 has a really matte texture and didn't leave any greasy residue whatsoever. The tint also blended right into the skin, so I didn't have to worry about having extra color on my face. This sunscreen contains the healing emu oil and the regenerative helichrysum essential oil.

I also like that they don't use any waxes in their natural skin care line. Apparently they cause the little bumps on your skin, clogging up the pores. This local company is also against using nanoparticles, parabens, fillers, and fragrances.

While this is not the cheapest 'green' skin care, it's far more affordable than many luxury department store brands. I recommend getting their Anti-Aging Travel Kit to see if your skin will agree to their formulas. Their face oils (Overture and Nocturne) are jam-packed with nourishing nutrients like krill, broccoli seed, cherry kernel, black raspberry seed, and kiwi seed oils.

www.marieveronique.net

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: beauty, Cleanser, moisturizer, organic ingredients, skin care, SPF, sunscreen

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Feeling sluggish from all the holiday indulgence? Most of you probably have the long-term goal to become healthier in the new year. For those in the SF Bay Area, you're in luck. Cook! SF has a delicious Real Detox meal program that's coming up in January.

Say goodbye to that awful lemon juice cleanse. You can actually lose weight, feel better and improve your mental clarity by eating whole, organic foods. To make your life easier, Cook! SF will prepare and deliver all the meals to you each week. Each dish is prepared with local ingredients and is free of all preservatives, trans-fats, and high fructose corn syrup.

Their meal kits are all pre-portioned and take only 15-20 minutes to cook. They also offer vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. I tried one of their seafood meals and it's really flavorful for a 'detox' meal. The portion I got was so big I could have split it into two meals.

You can sign up for a 1 or 2 week plan. Based on Dr. Mark Hyman's Ultra Metabolism menu recommendations, this is probably one of the safest ways to nourish your body without starvation, suffering through meal replacement shakes, or popping tons of herbal supplements.

If you sign up for the detox before December 31, you'll also get a $20 gift certificate.

www.cooksf.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Tagged as: cooking, detox, dinner, food, health, Lifestyle, organic ingredients, San Francisco

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm such a popcorn fiend. I jump at any chance to inhale the entire bag. So when I learned that 479 Popcorn came out with their new P.I.Y. (Pop It Yourself) Kit, I was beyond excited.

This isn't your average grocery aisle popcorn. The kit comes with a large container of organic multi-colored heirloom corn kernels, organic high-oleic sunflower oil, gourmet salt and sugar blends (Toasted Coconut Sugar, Aromatic Curry Salt, Fiery Habanero Sugar, and Roasted Onion Salt), and recipe cards. This is great for a holiday party; it also comes with paper popcorn cones to make things truly festive.

Too lazy to make it yourself? Definitely try the Purist sampler box. Delicious flavors include Fleur de Sel Caramel, the delicate Vietnamese Cinnamon Sugar, Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt, and Pimentón de La Vera. The pimenton has a lovely kick, which I really relished...and the fleur the sel has the perfect salty-sweet balance, with a hint of coconut. Love love love.

www.479popcorn.com

Tagged as: entertaining, food, gifts, gourmet, holiday, organic, San Francisco

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

For the Fall season, Eminence Organics has a new Berry Refined Exfoliating & Pore Minimizing Collection for us beauty queens to try. The entire line has a berry-licious cocktail of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries that will simply make you drool.

First up is the Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser. It contains AHA to exfoliate dull skin, and it's got enough blueberry juice to heal and fortify your precious visage. Soy milk is also added to purify and tighten up your pores.

If you need more pore-refining, try the yummy-smelling Raspberry Pore Refining Masque. The texture literally feels like raspberry jam, giving your face an astringent effect. I like this masque a lot - it doesn't feel as thick as the other masques within the brand, so it made it a bit easier to apply.

If you want shimmery skin, the Blueberry Shimmer Body Lotion is a great one to have on hand. Shea butter gives it a nice moisturizing feel and the natural minerals will give your body a subtle, sexy glow. It's perfect for hot date nights!

www.eminenceorganics.com

Tagged as: beauty, Cleanser, lotion, mask, masque, organic ingredients, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm always a fan of organic clothing, so I was happy to discover Hyde's line of comfy yoga wear. While this line is for yoga and stretching, these pieces are also great for lounging around the house or for running errands on weekends.

The Trieger tank has nice wide straps, so it won't slip while you're working out a complicated pose. The built-in bra keeps your girly parts securely in place as you bend down for those long stretches. This one also has a neat v-neck on the back, which looks quite stylin'. This top is made with 92% organic cotton, with 8% spandex.

The Engineered Seam Pant has a flat waistband so you can roll them up or down as you see fit. I like the ankle length because other types of yoga pants tend to be too long and kinda get in the way. These also have cute seams that curve around your legs, making it a bit quirky. These pants are made with 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex.

Once you're done with your practice, don't forget to cover up. The Lux Zip Hoodie is the ideal lightweight outerwear. The soft and decadent Italian cashmere and merino wool blend completes your athletic look in a feminine way. The bell sleeves also make a nice flattering line for the arms.

Hyde carries a Men's Practice Pant, so if your S.O. goes to yoga with you, get him a pair. Apparently, Deepak Chopra is a fan of them.

www.yogahyde.com

Tagged as: fashion, Lifestyle, organic, outerwear, pants, shopping, sportswear, tops

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

My old nutritionist would be so happy for me. Beautifull!, a new eatery near my neighborhood, has opened earlier this year in Laurel Heights, and I recently got to try their healthy and very delicious fare.

The chefs behind the company hail from pedigree backgrounds (Aqua, Lark Creek, Whole Foods), so you know you're getting high quality stuff. They only use whole and natural ingredients, and everything is mostly organic and locally sourced. They don't use any refined sugars and preservatives. There's also plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options.

One of the favorites is the Organic Turkey Meatballs with Kamut Spaghetti. The dish is hearty and flavorful, but not heavy. They use rolled oats instead of bread crumbs in the meatballs, giving you more fiber intake. The Tea-Smoked Salmon is very tender - pair it with the Red Quinoa and Edamame Salad, and you've got a superb meal.

They also have a signature mac & cheese that's made with no butter or cream. The Thai Chicken and Indian Vegetable curries are also winners and the Caesar Salad with Herbed Shrimp is another standout.

They have a great to-go section. Almost everything is available in pre-packaged boxes - all you do is grab and go. I like how they use grapeseed oil in salad dressings (such as the fab Chinese Chicken Salad). Most items last for a few days, so you can stock up for the whole family or call their food concierge to have your meals delivered. You can't get more convenient than that!

Get your lunch today at beautifull.com!

Tagged as: dining, dinner, food, Lifestyle, lunch, organic, organic ingredients, San Francisco

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm always excited when Eminence Organics has a new collection, and their new Summer Lovin' line doesn't disappoint. While I adore their Sun Defense Minerals, those who prefer a cream base will love the new Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream SPF 32. It has a great souffle texture that just melts onto the skin, so it's non-greasy. It almost feels like a water-based cream. Plus, it smells like like a spicy vanilla cake, which is always nice!

Now, if you're a sunscreen klutz like me and forget to reapply it after a couple hours, you might risk a sunburn. That's when the Aloe Mint Hydrating Cream Gel comes to your rescue. The cooling peppermint oil and aloe vera juice will heal and calm the irritated and damaged skin. It's gentle for sensitive skin and won't clog pores. I applied this after a day in the sun and my skin's pretty happy afterwards.

And, if that's not enough, you can supplement the healing process with their soothing Hibiscus Calendula Recovery Masque. Once you use this to rejuvenate the moisture levels of your sun-kissed skin, you'll be ready for the beach again!

eminenceorganics.com

Tagged as: beauty, masks, moisturizer, organic ingredients, shopping, skin care, SPF, sunscreen

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I try not to be a stressball, but due to the nature of my job I usually end up with 10 million knots on my back at the end of the day. As a worrywart, sometimes I have trouble sleeping too.

Luckily for me (and you!), Nectar Essences flower sprays are one of the ways I combat my anxiety. Founder Jenny Pao used her background in holistic healing and flower essence therapy to formulate her unique product line. Each spray is 100% natural natural including wildcrafted, organic and biodynamically farmed ingredients. They're safe for kids too.

