Ask Greta: What is your skincare regime?
GretaGuide Reader Exclusive Offer from NuboNau
I am so happy to announce that NuboNau- one of my go to places for organic and non-toxic skincare and cosmetics with the style standards on par with my own- would like to extend a special offer to YOU- my lovely readers!
They would like to offer you a Complimentary Deluxe Sample Set, Free Shipping and 2000 points (worth $20 on the NuboNau site) on your first order (if over $25).
All you have to do is enter the Promo Code at the checkout (Promo Code box in the basket / above the subtotal): GRETA
Here are the goodies you’ll get:
Complimentary Deluxe Sample Set that comes in an organza bag with 13 sample sachets
o Nude Advanced Eye Complex
o Nude Age Defence Moisturiser
o Nude Miracle Mask
o Nude Cleansing Facial Oil
o John masters organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash
o John masters organics Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner
o REN Glycolactic Peel
o SheerinO Kho (exclusive to NuboNau) uptown / downtown Summertime
o SheerinO Kho First Class Flight Cream
o Dr Hauschka Firmin Mask
o Dr Hauschka Cleansing Milk
o Dr Hauschka Quince Cream
o Dr Hauschka Lemon Body Moisturizer
So, if you are in need of a new light weight moisturizer for summer or a body scrub to exfoliate off all those winter skin cells, try out NuboNau and receive a little something extra, including their amazing packaging!
(sponsored post)
Get A Natural Glow, Naturally With Non-Toxic Products
A couple of weeks ago, I was asked by my friend, Jessa Blades, a NYC- based natural makeup artist, to participate in a shoot she was doing for Eco-Chick on how to get a natural glow, naturally. I said yes before she finished her sentence and the rest is history! Check out the full article where Jessa shares her secrets on how to get the look you see on me here, with an amazing assortment of eco-fabulous and non-toxic products.
And, of course, I have to bring attention to my eco-outfit as well. My shoes and Chanel necklace are from Rice and Beans Vintage- one of the best places to get authentic designer pieces (both vintage and modern) at great prices. Shopping vintage or second hand is one of the most accessible ways to start shopping more sustainably. You save pieces from being thrown away, and give them a second life cycle! How are you being more eco-friendly when it comes to shopping?
Outfit Details (* denotes an eco-fabulous piece):
-top: Zara
-jeggings: Zara
-shoes*: c/o Rice and Beans Vintage, Charlotte Ronson, second life cycle
-necklace*: c/o Rice and Beands Vintage, Chanel, vintage
(photos: Clement Kois)
Earth Day Essentials: 6 Eco-Products to Try Now
Beautifying while being ‘green’ has gotten a lot easier. From face wash to sunscreen, there are so many ecologically and ethically produced products to bring into your beauty regimen! Here is the short list of must-have eco-beauties to try now.
1. Odacite- Night Time Antioxidants Repair Serum. High concentrations of Fresh and Clinically proven anti-aging ingredients fight free radical damage to reverse signs of aging while you sleep.
2. Pangea Organics- Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange Cleanser. This cleanser features organic compounds rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids to support a healthy, radiant complexion.
3. REN- Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask. A gentle but potent exfoliating peel mask, designed to renew the complexion and improve skin tone.
4. Eco Tools- Plant A Kiss Lip Conditioner. Their new lip conditioner, made with shea butter and jumbo-sized for added value (and kisses!).
5. Pai- Camomile & Rosehip Moisturizer. A great lightweight vegan and organic moisturizer that is perfect for warmer weather.
6. Erbaviva- Children Sunscreen SPF 15. Children’s sunscreens are the best because they are made to be gentle and for sensitive skin. This one is completely natural, light and easily absorbed sunscreen with SPF 15. Mommy please!
Interested in more eco-beautiful products? Visit NuboNau online for the best selection of organic and non-toxic skincare and cosmetics. They sort through the products and standards- offering only the best and purest- so you don’t have to. ;)
Tweet of the Week
Tweet of the week is from @TheNaturalVixen: “I’m looking for a toxin-free face moisturizer that’s affordable, preferably with an SPF. I can’t find anything! Any tips?”
Obviously, you want to take into consideration what type of skin you have, but for a mid to lightweight moisturizer I recommend Pai Camomille and Rosehips Moisturizer. It is certified organic by the Soil Association (which is the highest grade) and suitable for vegans.
For a moisturizer with an SPF, I am a fan of Juice Beauty Mineral Light Moisturizer SPF 30. You get a hint of color with chemical-free SPF.
LES Ladies Who Lunch Outfit
For those of you who don’t know, I actually moved back to New York this month (yay!). As one of my favorite cities in the world, when I am in NYC, I feel like I can wear whatever I want, how ever I want… and sometimes hit upon outfits that are perfect for the day and scheduled outings. This was one such day and outfit. It is my version of what Blaire Waldorf would wear if she was lunching in the LES.
Easy on the eyes (and skin) makeup. Tarte Cosmetics offers a complete natural beauty line. My look today is 95% Tarte! I was inspired by a look in a magazine where the eyes were super light, with no eyeliner and just a hint of mascara. The focus was on the lips- in a vibrant pink. I recreated the look with my favorite non-toxic products and here is a breakdown of my look:
-Foundation: Tarte Smooth Operator Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
-Eye Shadows: the lighter shades in the Tarte NeutralEYES Natural Eye Shadow Palette
-Lip Stain: Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster in Pouty
-Mascara: Dr. Hauschka Mascara
Even though this outfit may not scream practical… that is exactly how it came to be. I dress for the weather. When I checked the forecast and saw 60’s with sunshine, I decided it was time to don the shorts with tights trend. A see-through top for a little added interest, and a print jacket to pull it all together. The shoes are patent wedges, so they are great for treking around the city. As I was walking out the door, I popped on the headband, and knew the look was complete.
