Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

The Best Organic Makeup Brands That Are Both Clean & Actually Perform

When you’re putting on a full face of makeup, you probably seldom think about the ingredients you’re putting on (and around) your skin, lips and eyes. You might only reach for the foundation bottle after you’re mid-breakout to read through the ingredients. Spoiler alert: It’s a long list of chemicals that you’ve never heard of. No matter your skin type, there’s evidence that it’s not good to saturate yourself with harsh fragrances, dyes and chemicals every day. Luckily, there’s a growing movement around the idea of “clean beauty” and organic makeup.

The latest eco-conscious trend in beauty benefits both you and the environment — if you choose the right kind. Look for cruelty-free companies (meaning they don’t do animal testing) that use recyclable packaging and ethically sourced ingredients. You should not see ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances and dyes, and silicones on the packaging. Generally, the shorter the ingredient list, the better.

Of course, it can be intimidating to try to find reliable organic products on your own, so we rounded up 10 of our favorite organic cosmetic brands to keep you beautiful—inside and out.

You’ll be shocked to hear that some of your brands contain no-nasties, meaning that they formulate without any known irritants. For example, popular skincare and cosmetics company Tarte is non-toxic, cruelty-free and eco-friendly. The brand doesn’t include any parabens, phthalates, mineral oil or even gluten. Check out the rest of our picks below.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

1. Tarte

While not truly organic, Tarte Cosmetics is a no-nasties brand that harnesses natural ingredients. It’s cruelty-free and gluten-free and made without harmful ingredients such as parabens, mineral oil, triclosan, phthalates or sulfates. They have a huge selection of cosmetics in gorgeous packaging and in tons of shades. And honestly, we do mean tons—they’re one of the most versatile organic makeup companies out there. Start with one of their bestsellers, like Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara, Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation, or Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Glisten.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

Courtesy of Tarte Cosmetics.

Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

Courtesy of Tarte Cosmetics.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush

Courtesy of Tarte Cosmetics.

2. Ilia Beauty

Ilia products are made of up to 85% organic ingredients and kept in recycled packaging. Try one of their gorgeous tinted lip conditioners like the summer-ready Little Sister or one of their beautifully radiant Multi-Sticks for a healthy flush of color on your cheeks. They also make mascara, setting powders, illuminators, and tinted moisturizer, the latter of which comes in six shades for a range of complexions.

 ILIA - Organic Tinted Lip Conditioner

Courtesy of Ilia.

Buy: Click image to open expanded view ILIA – Organic Tinted Lip Conditioner $28

Ilia Multi-Stick

Courtesy of Ilia.

Buy: ILIA – Organic Multi-Stick For Lips + Cheeks $34

3. 100 Percent Pure

The 100 Percent Pure website promises vegan cosmetics “formulated with high performing antioxidants [and] naturally occurring vitamins and essential oils.” They use fruit pigments to dye their makeup products naturally. They offer lipsticks, foundation, cruelty-free makeup brushes, eye makeup, blush and more. Try their Fruit Pigmented Lip & Cheek Stain for a long-lasting, natural flush of color.

 100% PURE Lip & Cheek Tint (Fruit Pigmented)

Courtesy of 100 Percent Pure.

Buy: 100% PURE Lip & Cheek Tint $27

4. Bite Beauty

Bite Beauty makes all-natural, organic lip products in Toronto. Their tagline is that their lip products are healthy enough to eat, since they are made out of organic ingredients such as shea butter and natural oils. You can purchase their lipsticks, glosses, scrubs and masks from Sephora, and we really love their Power Move Creamy Matte Lip Crayon. Bonus: you can visit their Bite Beauty Lip Lab in New York and create your own custom lipstick shade.

Power Move Creamy Matte Lip Crayon

Courtesy of Bite Beauty.

5. Physician’s Formula

Many of Physician’s Formula products are free of fragrance, parabens, and gluten, as well as being hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and safe for those with sensitive skin and eyes. They also do not test on animals. Best of all, their prices are extremely affordable and you can find their products for under $20 at most drugstores. Try their Organic Wear 100% Natural Tinted Moisturizer; it will give you a natural look and the sun protection you need this summer.

 Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Tinted Moisturizer

Courtesy of Physician’s Formula.

Buy: Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Tinted Moisturizer $11.11

6. Ecco Bella

Ecco Bella calls themselves “an activist company,” which means that they are against animal testing, support organic farming and ethical ingredient sourcing, and don’t use any ingredients in their products that are harmful for consumers or the environment. Most of their products are vegan and they are all made out of organic ingredients. Since they use a limited roster of ingredients and exclude harmful chemicals like fragrance, parabens, and alcohol, their products are ideal for those with sensitive skin. They offer eye makeup, blush, foundation, and our favorite, Flowercolor Lipstick which comes in 17 pretty colors.

Ecco Bella, FlowerColor Moisturizing Lipstick

Courtesy of Ecco Bella.