Not only are they incredibly powerful, these are also effective natural remedies that will heal your body, soul, and mind. I LOVE the De Stress formula. It has 15 flower essences (including Rescue Remedy) and is scented with ylang ylang, jasmine and palo santo oils. I had a personal trauma happen and using the spray calmed me down enough to carry on with my daily life. I also used it on a couple friends and they just ate it up. The Sleep and Awake sprays will assist with your sleeping and waking patterns.

To see the magical effects yourself, we're doing a special giveaway of the De Stress spray to one lucky reader!

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Nectar Essences giveaway http://tinyurl.com/kwedq5 ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which formula you'd like to try (don't send generic ones like 'this sounds great').

Step 2: Email your full name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. Be sure to enter 'Nectar Giveaway' in the subject line and your unlocked Twitter link in the body. DO NOT forget to email your name & address after you comment or tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically!

One winner will be chosen at random. Deadline is Thursday, July 9, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: fragrance, giveaway, health, holistic, Lifestyle, natural ingredients, organic, organic ingredients, San Francisco, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I am addicted to the Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructing Shampoo from John Masters Organics. The ultra-moisturizing formula makes my shampooing into such a luxurious ritual. Packed with flax seed, jojoba, borage oils, and sunflower seed oils, this shampoo is aimed at repairing damaged hair. It doesn't contain any sodium lauryl sulfate, so it won't dry the scalp and hair shaft. The ylang ylang and bergamot oils will make you feel relaxed and more calm.

I also tried the Lavender and Avocado Intensive Conditioner. It gets two thumbs up from me. On top of the wonderful lavender scent, you can practically feel the avocado oil working its magic on my hair. This is also great for color-treated hair.

If you need something to keep your hair shiny and soft, the new Shine On is a leave-in treatment that uses organic kelp as a silicone replacement. Carrot seed oil, olive oil, chamomile, and calendula also help amp up the moisture factor.

If you buy from their USDA collection, you get 20% off the entire month of July.

www.johnmasters.com

Tagged as: beauty, hair care, hair product, organic ingredients, shampoo, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite the occasional foggy 'June Gloom' we have here in SF, it's still summer season and we need to remind ourselves to slap on the SPF. Sun care can be a boring thing to remember, but with a few items from Juice Beauty's, it should make your sunscreen application a little bit more fun.

The non-greasy Green Apple SPF 15 Moisturizer is a nice everyday full-spectrum sunscreen. This chemical-free moisturizer also has a brightening hydroxy-acid complex (made with certified organic fruit juices) and age-defying peptides to refresh the sun-worn skin. For the body, the Green Apple SPF 20 Antioxidant Body Moisturizer soaks right into the skin. And yes, your face and body will smell delicious, just like apple pie!

The SPF 8 Lip Moisturizers have natural mineral sun protection and also contain certified organic emollient plant oils, mango and passionfruit juices, beeswax, and honey. This trio has a clear lip color and two very sheer mineral tints. Like the products above, they also smell delish. I totally dug the non-waxy feel.

www.juicebeauty.com

Tagged as: beauty, organic ingredients, shopping, skin care, SPF, sunscreen

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

My skin is considered to be normal, but when I'm having an off day (no sleep or sun damage) it can change my skin chemistry for a while. Once irritated, the daily regimen products I use might be too much to handle and I'm left wondering what I should use to remedy my crabby skin.

So imagine my delight when I learned about the new Eminence Organics Biodynamic Collection. The products are lighter in scent and color compared to their regular line, but I'm a big fan of this collection. Originally formulated for medi spas, the sensitive skin friendly line from the venerable Hungarian company works for all skin types. The line is hypoallergenic and clinically tested, and the potency of these ultra gentle products are not to be underestimated.

Each product in this collection contains a minimum of 95% organic ingredients and up to 88% Biodynamic nutrients. Biodynamic farming practices a holistic view of the universe, producing highly nutrient-rich ingredients. That translate to powerful and results-driven skin care.

The Lemon Grass Cleanser is a mild, creamy, and hydrating balm on irritated skin. This is great for post-peel treatments or if you've been dehydrated from baking in the sun. My skin must have been quite thirsty, as the Apricot Calendula Nourishing Cream soaked right in. My face literally drank up the active nutrients in no time. For oily skin, the Echinacea Recovery Cream has a nice light fluid texture that will absorb easily.

The Primrose & Melon Balancing Masque smells like a freshly baked fruit tart - very calming (thanks to Marigold and Primrose) and a good skin toner. The Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque is great for rosacea skin. I liked the Radish Seed Refining Peel. The AHA/BHA gently renews the skin while Lemon Balm helped detox the skin cells.

The Bearberry Eye Repair cream nourishes with brightening properties from the Bearberry extract. Unlike most rich eye creams, this is not heavy at all. For body care, the bioactive Alfalfa, Yarrow, and Sunchoke in the Quince Nourishing Body Lotion is great for eczema skin prone types.

www.eminenceorganics.com

Tagged as: beauty, biodynamic, green, Luxury, organic, organic ingredients, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Every day should be Earth Day, and Juice Beauty is one of the natural skin care leaders to promote this idea. Their line of organic body and skin care has always been made without the laundry list of the usual chemicals (no parabens, propylene/butylene glycols, petroleum, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, phthalates, GMO, silicones, pesticides, etc.). Are you tired yet from reading that list? You don't want all those things on your skin.

I'm happy to learn about their new USDA Certified Organic collection. That means they're using ingredients cultivated from USDA certified Organic farms that maintain soil productivity and control through crop rotation, compost and biological pest control (no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, livestock feed additives, and GMOs).

This line contains at least 95% organic ingredient content. I really heart the Organic Lip Moisturizer. Shea and cocoa butter provide superb moisture while the intoxicating orange and vanilla make it smell and taste oh-so-loverly. It makes for great extended smooching sessions. This earned a spot inside my daily makeup bag.

The Organic Facial Wash is also an instant fave. Grape and apple juices, sunflower oil, essential fatty acids, and honey maintain optimum moisture levels while helichrysum and carrot seed remove impurities. I like the non-drying texture. It almost feels like a 2-in-1 cleanser and moisturizer.

The Organic Facial Moisture Concentrate is pretty potent, so start with a few tiny drops and work it in. This concentrated hydrator will send a boost of antioxidant-rich cranberry seed and grapeseed oils, sunflower, and jojoba. It's also packed with carrot seed, geranium, and helichrysum. Try not to pump out too much lest you waste the precious product.

I'm always harping about SPF protection, so here's another way to protect your precious dermal layer. Not only will you smell like apple pie, the Green Apple SPF 20 Antioxidant Body Moisturizer is non-greasy enough for sports (too bad it's not waterproof). I like to slap it on my arms and legs before my workouts. This is great stuff. This chemical-free spf has enough peptides, DMAE, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10 and a potent fruit acid complex to brighten and buff off fine lines.

I'm so proud that they're local yet making such a positive impact globally. Their packaging is made from 100% recycled paper and soy based inks. Over 80% of their products are manufactured in a solar powered plant.

www.juicebeauty.com

Tagged as: beauty, Cleanser, eco-friendly, green, moisturizer, organic, shopping, skin care, SPF

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Long before 'organic' and 'green' became buzz words, Weleda has been an early pioneer in using organic and biodynamic ingredients (since 1921) in their skin care line. Their new Almond and Wild Rose Facial Care Kits ($14.99) are a great way to get into a healthier skin care regimen.

Great as a weekend travel kit, you can experience the wonderful scent of wild roses and almonds. This is also great for a Mother's Day gift (bright idea for you early planners - you can thank me later!). I especially loved the Wild Rose Moisture Cream. Using organic Rosehip Oil (Rosa Moschata), this is light yet nourishing on my dry skin.

I also really liked the Body Oil Essentials Kit. You can use the Lavender Oil for aromatherapy, or have your SO rub some Arnica Massage Oil onto your achy back. They even have a great Birch Cellulite Oil. I loved the citrusy Sea Buckthorn Body Oil.

