Tag Archives: paraben free

Product Review: April Birchbox

Hey Rosés,

For April’s Birchbox, our favorite monthly beauty sample subscription service provided products with Mother Earth’s stamp of approval. Eco friendly and non-toxic beauty and lifestyle products to celebrate Earth Week.

Let’s take a look at this compilation of natural ingredients that even includes laundry detergent!

Juice Beauty Oil-free Moisturizer

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles


 

This oil-free moisturizer is part of Juice Beauty’s Blemish Clearing Collection that uses naturally derived ingredients to combat uneven skin, blemishes and acne, even for sensitive skin and allergies. I could feel the rich difference of it being loaded with high levels of fruit juice rather than water. The moisture lasted all day without extra touch-ups for my dry skin, and my skin felt flexible without any shine.

Ingredients: Organic juices of pyrus malus (organic apple juice)*, vitis vinifera (organic white grape juice)*, punica granatum (organic pomegranate juice)*, aloe barbadensis (organic aloe leaf juice)*, organic botanical extracts of cucumis sativus (organic cucumber extract)*, taraxacum officinale (organic dandelion leaf extract)*, salvia officinalis (organic sage leaf extract)*, melissa officinalis (lemon balm leaf extract), vegetable glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, panthenol (Vitamin B5), tocopherol (Vitamin E), algae extract, ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C), ethylhexyl (octyl) palmitate, cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, xanthan gum, sodium hydroxide, phenethyl alcohol (sage derived), citrus aurantium (sweet orange & petitgrain) and cinnamomum camphora (ho wood) pure essential oils *certified organic by a USDA approved agency

 

Zoya TRUE Spring Collection Nail Polish in Tru

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

This metallic light grape red-toned purple is bold enough to wear year-round. The gold shimmer gives color-changing red and orange effects in the light. Zoya is a great non-toxic brand free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, and camphor which can easily irritate skin. With 2 coats and top coat, this color lasted 9 days before serious chipping.

Ingredients: N/A

 

Wonderstruck Taylor Swift Perfume

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

Similar to Taylor Swift, this is a fun, light and girly scent. It has an aura of flowers and fruit, perfect for daytime and weekend flair, but I wouldn’t recommend for evening or date night.

Ingredients: N/A

 

amika Obliphica Nourishing Mask

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

I love this deep conditioner! A creamy sensation made with natural ingredients that left my scalp clear and each hair strand fully hydrated. The Moroccan argan olil and obliphica oil nourish strands in this sulfate and paraben free formula. After using this as a deep conditioning treatment I was able to go three days without added water or product, and it kept its moisture without added frizz.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cetyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetrimonium chloride, Panthenol, Behentrimonium chloride, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene glycol, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Hippophae rhamnoides (Obliphica) oil, Ascorbic acid, Citric acid

Dropps Laundry Detergent

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

These eco-friendly individual laundry detergent packs are easy to toss in the washer. The ingredients are fabric friendly, excluding the enzymes used in typical detergents that can damage colors and fabrics. They also make dye and scent free for sensitive skin.

Ingredients:
Fresh Scent
Laureth (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Polxoxyethylene Oleyl Ether (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Propylene Carbonate (Progessing Agent), Hexylene Glycol (Processing Agent), Agua (Water)
Scent + Dye Free
Laureth – 7 (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Polyoxyethylene Oleyl Ether (Plant Derived + Biodegradable Cleaning Agent), Ipa (Progessing Agent), Hexylene Glycol (Processing Agent), Agua (Water)

 

What are your favorite eco-friendly products?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

Posted in Body, Face, Hair, PRODUCT REVIEWS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Phyto Universe Hair Care Celebrates Earth Day Everyday

Hey Rosés,

Event invitation via BeautySweetSpot.com

Last night, the French all-natural botanical luxury hair care line Phyto Universe, teamed up with The Nature Conservancy and Jeannine Morris, TV host and beauty editor of BeautySweetSpot.com, to celebrate Earth Week.

The oasis and private lounges at the Phyto Salon & Spa

Held at the luxurious Phyto Universe salon and spa in midtown NYC, which resembles a tropical oasis, the event spread awareness about the Nature Conservancy’s mission for land and water protection, and showcased Phyto’s green ingredients and recyclable containers.

