REVIEW: Sanctum Facial Exfoliator

Gentle Facial Exfoliant by Sanctum, Harmless House

 

Are you like me and kind of obsessed with exfoliators now that it's summer? Since we're showing more skin and not hidden under a hundred layers you want your skin to feel the best! By exfoliating your skin once or twice a week you remove the dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling silky smooth.

 

But what about exfoliating for your face? A lot of people are weary to use facial exfoliators as they might be too harsh for one's skin but luckily there are some great facial exfoliators on the market that will be kind to the skin on your pretty face!

 

 

 

The lovely ladies at Harmless House sent over this great exfoliator from Sanctum - Gentle Facial Exfoliant - to test out and being a fan of the Sanctum Body Polish I had a feeling I would be impressed by it.

 

The exfoliant has a creamy feel to it but still gives your skin a gentle, but good scrub. It contains rice bran; crushed black walnut shell and luffa, all great exfoliating properties. It can be used for all skin types and I would suggest using it once a week all over your face (avoid your eye area) and all over your neck.

 

To be honest, I'm not too sure about the fragrance of this product but if it smelt like rainbows and butterflies I would be very sceptical about the 'organic' claim so at least you know that what you smell is exactly what is in the product. But other than that, I like this product as it left my skin brighter; polished and smoother!

 

If you look to the right of my blog page, you will see a heading called 'labels' - click under Harmless House for more posts about this brand

 

Who else loves exfoliators?

 

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

 

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Spring Care - Part 3

SPRING CARE

PART 3

 

 

 

Hello my Glam & Green darlings! I really hope you've enjoyed Part 1 and Part 2!

 

For Part 3, its a triple whammy that will consist of information from Essentially Tessa; Tip Top Nails and Balm Balm!

 

Enjoy xXx

 

 

 

 

Tessa, Essentially Tessa

 

IT IS SPRING
And like the season suggests we must have a spring in our step, a bounce in our walk and a song in our soul. Where is the magic that hides within Spring? Is it the warmth of the sun, the blossoms and the fragrance from honey suckle and jasmin, sweet pea and fruit blossoms, I am sure it is, but it is the magic and the wonderment of re-birth. It is the cycle of new beginnings. The magic is in the abundance of colour and in the power to create all this from hidden sources, the magic is hidden within expectation. We eagerly await the next cycle, summer. Summer will bring forth the cycle of ripening.

With winters cold season of hibernation behind us, we now shed the layers of clothing, and we want to feel the warm kiss of the gentle spring sun upon our skins. It is time to pack away the heavy Shea butter and cocoa butter lotions. (Use the winter left overs for when you have had a few too many hours in the sun, it will then re-hydrate the skin.)

Lotions made from macadamia and avocado oil are rich in nutrients and will keep the skin supple and well hydrated. But the best advice I can give for spring and summer is to use hydrosols.

Hydrosols, also known as floral waters are products from steam distilling plant materials, such as lavender, rose geranium and orange flowers. Hydrosols are like essential oils but in far less of a concentration. It is a bit denser than water because of the nutrients it contains. When a distiller brews flowers, he or she fills a large pot with water, the steam fills the pot, as the heat rises it fills the pot and causes the the glands of the plants to burst open and release the oils and essence of the plant into the steam. The essential oil however rises through a condenser and collects in a separate container.

 

Thanks Tessa, such useful information

ps: look out for a comeptition where you can win a prize from Essentially Tessa!!!

