I loveWhole Foods Market, and have been shopping there for many years– it has long been my favored place to shop for food and many of my natural skincare favorites. There is no question that I often lose myself in their Whole Body aisles, and it is there that I have made so many wonderful skincare discoveries! The Whole Foods Beauty Week is a really wonderful event– that I highly recommend– and this year they are offering an amazing "hello, beauty" cosmetic bag stuffed with $90,.00 worth of products for only $18.00 (shown above and below).
From March 22 – 28, Whole Foods Market is hosting our third annual “Beauty Week,” which means 25% off all cosmetics and facial care in their stores! (Pro tip: if you’re a fan of Trilogy products, they are an EXTRA 25% off during this time, too!)
On Friday, March 24, Whole Foods will also be offering a limited edition “hello, beauty” bag while supplies last. It’s a $90.00 value, but will be sold for $18.00.
Here’s what’s included in the bag:
Acure Pore Clarifying Red Clay Facial Mask (full size!)
Whole Foods Market Peony Mint Blackberry Hand Cream (full size!)
This curated beauty bag is a great choice for those looking to clean up their beauty routine. For clean beauty aficionados and newbies alike, the bag is a perfect way to try products from up-and-coming brands like evanhealy and get your tried-and-true favorites from Dr. Hauschka and Mineral Fusion.
The bag itself is made from organic cotton and handcrafted by talented artisans in India using traditional techniques of dabu indigo mud-printing, power loom weaving and hand-tasseling.
Don’t live near a store? Beauty fans across the USA can enter to win a “hello, beauty” bag by sharing their favorite clean beauty products on Instagram or Twitter using #CleanBeautyFaves starting March 22.
Overall Assessment: I highly recommend getting the "hello, beauty" bag, and taking advantage of the deep discounts throughout the department during this event!
With very few exceptions, nearly everything that I finished up this month came out of my shower. While I am still rounding up my mostly used up products, and while I continue to make a concerted effort to use them up– in December it is clear that the products that were the easiest to finish up were the ones that were accumulating in my shower.
LUMENE Refreshing Cleansing Foam (Reviewed HERE): This is a refreshing, foaming cleanser that is best for use on normal to combination skin. It thoroughly cleanses, without stripping, and it leaves skin bright and clean.
Manuka Secrets Cleanse (Reviewed HERE): is a non-lathering daily cream cleanser that leaves skin thoroughly cleansed and ultra moisturized. It contains nourishing ingredients like Almond Oil, Manuka Honey and Shea Butter that moisturize and protect the skin, and it removes every bit of makeup without stripping the skin. If you have dry skin, or if the colder weather is wreaking havoc on your skin, then this is a great cleanser to try. It has a warm and earthy scent that is delightful.
Manuka Secrets Day Creme (Reviewed HERE): is a very lightweight and fast absorbing antioxidant-rich daytime moisturizer that provides long-lasting intensive hydration. Manuka Honey soothes and softens the skin, Hyaluronic Acid binds moisture and plumps fine lines, Shea Butter deeply moisturizes, and CoQ10 supports skin's natural regeneration. It leaves skin soft, supple, hydrated and luminous. The earthy scent only lingers for a few minutes before it fades away.
Trader Joe's Moisturizing Cream Shave in Honey Mango: This remains an absolute staple in our household, and I buy them four at a time. The formula is ultra-moisturizing and creamy, but it does not clog up your razor. It smells delectable, and it leaves skin soft and silky-smooth. Already purchased several more tubes!
J.R. Watkins Coconut Scented Room Refresher (Reviewed HERE): This is the perfect pick-me up to give your house a fresh scent. Coconut Scented Room Spray eliminates odors in any room of the house, and is great if you have pets. In addition to using this throughout my house, I love to spritz it near my kitty litter box, and it really does the trick.
TOM FORD Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum: This is an utterly intoxicating, rich and sensual fragrance. The warm, smoky tobacco is warmed up by the vanilla, and it is one of my most coveted fragrances. I bought a large bottle, and am savoring every drop.
Inspired by an English gentlemen’s club, redolent with spice, this reinvention of a classic fragrance genre fuses creamy tonka bean, vanilla, cocoa, dry fruit accords, and sweet wood sap for a modern, opulent, and almost heady impression.
Mirai Clinical Formula Body Spritzer (Reviewed HERE): This body spritzer is intended to keep you dry and to provide superior levels of deodorant protection. It works quite well under the arms, and on the on the feet, and the light grapefruit scent is neither cloying, nor overpowering. It comes in a small and portable pen-sized spray tube that makes it ultra convenient to use.
Whole Foods Market 365 Fragrance Free Conditioner (Reviewed HERE): The Whole Foods Market's 365 Everyday Value line of shampoos and conditioners are really fantastic quality, and they were revamped earlier in the year making them even better than before. They are very affordable, and you can pick them up easily if you shop at Whole Foods.
Hask Kalahari Oil Color Protection Conditioner (Reviewed HERE): This is a very nourishing conditioner that not only protects and preserves color-treated tresses, but it also leaves hair nourished, manageable, shiny, detangled and frizz-free!
