Want supple skin? Strike with oil

By Well+Good NYC

One of the best pieces of skin-care advice I ever gotwas also one of the most counterintuitive: Slick my skin with oils. Not just my body. My face. That is, if I wanted to age like Dorian Gray (or just protect my skin from losing its natural luster).

I took some convincing, so I understand why, when I say I’m now an oil-slathering convert, and use oils twice a day under my moisturizer, it often provokes a violent head-shaking reaction. But before you say, “No way, I will break out!” Check to see if you’re not already using one. Your skin-care brand may have just called it a “serum” because you’d never buy it otherwise.

I get that my fanaticism flies in the face of what conservative dermatologists and Neutrogena commercials advise. But here’s some of the reasoning that’s made me an oil addict culled from dozens of interviews with chemists, facialists, aromatherapists, and formulators.

• The smaller oil molecule (I’m talking jojoba seed, grapeseed, rosehip seed, apricot kernal, black currant seed, and more) can penetrate into the skin and nourish it. Creams can’t.
• The skin likes oil because it resembles its cell structure; so it lets it in.
• Oils help protect the skin from water loss and feed it hydrating, firming nutrients like essential fatty acids, gamma linoleic acid, and vitamin E that help boost elasticity.
• Using pure face oils spares you from chemical emulsifiers that many face creams and lotions need to keep the oils from separating with the water.

Facial oils often come in apothecary-style packaging

So how come we’re so convinced that face time with oil will cause our skin to freak out?

It’s likely most of us are still drinking the Clean & Clear Kool-aid. Maybe teenagers don’t need the extra oils, but your adult skin does thanks to three dozen years on the planet + sun exposure + free radical damage + accumulation of cocktails.

Not convinced it’s time to update your skin-care operating system? What if we told you your skin won’t break out?

Keep reading…

100% Argan Oil is Great for Hair

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

For centuries men and women have been using natural oils for hair. Oil can help moisturize, soothe and protect the hair. Natural oils tend to offer the most benefits, more than chemical shampoos or conditioners can provide. Of course many synthetic hair products can be helpful, but they will never replace the natural benefits that only nature can provide. Olive oil is a well known and beloved oil that can help nourish the hair. Additionally, argan hair oil products and treatments are used more frequently. 100% argan oil is the best kind of course because it is entirely natural with no additives.

Argan oil is ultimately better than olive oil when compared due to its higher quantities of omega acids and vitamin E. Both oils are excellent moisturizers as well as jojoba oil which also should be noted for its good properties.Of course, hair oil is a personal choice and one’s preference is the most important thing when choosing a hair oil.

Argan oil has a long history of being used by people, Moroccans in particular. The argan nut is the source from which the oil is derived and requires a long intensive process to press out the oil efficiently. Moroccans have been pleased with their oil for generations and only recently has this oil been traded to broader regions.

Argan oil can make a great natural scalp treatment. What one should do if they want to make a scalp treatment at home is to coat the oil throughout the scalp and then wrap a moistened, warm towel around the head and let sit for at least 20 minutes. Then wash the hair and you will notice the difference that argan oil can make.

Additionally, this oil is great for nourishing the ends of the hair that may be prone to damage and splitting. After washing your hair, gently massage a tiny dollop into the ends of your hair. Be careful not to use to much or it will weigh down your hair and make the hair unnecessarily oily. This is a great natural way to help prevent split ends and will lead to longer hair growth because the hair will not need a trim. This is a good tip for people who are looking to grow out their hair as quick as possible.

Argan hair oil products may be difficult to find. Select beauty supply stores may carry the product, even natural food stores with a beauty section, but the best bet for the widest selection and best price is to shop online. Make sure that you are buying a 100% argan oil so you get the most of your money.

Argan Oil for Hair- Better Than Olive Oil?

