Fashionista and Glamazon Medea Juhasz shares her favorites from ’09 that she will be carrying on to 2010. And if any of these products makes us look anything like her (this girl simply GLOWS), we are IN.’
The days are over when eco, green or vegan ladies meant tree huggers in patchwork mumus or granola chicks with questionable hygiene. We are HIP, we are HOT and we are GLOWING. As much as I love wearing bohemian frocks, and Jefferson Airplane is my secret guilty pleasure on my R’N’R’ dominated Ipod, the last thing I want is to smell like a bag of Patchouli and Myrrh, not that there is anything wrong with that. Last year I made my New Years mission to find vegan/natural/eco products that make you look fabulous, and also smell great. Here is the list of the natural beauty products I tested, tried and can’t live without. Believe me, you know these products WORK when your carnivore, fur-wearing girlfriends are begging for your beauty secrets and taking notes in your bathroom;
1. Korres Bath and Shower Gel
I fell in love with this Greek brand immediately. These luxurious cleansers come in yummy scents like Lemon Basil, Bitter Almond or Cedar. Each formula contains age fighting active aloe, wheat proteins and vitamins. It will make your skin feel like velvet within a couple days. Guaranteed!
2. Giovanni Touch Body Butter
I was searching, unsuccessfully, for a not-too-greasy or oily body butter without the over exaggerated artificial papaya/coconut/shea butter scents when I found Giovanni’s body butter which smells heavenly; your skin will drink it up. I can’t get enough of the barely there Raspberry Winter and Lavender Vanilla Snow scents. No need for perfume after applying this nourishing product.
3. Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Day Cream
I will take any product, anytime from Dr. Hauschka. This is the cream I suggest to my non vegan/non green girlfriends to try as a conversion tool. If you’ve never tried this line, go and buy the day cream. It will change your life, it will enlighten and enliven your skin. It’s simply fantastic; I’ve been using this product for years. There is absolutely nothing better out there.
4. Caudalie Premier Cru La Creme
I’m going to be honest, this one will break the bank… BUT unlike La Mer and “friends”, Caudalie’s miracle anti aging cream really works. I’m the first one to label facial products over $100 with the two letter BS, but I’ve been using the French brand’s “vinotherapy” based night products for a long time now. It’s all about wine and grapes, firming, lifting, moisturizing and lightening your face. Like the other over hyped anti aging products, this ‘ain’t a face lift in a bottle, BUT I can tell you my sun damaged, dehydrated, insomniac skin never looked better!
5. Earth Science Olive Avocado Deep Conditioning Masque
I’m the best guinea pig when it comes to hair products; bleached, dyed, highlighted, low lighted, running around in the California dry heat and NYC’s humidity. This inexpensive conditioner is my favorite discovery of last year. It volumizes, moisturizes, detangles and enhances fullness. Unlike before, every day is a good hair day.
6. Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo
This shampoo already has a cult following. Works great on all hair types and the cooling/tingling effect makes you want to wash your hair twice a day. I just love that Giovanni Cosmetics remains a family owned company.
7. Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer
Putting on this light mineral bronzer will make you feel and look like a million bucks. This multi purpose product comes in two colors; Park Avenue Princess looks good on almost every skin tone. It is my ultimate pick me up; I refuse to go out in public without dapping it on my cheeks.
8. Purminerals Eye Shadow
I’ve never heard of this brand before until I found the unique color “burgundy malachite” eye shadow in a goody bag… The pressed mineral eye shadow feels like velvet, looks natural, easy to remove and great for even the most sensitive eyes. Feels and looks natural, but at the same time makes you feel like an understated glam princess.
9. Kitten Vixen “Put Your Lips Together” Lipgloss
Maybe I’m missing something, but I never got the obsession with the French beauties… British girls…, well that’s a different story. Maybe I’m bias, because I grew up reading “The Face” magazine and Vivienne Westwood signed my paycheck at one point, but those London vixens never try too hard, they are just simply cool with a hint of R’N’R’ edge. Kitten Vixen hails straight from London Town. This amazing vegan lip gloss is addictive. The brand currently only offers 3 flattering shades. Buy them all, you will never find a sexier, glossier vegan lip product.
10. EvanHealy Rosehip Treatment Facial Serum
Another multi-purpose product I use on pimples, scars, rashes, burns, chapped lips, split hair ends or simply just as a luxe moisturizer serum. I love it, it feels like a mini facial in a bottle. The company offers each product in two different versions for oily and dry skin. EvanHealy is a real hand made homeopathic line of deliciously healing products.
Medea Juhasz is the Marketing/Sales Executive for the fabulous jewelry line Virgins Saints And Angels. she is about to launch her side project TM Consulting, showing the ropes to young and up and coming accessory/jewelry designers. Medea divides her time between NYC and LA. You can find her on facebook if you look hard enough.
