Weekend Ramblings: A Conversation with Stephanie Ferguson of Säf Organics

Despite the fact that my routine is not completely clean, I've always found an incredible amount of inspiration within the green beauty community. Stephanie Ferguson of Säf Organics, like many other people, started out in clean (or green) beauty because of allergic reactions she was having to conventional products. Then, what started out as an attempt to thwart these reactions turned into a full-blown passion for green beauty! Join me in my conversation with Stephanie as we discuss her skincare journey as well as her wonderful line of products.

*Photo via saforganics.com

 Vanity Talk: First of all, what sparked your interest in natural skincare?

Stephanie Ferguson: I was diagnosed with gluten and dairy allergies almost 10 years ago when I was working for a major cosmetics company.  I noticed I was still reacting to things after changing my diet, which prompted me to consider the products I was using.  Since skin is our biggest organ (we absorb everything we put on it within 30 seconds), I began the journey to “Green My Beauty Routine." Skin is the foundation of the beauty industry—it all starts there.

VT: According to your website, you started your company by creating products out of your kitchen. What was the first product you created?

SF: My first product was lip balm. Growing up, a close friend of mine had chronic chapped lips, which seemed to worsen with the use of Chapstick or Carmex, and so many people in my life currently struggle with the same thing. Since I am also a voice in the gluten free/vegan communities, I set out to make a completely organic, gluten free vegan lip balm with lasting results.  I believe I have succeeded in that. [Vanity Talk Note: She truly has. I’ve been able to use one of her lip balms* and it is the balm dot com.]

*Photo via saforganics.com

VT: What inspires you most in the design and creation of a new product?

SF: Nature remains my biggest inspiration!  I find it beautiful, breathtaking at times, and completely effective in lifting our mood, aiding us in healing and brightening the space around us.

VT: Are there any particular challenges you’ve had to overcome in the natural skincare industry?

SF: It is difficult being the “new kid on the block” so to speak, with small resources.  Putting myself out there has been a bit of a challenge, but the response from those who have tried us and from our repeat clients keeps me going.  They are why I do what I do!

VT: If there was one product from your line that you would consider a “must” in anyone’s routine, what would that be?

SF: Oh mercy…to pick only one?! I would have to say the Clarifying Oil would be a definite must.  You can remove makeup with it, cleanse with it, moisturize with it and use it to dilute essential oils for medicinal use.  It is definitely multi-purpose and perfect for all of us who stay on-the-go.

VT: What are your personal favorite products?

SF: I would have to say my top three are: the Clarifying Oil, Cleansing Grains and Lotion Bars [Vanity Talk Note: I sampled a lotion bar* as well... everyone should have one of these]. I also believe that I have one of the best lip balms on the market (biased, I know) and love that our masks are customizable.
 

*Photo via saforganics.com

VT: What does your own skincare routine look like?

SF: I use my Clarifying Oil daily to remove makeup/cleanse and moisturize, followed by the Immortal Serum and a bit of Lotion Bar during drier months. I use the Cocoa Superfood Facial Mask (with raw manuka honey) two times weekly, followed with Angelface Botanicals Lavender + Aloe facial toner, and finish with my Vanilla Chai Lip Balm.

*Photo via saforganics.com

*Photo via angelfacebotanic

VT: Is there anything else you would like to tell my readers about the Säf Organics line that I didn’t already ask?

SF: I am really here to help people feel confident in natural products.  There has been a stigma in the natural market for some time now, that we are all nice and work to some level…but aren’t as effective as our synthetic counterparts.  I am here, as I know we all are, to dispel that.  We are and certainly can and will be as, if not more, effective than mainstream beauty products as our ingredients benefit you for many more reasons than why you started using it in the first place. We are also looking to launch a few new things this year, including an expansion of the Beauty line, so stay tuned for that!

So, there you have it folks! Head on over to www.saforganics.com to check out Stephanie's full product line for yourself. Also, for the love of all that is green beauty, get a lotion bar* while you're there. They really are great!

The * denotes a product which I was sent free of cost.  Reviews will remain objective, regardless of how the product came to me.

Weekend Ramblings: Motherly Beauty Wisdom

Today is the day that we celebrate mothers along with everything they have taught us over the years. I couldn't even begin to describe all of the wonderful things my moms and grandmothers have taught me, so true to form, I thought I would gather up some beauty tips and product suggestions from them to share with you all!

