5 Eco-Glamorous Party Makeup Looks

How to have a star-worthy makeup look while reducing your impact on the environment? Like always, one of the best ways to green in your beauty routine is to go minimal but during the holidays and special occasions is always nice to add a little bit of glamour and a festive glow to your look. Every little bit counts and so, as you ponder your choices as a consumer, consider eco-friendly cosmetics.

Many cosmetic and skincare brands have taken dramatic strides towards greening not only their products, but their packaging as well. These products often contain no preservatives, colorants, dyes or perfumes. Here five of this season's favorite eco-glamorous makeup looks, tips and cosmetics that will have both you and the environment looking its best. Going green, after all, is always in style.

1. Brighten your eyes with shimmer



This holiday season, shimmery eye shadows continue to be on trend. To brighten your eyes and add sultriness try a touch of silver and gold on your eyelids and the corner of your eyes.
Tip: You can also try a modern take on smoky eyes and use a shimmer to create a smudgy effect.
Green this look: Try Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Eldorado ($16), from Urban Decay's ever-expanding line of vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. Also try Tarte Lock and Roll in Gunmetal ($17), which is free of parabens, synthetics and features green recyclable packaging as well.

2. Create a dramatic look with eyeliner



An eyeliner is a must for well-finished eye makeup and to create an instant new look. Eyeliner can make even the smallest eyes appear larger which is a huge reason so many people use it, but applying it correctly is key.
Tip: Using a thin pencil will give you a more subtle effect, while using a liquid liner or thicker pencil will create a more dramatic look.
Green this look: For dramatic, smoky or cat eyes try Illuminare Beyond Black Eyeliner ($21) which is a richly pigmented, silky cream mineral eyeliner you could ever dream of! This is a paraben free, waterproof formula that also comes in an earth friendly glass jars. Also try Gabriel Cosmetics Eyeliner in Black ($12) to softly accent eyes. This eyeliner is eco-friendly and enriched with natural plant waxes to glide on easily without pulling or stretching the delicate eye area.

3. Make your eyes come alive with mascara



Long and thick eyelashes are a simple way to bring your holiday look from drab to fab. Before you apply mascara, curl your lashes to make your eyes seem larger. Use an eyelash curler and curl your lashes very carefully, positioning the curler around your eyelashes with the upper lashes between the edges of the curler.
Tip: Don’t apply more than two coats of mascara – otherwise you can make your lashes appear too done and unnatural. First, apply a thin coat and let it dry. Then build up with a second coat of mascara. When applying mascara to the lower lashes, gently brush the tip of the applicator across them.
Green this look: Choose black mascara and apply it after you have curled your lashes. Try Tarte 4-in-1 Natural Mascara in Black ($18) for a more dramatic bombshell lashes result. Also Try ZuZu Lux Mascara in Onyx ($17) which is a gentle and non-irritating mascara enriched with vitamins and herbal extracts and suitable for sensitive eyes.

4. A party look with pretty lips



Lip glosses are a great way to finish off your party look – not only are they quick and easy to apply, they always create a glamorous, finished look. If you are feeling frisky and want to make a bold statement, try sultry-red lips which are hot this holiday season!
Tip: Apply a dusting of your face powder or a bit of foundation to your lips to help maximize the staying power of the lipstick or gloss. Depending on your dress color, choose a lip color that enhances the outfit. Apply the lip gloss over your lipstick to create a playful look and to make your lips appear luminous. Remember the golden rule: if your eyes are bright, choose a more neutral color for your lips and vice versa if your eyes have less color.
Green this look: For a glamorous red-lips looks try ZuZu Luxe Lipgloss in Caliente ($18). This formula is gluten and lead-free and also long-lasting for up to 12 hours. For a more natural effect but that also add a little shimmer and fun to your look, I like Cargo Plant Love Botanical Lipsktics ($20), a sheer, creamy lipstick formulated with natural and organic ingredients.

5. Blushed Cheeks



The holidays or other celebrations are great for wearing blushed cheeks. I favor blush colors that have a touch of gold or bronze in them because when you smile, it picks up the light beautifully and it looks great in photos as well.
Tip: Choose cheek colors that have tiny bits of gold and bronze in them because it gives your cheeks a dewy look. If you are not sure about what color to pick, Coral and Pink shades go well with any skin tone.
Green this look: For a more shimmery-blushed effect try Alima Luminous Shimmer Blush ($15) which is a pure, luscious and richly pigmented shimmering blush that goes on sheer and blends beautifully for a healthy glow. All Alima cosmetics are certified all-natural and use environmentally-friendly packaging. If you are looking for a more naturally blushed-look I like Aubrey Organics Silken Earth Blush in Warm Rose ($12), made with natural colors, sustainable and agricultural ingredients.

