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: Greek Yogurt Mask DIY

When it comes to exfoliation, I usually prefer the physical variety (think an actual scrub vs. glycolic acid), but after trying out the simplest Greek yogurt DIY ever last night, I'm starting to understand the chemical exfoliant hype.

You see, Greek yogurt contains lactic acid, which is a gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid (or AHA) that works by encouraging skin's cell renewal below the surface. Also, it moisturizes by increasing ceramides in the epidermis. (source: The International Dermal Institute)

Chemical exfoliants, like lactic and glycolic acid, work much deeper than physical exfoliants. However, they are often viewed as much gentler when used at low concentrations and for that reason, they are really popular for anti-aging and acne treatment. I never really got the hype because I couldn't seem to find an AHA that I liked, but now, I'm feeling a conversion coming on.

If it's good enough for LC... *Photo via laurenconrad.com

So, let's get to the actual DIY portion, shall we?

All you will need for this mask is full-fat, plain Greek yogurt (I'm personally a Fage Total fan, but any brand will do), a spoon and a cotton ball.

1. Using your spoon, dip out about one tablespoon of Greek yogurt.

2. Dip your cotton ball into the Greek yogurt on the spoon and spread the yogurt over your face, leaving an opaque white layer.

3. Wait 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your skin's sensitivity (you can definitely go longer if you already know how your skin responds to lactic acid).

4. Cleanse your face using your regular cleanser and lukewarm water.

That's it! Of course, you always have the option of adding other ingredients, like honey for an anti-bacterial boost or turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. I prefer the plain Jane version, though. Sometimes simplest is best!

How was that for an easy DIY? Have you ever used Greek yogurt as a facial mask?

Quick Thoughts: An Experiment with Water

Staying with my sister this weekend has apparently revealed a lot to me about beauty, Toothy Tabs being the first beauty revelation. The second being that a majority of the women in my family (who have less irritated skin than myself, I might add) cleanse with only water in the morning. So, since learning this, I've been asking myself, "Should I be cleansing with only water in the morning also?"

Well, folks, I'm going to give it a try. I'm also going to keep a photo diary, though I'm not too sure if I'll be sharing it with you all. However, despite me sharing irritated complexion pics or not, I will most definitely be keeping a written account of this experiment which will be revealed at the end of, let's say, a 2-week-long period.

A completely unrelated photo of one of my sisters, her boyfriend, my boyfriend and myself.

Basically, during this experiment I'm going to continue on with my normal routine, except in the mornings I will forgo cleansing with an actual cleanser in exchange for cleansing with water and following with a mild toner (I'm thinking a mixture of Dickinson's and green tea).

I'm kind of nervous for the outcome, but my skin is always screaming at me for using so many different products. This water cleansing experiment will be a nice change of pace. Wish me luck!

Do you cleanse your face in the morning? Are you a fan of the water-only approach?

Quick Thoughts: Blackheads Suck

When it comes to talking blackheads, there's no other way to put it than to say that they just suck. From your chin to your nose to your forehead, they suck all around. And as someone who's just basically scarred her forehead trying to extract what was a pretty unnoticeable blemish, I've got sympathy for any and everyone who's ever had trouble with them. I've also got a little something that can help...

*Photo via byrdie.com

This article from Byrdie offers great advice (courtesy of celeb facialist, Renee Rouleau) on what to do if you're trying to extract blackheads yourself. Seriously, check it out before you try and be your own esthetician, like me.

Try This: Oatmeal as an Exfoliant

One of my most often committed skincare crimes is over-exfoliation.  Perhaps I'm addicted to the smooth feeling that occurs immediately afterwards or maybe it's because I'm just a product junkie and exfoliants are always one of my favorite purchases. I'm thinking it's mostly the latter, but at any rate, over-exfoliation in the winter just doesn't fly.

See, the thing is that in the winter my skin (and yours too) needs that extra layer of skin to keep the cold, dry air from destroying it.  In the summer, I can get away with exfoliating four to five times a week, but during the winter, I can only exfoliate a max of two times before I send my skin in to a tizzy. Also, instead of using harsher exfoliants like my Clarisonic, I tend to switch it up to something a little gentler, like oatmeal.

*Photo via acnease.com

Oatmeal? What? You heard that right.  Oatmeal is one of my favorite winter exfoliants for a multitude of reasons.  First of all, it contains polysaccharides that, when moistened, create a slight film that protects skin from the elements. Secondly, oatmeal is cheap and readily available making it perfect for those of us who are still in school.

*Photo via wikipedia.org

All you need to do to activate the oatmeal goodness is place a little oatmeal in the palm of your hand and moisten it with water. Next, mix it around with your fingers until it has formed a paste. After this, simply apply it to your face and scrub gently.  Or, you can even combine your oatmeal with honey or your facial oil of choice and leave it on as a mask. It's anybody's game and that's why I love it!