My Mom and Meme, looking beautiful as ever!

My Mom: "One that I think is funny, but does work, is to put a pair of clean panties over your head after you put on makeup if you need to pull your top over your head. This way, none of the makeup transfers onto your clothes. Also, clear mascara and a child-size toothbrush help tame unruly eyebrows." [Vanity Talk Note: I honestly couldn't tell if she was yankin' my chain with the whole underwear thing, but she's dead serious.]

This cult classic really is the bee's knees when it comes to taming brows. *Photo via maybelline.com

My Meme (Mom's Mom): "I have always used Merle Norman products because I have never been allergic to anything that I have used from them... I have to admit, one product that will always be found in my bathroom is the Merle Norman Hex Roll On Deodorant.  I have used this product for as long as I can remember.  It never stains any of my good clothes and never leaves an underarm stain like some deodorants.

*Photo via merlenorman.com

I also feel it is very important to remove makeup at bedtime. I use Merle Norman Cleansing Lotion along with the eye makeup remover. After removing my makeup, I apply Merle Norman Nighttime Recovery Creme.  As far as makeup goes, I use a Merle Norman Fine Line Minimizer, Wrinkle Smoother, Foundation Primer Plus and the Flawless Effect Liquid Foundation. I also use the Coffee Bean Eyeliner Pencil [Vanity Talk Note: This is also one of my favorite eyeliners], some color of blush, black waterproof mascara and my favorite lip pencil, Sweet Marmalade. 

*Photo via musingsofamuse.com

I love to shave my legs with hair conditioner and lotion up with one of my bottles of lotion from Bath and Body Works, usually Carried Away. In addition to that, I am a person that also loves pretty nails and a pedicure." [Vanity Talk Note: Meme was taking me to get manicures when I was around five years old. I was basically bound for a beauty addiction.]

My beautful Mamaw and myself

My Mamaw (Dad's Mom): "I just use Nivea Cream to remove make-up and soften my skin a bit at night. If anything has to contributed to how I look (good or bad), I think not smoking and not baking myself in the sun (and of course, my old standby joke that I keep my weight up to fatten out my wrinkles) might have helped a bit to lessen wrinkles, even though I have my share.

*Photo via moneysavingmom.com

I always hated it when lipstick came off on paper cups, glasses, or when I kissed someone on the cheek.  I was happy to find the long-lasting lipsticks that just did not do that.  They are the two step ones that require a gloss after the application of the color. Maybelline makes one, as does Cover Girl, and L'Oreal does too.

*Photo via lancome-usa.com

I also really like Lancome's Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinté with a SPF 30 sunscreen [Vanity Talk Note: I believe this product has recently been replaced with the Bienfait Teinté Beauty Balm, which is pictured above]. The older one gets, the less foundation is needed because it gets into the creases and wrinkles. Less truly is more." 

From left to right: Mamaw, my uncle, Mom, two of my sisters and Meme.

  
As you can see from the pictures above, I have some incredibly beautiful women to call "Mom," "Meme," and "Mamaw." I can only hope to inherit half their class, sass and beauty as I get older. Thank you, Mom, Mamaw and Meme, for everything you do. Happy Mother's Day!

Now, do tell, what are some of the beauty tricks the women in your life have passed down to you?

Wednesday Roundup: Jogging Beauty

In an attempt to keep myself somewhat in shape for summer, I've taken up jogging again after a long hiatus. This by no means makes me an expert on actual jogging, but I can say that I've learned a thing or two when it comes to pre- and post-workout beauty routines. 

The products and tips below are meant to keep you looking hot when you're feeling hot (like, literally, as in temperature). Keep reading, please!

Here's an example of how good I don't look when I jog. *Photo via popsugar.com.au

Yup, this is probably more my style. *Photo via posh24.com

Tip: Keep your hair up and out of your face.


Though I don't know too many people who workout with their hair down, I would caution those who do. Sometimes the sweat and oils that build up on your scalp travel right down your hair shaft and land on your face and back. This can cause unwanted (and easily prevented) breakouts.

Product: Emi-Jay Hair Ties - $6 for 3

For three ties, this price may seem extreme (and I agree that these particular hair ties have become a little gimmicky), but these ties really don't snag your hair. Plus, Emi-Jay donates a portion of their profits to charity.

*Photo via emi-jay.com

Tip: Wear sunscreen or a hat if you prefer to jog midday.

