Tag Archives: Osmia Organics

Fall Colors for the Weekend

Hello, weekend, I’ve been waiting for you all week! How about you, feeling the same?

I’m approaching my final week in Toronto and plan on soaking up as much of this city’s energy as possible. Can’t believe it’s been three months. I’ve definitely felt the passage of time in a very real way but it’s still shocking that a change in seasons is coming in quick. It’s all putting me in a rather reflective mood. Here are a few things on my mind and stuff that grabbed my attention this week.

Kjaer Weis Fall 2015

BEAUTY

Kjaer Weis released fall colors this week and they’re stunning. Don’t you love how the entire color mix mirrors the trees at the moment? Copper eyes, bright coral cheeks and a brown lip tint that I’m totally loving. It’s a modern take on the 90s resurgence that is so clearly happening. I’m going to make a stop at The Detox Market and see if I can peep it in person. Going to miss having that boutique as a neighbor!

BODY

Quite possibly the greatest pleasure of my day is massaging this Rosemary Body Mousse on my feet and hands, sometimes my chest. The whipped shea butter is intensely moisturizing (yet, so light) and the rosemary oil absolutely aromatherapeutic. I saw on Osmia Organics’ Instagram whisperings of new extensions and that made my month.  My vote is for Vetiver.

BEING

It’s not about happiness but wholeness. This resonated.

BROWSE

I cannot wait to cook in my own kitchen again and plan on getting real fancy. I’ve been scrolling Bon Appetit for carb inspiration. I will be trying this burrata and mushroom lasagnette…because, cheese.

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I always knew we excelled at pizza and that was confirmed after having very lackluster pizza experiences in Toronto. May this Chicago Mag feature be your pizza bible and my to-do list when I’m back.

Teva Glam

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Earlier this spring, I decided I wanted to go to Madison to celebrate my birthday. The city is incredibly special to me and I wanted to be in one of my favorite places with my favorite people. Mission accomplished! I consumed an excess of cheese curds and beer and made gaga eyes at the state Capitol every chance I got. We polka danced, paddleboarded and brunched.  It was glorious. I also debuted a pair of Tevas and felt like I was walking on pillows. Is there anything more Madison than wearing Tevas? No. The answer is a solid no. I’m not mad at the Teva resurgence one bit. It’s inspiring a low key Laurie and I dig the vibes. Pretty pick this, shall we?

Tevas: They’re affordable, lightweight and they look damn good with a pair of high-waisted denim shorts and a muscle tank. There’s something to be said for that Velcro, too.  // You know what also looks good with Tevas? This speckled Silk Crop Top from Chicago designer Argaman & Definance. They make silk scarves (and cute crops!) using dye made from tree bark and leaves. // Rollerball perfume is uber convenient for carrying in your purse. I’m obsessing over the Illume Grapefruit Oleander rollerball. Has just the right amount of patchouli. // There are a lot of parallels between Madison and Austin – some call them sister cities. So it makes sense that I would adore this line of haircare from Austin-based Verb. They’re about quality over frills and believe in easy living. YES. // Whipped shea butter and rosemary essential oil? My feet are calling for some Osmia therapy! // I’m in for Soapwalla 2.0…the only other natural deodorant that has been effective for me now comes in Citrus. // RMS launched a few neutral shades for summer and the rosy nude Lip Shine in Honest is perfect. I plan to stockpile. // A serum with a sheen….Gressa knows how to make your skin look the best it ever has without having you load up on makeup. More of this equates to less makeup. And more time to enjoy time in your Tevas!

Gloss Made From The Garden

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I made a decision a while ago that I want to be an Osmia girl when I grow up. I admire Sarah, ER doctor turned Osmia founder, for building a brand on the premise of sense. Literally in that every product is developed with careful attention to scent and figuratively as a reminder to be aware of life’s moments. She and her beautiful family are a walking billboard for Colorado living (evidence here, here and here!) and her team of Osmia makers look like the happiest workforce in America. Why wouldn’t I want to be an Osmia girl!? Not only does Osmia have a knack for making gentle and nourishing soap and skin care but also color. The recently revamped line of Lip Glosses are pretty fabulous. Especially considering they get their color from beet root, alkanet root and annatto seeds from the achiote tree.

