Organic Beauty Talk: Why did you decide to start go organic?
Lilly: I accidentally stumbled onto an article about mineral makeup that warned against the dangers of certain conventional cosmetic products. The article linked to some non-toxic lifestyle websites and I discovered a whole new world!

OBT: How has going organic and non-toxic changed your life?
Lilly: I am a completely renewed person! Old friends always ask questions about my hair, which used to be very dry-looking and also felt dry to the touch. But I am happier to share how my overall health has improved. I also quit smoking in the process!

OBT: What have you learned most through the process?
Lilly: I am very thankful that I have learned to appreciate local farms and businesses that strive to protect traditional and sustainable practices. I am convinced that looking beautiful depends first on taking good care of our bodies from the inside out and keeping healthy habits daily. No one should expect a cream to conceal imperfections that are caused by unhealthy eating or lack of sleep. A healthy lifestyle works synergistically with good quality cosmetics in the process of making the skin beautiful.

OBT: What are some of your organic and natural beauty must-haves?
Lilly: Skinwise, I recently discovered Pai Skincare and fell in love with it! I also use several oils to nourish my skin and hair. My favorites are jojoba, coconut and rose hip oils. As for makeup, Ilia Beauty lippies and Vapour Organic Beauty blushes are always in my makeup bag, together with a good eyelash curler and my RMS Beauty Luminizer.

OBT: What has been your most difficult organic beauty product to find?
Lilly: Concealer!

OBT: How has Organic Beauty Talk helped you in your journey?
Lilly: Organic Beauty Talk offers a lot of relevant content, and the information provided is always useful and enjoyable at the same time.

OBT: Anything else you’d like to add?
Lilly: I hope that more women will realize that beauty should never be pursued at the expense of their health. There are amazing cosmetics and personal care products today that perform just as good as conventional ones, and even better!

Thanks Lilly! You are absolutely beautiful! xx

This week’s giveaway is Lina Hanson’s Global Face Serum which is hand-blended in small batches using the highest quality natural and organic ingredients. Lina Hanson’s Global Face Serum absorbs quickly into the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, inflammation and skin irritation. It also improves the complexion by restoring elasticity, absorbs quickly into the skin. In addition, the essential oils in this unique aromatic blend are known to uplift the mood, relieve anxiety and promote a sense of positive wellbeing. This 100% natural face serum is completely free of parabens, artificial fragrance, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or any other chemical ingredient.

If you want try Lina Hanson’s Global Face Serum ($85 value, 30ml/1 fl oz), simply leave a comment below and make sure you like our Facebook page. One lucky winner will be chosen on Monday, May 27, 2013 at 12pm CST and announced the same day. US residents only.

Don’t forget you can also check us out on Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and now Instagram. Be beautiful!

Key Ingredient Benefits:

• Marula Highly sustainable oil harvested by the women in South Africa to support their economic growth. It is rich in antioxidants, anti-aging properties and is said to be a more potent source of vitamin c than oranges.
• Baobab In Africa this oil is known as the ‘Tree Of Life.” Baobab has been used by African women for centuries to protect their skin against the harsh savannah desert. It also helps prevent and treat dry skin conditions.
• Camellia Seed The secret for Japanese women’s flawless and porcelain complexion. It moisturizes, brightens the skin, lightens age spots and prevents wrinkles.
• Argan Referred to as “Liquid Gold” in Morocco. This rare oil is known to protect against premature aging, hydrate the skin and neutralize free radicals. Argan oil is produced by a women’s cooperative, and the earnings provide support to their entire community.
• Brazil Nut From the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil, this oil is rich in alpha, and oleic acids to maintain smooth, younger looking skin. This oil supports the local farmers to preserve the rainforest, by providing them with means of earnings that doesn’t involve cutting down timber.
• Pumpkin Seed This highly moisturizing oil is originated in Austria. It possesses very high levels of anti-oxidants, and decreases redness on the skin caused by rosacea.
• Mandarin This ingredient has been used in ancient China for centuries. Nowadays it is produced in Italy. Mandarin promotes a finer textured skin and helps remove any congestion as well as acne scars.
• Neroli Produced by small growing co-ops in Tunisia. This anti-aging oil improves elasticity, stimulates new cell growth and softens wrinkles and scars.
• Frankincense For centuries, people in the Egypt have used this sought after oil for a number of reasons. It has incredible properties that rejuvenates the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles.
• Palmarosa This sweet-rose smelling oil from India, moisturizes your skin yet balances the hydration levels. It also helps fight minor skin infections.
• Ylang Ylang This essential oil is derived from the flowers of the Ylang Ylang tree in Indonesia. It’s perfect for combination skin, due to its ability to cure both dry and oily skin.