Also check out the natural deodorant sprays. Free of aluminum salts and phalates, these help neutralize odor-causing bacteria and they don't prevent perspiration or the body's natural processes. It has organic grain alcohol cultivated in Italy. The heating and distillation process kills the wheat protein (gluten), so it's gluten-free.

And, just for this blog, Weleda is very kind enough to do a special giveaway! We're giving away one Facial Care Kit (Rose or Almond) to a lucky reader. FIRST leave a comment on this post, THEN email your full name & mailing address at feteafeteswag@gmail.com. One winner will be chosen at random. Deadline is Thursday, April 2, 11:59pm PST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

shop.weleda.com

Tagged as: beauty, Cleanser, gifts, giveaway, moisturizer, organic, organic ingredients, skin care, travel

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (21) | TrackBacks (0)

SF weather can be super cold and windy even in the Spring and Summer seasons, so imagine my delight to come upon the new Lutz & Patmos Spring 2009 collection. Teaming up with style icon and guest designer Jane Birkin, they created two ultra soft and flattering basic tops (made with 100% organic Scottish cashmere).

Jane Birkin for Lutz & Patmos - wearing her V-Neck sweater and Tank.

Layer the Jane Birkin Tank with the V-Neck sweater for that casual, sexy look. The deep V-Neck is raw edged with a slouchy fit and 3/4 sleeves, while the tank scoopneck has a delicate hand crochet finish at the neckline and armhole. Both styles come in black, grey heather, and mocha heather. The company will also continue collaborating with Birkin for Fall 2009.

I also want the Organic Flounced Dress - so elegant! It looks deceptively simple but I know it will be very flattering for most body types. It's the perfect black dress with a green agenda.

Get it online at www.lutzandpatmos.com (FREE shipping through March 31!).

Tagged as: celebrity, fashion, green, Lifestyle, Luxury, organic, organic ingredients, shopping, spring, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

DL1961 is now one of my favorite stretch denim companies. The first in using the incredible XFit Lycra technology, your jeans won't sag, stretch out, or get baggy. The fabric has 90% less pressure strain at stress points (knees, inseam, and back rise areas), meaning it won't get worn down as easily. The denim moves 360 degrees for maximum shape, style despite multiple wears.

Milano 1093 Bootcut

Hugging your curves comfortably, these sexy jeans will also shape up the derriere and legs. The four-way stretch fabric in the Milano Bootcut made me look like I've lost a couple pounds, or gotten a mini butt lift. It's that flattering. The slimming effects are evident upon wearing it. So ladies, if you were too afraid to try the skinny or straight cut, this will give you hope. The men will notice the difference, I kid you not.

Tory 1098 Straight Leg

The 27% lycra content makes this line super comfy, it's almost like wearing yoga pants. I don't recommend working out in these but it's thin and soft enough to lounge around in if you want. I might have to try it out on the dance floor for the ultimate stretch test. And, they use an enzyme wash (using a protein that softens the fabric) for that worn in look. I wonder if the traditional stone wash beats up the fabric too much in the process?

They will launch an organic line next month, so stay tuned. I'll update you on the new styles and washes.

I totally heart these guys. Keep up the fabulous work!

www.dl1961.com

Tagged as: denim, fashion, fashion design, jeans, Lifestyle, Luxury, organic, shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

In an attempt to eat healthier, I tried the Lundberg Family Farms' gluten-free Penne Brown Rice Pasta for dinner the other night. It was a nice surprise to see that being healthy didn't mean taste had to be compromised. The penne had a nice al dente texture (not mushy at all - yay!) and held its shape after boiling it according to instructions. The recipe suggestions on their site are great for a quick meal at home when you're too tired to make a grand feast.

I also really liked the organic Tamari with Seaweed Rice Cakes as a snack. They're packed with twice the amount of brown rice (compared to other rice cake brands) so it's double the flavor. The farm runs a sustainable practice (doesn't grow GMO varietals), so it's friendly on your body and for the planet.

www.lundberg.com

Tagged as: eco-friendly, food, gluten-free, green, healthy, healthy snacks, non-GMO, organic, pasta, snack

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You never need an excuse to indulge in Vosges Haut Chocolat, but for the Valentine gifting folks out there, there's the new Organic Exotic Candy Bar Library to try. The box includes a Dominica Noir (74% -one of the darkest I've tried from them), a Dominica Lait (using Criollo beans!), an Enchanted Mushroom & one Peanut Butter Bonbon Bar.

I love the peanut butter bar...the mushroom bar is made with Reishi mushrooms, a superfood used in Chinese medicine. I feel healthier already, hehe. I also liked the salty-sweet crunch of the milk Habana bar (w/Ecuadorian plantain chips). It will be a crucial tool for that certain time of the month, that's for sure.

For a slightly fancier gift idea, the Exotic Truffle Collection Heart Box is a good one. It contains their signature truffle collection, which will make anyone happy.

www.vosgeschocolate.com

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, food, gifts, gourmet, holiday, Lifestyle, organic ingredients, shopping, valentine

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I spent this past week noshing on cheese, sausages, and chocolate at the annual Fancy Food Show in SF, and man was I frazzled. Over 1,500 companies from 35 countries were there to showcase their latest and greatest gourmet items, and I could barely keep my head straight. Here's a quick highlight roundup, of both old and new brands...

I think my top fave was Robert Lambert's new stuff. His Dark Chocolate Cognac Sauce was sublime. His Spiced Crab Apples are from his grandmother's recipe, so you know it's gotta be superb. The Membrillo (quince paste) rivals the Spanish brands, and for the vegans, he has a Coconut Chocolate Sauce that's incredible. The Yuzu syrup was just amazing.

The lavender Agave Dream ice cream was lovely. It almost made me feel less guilty about eating ice cream. Made with agave, this brand is free of GMOs, gluten, preservatives, and corn syrup. Did I also mention that this is truly yummy?

Thankfully, Norwegian flavored water from ganicWater kept me going as I ran around tasting more goodies. I dug their Citric Lemongrass (naturally flavored, of course).

The guys over at FatCat Scones had the fluffiest Peach Passionfruit scones ever! Based in NorCal, they've just launched some new cakes (passionfruit coffee cake), so watch out for their retail launch. I discovered them 5 years ago, and have been a fan since.

As far as teas go, ITO EN had the new and refreshing Oolong Shot, a blue tea that is packed with 171 mg of tea polyphenols. Dilmah offered 100% single estate tea from Ceylon. This fair-trade tea company from Sri Lanka had a cool program that gives back to the local community and environment.

Tagged as: chocolate, drink, food, food & drink, gourmet, green, honey, ice cream, organic, pastries, San Francisco, tea

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

To gear up for Springtime, Eminence Organics just launched their new Ahhhpricot collection. And boy, does it smell luscious. Used for centuries, the apricot kernel, fruit, and oil have been revered for their healing properties.

The Apricot Body Oil is To-Die-For. I rubbed some over my legs after a shower and maaaan, do I smell like a delicious piece of juicy fruit. It just smells so good - guaranteed to make you smile a lot. It also contains jojoba (biodynamic) and grapeseed oils to amp up the moisturizng factor.

The Apricot Masque does the trick for dry skin. Calming and hydrating, it's great for folks with eczema and other itchy irritations. It has a high mineral content (calcium, iron, phosphorus) to ensure maximum glow. It also smells like fruity gummy bears, and my mouth watered as I applied the masque. Yum...

If you've tried their other sugar scrubs, then you know you're in for a treat with the Apricot Sugar Scrub. Apricot juice and pulp are combined with raw sugar for the healthiest body treatment ever. It's packed with other goodies to make your skin super soft (blueberry leaf, echinacea, calendula, Atlantic kelp, etc.).

www.eminenceorganics.com

Tagged as: beauty, healthy, mask, moisturizer, natural ingredients, organic, organic ingredients, shopping, skin care, skin care product

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In a market flooded with 'healthy' drinks, Steaz makes a tasty and refreshing certified organic beverage. I tried some of their new iced teas (spelled iced 'teaz') made with 100% Ceylon green tea and now I'm a convert. I love the one that's lightly sweetened with mint. It's not too sweet at all. I'm usually suspicious about the hidden sugar content in drink labels, but this one has organic evaporated cane juice.