Honor Haircare Mask: This is a very, very rich deep conditioner, and only the tiniest amount is needed. I mistakenly used a large amount the first time that I tried it, and it was way too much. I had to rewash my hair to remove it, and once I used the right amount I really loved how it deeply moisturized my hair.
Giovanni 2 Chic Blackberry & Coconut Mix Leave-In Conditioning & Styling Elixir (Reviewed HERE): High quality leave-In conditioners are a remarkably effective way to nourish the hair, to make it manageable, and to fight frizz and fly-aways. It is an essential step for my often unruly hair, and I have had great success with this formula. It effectively detangles, fights frizz, and leaves my hair soft and silky-smooth. The delicious coconut oil and blackberry aroma lingers for about an hour before fading away.
Novex Bamboo Sprout Extra Deep Hair Care Treatment Cream Mask (Featured HERE): I am a huge proponent deep conditioners, and was looking forward to trying this one out, but as is often the case a single test packet doesn't provide enough product to form a meaningful opinion.
ECO Body Wash Grapefruit + Rosehip Oil (Reviewed HERE): If you love refreshing grapefruit scented body products, then this is a great choice. The scent is uplifting and delicious, but not overpowering, and the formula is non-drying on the skin. Furthermore, this product is free of sulphates and parabens– which I tend to seek out. I definitely intend to purchase a bottle when I finish this one up.
Trader Joe's Hand Soap in Lavender & Chamomile: This is a staple in our house, and I tend to buy them 3 or 4 at a time. It has a very light scent that is a pleasant fusion of the lavender and chamomile that I find quite soothing. It is ultra gentle, non-stripping and thoroughly cleansing. Absolute unmitigated A+
KORRES Chamomile Softening Soap (Reviewed HERE): is a mild, and very gentle, glycerin-based cleansing soap that was developed for use on the face and body. It has a lovely light floral scent that isn't in the least bit cloying, and it forms a nice lather that leaves skin thoroughly cleansed and almost squeaky clean without feeling in the least bit stripped. I have tried it on my face, body and hands, but tend to prefer using multipurpose soaps on my body and hands. It did, however, do a lovely job thoroughly cleaning my face without leaving it taut or uncomfortable. This bar also works very well for shaving legs and armpits!
Phytomer Seaweed Soap (Reviewed HERE): I have fallen madly in love with this Seaweed Soap, and I definitely need to buy another bar because I miss it already! It does a remarkably efficient job of sweeping away dead skin cells, but it is so gentle that I can use it every single day. I was initially astonished by the extent to which it leaves my skin velvety soft and silky smooth, but now that I have become accustomed to its exemplary performance I cannot imagine myself without it. I don't store it in the shower because I like to allow it to dry out thoroughly between uses.
Cetaphil Eczema Calming Body Wash (Reviewed HERE): I absolutely love this body wash! It is an ultra-gentle soap-free cleanser that has a satisfying lather. It neither strips the skin, nor does it leave behind a residue, but instead it gently and thoroughly cleanses the skin. My skin is left soft, supple and moisturized.
Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel (Reviewed HERE): This is my second time using the Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel, and it is by far the most effective foot feel that I have tried. Baby Foot Exfoliant is an all-natural, foot exfoliant that removes dead skin and callouses unlike anything that I have experienced before. It leaves feet unbelievably soft and smooth without any rigorous effort on your part. The formula features 17 types of natural extracts that allow your feet to exfoliate natural and effectively.
Baby Foot is remarkably easy to use, but should obviously be avoided if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. It is a very active and effective enzyme peel that makes your feet molt like nothing you have ever seen before. In fact, it is so effective, and the results are so shocking, that I found it too unsightly to post a picture of my feet after they began to peel in sheets!
Youngblood Minerals in the Mist in Relax (Reviewed HERE): Gives skin a moisture boost with these facial mists. Infused with pure essential oils and vitamins to protect and hydrate skin. Use after cleansing to lock in moisture and after makeup application to set foundation. This fantastic spray contains "vital minerals such as Hematite, Rodalite, and Zincite that provide protection for skin cells, rejuvenate skin tissue, and acts as pure cell energizers." Relax feels unbelievably great on the skin, and it truly has a calming aromatherapeutic quality that leaves you with a sense of well-being, and it does so while making your skin look and feel great!
Spongellé Ginger Bergamot Body Wash Infused Buffer (Reviewed HERE): is dual-sided body wash-infused sponge with the delightful scent that is best described as a warm citrus. Unlike their You Have My Heart on a String body buffer, this one has the same non-abrasive texture on both sides. While it lacks the exfoliator on one side, it still offers enough friction to exfoliate dead skin cells.
What did you use up, toss out, giveaway or return in December? Any real winners or duds to report?
If you are in the habit of hosting holiday events and dinners, you probably have your share of expected and unexpected overnight guests. When I find my house brimming with people, many of whom won't be going home at the end of the evening, I like to make sure that my guest bathroom is well stocked with things that they can use in case they didn't pack everything that they might need. Given that you might not want to put your ultra-luxe, and expensive skincare, body care and haircare products out for general use– it is worth stocking up on more budget friendly finds if you are going to be hosting lots of people between now and New Year's Day. I tend to stock up on these types of essentials at Whole Food's Market when I am grocery shopping, and also my local drugstores. Here are a few things worth considering:
Whole Foods Market 365 Shampoos and Conditioners ($4.95 each for 16 oz. and $7.99 for 32 oz. from Whole Foods Market): The Whole Foods Market's 365 Everyday Value line of shampoos and conditioners are really fantastic quality, and they were revamped earlier in the year making them even better than before. They are very affordable, and you can pick them up easily if you shop at Whole Foods.
