Beauty, Celebrities, Curtsy and Bow, Dashing Diva, Dr.'s Remedy, Green Day, Nubar, Zoya

Green Day: Top 5 Organic Nail Polishes

August 25, 2011 / No Comments

While most nail polish brands have taken action to rid their lacquers of the big bad three—Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Dibutyl Phthalate—this is simply not enough. There are still polishes with Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor listed among their ingredients.

The nail industry as a whole have been slow to jump on the bio beauty bandwagon. And while organic nail polishes on the market are not exactly 100% natural, they're safer than their conventional counterparts.

So to make this fashion-frenzied and fashion-forward season a safer one, let's explore five brands that bring the drama without the danger:

1. Zoya Nail Polish $8

What it is: A toxin free natural nail polish created by cosmetologist Zoya Reyzis in collaboration with her husband, advanced chemist Michael Reyzis in 1986.

Claim to Fame: Vegan-friendly, award-winning and long-wearing. Pregnant fashionistas can stay fashion-forward as Zoya is completely void of ingredients that can harm the fetus.

2. Nubar $7.49

What it is: A certified vegan and cruelty-free nail lacquer.

Claim to Fame: In response to witnessing a relative battle cancer, Noubar Abrahamian sought to produce the highest quality nail care products that were free of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (phthalate). All Nubar products have met PETA standards.

3. Dr. Remedy Enriched Nail Polish $17

What it is: A healthier, enriched alternative to commercial nail polish.

Claim to Fame: Created by two doctors, it treats the nail with nourishing ingredients like tea tree oil, garlic bulb extract, vitamins C & E and wheat protein. All of these work together to protect the nail against fungus, bacteria and damage.

4. Dashing Diva $8

What it is: A top nail spa chain in NYC as well as a collection of lacquers dedicated to Manhattan, New York ("The MANHATTAN Lacquer Collection").

Claim to Fame: Non-toxic, fierce, fashionable, long-lasting and chip resistant. Makers of UV Gelife and Virtual Nails. Holds the honor of being the world's first nail spa and boutique.

5. Curtsy and Bow $15-$20

What is it: A new luxury nail line that boasts a wearability of up to 10 days with proper maintenance.

Claim to Fame: The brand's debut collection, "Yacht Club Collection" was inspired by Creative Director Melissa Huynh's Caribbean adventure. Strengthens the nails with additives and protects them from peeling and weakening.

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Editor’s Picks: The Hardest Working Beauty Products for Labor Day

In 1884, just two years after the first “workingmen’s holiday” was celebrated, the Central Labor Union christened the first Monday in September as the official Labor Day holiday. As beauty buffs, we’re insatiable. When it comes to the art of beautifcation, we operate to an 8-count of harder, better, faster, stronger–we’re constantly on the prowl for those products that are always on the grind and keeps us gorgeous. So in honor of this tribute to our nation’s workers, we have dedicated this edition of editor’s picks to the hardest-working beauty products we know. Our Labors of Love are as follows… Editor-in-Chief Tracey’s Labor of Love: Black Opal Brightening Scrub $9 “I love this double duty scrub/mask. I scrub my face like crazy before I get in the shower. Then I let the mask work its wonders while I do my daily duty in the shower. The last thing I do is rinse off the mask. My skin is exfoliated and brightened in one fell swoop. And the best part is that this Black Opal scrub mask duo is under $10. On top of that the benefits are culmulative–my skin gets progressively smoother and brighter while I use this hard working beauty product.” Chelsea’s Labor of Love: Benefit Cha Cha Tint $30 “This mango colored blush in a bottle is the epitome of perfection! I am on the darker side of the spectrum for Black/African-American skin and many tints don’t show up on me. However, this bottled blush is highly pigmented, even on darker skin tones. It has a brush applicator that makes Cha Cha Tint an amazing multitasker—great for lips and cheeks. For a flawless, fetching face, Cha Cha gives a glowing color like no other.” Taylor’s Labor of Love: Coralactives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser $22 “Simply put, CoralActives Retinol Exfoliating Cleanser does double duty by cleaning and exfoliating simultaneously. This is great because I don’t want to do any more than I have to in order to get the job done.” Staff Labor of Love: Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads $36 “Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads is a powerhouse in a pot. It truly sets the standard for adult acne correctors everywhere since it doesn’t have a traditional, medicinal smell. In fact, it brings the spa to you by incorporating peach bellini! But soothing scents beside, I’ve never experienced such immediate results after using a skin care product. All I saw was glowing, poreless skin. With all the anti-aging benefits, soothing botanical extracts and inclusion of glycolic and salicylic acid, you’re definitely doing your skin a huge favor!” Terez’s Labor of Love: Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme $9 “I’m a huge fan of Burt’s Bees and I can’t say enough about the Coconut Foot Creme. It is nothing short of miraculous and it transforms rough, calloused feet overnight! This creme has a rich, honey-like consistency and smells delicious. I’ve also used this product to moisturize and protect dry elbows, knees and cracked cuticles.” Nalo’s Labor of Love: Estee Lauder’s DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15 $43 “Since it is important to use a moisturizer with SPF in the summer as well as during the cooler months, Estee Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Creme SPF 15 works for all seasons. This hardworking beauty product reduces the appearance of fine lines, discoloration and dullness. It also fights free radicals while refreshing the skin with cucumber. Apply daily and at night to reap the benefits. ” Bona Fide Face Deidre’s Labor of Love: DDF Glycolic 10% Toning Complex $35 “I love when I don’t have to be slave to a great acne product. What’s worse than acne? Having to keep an acne product in tow in hopes of keeping an onslaught of fresh zits at bay. I use DDF Glycolic 10% Toning Complex about twice a year to give my skin a glowing, renewed state so my products-of-the-moment get their glory. This product rivals treatments at the derm office minus the sticker shock.” Shop the beauty products that work hard for the money: Face Anti-Aging by Estee Lauder
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Trending—Winter Skin Care Tips: 5 Unexpected Ways to Use Shea Butter from L’Occitane