When it comes to exfoliating in the winter, how do you do it? Have you tried oatmeal?

Evercle̅n Skincare

Of all of the skin problems that ail us, among the most tenacious is sensitivity.  If you suffer from sensitive skin, you know that even a search for facial cleanser alone means an hour or two spent in the beauty aisles, hunting down a soap-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance free concoction.  Unfortunately, if you're trying to do the whole natural beauty thing, this is even more of a challenge, especially if you're particularly sensitive to essential oils.

But, the sensitive skinned among us can rejoice because Evercle̅n has the answer to your prayers with their line of products that "say no" to soap, fragrance, parabens, gluten, phthalates, petroleum, colors, DEA’s and sodium lauryl sulfate.  Shew! What a mouthful! But you get it. Evercle̅n is basically giving people with sensitive skin a chance at using natural products and I love it!

Their line includes a face cream, facial cleanser, facial toner, hand cream, eye cream and body lotion.  Of all of these products, I favored both the face cream* and the body lotion*. Though I couldn't use the face cream all over my entire face due to a glycerin sensitivity, I used it as an eye cream and it was light and incredible.  Actually, if you're looking for a natural alternative to the not-so-natural sensitive skin favorite, Cerave, this would be an amazing option.

*Photo via betterlife.com

Another of their products I really loved was the body lotion.  Very similar in texture to the face cream, the body lotion is non-greasy, but very moisturizing. It's not often that one comes across a combination like this in a body lotion.  Usually you're left sacrificing moisture for non-greasiness or vice versa.

*Photo via betterlife.com

If you've got sensitive or intolerant skin, I highly suggest you take a look at Evercle̅n's products.  The entire line can be purchased here (and at very reasonable prices, if you ask me).

Have you tried these products? Are you as happy as I am about a natural line that isn't fragranced?

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

Wednesday Roundup

As you all know, when it comes to Wednesday Roundup, I am all over the place.  For this reason, I've decided to compartmentalize my thoughts into four sections: Work It, Watch It, Wear It and Want It. Check it out and enjoy. Happy Wednesday!

Work It

I'm notoriously cheap in the fitness department, and as a result, I'm usually found working out in my room to the tune of whatever YouTube workout I can find.  My most recent favorite is the "Standing Abs Exercises" video from FitnessBlender. It doesn't require crunches or fancy equipment, making it perfect for those of us just looking to tone up a little with minimal investment or pain.

Watch It

Call me crazy (or at least beauty-obsessed), but I love watching skincare routine videos on YouTube. Chances are, if you're into routines, you do too. The latest and greatest routine video I've found is Vivianna of Vivianna Does Makeup.  This is like pure product porn for all of my fellow skincare junkies.

Wear It 

Welcome to Thanksgiving week, where sweatpants are (almost) always acceptable attire, especially post-food coma.  Here's some adorable options by Aerie.  P.S. it's 40% off right now, so head on over to ae.com/aerie ASAP.

Want It

I'm a full on candle junkie and after reading Emily Weiss' review of Le Labo's Laurier 62, I'm more than a little bit tempted to head on over to their website and drop $70 on a candle.  Maybe one of these days...

So, what does you have to say about this week's Wednesday Roundup?

Etsy Finds: The October Union

 I was browsing through the skincare section on Etsy.com recently when I came across an interesting new brand, The October Union.  The October Union, owned and operated by Kimie Rosenthal in Ventura, Ca., boasts an impressive offering of made-to-order products, including everything from an Herbal Face Tonic to Botanical Perfume Oils.  After placing my order (the Charcoal Detox Mask+ Spot Fix, a new fave), I decided to get more acquainted with the brand through an interview with the super friendly Kimie.  Read below to learn about her favorite products, skincare routine and more!

*Photo via theoctoberunion.com

Why did you decide to get into natural skincare? 
 It was like I fell down the rabbit hole. I’ve always had a “nose," meaning I can pick up a scent in the air or on somebody and I am almost always able to determine what its source is. I’ve always loved to collect and try new perfumes and beauty products (from stores like Sephora...what girl doesn’t?) and I was subconsciously buying “green” products.  Then, I was given a bottle of homemade lavender essential oil for my birthday and I think that’s when it clicked. I wore that lavender essential oil as perfume and as time passed I started to became super sensitive to synthetic scents in perfumes, hair products, laundry detergents, etc. If something had any synthetic scent in it, it would leave me with a headache and a feeling of frustration. So I started making my own perfumes by blending essential oils and I became so fascinated with it. I started studying natural perfumery and trying exotic oils and resins. I became, in a sense, obsessed. I studied aromatherapy, which led me to herbalism and natural skincare, and now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. It is a blessing that I can share compassion and connect with nature at the same time. 