Lina Hanson Global Face Serum Ingredients: Andansonia digitata (baobab) seed oil, argania spinosa (argan) nut oil*, sclerocarya birrea (marula) kernel oil*, camellia oleifera (camellia) seed oil*, cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) seed oil*, bertholletia excelsa (brazil) nut oil, tocopherol (vitamin E), citrus reticulata (mandarin) oil*, citrus aurantium amara, (neroli) oil, boswellia carteri (frankincense) oil*, cymbopogen martinii (palmarosa) oil*, cananga odorata (ylang ylang) oil*.

*Certified Organic

Globally Sourced & Made in the USA.

The Eyeshadow Trio ($39.95) has beige, rose pink and chocolate eye colors that comes in a pretty travel-friendly compact and feature the ingredient Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an extract of black tea that’s rich in antioxidants and tannins with toning, skin-soothing, and fortifying properties.

The natural Black Eyeliner ($17.95) has a new formulation with a smudge applicator. The mineral pigments in it are fused with botanical waxes, organic shea butter and even marula oil which make this natural eyeliner soft and smooth to apply. As much as I rave about Lavera’s Soft Black Eyeliner, Dr. Hauschka’s new formulation is now a contender with it.

The black Volume Mascara ($29.95) has a new brush that provides volume and curve to the lashes in Dr. Hauschka’s original formulation of beeswax, candelilla and rose waxes combined with silk. My lashes look fuller and longer without any clumping and lasts all day. It’s a little harder (2-3 wipes instead of 1-2) to remove than some of my other natural mascaras but it’s also smudge resistant. Dr. Hauschka’s new brush Volume Mascara now sits at the top of my list for natural mascaras (which I will need to update with this mascara). Should they ever get the forumla to where it’s even easier to remove, it will be just about perfect.

Both the Eyeshadow Blender Brush ($27.95) and the Eye Definer Brush ($22.95) apply the eyeshadow with ease and precision.

I truly hope that Dr. Hauschka will make their new eyeliner formulation, volume mascara brush, eyeshadow trio and eye brushes available permanently because I will definitely be coming back for more when I’m done.

Watch the video below as international Dr. Hauschka Make-up Artist Karim Sattar shares how you can take this Limited Edition Spring 2013 Eye Collection from day to night. Karim’s makeup tips are fantastic!

Dr. Hauschka Eyeshadow Trio Ingredients:  Talc, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silk (Serica) Powder, Diatomaceous Earth (Solum Diatomeae), Silica, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Linalool*, Citral*, Eugenol*. [May contain (+/-): Carmine (CI 75470), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)].

Dr. Hauschka Black Eyeliner Ingredients:  Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Mica, Canola Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Pyrus Cydonia Peel/Fruit Wax, Diatomaceous Earth (Solum Diatomeae), Glyceryl Caprylate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Anthyllis Vulneraria Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Fragrance (Parfum), Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Linalool*, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Dr. Hauschka Black Volume Mascara Ingredients:  Water (Aqua), Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Alcohol, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Sorbitol, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Lysolecithin, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Silk (Serica) Powder, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Hectorite, Rosa Damascena Flower Wax, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Fragrance (Parfum), Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Linalool*, Silica, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines (CI 77007).