According to Whole Foods Market,
All of the revamped shampoos work to hydrate and cleanse without stripping hair or drying the scalp, while conditioners are made with organic aloe vera to smooth and detangle, as well as restore moisture and shine. These products meet the grocer’s strict quality standards and are free of parabens, sulfates and artificial ingredients.
The 365 Everyday Value® hair care refresh includes:
New package design for improved foaming & gentle cleansing
Certified natural fragrances
Added Argan Oil for shine, Coconut Oil for conditioning, Panthenol for strengthening and Liden Extract & Glycerin for moisture
John Frieda Frizz Ease Full Volume 1875 Watt Hair Dryer ($39.99 from Ulta and Walgreens): If you are looking to buy yourself a new hair dryer that is affordable and works really well, or you want to provide one for your overnight guests, then this is a really great value. It comes with a diffuser for people with wavy and curly hair, and two soap on concentrators to target your airflow.
John Frieda Full Volume Dryer has an Advanced Ionic Generator with Titanium Ceramic Coating for superior conditioning and shine. John Frieda Full Volume Dryers' true cold shot button to lock in curls, waves & style. Features two snap-on concentrators for custom targeted airflow. Made with Advanced Ionic Technology and Titanium Ceramic Coating, the Full Volume Dryer defends hair from heat damage and infuses hair with volume bounce and shine as it dries.
The high voltage advanced ionic generator and locking cold shot make the John Frieda JF1 easy on your hair. Use the JF1 as-is or add the included diffuser to get natural curls and waves dry without adding a lot of frizz. 3 heat settings, 2 speed settings, 2 concentrators and professional rocker switches help you customize the hair dryer as you change hair styles and lengths. The titanium ceramic coating on the outlet grill gives the hair dryer a cool look. It runs on 1875 watts.
John Frieda Frizz Ease Satin Finish Flat Iron with 1 1/2" Plates ($54.99 from Ulta): If you need a flat iron for the holiday festivities, or want to have one available to your overnight guests, then this John Frieda Stain Finish Flat Iron is an affordable choice that is both high quality and effective.
According to John Frieda,
John Frieda Sleek Finish 1 1/2" Flat Iron offers extra-long straightening plates with advanced ionic conditioning and true ceramic heater. Plus, it has ceramic titanium-coated plates that take only 15-seconds to heat up to 455 degrees Fahrenheit.
Features:
LCD Temperature Control
Auto Off
Professional-length Swivel Cord
Limited five year manufacturer's warranty
I have been using products from JĀSÖN for many years, but recently started using their Smoothing Coconut Collection, and m thoroughly obsessed with each of the products that I have tried. All of these products only use unrefined, virgin coconut oil that is cold pressed from fresh coconut meat without, and without the use of damaging heat and skin-irritating chemicals. While this process is significantly more expensive, it allows for a higher concentration of nutrients, and therefore the products are much higher quality, and far more effective.
JĀSÖN Smoothing Coconut Foaming Shower Oil ($10.99-$11.20 for 10 oz. Whole Foods Market and Walmart): This heavenly smelling coconut shower oil transforms into a creamy cleansing foam when it comes into contact with water, and it gently cleans the skin thoroughly without stripping it. In face, skin is left soft, supple and hydrated. It also works exceptionally well for shaving legs and underarms!
According to JĀSÖN,
This indulgent shower oil instantly transforms into a delicate cleansing foam when it comes in contact with water, enveloping your skin in soft, luxurious lather. The unique blend of botanical oils gently lifts away impurities and helps to improve your skin's moisture retention while Coconut Oil nourishes and revitalizes dry skin.
Features:
Revitalizes dry skin.
Softens and hydrates with coconut oil.
Jason Foaming Shower Oil Smoothing Coconut.
No parabens, SLS, petrolatum, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances or phthalates.
JĀSÖN Smoothing Coconut Hand & Body Lotion ($9.99 for 8 oz. from Whole Foods Market and Walmart): This is an ultra-rich and nourishing hand and body lotion that is absolutely perfect for dry skin and the colder months of the year. It does a great job moisturizing dry skin, and leaving it soft and silky smooth. It has a gorgeous coconut scent, but it does far soon upon application.
According to JĀSÖN,
A rich daily lotion that delivers deep, long-lasting hydration. Its formula combines an intensive blend of unrefined, virgin Coconut Oil and Shea Butter that relieves the discomfort of extremely dry skin, while softening and smoothing rough patches.
Features:
Softens with virgin coconut oil and shea butter.
Jason Hand & Body Lotion Smoothing Coconut.
Virgin coconut oil.
Ultra moisture for extremely dry skin.
No parabens, SLS, petrolatum, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors or phthalates.