Buy: Ecco Bella, FlowerColor Moisturizing Lipstick $19.26

7. RMS beauty

RMS beauty products are truly amazing: luxurious, high-performing and good for you. They’re made with organic ingredients like coconut oil (the base of all of their products), cocoa butter, shea butter, castor oil, and jojoba oil. They do not test on animals and they use recyclable packaging. They offer brushes, powders, bronzers, eye makeup, lip colors, and more. Their Luminizer has a cult following, and it’s no wonder: it’s totally gorgeous and works on every skin tone.

RMS Beauty Luminizer Highlighter

Courtesy of RMS Beauty.

Buy: RMS Beauty Luminizer Highlighter $28.26

8. Josie Maran

All of Josie Maran’s products are infused with organic, ethically sourced argan oil, which is known for its hydrating and beautifying properties. The argan oil used in their products is sustainably harvested from women’s co-ops in Morocco, which benefits both the environment and the workers. Try the Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation for a glowing, natural beauty look and the Argan Infinity Lip And Cheek Creamy Oil for a dewy flush of color.

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation

Courtesy of Josie Maran.

Buy: Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation $44.99

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil

Photo courtesy of Josie Maran.

Buy: Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil $15.99

9. Juice Beauty

Founded by Karen Behnke in 2005, this beauty company is all about the organic ingredients. Behnke was shocked to realize that all of the beauty products our skin was absorbing wasn’t natural. She combined beauty and chemistry to create some interesting skincare and makeup products. The base of each product is made out of a botanical juice, like aloe, shea and grape seed, instead of petroleum, which works just as well. You should try the Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream, which will protect your skin from the sun and even out your skin tone.

 Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream

Courtesy of Juice Beauty.

Buy: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream with Mineral SPF 30 $39

10. Vapour Beauty

This desert-inspired clean beauty company, founded by Krysia Boinis and Kristine Keheley, features “high-vibe” color. Your skin looks like it’s covered in conventional makeup, but this time the ingredients are natural. They’ve got luxe lip glosses in a variety of vibrant colors and smooth foundations in their arsenal. We recommend checking out their Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation.

Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation

Courtesy of Vapour Beauty.

Buy: Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation $54

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How to Stop Feeling Guilty About Your Divorce After 50

Divorce After 50

Divorce guilt comes in all sorts of mutating forms. It is normal for many of us to feel like we were somehow to blame for the divorce. Culturally, we are taught that keeping the household and marriage successful was our responsibility.

There is no consideration that making a marriage work takes two people in a partnership. And naturally, because there was a lot of pressure on us to be perfect, when the marriage unravelled, our reaction was to blame ourselves for it.

It is time to knock it off.

In Order to Stop Feeling Guilty, You Must Forgive Yourself

Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. It’s a gift that we are usually generous in giving others. Yet for some reason, we don’t give ourselves the same luxury. For some reason we think our actions, especially divorce-related ones, are somehow reprehensible. We feel like the worst people in the world for letting everybody down.

Accepting responsibility and working to avoid mistakes in the future is one thing. But constantly blaming yourself for things in the past is neither helpful nor healthy.

So why not put that energy you spend on feeling bad about the past into something better, like creating the good life you deserve?

Forgiving yourself is challenging right now because you are looking at the divorce with warped vision. You are looking at it with 20/20 hindsight, where you have the luxury of picking your past self to pieces. And that’s just not fair.

How to Embrace the Forgiveness Mindset After Your Divorce

When a wave of guilt hits you, please remember something. Guilt is a gray looming fortress, like the Tower of London where you feel trapped. Here is the crazy part though. All the doors are unlocked, there are no guards, and there’s no reason for you to stay there. So why not leave?

The next time you are feeling guilty and are unsure of how to forgive yourself, ask yourself this one question. “How will this guilt serve me in the future?” If you are coming up with a blank, that’s the point! Guilt does not serve you, so you must forgive yourself and let go.

Guilt speaks the language of “maybe, should have, would have.” These are not action words. They are passive words that your guilt is using to make you create a false past reality that doesn’t exist. The next time you find yourself with those thoughts, nip them in the bud with compassion for yourself.

Need an example? Take a look below!

Guilt Thought: I feel guilty because maybe I should have suggested we go to couples’ therapy sooner.

The Forgiveness Mindset: We went to couples’ therapy when we thought we needed it. We did everything in our power at the time to fix it. You were brave to try it, and should not feel bad about any of that.

Guilt Thought: I feel guilty because maybe I should have brought up the fact that we weren’t communicating anymore.

The Forgiveness Mindset: It takes two people for a marriage to work and you were not responsible for both you and your husband. You did what you could with the strength you had at the time. Be proud of yourself for that.

Now it’s your turn! Write down the specific things that are making you feel guilty, then neutralize them with the compassion you deserve. Do this whenever the guilt sneaks up on you. As long as you are mindful and consistent with this practice, you can stop feeling guilty and keep the “Guilt Monster” at bay.

The road to forgiving yourself and overcoming divorce guilt can be a long one, but showing yourself much-deserved compassion will ease that journey.

Did guilt affect you during your divorce? What positive steps did you take to overcome it? Please share your stories.

