Natural Woman: Via Nature Natural Deodorants

I think we’re all on the same page here.
We want to try to use all-natural products that are free of all the things we don’t want, but we still want the best of what beauty has to offer.
This is especially true for me when it comes to deodorant. We’ve all heard about how we should be using natural deodorants, but we don’t want to smell, um,natural” while doing so.

I mean, I want a deodorant that works as hard as I do, especially when it comes to working out. I need a tough guy that will stay tough during spin and barre class! Is that too much to ask?

Apparently not.

Is it too much to ask for an all-natural deodorant that works as hard as I do when working out? Apparently not, thanks to Via Nature all natural deodorants.

Is it too much to ask for an all-natural deodorant that works as hard as I do when working out? Apparently not, thanks to Via Nature all natural deodorants.

Yep, I think I’ve found the perfect marriage of both in Via Nature natural deodorants.

And there's a wide array of Via Nature deodorants to choose from!

And there’s a wide array of Via Nature deodorants to choose from!

 

Via Nature deodorants are enzyme-infused, and neutralize odors without those pesky toxic chemicals. How?

  1. A proprietary blend of naturally derived enzymesneutralize and fight odor-causing bacteria.
  2. Essential oils provide light yet effective natural fragrance.
  3. Magnolia bark and licorice root extracts stabilize long-lasting protection.

Plus, they’re non-sticky, so I’m all on board with that.

Free of artificial fragrance and gluten, Via Nature natural deodorants are vegan, cruelty-free, and never tested on animals. The formulations avoid aluminum compounds, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, triclosan and other petrochemicals. Unlike many other natural deodorant brands, Via Nature also eschews baking soda in roll-ons and sprays; baking soda can cause contact dermatitis—an uncomfortable skin reaction—in the delicate underarm area. Available in three unisex scents derived from essential oilsVia Nature natural deodorants provide all-day protection and performance you can depend on.

Also, they offer us a ton of options of application and scent, depending on your preference: roll-on ($5.99), stick ($6.99) or spray ($7.49), and scents including Rosemary Sandalwood, Sweet Orange Lemongrass, Lavender Eucalyptus, and Fragrance Free, for us sensitive souls.

My personal fave? The oh-so-calming Lavender Eucalyptus roll-on.

My Via Nature deodorant  fave? The Lavender Eucalyptus roll-on

My Via Nature deodorant fave? The Lavender Eucalyptus roll-on

Switching from chemical to natural deodorant, but  a little tentative about it? I love my buddy, Mommy Greenest’s suggestion: Take a two-week detox and try Via Nature’s deodorants.

And when you click the below, you also get a chance to win a $250 gift basket!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xoxo,
Dawn

High-Low 2/3/14: Honest Turns 2 & The Bad Ones

HIGH: Honest Turns 2

Celebrating The Honest Company's 2nd birthday with one of my besties, Lindsey

 

I’m not talking about a kiddo’s birthday party here although this celebration was all about the kids! I was honored to attend The Honest Company‘s 2nd birthday party this past Thursday at their headquarters in Santa Monica. With party planning & whimsical details from Details Details, delicious catering, yummy wine and sparkling wine from my favorite, One Hope Wine and a most-delicious cake by Cakes by Rumy, the fête was just the sweetest high of my week.

Jessica Alba with The Honest Company's 2nd birthday cake by Cakes by Rumy

Partners – Golden Globe-nominated actress and mom, Jessica Alba and former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World & father, Christopher Gavigan – formed The Honest Company to, well, keep things honest. These dreamers-turned-doers turned their desire as consumers for a brand based on integrity into an integrity-based brand for all consumers. They say it best themselves, “We tried to think of all the qualities we would want in a dream brand – savvy style, sustainability, and extraordinary service & convenience all wrapped in a passion for social goodness, tied with a bow of integrity and sprinkled with a little cheeky fun.” That’s exactly what they have created in The Honest Company.

Champagne & cake to celebrate a magical company!