What's your favorite green makeup tip? share with us!

Phot0 credit: Getty Images

Splashes of Sunshine: 2010 Spring Color Report


Want to know what colors will be key for the Spring/Summer season? Then the fashion industry’s Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall 2010 reveals all. You may ask yourself what is Pantone and why is this report so special?

For a fashion industry professional like myself, Pantone is the most widely recognized color standard in the world and is used as a tool for the fashion and home products industry. Every season at New York Fashion Week it surveys designers and collects feedback on the most prominent color collections and puts them together in its seasonal report. The Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall 2010 features the top 10 colors for women's fashion, along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots.

During New York's Fashion Week, September 10 – 17, 2009, Pantone reported: "Designers bring splashes of sunshine to the runway for spring 2010. Vibrant brights add a sense of excitement to the color palette, while practical neutrals provide a safety net for cautious consumers." "Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Instead of re-inventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun."


Every year Pantone announces the "It" color. Last year's Spring 2009 color was Mimosa. This year Pantone has established that their 2010 dominant color prediction is Turquoise. Personally, I love turquoise, its a very flattering color and it reminds me of.. tranquil blue-green tropical waters and clear blue skies. We might also see a lot of turquoise in weddings this Spring as turquoise offsets white beautifully . Our First Lady Michelle Obama, was spotted wearing a turquoise dress on December 2nd, thanking volunteers who decorated the White House for the Christmas holidays in Washington, D.C.

One thing to keep in mind is that color reports like Pantone's are a "color direction". Some of these colors may not work well for everyone. I believe that it is up to us to figure out what colors we like and what really looks most flattering on us.

Photo credit: Pantone, About.com and Maldivestourism.com

12 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Stylish Eco-Gal

Put more green into your holidays by choosing gifts that are made with durable, quality, non-toxic materials and that are made by people that care about our planet.

Looking for some stylish eco-friendly gift ideas this holiday 2009 season? Here's are some of my favorite green picks for the environmentally conscious glamourista in your life.



Quicksilver Je T'aime Tee ($48) 100% organic cotton jersey dip dye. 3% of each eco-friendly sale benefits Everyday People Initiating Change. Shop: www.quicksilver.com
Edun Ainsely Knit Dress ($170) Limited Edition 100% Organic Cotton sleek knit with a striking cobra print! 15% of proceeds benefit War Child. Shop: www.endunonline.com and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Azuri Organic Cotton Scarf ($29) Incredibly stylish everyday accessory. 100% Organic Cotton and can choose from 110 amazing colors! Shop: www. nimli.com


Molly M Designs Earrings ($46) Lasercut earrings inspired by botanical shapes from the designer's own garden. Crafted from sustainable light bamboo veneer and reclaimed suede in a soft, sea-foam green color. Shop www.mollymdesigns.com
Alex and Ani Beaded Bracelet Set ($118) Set of seven gleaming golden bangles, both smooth and textured, some with amber-colored glass cube beads in a unique expandable design.All metals used in Alex and Ani collections are recycled. Shop at Saks Fifth Avenue and www.alexandani.com
The Andean Collection Acai Necklace ($55) A bold, vibrant centerpiece made from Acai seeds by Ecuadorean artisans. All Natural materials. Perfect for day or evening. Shop: www.theandeancollection.com


Tarte Femme Naturale refillable natural eye palette ($44) Comes in a reusable purple case filled with 10 mineral-based eyeshadows, a double-ended brush with greatness eyeshadow brush and a double-ended eyeliner. The magnetic base allows you to pop out recyclable and refillable eyeshadow pans that help reduce environmental waste. Shop: www.tartecosmetics.com and Sephora online or in-store.
Jurlique Gift Set ($60) Enjoy the soothing benefits of of their most popular Lavender formulas this holiday season. Jurlique products do not contain Parabens, Mineral Oils, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Synthetic Emulsifiers, Artificial Colors or Fragrances. Shop: www.jurlique.com and in-store at Whole Foods Body.
Burt's Bees Polka Dot Mani Pedi Gift Set ($20) All the full-sized products and tools you need for a luxurious mani-pedi are wrapped up with an adorable polka dot carrier. All Burt's Bees products are made with all-natural ingredients and with the environment in mind. Shop: www.burtsbees.com and in-store at Whole Foods Body.



