Archive for the ‘Natural and Organic Cosmetics’ Category

Afterglow Cosmetics - Great Coverage Foundation

Sunday, August 23rd, 2009

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Having used a high street brand of foundation for many years, I decided that it was time for a change. Although I was never really satisfied with my foundation as my skin always looked patchy with an uneven coverage, I was a bit concerned about changing as it is quite difficult to find a good colour match. Having the disposable funds to purchase different foundation colours to try out was certainly not a good option for me.

A couple of months ago, I was offered a free colour match using Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics. Apparently, the colour I was using was not a good match for my skin tone. As I am fairly light skin, I preferred my foundation to be darker. I was advised that this could be achieved by applying a foundation colour that suited my skin better and to use a bronzer for a more deeper colour all over.

Since I began using the Afterglow Beige foundation which was perfectly matched to my skin colour and tone, not only have I achieved the look I wanted, I also have a glowing complexion. The coverage was great and long-lasting from morning till evening and a total breeze to remove at the end of a long day. I was so impressed with thafterglow_foundatione foundation I have now purchased the blusher as well and will continue to use Afterglow Cosmetics and recommend it to anyone looking to improve their makeup and skin. Finally, I feel my skin can breathe.

The foundation cost slightly more than I would have preferred to pay, but it lasted around three months with both me and my mother using it everyday.

Author: Lori-Anne - Beauty Therapist

Product: Afterglow Organic Mineral Foundation - Beige
Rating: 5/5
Price: £32.00
Value for money: 4/5

Available at: www.freetoexplorebeauty.co.uk

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Suzanne Recommends Free To Explore Beauty

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

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HELEN FROM COWBRIDGE ASKS…
I get really confused when cosmetic products are referred to as natural or organic. Are they really worth the money and how can I tell if a product is genuinely organic?

zp_oohlala_group7_sm-2Also Suzanne, can you recommend any skincare products or places to find them?

Readers will know that I am obsessed about skincare ingredients, so I’ll do my best to demystify it for you and tell where you can get some really effective products.

For a cosmetic product to be certified organic it has to pass rigorous checks to assure consumers that it contains only permitted ingredients, with minimum impact on the environment and no detrimental effects on human health.

Constant and repeated exposure to certain synthetic preservatives can cause skin irritation and disrupt hormone activity among other things, so it makes sense to limit harmful substances entering the body. Organic standards determine which additives are used to preserve products and prevent contamination of the plant ingredients.

The Cosmetics Organic Standard [COSMOS] defines the minimum requirements and common definitions for organic and natural cosmetics in Europe. It’s complex but in a nutshell, always look for the quality assured symbols on packaging. These include the UK Soil Association or Ecocert to name two.

Free to Explore Beauty stocks a range of organic make-up, skincare products and treatments for women and men. Pop along to the shop and salon to meet owner Miriam Holcombe and her knowledgeable staff, who are on hand to offer sound advice, plus give you more information on the ingredients and organic certification. Also check out the Free to Explore website if you prefer to buy on-line.

Right now I’m hooked on their manicures using Zoya polishes which are as natural as is practically available and they come in a selection of juicy colours. Also a tinted facial fluid by Mádara that adds a sun-kissed natural look to the skin – perfect for the sunshy or to maintain a glowing suntan.

But the best pick-me-up for a tired, dull complexion that requires an instant boost is the La Clarée [Oliv’] Radiance Elixir. Containing olive leaf extract, green tea, edelweiss and aloe vera, it’s ideal for anyone recovering from illness or to restore moisture to parched holiday skin. I’ve just tried their organic Luxury Oliv’ Radiance Facial that incorporates a number of products from the facial care system – divine.

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