Products include (L) The Nature Conservancy limited-edition Phytopolléine scalp elixir, and (R) PhytoSpecific shampoo and conditioner for curls, relaxed, and frizzy hair

Although I am a fond friend of the Phyto and PhytoSpecific hair care lines, this was my first time receiving a blowout in their salon. Their collection has a product for every need and sensitivity including dry hair, ultra dry hair, frizz, color treated, and even normal healthy hair. The ingredients are derived of pure plant extracts, 100% essential oils, and contain no silicones, parabens or synthetics, perfect for sensitive skin and allergies, and incorporates sustainable ingredients.

Treated to a relaxing scalp massage with Phytopolléine elixir
Image via David Bowers

At the event, Jeannine Morris greeted me with her signature smile, and introduced me to the Nature Conservancy’s cause and a variety of Phyto products. Then I was whisked away for a pre-wash oil scalp treatment massage with Phytopolléine elixir oil that works to stabilize moisture and PH, clear build up, and also protects ends from splitting.

Ron Williams washing and conditioning my hair with the Phytolisse collection
Image via David Bowers

Celebrity hair stylist Ron Williams then took me on a hair safari into my own private cabana. He shampooed and conditioned with Phytolisse smoothing shampoo and Phytolisse mask, and sealed in moisture with the Phytodéfrisant balm and Phytolisse serum, both heat protectants. All products from the Anti-Frizz collection.

 The finished product post blowout!

Ron blow dryed my curly poof into soft flowing tresses, and then gently bumped the ends with a flat iron to polish the look. I hardly recognized myself with straight hair, and I loved how soft, light and clear it felt!

Get your hair appointment with Ron Williams today, get customized products for your hair needs, or schedule a luxurious spa appointment, tell them Alicia from Champagne Beauty sent you!

Phyto Universe Salon & Spa
715 Lexington Avenue  New York, NY 10155
(212) 308-0270
www.phytouniverse.com

How are you celebrating Earth Week?

 

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

Posted in Hair | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Product Review: mybody Skincare and Chemical Peel

Hey Rosés,

A few weeks ago I attended the launch party for mybody’s newest product, NECK-CESSITY at Dr. Pearlman’s. This at home anti-aging treatment works to revitalize dark spots and signs of aging specifically on your neck and décolletage. It minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and creasing, while also smoothing uneven textures and firming skin. Launched in April 2012 it is now available through select dermatologists and skincare professionals featured on the website.

 

L to R: Founders Therese Clark, David Watson, Christine Watson

mybody was founded by makeup artist Therese Clark, Harrods executive Christine Watson, and skincare pioneer David Watson (co-founder of Philosophy, so you know it’s good stuff!). They have a full collection of products that can be mixed and match to create a customized regimen to treat acne, sensitive skin and anti-aging. These hidden treasures are dispensed by skincare professionals only, but you can find authorized retailers on their website www.lovemybody.com

 

While at the party I had my first chemical peel ever! The “myProbiotic Peel” is a trademarked non-invasive chemical peel that essentially tricks the body into thinking it’s injured so it will produce natural wound healing defense peptides. As someone whose face has fallen off from many products, I was certainly hesitant, but this peel was even gentle enough for my eczema and reaction-prone skin. It did not burn, sting or leave any redness or peeling that day, or the next, or even the day after next! In fact, its nickname is “The Lunchtime Peel” because you can literally get it done in 15 minutes then go back to work, no hiding and no intensive recovery time needed.

 

Along with the myProbiotic peel and NECK-CESSITY is the full collection of paraben-free cruelty free at home treatments. Below, my review is for the sensitive skin line, which I highly recommend for all seasons, skin types and ages.

 

Step 1: Clean Routine Revitalizing Foaming Cleanser

Champagne Rating: 5 out of 5 bottles!

 

 

 

First of all, I appreciate when a large collection has clearly labeled the steps in order (and time of day) and named the products for what they actually do! This creamy cleanser serves as a makeup remover, cleanser and toner all in one, even removing eye makeup and foundation.

Step 2: Beat the Rush – Anti-Redness Treatment

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

Rosacea and acne sufferers rejoice! A hydrocortisone free (reduces risk of irritation) serum that soothes inflammation from blemishes, sunburn, and heat rash. It also reduces redness and the appearance of rosacea triggered flushing and blotchiness. This will be my go-to during summer’s unforgiving heat blasts.