I also sported my new wish ribbon that I got with my Olga Olsson swimsuit. It is a Brazilian tradition to wear these ribbons and for every knot you make, you are grated another wish! So, off I went, wishes intact, to meet up with the designers from Cri de Coeur for our ladies lunch!
Outfit Details (*denotes an eco-fabulous piece):
print jacket*: second lifecycle from Buffalo Exchange in Boulder, CO
top: Max Studio
jeans: Made In Heaven
shoes: Tory Burch
gold leaf pin: a gift from Australia
makeup*: c/o Tarte Cosmetics & Dr. Hauschka
nails*: c/o Priti NYC in ‘Flamecreeper’
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Gets A Facelift
That old saying, “It’s not what you are on the outside, but on the inside that counts,” is certainly a lovely sentiment but sometimes a little facelift helps everyone to see just how amazing the inside is. Such is the case with MyChelle Dermaceuticals. They have been a leader in natural skincare (stocked on the shelves of Whole Foods), and perhaps often passed over for their sexier counter parts… No longer! With the launch of their rebranding, the line exudes the simple, clean and very effective non-toxic beauty line they’ve been delivering all along.
Online Organic Skincare Boutique: NuboNau
I only recently embraced the very real fact that I am a beauty junky. Yep, I can firmly admit to it, and in fact celebrate it! I am pleased to announce that the discerning and luxury focused natural skincare boutique, NuboNau has sponsored GretaGuide, so that I can bring you firsthand experiences and reviews of the latest and greatest on the eco-beauty market.
Being the super sweet people that they are, they sent along an introductory gift package which was so beautifully wrapped that I didn’t want to unwrap it!
This attention to detail is crucial to NuboNau and makes them a great source when gifting to others. You can rest assured that they will make sure your gift is well-presented and likely throw in a couple of samples to expand your green beauty repertoire.
I am very excited to try the Pai skincare line that Natalie Portman has been raving about. I also will dabble in a couple of pots of natural fragrance from Ituri which is a luxury I long gave up when I discovered how toxic normal perfume is.
I will let you know my thoughts and personal GretaGuide ratings of all the products I try. Stay tuned and feel free to make suggestions on those products I haven’t yet sampled. Very soon you will have a chance to sample too… NuboNau and I have some great things planned for my readers!
(If you are a brand and are interested in sponsoring GretaGuide, hit the ‘About’ section to send me an email.)
Sun Kissed Skin
Naturally enhanced beauty is a delicate thing… You want to look like you don’t have any makeup on, but with an even complexion and maybe a little more color on your lips. Well, I think I have found a winning combination!
I recently as sent a tube of Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer (thank you, thank you!) and was delighted to read that it offers a built in 20 spf, as well as smooth and even coverage. Of course, I put the product to the test and at long last have found my natural foundation that does everything I want it to. It hydrates, it offers a medium coverage (so you don’t look like you’re wearing makeup, but can lessen a spot or dark circle’s appearance), and it protects you from the sun! Here is where I would drop my favorite line: ‘Happiness is.’
As for that perfect lip shade… I am a huge fan of Bella Donna’s mineral lipstick. It smells so good, that some times I use it instead of my chapstick, just because of the smell! It also delivers an even and long lasting bit of color. Touche!
So, for a natural sun kissed look, my two picks are Tarte Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer and Bella Donna Mineral Lipstick in Pink Sand. What are you loving for naturally enhanced looks right now?
Made Fashionable by FORD Artists during NYFW
During New York fashion week, I had the pleasure of being treated to a mid-day spruce up by the Ford Models beauty team- Ford Artists. I walked in with a clean face (save one coat of mascara- a girl cannot leave the house in NYC without a little mascara!) and hair washed from the day before. Presenting myself as a blank canvas with a willingness to play and ‘get done up’, I made my way through hair, makeup and nails.
First, I sat down in Michael Angelo’s seat and as we became acquainted, I shared my vision to have really big hair. He was game, and informed me that he could give me a lot of tight curls that would give me loads of body. I sheepishly looked at him and inquired if he had a crimper… Oh yes, I wanted to bring the 80s back! His eyes instantly lit up and he realized that I meant what I said- I wanted big and fun hair! Thank the lord for this dear man’s determination and commitment to provide me with ‘big and fun’ hair. An hour later, we were both gushing at the genius of the crimper (my love, where have you been?!). He then loosely popped my hair on top of my head for a more glammed up feel. AMAZING.
Next, I was off to makeup with Donna Fumoso. While getting my hair done, everyone kept coming by whispering their enthusiasm for the talented makeup artist. She certainly lived up to her reputation. In fact, I would add that she is a psychic beauty artist! Once again, I gave her free reign, letting her decide what colors to use and features to play up. I came away with a look almost identical to the Diane Kruger feature in the March Glamour that I was lusting after. It is a heavy eye meets heavy lip with some infused copper and berry tones. For non-toxic skincare and cosmetics, Donna recommended Aubrey Oranics and Korres.
I topped off my Ford Artists treat with glitter tips added to my red manicure (Priti NYC), for a new take on the French manicure. Voila- I was a whole new woman and ready to reclaim my place amongst the fash pack! I headed off to the Bodkin presentation and party at the SoHo House. It was definitely a little bit of a Cinderella tale, and I was the lucky duckling.
Photo Credit: Tim Geaney