At the party, I was delighted to be treated to a mini shopping spree with a chance to try a wide range of The Honest Company‘s products. I picked up a good cross-section of their products and I can’t wait to try! In fact, I was so excited about the organic, vegan, cruelty-free bubble bath picked up that I had to take a bath with it that very night!

Goodies from my mini shopping spree at the Honest Turns 2 party!

By visiting The Honest Company‘s headquarters, getting to see the founders with their families and getting to take part in this celebration, I realized just how magical this company and its founders and family of employees are. They create good products, do good for others and are just good people. How could I not support a company like this 100%. Happy Birthday, Honest! I’m happy to know – and celebrate – you!

LOW: The Bad Ones

Low: The Bad Ones

There must have been something in the water last week because many of my extended chats with friends consisted of us being challenged by bad boys, bad friends, bad jobs, bad situations. So when I attended an Obagi brunch at Soho House last Thursday and they asked all of us to share what sin we’ve committed that we wouldn’t commit again and step into the photo booth with this admission of guilt, I realized I had to state the obvious. The sin? Bad boys. The promise? No more bad boys.

Now, hold your judgment. I have never been one of those girls who liked bad boys. I avoided the bad boys like the plague. For the most part, I have always liked the good guys. You know the ones – the ones who behave as men should. So what exactly do I mean by that? Oh, the men who are thoughtful, kind, smart, creative, considerate, that sort of thing. The kind that opens doors, keeps plans, makes you feel special and considers how their actions would make you feel. But after dating a seemingly bad boy once in my life and commiserating with girlfriends about these bad, bad boys and their actions or lack thereof, I had to ask myself and my friends this question. “Why do we pick them? Or do they pick us?”

It made me recall that quote from that glorious book/film, The Perks of Being A Wallflower: “We accept the love we think we deserve.” So does that make my girlfriends and I feel better or worse? Are we picking bad boys, bad friends, bad jobs, bad situations because we actually think that we deserve it? Gosh, I hope not. My friends are too beautiful – on the inside and out – to sell themselves so short.

Oh wait. And so am I.

I love it when a lesson plays a trick on you like that.

 

xoxo,
BF

 

 

My BF Holiday Wish List 2013

Okay, with Christmas right – and I mean, riiiiiight – around the corner, I am hoping that Santa is done making his list, has checked it twice and that I am on there with little stars next to my name. But just in case he needs a friendly reminder (I say batting my eyelashes), here is My BF Holiday Wish List 2013!
BF Holiday Wish List 2013

1) Tasty treats from Tarte.  Tarte Cosmetics’ Holiday Collection always tops my list for Santa. They have the cutest, sweetest and most adorably packaged gifts – which just so happen to have pretty, pretty highly-pigmented products encased in them. Plus they’re cruelty-free which we loooooove! And with their 30 Gifts Under $30, I’m just sure that Santa can swing a few!

#1 on my Wish List? The Tarte Holiday Collection! (ranging from $19 to $217)

 

2) My heart belongs to Jessie Steele. It’s not news to anyone that my heart eternally belongs to Jessie Steele. Her pretty products are after my own heart and she is forever on my wish list with her gorgeous, girly, cupcake-meets-coquette aesthetic. Whenever I don a Jessie Steele original, I am not only complimented by folks but I can’t wipe that silly smile off my face! p.s. Right now, You can get 50% off holiday aprons with this code: JINGLE50 upon checkout!!

It's not enough that I'm wearing the Jessie Steele Holiday Cookies Josephine Apron in this pic but please also note the phone case. Yep, Jessie Steele, as well! Ha! I'm obsessed!

 

Love of my life: Jessie Steele Cherry Cupcake series - pictured here, the EVA-coated Cherry Cupcakes apron ($36) & the Scalloped Pot-Mit ($6.50)

3) Nordstrom Knows What’s Up. Listen, Santa. I get it. You had all of those kids to shop for and you forgot about little ole, beauty-product-loving me. Well, never fret my frosty-living, furry-faced friend. Nordstrom has everything you need and more.

