Sasha Plavsic
Founder- ILIA BEAUTY

“I now know that a natural cosmetic brand can be filled with organic goodness, packaged with class, and perform above the rest…”

These are the words spoken by Sasha Plavsic, the gorgeous genius behind the brand on everyone’s lips (literally!!) ILIA. Renata and I have been so very lucky to be able to try the entire new collection, and for lack of a better word- it just ROCKS!!  We were so taken with this rainbow of colors that  we accessed our inner Martha Stewart, hunkered down at the kitchen table, and created our very own ILIA palettes, which are filled with all these stunning formulas. This has become our go-to palette on the set- with everyone coveting these shades. It makes looking beautiful  simply effortless! 

The MULTI STICKS and ILLUMINATORS are chic blocks of color made with Vitamin E, Shea butter, and all types of other organic ingredients. These totally brilliant products define the word multi-task! SWAY is an amazing bronzy shade that I blend onto my cheeks for instant bone structure, and smudge onto my upper and lower eyelids. I top it off with POLKADOTS and MOONBEAMS, a subtle, luminous highlighter that makes me positively glow-great for cheeks, inner corners of eyes and brow bones. A yummy pop of ALL OF ME (a deliciously warm coral ) or TENDERLY ( just about the sexiest pink you’ve ever seen) on the apple of my cheek and I am instantly transformed. These are great for lips too! I must confess, I made yet another mini palette of these sticks and that will sit all by itself in my Hamptons holiday travel bag- because I won’t need anything else!!

Of course, Sasha didn’t stop there- her lip collection is so stunning, my formerly dull wear-the-same-gloss-everyday self is a woman of the past! I am normally not a lipstick person, I usually find them too drying. Maybe its the sunflower seed and the jojoba oils that make the ILIA LIPSTICKS so deliciously creamy- I am a total convert! I am wild for PINK KASHMIR, an electric shade that has successfully taken me out of my nude comfort zone. Same goes for NEON ANGEL, a hot magenta that I love wearing with just a little mascara.Try IN MY ROOM for days when you are feeling a little less daring- its a totally universal pinky-brown that will work on ANY skin tone.

THE LIPSTICK CRAYONS are the perfect, tapered, slightly chunky stick that are formulated with healing oils of sesame, rose hip, and papaya. I am currently obsessed with COME UNDONE, which I am officially declaring the perfect nude- pair it with a sultry smoky eye- can you say Brigitte Bardot??? 99 RED BALLOONS ( how great is that name?!) is a total classic red- think 40′s glam. Like the perfect Chanel bag, it’s a forever color. KARMA CHAMELEON is a spicy coral that literally makes me happy when I put it on.

THE COVETED ILIA PALETTE

More things to adore about ILIA: It’s entirely cruelty free, was created with the highest level of ethical responsibility, and is a member of the esteemed Compact for Safe Cosmetics, which supports the global production of safe personal care products for women. Oh, and the packaging is TRES CHIC!! ILIA is truly a star in every sense of the word- Thank you Sasha!!

This post written by contributing expert Amy Holiber.

Amy Holiber is a makeup artist and  has been a contributor to LUCKY, MORE, and ELLE magazines.

I have always been more of a shower kind of gal, so I just never really considered the bath.  Always willing to try new things, I was more than ready to go when Renata suggested I review a line of bath oils. We are no strangers to Dr. Hauschka’s line of products here at Renata’s Blog, so I admit that was another motivating factor for me. When I first tried it, I was tempted to bring a notepad and do some word association, but then I felt just how relaxing it was (especially coupled with a nice playlist) and all of that went out the window. And believe me, the little voice in my head got pretty quiet for once. I sampled four different oils- each one totally unique in character. After my first month of really experiencing each one, I have to admit I have an affinity to each one for different reasons, moods, and specific needs.

• Lavender Bath: I am probably the most familiar with lavender, as many natural beauty products use it. It is extremely calming and perfect for letting your mind rest a bit, especially at night after a tough day. The Dr. Hauschka blend also helps to eliminate redness, a must-have for sensitive skin. This is a great one to try if you are a first time bath oil user.