JĀSÖN Smoothing Coconut Oil ($10.99 for 15 oz from Whole Foods Market and Walmart): Pure Coconut Oil is such a great multipurpose moisturizer that can be used from head to toe. I use it in my hair to tame frizz and nourish my tresses, on my scalp, on my cuticles and as a body oil. It starts out as a solid, but quickly becomes a liquid once it is warm up between the hands. It is a skin saver for dry, chapped skin, and it is a perfect choice to keep dry skin moisturized. The scent is absolutely delicious!
According to JĀSÖN,
Jason Smoothing Virgin Coconut Oil is a perfect all-purpose moisturizer. Rich in nourishing Vitamin E and antioxidant polyphenols, this melts-at-first-touch oil delivers unparalleled care to your skin and hair. It nourishes extremely dry, chapped skin, tames frizz and fly-aways, and helps minimize hair breakage and split ends. It also smooths chapped lips and softens nail cuticles.
Features:
An unrefined, 100% organic Coconut Oil with a wide range of benefits. This multi-purpose product is rich in nourishing Vitamin E and antioxidant polyphenols, delivering unparalleled care to your skin, hair and nails.
Nourishes dry, chapped, sun or wind-burned skin
Tames frizz and fly-aways from hair
Helps minimize hair breakage and split ends
Smooths chapped lips
Softens nail cuticles
Yes to Paper Masks ($2.99-$3.29 for 0.67 oz. each from Walmart, Target, Ulta and Amazon): Given that sheet masks have gained such traction over the last few years, you can treat your overnight guests to an assortment affordable masks from Yes to. They have a nice variety that targets a nice array of skincare needs.
Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Acne Fighting Paper Mask: Yes to not playing connect the dots on your face! Formulated with tomato extracts and salicylic acid, the single use Yes To Tomatoes Acne Fighting Paper Mask fights acne and pasty white pimples from forming.
Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Calming Paper Mask: Yes To keeping calm with cucumber which is the perfect soothing agent for the skin (and the soul)! The new, stylish, single - use Yes To Cucumbers Paper Mask soothes and calms sensitive skin leaving it hydrated and refreshed.
Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask: Say Yes to formulated charcoal to detoxify and clean pores, this single-use Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask is perfect for those times when your skin needs a serious deep cleaning.
Yes to Coconut Hydrate & Restore Ultra Hydrating Paper Mask: Yes to going coo coo for coconuts which provides intense moisture for ultra-smooth skin! The single use Yes to Coconut Ultra Hydrating Paper Mask is rich in coconut and Ultra hydrating for those times when your sin needs an extra dose of moisture.
Fresh Monster Toxin-Free Haircare($7.99 for 8 oz. from Whole Foods, Target and Amazon): If you will be having little kids spending the night, their parents will be thrilled to see some toxin-free 2-1 Shampoo & Conditioners, Shampoo and Body Washes and a Hair Detangler. They come in fun scents that are neither too fragrant, nor do they smell like chemicals. They are fun to use, and you might be tempted to try them yourself!
Meet Fresh Monster, a refreshing new take on getting kids clean. This exuberant lineup of affordable, toxin-free haircare is developed specifically for kids, but equally safe and effective for the whole family. And as a bonus, every product is represented by a unique monster, encouraging children to embrace both cleanliness and quirkiness.
Fresh Monster believes there shouldn’t be any tradeoffs when it comes to keeping kids clean and safe. Natural products should work just as well as conventional ones—and safe, toxin-free formulas needn’t be a costly luxury. Created by moms who have worked on the front lines of haircare (and know firsthand about the harsh chemicals lurking in personal care products), Fresh Monster offers a full line of toxin-free haircare made just for kids.
Star ingredients: All-natural botanical extracts; safe, plant-based cleansers; and fragrances blended from all-natural ingredients, never from chemicals. What you won’t find: toxins of any kind. No sulfates, parabens, phthalates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, BPA, soy or gluten. Everything’s made in the USA and, with no animal testing involved, it’s all PETA certified cruelty-free. In fact, Fresh Monster meets the highest standards for personal care products set by Whole Foods and the Environmental Working Group, no easy feat!
Miracleware Muslin Washcloth (2 and 3 packs for $10.90 -$18.95 from Miracleware, Amazon, Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond): Miracleware’s naturally absorbent 100% cotton muslin washcloths are very soft against the skin, and yet they are durable enough that they will last a ver long time. Muslin washcloths, unlike terry washcloths, become more soft and supple after each wash. They are not only great for babies, but in fact are fantastic for adults as well. I love using mine to remove my masks and cleanse my skin.
According to Miracleware,
Unlike other fabrics, muslin is soft and gentle on delicate skin. Scrubbing your face with terry cloth can easily cause inflammation, and many people make the mistake of over-exfoliating, which can lead to redness and even wrinkles. But 100% cotton muslin fabric is easy on your skin, absorbent and gently buffs away impurities and dead-skin cells without causing irritation. Muslin washcloths are also lightweight and fast-drying, so bacteria doesn’t get trapped in the fabric, which means you can use them multiple times before washing. And chances are you’ll find this budget-friendly beauty secret at your local baby store for much cheaper than a specialty beauty store.
Babytime! is an all-natural skin care line that is suitable for the whole family, and their products are made with organic ingredients that you can trust.