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

Hair oil is a great tool to make your hair look more beautiful. Argan oil is a one of the lesser known hair oils that has been used by the people of Morocco for centuries. This hair oil is derived from the nuts of the Argan tree that is commonly found in Morocco. The hard shell of the nut is removed by breaking nut, the softer insides are mixed with water and processed in a mill and the oil is extracted from that. The result is Argan oil that is highly packed with vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids. These qualities are known to be great at slowing down the aging process if internally ingested. Additionally, there are many topical benefits to using Argan oil as a hair product.
Argan oil for hair is loaded with benefits, which is probably one reason why it is so expensive, in addition to the intensive extraction process. Hair issues can be treated well with argan oil, such as dry or frizzy hair. Argan oil is known to be better than even the best jojoba oil or olive oil for hair because not only does it contain vitamin E, it also has those aforementioned omega fatty  acids (omega 3 and omega 9) which can help nourish the hair better at the levels. This can help improve dry hair by moisturizing the locks with a nice light and weightless finish. Argan oil hair products can soften the most damaged hair that have been over-dried by flat irons, hair straightening and harsh chemical treatments. The oil acts like a barrier between the health of the hair and potentially damaging external forces such as pollutants and UV rays. Argan oil for hair is especially great to treat split ends.

So how do you use argan oil for hair? Well for one, apply it properly. To treat dry hair and dry scalp issues heat the oil and apply it directly. Then wrap your head in a warm moist towel and let sit while your head and hair absorbs the benefits of the oil. Leave this on for at least ten minutes.

Wash your hair with a quality shampoo and conditioner. Apply a leave in conditioner if desired, but really you probably will not need to because your hair will be well conditioned by the argan. If you want to treat split ends with argan oil, simply rub a few drops into the ends of moist hair following a wash.

Argan oil for hair is a great treatment that uses antioxidant properties that can help with dry hair, split ends, dry scalp and can even make extremely frizzy hair shiny and healthy looking.

Moroccan Oil Beauty Craze

By VIBRANT BEAUTY

There are a lot of people raving about it, and it is considered a breakthrough in the beauty and cosmetic industry. Moroccan oil, also known as argan oil, is one of the most hyped ingredients in the beauty industry, and is even called the ‘miracle oil’. Extracted from the kernels of the fruit of the argan tree, the oil is considered to be rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, especially vitamin E. The argan tree is mostly found in the Marrakesh and Essaouira region of southwestern Morocco, from which the name of the oil is derived. Used by the natives for centuries as a food supplement for its great nutritional value, its medicinal and health benefits are known to lower cholesterol levels, enhance circulation and strengthening the immune system of the body. Moroccan oil also has a soothing effect on the skin and hence acts as a moisturizer for the hair as well as the skin. Extracting the oil takes a long time: one liter of the oil may take almost a day to be extracted. The tedious process of extraction and rare nature of the oil has made it one of the costliest and most sought after beauty oils.

In the present day, Moroccan oil is primarily considered a wonder oil for beauty treatment. One of its most important benefits is its protective nature due to its multiple benefits as a sun-blocker, anti-oxidant and hair straightener and softener. As a hair product, Moroccan oil provides nourishment and care to the hair and makes them healthy and strong. It can revive dry and matted hair that has been damaged due to exposure to harmful chemicals from hair dyeing and styling. The oil provides moisture to the hair making it silky and smooth and giving it a natural sheen. It is also known to prevent dandruff and hair loss, and is considered an effective treatment for dry and brittle hair.

Moroccan oil is also beneficial to the skin. It has got immense anti-wrinkle and anti-aging properties due to which it is used in beauty products. The rich fatty acid content of the oil helps in skin regeneration and removal of blemishes, scars and stretch marks. It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases like rosacea and psoriasis, as well as eczema and weak, brittle nails. Though there are no major side effects of the oil, it may not be compatible with all skin types. Besides, being rich in fatty acids including oleic acid, it may not suit acne prone skin, and a consultation with a dermatologist would always be beneficial.

To meet the global demand for Moroccan oil, the local women’s cooperative of the region that produces the oil has developed a reforestation campaign to sustain the supply of the oil apart from the support that it is providing to those women. The money from the sale of the oil is used in healthcare and education of the local women, as well as to support the community.

Josie Maran’s Expert Model Makeup Tips, Part 2

By No More Dirty Looks

Last week Josie told us why we should use our fingers to apply makeup (just make sure they’re clean, y’all!), and this week she dishes on the sliding scale of “green,” her other favorite sustainable cosmetics brands and how traditional makeup used to wreak havoc on her skin.