The flavors come in: Peach, Blueberry/Pomegranate/Acai, Mint, Unsweetened with Lemon, Black Tea with Lemon, and White Tea with Lime and Pomegranate. The company sources fair trade tea, so you can rest assured that it's a green practice. I can't wait to try their natural energy drinks (au revoir Red Bull).

To try their new iced tea, click here for a 'buy one get one free' coupon: http://www.steazteas.com/coupon.pdf

I also really liked their Steaz Energy drinks. Regular American coffee won't wake me up but these will! With ingredients like Acai, Green Tea, Yerba Mate, and Guarana, each one has 80 mg of natural caffeine, at 135 calories per can. I don't even need the whole serving- it's that strong, at least for me.

www.steaz.com

Tagged as: beverage, certified organic, drinks, fair trade, food & drink, green, organic ingredients, organic tea, snack, tea

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Smile Chocolatiers founder Joanie Freeman has an exotic array of Choclatea chocolate bars that are blended with ground organic tea. I've had truffles infused with tea, but it's fairly rare to see actual teeny tiny bits of tea blended into Belgian chocolate. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu, Freeman has interesting combos, such as the 64% dark with herbal chai, or the 37% white chocolate with rosemary hibiscus. I also liked the 37% milk with wild raspberry.

Now that's enough reason to smile.

www.smilechocolatiers.com

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, confection, food, organic ingredients, snack, tea

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My split ends have been tamed by Hamadi's Shea Hair Mask. Thanks to the organic essential oils, my hair is back to a healthy sheen. I like the light, non-goopy texture and light vanilla scent. Shea butter has natural sunscreen properties, so it protects against UV rays. It's meant to be used as a weekly deep conditioning, but you can also use it daily.

The Healing Serum is another fab tool for over-processed hair. Packed with ylang ylang, palmarosa, vanilla, bergamot, sunflower, avocado, and olive oils, this is a powerful treatment against all sorts of damage on your poor beautiful locks.

www.hamadibeauty.com

Tagged as: beauty, conditioner, hair, hair care, hair product, organic, organic ingredients, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Vosges Haut-Chocolat came out with some new fall/holiday goodies and as an extra treat you can get a discount from now through November 30. Just paste the code 2810WB1 and get 10% off all web purchases.

I'd get the tasty Organic Peanut Butter Bonbon bar if I were you. Or try the great Naga Mango Bombalinas (organic dried mango slices with sweet Indian Curry, then covered in dark chocolate). The new Red Fire Toffee looks very tempting to me right now. If only I had some right next to my desk...

www.vosgeschocolate.com

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate bar, food & drink, gourmet, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I've been a huge Eminence fan for a long time, and this holiday season they're doing their first Holiday Gift Bag and contest giveaway! The cute eco bag comes with an organic fruit smoothie body wash, natural body loofah, and a chance to win a spa getaway to the world famous Mii amo Spa at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ.

Second prize is a relaxing Eminence spa treatment, and third prize is a luxurious gift basket filled with Eminence goodies. These are available through 12/31; contest closes on January 31, 2009.

Call 888-747-6342 for more details or visit: eminenceorganics.com.

Tagged as: beauty, contest, gifts, holiday, Luxury, organic, organic ingredients, shopping, skin care, spa

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I've written about Juice Beauty a while back, when the company first launched, but now I got to try other items that escaped my notice. The Green Apple Mousse Body Cleanser makes your morning shower extra fun. Not only does it smell like a scrumptious apple pie, it comes in a foaming dispenser. This is great for all the sleepyheads who are too tired to lather their soap. And, it's paraben free!

For a perfect pucker, the Lip Plumper does the trick. It does fill in the fine lines with its effective amino acids, cane sugar, and organic citrus juice. It has a permanent place in my purse. For newbies to the brand, the Organics To Go kit is good for folks who are undecided on what to try; it's also a nice gift for a skin care junkie.

www.juicebeauty.com

Tagged as: beauty, body wash, fruit, gifts, lips, organic, organic ingredients, shopping, skin, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oh...my. I've reached chocolate nirvana with Kika's Treats.

Founder Cristina Besher nailed her baking recipes down for sure. For those who are curious, 'Kika' is her nickname, hence the brand's namesake. Besher only uses local and organic ingredients (no trans fat, no GMOs or preservatives) so the shelf life is fairly short. Not that it really matters, since you'll inhale these babies in 2 seconds flat!

I really dug the Brazilian Honey Cakes. This fancy version of "pao de mel" (honey bread) is a rich spiced honey cake enrobed in dark Guittard chocolate. Absolute heaven!

I'd be in so much trouble if I had these treats around me all the time. The Caramelized Graham Crackers are just as deadly (enrobed in dark or milk chocolate). I've never tasted such delicious graham crackers in my life, other than the ones from Recchiuti's S'mores Bites.

The flavorful Cocoa Nib Chocolate Shortbread has nice crunchy bits of nibs nestled within the light buttery goodness. The Espresso Cardamom Shortbread has a unique and delicate zing. The cardamom is not too strong, which I like.

Very, very addictive treats, so you are forewarned.

www.kikastreats.com

Tagged as: artisan, baker, cake, chocolate, cookies, dessert, food & drink, organic ingredients, San Francisco, snack

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Face Serum does a pretty good job of controlling the wrinkles. It's also great for all the sun damage I've been subjecting my skin to. I need to slather this on all the time. You can use it throughout the day, and also at night in place of heavy creams.

I also liked the Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash. It's got a nice thick texture, so a little bit is enough to form a rich lather. It won't strip the body of its oils thanks to its mild botanical surfactants. The bourbon vanilla scent is lovely.

Check it out at: www.johnmasters.com

Tagged as: beauty, body wash, Natural, organic ingredients, skin care, skin care product, skin renewal

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The DiVine Collection from Eminence is really a decadent walk through Hungary's famous wine region. Ripe with polyphenols, this new fall line will fortify, tone, and restore your skin to its youthful vitality. Champagne grapes, orange, and quince are also included to maximize the healing properties of this wonderful line.

I really liked the Quince & Ice Wine Masque. Good for normal skin, it's especially beneficial for rosacea and oily types. Tokay grapes, quince, and echinacea come together to calm inflammation. The Tokay Ice Wine Masque is also another yummy winner. Packed with pieces of grape and apple, it helps nourish and restore vitality to the skin. These masques are great after a long night of partying, that's for sure! Don't forget to follow up with their Mimosa Champagne Tonique, which helps tighten and detox the visage.

For body care, you're in for a treat. The Mimosa Champagne Sugar Scrub will exfoliate your entire body into a soft, sweet bonbon. Champagne grapes, orange and raw sugar cane contain tons of antioxidants to buff your skin into a glowing pearl. You can then further detox with the Mimosa Body Lotion. This non-greasy moisturizer is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory - perfect for restoring the skin after a full summer of sun, surf and sand.

Last, but not least, the Mimosa Champagne Massage Oil is great for dry skin. Rub a few drops onto your elbows, hands, feet, and knees after a shower, or put some in the bath. The scent is nice and light, so you can still use your own perfume without clashing with it.

www.eminenceorganics.com

(San Francisco skin goddesses can check out the entire collection at www.danaleslieorganics.net)

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, mask, moisturizer, organic, organic ingredients, skin, skin care, skin care product

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

The Eminence Coco-luscious Collection is like a walk through an island paradise. This summer, indulge in an array of luxurious and mouth-watering tropical goodies from this venerable organic line. Pamper yourself from head to toe with fragrant mangoes, coconut, watermelon, and pineapple!

For dreamy-lookin' skin, the gentle Coconut Milk Cleanser is a lovely hydrator. The rich coconut milk is really nurturing, soothing dry and irritated skin. (And, if get the summer breakouts, the Herbal Spot Serum is a great way to zap the annoying blemishes!)

Oh, my....the Coconut Cream Masque is so decadent. Like most Eminence products, I am tempted to try it just to see if it tastes as delicious as it smells. Ripe with nutrients, this healing and firming masque is pretty concentrated, so just apply a thin layer while you're relaxing by the pool, as you sip a fruity cocktail.