Cheri, Tip Top Nails

Why Nails Are the Biggest Trend in Beauty – Summmer 2012

From punk rock black to vampy red, the colour on your nails can often speak louder than many other beauty choices. Fast fashion has made ready-to-wear clothing trends inescapable, so importance has been placed on beauty and accessories when it comes to creating a cohesive head-to-toe look. Everything from the colour of your hair to the "it" shoes on your feet are reflective of the trend-centred society in which we live. In an economic crisis, shoppers often flock to beauty products as a more affordable luxury. In the past, nail colour was just another part of the beauty look on the runway, but recently, nail colour has become a marketable and very saleable part of the collection. To wit, Tip Top's seasonal lacquer collections are among the most coveted and typically move off the shelf as soon as they are released. Whether or not the varnish is designer or drugstore, the fascination with nails is just another step towards a complete personal style, all the way down to your fingertips. Nail design is limitless, which makes it the perfect way to accent anyone’s personal style. The main nail trends for this season are hot bright colours, pastel thrown in between, glitter and nail art It’s that time of the year gain which means the launch of the spring beauty collections, which in turn means the introduction of brand new nail colours. Pretty pastels, sunny brights and whatever covetable shades that fashion houses have dreamt up - these nail colours are the ones we'll be pairing with our new season sandals, and painting onto nails that will no longer be concealed by boots. For spring 2012, a floral palette is clearly evident with petal pinks, pretty lilacs and leafy greens abounding - everywhere there will be bold colours mixed and matched with soft pastels. These colours, prescribe one of the prettiest seasons for hands and feet in a long time. Colour Blocking will be a BIG trend this season, you can keep it simple within the same colour family or go bold and crazy—whatever suits your mood! Tricks for wearing summer trends: - If you love a colour but it is a bit too "in your face" when it's on your fingers then wear it on your toes. - You could also buy a clear glitter polish and put this over the top of the colour. - Try wearing a favourite colour of polish and wear the "tricky" colour on your ring finger only. Accent nails are ‘in’ - If you don't want to waste money on a colour that you may not like on your nails, pop a small roll of adhesive tape in your bag before you go shopping then wrap a little around the end of your finger and ask if you can paint the colour on the tape over your nail to see how you like it. - If there is a colour you really like, wear it! To show how easy it is to create Glam and Green nails that suit spring I bought these three polishes the other day from Clicks (R39,99)   Im officially obsessed with glitter nail polish to add a bit of sparkle!     A friend posted this picture the other day - also loving Tip Tip    Thanks Melissa for the photo   Thanks Cheri - some great tips!     Susan, Balm Balm     GET A SPRING IN YOUR STEP The birds are singing, the jasmine has started to bloom and your heart is happy because spring is (finally) here! Chances are your skin is moaning, sobbing and screaming after the long, cold dry winter.  The elements take its toll on skin in particular – low humidity, hot air, heat and almost no fresh air leaves skin feeling stressed, dry, undernourished and probably a little older <big sad wrinkled face> Paired with this is the stodgy food we tend to comfort ourselves with in the colder months.  Spinach salad or macaroni cheese?  Hmmmm.  Plus loads of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and very little water will leave your skin severely hydrated.  Nevermind the fact that your digestive system is crying out for live food like fresh fruit and vegetables. Remember the golden rule of health – balance your acid/alkaline levels.  Disease and chronic conditions can only survive in highly acidic environments.  If your system is alkaline and perfectly balanced...cancer doesn’t have a chance!  Just like your skin, your pH balance is so important. Don’t forget about your digestive system – it’s the first elimination route for toxins, your skin being the second.  Live food for live bodies.  Dead food is for dead bodies. Opt for colourful living food and your skin will glow from the inside out.  Colourful food means it’s packed full of antixodants.  The more colourful your plate, the younger you’ll look.  Beige, brown & white makes for wrinkles and sagginess.  (Did someone say macaroni cheese?) 5 WAYS TO GET A SPRING BACK IN YOUR STEP 1.       Eat alkaline food. Take Omega 3,6,9 supplements or Flax Seed Oil.  You’ll notice shinier hair and glowing skin in no time.  If you suffer from severely dehydrated skin and you drink 2 litres of water a day, you may be suffering from a lack of natural oils in your diet. 2.       Scrub:  but be careful...your skin shouldn’t get the same treatment as your potato bake dish after a rugby braai!  Only scrub once a week or once every two weeks (depending on how thin and delicate your skin is)  3.       Moisturise:  Get a good antioxidant serum for your face, a good (paraben-free) body moisturiser and a balm that can double up for hands and feet.  Above all...keep it simple!  4.       Hydrate:  Stay away from energy drinks, or hydration fluids.  Just drink good old-fashioned water.  Don’t be fooled by marketing...they are packed full of sugar, artificial colorants and other nasty ingredients that will just rob your body and your skin of precious health.  5.       Ease up on the chemicals:  Be aware of what chemicals are in your make-up (switch to a mineral or organic type if you can) our beauty products are absolutely laden with horrific ingredients, some are made from animal by-products, and some contain heavy metals which are extremely toxic for human life.  And most block your pores and can cause breakouts.  Side Bar* Ahem...what’s alkaline? Alkaline foods are all citrus fruits (lemon is amazing) – it may sound acidic, but when it hits your body it immediately turns neutral.  All fresh fruit and vegetables are great alkaline foods. Eg:  fresh green salad  with a variety of seeds, veggies, sprouts and a home-made salad dressing made from lemon, olive oil, vinegar (a little) Commercially sold salad dressings are full of RUBBISH!  So what’s acidic? You guessed it.  All meat, fish, chicken, wheat, dairy, sugar.  You’ve heard it all before.  Eg: A deep-fried corn dog with chips and a coke.  Really?  Somebody actually covered a Vienna in batter and then deep-fried it?  Maybe don’t eat that.  Ever.   Our Spring Skincare product recommendations: The more natural and organic your skincare route is – the less make-up you use.  You might say that you could tell – but I haven’t used foundation or base since I’ve switched to an organic skincare regime.  I simply use mascara, eyeshadow and sometimes if I look a bit pale I use a bit of light bronzing powder.  LESS IS MORE! Thanks Susan!       Wow! What great information! Thanks ladies, and thank you to those who contributed to Part 1 and Part 2 !   For more info on the brands featured in today's post, click below:   All Essentially Tessa posts   All Balm Balm posts   All Tip Top Nails posts   Let me know what you've thought about these posts! I'd love to know!   Look out for my next post as I'll be announcing a competition *yay*       xXx The Glam Green Girl



