During Eco-Chick’s 3rd birthday party last month, I had the chance to meet eco-beauty consultant and make-up artist, Jessa Blades.

Jessa is the founder of Blades Natural Beauty and is a vessel of information regarding all things organic beauty and skincare.  Shortly after learning about the breast cancer and body lotion connection, I had noticed I was almost out of face moisturizer. I had been sampling various brands over the last few months, and since old man winter has stepped up his game, I realized I needed to try a different moisture rich face cream. I contacted Jessa to ask for her expert opinion on the best eco & body friendly facial moisturizers out there for the winter season. Here recommendations are a perfect follow up to my body lotion post last week. 

Mod.Skin Créme Nutri-functional #1 $48.00

This rich and lightly scented cream can either be used during the day or night use. It leaves a moisturized glisten to the skin without feeling heavy. It can be used for all skin types.(Can purchase on-line, specialty beauty stores/section or pick it up at Whole Foods)

Dr. Hauschka Toned Day Cream $39.95

This is Jessa’s favorite. It is a tinted moisturizer that contains therapeutic oils which reduce the appearance of irritation and irregular skin tones for a variety of complexions. It is ideal for normal skin types, but can also be used over-top of a moisturizer in the winter for extra dry skin. Plus, it has a great scent. (Can purchase on-line, specialty beauty stores/section or pick it up at Whole Foods)

Aubrey Organics $16.28

These facial moisturizers come in 5 different varieties according to skin type. The products are available at a wide variety of stores and being that the company was founded in 1967, their heritage is respected within the industry. (Can purchase on-line, at major retailers or pick it up at Whole Foods)

Lip & Skin Balm by makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift $30

Another one of Jessa’s favorite is this dual balm. You can use it on your lips, face or apply it around the eyes at night time. The balm hydrates and protects the skin with food grade, biologically active ingredients and comes in either-Simply Vanilla or Simply Cacao.

If you were like me and did not want to brace the ‘black Friday’ shoppers, yet you wanted to find the greatest deals and holiday gifts, have I got a great holiday shopping site for you. SHIFT Media has introduced ShiftYourGift.com, a sustainable shopping site that allows you to do your holiday shopping, donate 5% of your purchase to the Non-Profit Organization of your choice, and promote a healthier eco-friendly and ethical lifestyle in one simple transaction.

Here is everyone’s chance to make a difference. It’s quite simple and only requires the click of your mouse and a credit or debit card.

Take a look at some of the innovative products you will find on line:

• The SOLIO Portable Hybrid Solar Charger allows you to save energy, save money, and avoid having to carry multiple chargers ever again. Small, light-weight and with a sleek modern design, the SOLIO charger allows you to store and use the sun’s natural energy to charge anything: IPod, cell phone, PDA, PSP and digital camera- anytime, anywhere. (www.solio.com)
• Awarded the 2005 Shiny Telewest “Green Gadget of the Year,” VOLTAIC Solar Bags are mobile power generators that integrate light-weight, tough, waterproof solar panels to the outer pockets of stylish backpacks and messenger bags. Good for travel, hiking, camping, or just walking around the city, each solar bag includes a Lithium Ion battery pack that stores any surplus power generated, as well as a set of 11 standard adaptors for charging common small electronic devices like: cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras, and PDA’s. (www.voltaicsystems.com)
• Made in the USA, aGaiN NYC’s (fRoM JunK tO FunK) limited edition handbags and accessories are environmentally and socially conscious products made from rescued and repurposed materials (JunK) transformed into stylish accessories for modern life (FunK).

• Other featured products will be Citizen Solar Watches, Heavenly Touch Soy Candles and Lotions by EO Products, Forever Flashlights, Recycled Leather Bound Journals from ScribesDelight.com, Organic Cotton Stuffed Bunny from PeaceToys.com, and more.

Have fun shopping and making a difference in many people’s lives this holiday season!.

If you’ve ever read the ingredients on conventional shampoo, body wash, or lotion, you know how many chemicals and unpronouncable ingredients are in them. Jena Thompson, 33, a trained chemist and mother of two started Daisy Blue Naturals five years ago in response to the already overly-toxic world we all share. 

DBN has a large product line for all you picky people out there, which makes it an easy one-stop shop for all the bathroom basics. There are no parabens, petrochemicals, artificial phosphates or sulfates, are not tested on animals, and are all biodegradable. They make a full ingredients listing available on their site, which is often tough to find.
Like Avon, DBN is sold at parties or through ‘consultants’, though these days sales are made through the internet as well if you aren’t into the idea of a product party.

Tami Molitor Delano, a DBN independent consultant and team leader from Minnesota was nice enough to send me samples to try, and I give them the Eco Chick thumbs up! The mango skin therapy cream, the bulgarian lavender oil and the calendula and honey baby oil (which I used right after a shower) all smelled great, moisturized me quite nicely, and came in easily recyclable containers without extra packaging.

Tami says, “I love the products because they are simple, safe and healthy for everyone in my family.” Tami  Contact Tami here if you want to buy, and like most direct marketers, the company is always looking for more folks to become salespeople.

There’s “Eco Chic” organic salt scrubs (nice name!!), “Nature Love” shea butter body balm, and “Green Queen” extra rich botanical body lotion. These are just three of the delectable body treats available from this line. The products are cruelty-free and full of organic, wild-crafted, ethically harvested goodness.