The Mango Night Cream is so very delicious. It's like having a tropical creamsicle. The potent mango, coconut, shea butter puree nourishes and repairs while marine algae protects the dermal layers. For a night cream, it doesn't feel too thick or rich; you can also dilute it with a couple drops of water.

For an all-body experience, the Coconut Sugar Scrub will buff you into a smooth and fruity bon bon. The Watermelon Papaya Body Butter is equally nice. Despite the coconut oil, it absorbs right away with no residue - great for the sweltering summer heat.

Don't forget to book an appointment with your nearest spa featuring this great line. Try the Mango Enzyme Body Wrap or get the gentle Pineapple Enzyme Pro Peel. Both treatments contain powerful enzymes to exfoliate out the dry patches and to lighten hyperpigmented areas. Your gorgeous skin will then be ready for bikini season!

www.eminenceorganics.com

(SF Bay Area skin divas can purchase Eminence at Dana Leslie Organics - 399 Arguello Blvd., 415-602-1109, www.danaleslieorganics.net)

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, Cleanser, moisturizer, organic, organic ingredients, skin, skin care, skin care product, skin cream

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Who says you can't eat chocolate without the guilt? Terra Nostra’s cute little 1.5 oz bars pack a lotta flavor with just a few nibbles. Slip one in your briefcase or purse, and you'll get instant sweetness at your fingertips.

The organic bars comes in Robust Dark with Pomegranate Truffle (puckery!), Intense Dark with Goji Berries & Pink Himalayan Mineral Salt, Robust Dark with Creamy Caramel, and Satin Milk with Cream Caramel. As a green company, you're also consuming a socially-conscious product. Yet another way to rack up the karma points!

www.terranostrachocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, healthy snacks, organic, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's a great gift idea (also good for Mother's Day). Made with organic soy wax and undiluted essential oils, Dirt candles make a stylish green statement. The packaging is also made with recycled glass and paper. Good for you and the enviroment. Available in 20 unique scent blends (I like the floral Best Friends and minty fresh White Wedding), these long-lasting eco-candles burn for about 60 hours and contain 30-100 fragrance notes each.

A portion of all proceeds go to select charitable causes (National Cancer Society, Susan B. Komen Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, Nature's Conservancy, City of Hope, and Make a Wish Foundation, etc.).

Shop at www.dirtcandles.com

-Tami

Tagged as: essential oil, fragrance, gifts, Natural, organic, organic ingredients, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In celebrating Earth Day this week, here's a yummy 'green' cocktail from Elixir of San Francisco. This refreshing and pretty drink is really versatile (you can use whatever fruit is in season) and fun to make.

Country Thyme

1 ½ oz. Square One Organic Vodka

10-15 Fresh organic blueberries (can also be made with other fresh berries like black berries or huckleberries but may need more sweetener. Use whatever is in season and fresh)

1/2 of an organic lemon, in pieces

¼ oz. organic agave nectar

Place blueberries and lemon pieces in a mixing cup and muddle to juice both. Add agave nectar and vodka, and then top with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds. Place one small sprig of Thyme in the palm of your hand and slap it to release the oils. Twist it and place at the bottom of a 10 oz glass (highball or old fashioned bucket) and fill with ice. Strain the drink over the ice. Take a nice big, pretty sprig of Thyme and slap it again before sticking it into the drink as a garnish.

www.elixirsf.com

-Tami

Tagged as: cocktail, cocktail recipe, drinks, organic, organic ingredients, seasonal

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Spring has never been so yummy. With the Eminence Citrus-C Collection, you are bathed in juicy bursts of pink grapefruit, zesty mandarin, and tangy lime. Already the #1 best-selling collection, this line will get you all primed for radiant skin.

I love the Citrus Exfoliating Wash. Great for all skin types, this refreshing cleanser buffs off dead skin cells with grapefruit seed/peel, infusing the skin with antioxidants and vitamins. The lime juice also helps minimize pores. The silica provides the right amount of exfoliating so my skin felt soft and clean. Many other brands are to harsh on my skin, but this one feels great, like a mini-massage.

The Pink Grapefruit-C Gel is a good hydrating product for oily/acne skin. It provides just the right moisture for the skin, along with healing properties of peppermint and aloe. Perfect for warm weather, this also bathes the skin in a nice layer of Vitamin-C and their Biocomplex™ (antioxidant booster with Vitamins A, Ester-C, E, Coenzyme Q-10, Alpha Lipoic Acid). The Pink Grapefruit Clarifying Masque is also a great healing product if you are having those pesky blemishes. Kaolin clay purifies while grapefruit seed provides antioxidant protection.

A nice anti-aging treatment, the Pink Grapefruit Vitality Masque is a wonderful spa treat at home. I use it in a bath and let the steam activate the masque to do its magic. Great for dry skin, the firming qualities and Biocomplex help boost nutrient levels. Follow with the lovely Lime Refresh Tonique to balance and tone the skin. The lime juice provides an extra shot of Vitamin-C and antioxidants.

Another winner is the Mandarin Grapefruit Body Butter. I love how I end up smelling like a citrus souffle. The fluffy texture of the butter is so light it absorbs instantly with no greasy residue. Grapefruit stimulates and tones while jojoba and aloe heal and moisturize.

As part of an ongoing commitment to the environment, Eminence is launching the Clean Energy Event to help reduce carbon emissions and increase clean energy usage. For every 2 Citrus-C products purchased, they will make a donation of 2 energy credits to the clean energy fund to promote wind power energy.

www.eminenceorganics.com

(SF Bay Area skin divas can purchase Eminence at Dana Leslie Organics - 399 Arguello Blvd., 415-602-1109, www.danaleslieorganics.net)

-Tami

Tagged as: fruit, health, organic, organic ingredients, skin care, skin care product, skin cream, skin renewal

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sunday morning breakfasts suddenly got way easier with the Batter Blaster pancake and waffle batter. The ready-to-use organic mix is packaged into an aerosol can, so you can spray and cook in minutes. No more messy prep work- just aim the nozzle at the griddle and you're a-cookin'. Made with USDA Certified Organic ingredients, the batter uses certified humane, cafe-free eggs. I feel so healthy already. The propellant contains no CFCs and the cans are made of recyclable steel.

Available at Whole Foods, Mollie Stones, Lunardi’s, Andronico’s, Draeger’s, Smart & Final, Raleys/Nob Hill Foods, independent retailers, Costco’s, and Lucky/Save Mart stores.

www.batterblaster.com

See ya in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: breakfast, cooking, food, organic, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Roxanne’s Fine Cuisine, the new brainchild of raw food innovator Roxanne Klein, is a gourmet line of raw food products. Made with fresh organic ingredients, the food is free of diary, eggs, gluten or refined sugars. The flavorful 'living' food line has over 30 products to peruse from, including snacks, prepared foods and ice creams.

I like the Salted Sprouted Almonds and Berry Bliss Trail Mix. I already feel healthier snacking on these, as the active enzymes and micronutrients work their magic on me. The Tu-nut Pinwheel Sandwich and Rox Kremes look tasty.

Currently available at Whole Foods (wholefoodsmarket.com) and other gourmet markets in the Bay Area. For more information: www.roxannes.com

-Tami

Tagged as: breakfast, dessert, dinner, food, Gourmet and Gourmand, healing foods, health, healthy snacks, lunch, organic, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

TSP Spices is a great way to revamp your spice collection. They only offer certified organic spices - I love the Korintje Cinnamon and Green Cardamom. I like to bake so I find their Sweet Basics collection a real gem, containing Allspice, Anise Seed, Green Cardamom, Korintje Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg.

Not only is their single-use packaging super handy (pre-measured in teaspoon increments!), their cute reusable tin cans are stackable, to create less kitchen clutter. It is even worthy of Oprah's approval. They're also great for picnics and BBQs.

Try using a teaspoon of cardamom in a pot of rice for an exotic twist, or sprinkle it in some vanilla ice cream. Make dill butter for a seafood dish, or create your own curry dip with a packet each of the cumin, coriander, ginger and tumeric. Blend into a cup of sour cream and voila! Instant fancy appetizer.

www.tspspices.com

See you in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: baking, cooking, cooking techniques, food, Natural, organic, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Now that your social calender is jam-packed with one holiday soiree after another, you need to put your best face forward. Instead of slapping on the concealer to hide those dark circles, try the new Eminence Organics Eye Quattro treatment. The active organic ingredients in these four amazing proucts will banish the panda eyes, boost hydration levels, exfoliate and de-puff.