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Spring Care - Part 2

PART 2

SPRING CARE
 

 

 

 

Ready for Part 2?
 

 

This sections contributors are the wonderful Tanya Du Bois from Naturals Beauty and Tracey Pictor from Harmless House - two great ladies from two great brands!
 

 

Enjoy reading xXx

 

 

 

 

Tanya, Naturals Beauty

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks Tanya, and thanks for such an easy DIY masque!

 

 

 

Tracey, Harmless House

 

 

Get ready for summer

Summer is on the way and it is time to start getting your skin ready to soak up the sun and shine.

To help prep your skin for summer, exfoliating is essential else you are just tanning dry skin that is already coming off. In addition, keeping your skin moisturised will help to prolong your tan and stop your skin from getting dry during the hot weather.

Sanctum Body Buff is an excellent every day exfoliator, an invigorating gel scrub based on the buffing action of Luffa and crushed Walnut shell, removing dry skin and ingrained impurities.  Gentle enough for daily use, your body will feel fresh and revived.  Body Buff is ideal for the summer months with its revitalizing ingredients and its gentle exfoliation won’t remove your tan and will keep your skin glowing.  Body Buff contains 86% certified organic ingredients. 

 

 

For daily moisturising, Sanctum Body Soothe is a light, nourishing body lotion that absorbs quickly into the skin for instant hydration.  Enriched with Chamomile Flower Extract, it is beneficial for sensitive and allergy prone skin as it soothes and protects.  It also has a fresh, light citrus fragrance which won’t clash with your summer perfume.

There is no point in going to all this effort for your body, and then forgetting your face. The Sanctum Face Exfoliator contains rice bran and crushed walnut shell; it is a gentle exfoliator that polishes away dead skin cells and impurities.

 All products are available online from www.harmlesshouse.co.za and selected stores.   For further information, contact Tracey Pictor on 082 722 9472 or tracey@harmlesshouse.co.za

 

 

Thanks so much Tracey!

 

 

 

 

Want to know more about Naturals Beauty and Harmless house?

Click below

 

All Naturals Beauty posts by The Glam Green Girl

 

All Harmless House posts by The Glam Green Girl

 

 

Hope you enjoyed Part 2 - if you missed Part 1 click here

 

 

xXx
The Glam Green Girl

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Spring Care - Part 1

SPRING CARE

Part 1

 

 

September is one of my favourite months, because I know that spring has sprung which means my beloved summer is right around the corner!

 

Due to the popularity of my 'Autmun Care Segment' I decided to dedicate one to the best time of the year.. spring

 

 

 

Part 1 features the brilliant Tasha Saha from Miöja and the great CEO of Indie Lee Co herself, Indie Lee.

 

I hope you enjoy xXx

 

 

Tasha from Miöja

 

 

 

 

Spring-time…apple blossom, greening grass, baby animals! The world is on the move again and so it is within, as our bodies wake from the winter and begin to bloom. As the weather warms, this internal thaw can result in flu and colds, skin rashes and blemishes, congested sinuses and headaches. Inconvenient as they are, these are all signs that your body is beginning to throw off the fluids and toxins accumulated over a long winter: a healthy, positive process. This year, support your body’s innate wisdom and move in tune with nature by following these simple tips for a graceful shift into Spring.

 

spring clean- Spring is the natural time for undertaking a seasonal cleanse. Give your body the boost it needs by cutting out animal products, processed foods, sugar, alcohol and coffee for a week or longer to allow it to catch up on Winter’s cleansing backlog. Supplementing your morning juice with a teaspoon each of bentonite clay and psyllium husk will cleanse stagnant energy and matter from the digestive tract and often makes a vast contribution to looking and feeling more vibrant and alive. Twisting yoga asana assist the colon, liver and kidneys with elimination.