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D’Andra Simmons’ Round Mirrored Sunglasses

D’Andra Simmons’ Round Mirrored Sunglasses

Real Housewives of Dallas Season 5 Episode 11 Fashion

While D’Andra Simmons struggled with her relationship with Mama Dee on last night’s Real Housewives of Dallas, she definitely didn’t struggle with her relationship with her closet.  And while the majority of her outfit was Fendi, she turned to another high end designer for her round mirrored sunglasses. So while some of us may not be able to afford the whole head to toe look, we all know accessories are where it’s at.

 

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

 

D'Andra Simmons' Round Mirrored Sunglasse

Click Here to Shop her Gucci Sunglasses

Originally posted at: D’Andra Simmons’ Round Mirrored Sunglasses

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4 Tips for Building a Strong Relationship with Your Daughter-in-Law

Daughter-in-Law

Are you trying to improve your relationship with your daughter-in-law? Do you want to create a better understanding and reduce tension? If these are a few of the questions that frequently enter your mind, then read on for some answers.

Mothers Are Always Mothers

I’d like to attempt to answer the question about why there is tension within the relationship. Mothers are always mothers, even when they become grandmothers. When our son marries, we often feel relegated to the back seat, second place and total background of his life. The sad truth is that this is the way life unfolds and it is a natural, necessary process. We cannot change this and must accept it.

The good part is our son will always have a place in his heart for us and he will always love us. If we accept his love, no matter how it filters our way, then we are not going to be as bothered with the changes.

Change is a Huge Issue

At a time when our children are getting married, we are going through menopause. We are experiencing the empty nest syndrome, and the reality of retirement. We deal with illnesses we have acquired along our life’s path. The frosting on the cake may be our feelings of loss.

Transformation is difficult. However, life is not over and when we get through the thickets we see relief and a new existence unfolds. Like the butterfly, we must peel off the cocoon to make life alterations. We fear this because even new changes are difficult to cope with. We are comfortable within our current existence and don’t want to move forward, although we realize changes happen throughout our lives and are at the core of our existence.

I remember being at one son’s apartment helping him hang up curtains one week and within a short time, I was told to call before coming over. It is a part of life’s alterations even if I or others don’t like it.

Start the Relationship with Your Daughter-in-Law Early

Trouble begins at the start of a son’s relationship if a mother does not recognize the potential girlfriend as a possible future wife and daughter-in-law. Even if you have gotten off on a bad start to the relationship, it is still possible to rekindle it and evolve the bond into a happy relationship.

As difficult as letting go can be, a problematic relationship with your daughter-in-law is painful and full of stress and anxiety. I choose peace.

Respect the Boundaries

Mothers-in-law have a new playing field. They need to refrain from disregarding boundaries, respect rules – even if they don’t agree with them and think they are ridiculous. Your son loves this person. She is now his family. Stepping back a bit and recognizing the importance of his union and the onward cycle of life is crucial.

Mothers give their children strong roots of stability and growth. No one should cut those roots nor break them down. Daughters-in-law give their husbands wings to fly to new places and experience new beginnings and life itself. We do not clip the wings. How fortunate is the man-in-the-middle who is able to keep and nurture both wings and roots.

I have been studying this relationship for over 20 years and have found some things to be true. My surveys and investigations span two generations. I began my books as a daughter-in-law and finished them as a mother-in-law. It allowed me to discover both points of view, not only through my mind but through my heart.

Are you a new mother-in-law? How are you building a strong relationship with your daughter-in-law? What have you found most challenging? What has been the most positive outcome of the new relationship? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Dove Cameron Swears By This Facial Toning Device To Lift & De-Puff

While it’s true celebrities get the best professional services out there, they also use products at home to keep up the glam appearance in the comfort of their own bathroom. Luckily, we can cop these items too, no matter where we live. Dove Cameron’s choice? The Foreo Bear Facially Toning Device. The micro-current treatment is FDA-cleared to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In an interview with Glamour, Cameron says: “I use it every morning as a quick three-minute system, and it’s absolutely amazing. The device uses micro currents to bring out your cheekbones and bring up your jaw. It keeps me from looking puffy, and it wakes my face up. I’m not usually the type of person to rave about a device, but it really, really, really works.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

FOREO BEAR™ Facial Toning Device

Foreo.

How does it work, you ask? Well, it’s pretty freaking cool. Foreo uses an Anti-Shock System to adjust the micro-current level while you use it so there’s no discomfort. Instead, you’re getting T-Sonic pulsations to lift and contour the face. The brand recommends using the device every day for two months to see desired results. You can then cut back to about three times a week. Yes, it’s a commitment but these devices work when you’re patient.

That’s not even the only device the actress uses. At night, she also likes to use Foreo UFO ($199 at Amazon), a device that combines dermal technologies with Korean masks for a facial treatment in 90 seconds. “At night I also like to use the Foreo UFO, which gives you a little facial, essentially,” she says. “I let the serum from the mask sink into my skin and sleep with it on all night. If you can’t tell, I really love Foreo.”

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

 

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