As the first step, the gentle Naseberry Eye Exfoliant is excellent at smoothing out the wrinkles. Wild Black Carrot helps diminish fine lines while Green Apple and Calendula infuse antioxidants to the skin. The Raspberry Eye Masque provides intense hydration with 16 vitamins and herbs to improve elasticity. The area around my eyes were so nice and dewy after using these two products. It is like an instant eye-lift. For maintenance I follow with either the Cucumber Eye Gel (instant de-puffer) or the iron-rich Wild Plum Eye Cream (targets dark circles). All of these may be used individually or together as a four-step treatment.

There is a holiday gift with purchase - buy any 2 Eye Quattro products and receive a lovely special edition ornament filled with travel size minis of the entire eye care collection!

For more winter protection, definitely get the creamy Linden Calendula Treatment or the Rich Black Perlette Grape Moisturizer from the Tradition Series (a group of favorite products with extra rich formulations). Super potent with active anti-aging ingredients, these will be a surefire way to prevent the cold weather dryness. Folks will be wondering what your secret is to fabulous skin!

www.eminenceorganics.com

-Tami

Tagged as: antioxidants, beauty, exfoliation, eye care, eye cream, moisturizer, organic, organic ingredients, product review, skin care

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For all you shy lovers out there pining after that sweet object of your affection - try sending some Chocolove bars and you might get a love note in return...wrapped around a gourmet chocolate bar that is. How many folks can resist that? Not me.

With a broad range of flavors (including a new organic line and the Chocolatour single-origin vintage line), you can pick and choose which love package to send. Each comes in a distinct color that resembles a love letter, with a romantic poem tucked inside. AND you get a gourmet Belgian chocolate bar!

I really like the new Toffee & Almonds in 33% Milk Chocolate (yummm...buttery toffee bits floating in caramel-like choco) and the limited-edition Chilies & Cherries in 55% Dark Chocolate. Ancho and chipotle chilies give a lovely slow-burning warmth that goes well with the sweet dried cherries. Talk about things getting hot and heavy!

For the dark lovers, the Extra Strong Dark 77% is a winner. The Chocolatour Tanzania 76% rocks with notes of banana and cinnamon. I also dig the Crystallized Ginger 65% Dark - perfect for cold winter nights.

www.Chocolove.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chili, chocolate, chocolate bar, food, Gourmet and Gourmand, organic, single-origin, toffee

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just in time for fall, Eminence Organics is presenting a couple of new products from their fabulous Pumpskin Skin Renewal Collection. For the ultimate luxury treatment, head over to your favorite spa to get the Pumpkin Cream Body Wrap. Your entire body (along with all the rough spots) will be drenched in super-hydration heaven, not to mention smelling like a freshly baked pumpkin pie.

Too busy for the spa? You can still create the luxe experience at home with the yummy-smelling Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque. If your home/office heater is aggravating your poor delicate skin, this one is created just for you. Packed with mega antioxidants from the powerful pumpkin, this masque also contains soy milk to keep the fine lines at bay while avocado and sunflower oils nourish and hydrate the skin.

I just love the Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, as it lifts off every spot of dead skin, revealing the perfect glowing visage underneath. An antidote to too much summer fun, it does a great job of getting rid of hyperpigmentation and sun damange. Best of all, if you get the Yam & Pumpkin Peel with the Chamomile Soothing Tonique (or Pumpkin Latte Masque), you also get a free fan brush as a gift!

To learn more, visit www.eminenceorganics.com

***Beauty addicts in San Francisco can also purchase their Eminence products from Dana Leslie Organics at 399 Arguello Blvd, or call 415-602-1109.
www.danaleslieorganics.com

See you at the spa,

Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beta carotene, chamomile, Eminence, enzyme peel, exfoliation, hydration, mask, masque, organic, organic ingredients, pumpkin, pumpkin puree, Pumpskin Collection, skin, skin care, skin care products, skin renewal, toner

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you live in a foggy cold microclimate like I do, there will be days where you will want to curl up with a good strong cup of tea. You might even find a moment of inner peace, especially with Yogi Tea's Chai Black tea. It has an authentic full-bodied flavor with organic ingredients of ginger root, cardamom seed, clove bud and black pepper. And if that is too exotic for you, try their other blends such as Green Tea Goji Berry, Mexican Sweet Chili or Kava Stress Relief.

www.yogitea.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chai, organic, organic tea, relaxation, tea, tea bags, Yogi Tea

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I love anything with chocolate and I'm not ashamed to admit it. That's why my fellow choco fans will appreciate the rich cocoa flavor in Dr. Oetker Organics' Organic Brownie Mix. It produces an unbelievably chewy texture that resembles made-from-scratch versions. This mighty box of cocoa goodness packs a punch in flavor, but it's not so bad in the calorie department. It only calls for a 1/4 cup of butter, vs. the typical 1 stick in other mixes. Not only can you tell your friends you made it from scratch (they won't know the difference, trust me), you won't have to feel that guilty about gobbling up that second or third piece.

www.oetker.ca

See ya in the kitchen,

Tami

Tagged as: baking, baking mixes, brownie, brownie mix, Chocolate, cooking, Dr. Oetker, food, organic, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Summer is almost over, but that doesn't mean you're gonna be sloppy with your precious locks. If spending too much time at the beach has turned your hair into a dry frizzy mess, try the following hair care products from John Masters Organics & Kiss My Face for instant damage control.

I like how my hair gets that squeaky-clean feel with John Masters Organics' Lavender Rosemary Shampoo . Great for normal hair, the gentle paraben/sodium lauryl sulfate-free formula is pretty concentrated, so you don't need to use a lot of it. The heady lavender scent makes me wanna linger in the shower. I also like to follow up with their amazing Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor. Not only does it smell heavenly, the intense nutrients (honey, hibiscus, bergamot, patchouli) leaves your hair feeling like a curtain of silk. It reminds me of the sleek texture your hair feels after leaving the hair salon. It's that good.

An everyday shampoo I like to use is the Kiss My Face Miss Treated Shampoo. Infused with Palmarosa and Peppermint oils, it's a great organic cleanser for colored hair. Paired with the matching Miss Treated Conditioner, both products are paraben/SLS free, so they won't strip the natural oils from your hair. Other nourishing ingredients include rosemary and eucalyptus oils, providing an uplifting scent that brightens your mood.

Available at www.johnmasters.com and

www.kissmyface.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, conditioner, dry hair, ecualyptus oil, hair, hair care, hair products, John Masters Organics, Kiss My Face, lavender, organic, organic ingredients, palmarosa oil, rosemary, shampoo

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For those who are big skin care fans, they shouldn't miss the latest summer goodies from Eminence. Their Blueberry Bliss collection is another heavenly winner, with over 15 power nutrients working overtime to deliver nature's very best to your skin. It doesn't hurt that everything smells like a fresh blueberry smoothie either.

The Blueberry Soy Repair Masque and the Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream (my new fave cream) are packed with a scrumptious puree of whole fruit blueberries for ultimate hydration and skin repair. Paired with non-GMO soy yogurt, these lovely products are also packed with Vitamins C, E and other anti-aging weapons (evening primrose oil, coenzyme Q10, etc.) to fight cellular damage and restore elasticity.

After days of frolicking at the beach, your body will also appreciate the Soy Blueberry Body Wash or Blueberry Soy Sugar Scrub to replenish the much-needed moisture. Your skin will be thoroughly silky!

Sun protection is also key to ageless skin, so I highly recommend their new translucent Sun Defense SPF 30. The clear shade is also great for men and children, as it blends right into the skin. Waterproof and super easy to use (comes in a handy brush tube), it's the perfect thing to put into your purse, backpack or beach tote before heading into the sun and sand. Unlike conventional liquid sunscreen, it doesn't have the problem of greasy leaky bottles.