According to Babytime!,
It is the only brand to make safe products that contain probiotics to help support skin immunity and treat common skin conditions such as, eczema. Babytime! products contain no unhealthy toxins or chemicals and are the only products that are used in the NICU. Their mission revolves around “green” values that go beyond ingredients. All Products are manufactured in U.S. facilities using solar power, and products are packaged in recycled and sustainable material. Each product can be purchased online for under $20, making them the perfect stocking stuffers for your family.
Babytime! Snuggly Lotion in Cherry Butter ($15.00 for 8 oz. from Babytime and Whole Foods Market): This is a delicious, lightly fragrant, ultra moisturizing lotion that is baby-safe, but don't be surprised if you find yourself using all of the time!
According to Babytime!,
Lock in skin’s hydration with this non-greasy nourishing moisturizer. Soothing borage seed oil helps boost skin immunity while avocado, flax and primrose oils soften and condition delicate skin. Glides easily for smooth application- perfect for massage!
Features:
Ages: timeless for all ages, 0 - 150 years
Uses: Silky light moisturizer for everyday use, massage
Benefits: light weight, non-greasy hydration
Safety: doctor developed, allergy tested
Smells Like: a delicate touch of nestled berries
Feels Like: warmth, bonding, friendship
Select Ingredients: organic avocado, flax, olive fruit oils
Directions: Smooth onto face and body after bath. To renew extra dry skin, layer over Episencial Soothing Cream. Massage into scalp to help loosen flaky skin. Use common sense caution and contact a health professional if concerned. Use alone or as a part of the 3 Step System for best results.
Babytime Soothing Cream ($13.20 for 3.4 oz. from Babytime and Whole Foods Market): This is a very rich and nourishing balm that is absolutely perfect for healing dry, chapped skin. It is ultra-concentrated, so a little goes a very long way, and it does a phenomenal job hydrating the skin. It is fragrance-free, soothing as the name suggests, and a perfect choice for the whole family.
According to Babytime!
Bring cooling comfort to red, dry, itchy, irritated skin. This all natural scent-free formula with calming calendula and raspberry butter restores moisture balance, while nourishing probiotics and neem oil fortify and soothe developing skin. The probiotics in our formulas ensure that baby skin is balanced and healthy with good bacteria. Soothing Cream can be used to soothe eczema, dermatitis, cradle cap, baby acne or diaper rash. It can also be layered under Sunny Sunscreen for a silky smooth application or under Snuggly Lotion for extra hydration.
Features:
Ages: Timeless for all ages, 0 - 150 years
Uses: Organic creamy lotion for itchy bothered skin
Benefits: Comforting, pH balancing + soothing
Safety: Doctor developed, EWG top rated for safety
Smells Like: Unscented, like fresh air
Feels Like: Healing, cooling and fresh
Please note: for raw skin, Nurturing Balm is best
Ingredients (listed HERE): organic avocado, flax, olive fruit oils
Given that the holidays often include plenty of unanticipated overnight guests, it is nice to have extra tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes on hand. One of my favorite drugstore brands of toothpaste is Colgate, and I always have a few tubes in rotation at any given moment. Currently I am really loving their Colgate Enamel Health Mineral Repair Toothpaste and the Colgate 360 Enamel Health Toothbrushes. They are easy to find at your local grocery stores and drugstores, they are affordable, and will be appreciated by your guests who came unprepared to spend the night!
Colgate Enamel Health Mineral Repair Toothpaste Claims:
* Helps strengthen enamel 4x better vs. ordinary fluoride toothpaste
* Helps absorb essential minerals, such as natural calcium, for stronger, healthy enamel
* Provides protection against sensitivity and cavities, in addition to providing whitening and fresh breath benefits
* Available in: Mint Burst
* Available now at mass retailers, grocery and drug stores nationwide
* Cost: 4.0 oz tube for $3.99
Colgate 360 Enamel Health Toothbrushes Claims:
* Enamel safe
* Polishing spiral bristles help whiten teeth by removing surface stains from enamel
* Polishing cups hold toothpaste as you brush
* Cheek and tongue cleaner removes bacteria
Overall Assessment: You really can't go wrong with any of these products if you are seeking some affordable finds to stock your guest bathroom this holiday season. Having both been an unanticipated overnight goes, and having hosted unanticipated overnight guests, I have to say that there is something very special about making sure that guests have what they need for a very comfortable and memorable stay. What do you like to have on hand for your guests during the holidays?
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
In celebration of Beauty Week 2016, Whole Foods Market is offering deep discounts on select natural and organic beauty products.
From March 18 to 20, all facial care products will be 25 percent off regular price. On Friday, March 18, stores will offer limited edition “hello, beauty” bags for $15 a piece. The bags are made by Riji Green, which is a business committed to ending human trafficking. Valued at $80, each bag includes products from Acure, Burt’s Bees, derma e, Dr. Hauschka, evanhealy, Mineral Fusion, MyChelle, Pacifica, Trilogy and Weleda.