Organic Edun Tote Bag ($40) This tote is 100% Organic Cotton with a bold Africa "thumbprint" on one side and Edun logo on the other. Shop: www.edunonline.com
Hooded Velour Terry Robe
($88) Made with 100% Certified Organic cotton and low impact eco-friendly dye. This robe is free of artificial fertilizers, synthetic pesticides and insecticides. Shop: www.underthecanopy.com
Paddy Wax Soy Candles ($28) These candles smell amazing. The Re-Leaf Collection comes in six different fragrances. Paddywax will plant a tree for the purchase of every Re-Leaf candle through the American Forests Foundation. Shop: www.paddywax.com

Workout in Style with IVEE's Bamboo Clothing



IVEE is an environmentally-friendly, runway-inspired clothing line designed for the busy contemporary woman, making it easier for us to move from yoga, pilates, dance or the gym to coffee or lunch with effortless yet polished style. Their first collection was launched in 2008 and was made available at leading boutiques, high-end gyms and spas. IVEE's complete sporty collections, includes a green, environmentally friendly bamboo collection of apparel that's absolutely lovely and fashionable with prices rage from $58-$110.They also use environmentally friendly dying, which is a much cleaner process for their fabrics.



You are probably wondering what's so great about Bamboo fabric?
Bamboo fiber has many benefits such as, naturally anti-bacterial and odor-resistant, even after washing. Nearly three times more absorbent than cotton (which is why it's now used by many sportswear companies), the fibers of the bamboo plant are naturally porous, so they absorb and wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you cool and dry.
Bamboo plants are also the most eco-friendly plants on the planet. They are very quick growers and do not require fertilizers or pesticides. They require very little water and are a sustainable and renewable resource since the bamboo plant is self replenishing. Bamboo is 100% biodegradable.
So there you go, plenty of reasons to work out in style and save the planet at the same time!

Shop at www.iveestyle.com. Orders over $150 get free shipping.

Photo credit: IVEE

Eco Glamourista's Pick: Mar Y Sol Signature Clutches


I appreciate companies that can make a difference in people's life. Mar Y Sol is a fair trade company that emphasizes in social and environmental responsibility by using eco-friendly materials, working to minimize poverty and improving the lives of people in Kenya and Madagascar. Originally called Mad Imports, the company has received rave reviews from publications like Oprah's "O Magazine" and Celebrity magazine OK.

I am really loving the vibrant and unique designs of Mar y Sol eco-friendly clutches specially their colorful Opal Clutch(shown above) from the "Girls" collection. This clutch which is hand woven from artisans in Madagascar and made from sustainable Raffia Grass is now discounted almost 20% at Terra Trendz!
Although most of the materials used for these bags are Raffia Grass and Woven Straw which usually translates to a warmer season, this is a recession time, a time to mix and match. You can wear these with your favorite LBD for a pop accessory accent or bring out the little bohemian in you even in the cooler weather!

Check out the entire shop for their latest collections like their Fall 2009 styles(shown above) and all of the beautiful products they offer. You can also find amazing sales of their bags and clutches on their website and www.orangeandpear.com.


Photo credit to: Mar y Sol, Terra Trendz and Belle Maison Blog

Simply Stylish Recycled Jewelry by Ija Designs


A simple accessory like jewelry can add something intriguing to your look and highlight your individuality. Ija Designs is a line of chic, edgy and unique jewelry made with the environment in mind. Businesswomen and mom, Erin Hasler is behind the designs of this beautiful jewelry line and she says "green is more than her favorite color, is also a way of life". They run their studio on 100% renewable energy, recycle all their scrap metal and purchase recycled metals, how amazing is that!
The jewelry pieces ranging from $28 to $298 are made with only the finest materials, including gold fill, sterling and fine silver, and gemstones. Her latest collections are Pixie, Flash, Quintessential, and Sumptuous and they offer interesting designs that will make every women look and feel special. Also check out their blog to stay up to date with their beautiful jewelry collections, news and events.



Designs Jewelry at IjaDesigns.com, Sacred Accessories, Couture Candy, Kaight, and other in-store locations.

Photo credit: Ija Designs

Affordable Natural Face Scrub


As the weather gets cooler, skin exfoliation is specially important to prevent dullness and bring back that natural skin glow. When I ran out of my face scrub, I decided to look in my pantry and found a very simple ingredient I could use as a scrub.... Sugar in the Raw. A sugar scrub helps to brighten your skin by buffing away dried skin, sweat and dirt. Sugar cane is a great natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that's widely used in skin care products for its resurfacing properties. It helps reduce fine lines and acne by promoting cellular turnover.