Nordstrom knows what's up, Santa! Find all of the gifts you need for the beauty-lover like myself there!

For the lip gloss lover? Bare Minerals Show Me The Shimmer Set ($25)

Manicure queen? The adorable Glitter Mani Set ($13)

Bathing beauty? Philosophy Apricots and Cream Duo ($16.50)

Makeup Maven? Smashbox Wondervision Eye Kits ($32)

For the guy in your life? Jack Black Luxury Shave Set ($200)

And soooo much more!!

So Santa, look. I know I made a few mistakes this year. I’m sorry. But who hasn’t? If you could just get me 1 or 2 of the lovely little things on my list, I promise to be good.
Well…I’ll try.

 

BF Asks: What’s on your holiday wish list this year?

 

I’M “DAWNING”…Votre Vu Palette Play in Copper

When I came back from Nashville a few weeks ago, there was no time to rest. I had to go to Rocco DeLuca’s super-cool show downtown that Friday and I needed to look cool….FAST. So I grabbed a Votre Vu Palette Play in Copper ($42) that I had been eyeing for a while in my beauty closet.

I'M "DAWNING"...Votre Vu Palette Play in Copper ($42)

 

I’d never tried Votre Vu shadows before – but looooove their other products – and I was a little nervous as to how the pigment would go on. Well, y’all the pigment is pretty. Divine. Rich. Majestic. And I am in love. So if you’ve seen me out and about the past few weeks, you’ve probably seen this pretty, pretty palette on my eyes.

Divine. Rich. Majestic. This pigment sure is pretty...

The perfect blend of warm and cool colors (Linen, Gilt, Copper Suede and Indigo) played together so well and were sooooo sexy that I must admit I felt a bit like Joan Collins on Dynasty. People noticed and actually asked me what the shadow was so I knew it was a keeper!

It might look a little 80s-drama-queen here but it looked sophisticated & seductive in person & in pics

They wore on all night long with no creasing or smudging. And, again, it just makes me feel a bit better that Votre Vu products are cruelty-free, free of talc, fragrance and low-cost minerals.

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: When it comes to shadow, are you a bigger fan of warm or cool shades? 

I’M LOVING… Antonym Ecocert Certified Natural Waterproof Eye Pencil in Noir

If there’s one thing you’ve gotta know about my daily makeup musts, it’s that black liner in the inner rim rules my world. It all goes back to Catherine Zeta Jones and her seductive sex appeal. A few people told me I resembled her and I forever was hooked on lining that inner rim of the eye.

So many eyeliners promise rich, waterproof and smudgeproof power. I try them and 90% of the time, I am left disappointed. But not in this case, my friends. I was introduced to Antonym Ecocert Certified Natural Waterproof Eye Pencil in Noir ($18) at an event a few months ago and just played with it two weekends ago. Well, I fooled around and fell in love.

I'M LOVING... Antonym Ecocert Certified Natural Waterproof Eye Pencil ($18)

 

Not only is it rich, waterproof and smudgeproof but it can be worn without concern in that oh-so-seductive inner rim of which I spoke earlier.

Antonym Waterproof Eye Pencil was so rich, it didn't even let this stag upstage it...okay, maybe that's taking it a bit far...

 

I wore it to a friend’s show and it lasted from 8pm until 3 am and it only came off then because it was time for my nightly bath.

Yikes! Close-up shot

I seriously am not only loving this eye pencil but I am IN LOVE with it. And you will be too if you try it! Love, I tell you.

You will want to kiss this eyeliner!! ("dawning" Antonym Ecocert certified natural waterproof eye pencil in Noir)

 

Aaaaaaand it’s 100% natural, vegan, cruelty-free, free of preservatives and dermatologist tested. So not only does it come on strong and wear long but it is actually good for you – and the environment and animals – as well. No small feat, my friend.