When you were modeling all the time did you notice a difference in your skin and hair from all the product used? Did that have any part in you going clean?

With 17 years of modeling experience, I’ve spent a lot of time in the makeup chair. There were days I’d have makeup caked-on and I often got break outs. I never heard about healthier alternatives that were functional enough to be used by professional makeup artists. If I had, I would have asked that we use them. This is what inspired me to start my own line.  It was also perfect that I was pregnant around the same time I was developing the line, because it definitely made me more aware of what I was putting inside my body and on my skin. I wanted to stay away from toxins as much as possible.

Where do you stand on the sliding scale of green? Totally clean without exceptions? Or do you bend the rules sometimes?

I was born into a family that cares about environmental and social issues, so being green and natural has always been an important part of my life.  I try to reduce my carbon footprint whenever possible—one of my favorite things to do is compost in my backyard!

As for my brand, it has always been a luxurious, high-performance line that uses many natural and organic ingredients.  As we’ve progressed, I have found that select synthetic ingredients are essential to high-performance cosmetics and since these will remain in some formulations, I am implementing ways to bring balance to this equation. Planting thousands of trees, donating profits to eco-organizations such as Global Green USA and the Natural Resources Defense Council, etc. Also, our packaging will remain compostable, biodegradable and/or recyclable.  I am committed to being as authentic and transparent as possible as my line continues to grow.

Are there any exciting new discoveries you’ve made?

I’m really excited about my new mascara. We found a great way to introduce natural blacker-than-black mascara that really performs, while also giving back to a great cause. The formula features a breakthrough ingredient: double silica encapsulated carbon black.  It offers unbeatable shine, the deepest carbon black available and water resistant, long wear benefits.

What’s your absolute favorite product from your own line?

My absolute favorite product is of course my 100% pure organic argan oil.  It’s the ultimate multitasking product. I use it as a daily moisturizer, to heal rough cuticles and to fix split ends.

Other than your own, what are some other favorite clean brands?

I love Jo Wood Organics, Lulu Organics, and Duchess Marden.

A Donald Draper-Inspired Kahina Argan Oil Shaving Tip

By http://kahina-givingbeauty.com/blog

Did you see the Mad Men season 5 premiere? Don was pretty glowy post-shave.

Fellas, this one’s for you (although not exclusively):

1. Apply Kahina Argan Oil to your face on the areas where you’ll be shaving.  In the industry, this is what’s called a “pre-shave oil”.

2. Use your favorite shaving cream, or, as one male Kahina user does, Kahina Facial Cleanser & spread it over the oil-slicked areas.

3. Shave- with the grain, tyvm! Rinse.

4. Re-apply Kahina Argan Oil (a double dose does a body good!) as an after-shave soother to avoid irritation and keep skin fresh, not taut.

For those special men who take extra care of their mugs, the ultimate post-shave routine: spritz Kahina Toning Mist first, then Kahina Argan Oil, and finish it all off with Kahina Facial Lotion.  Donald Draper approved.

Katharine L’heureux Speaks with Claudia Chan for ClaudiaChan.com

By http://kahina-givingbeauty.com/blog/

Below is my role model Kahina Giving Beauty Founder Katharine L’Heureux’s interview and it is very interesting keep reading.

Though she never thought she would end up where she did, Katharine sees now that everything she had done was for a greater purpose, which they call Maktoub in Morocco. After representing natural and healthy product-based companies like Odwalla Fresh Juice and Bare Escentuals, Katharine created Kahina Giving Beauty, a skincare line based on the power of argan oil. Katharine combines philanthropy with beauty by donating a portion of profits from her company to organizations working in girls’ education and alternative income projects for women in the Moroccan communities that produce her skincare’s argan oil.

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  ON Journey

  Q: Please share with us the story of how your professional journey began and has brought you to where you are today.

  A: I really never set out to create a line of organic skin care, but now I see that everything I had done before was leading up to this in some way. In Morocco, this is called Maktoub, or Destiny. I now see the development of Kahina Giving Beauty as the culmination of many experiences, professional and personal, I’ve had in my life.