• Sage Bath: I am used to seeing sage on the counter, but in my kitchen, not the bathroom! The sage bath is best used after a workout or physical stress to prevent breakouts. I love this because it reminds me to spend a little time decompressing after I exercise. It can also be used for a relaxing foot bath, and is perfect for the hot summer months when we all perspire a little more.

• Rosemary Bath: Rosemary is another one of those that I am used to cooking with or keeping in our herb garden, and I had no idea was so versatile. It actually helps to eliminate cellulite (what a plus!) and has one of those heady scents that seems to literally melt my anxiety.

• Spruce Bath: I immediately thought of Christmas when I opened up the Spruce! Dr. Hauschka’s blend uses Norwegian spruce essential oil to help perk up pale, tired skin with its warmth. The more I use this one, the more I fall in love with it. My senses come alive, leaving me recharged and ready to tackle anything!

For a regular bath,  fill the tub and then add about a tablespoon of the oil to the water. They’re incredibly easy to use and are made with essential oils instead of fragrance so you don’t have the cloyingly sweet or strong scent that you find in most bath products.

Don’t be afraid to step away from the directions on the label for these either, they have SO many uses! I wouldn’t recommend applying them directly to your face, but you can fill your bathroom sink with warm water, cover your head and indulge in a facial steam bath. They are also great for soaking your feet, especially after a long night in those stilettos!  I even put a drop of the lavender when prepping my pup for his bath. (He didn’t love it, but he became resigned to his fate quite a bit faster than normal.) No time for a bath? Just put a few drops on a cloth and BREATHE…. AHHH…. I also appreciate the fact that the brand takes care to assure that all of the ingredients they use are fair-trade and grown to support global communities.

As for me, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to embrace the benefits of a good, old-fashioned soak.  Turn off the phone, the computer, your boss’s voice inside your head, and TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. With the therapeutic benefits of rosemary, sage, lavender, or spruce, it makes it easier. The Dr. Hauschka baths are the surest way to emerge calm, cool, and collected.

This post written by Bernadette Silva, intern for RenataHelfman.com.

Bernadette Silva is a student, animal lover, and intern for RenataHelfman.com.

Usually I don’t start my blogs with a quote, but honestly, the above statement by self-proclaimed skin chef MAY LINDSTROM is so completely descriptive of the essence of her skincare that I could not have said it better myself. I try a lot of wonderful lines, but this one almost leaves me at a loss for words- it is THAT INCREDIBLE. May Lindstrom Skincare is Simple. Effective. Indulgent. It consists of 4 products- which, after using them, convinces me that less is, truly, more.

THE GOOD STUFF RADIANCE OIL – May says, “It will change your relationship with your skin.” Truer words have never been spoken.  From head to toe, it is a feast for the senses. Cocoa, Rose, Lavender and Ylang Ylang combine to create skin that begs to be caressed. I  literally look forward to treating my body to this liquid gold, and go into a slight panic when I think about running out of it! Hours later, the deliciously soft skin lingers on.

THE CLEAN DIRT -A dream come true. This is microdermabrasion in a bottle. A superfine powder-y blend of warming spices, cleansing clay and healing salts that scrubs off the old, uncovers the new, and basically you are left with a transformed complexion that looks like you had a really expensive  facial. As you scrub, you start to feel an invigorating heat and tingle. This must be the cayenne pepper, antioxidant carotenes and vitamins A and E at work. May also added nutmeg, which is a natural skin brightener, and clove, which has a stimulating effect on the mind. Mood lifted, skin gorgeous-heaven….

THE PROBLEM SOLVER-This masque is the one that you put on, luxuriate in the tub, drink a great glass of whatever, and emerge looking like you just came back from a fabulous vacation. It purifies, heals, tightens and detoxifies.And the formula! Its unlike anything I have ever tried. Blend it with a little water, and instantly you have this splendid, lighter than-air mousse-like concoction, 45 minutes later you may not recognize yourself.