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There’s Luster, a berry red tint that flatters everyone, and Whisper, the soft pink that I’ve been wearing nonstop (clearly my fav!) Most interesting is Simmer, the sheer orange that looks like wildly like pureed mango when not on the lips. Funny enough, in the tube it’s a deep terracotta hue. These garden-inspired glosses are silky smooth on lips and provide just the right amount of tint. You probably already guessed as much but the rest of the ingredient list is equally top notch with capuacu butter, sunflower seed and pumpkin oils, pomegranate and a hint of organic vanilla extract. The fact that it doubles as a lip treatment is icing on the cake!

note: sample provided by Osmia

Pretty Picks: Earth Day Beauty

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In honor of Earth Day, which is officially going down tomorrow, this week’s pretty picks are extra eco-conscious. Or eco-awesome, as I’ve come to refer to the green beauty space. I used to be able to count the number of “clean” green beauty products I liked better than those with less than natural ingredients on one hand. Talk about a dramatic shift — and one that’s absolutely benefitted my body and home in the best way. Here’s what I’m loving/lusting for at the moment!

I trust Osmia Organics with my skin, plain and simple. It started with the spot treatment and now her gorgeous soaps — like this milky rose bar with actual rose petals! And, Osmia is releasing a special facial soap called Stracciatella (yes, like the ice cream) on Earth Day. // I can’t go back to plastic after drinking out of my beloved BKR for the past few months. Water tastes better in it – I swear! Loving this new black on black (named for the LBD!) bottle I spotted at BeauTea Bar. // Adoring these tubes of vegan lip balm from Meow Meow Tweet Tweet in combos like tangerine lime and grapefruit and clove. // This tasseled FEED x Birchbox bag gives 10 meals to hungry people around the world. // Rahua’s organic hairspray volumizes and holds hair in place, without alcohol or any aerosols. // Habit nail polish, with its sustainable bamboo cap, has myrrh extract to strengthen nails. // Dr. Alkaitis Beautifying Mask has raw cacao powder and an edible clay to exfoliate and detox skin. Yum! // Adina at S.W. Basics started selling reusable cotton rounds (of the organic, unbleached variety!) to go with her awesome line of products that are best served up on cotton pad or ball. The set of 8 even comes with its own laundry sachet.

The Balm Files: Lip Edition

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Photo via The Naked Canvas

I’m ready for this polar vortex to be over. I thought I knew cold, being a native ‘sconnie and all, but this is on a whole new level. I’m balm-ing like a mad woman to prevent dry skin. Face, body, lips — everything! I even put some argan oil balm on Betty’s paws because they were getting a little rough.

I’m over on The Naked Canvas today talking lip care with the adorable and stylish Stephanie. Naturally, there’s all sorts of balm chatter! From my favorite budget buys and luxe balms to the tinted varietals. Check it out here! Stay warm and cozy, guys.

The List: January 2014

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After all the holiday glitz, it’s nice to get back to a more normal everything in January. Finally, my schedule is more open and I feel like I can relax a bit. Actually, I’m pretty sure I’ll spend most of my January nights taking a hot and steamy bath. It’s the only way to survive! Here’s everything I’m loving for this month.

A better bottle. Must.Stay.Hydrated. I’ve been pretty loyal to my Camelbak but just picked up my first bkr glass bottle and am hooked! I love that there is zero plastic (it always has a smell, ya know?) and the colors and designs are really fresh.

Edgy baubles. I am so into everything in BaubleBar’s latest guest bartender collection with Ashley from Revenge! Who is also Ashley in real life, who knew? The fuchsia bib necklace is such a pretty burst of color and I like how she styled it with an emerald green striped tee. I’m also seriously intrigued by the ear cuff but wondering if I’m cool enough to pull it off? Here’s to trying.

Boho Rock. I’m feeling the vibe of butter LONDON’s spring collection. Soft metals and neutral lips are a great combo. I especially love the platinum ‘Earl Grey’ Wink Cream Shadow.

Gel toner. Osmia Organics is responsible for the best blemish treatment, ever. I’m convinced that Dr. Sarah (creator and master!) has solved zits altogether. Her Gel Toner, which I rediscovered recently, cleared up my post-holiday dairy-induced skin issues in a matter of a couple days.

Spicy showers. More like hot showers and lots of them. It is nearly impossible to stay warm in this weather. For an extra jolt of alert, I’ve been using Molton Brown Black Peppercorn Body Wash. It smells like a sexy man!

Rose everything. Can’t get enough. This Kusmi Rose Green Tea is delicious! Trying to start 2014 off with more tea and less coffee. Adding Tata Harper Be Adored Lip Treatment to my wishlist — the rosy hue looks like the perfect go with everything color.