Available at your local spa or check out www.eminenceorganics.com

-Tami

Tagged as: Beauty, blueberry collection, body wash, Eminence, Luxury, masks, masque, new translucent shade, non-GMO soy yogurt, organic, Organic, skin care, skin care product, skin cream, Skincare, SPF, sugar scrub, Summer, sunscreen

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

With the slow food movement and numerous farmers' markets dotting the American culinary map, still there are folks out there that think healthy eating equates to tasteless, bland food with dense textures. Thanks to Heidi Swanson's new book, Super Natural Cooking: Five Ways To Incorporate Whole & Natural Ingredients Into Your Cooking, she helps demystify this unfounded assumption.

It's not as hard as you think to swap out the processed foods lurking in your pantry. Utilizing five ways to encourage a whole foods diet, Swanson explains in great detail on how to buy the right flours, fats and spices, baking with 'alternative' grains like teff and quinoa, choosing color-rich vegetables, working with antioxidant-laden superfoods, and using natural sugars for desserts.

With eighty easy recipes to experiment with, you can try everyday dishes like the Clemenquat Salad, Black Tea Spring Rolls with Mushrooms and Mango Chutney Dipping Sauce, Sprouted Garbanzo Burgers, and Ginger-Amaranth Shortbread. Accompanied by Swanson's absolutely gorgeous photography, one might be immediately compelled to run to the kitchen and try their hand at re-creating her dishes. With such delicious flavors, you will soon kiss the refined grains and sugars goodbye.

Spring Minestrone with Brown Rice

Serves 4.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
¾ cup medium-grain brown basmati rice, rinsed
6 cups vegetable stock
1 cup sugar snap or snow peas, trimmed and cut in half diagonally
8 spears asparagus, trimmed and diagonally sliced into 1-inch pieces
½ cup green peas, fresh or frozen
Fine-grain sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, then add the shallots and garlic and sauté for a couple of minutes until soft. Add the rice and cook, stirring for 1 minute, then add the stock and bring to a boil. Cover, lower the heat, and simmer until the rice is just tender, 35 to 45 minutes.

Add the sugar snap peas, asparagus, and green peas, and season with a few healthy pinches of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Simmer for another 2 or 3 minutes and serve immediately; this way the vegetables stay crisp and bright.

Reprinted with permission from Super Natural Cooking: Five Ways to Incorporate Whole & Natural Ingredients Into Your Cooking by Heidi Swanson. Photographs by Heidi Swanson. Copyright 2007. Published by Celestial Arts.

See you in the kitchen!

The Sweet Life

Tagged as: Books, Breakfast, Chefs and Confectioners, Dessert, Dinner, fashiontribes.com, Food and Drink, Gourmet and Gourmand, Lunch, Natural, Organic, Seasonal

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you want to see pure organic honey produced as an art form, Big Island Bees is the real deal. Believing each jar to be a beautiful masterpiece, the husband and wife team (Garnett Puett and Whendi Grad) behind the label channel their passion into each carefully crafted jar. Unlike the commercial, watery bland stuff you see in the supermarkets,these have a thicker and creamier consistency, with a full-bodied flavor. The best part is that the honey is totally unheated and unfiltered to preserve the natural sugars and enzymes needed for complete nutrition.

Specializing in three unique single varietals, the bees collect nectar year-round from the Wilelaiki trees (Christmasberry), Macadamia Nut trees, and Ohi’a Lehua trees. Each honey retains the distinct flavor of the nectar the bees feast on. Whichever flavor you choose, it is really wonderful for your breakfast toast, tea, waffles, or marinades. It goes well with baking, so try it with the following recipe below.

Whendi’s Honey Cake

½ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
1 generous cup Macadamia Nut Honey
3 eggs
1 cup dark, strong, warm coffee (Whendi uses Kona)
3 cup flour
3 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoon dried ginger
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon allspice
½ cup Macadamia nuts, chopped
½ cup candied ginger, diced

Cream butter and sugar together. Add honey and eggs, and mix well. Sift dry ingredients together and add to butter/sugar mixture alternately with coffee. Fold in candied ginger and nuts, and pour into greased 10-inch bundt pan or two greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.

To purchase, go to www.bigislandbees.com

The Sweet Life

Tagged as: Breakfast, fashiontribes.com, Food and Drink, Gourmet and Gourmand, Natural, Organic

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

For all you lucky San Francisco/Bay Area foodies looking for a fresh, yummy and healthy lunch, your slow food choices just got sweeter with Split Pea Seduction. A spin-off from the local catering company Jersey Tomatoes, the new breakfast/lunch eatery just opened on 6th Street and Minna.

A true labor of love from founders Sarah Ellison-Pinkin and Christian Noto, they prepare everything on-site, from scratch. Using only seasonal ingredients, their delectable menus (changes daily!) feature sustainable produce sourced directly from small local farms.

Breakfast features freshly baked muffins, scones, and open-faced crostatas with home-made fruit preserves, while lunch offers hearty gourmet soups and salads (fresh house-marinated sardines, shaved fennel and watercress, yum!). This is not your generic garden salad with ranch, folks. Be prepared to be dazzled. Your office lunch will never be the same.

The signature savory crostatas (open faced pastry) are made with mouth-watering ingredients like Wilgenburg tomato, fontina and grilled chicken. For an afternoon coffee break, try the strawberry shortcake cupcakes, cookies and other daily dessert specials. You might return to the office smiling (and productive, gasp) after munching on some of these sweeties.

For menus and info, check out www.splitpeaseduction.com OR www.jtomatoes.com

Split Pea Seduction
138 6th Street @ Minna
San Francisco, California 94103

Open: Monday – Friday 7am - 4pm
Saturday 8am - 3pm, Closed on Sunday
415.551.2223

-See you at the lunch counter,

The Sweet Life

Tagged as: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, fashiontribes.com, Food and Drink, Lunch, Natural, Northern California, Organic, San Francisco, Seasonal

Posted by Tami Yu at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whether you choose the Wine Reduction Sauces, Germinated Brown Rice, or the Roasted Black Soybean Tea, DHC Fine Foods has all the basic ingredients to execute a healthy gourmet meal. Have a last-minute dinner date? Girlfriends visiting for an impromptu tea? You won’t even break a sweat as you whip up a Cherry Port filet mignon or dish out the fine china for some quality green tea. Here is a roundup of some popular items from their new food line:

For a quick elegant touch, the Wine Reduction Sauces are you ticket to a glam dinner. With a varietal choice of Cherry Port, Blackberry Merlot, and Tangerine Zinfandel, these compliment perfectly with all types of entrees, from steak to seafood. So easy to use – all you need to do is add it to your dish, and voila! Instant five-star dinner. Brewed in small batches, these all-natural reductions are also fabulous as dipping sauces or used in veggie stir-frys.

Caffeine-free (we like that) and delicately smoky, the Roasted Black Soybean Tea is a tasty way to compliment an Asian-inspired meal. Or, as an afternoon tea, you can also munch on the roasted soybeans afterwards as a guilt-free snack (season w/salt and seasoning if you like). Naturally low in fat and a good source of protein, you can also snack on the soybeans without brewing it for a crunchier texture.

The Premium Green Tea Powder provides the perfect instant solution to getting your daily antioxidants. A great source of Vitamin C, you can stash the individual packets at your work desk or in your purse for an instant pick-me-up. Made with first-picked, high-quality tea leaves, this can be added to cooking recipes and beverages for a subtle green tea flavor. Great for making green tea ice cream or shortbread cookies!

The organic Núñez de Prado Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the perfect balance of citrus and floral aromas. Carrying fresh nuances of oranges, lemons, grasses, and apples, this award-winning olive oil is flavorful enough as a dipping oil. Truly a versatile ingredient, it’s great for salads, most cooking needs, and for making aioli.

http://www.dhccare.com/dhc/foods/foods.aspx

The Sweet Life

Tagged as: Dinner, fashiontribes.com, Food and Drink, International, Organic, Wine

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

French organic skin care is now easy available at American drugstores. La Fleur Organique uses only organic botanicals (produced from an organic farm in France), and is free of parabens, silicones, mineral oil, preservatives, synthetic fragrances, colorings, and petroleum derivatives. The Facial Anti-Aging Cream ($35) has a nice, light texture that absorbs easily into the skin. With effective ingredients like magnolia, Chilean rosehip, carrot and neroli oil, this cream provides the basis for cell regeneration. Used over time, it reduces fine lines, encouraging a livelier complexion.

