Natural & Organic (& safe): Trends, Shops, & Name Drops

I know I wasn't the only one who was excited about domino-like effect of the natural and organic products being added to the retail stores.  I first noticed this occurrence while looking in the cosmetic section (of course) of Target many months back. I was excited and picked up some Dr. Bronner's soaps.  I said to myself 'All stored should have a section for safe, organic and natural products. Some months later I visited Newport News, VA.  And of course, a vacation has to include many days of shopping and picking things up here and there. So I went to the Rite Aid down the block for some cosmetics (body wash, makeup, and hair products). There I found a section solely for organic makeup. I slowly began to see these "sections" and many retail stores. For example, Walgreens, and CVS, . Websites such as, Soap, Drugstore, and Fresh Direct has also added these sections.

But lets not forget about the sites that have been there for many years (more or less), without many of us knowing about. Sites that started with almost no clientele, yet have products of great and safe quality. Products that claimed fame through word of mouth. Here a few sites that I have personally tried items from and have done or will be doing reviews. B.l.a.c Minerals, Eco Lips, Dr. Bronners, bareMinerals, Coastal Scents, Giovanni Eco Chic Cosmetics, LUSH, and Honeybee Gardens. Also, lets not forget the African wholesale or cosmetics shops that are set up on almost all main streets (lol).


I have been part of a campaign towards safe cosmetics. Though I did not call up politicians, I did send letters. I signed up for many newsletters and websites toward the effort. And when I see these natural and organic sections in these types of store I know that others want to become safe and healthy as well. There must be a great amount of demand and I am happy.


But lets not be fooled by the words organic and natural.  Some cosmetic companies try to use these words on their products to lure you in. They are allowed to do so because there is not yet a government regulation on cosmetic advertising. Some companies do follow USDA regulations so their products can be considered organic. Visit ORGANIC CONSUMERS to see for yourself. So if you're unsure of the ingredients and what the store, site, or company consider to be natural or organic, try looking up the ingredients at sites such as SKIN DEEP COSMETIC SAFETY DATABASE.


Be safe, join campaigns, and stay beautiful

Review: Kiss New York's Acne Cover and Cream Foundation

*photo taken from the page

Kiss New York's Acne Cover and Cream Foundation was highly recommended my a photographer for me to get. Being that he is considered to be a professional photographer with a knowledge of makeup, I went for it.

I was told that by using this inexpensive product I would obtain excellent, full coverage. I visited the Kiss New York site, where i found out that it contained "acne fighting and breakout soothing salicylic acid, green tea, macadamia seed oil, shea butter and vitamin E." The site also claimed that, among other stuff, it would have MAXIMUM COVERAGE. So I hunted down for this foundation. Well, I visited three stores before actually finding the brand, product, and color that I needed.

When I reached home I tested it on my hand, the match was very successful. I knew it would be, being that my mother also helped me pick out my shade, Neutral cool 35, which was one of the newer colors.  I then washed my face and explored the product. The foundation had two compartments. The top consisted of the foundation, which was also covered by an opening flap. Underneath that, lied a breathable compartment, which held the soft applicator.

While applying it I was feeling disappointed.  I had to use several applications for about 10-15 minutes before I felt I had well enough coverage to cover my scars and blemishes. The applicator seemed to absorb most of the product before it reached my face, but it was good amount of product still in the case. I also did not like much of the matte finish. Since I do not suffer from oily skin, this product may not be ideal for the glow that I would have wanted. 


The end results did make me happier. After all I did achieve most of the coverage I wanted. I did not use concealer or any other product, because I wanted to see what the product had to offer on its own. I also like the ingredients, such as salicylic acid, which helps clear breakouts and blemishes. For a cheap price, approximately $9.00, the product was okay. Next time I would use a moisturizer or glowing/silk primer before applying.

Here are before and after pix.

 

  

No photoshop was use, these are actual result.... I did, however, blur out the background, for it is irrelevant.

Agua EXTREME

Lately I have truly discovered the affects of WATER.  Of course, we all know that water is good for the us, considering it takes up about 70% of the human body mass. But for the past yea or so I have fell off from drinking water daily.  


On my never ending search for cleansers and blemish treatments, I kept wondering what was going wrong. Neglected the facts about my consumption habits.  Before about a year ago, I ate very healthy even when I cooked for myself (never eating much processed foods). Lately, I've been eating fast food and I've been drinking juice (healthy and not-so-healthy drinks) and soda.


About a week and a half ago I had to go to the doctor for pains I was having all over my body.  Not to mention I wasn't feeling all that happy about life at all. My doctor prescribed me about the pains, saying how i need to drink more water and consume more fiber.  


Since, i have been eating slightly better. But what really changed was my consumption of WATER. I drink it almost every day, if I'm not sleep (lol). And guess what, even with out using specialty products for my face and body, my face is clearing up. I am also feeling better about my outlook on life and other things.  I will continue to drink at least the standard of 8 glasses (64 fluid ounces, 168 ml, 1.89 liters) of water per day. 


I consume tap water. Though i did have a phase where I was only using bottled water, which is ridiculous. Many bottling companies use tap water. and the Bottles water industry is a scam for those in the U.S. Bottled water for New Yorkers, especially, is not safer, cheeper, nor taster than our tap water. If you don't believe me check out EWG

And My Cherry Explodes...

Kinky title? Maybe. But this is my first blog, besides myspace long ago (lol), and my first post. Hence the phrase, popped cherry. 

                                             ABOUT MOI:
I am currently a model who is taking a semester off from school. For years, my life has been evolving around beauty, fashion, and entertainment. 


Born spoiled, I used my silver spoon to scoop up most designer brands. The words want was no enemy of mine. And usually, what I liked I wanted and what I wanted I received! Therefore i became fashionable with almost all the newest item. As i got older of course I had to learn the value of a dollar :/. So I began to work whenever i felt for it. And the money I got, I usually splurge on cloths and shoes. 


Getting even older and beginning to live on my own in my first college year, I became a product junkie and I became obsessed with cosmetics. I decided to work for mary kay, but when certain products didn't work for me I figured I needed better facial products. I searched the web and decided it was time for me to go natural. My hair has been natural for a year now and most of my cosmetics are as well. My Youtube videos can be found Here


Though having done a beauty pageant and having done plays as a youth, I began really modeling with a simple shoot in 2010. I am still working on modeling as a career. I look forward to began print modeling, commercial features, promotional modeling, and even acting. Having a petit frame sometimes I do feel limited. Here are a few of my modeling sites Amoni B & Amoni MM


                                     WELCOME TO MY BLOG