  I grew up in San Francisco and on my family’s sustainable vineyard outside Yountville, California, in the Napa Valley. The emphasis there has always been on the quality of the grapes and on sustaining the land and the community. Later in life, I founded my own marketing and public relations firm representing several natural and organic brands, including Bare Escentuals, one of the first natural cosmetics companies, and Odwalla Fresh Juice, whose tag line was “no mumbo jumbo.” My firm also represented The French Laundry when Thomas Keller first opened it in Yountville. Again, he was so focused on offering the best possible product based on the best sustainable ingredients. These companies are firmly committed to the communities they serve as well. That philosophy of sustainability, simplicity, quality and authenticity has really inspired my vision for Kahina Giving Beauty.

  I discovered argan oil by chance on a trip to Morocco in 2007. I was looking for organic skincare that worked at the time. Creating the Kahina line allowed me to realize my own desire for a simple and effective organic skincare line, while helping women in need.

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  ON Entrepreneurship

  Q: What’s your best advice for an entrepreneur in an early/bootstrapping phase? Or in a growth/need to ‘now scale’ phase?

  A: I would advise entrepreneurs just starting out to make sure your vision and values are well-defined, and to know your audience. Your vision and values can serve as a road map to help guide you during the many challenges and decisions you will inevitably face. If you have a clear vision and know your audience, your instincts will guide you and your message will be clearly articulated. Also, network. You never know whether the next person you meet might become an amazing resource.

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  ON Vision

  Q: I love the quote “the bigger the vision, the smaller the first step”. Right now, what is the big vision you have for your career?

  A: Based on the response to Kahina Giving Beauty’s philosophy and products, I feel very positive about the future of the company. I plan to continue to release high quality products based on argan oil under the Kahina label and look forward to extending the concept to product lines and extensions based on material sourced from other countries as well, always giving back to women in need from the countries where these ingredients are sourced.

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  ON Networking

  Q: Can you share a story of how networking led to a great success?

  A: Kahina Giving Beauty crosses so many worlds, from the world of design, to helping women, and organic beauty. All of these communities are incredibly supportive of each other and I have made invaluable contacts and friends through my networking in each. An example of one great connection established through networking originated at an event at ABC Home for New York Women Entrepreneurs. Rebecca Kousky, CEO and Founder of Nest, was speaking. Nest provides artisans with interest-free loans, education and market access to create sustainable and successful businesses. We now are collaborating on our Kahina Gift  Bags. Nest’s hand-blocked cotton cases made by formerly trafficked women in India house our artisinal argan soap and argan oil. It’s a great example of how two different worlds can come together, enhance each other, and potentially make change in the world.

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  ON Branding

  Q: What do you feel separates your brand from your competitors?

  A: Of course, the skincare market is very competitive, but many of the traditional skincare companies use harmful ingredients in their products. At Kahina, we use only the highest quality natural and organic ingredients. We are certified by Ecocert, ensuring the greatest respect for our consumers and the environment.

  More and more companies are doing some form of giving back. Our brand is unique in that our mission is fully integrated with our product, connecting the consumer on an emotional level to our cause – and to our brand. Starting with giving back 25% of profits to the women who extract the oil at the heart of our line, incorporating their signatures into our package design, and naming the product line after a Berber queen, we continue to try to build a bridge between women here and the Berber women of Morocco. This has worked well to build loyalty for our brand.

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  ON Perseverance

  Q: What or who in your life gives you the strength to persevere?

  A: I would have to say my daughter. Now 17 years old, she has suffered through some serious medical problems in the past two years which has caused her to miss a great deal of high school through several surgeries and resulting complications. I think of all she missed, but she never complained. Her strength and fortitude during that time continue to inspire me.

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  ON Happiness

  Q: What simple things in life today bring you joy?

  A: I love to travel, but I would rather be home with my family than anywhere else.  Easy dinners outside with them in the country are my favorite time together. I also enjoy gardening in my home in Upstate New York and taking long walks, especially in New York. I am continually energized and visually inspired by living in New York City.

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  ON Letting go

  Q: What do you do to unwind or disconnect?

