Green Your Routine: Advice From Kim Carlson

green your routine, kim carlson, earthsmart consumerGetting dolled up for the day is a habit most women have mastered.  Sadly, the products used in a normal day- to-day regime can be just as damaging as our acts. The good news is that most of the products already being used have eco-friendly alternatives.   Kim Carlson, eco-expert and founder of EarthSmart Consumer Certified is exposing some green and eco-friendly beauty product for the start, in-between and end of your day.  These beauty products are not only chic and fabulous, but all boast eco-friendly elements making any woman a natural green diva.   
 
Getting ready for the day:
 
Brush teeth with Tom’s of Maine Whole Care Toothpaste
Shower with Kiss My Face bar soap (bar soap is purchased without a container)
Shampoo and condition with Belegenza product which are paraben-free, Pthalate free, no sodium laurel sulphates AND they are concentrated so water isn't being shipped as part of the formula.
Moisturize your body with Alba Very Emollient Body Lotion
Use Dr. Hauschka make-up for eye shadow – containing black tea leaf an extract of black tea is rich in antioxidants and tannins having astringent, toning, skin-soothing, anti-inflammatory and strengthening properties. Another great Dr. Hauschka product is the mascara – containing Neem leaf which is anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Rounding out a beautiful face are lovely lips.  Dr. Hauschka lipsticks containing Rose Hip Fruit Extract is ideal.  Rose hip extract is high in vitamins A and C and has a strengthening effect on capillaries and connective tissue. Rose hip extracts are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and astringent and have been used to soothe and heal irritated chapped skin.
 
Getting dressed:
 
Holista High Cut Organic Cotton Panties found at Nordstrom that comes in five colors (not just white).
Go casual for the day, wear organic cotton jeans by Karmel & Alden.  Pair it with a Stewart+Brown Half Sleeve Lengthened T $73.00 made in the USA from 100% organic cotton
Getting fancy, then dress up in an eco-designer, Linda Loudermilk Chitin Dress
The right accessories always tie an outfit together.  Accessorize with second hand or third hand vintage jewelry to set the right tone.
Shoes are most women’s first love and complete an out fit. The animal-friendly and eco-conscious shoes by NeuAura are fashionable and reasonably priced.  
 
Getting ready for bed:
 
Remove make up with a Shammy Cloth from Aveda (no chemicals needed)
Take a bath with Avalon Organics Lavendar Bath & Shower Gel
Moisturize face and hands with Organic Shea Butter from L’Occitane
 
From sudsing up to putting on your chic pair of jeans, there is a way to green your daily routine.  Changing or breaking your typical routine can be difficult but starting with small changes can make a big difference and impact.  Carlson recommends switching to organic beauty products and ones where they use recycled or recyclable packaging to ease in gradually.
 
Do you think you can include Kim and her green your routine tips in your upcoming editorial?  Please let me know if you would be interested in interviewing or having her sound off on related editorial.  For more information on Kim, please visit www.earthsmartconsumer.com.
 

Shop Your Closet With Colin Megaro!

colin megaro, fashion stylistFashion Stylist Colin Megaro has fabulous money-saving advice for each of us:  “Shop your closet!”  Instead of spending money on new clothes, invest in a personal closet consultation with a professional stylist.  Pros like Colin have the talent to twist your wardrobe in stylish, creative new directions you never dreamed possible!  Not only does shopping your own closet save you money… it saves so much time!


Here are some of Colin’s tips to make the most out of what you already own. 


1. Clean out the closet.  Take the time to remove every item out and go through each one.  Make piles of clothing that you never wear, clothing that no longer fits and clothing that is still worn.  Take the pieces that you don’t wear to your favorite charity and donate them.  The closet will be less cluttered and you’re helping those less fortunate. If all else fails, remember it’s a great tax deduction.
 
2. Items that no longer fit properly: If they are too small, donate them along with the items you are no longer wearing.  If they are overly big, slightly short or even out of style, take them to the tailor.  Pant hems can be let down; shirts can be shorted and even made short-sleeved; skirts can be reworked into the newest styles.  Tailoring items can give you the current styles at a fraction of the store cost.
 
3. Finally, let’s face it, most of us love the thrill of shopping. If there are items that you need to purchase, be smart and strategic about it. Everything is on sale now so look for the best deals you can get.  Pick a few must-have items and let yourself have them. You’ll feel great after scoring a deal.


If you are heading out to do a bit of shopping take yourself to H&M, Zara, Macys, Century 21, and even TJ Maxx.  At the end of the day style is not about a label.  It is about feeling great about what you are wearing!


Want to learn more?  Click HERE to visit Colin’s website at planetstyleconcierge.com.