What is your favorite ingredient to use and why?  
It’s hard to choose just one, but my favorite ingredient is probably rose petals. It sounds simple, but the color is just so beautiful and their scent, so faint and lovely. Another one is Labdanum, a thick, sticky resin extracted from the Cistus plant. The smell sends me over the moon! Those are definitely my favorites.  

*Photo via eofdreams.com

*Photo via wikipedia.org

Which product from The October Union range is your absolute favorite? 
Night Oil, hands down. It is such a unique blend of seriously healing and nurturing oils.  Also, the scent is so lovely. I’ve never seen anything else like it and I’m very proud that I came up with its one of a kind formula:) Also, I just made an awesome aftershave tonic for guys and its packaging is my most favorite. Ever. Not surprisingly, the aftershave is wonderful as well (say the men who’ve tested it).

*Photo via theoctoberunion.com

What has been the biggest challenge for you in creating natural and effective skincare?  
Getting people to give up the junk they’ve been using and make the switch to completely natural. Skincare can become a vicious cycle if you are using the wrong products. Going completely natural will almost always improve the condition of the skin. It’s better for us and it’s better for the rest of the planet. 

Tell me about your daily skincare routine, morning and evening.  Additionally, include any products, such as masks, oils and mists, which you don’t use everyday.  
My skincare routine has become fairly simple since I started using my own creations. In the morning, I usually only wash with warm water, raw honey or our Cleansing Grains. At night, if I’m not too tired, I use an oil cleanser or our Honey+Rose scrub followed by a face oil based on what my skin needs. Recently, I’ve been using plain almond oil at night. A couple times a week I’ll use a toner, like our Herbal Tonic, after cleansing and once a month I’ll use a mask or herbal steam to deep clean. I usually don’t wear face make-up so I don’t really feel the need to cleanse my face with a soap or foaming cleanser. Because of this, I feel my skin has become more balanced. When I do need to remove make up, I use an oil cleanser and our eye makeup remover (I’ll be releasing an oil cleanser available in the shop very soon). If I have some pimples come up, especially around my moon cycle, I’ll dab on some Charcoal Detox Mask + Spot Fix to those spots and leave it on for a while. This always helps them to not get worse, heal and go away faster. I carry a hydrosol mist with me and an constantly spraying my face, hair and body with it throughout the day to refresh. My favorite hydrosol is, of course, rose. <3   

 

*Photo via theoctoberunion.com

So there you have it, folks!  Kimie is clearly well-versed in her craft and swears by her own products.  There's not much more you can ask for when it comes to skincare products.  Stay tuned for my own review of her products (hint, hint... they're all amazing!).

The Skincare Tag

Welcome to my first ever "Tag post".  A tag is basically a set list of questions on a certain topic that other bloggers have been discussing.  I discovered the Skincare Tag at Helen Rambles On, one of my favorite blogs!  Let's get to it, shall we?

The best excuse for a skincare photo I could scrounge up at the moment.

 Describe your skincare routine in 5 words

• Exfoliate (3-4 times a week), Cleanse, Moisturize (rarely in the summer thanks to my oily skin)

What's your skintype?

• Oily, Sensitive, Acne-prone, Combo and Dry, depending on the weather.  Lovely, I know.

What's your favourite skincare product?

• Ever? J&J's Head-to-Toe Baby Wash... is that weird for a beauty blogger?

Top blemish zapper.

• Wedderspoon's Manuka Honey is my go-to at the moment.

Face wipes, yay or nay?

• Yay! But only as a way to freshen up when I'm not wearing any makeup.  I'd never use them to remove a whole face full of product. Dickinson's Oil Controlling Towelettes are my fave.

Toner, yay or nay?

• Yay, absolutely, though I'm still on the hunt for my toner soul mate.

High end makeup or high end skincare?

• High end makeup!  I've always found high end skincare to be a) too heavily fragranced or b) way overpriced for the ingredients used.

You're in a French pharmacy and you can only pick one item - what is it?

• Oh gosh... where do I start?  I really want to try about every La Roche Posay product out there.

Tell us your top skincare tip

• As a girl who often finds herself with a bit of skin hate after a magnifying mirror session, my best advice to you would be to stop looking in magnifying mirrors. Seriously, that's the best I've got.  Who wants to see their every pore and stray eyebrow? It is so unrealistic to view your face at 20x's magnification when no one else EVER sees it up that close.

How do you all like the tag posts?  I enjoy the aspect of answering and discussing the same set of questions.  I like that it helps me gain a better view into the lives and routines of other beauty bloggers.  I also like to compare their own practices to mine!