  A: Yoga, gardening, enjoying a glass of wine with my husband.

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  ON Taking Risk

  Q: How do you overcome feelings of insecurity, fear or discomfort when deciding to take a risk?

  A: I have always been quite insecure when meeting new people, but have never had a problem taking large risks, such as starting a business. My position now requires lots of meeting people all over the world and speaking. I have gotten much better at it now, but before I go into an important meeting or give a speech, I always give myself a little pep talk and remind myself of my accomplishments and my mission to help women in order to conjure up my reserves of strength.

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  ON Giving Back

  Q: Can you share with us an experience of giving that was extremely rewarding or transformational?

  A: One year ago, I first visited a cooperative near Agadir of 46 women who had no work, unable to sell their oil because they couldn’t complete their organic certification due to bureaucratic and financial constraints.  They had done all the work to set up their cooperative, including raising the money to build a structure where they could work, but their vision came to a halt when their certification didn’t come through.  When I first saw them, they were sitting idle with no nuts to crack.  I paid for their certification and assisted with the legal documentation.  When I returned last month, the women were busy at work with large piles of nuts to crack for an upcoming order.  They insisted I join them in singing and dancing in the traditional Berber fashion to show me their appreciation.

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  ON Confidence

  Q: Oprah has that great section in her magazine “What I know for sure.” What do you know for sure?

  A: That I don’t know anything for sure.

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  ON Health

  Q: What are the top 3 things that you do to stay healthy?

  A: I have always exercised, tried to eat right, and got plenty of sleep, but I have to admit that it’s getting harder to adhere to a healthy regimen with the amount of travel I need to do these days.  Now, the top thing I do to stay healthy is to try to keep my stress levels down.  When I can’t get to a yoga class, I do some sun salutes first thing in the morning at home.

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  ON Motherhood

  Q: How do you balance career and motherhood?

  A: I have three kids, ages 7, 15 and 17.  Each of them requires my attention and focus in different ways.  My office is currently the dining room table in my Manhattan loft.  This way, I am usually home when they need me and I can pick up my youngest from school most days.  The biggest challenge is when I travel and am gone for weeks at a time.  My husband has learned to take care of everything without me now so things are running pretty smoothly.

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  ON Style

  Q: Who are your favorite designers?

  A: I like clothes that are easy to wear, but with interesting lines. Bibbhu Mohapatra is one of my favorites, and not just because he is a great friend. He manages to create an edgy, progressive look with classic and beautifully cut pieces. For everyday, I love Donna Karan. She understands the way I want to feel comfortable but still look good. Other designers that I adore are Maria Conejo and Ohne Titel. Both of these produce beautiful clothes pairing architectural details with soft draping and meticulous attention to detail.

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  ON Cooking & Food

  Q: If you love to cook, can you share a favorite recipe?

  A: I always bring home lots of Moroccan spices when I travel there. I like to cook very simply and rarely use measurements. Cumin, tumeric and coriander make everything taste exotic and delicious. Here’s a recipe that works for any fish and chicken:

  Marinade:

  Olive oil

  Lemon juice

  Coriander

  garlic

  Combine together and marinate the chicken pieces or fish. Combine tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and spices (tumeric, coriander, cumin, saffron) in a sauté pan and heat until soft. Add a drop of water. When it steams, add the fish or chicken to the sauce. Cover and cook until cooked through (5 – 10 minutes for fish/15 – 20 minutes for chicken).

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  ON Beauty

  Q: What are the beauty items you could not live without?

  A: Argan Oil, Argan Oil, Argan Oil

  I also love the organic and Fair for Life shea butter leave-in conditioner from Beautiful Curls.

  I wear very little makeup, but when I want a little more finish, I use the RMS Living Luminizer.

Happy Friday Deal from Kahina!

There are really no words that can describe how much I love Argan Oil and this luxury brand Kahina Giving Beauty is at the top of my “must have” list. Kahina Giving Beauty was one of the first luxe lines to tap the skin-care benefits of argan oil—an amazing nourisher that’s loaded with antioxidants. (To read more about the benefits of argan oil, click here.) Kahina’s products combine carefully sourced argan oil with high-quality plant based ingredients. The result is a natural skin-care line that delivers serious results. The best thing about Kahina is that a whopping 25 percent of its profits go back to the Berber women who source the argan oil in Morocco, helping them gain economic independence, literacy, and more.