 

Step 3: Safety Blanket – Gentle Hydrating Lotion

Champagne Rating: 5 out of 5 bottles!

 

 

One pump of this cross between a light cream and rich lotion will actually wrap your face in a calming blanket. It was a great layer of protection without being too heavy, and did not irritate when directly applied to my eczema. I would recommend full application at night, and a lighter pump or spot treatments for daytime use.

 

Step 4: Protect & Serve – Tinted SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

This oil-free silicone based moisturizer is lightweight and non-reactive for all skin types. The tint only comes in one color, which left a gray shadow on my face. I was able to use it as a primer but had to layer on warm-toned powder to even my skin out.

All products are distributed by physicians and skincare specialists, you can can easily locate participating partners through their physician: www.lovemybody.com/physician

 

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

 

*All images via mybody
*Ingredients not available at time of post
Posted in Face, PRODUCT REVIEWS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spring Forward: Smear Proof Eyeliner For Allergy Season

Hey Rosés,

Image via Getty

The Spring Forward Series provides tips and news for seasonal allergy sufferers to stay clear and beautiful during spring allergy season.

We already covered how to wear mascara and moisturize dry noses this allergy season, but what about wearing eye liner when your eyes are red, watery or itchy? Or eyeliner that won’t flake onto your contact lenses? Facial skin is most sensitive around the eyes, so during any allergy attack or illness I highly recommend NOT wearing any makeup on eyes. Potential bacteria could make your eyes worse or contaminate your makeup.

If you MUST wear eyeliner, here are some great tools to keep you sleek without smudging, running and won’t give the dreaded smeared raccoon eye: 

 

Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof & Tearproof Eyeliner

Purchase: $18 ulta.com

This waterproof double-sided eyeliner includes a pencil on one end and a beveled smudger on the other end to intensify the look. It’s like a liquid liner in a pencil and won’t smear. The paraben free, mineral oil free, and paraffin free formula is perfect for sensitive skin, allergies and contact lens wearers.

Ingredients: Perfect Black, Perfect Brown, Perfect Peacock: Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Hydrogenated Polydicyclopentadiene, Nylon-12, C20-40 Alcohols, Perfluorononyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Polyethylene, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Mica. May Contain/Peut Contenir/(+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288).

L’Oreal Voluminous Eyeliner

Purchase: $8.49 drugstore.com

This is my go-to “liquid liner for dummies!” This angled pen glides on moist, then dries in 60 seconds giving you a sleek line all day without smearing, cracking or flaking. The dual angle pen lets you create a thin outline or thick sweep, perfect for achieving a winged or cat eye. Note: it does contain parabens.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua) (Eau), Acrylates Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lignosulfonate, Sodium Laureth 11 Carboxylate, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Laureth 12 Sulfate, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, EDTA (Ethylenediamine-Tetra-Acetic Acid), May Contain (+/-): (CI 77266), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090) (CI 42090), Red 40 Lake (CI 16035) (CI 16035)

 

Smashbox Jet Set Eye Liner & Brush

Purchase: $22 sephora.com

Dip the included angled eyeliner brush into these pots for a creamy alternative to an eye liner pencil. Best for those who aren’t handy with a pencil and still want a sleek even look that won’t run. The waterproof formula will keep you smudge free even through those pollenated tears. Formula is paraben free.

Ingredients: Isododecane, Polyethylene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lecithin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Barium Sulfate, Propylene Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Mica, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Carmine (CI 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ultramarines (CI 77007)].

What is your favorite eyeliner for contacts or allergy season?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

 

Posted in Face, Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Product Review: March Birchbox

Hey Rosés,

This month Birchbox teamed up with Teen Vogue for a fun, playful and spring formal event-prep box of samples. Teen Vogue’s beauty guru Eva Chen also provided great makeup and hair tips for special occasions and everyday glam. Great sensitive skin and allergy-friendly brands like Tarte and Essie return with bright colors for spring. There were also great alternatives for the sporty girls, and anyone transitioning from processed hair to natural hair.