I simply mix a packet of sugar in the raw with a small dab of my favorite cleanser Juice Beauty Organic Facial Wash, gently scrub my face for about a minute or so and rinse. After I rinse my skin feels incredibly smooth and fresh. It's a really amazing scrub and super-affordable! You can also use Raw Sugar mixed with Jojoba Oil (I like Dessert Essence Jojoba Oil) to scrub and beautify your body and feet. Although raw sugar in not harsh or toxic, make sure you don't over scrub. Use no more than twice a week. Try it with your favorite cleanser or mix of oil, you will love the results!

You can purchase Sugar in the Raw at www.sugarintheraw.com and in-store at Whole Foods.

Fabulous Eco-Friendly Fragrances (Product Review)


I've really come to appreciate organic and natural fragrances, not only they are good our health and the planet but will also have you smelling wonderful naturally. Most mass market scents use a combination of natural and synthetic fragrances and to save on costs they lean towards using more harmful synthetic chemicals. 95% of the chemicals found in fragrances are petroleum-based. The use and manufacture of synthetic fragrances pose a wide range of health issues, such as allergic reactions.

To maintain the purity of organic fragrances, manufacturers opt for plant-based ingredients. Also many companies that produce natural fragrances follow sustainable business practices, such as using recycled packaging and seeking out alternative forms of energy like wind power. There are several companies that produce natural and really nice-smelling fragrances are
also affordable. Here I share some of my favorite Eau de Green!

For Women:

Pacifica Fragrances
I love that Pacifica scents are fun and fresh-smelling. Their signature perfume blends are made with natural essential oils and pure grain alcohol(corn source and gluten-free). My favorite is the Hawaiian Ruby Guava(shown right). It has a sweet-sexy smell, is easy to wear and the blend of guava and coconut was inspired by Hawaii surf's paradise. It's packaged in simple, elegant glass bottles. Perfect to layer with their solid perfume for real staying power. Since 1996, Pacifica is proud of being a sustainable perfume and fragrance company. The company has been making scents in California that was started as home mixed scents with aromatherapy essential oils. Not only are all of their products free of paraben and propylene glycol, they are made from natural ingredients and essential oils and their packaging is made from recycled materials. Pacifica also makes wonderful body butters, candles, and natural soaps.

Aubrey Or
ganics Eau de Parfume
Aubrey Organics has been around since 1967 as one of the world’s leading natural body care manufacture and a prominent involvement in the natural cosmetics industry. This company makes fragrances in four different scents to choose from and are created from a minimum of 95% organic ingredients and essential oils. They are free of synthetics, preservatives and fixatives. The fragrances all come in a very chic frosted glass of two ounces and each have their own bright color and trademark design on them. I really like the Light Citrus Floral eau de parfum(shown left), it smells incredibly delicious, fresh, floral and lightly citrusy. It is also a very delicate and sophisticated scent; not overwhelming at all.

Nature's Gate Organic Fragrance
This 30 year old company created the first ever fragrance collection formulated with 100% certified organic alcohol. They have two fragrances to choose from Labrinto and Sicuro. I have tried them and both smell really great. It come sin a really nice Italian frosted-glass bottle. The cool thing is that these fragrances are unisex, so men an women can wear them. I like the Labrinto scent (shown right) which has a really clean, crisp scent of cucumber mixed with white freesia, violet and rose. I also recommend the Sicuro scent which has more of a zesty sunny scent of citrus and floral with a hint of a woodsy sensuality, but very still light and airy.

For Men:

Burt's Bees Natural Cologne for Men
Burt's Bee has been know for making some of the gentlest products around.
Burt's Bees Natural Men's Cologne is an all-natural blend of essential oils. In this cologne, fresh citrus oils of Lemon, Orange and Bergamot are blended in the warm, spicy depth of Cypress and Fir oils for a crisp woody scent. Bergamot is also a natural insect repellent, so that's a bonus. I even like this cologne for myself because is smells super-clean, modern, with a hint of sweetness and not overpowering. The bottle is also made of recycled glass! Truly brilliant and affordable.
Organic Grooming Dusk Blend Cologne for Men by Herban Cowboy
This is a vegan, organic and cruelty free fragrance. I found interesting that Herban Cowboy was started in a log cabin near a dirt road with no internet and I can see why the signature scent of the cologne has a very masculine, sporty, rugged scent to it. I like it's sort of foresty, man-in- the-woods scent. It's a bolder scent but yet not overpowering that smells great and is long-lasting as well! You can purchase Herban Cowboy at Vegan Essentials online store and other retailers.


All the mentioned fragrances are also available in-store at Whole Foods and other natural beauty retailers.


Hope you enjoy reading these reviews! I love to hear from you, let me know what you think!

Photo credit: Ehow.com/videos






New Fall 2009 Arrivals at Loomstate!