All of their skincare products are lovely and gentle for the skin and I am a huge fan of all of the products. So, today I decided to share a huge deal.

From NoMoreDirtyLooks.com:

You know how much we love the Kahina Toning Mist, right? Well they’re offering it to you for FREE (valued at $36) with any purchase over $75 and FREE SHIPPING too, which is kind of mental bananas. Can somebody say stock up for summer?

Just enter the promo code REFRESH at checkout, you won’t see the mist in your cart but a shipping credit will appear.

And of course, tell us what you’ve tried, how you use it, why you love (or don’t) it. This is a forum for sharing reviews—we can’t try everything!

Keep reading for more details here…

Zorah Biocosmétiques

Zorah Biocosmétiques, a Quebec-made line of eco-friendly beauty products, has found its niche (and fulfilled our high demands), by combining pure Argan oil (found only in Morocco and containing six times more antioxidants than olive oil) with organic and fair-trade ingredients. The luxury line contains every product that a green girl desires.

The products I loved:

Ipsa: is a powerful makeup remover and cleansing and hydrating milk, gentle enough to use on the eyes.

Dzhari: Use it before or after your daily moisturizer and even over make-up. Dzhari is also an excellent after-shave lotion; it leaves a magnificently fresh and gentle sensation that you will look forward to time and time again.

Hani: reduces pain caused by sunburns. Its exquisite gentleness instantly soothes and refreshes sun-exposed skin. It’s also great for sensitive skin.

Lea: embraces life without compromise. Lea, for desire and passion…. contains argan oil and deeply moisturizes and protects lips from daily exposure to harmful elements all while leaving them a lovely hint Impulse Red.

Eva: is the joy and the unbearable lightness of being.  Impatience and ardor of the youth for healthy and adorable lips. Eva contains argan oil, deeply moisturizes and protects lips from daily exposure to harmful elements all while leaving them a lovely hint of pink.

Xfoliambre: Facial Exfoliator made with Argan Oil and Amber, this product will gently exfoliate the most sensitive skins and will leave it softer and radiant.

Shea Terra Organics Argan Beauty Kit

As you may know by now I love using argan oil on my hair and skin. Argan oil known as the Green Gold of Marocco is an oil extracted from the nut of the argan tree. It contains high levels of essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid (omega-6). These fatty acids protect and repair the skin. This action is reinforced by very high levels of vitamin E(tocopherols) which has moisturizing and healing properties and is one of most powerful biological anti-oxidants in neutralizing free radicals. It also protects cell membranes from lipid oxidation, thereby slowing the skin`s aging process. Now even my little sisters us argan oil, on their hair and skin. Today’s review is on Shea Terra Organics Argan Beauty Kit which comes with 3 products (comes in size: .25 oz, all products are also available in bigger size). The first thing that made me try this kit was because it contains argan.

The product details:

Argan & Green Coffee Around-Eye Serum: This one helps with those annoying under-eye circles and that over all appearance of well, being tired. Even after a night of great sleep it isn’t unusual to wake up with your eyes still giving off that tired impression. Argan & Green Coffee Around-Eye Serum is a product that is absolutely on my must-have list. All you need to do is dispense one pump on to your fingers and distribute around each of your eyes. Give it a little massage to really let it sink in and get the blood circulation flowing, and voilà! Happy, rested eyes with no dark circles or wrinkles.

Argan & Rose Serum of Youth: is made with some of the world’s most coveted anti-aging ingredients! South African rose hips and primrose oils, provide vital nutrients to aging Rubiginosa rose hips oil and seabuckthorn oil work synergistically to repair and regenerate. This product does not contain fragrant rose oil or perfume.

Moroccan Argan Oil: 100% Pure & Natural. The most sought after anti-aging oil. High in vitamins A & E and an amazing ability to repair skin, cold pressed argan oil gives skin hours of protection while softening and decreasing wrinkles and sagging. Note: Argan oil can be used by any aged women.