Gift Bag Contains:
Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk .34 oz
dermae Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask .5 oz
Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub 1 oz
evanhealy Rose Geranium Facial Toner HydroSoul 1 oz
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant + 10 ml
MyChelle Perfect C Serum .17 oz
Mineral Fusion Lash Curling Mineral Mascara (Gravity) .57 oz
Burt’s Bees Sunset Cruise Lip Stick .12 oz
Weleda Skin Food .34 oz
Riji Green Organic Cotton Bag
“We’re thrilled to host our second annual Beauty Week to celebrate our shoppers and introduce new shoppers to our beauty selection,” said Maren Giuliano, global Whole Body executive coordinator at Whole Foods Market. “Our shoppers care about the ingredients they put on their skin, just like they care about what’s in the food they eat, which is why we’re so proud of our unparalleled quality standards for our beauty department.”
For years, Whole Foods Market has been lauded for its beauty department standards. In 2012, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics named the company “the leading national retailer” in personal care product safety; in 2014, the grocer was named runner-up in the Sustainable Beauty Awards’ “Sustainable Leadership” category; and in 2015, Giuliano was recognized by Women’s Wear Daily as one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Beauty.”
Whole Foods Market set its own standards for organic labeling on personal care products, as there are no mandatory government standards for the “organic” label claim on body care products.
In celebration of Beauty Week 2016, Whole Foods Market is offering deep discounts on select natural and organic beauty products.
From March 18 to 20, all facial care products will be 25 percent off regular price. On Friday, March 18, stores will offer limited edition “hello, beauty” bags for $15 a piece. The bags are made by Riji Green, which is a business committed to ending human trafficking. Valued at $80, each bag includes products from Acure, Burt’s Bees, derma e, Dr. Hauschka, evanhealy, Mineral Fusion, MyChelle, Pacifica, Trilogy and Weleda.
“We’re thrilled to host our second annual Beauty Week to celebrate our shoppers and introduce new shoppers to our beauty selection,” said Maren Giuliano, global Whole Body executive coordinator at Whole Foods Market. “Our shoppers care about the ingredients they put on their skin, just like they care about what’s in the food they eat, which is why we’re so proud of our unparalleled quality standards for our beauty department.”
For years, Whole Foods Market has been lauded for its beauty department standards. In 2012, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics named the company “the leading national retailer” in personal care product safety; in 2014, the grocer was named runner-up in the Sustainable Beauty Awards’ “Sustainable Leadership” category; and in 2015, Giuliano was recognized by Women’s Wear Daily as one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Beauty.”
Gift Bag Contains:
Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk .34 oz
dermae Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask .5 oz
Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub 1 oz
evanhealy Rose Geranium Facial Toner HydroSoul 1 oz
Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant + 10 ml
MyChelle Perfect C Serum .17 oz
Mineral Fusion Lash Curling Mineral Mascara (Gravity) .57 oz
Burt’s Bees Sunset Cruise Lip Stick .12 oz
Weleda Skin Food .34 oz
Riji Green Organic Cotton Bag
Whole Foods Market set its own standards for organic labeling on personal care products, as there are no mandatory government standards for the “organic” label claim on body care products.
If you are an avid Whole Foods Market shopper, as am I, then part of your regular grocery store trip involves happily wandering down the Whole Body aisles. I find new skincare and makeup treasures on every trip, and thought that I would share a few wonderful rose-inspired Valentine's Day gift ideas for your mom, sisters and friends!
Weleda Jardin de Vie Rose Eau de Parfum: This brand new Weleda fragrance is launching exclusively at Whole Foods Market this spring, and it is a must-have for rose enthusiasts.
The scent is a delectably peppery rose that is neither too sweet, nor too spicy. The ylang yang adds some earthy richness and texture to the sweetness of the rose– which is further modifies by the spicy peppery effects. The overall impression, after dry-down, is a more complex spicy, warm rose. I am absolutely smitten!
The floral scent that incorporates the beauty of a rose, provides a harmonizing mood. Romantic and delicate with light powdery notes of ylang ylang. Well-suited to the Weleda Wild Rose line of products!
Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula Toner: This alcohol-free toner is filled with nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water and Grapefruit Seed Extract. It gently cleanses, tones and soothes the skin, and the natural rose scent is utterly intoxicating!
Thayers Rose Petal Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula Toner will make your skin bloom. Rose Thayer’s remarkably soothing Toner is made with rose-petal water, Vitamin E and our proprietary Witch Hazel extract.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Certified Organic Filet Of Aloe Vera), Glycerin (Vegetable), Fragrance (Natural Rose), Hamamelis Virginiana Extract (made from Certified Organic Witch Hazel), Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Water, Citric Acid, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract.
Alaffia Good Soap in Prairie Rose: This phenomenal bar soap is, unsurprisingly, one of the top-selling products at Whole Foods because of its amazing quality, affordable price and wonderful philanthropic backstory. Proceeds from the sale of this soap help build kindergarten schools in Togo where ingredients for this soap are sourced.
This soap smells so good that I need an extra bar to live in my sock drawer. It has a lovely warm rose scent, a creamy lather and nourishing ingredients. It leaves skin soft, supple and hydrated, and I find it emollient enough to use for shaving as well!
Good Soap sales fund Alaffia community empowerment projects in West Africa. Alaffia aims to empower individuals and their communities through long-term, effective projects with the end goal of poverty alleviation, gender equality and human rights for all.