 

spring greens- Put aside the heavy, rich comfort foods and eat for life by incorporating more fresh greens into your diet. Leafy greens, particularly the bitter or sour varieties like dandelion, chicory or sorrel help to cleanse your liver for bright eyes, bushy tail and glowing skin. Try growing your own sprouts for food full of life force that packs a protein punch. More raw foods in your diet mean that your skin and your body’s other systems stay hydrated and happy, too.

 

spring skin- use skincare products with lighter, natural formulations to allow your skin’s elimination processes to function to their full. Moisturisers that include petrochemicals such as petrolatum, paraffin wax or mineral oil, can block pores and prevent toxins from being released, resulting in blemishes and blackheads. Try products that include detoxifying plant extracts to assist the process instead. Miöja’s Grapefruit and Fennel Intensive Therapy helps to draw excess fluids and toxins from your skin with a detox-specific blend of organic plant and essential oils.

 

click here for more info

 



spring blossom- use the energy and vitality of the season to initiate positive habits or start new projects. Let the kinder weather encourage you to get outdoors and get active, and love the world while you’re at it. Where Winter’s slow energies encourage us to nestle down and retreat, Spring brings fresh winds and vast potential- breathe in deep!

 

 

 

Thanks Tasha for that great information!

Indie Lee

 

 

Hey Everyone,

 

The changing seasons have been putting my body to the test this year. Hot to cold and back again really messes with my skin and body’s pH levels. As nature tries to find the right balance of temperature your skin can be as sensitive as ever before. No need to worry, I have an easy cure to leave your skin relaxed and reduce the irritation it may have suffered.

 

Two words: Calendula and oil. Calendula oil is derived from the calendula flower. The flower, which is edible, yum, begins to bloom and become pronounced each June. Beyond being beautiful and natural the plant oil provides immense relief to a multitude of ailments.

 

Did winter leave you with dry and chapped skin? Calendula acts as a natural moisturizer, soothing cracked areas and aiding the body’s natural healing process.

As an anti-inflammatory, calendula oil can greatly soothe inflamed and swollen tissue. This property allowed the oil to help with dry skin and eczema. For young children and newborns, soft skin means increased sensitivity in the first few years. Calendula oil works to balance the sensitivity of a toddler’s diaper rash by reducing the pain and irritation.

Since spring is here and summer right around the corner, all the little bugs and mites will be biting at your extremities. There is no better way to combat their nuisance with calendula oil. It prevents infections from the bites, helps heal cuts faster and soothes burners quicker.

 

Last, but not least, calendula works with the body’s natural chemicals to help raise collagen levels, making those scars less pronounced.

 

Because of calendula’s unique and helpful properties I use it in my Eye Balm, Baby Balm, and my new Body Lotion. I encourage you to all check them out!

 ~

Spring is in the air and as summer fast approaches, we start to show some skin. Here are three simple recipes that’ll keep your skin looking great and feeling refreshed. The recipes, made in minutes, are all natural and simple for someone on-the-go.

 

TANGERINE FACE CREAM

Tangerine face cream helps keep your face moisturized and smooth.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons of raw mango butter
• 3 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1 tangerine’s worth of juice
• 1 capsule of vitamin E oil

Mix the mango butter, sour cream, and vitamin E oil in a blender, then puree. While pureeing, mix the tangerine juice in. Enjoy!

 

APPLE AND HONEY ACNE TREATMENT

This paste helps clear up acne and leaves your skin looking and feeling great.

INGREDIENTS

• Honey
• Grated Apples

Mix the honey with grated apples until a paste is formed. Apply and leave on for 15-20 minutes to allow time to dry. Rinse with warm water. This can be done 2 to 3 times a week.

 

COCONUT OIL AND BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB

This scrub helps exfoliate your skin and leaves it smelling great!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup virgin coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Find a jar or container and put the brown sugar in. Add the coconut oil and stir it thoroughly. Then, add in the vanilla extract. Mix well. Remember to be gentle, no one wants over exfoliated skin! This should be done about once a week.

 

xoxo Indie

 

Thanks so much for this information Indie and the easy DIY beauty treatments we can all try at home!

 

For more info on Mioja and Indie Lee - click on the following links:

 

Posts including Mioja

Posts including Indie Lee

 

 

I really hope you all enjoyed Part 1 of my 'Spring Care Segment' ~ let me know your thoughts?

 

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

 



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Happy Spring Day

~HAPPY SPRING DAY ~

 

 

 

Wishing all my Glam and Green readers a happy spring day ©

 

Look out for a 'Spring Care Segment' coming up soon

 

Have a wonderful weekend

 

 

xXx

The Glam Green Girl

 

ps: those are flowers in my garden, all thanks to the love and care they receive from my Mom - don't you think they are beautiful?

 

 



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