What's not to love about Loomstate, it is one of my favorite brands because they are proof of how ec0-friendly can be trendy. Since 2004, Loomstate has produced high quality clothing for both men and women that specializes in 100% organic fabrics with a commitment to helping the environment by using sustainable production methods. Most of their cuts and styles are created in neutral colors making it even easier to pair with pieces you already have in you closet.

Loomstate collection get better and better each season as they continue to offer even greater style and quality. I happen to love their dresses, tops, skinny jeans and pants like the Indian Slim Chinos for women(shown above), which comes in 2 different washes. I also adore their Lucy Dress (shown above) which is fabulous for day and night, it can easily be transformed with the addition of your favorite accessories and shoes. For this time of year, I also love pieces that are easy to wear like the Christina Top for women(shown above) and pieces that keep me cozy and warm like the Bail Sweater(shown above) which comes in 2 different colors.

Men fall head over heels for their comfy styles as well. This season they have amazing button-down shirts for men like the Steve Shirt a button front flannel shirt with raglan sleeves shown in black but also comes in Sky and Deep Blue. My favorite piece for men has to be their hoodies which are super-comfortable like their Never-With-Out Hoodie, which even has a hidden cellphone packet. Definitely great pieces to Act Natural!

Purchase Loomstate’s pieces on their website or at Barneys.com. Loomstate also has a great blog
to keep you in the know on Loomstate’s latest news, special promotions, and their green initiatives.

Let me know what you think of Loomstate Fall 2009 Collection?

Photo credit: Loomstate

Spice up with Sexy Eco-friendly Lingerie


Eco-lingerie keeps getting more gorgeous and sexy thanks to several designers that continue to offer the most delectable lingerie pieces you can imagine, crafted from completely sustainable fabric made from soy, milk, and other sustainable materials in addition to organic cotton, bamboo, hemp and silk to make amazing eco-sexy lingerie. And if you think eco-lingerie is boring, think again! Below, you’ll find a few of my favorites and great examples of how green can be spicy!

Love Nature
This Eco-chic Italian lingerie by emerging designer Love Nature is mainly made with biological, natural, anallergic, not chemically
treated fibers and is packed and promoted using recycled tools. Love Nature’s feminine Fall Line which includes this adorable Aurora Bra Set(picture left) is available at Noblivity.com and the collection is filled with just as beautiful lace pajamas, bra and panty sets, camisoles and hipsters.

Enamore

I love that this Enamore's designs are sex
y, playful and influenced by the 1950's pin-ups. To release your inner pin-up girl, I suggest the flirty animal print Bedrock Bra and Short Set(picture right) made from a stretchy bamboo jersey trimmed with black edging and flamingo pink satin bows. This set also comes with a matching sleep mask packaged in their striped recycled card gift box lined with tissue paper and tied with a chocolate satin bow. You can find more of these items at Enamore.com

Eberjey
This flirty and delicate set created by Eberjey is the Natural Woman Cami and Pant Set (picture left). This 100% organic cotton cami set features a soft white color and beautiful lacey details that will make you feel sexy, beautiful and feminine – and eco-friendly!



Coco De Mer

Coco De Mer
Is a sexy UK store that sells luxury eco-lingerie and other products with a high end luxury price tag. But lets say you are on your honeymoon?...well it might be worth it to have something incredibly special. So unleash your kinky side with some of Coco De Mer's hottest styles this season like this Simone piece (picture right). Coco de Mer makes all their products with the consideration of environmental and human rights by investing in the talents of local artisans, fair trade labor and seeking out companies using small projects and cottage industries instead of sweatshops.


Spreegirl

Spreegirl’s philosophy of “It’s not just sleepwear, it’s fashion” is evident throughout their adorable collections. The retro modern looks are made up of bright colors and patterns, perfect for girls who are just as stylish at home as they are when out and about. Be careful when browsing because not everything is green. But the line does pieces in hemp, bamboo and coconut like this New Rave Kimono Robe (picture left)made of bamboo with color blocking detail and tie belt at the waist. You can also pair this robe with one of their sexy bamboo bras. I like that their designs are super cute, sexy and great for the planet.

Urban Fox

Urban Fox makes a beautiful, sexy and modern lingerie line for the hip urbanite. This eco-fabulous line combine 1940s style with modern sustainable materials like bamboo, tagua nut buttons and natural rubber. I specially adore just about any of their candy-color stocking sets with their burlesque-style seams and matching boy-shorts bottoms,oh so super sexy! (picture right). All products are designed, dyed and hand-sewn in the U.S.A.

Let me know what you think. What 's you favorite eco-friendly lingerie piece? Share with us!

photo credit: eco fashion world (first photo above)