If you find yourself walking down the Whole Body aisles, here are a few more roses to check out:
evanhealy Rose Cleansing Milk, Jason Invigorating Rosewater Body Wash, Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant Plus, Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream and Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Heavenly Night Cream.
What are your favorite rose beauty products?
Overall Assessment: If you shop at Whole Foods Market, I urge you to spend some time walking their Whole Body aisles. I find amazing treasures there every single time that I go grocery shopping!
The recent growing demand for safe eco-friendly skincare products, specifically formulated for babies, certainly has not been lost on Whole Foods Market, and the recent launch of their 365 Everyday Value Baby Body Care line is just what eco-conscious parents have been seeking.
According to Whole Foods Market,
In response to a growing demand for affordable, safe baby products, Whole Foods Market created a line of 365 Everyday Value® Baby Body Care that meets its Premium Body Care® Standards, which prohibits 400 ingredients including parabens, polypropylene and polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates. Shoppers can trust the products that meet these standards are always free of artificial colors, preservatives and scents – which can cause irritation, especially for young children. These products are hypoallergenic for sensitive skin, dermatologist tested, and free of parabens and sulfates.
365 Everyday Value Baby Body Care line includes:
365 Everyday Value® Baby Lotion
365 Everyday Value® Baby Shampoo No Tears
365 Everyday Value® Baby Foaming Wash No Tears
365 Everyday Value Baby Shampoo No Tears is a gentle lathering shampoo with a very faint herbal scent that dissipates quickly. It leaves hair clean, soft and tangle-free. It's mild enough for daily use, if need be, and it can double as a body wash in a pinch. It is so lovely that you will enjoy it yourself.
Shampoo Ingredients:
Free of Parabens, Polypropylene and Polyethylene Glycols, Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfates.
365 Everyday Value® Baby Foaming Wash No Tears is a wonderfully unique foaming body wash that dispenses from its "patented cap that creates a self -foaming action by simply inverting the bottle and squeezing – only one hand required!" The lovely light herbal scent coupled with the gentle moisturizing formula makes this a perfect choice for delicate baby skin. However, it is so wonderful to use that you will love to use it to gently cleanse your skin as well.
Ingredients:
These products are hypoallergenic for sensitive skin, dermatologist tested, and free of Parabens and Sulfates.
365 Everyday Value® Baby Lotion is an ultra lightweight and fast absorbing lotion that leaves skin moisturized, soft and supple. It has a very faint light herbal scent, but it disappears soon upon application.
Ingredients:
Overall Assessment: So good that you will use all three on yourself, whether or not you have a baby!
The Whole Foods Market Baby Body Care line includes:
365 Everyday Value® Baby Lotion – $5.99 for 12 oz.
365 Everyday Value® Baby Shampoo No Tears –$5.99 for 12 oz.
365 Everyday Value® Baby Foaming Wash No Tears* $5.99 for 12 oz.
Whether it’s Santorini, a trip to the Hamptons or road trip to your local campgrounds, pack like a pro with the limited-edition weekender bag from Whole Foods Market, stuffed with travel and airplane-friendly essentials that meet the company’s quality standards.
Mini-sized contents include:
Tom’s of Maine Simply White Toothpaste - toothpaste without synthetic bleaching chemicals.
Juice Beauty Nutrient Moisturizer - hydrating plant oils and calming botanicals for all skin types.
Whole Foods Market gets ‘Ready for Action’ this Summer
From June 24 to 30, stores kick off summer adventures with events, limited edition bags and protein powder sale.
Whole Foods Market's inaugural 'Ready for Action Week,' June 24 through 30, will celebrate active, fit lifestyles. From June 24 to 30, the store’s Whole Body departments will host events, classes, demonstrations and promotions* to showcase Whole Foods Market’s large selection of active living products—from protein powders and superfoods to sun-care and reusable water bottles.
'Our shoppers live incredibly active lives— from professional athletes to new moms,' said Maren Giuliano, executive global Whole Body coordinator. 'This week we’ll be highlighting products that support healthy lifestyles for various kinds of shoppers, whether it’s a person looking for supplements that support hydration and energy or are a family who just wants to stay safe in the sun.'
Beginning Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m. local time, all Whole Foods Market stores in the United States will offer a limited edition “Ready for Action” bag for $12 (valued at $50.) Packed with great products for summer adventures, these 100 percent jute bags with organic cotton lining are made by RIJI Green, a business committed to ending human trafficking. Each bag includes a Boiron Arnicare Gel, Goddess Garden Organics Everyday Natural or Kids Sunscreen SPF 30, Aubrey Pure Aloe Vera, Amazing Grass Amazing Meal in Vanilla Chai, Garden of Life Perfect Food Raw Organic Green Super Food in Chocolate Cacao, Spectrum Essentials Seed Blends, Nuun Active Natural Electrolyte Enhanced Drink Tabs, Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant, a Spectrum Essential recipe book and three coupons.**
From June 26 to 28, shoppers will also save 25 percent on all protein powders at all Whole Foods Market locations in the United States and Canada. All protein powders sold at Whole Foods Market are free of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. For more on Whole Foods Market’s standards, please visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/about-our-products/quality-standards.
*Please check with your local store to see which events, classes and promotions are happening in your area. **All items in this promotion are supported by our participating suppliers.