I myself am a morning jogger, but I know there are many people who prefer to jog in the afternoon. This is totally cool, but just make sure if you're out in direct sunlight that you're using something to protect your pretty face from harsh sun.

Product(s): Sun Bum Face SPF 30+ Face Stick - $10 and/or a baseball cap.

I've sung my Sun Bum praises on here before, but I really, truly love their Face Stick. In fact, it's one of the only sunscreen products I've ever been able to use continuously without irritation or breakouts. It's the perfect size for carrying in your bag and it also smells like bananas. If you're not convinced by sunscreen, though, a baseball cap will provide at least a little protection and, bonus, it will keep your hair away from your face!

*Photo via trustthebum.com

Tip: Cleanse your face before and after jogging (or before/after any other type of workout).

Washing your face prior to a workout may seem silly, but when working out, your sweat, makeup and oil will mingle to create a mixture sure to cause pimples. By washing pre-workout, you ensure that your sweaty makeup won't cause any problems later on. Also, after working out take a few seconds to cleanse your face again for the obvious reason of, duh, sweat. Whether you want to take the time to do a full cleanse or you just want to wipe off with a facial towelette, anything is better than nothing.

Product(s): One Love Organics Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser - $29 for 8.8 oz.; Dickinson's Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes - $5 for 20


If you're one of those who's going to do a full cleanse, use a gentle foaming formula like Easy Does It by One Love Organics. The goal here is to remove sweat and oil, not to completely strip your skin.

If you prefer the quick wipe down approach, you already know I've got some serious love for Dickinson's Oil Controlling Towelettes. Their ingredient list is minimal and they combine witch hazel with aloe for a skin-calming effect. Also, at $5 for 20, these are easily the most affordable product on my jogging list.

Tip: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Drinking water before, during and after your workout should be a no-brainer, but I really want to push this tip because hydration plays such a huge role in your skin's appearance. I dare you to skip one day of drinking water and I guarantee your skin will look dull and your fine lines will be much more prominent. Drinking water, even when you're not working out, is one way to guarantee that your skin looks its best.

Product(s): bkr bottle - $13

Though I am still using a plastic water bottle myself, I am a huge fan of glass water bottles. I think they're much safer (less risk of nasty chemicals like BPA) and pretty darn stylish as well. These bkr bottles, in particular, are gorgeous and come in a multitude of different colors. They might even make a decent graduation gift (hey, mom and dad!).

*Photo via freshfaced.ca

Now that I've shared all of my best jogging beauty tips, I'd love to hear yours! Please share in the comments. Also, if you're not feeling jogging, there's always this creepy workout alternative...

Quick Thoughts: China

Not too long ago, I had the incredible opportunity to travel with my family to China. Never in my life have I been in a place more foreign and as I'm sitting here thinking about it now, I realize how badly I would like to go back.

Not only would I like to go back because the culture and people were truly incredible, but I would like to explore more of the Chinese medicinal practices. In general the Chinese people were beautiful, and despite the large beauty retailers on every corner, I believe it was mostly due to the high value they place on internal health. From the large quantities of fish they consume to the amount of tea they drink, the Chinese people (and honestly, Asian people in general) are definitely doing something right when it comes to skincare.

I think I may do a little more research on this topic for a future post. What do you think?

Wednesday Roundup: The Beauty in Simplicity

I like simple makeup. I far prefer a look that says, "Okay, so maybe I did do my makeup in five minutes after rolling out of bed," to one that says,"Hello! this morning I woke up two hours early so I could prime each individual pore before applying six layers of foundation." There is, in my eyes, so much beauty in simplicity.

I found a few looks from New York Fashion Week that show just how pretty simplicity can be. Mind you, we're talking about makeup here and not clothing. Below you will find models at Prabal Gurung, Rag & Bone, Kate Spade and Jonathan Cohen, all made up to perfection, but never overdone.

Prabal Gurung Fall 2014; *Photo by Alessandro Lucioni via nymag.com/thecut

Rag & Bone Fall 2014; *Photo via nymag.com/thecut

Kate Spade Fall 2014; *Photo via nymag.com/thecut

Jonathan Cohen Fall 2014; *Photo via nymag.com/thecut

Gorgeous, right? Of all four, my favorite has to be Kate Spade. This particular model's complexion is just glowing. Sure, the clothes she's wearing are great, but all I really want to ask her is what skincare products she's loving at the moment. And so is the life of a beautyholic.