Maybe you have an unexpected blind date – or a meeting with a new client just appeared on your calendar. We’ve all been there, and sometimes we’re not prepared to make our best impression. For such moments, you can always rely onL’Occitane’s Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter. Try these uses for L’Occitane Certified Organic Pure Shea Butter: Skin too dry in this winter weather? Rub the Shea Butter on elbows and hands. No time for a manicure? Apply the Shea Butter to your cuticles. Chapped lips? Use L’Occitane’s Shea Butter to hydrate Hurting paper cut or itchy scrape? Allow the Shea Butter to help you heal! Bad hair day? Use the Shea Butter to slick back those flyaways.
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Bad Beauty Habits: Chelsea Will Stop Sleeping in Her Makeup

I need to stop sleeping with make up on now! (Editor's note–story was written before the first of the year) January 1, 2012 cannot wait. My plan to kick this awful habit is to make it easier to take my make up off at night. Sometimes, as conceited as this is going to sound, I really love the way my eye makeup looks and I just don’t want to take it off. Other times, I am just too tired or simply have forgotten and am too lazy to get out of bed and wash my face. To combat this lazy habit I plan to do the following: 1) Wear less makeup in 2012 2) Keep makeup remover/facial cleansing clothes on my nightstand. I am going to use Organic Wear Facial Makeup Remover Towelettes. About Physician's Formula Organic Facial Makeup Remover Towelettes: Eco-Aroma Therapy™ 100% of the Total Ingredients are from Natural Origin Naturally Gentle & Pure 100% Naturally soft towelettes gently remove traces of makeup and impurities leavening skin soft and supple. Ultra gentle formula conditions and helps soften skin. Infused with Organic Aloe Vera Extract to condition skin. Formulated with Eco-Aroma Therapy™ to Condition & Soothe OrganiSoy®: Moisturizes and helps nourish skin. Eco-Olive®: Natural antioxidant helps shield skin from harsh environmental aggressors. Organic Orange Water: Helps nourish and restore delicate skin's moisture balance. Organic Lavender Essential Oils: Sweet, natural scent for a calming effect. I am hoping that this plan of action will curb my bad habit. I’m sure my skin and pillow cases will thank me for it! Try these wipes, you will like 'em! Perfect for lazy girls!
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Fight Dry Winter Skin With These Body Creams