La Fleur Organique is available at select Walgreens across the nation.

The Sweet Life

Tagged as: Beauty, fashiontribes.com, International, Natural, Organic, Shopping, Skincare

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

For those interested in safer, natural skin care alternatives, Suki skin care is really worth a try. Created by Suki Kramer, who had a lifelong struggle with skin issues, her skin & body care products are carefully formulated with pure, organic ingredients that are free of synthetics, gentle and profoundly effective. Kramer is also a strong advocate of educating the consumers on the quality of ingredients available and providing the latest information in the natural skin care industry.

Mini Skin Care Kit

I suggest getting the Mini Skin Care Kit to get an overall sense of the main line. It includes the exfoliating lemongrass cleanser, moisture-rich cleansing lotion, concentrated facial toner-shitake, facial moisture serum-carrot, complexion brighteining cream, delicate mositure body oil, hand & body velvet creme, and hand & body butter creme.

Lemongrass Cleanser

I liked how the Cleansing Lotion hydrated my skin. It wasn't greasy upon application, and provided an ample layer of moisture. If your skin is oily, you might be tempted to skip the moisturizer. The Exfoliating Lemongrass Cleanser is another great product. Smelling like an exotic lemon drop, it encourages cellular turnover with chamomile and natural vitamin C. The Velvet Facial Creme has a wonderfully light texture, without any heavy residue. This creme is especially powerful with its healing antioxidants, which helps with blemishes, redness and inflammation. The Carrot Facial Serum is great for dry winter skin, and is particularly helpful with sun damage, general skin irritations, rosacea and eczema.

Cleansing Lotion

To learn more about Suki's entire line, check out www.sukisnaturals.com

The Sweet Life

Tagged as: Beauty, Cleanser, fashiontribes.com, Natural, Organic, Skincare, Trends

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With Terra Nostra's new organic offering, you don't need any excuse to indulge in high quality chocolate. The super smooth Robust Dark & Roasted Almonds bar (60% cacao) contains about ten times the antioxidants of fresh blueberries, so it's almost like a daily fruit serving (at least that's what I keep telling myself)! There's no need to feel guilty over the calories, and you're also supporting a company that is socially responsible (founder Karlo Flores is an active member of international fair trade community).

For the vegan folks, the Ricemilk Choco Bar collection is something you should seriously try. Made with a high percentage of cacao, these 'milk chocolate' bars have a very smooth feel and an intense chocolate flavor (56-57% cacao content). Also great for those with dairy allergies. Can we say yum?

See you at the health food stores!

The Sweet Life

Tagged as: Chefs and Confectioners, Chocolate, fashiontribes.com, Food and Drink, Gourmet and Gourmand, International, Lifestyle, Organic, Trends

Posted by Tami Yu at 2:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

If you haven't heard of Eminence Organic Skin Care, now's the time to check it out. A venerable skin care line from Hungary, they only make each product in small batches, without any preservatives. This is the real deal, as the shelf life is only one year or less. Plus, each organic ingredient is derived from the best sources, making it super potent and very effective. How many other skin care lines can boast that awesome quality?

I took the liberty to test out their latest offerings and the new Pear & Apple collection doesn't disappoint. The Pear & Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher totally rocks, with fine walnut and poppy seeds gently buffing your dull complexion to a positively glowing visage. The yummy pear and green apple pulp will boost your skin with antioxidants and bioflavonoids, meaning more fruity goodness for your lovely face. A small amount is enough, so don't go overboard with the product. For the sensitive types, try using less product and massage very gently.

The Pear & Green Apple Masque is very lovely, replenishing the moisture back to your dry skin (great for over-exposed summer skin). The pear and green apple purees infuse the skin layers with nourishing vitamins while active powerhouses such as Ginseng and Burdock Root act as healing agents, toning and purifying your skin.

One of my new favorites from their body care line is the Pear & Green Apple Yogurt Body Wash. Very gentle for everyday use, it doesn't contain any Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, which can really dry out and irritate the skin. Like all their products, it smells like the actual fruit is being blended into the wash. I felt like I was literally washing myself with fruit juices.

Last but not least - the Pear & Green Apple Sugar Scrub is a luxurious skin polishing treatment. The natural AHA in sugar cane gently exfoliates the entire body to perfection while pear and apple extracts drench your skin with much needed vitamins and bioflavonoids. Comfrey provides calming and antiseptic properties while Butcher's Broom firms the skin. I use this sparingly, since you don't want to waste the product. It's so moisturizing I don't even bother with a moisturizer afterwards.

Available only in exclusive spas - call 1-888-747-6342 for a listing of retailer spas or visit www.eminenceorganics.com

Tagged as: Beauty, fashiontribes.com, International, Luxury, Natural, Organic, Seasonal, Skincare, Summer

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

*My beauty partner-in-crime Amy Yu took the daunting task of testing the lovely boscia skin care line (with my assistance, of course). Read on to find out more about the fabulous natural botanical products!

The Skin Care Wonderland of Boscia

By Amy Yu

Much like Alice in “skin care wonderland”, “the boscia bottle seemed to say "USE ME! You don’t want me to expire!” The idea of an expiration date on my skincare product was daunting at first. Then, it became a reassuring reinforcement of just how fresh the boscia skincare line is: free of preservatives; made with botanicals. It truly aids in maintenance of your skin’s natural beauty.

Created by Fancl Corporation, boscia’s focus on simplicity and freshness is executed through the use of two main ingredients: organically grown jojoba leaf that fights free radical damage and willow-herb, an anti-inflammatory to soothe and calm skin troubled by harsh chemicals, stress and other irritants.

For those with oily skin (like me!), a definite “must” includes the Purifying Cleansing Gel. Within two weeks of using this soap-free makeup remover and cleanser, my face seemed lighter and more even in tone. Further enhancing this effect was the Balancing Facial Tonic. Gentle and light, this refreshing tonic doesn’t leech the moisture out of your skin unlike most toners. The essential lavender water in it has a calming effect in both smell and feel.

A favorite in the boscia line, the Oil-free Daily Hydration SPF 15 has become indispensable in my skincare regimen. Protection against UV rays is essential, but SPF usually equals an oily sheen on the face, particularly in the T-Zone. Silica powder in this moisturizer controls the excess oil, while still leaving my skin feeling supple.

It’s inevitable that oil will surface as the day goes by try the Rose Blotting Linens for touch-ups. I’ve used tons of blotting sheets for absorbing excess facial oil, but these sheets have an amazing quality. Made from finely-woven fibers of the Abaca tree plant, the sheets are infused with a delicate rose scent. An extra plus for philanthropists, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of Rose Blotting Linens are donated to support breast cancer research.

Those hot summer days are imminent and protection from the sun is increasingly important. Your hands will ultimately thank you for using boscia’s Daily Hand Revival Therapy SPF 15. Mulberry acts to lighten sun spot pigmentation caused by UV damage and this hand cream isn’t greasy or sticky.

As a makeup remover, the Makeup Breakup Cleansing Oil does the trick. It has a nice cool sensation as you scrub your makeup off. The nice thing is that it doesn't strip your moisture barrier. That's what I like about the entire line - it adds hydration back to the skin, instead of taking it away.

I love the Willow Bark Breakout Treatment. It doesn't dry out your skin like most acne products, and if you apply it early enough, the pimples will be gone by the end of the day. Perfect timing for that hot date you have that night!

The Jujube Salve Stick is the perfect lip balm. Perfect for preventing the lipstick feathering problem, it also helps refresh cakey concealer or eliminate eye makeup boo-boos.

Finally, for all you beauty junkies out there, try the Brilliant Kisses lip glosses. The two neutral shades are great for almost all skin tones.

Check out www.boscia.net for more ways to enhance your summer and your skin!

Fashiontribes Fashiontribes Files Skin care Boscia facial cleanser gel natural skin care ingredients organic jojoba leaf blotting linens Willow Bark SPF 15 treatment Lifestyle Sweet Life

Tagged as: Beauty, Cleanser, fashiontribes.com, Gel, Japan, Jojoba, Lifestyle, Linen, Make-up Remover, Organic, Skincare, Willow Bark

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)