*Component of natural essential oil

Benefits of Raw Honey: Whether it is in the blender or slathered right on the skin, raw honey makes one sweet choice for overall health and natural beauty. Raw honey contains 27 minerals, 22 amino acids and 5,000 live enzymes which aids in fighting disease and boosting the digestive system. When we have a healthy gut, we have beautiful skin! Studies have shown daily consumption of honey raises the levels of protective antioxidants which help to keep the damaging free radicals in check. Yes, it does raise blood sugar levels slightly, but it’s a much better option than sugar which is devoid of any vitamins and minerals. Toss on a little honey mask while you sip your smoothie to exfoliate, unclog pores and clarify your skin for a gorgeous glow.

Sweet Honey Smoothie Directions:
Fill blender with…

• 8 oz unsweetened vanilla hemp milk
• 1-2 handfuls organic romaine lettuce
• 1 tbs raw honey (local if you can!)
• ½  frozen banana
• 1 tsp cashew butter
• 1 tsp bee pollen
• 1 tsp raw cacao powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Blend ingredients until smooth and enjoy your organic Sweet Honey Smoothie.

Organic Beauty Talk: Why did you decide to start going organic?
Megan Porschen: In 2009, at the time of my natural, organic transition my body was suffering from severe allergies and asthma from living in the pollution ridden city of LA. I knew my lifestyle needed a major health change. I became aware of the dangers of using unregulated cosmetics when I discovered a few books on green beauty and stumbled upon the campaign for safe cosmetics. My mother has also inspired me greatly because of her passion for handmade organic soaps and homeopathic remedies.

OBT: How has going organic and non-toxic changed your hair, skin, and/or overall health?
MP: I feel better internally, externally, and consciously. My body has never been healthier. I also cleaned up my diet and started to work out regularly which also contributed to my holistic lifestyle.

OBT: What have you learned most through this process?
MP: That there are many products and companies out there that are amazing and dedicated to human health and sustainability.

OBT: What are some of your favorite organic, natural, toxic-free products?
MP: For makeup I love RMS Beauty, Vapour Organic Beauty, Ilia beauty, Jane Iredale, Cargo Plant Love, Christopher Drummond Beauty and Glam Natural. And for skin care I love Jurlique, Derma e, Tata Harper, Beauty Counter and
Pangea Organics.

OBT: How has Organic Beauty Talk helped you in your journey?
MP: I constantly find the information posted up to date, exciting, and sophisticated. I’ve also found out about other people in the green beauty community, which makes me happy because there is change
happening.

OBT: Anything else you’d like to add?
MP: I love that I’m part of a green movement that strives for the very best in values, company’s products, and humanity. I also have a few friends who are bio chemists who make cosmetics, so if I ever have a question about an ingredient I can always call them up and get all the details.

Thanks Megan! You and your work are absolutely beautiful! xx

If you want try 100% Pure’s Pink Grapefuit Lip & Cheek Tint and Black Tea Fruit Pigmented Mascara ($33 value), simply leave a comment below and make sure you like our Facebook page. One lucky winner will be chosen on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 12pm CST and announced the same day. US residents only.

Don’t forget you can also check us out on Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and now Instagram. Be beautiful!

100% Pure Pink Grapefruit Lip & Cheek Tint Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Honey Beeswax, Grapeseed Oil, Vitamin E (a-tocopherol), Vitamin C (ascorbyl palmitate), Pigments of Cranberry, Pomegranate, Blackberry, Raspberry, Cabernet Grape, Plum, Strawberry, Cherry, Peach, Apricot, Blueberry, Cocoa Bean, Carrot and Tomato, Strawberry Extract.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Organic Green Tea), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Cera Alba (Honey Beeswax), Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract (Blackberry Extract), Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract (Blackcurrant Extract), Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract (Raspberry Extract), Hydrolyzed Oat Protein (Oat Protein), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (Wheat Protein), Pantothenic Acid (Pro-vitamin B5), Fucus Vesiculosus Extract (Seaweed Powder), Coconut Stearic Acid (Coconut Acid), Mica, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter (Cocoa Butter), Pearl Powder, Oryza Sativa Germ Powder (Rice Powder), Theobroma Cacao Extract (Cocoa Powder), Coffea Arabica Seed Extract (Powdered Coffee Beans), Mel (Lavender Honey), Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract (Oregano Extract), Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract (Thyme Extract), Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract (Rosemary Extract), Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract (Lavender Extract), Hydrastis Canadensis Extract (Goldenseal Extract).