 

xoxo,
BF

 

Tempting Tuesday: Bite Beauty Champagne Cuvee Deluxe Lipstick Collection

Usually when you get a lipstick collection like this, you love one and the rest are “meh”. “Meh” maning I could take ’em or leave ’em.
Well, I am happy to report that this is NOT the case with Bite Beauty Champagne Cuvee Deluxe Lipstick Collection ($72).

This comely collection is as pretty to look at as a colorful bowl of candy…hence the adorable staging.

Bite Beauty Champagne Cuvee Deluxe Lipstick Collection ($72)

Besides being candy-colored comely, this beautiful collection is also derived from French champagne grapes, freshwater Tahitian Black Pearl and Japanese silk powder. And the uber-special antioxidant benefits and resveratrol from the grapes tackle fine lines to store and protect lips. In fact, they’re so special, that they are limited to an exclusive batch of 1200 lipsticks per shade!

Longwearing, intense color coupled with creamy, antioxidant-filled moisture leads to a fabulous, foolproof, featherweight finish.

Each one of these 4 colors made me feel beautiful and, well, like a different person. I felt like I was playing a beautiful character with each lip color I put on for the day. I started with the boldest hue – Cuvee Rose (rose pink).

And I wore it… A LOT. To three events, one party and around the house more than I’d care to admit.

Bite Beauty Cuvee Rose rosied up my world!

 

Next up? The Cuvee Coral (vibrant coral). A gorgeous punchy coral with a kick – a little spice, if you will. I am loving it so much right now that I wore it all day today and then used it to express my Twitter love on the mirror! Thanks again, y’all! 11,000 followers? I’m overwhelmed and humbled.

Celebrating with Bite Beauty Cuvee Coral

And I haven’t played the other ones as much as the top two but after trying them on today for this post, I will be “dawning” the heck out of ’em with a smoky eye!

Cuvee Blush (lilac nude) :

Bite Beauty Cuvee Blush

 

Cuvee Blanc (soft white pink):

Bite Beauty Cuvee Blanc - I feel like a super sexy Kim Kardashian in this pic. Not quite but you get the idea...

 

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: What lipsticks are you loving right now?

Makeup Monday: Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer

I love dewy skin. Why? Because nothing says young and lively more than a glowing, gorgeous complexion.
If you’re on the dry side like me, you try virtually anything and everything to get your skin to glow like it did when you were 20. Thanks to Josie Maran’s Argan Illuminizer, your skin can glow and glow and your age will not be for anyone to know.

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer ($28)

 

My most common question I get is “how do you get that glow in photos?

 

 

Well, here it is. Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer is my not-so-secret weapon to look glowing and youthful in photos and it leaves me looking candlelit when there’s not a candle to be found. So natural looking, it’s as at home in a candlelit room as it is on a bright, sunny day. This ultra-light, golden skin brightener with a bit of bronze lights me up and, thus, helps me light up a room.

My preferred method so as not to use, or waste, too much is to unscrew the pump out of the jar and dot a small amount on the top of my hand. Warm it up between my index fingers and press on to the tops of my cheekbones as well as right above the bow of my lip. I also love using on my eyelids under eyeshadow for a glistening, glowing, gorgeous eye! And you can’t beat the subtle sheen it gives to your décolletage and legs when mixed with your favorite moisturizer.

Due to the power it packs into a pearl-sized amount, it will last you months and months! So you’ll not only look like a college kid, you’ll spend like one too!

xoxo,
BF

 

*I’m also a big fan of Josie because her products are made without parabens, sulfates or synthetic agents. She is known for her key ingredient of argan oil which has anti-aging properties and is known to help prevent dehydration, inflammation, hyperpigmentation and promote skin regulation. Hallelujah!

 

In-My-Tub-Tuesday: LAVANILA 2-in-1 Body Wash in Vanilla Grapefruit

Happy In-My-Tub-Tuesday, beauties!
I’m a little bummed because my cold water knob in my bathtub is out and I have just fallen in love with this new body wash from LAVANILA!