The weather has turned frigid and it’s sucking the moisture out of our skin. Not just our faces and subject to dry skin, but so are our bodies. So, to fight dry winter skin, we need to moisturize with body creams, lotions, butters and serums. Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, squalane, avacado and other oils in your body creams to deeply moisturize dry winter skin. Also, body creams have multiple categories. Some body creams can help sculpt and tone your body. Others can help smooth skin or add glow. Many body creams come from natural and organic derived ingredients. Additionally, body creams come in various price points for the budget conscious. And, we love body creams with awesome scents! Shop our our favorite body creams that include clean beauty, luxury beauty, Black-owned brands and female founded brands: Clean Beauty Body Creams: Weleda Skin Food Body Butter $19.99 Perfect for all-over hydration and nourishment. Weleda Skin Food Body Butter is rich in shea and cocoa seed butter, to leave skin feeling velvety soft. Best for indulging your senses and locking in moisture after a bath or shower. Kiss My Face De-Stress Body Butter – Lavender + Ylang Ylang $14.99 Pamper your body and mind with aromatic, calming moisture. Infused with soothing Rhodiola Rosea and Hemp Seed Oil and adaptogenic Ashwagandha and Marshmallow Root, this body butter delivers comforting nourishment while helping improve skin’s moisture retention. The fragrant scents of Lavender and Ylang Ylang Oils relax your senses for a restful sleep. hanahana beauty Shea Body Butter $32 Hanahana Beauty believes that skincare is self care and proudly sources its shea butter directly from the Katariga Cooperative in Ghana. This whipped + fast absorbing formula is made for dry, sensitive + of course, ashy skin. It’s the perfect add to your routine! Multitasking Body Creams: NYL HERE COMES THE CALM Correcting Body Balm $38 Our Tamanu & Amaranth powered correcting balm works overtime to soothe, moisturize and generally bring the zen to eczema, severely dry or chapped skin, and other trouble spots. No balm, no calm. Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream $45 Visibly tighten skin in key areas with this moisturizing, whipped body cream. Delicately scented with orange blossom and powered by an effective blend of grape polyphenols and iris extract, it reduces the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks for a firmer, more lifted look. Biossance Squalane + Caffeine Toning Body Cream $30 This clean body moisturizer extends the benefits of the best skincare ingredients caffeine and niacinamide to the entire body, enhanced by vegan sugarcane-derived squalane to enhance penetration. The rich yet weightless formula absorbs instantly to nourish, and helps to restore elasticity and a sculpted, toned look. Budget Friendly Body Creams: Dove Silky Nourishment Body Cream $8.76 Helps to give you beautifully radiant soft skin. Contains unique DeepCare Complex with skin natural nutrients. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy $8.16 Heals & Softens rough, dry skin with natural Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E for healthier-looking skin. 48 hour moisture.Vegan Friendly – no animal ingredients or testing. Nubian Heritage, Shea Butter, Infused with Patchouli & Buriti $11.99 Shea Butter, infused with Patchouli & Buriti, helps to soothe and hydrate skin. Nutrient rich Buriti Oil enhances and calms in this richly fragranced total body balm. Body Creams With Incredible Scents: Pooka Caliente Man Body Butter $16.99 For the Fellas Bold and tantalizing, this exclusive scent brings together the heady, musky notes of patchouli and the warm, spicy kick of black pepper.Infused with the goodness of ginger and turmeric essential oils, this butter delivers deep nourishment to your skin, leaving it hydrated and radiant. Shea butter and avocado oil moisturize and soften, while beeswax seals in hydration. ELEMIS Frangipani Monoi Body Cream $42 Escape to a tropical getaway with this deeply hydrating body cream. Infused with a conditioning combination of Macadamia, Sesame, Tahitian Monoi and Coprah oils, the decadent creamy formula provides long-lasting, skin-plumping moisture. Naturally fragranced with Frangipani Flowers, skin is left feeling beautifully soft, supple and delicately scented. Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Crème $90 This rich Body Crème is formulated with conditioning oils of jojoba seed, cocoa seed, and sweet almond oils to help hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin, while the delicious fragrance leaves your body scented all over. In Jo Malone London’s signature fragrance, peppery basil and aromatic white thyme bring an unexpected twist to the scent of limes on a Caribbean breeze—a modern classic. CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE Fresh Body Cream $100 The ultimate pampering experience hydrates and softens for silky, touchable skin, lightly scented with COCO MADEMOSELLE. The deliciously creamy, non-greasy formula glides on smoothly and absorbs quickly.
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Trending-Winter Beauty: Try These Products When You Are Stuck Inside!

Has cold weather got you in the house with nothing but time on your hands? Well, why not treat your skin and hair to some spa-worthy treatments? Treat your skin to a clay face mask… DDF SULFUR THERAPEUTIC MASK (SULFUR 10% ACNE TREATMENT) A clay mask and spot treatment with sulfur and purified clays to absorb oil and help keep pores clear ($45, ddfskincare.com) Help your skin recover with an intense moisturizer… Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Sleeping Cream Restores skins natural balance because it’s packed with antioxidants to help brighten, nourish and vitalize tired and dull skin. ($19.99, CVS and Ulta) Revive your hair with a coconut oil and banana pulp leave-in… Sun Bum Beach Formula 3 In 1 Leave In This spray enriched with Coconut Oil, Banana Pulp and Peel, Banana Leaf, Quinoa Protein and Sunflower Seed Oil will protects, detangle and condition your hair while enhancing and restoring its natural body. ($14.99, trustthebum.com) Don’t forget to brush this product through your hair after applying! Use a Conair Ultra Detangling Wood Cushion Brush Professional quality wood cushion brush that glides through wet or dry hair. ($12.99, Ulta.com) Shop:
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