Take a look at some great finds for your next special event or to add a pop of color:

 

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint in Lucky

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

 

I was looking for a pale pink matte, and this came just in time! The giant crayon glides on smoothly with a texture in between a lip balm and matte lipstick. It has moisturizing vitamins A & E with a hint of color, clicks to refill (no pencil sharpener needed), and so sheer it actually looks nude. Perfect to wear alone or a great primer for lipstick or lip gloss. Be forewarned the strong peppermint oil smell and tingle, but has a sensitive skin-friendly formula: paraben free, sulfate free, mineral oil free.

Ingredients for Lucky: Octyldodecanol, candelilla cera/euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax/cire de candelilla, C12-15 alkyl ethylhexanoate, isopropyl palmitate, cyclopentasiloxane, silica, nylon -12, VP/eicosene copolymer, copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax /cera carnauba/cire de carnauba, phenyl trimethicone, disteardimonium hectorite, hydrogenated coco-glycerides, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, caprylic/ capric triglyceride, propylene carbonate, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, dimethicone, caprylyl glycol, sorbitan stearate, benzophenone-3, tocopheryl acetate, sodium saccharin, castor oil bis-hydroxypropyl dimethicone esters, retinyl palmitate, salicornia herbacea extract, dimethyl isosorbide, palmitoyl hexapeptide-14, tin oxide, mica. (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), iron oxides (CI 77489, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), red 6 lake & red 7 lake (CI 15850), red 27 lake (CI 45410), red 40 lake (CI 16035), yellow 5 lake (CI 19140), yellow 6 lake (CI 15985), blue 1 lake (CI 42090).

 

Kate Spade New York Perfume in Twirl

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

Twirl is the perfect name for this scent, it’s a mixture of flirty and fun with fruit and floral notes. Light enough to wear during the day for work or brunch, yet stimulating for wear in the evening for cocktails or a date. Each spray makes me want to dance, either with a cupcake or a cutie ;-)

Ingredients: alchohol denat, parful/fragrance, water/aqua/eu, propylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, butylphenyl methylpropional, citral, citronellol, farnesol, geraniol, hexyl, cinnamal, hydroxycitonellal, hyrdoxyisohexyl, 3-cyclohexene carbonxaldhyde, limonene, linalool, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexyl, methoxycinnamate, ethylhexyl salicylate, orange 4 (ci 15510), yellow 10 (ci 47005)

 

Kérastase Elixir Ultime

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

This nourishing oil can be used as a leave-in conditioner or pre-blowout heat protectant, but I used it as a shine serum on curly hair. It’s thick but not greasy or heavy. It smoothed top-side frizz and added a hint of shine when applied to dry curly hair.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Zea Mays / Corn Germ Oil, Argania Spinosa Oil / Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Kissi / Camellia Kissi Seed Oil, Pentaclethra Macroloba Oil / Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Coumarine, Benzyl Alcohol, Parfum / Fragrance.

 

Twistband Hair Tie

Champagne Rating: 3 out of 5 bottles

 

 

This fun evolution of the hair tie causes little breakage and maintains elasticity even when wet after the gym. It did leave a dent on curly hair, perhaps straight hair has better luck. Great for rosés transitioning from perms to natural hair, and athletes who don’t want breakage after a workout.

Ingredients: N/A

 

Essie LuxeEffects Collection in Set In Stones

Champagne Rating: 4 out of 5 bottles

 

 

Wear this glitter nail polish alone for a silver disco ball effect or as a top coat for a blast of bling. The formula is free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. Great for sensitive skin, and safer with out toxic chemicals. I’ve tried plenty of glittery nail polishes and this is one of the easier ones to get off without having to scrape your nails.

Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Silica, N-Butyl Alcohol, Polyacrylate-4, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Benzophenone-1, Polyurethane-11, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate [+/- May Contain / Peut Contenir, Ci 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Ci 15850 / Red 7 Lake, Ci 77000 / Aluminum Powder, Ci 19140 / Yellow 5 Lake, Ci 60725 / Violet 2

 

What is your must have for a formal spring event?

Taste the beautiful life ~ Alicia

*All images via Birchbox
*All Items can be purchased on Birchbox for a discount with membership

 

 

 

Posted in Body, Face, Hair, PRODUCT REVIEWS | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments