by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll, Green Beauty, Product Reviews, Skincare
Face oil. Seems kinda counter-intuitive right? Believe it or not, face oils have been around for centuries. They contain essential fatty acids, which are crucial in keeping skin young, supple and smooth.
Personally, the right natural oils (which come from nuts, trees, flowers or plants) have not only balanced and hydrated my skin, they’ve completely evened it out and rid me of nasty breakouts, hormonal acne and cysts! Yes, oil!
What’s the difference between an oil and your conventional lotion or cream? Lotions and creams are a mixture of oil and water, and often conventional serums also have an additive that waters it down. However, restorative oils and concentrates are extremely beneficial to your skin, as long as you use the correct oil for your skin type.
So, who made the list of best natural oils?
Genetix Detox Repair Serum
I call the detox repair oil my liquid gold – it’s amazing as an oil cleanser, a moisturizer, a scar treatment, calms skin and evens your tone and overall complexion. A staple in my beauty cabinet! The Detox Repair Serum is specifically formulated with the highest level of french green clay and activated charcoal. Effectively fights blemishes, reduces acne, and helps keep skin free of new breakouts. Healing, organic vitamins are designed to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores while zinc oxide, a natural mineral, provides oil control by absorbing excess sebum. The result is clearer skin that lasts. I use this oil on my skin at night to combat any breakouts, dry skin and acne scars. Essential oil and scent free, which I LOVE! (Use code STAYWEIRD for 25% off this week!)
Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Oily/Acne-Prone/Combination
✔ Normal
✔ Dry
Glow Brightening Serum
Acne not your battle? If your skin is more on the dry/mature, dull or sensitive side, try this skin-smoothing, radiance-boosting retinol youth serum with organic vitamins A, D + C, melatonin and hyaluronic acid for post-facial results and all day hydration. It’s free of essential oils and perfume, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin! is formulated with high potency, organic rosehip, melatonin and hyaluronic acid that immediately tackles dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, revealing smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin.
Fine lines appear visually plumped, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthier-looking complexion. Perfect for all skin types and all ages, this treatment is enhanced with turmeric and chamomile for maximum brightening and instant radiance. I have so much love for this oil — It’s beautiful! It also doubles as a gorgeous highlighter (Use code STAYWEIRD for 25% off this week!)
Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Normal
✔ Oily/Acne-Prone
✔ Combination
✔ Dry
✔ Sensitive
Cellular Recovery Serum
This magnificent face serum is a top favorite among this incredibly luxurious line. This serum is packed with powerful anti-oxidants, omegas, vitamins, and free radical fighters. Nutrient-dense organic rosehip, magnesium and CoQ10 can penetrate the tough outer layer of your sebum and once there, initiate your skin’s repair process, revealing a vibrant, smoother skin texture.
Main ingredient melatonin has been proven to clinically reduce and reverse the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With daily application this super serum moisturizes, improves clarity + contributes to a more beautiful, balanced and youthful complexion. All the beautiful oils and herbs in this Cellular Repair Serum promote cell structure and healthy regeneration as well as repair the current damage.
This serum is also essential oil and scent free, which I LOVE (the rest of the oils in this article are scented)! Use code STAYWEIRD for 25% off this week!
Which skin type is it good for?
✔ Normal
✔ Oily/Acne-Prone/Combination
✔ Sensitive
✔ Dry
✔ Mature
(Grab the whole collection and take 25% off with code STAYWEIRD!)
Josh Rosebrook’s Deep Hydrating Serum
It’s also no secret that I adore Josh Rosebrook. He’s one of my dearest friends and my incredible stylist. And his products are LA A-list favorites! A conconction of incredible oils for every skin type (coconut, jojoba, grape seed, apricot, sunflower, hemp and seabuckthorn) as well as exotic herbal infusions of skullcap, marshmallow, neem leaf, green tea, st. john’s wort, and more, this incredible and scrumptious-smelling oil is my go-to day oil. One application leaves skin golden and glowing all day long! This not only rejuvenates skin – it re-awakens it! The phytonutrients help promote collagen and balance skin. Not only is Josh a delight in person, his whole line is amazing! Wake up with a bright, clear, beautiful face!
Kypris Beauty Elixir II – Healing Bouquet
You know by now that I love me some essential herbs in my beauty products, so when this Jasmine, Rose, Patchouli blend met it’s CoQ10 vitamins E and C, I was hooked. I adore Kypris’s elixir not only for her incredible, lush aromatherapy benefits and her delicious lingering scent, I’m super impressed by her GMO-free, kosher standard. This sexy and expertly crafted formula encourages skin to be at it’s most plump, hydrated and happy; a beautiful oil standard that also contains baobab oil, which I adore because it’s perfect for my acne-prone pores. Even though it contains coconut oil, it is virgin, which my face can absolutely tolerate. Loving this more and more the longer I try it!
African Botanicals Neroli Infused Marula Oil
This oil is so good it got a huge mention in my first book! Marula oil is my standard for golden-looking skin, and this formula from African Botanicals does not disappoint. I prefer Marula oil to a lot of other oils out there because my skin just drinks it up. It covers all my bases: it’s hydrating, skin clearing, and evens my skin tone, as well as brings out just the right freckles in the sun. The smell is addicting but subtle because it is Neroli-based, which also makes it extremely anti-oxidizing. Totally pure, no preservatives, and no nonsense. Marula oil is wonderful for all skin types, and great for under the eyes, dark circles or to combat redness. This oil does not leave my bedside – I apply it every night without question, waking up to supple, sexy, sun-kissed skin, even during winter months when my skin tends to get dull and dry.
Vintner’s Daughter
This serum is a luxurious multi-correctional infusion of 22 of the world’s most active organic and wildcrafted botanicals. At the heart of this powerful treatment is an energy dense phyto radiance infusion. Combined with highly targeted essential oils, the formulation combines anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, skin firming phytoceramides, nourishing fatty-acids and powerful anti-oxidants to help fight signs of aging; stimulate cellular turnover; maintain skin elasticity; strengthen capillaries; inhibit melanin production; prevent wrinkles; deliver oxygen to cells and protect against free-radical damage.
Odacite Marula Neroli Concentrate
I was gifted this gorgeous concentrate from The Detox Market and I couldn’t have been happier! Odacite makes beautiful serum’s that are incredible for you! I love everything from them I have ever tried – including this over-the-top hard working but super afforable gluten free concentrate. It also contains rose oil, lemon-myrtle and vitamin E for the added skin benefits. I apply this before and after long hikes or surf sessions and if my skin is especially dehydrated. It’s amazing for travel because of it’s convenient size, and the scent lingers and is totally addicting! A little goes a long, long way. I use just a few drops to cover my whole face and neck.
Tamanu Oil
Tamanu has the unique ability to promote the growth of new tissue. It’s been used for centuries on everything from troubled skin to sores, shingles, fibrosis, burns, eczema – you name it! Oil of tamanu contains three basic classes of lipids: neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. The oil also contains a unique fatty acid called calophyllic acid, and a novel antibiotic lactone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent called calophyllolide. These and other components of tamanu oil, including anti-inflammatory coumarins, account for some of the oil’s beneficial activity. This amazing oil has been incredible for my skin on acne, acne scars, psoriasis, and wrinkles. It accelerates wound healing, skin growth and overall it just plain makes skin look super plump and younger. It prevents up to 85% of cell damage as well, so applying Tamanu oil before I go out in the sun is a must for me!
What are some of your favorite face oils? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll, Cancer, Discounts, Fashion, Give Back, Green Beauty, Skincare, Tara Perfume
Hey loves!
A very exciting announcement: the TARA Botanical Atomizer Perfume is now available in sample sizes that are only $8!
These will arrive on your doorstep ASAP, and are a great way to get yours before your pre-order arrives!
Head over here to order!
Once again, 5% of sales go towards Cancer Research. Read the full story here.
With love,
Tara
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, DIY, My Organic Life, Recipes, Skincare
Total Body Tonic
Ingredients:
To Make:
- Boil Water
- Add Ginseng to Tea Catcher
- Add Water to Tea cup
- Squeeze Lemon into tea.
- Drink as a full cup of tea or a shot
Why It Works:
Ginseng’s Latin name, Panax, comes from the same Greek root as our word, “panacea,” meaning all-healing. That’s not much of an exaggeration. A great deal of research shows that ginseng significantly improves athletic performance and relieves fatigue. Ginseng also relieves the ravages of stress. Japanese researchers showed that the herb reduces the secretion of stress-related hormones. Ginseng also improves immune function and appears to prevent cancer. University of Southern California researchers report that, in vitro, the herb increases production of interferon, the body’s own antiviral compound.
Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies. It helps to flush out toxins and balances pH levels in the Body.
Calcium & Coconut: Probiotic Tonic
My amazing friend Colleen invented this one and it got me over my flu pretty much immediately. Thanks, girl!
Ingredients:
- Calcium Ascorbate
- Coconut Kifer
To Make:
- Add 1 TBSP Calcium Ascorbate to 2 shots Coconut Kifer.
- Take as a shot once an hour.
Why It Works:
Ascorbate calcium is a form of vitamin C that is used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin C in people who do not get enough of the vitamin from their diets. Vitamin C plays an important role in the body. It is needed to maintain the health of skin, cartilage, teeth, bone, and blood vessels. It is also used to protect your body’s cells from damage. It is known as an antioxidant.
Coconut kefir is quite simply fermented coconut water. This probiotic beverage is very healing to the digestive system and the liver and creates a strong immune system that is ultimately responsible for your good health.
Better Blood Tonic
For better blood health and immunity!
Ingredients:
- Dandelion Root
- Echinacea
- Garlic
- Goldenseal
To Make:
- Add herbs to a tea catcher.
- Add Boiled Water to your herbs.
- Let seep. Drink as tea.
Why It Works:
Dandelion Root is an excellent blood purifier that neutralizes acids and has a strong alkalinizing effect on the body.
Echinacea is recognized as one of the most powerful blood and lymphatic cleansers in the botanical kingdom.
Garlic is an excellent blood cleanser, lowers blood fats and is a natural antibiotic.
Goldenseal is also an excellent blood, liver, kidney, and skin purifier.
Better Skin Tonic
For better skin, hair and healthy nails!
Ingredients:
- Chamomile
- Calendula
- Lavender
To Make:
- Add herbs to a Teacatcher.
- Add Boiled Water to your herbs.
- Let seep. Drink as tea.
Why It Works:
Calendula is a garden plant in the daisy family that, like aloe vera and witch hazel, has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It is also a vulnerary agent that helps to heal wounds and soothe damaged skin, such as sunburn, cuts and scrapes. Many have also used calendula oil to treat eczema.
Lavender may be more famous for its relaxing effects of the mind, but it also helps to soothe skin, too. It is rich in a compound called linalool that assists with skin healing while also preventing tissue degeneration keeping skin firm and preventing wrinkles. To make lavender even more of an anti-aging wonder, it encourages the growth of new skin cells due to its cytophylactic properties. Lavender also helps to heal wounds, scar tissue, acne, eczema and problem skin. Being anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-toxic, anti-bacterial and an anti-septic just serves to show how incredible lavender is for skin.
Chamomile is one of nature’s miracles. It has an incredible number of benefits, and none more so than for our skin. Alpha-bisabolol – a compound found in chamomile – reportedly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by accelerating the healing process of the skin while also possessing anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Do you make any tonics at home for better health?
Love & Light
ૐ
Find me on…
YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM |FACEBOOK | PINTEREST| TUMBLR
by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll, Green Beauty, Health, My Organic Life, Skincare
If there’s one thing I don’t miss every morning, that I rely on for complete body balance, and that I never fail to pack while I’m traveling, it’s my vitamins! You may scoff, but I haven’t gotten so much as the sniffles in years, and I’ve seen things like skin irritation, hair thinning, acne, inflammation and wrinkles reversed on many others (and myself!) just by an increase in supplements like daily vitamins!
Eating well is important of course – a proper diet and exercise is unlike anything else to combat aging and to give you supple, glowing skin! Unfortunately, the body delivers only a certain percentage of vitamins to your skin, no matter how much you ingest. Plus, there’s no way to send them straight to your open pores or brown spots!
In doing this, you’re giving yourself a running head start, and ensuring that your body is getting itself on the right path to healthy, happy skin! Here are a few vitamins that you can start with:
Vitamin A ( for Curing Acne/Wrinkles )
Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes and skin. It exists naturally in liver, butter and eggs; and its precursor, beta-carotene, is in colorful vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. In order for the skin to benefit from Vitamin A, the body converts it to retinoic acid. If your skin has been feeling scaly and dry, then there’s a possibility that you might be lacking in Vitamin A. Individuals who are suffering from acne are also encouraged to take plenty of Vitamin A.
Natural Sources: eggs, leafy greens, milk, carrots, pumpkins, liver and more.
Vitamin B Complex ( for added hydration/reduced redness )
B Vitamins should also be added to your diet if you wish to achieve healthy skin. Vitamin B1, for instance, boosts circulation in the body and gives your skin a certain glow. If you’re a woman taking birth control pills then you are at risk of Vitamin B1 deficiency. Egg yolks, nuts and raisins are great sources of Vitamin B1. Niacin of Vitamin B3 helps your skin receive plenty of oxygen, which prevents development of acne among other benefits.
Natural Sources: Niacin-rich foods include tomatoes, broccoli and carrots.
Vitamin C (For Spots/ Anti-Aging)
Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective nutrients, experts say. It may not be the cure for the common cold (though it’s thought to help prevent more serious complications). But the benefits of vitamin C may include protection against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage — free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralizes free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage.
Natural Sources: guava, grapefruit, sweet red pepper, green pepper, strawberries, papaya, sweet potato, kale, mango, pineapple, cauliflower, tomato juice, kiwi
Vitamin E (for Moisture/UV/Defense)
One of my favorites! Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are caused by a number of factors such as smoking, pollution and sun exposure. Free radicals are one of the major causes of premature skin aging. As a result, Vitamin E can be an important anti-aging nutrient. Any time you see a wrinkle forming or lack some sunshine, pop some vitamin E!
Natural Sources: spinach, chard, turnip greens, mustard greens, cayenne pepper, almonds, asparagus, and bell peppers.
Vitamin K ( For Young, Bright Eyes)
If you have “tired eyes” you may be lacking in Vitamin K! Dark green leafy vegetables and fermented foods are high in Vitamin K. While you probably have enough vitamin K to provide for normal blood clotting, you most likely do not consume enough vitamin K to allow for optimum skin (or bone!) health. People apply vitamin K to the skin to remove spider veins, scars, or stretch marks, and taking it internally can also help these things! It is also used topically to treat rosacea, a skin condition that causes redness and pimples on the face. After surgery, Vitamin K is used to speed up skin healing and reduce bruising and swelling.
Natural Sources: Vitamin K is a vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, scallions, basil, sage, paprika, asparagus, and cabbage.
Happy Living!
Thank you very much.
Love & Light
ૐ
An Exclusive Look Into … THE WAKE UP EP!
by Tara Mackey | Beauty, Blogroll, Giveaway, Green Beauty, Health, My Organic Life, My Photography, Product Reviews, Skincare
I’ll be kicking off the end of July in a big way: a week of a different eco-friendly, natural, organic beauty product that I’m In Love With daily, followed by a BIG Giveaway for one lucky winner! Stay tuned to learn what natural, organic products you should be using for your skin care, makeup and overall beauty routine!
I’d like to start my Favorites off with a brand that I honestly can’t get enough of… Aquarian Bath! They’ve really changed the game for me: everything from their essential oils to their vegan soap to their shampoo bar has left me awestruck at how beautiful hand crafted, natural beauty goods can be when done right!
Pink Kaolin Clay (also known as the main ingredient in this amazing face mask/cleanser) is a gentle clay, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. Pink Kaolin Clay does not draw oils from the skin and can therefore be used on dry skin types.
I use this Rose Clay Mask about once a week, on days where my skin is feeling especially stressed and oily. It’s definitely gentle enough to use more than that, but I like to switch off with my products and this is extremely detoxifying for me personally! I put it on my face, let it dry, and run a bath to sit in and read while it goes to work on my pores!
My skin has definitely responded well, and is left really soft and fresh and clean! It dries (quickly!) to it’s light pink rose color, so you know just when it’s time to take it off! (If you don’t, it will certainly remind you anytime you try to move your face! ^^)
You can purchase your Aquarian Bath’s Kaolin Mask here for only $4.99 if you’re interested in being on your way to naturally clear skin for (MUCH!) less!
Thank you very much!
Love & Light
Watch the Video
or Find me on…
Q | INSTAGRAM |FACEBOOK | PINTEREST| TUMBLR