Cleansing sponges. How these Konjac sponges work to smooth and detox skin, I’ll never completely understand, but they do! Dr. Sponge has a variety of face and body sponges for different concerns and the black bar with activated charcoal helps get rid of  those dreaded body blemishes. It is so soft and cushy but works better than anything.

On Skin Types, Tips and Toners

Remember when I told you about A Night for Green Beauty? It’s all set to go down in New York on September 4, and I can hardly wait. Not only are so many of my favorite brands all gathering in a single room (owners and all!), but some of my favorite green beauty bloggers will be there as well. I am going to geek out! I’d say the skin care secrets tag that’s been floating around the green beauty blogosphere landed here at just the right time. Thanks to Kimberyloc for sending this my way.

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Describe your skin care routine in 5 words.

Extensive, active, enjoyable, refining, ritualistic

What’s your skin type?

It doesn’t like to be classified, but it leans towards oily.

What’s your favorite skin care product?

I love the feeling of freshly exfoliated skin, but am careful not to overdo it. So my favorite product(s) – what, you think I can just pick one?! – are my scrubs and exfoliators. Osmia Organics Detox Exfoliating Mask is the one thing I can’t wait to do every week. It is powerful, so I actually use it about once every 10-14 days. Bonus: it smells ever so faintly of chocolate. And, I am newly obsessed with Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing Oil. Not only does it remove all traces of makeup it exfoliates as well with fruit enzymes from papayas. How many cleansing oils do that? Total power player.

Osmia-Spot-Treatment

Top blemish zapper?

Osmia Organics Spot Treatment. I use it nightly and I get not even a ¼ of the breakouts I did before using this.

Face wipes: Yay or Nay?

Major yay. I tend to use these more in the summer time and I always tote them along when I travel. Most of the time, I’m not packing my cleansing oil on trips, so I like to use a towelette as a first step in makeup removal. At the moment, I’m partial to Alba Good & Clean. One side is slightly textured if you need a little extra oomph or exfoliation.

Toner: Yay or Nay?

The word toner conjures up bottles of Sea Breeze to me, but 100% yay. I get my mist fix now with plant oils and hyaluronic acid and I use them at a freakishly fast pace. Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Vitamin D Mist is lovely as is Kahina Toning Mist. And now that La Bella Figura Jardin de Fleurs Revitalizing Mist — love the fah-ncy name — is available I’ve got to get my mitts on a big bottle.

High-end skin care or high-end make-up?

I’ve long justified both, and I like to think of my high-end purchases as more high-quality. Not every product needs to break the bank, but I try not to guilt myself if I spend way too much on something.

You’re in a pharmacy and can only pick up one item — what is it?

Most likely a magazine or Q-Tips! I love the Precision Tips kind with the pointed edge and use them constantly. I can’t paint my nails without them and they are really useful to smudge eyeliner into a slight little kitten eye.

Tell us your top skincare tips.

The first is the most basic, but it’s so important to have a routine. Remove your makeup every night, moisturize and SPF every morning, etc. I’m always surprised when people tell me they don’t wash their face. It feels so good! Also:

·        Don’t touch your face. Our hands are so germy!

·        Exfoliate weekly.

·        Protect your skin from the sun. Be it by sunscreen, big hats or straight avoidance.

·        Wear an eye cream every day and night. It’s never too early to start.

I’d love to hear from any and all of you on these questions. And, go visit Genuine Glow and Pemberley Jones and see how they answered these same Qs.

Chill Out, it’s National Relaxation Day

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Bless you, creator of National Relaxation Day. I’m always up for a reminder to just CHILL. Ironically, today is going to be a busy one, but the weekend is near. After work, I’m stopping by the Birchbox Ann Taylor #ReadySetFinished event hosted by one of Chicago’s most fabulous bloggers, Nicole Pearl of The Beauty Girl. Hoping there is a small chance I’ll finally be able to snag these booties – though they are truly sold out everywhere.  From there, it’s on home to squeeze in some relaxation. I’ve got to honor the day. Here’s what relaxation looks like for me!

This upcoming launch from La Bella Figura, the Skin Aficianado Body Elixir. I tried a tiny sample of this and am hooked. It looks like sunshine in the bottle and has the most unique warm scent. After a steamy bath (relaxation 101 for me!), this is like a cozy blanket nuzzling me to sleep.