You may remember my prior grapefruit gushing over LAVANILA products. I am a big, big, BIG fan of their all-natural, sweet-smelling deodorant and fragrance. And I am happy to report that The Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 is just as delightfully delicious as all of their other products!

In-My-Tub-Tuesday: LAVANILA The Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 in Vanilla Grapefruit ($14 for 8 oz.)

 

This time-maximizing 2-in-1 shower & shave is a crisp cocktail of sparkling pink grapefruit juice with a splash of warm Madagascar vanilla. The result? A body wash so delicious-smelling that you want to want to drink it! But please don’t. This all-natural, vegan & cruelty-free body wash gently cleanses while providing enough moisture and slip for a smooth shave.

Hydrating coconut & rosehip oils partner with soothing aloe & calendula for a lusciously lathering wash that hydrates and quenches skin while preventing irritation and dryness.

Yet again, my senses are satiated and my skin feels soft thanks to the lovely Lavanila!!

 

In-My-Tub-Tuesday: Whish Pomegranate Three Whishes Body Wash

We all know how I love my nightly bath. But know what makes it even better?
A foamy, frothy, fruity-smelling body wash that makes my body feel adored!

I got all that and more when I tried Whish Three Whishes Body Wash in Pomegranate.

No, I don't just love it because it matches my bathroom...but it doesn't hurt, either!

The wondrous Whish creators removed the typical not-so-lovely drying ingredients (such as sulfate) found in many body washes and replaced them with scrumptiously softening organic ingredients. Perfect for a sumptuous soak in the tub! Especially since I’m still reading Fifty Shades Darker (wink, wink).

The Whish formula sounds more like one of my recipes than a list of body wash ingredients which of course makes me love Whish even more!
This pomegranate formula moisturizes with organic shea butter, organize raspberry butter and organic aloe, cleanses with wheat, sugar and corn derived ingredients and soothes with organic cucumber and organic marigold. DELICIOUS!

And other good stuff from this whimsical Whish body wash? It’s cruelty free, paraben free, DEA & TEA free, petrochemical free and contains all natural & organic ingredients. Love all that!

Plus, I have to admit, the scent reminded me of showering at Southern Methodist University in Virginia Hall back during my Talented And Gifted camp days. It took me right back to Dallas, Summer 1992. Nostalgia gets me every time. The best selling point in the world to a nostalgic girl like me!

Now if only there was a genie in this Three Whishes Body Wash so I could have 3 wishes granted!!!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What product takes you back to Nostalgiaville? 

Friend Friday: Michael Todd True Organics Intensive Eye Treatment

Recently, my friend Meg could not stop gushing about an eye cream. We’re beauty bloggers so we get plenty of that talk on a daily basis. Must we talk about it while we sip champagne & eat oysters on a Monday night?

Apparently, we must.

Another, non-blogging friend of ours, Sly, said she had the PERFECT eye cream. It fought her dark undereye circles, reduced the appearance of her “lovely little lines” and even seemed to soothe her eyelid eczema. Meg and Sly began to almost violently debate whose was better.

And then…they realized it was the same one.

Michael Todd True Organics Intensive Organic Cream Eye Treatment

They both won and apparently so did I because I got the name of a new eye cream I had to try: Michael Todd True Organics Intensive Eye Treatment.

While it produces noticeable, dramatic, results when it comes to line reduction, dark circle-correction, de-puffing and overall eye hydration and skin cell regeneration, its price point is totally doable at $38 for .5 fl oz.

Plus the fact that it’s cruelty-free and 85% organic makes me feel good about using it. Add in that celebrity plastic surgeon, Andrew Ordon, M.D., of “The Doctors” fame, says it “Tops my list of best eye cream treatments” and you have a winner in the war on anti-aging skincare.

A personal note? I love that after a particularly champagne-celebratory evening, the soothing, gentle, massage tip applicator helped break up my not-so-perky puffiness.

Within a week, it became a staple on my bedside table and a staple in my heart, as well.

Bedside Love that fights morning baggage!

xoxo,

BF

 

BF Asks: What do you do to fight morning baggage?