Benefits of Goldenberries: Confession time…I used to be addicted to Sour Patch Kids. Yes, it was a problem! Most of us know sugar is far from a beauty food and we should avoid it as much as possible. When I discovered goldenberries, also known as gooseberries or Incan berries, I couldn’t believe how much they reminded me of those sweet and sour treats I loved! Even better, these dehydrated little gems have a super dose of antioxidants and are a good source of vitamins A and C. These chewy treats are believed to improve organ function and help maintain a healthy weight. The abundance of Complex B vitamins are great to reduce stress, improve memory and even relieve PMS. A handful of this superfood to your morning smoothie will have you feeling beautiful in addition to looking gorgeous!

Goldenberry Smoothie Directions:
Fill blender with…

• 8 oz coconut water
• 2 tbs goldenberries
• 2 handfuls organic spinach
• ½ cup frozen mango
• ½ avocado
• 1 tsp chia seeds

Blend ingredients until smooth and enjoy your organic Goldenberry Smoothie.

If you want to try African Botanics Pure Marula Oil ($85 value, your choice of Pure Marula Oil or Neroli Infused Marula Oil), simply leave a comment below with why you want to try marula oil and like our Facebook page. One lucky winner will be chosen on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 12pm CST and announced the same day. US residents only.

Don’t forget you can also check us out on Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and now Instagram. Be beautiful!

African Botanics Marula Oil Ingredients: Sclerocarya birrea (Marula Essential Oil).

Read my review on African Botanics Marula Oil.

• 100% Pure - Natural hair conditioners with certified organic ingredients to restore dry/damaged hair, for healthy/glossy locks, to revitalize bounce and body, and to promote a healthy scalp ($18 for 8 fl oz).
• Acure Organics - Natural hair conditioners with mostly organic ingredients to nourish, moisturize and volumize hair ($10.99 for 12 oz).
• EO Products - Natural hair conditioners with organic ingredients for normal, dry/damaged, fine, heat-styled and color treated hair ($8.99 for 8.4 oz).
• Intelligent Nutrients – Natural hair conditioners with certified organic ingredients for dry/damaged/color-treated hair and all hair hair types ($22-$30 for 15 oz).
• John Masters Organics - Natural hair conditioner with organic ingredients for dry, normal, damaged, color-treated, and all hair types. Also has an Herbal Cider Hair Clarifier & Color Sealer Shampoo ($14.50-$26 for 6-8oz).
• Living Nature - Natural hair conditioners with certified organic ingredients for normal to oily and dry/damaged hair ($25 for 6.76 oz).
• Max Green Alchemy - Natural hair conditioner with organic and wild crafted ingredients for healthy scalps and shiny hair ($14.99 for 8.8 oz).
• Miessence - Natural hair conditioners with mostly certified organic ingredients for normal to dry, normal to oily and oily problem scalps ($24.40 for 8.5 oz).
• Neals Yard Organic - Natural hair conditioners with mostly organic ingredients for normal, dry/damaged, fine and all hair types ($18 for 6.76 oz).
• Sebon Organics – Natural hair conditioners with organic incredients for coarse/colored/dry/damaged and fine/colored hair ($15.95 for 8 oz).
• Shea Moisture - Natural hair conditioners for ethnic hair, although also work on non-ethnic hair too. For dry/damaged, thick/curly, dry/itchy scalp and fine/thinning hair ($9.99 for 12 oz).
• Yarok - Natural volumizing hair conditioner made mostly with organic ingredients ($27 for 8.5 oz).

I’ve also found Alba Botanica, Aubrey Organics, Avalon Organics, Desert Essence, Giovanni, Jason and Nature’s Gate to be some great natural hair conditioners on a budget (under $7 for 8-32 oz) throughout the years on Vitacost.

Anything missing from this list? Leave a comment with your favorite natural or organic hair conditioner and why it has you talking.

Looking for Shampoos? Read our list of the best natural and organic hair shampoos.