A nourishing lip treatment that tastes like honey! Osmia Organics Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair is a staple on my nightstand. I lather it on at night and wake up with the softest lips. I’ll stockpile this come January!

The smell of lavender in this pureelementnaturals Defend Argan Oil Moisturizer. Massaging this blend of argan oil and six other essential oils into clean skin is a ritual worth taking your time to complete. I love to layer it over this serum.

September issues! I’ve got Lucky, Glamour and InStyle just waiting to be devoured, page by page. I’ll be saving this for the weekend.

A candle that is channeling my current state of mind. Maybe it’s the cooler weather we’ve been having, but my mind is on fall. And, whatever, you know you want it, too! Just give me a few more beach days, and I’ll fully embrace it. Until then, Bath & Body Works fall candles – like Sweater Weather! – are giving my home the fall treatment.

Any plans for relaxation on your end?

Osmia Organics Milk Bath

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I started my Sunday off with a trip to Colorado for a work event on Monday. And a fabulous event it was, but also a complete whirlwind of a day with lots of running around (in heels, my own fault) and sweating (90 degrees, wowza) followed up with a very late return flight home.  I basically have no idea what day it is. Tonight I will reset my week the best way I know how: an indulgent bath. My penchant for a good old fashioned soak has only grown since trying Osmia Organics Milk Bath. So much fan-cier than bubbles or salt, and even Cleopatra was famous for taking milk baths. A few scoops of the milky powder – a blend of organic buttermilk power, organic oats, baking soda and essential oils – and you emerge from the tub with conditioned skin. The milk acids get rid of dead skin cells and the lingering scent is gentle and relaxing. Do it right before bed and you’ll sleep like a baby. It’s what I’m counting on tonight.

Osmia Organics Detox Exfoliating Mask

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I’m giving my summer a theme, one that takes into the account the reality of my slowing metabolism. I call it the summer of wellness (it’s a working title). To start: a mini detox. I can almost guarantee my definition is much looser than yours. It’s been nearly two weeks since my last cup of coffee, which was easier than expected. And I’m curbing alcohol, eliminating it during the week.  And I’ve only made an exception to that rule twice. Like I said…looser definition. Every well-intentioned detox (or you know, subtle elimination diet) needs a beauty component. It was that suggestion by Dr. Sarah Villafranco, founder of Osmia Organics, that prompted one of the most satisfying beauty treatments I’ve ever had at home! Osmia’s Detox Exfoliating Mask looks like the earth, thanks to three types of purifying clay and activated bamboo charcoal which pulls every toxin imaginable out of your skin, and smells faintly of chocolate. Raw cacao and manuka honey powders are to thank for that. Sarah packages this with a dish and spatula so you can whip up a fresh batch each time. The dry powder formula equals zero preservatives! After about 15 minutes, I could physically see all of the impurities in my skin bubbling to the surface. When I rinsed it off, the finely-ground black walnut shells gently exfoliated my skin. My skin felt lighter and softer and looked brighter. Instant gratification! This is how a detox mask is done, my friends. Best used sparingly because it’s so powerful – a maximum of once a week, though I’ll probably opt for every two weeks.

Also, I’ve heard from a few of you on the Osmia Blemish Treatment. I’m so happy its working for some of you!  I’m sort of having an Osmia moment, since everything I try from Sarah is effective and unique. Definitely give me a shout if you’ve tried!

Hail to a Blemish Serum That Works

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For years, getting a zit meant usually treating it with a drying agent of some sort and then trying to cover with concealer only to have it look dry and cakey. Eventually, I gave up and just let the occasional spout of acne ride its course. I find zits easier to cover when you’re not worried about drying/picking/peeling. But, still, clear skin is always the goal. I now bow down to this tiny bottle of Osmia Organics Spot Treatment. Small but mighty. It’s the opposite of what you think of when it comes to acne treatment. It’s a simple, but potent, blend of seven essential oils, including lemon, parsley, thyme and cypress, to fight bacteria growth and diminish blemishes, with evening primrose oil to heal.  Hail to the simple and natural. It’s effective at preventing blemishes from even cropping up and becoming the nuisances we know all too well.  I constantly have tiny blemishes along my hairline and a particularly stubborn one on my forehead. A consistent sweep of the rollerball along those areas nightly, and anywhere else about to erupt, and the situation just seems to normalize. And as an added bonus, the scent makes for a boost of aromatherapy before bed.