Here is the limited edition “Ready for Action” bag for $12. (valued at $50.)
“Ready for Action” bag for $12 (valued at $50.) Packed with great products for summer adventures, these 100 percent jute bags with organic cotton lining are made by RIJI Green, a business committed to ending human trafficking. Each bag includes a Boiron Arnicare Gel, Goddess Garden Organics Everyday Natural or Kids Sunscreen SPF 30, Aubrey Pure Aloe Vera, Amazing Grass Amazing Meal in Vanilla Chai, Garden of Life Perfect Food Raw Organic Green Super Food in Chocolate Cacao, Spectrum Essentials Seed Blends, Nuun Active Natural Electrolyte Enhanced Drink Tabs, Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Deodorant, a Spectrum Essential recipe book and three coupons.
About Whole Foods Market:
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named 'America’s Healthiest Grocery Store' by Health magazine. The company's motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 88,000 team members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 18 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2014, the company had sales of more than $14 billion and currently has more than 417 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
For more company news and information, please visit media.wfm.com (Unaffiliated Links).
As you are well aware, I love Alaffia products and have been buying them for many years. I always shop the Whole Body section at Whole Foods Market when I am grocery shopping, and I often come home with a few Alaffia products. In fact, I have to credit my mother for introducing me to the line years ago because it was she who bought me my first products from the line, and I have loved them ever since. I have used and loved their Shea Butter for years, but have to say that their Africa's Secret Multipurpose Skin Cream is my most recent Alaffia obsession!
According to Alaffia,
Our new Africa's Secret Multipurpose Skin Cream is a great, all around moisturizer thanks to the powerful healing properties of its ingredients. It's also ideal for really dry skin, environmental protection, as a night cream and for treating scars & skin discolorations. Alaffia combines traditional recipes and indigenous ingredients in this versatile, all purpose cream with shea butter, coconut oil, wild honey, baobab oil and other natural ingredients to help promote healthy skin. Proceeds from sales of Alaffia products are used to help fund women empowerment projects in Togo.
Africa's Secret Multipurpose Skin Cream is a thick and rich balm that starts out as a solid, but quickly liquefies when warmed in the hands. It penetrates the skin quickly leaving it deeply moisturized. I tend to use it on my hands, cuticles and feet with extraordinary results. That said, I apply it anywhere that needs added moisture. It's a touch rich for my combination skin, but those among you with very dry skin will likely find it extraordinary for the face. It is a very healing balm that is loaded with potent ingredients that protect, nourish and moisturize the skin with extraordinary efficacy. Furthermore, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Africa's Secret Multipurpose Skin Cream smells a bit like beeswax, but I find that the scent fades soon upon application. I find it to be a very pleasant and earthy scent, but for those among you who prefer no scent-- it does fade away.
According to Alaffia they chose10 Simple Ingredients to make this amazing product:
Shea Butter: Rich in Vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids. Coconut Oil: Rich in critical & easily absorbed nourishing fatty acids. Beeswax: from the honey comb (protective). African Wild Honey: Harvested sustainably in Togo from wild bee colonies. It's a potent humectant so it attracts & retains moisture. It's also an anti-irritant and has antibacterial properties. Neem Oil: Incredible anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Baobab Oil: Rich in vitamins A, D & E and skin essential fatty acids that keep us looking young & radiant. Sesame Oil: A light, easily absorbed oil rich in sesamol and sesamin, two exclusive antioxidant compounds. Royal Jelly: A complex mixture of proteins, sugar, fats and minerals & vitamins. It's especially rich in vitamin B5 which supports the healing of flaking skin & other irritating skin conditions, along with acne and even insect bites and stings. It's thought to reduce the appearances of wrinkles & other fine lines. Bee Pollen: The pollen gathered from plants by honey bees & brought back to their hive. It's a superfood ingredient, containing all 8 essential amino acids in amounts between 5-7 times level found in equal weights of high protein foods. Contains Vitamins A, D, E, K, C and B complex vitamins and niacin = high mineral and antioxidant activity! Bee Propolis: Resinous substances that bees collect from plants and use to make their bee hives. It's a mixture of amino acids, minerals, vitamin A, B complex, E & flavonoids. It also has antimicrobial properties.
Ingredients: Handcrafted Shea Butter* (Butyrospermum parkii), Virgin Coconut Oil* (Cocos nucifera), Beeswax, African Wild Honey, Neem Oil (Azaradichta indica), Baobab Oil (Adonsonia digitata), Sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum), Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis.
*Certified Fair for Life (FairTrade) by IMO.
After very little coaxing, Africa's Secret Multipurpose Skin Cream turned into a luscious liquid on my arm.
Overall assessment: This is an amazing healing balm that can be used from head to toe. It's one of those products that has become a staple in my household! It has given me the softest feet and hands imaginable! That said, if you have sensitivities or allergies to any of the ingredients, then this will not be a good match for you. In that event I would recommend trying their Shea Butter-- which is itself a revelation!
$13.99 for 2 oz. from Alaffia, Whole Foods Market & Amazon (they also sell a two-pack). (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample provided by Alaffia & Whole Foods Market. All views expressed are categorically my own.