YOUTH DEW-This opulent cocktail of 20 plant and botanical oils is the almighty queen of hydration!  A few drops morning and night covers all the bases. Filled with sea buckthorn, borage and avocado, this decadent deep red oil heals, has a ton of anti-aging ingredients and gives me such instantly radiant skin, I’ve actually been saying no to my foundation!  After you apply this your skincare journey is officially complete.

May Lindstrom

May Lindstrom is an amazing woman. What we love so much about her is she embraced a painful situation and turned it into a passion that healed not only her skin, but her soul. Here are a few excerpts from our interview:

What inspired you to start your line?  When I was young, my chemical sensitivities began to reveal themselves, and my skin became a battleground of blisters and hives. Bleeding rashes covered my body and I felt like a monster. I combined what I knew from my world in the kitchen (cooking was my greatest passion) and I began to blend new potions-researching skin friendly plants and minerals to heal myself.

How is it that your line works for all skins? I believe that our skin has the ability to heal itself if we give it the space to do so. This skincare is built on a foundation that has been around since the beginning of time: borrow from the earth, indulge in nourishing plant oils, flowers, clays, salts and spices. Skincare does not have to be complicated.

What are you “essential, stand-out ingredients?”  Both The Clean Dirt and The Problem Solver contain powerful blend of warming spices, and the beauty benefits are serious! Cayenne pepper stimulates blood flow and reduces inflammation. Nutmeg and clove are both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Cinnamon faciliatates the synthesis of collagen in the skin. I am also completely infatuated with plant oils. They are incredibly healing and beautiful additions to all my formulas.

SO much about May Lindstrom Skincare is inspiring. Like so many positive things in life, it was bred out of necessity, and even though there was pain, May was able to use her talents to create and channel a positive healing solution that we are so fortunate to benefit from. Look beautiful, feel beautiful, be healthy. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated…

This post written by contributing expert Amy Holiber.

Amy Holiber is a makeup artist and  has been a contributor to LUCKY, MORE, and ELLE magazines.

Coming down from a harsh Southwestern winter, the Damascena Foaming Cleanser was a lifesaver. I was particularly grateful after I had the misfortune of walking by a construction site and being completely sandblasted. My face was pummeled by bits of gravel! There are very few things as relieving as washing gobs of sand off of your face and being able to feel clean and even pretty after. The cleanser is wonderfully nondrying. Followed by a spritz of the Damascena Rose Water and Face Crème, and my skin actually felt about fifty percent softer than usual, plus the smell was gentle and calming. The nice thing was that each of the scents worked together so it wasn’t overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, I love some rose, but too much of anything is never a good thing. The product, though, that has been getting the most use from me is the Body Serum. Made from a blend of several oils, the serum smoothes and refreshes parched skin and can even help with discoloration of bruises. As someone who doesn’t watch where they are going very often, I love this. Even my mother, a true skeptic who has never really believed that oils can be used on skin, is super impressed with this serum and its absorbency. In one whiff, the gorgeous scent erases the stress of any day.

Marla Steuer, founder of Duchess Marden

Duchess Marden was created by Marla Steuer and named for her grandmother who she describes as, “a woman of exacting standards, who affectionately nicknamed me ‘The Duchess’”. After learning the benefits of rose while on a trip to Southeast Asia, Steuer chose to incorporate them into a natural skincare line that provided results. Duchess Marden uses only plant-based ingredients. The products are free of:

• petrochemicals
• parabens
• chemical preservatives
• artificial ingredients

Most are also suitable for all skin types. If, like me, you love the lush and heady scent of a rose, Duchess Marden (it even sounds regal) is an outstanding skincare solution.

This post written by Bernadette Silva, intern for RenataHelfman.com.

Bernadette Silva is a student, animal lover, and intern for RenataHelfman.com.

Where the bad little habits have a familiarity, there’s also an element of comfort to Bayberry. The scents are simple, light, and soothing. I sampled the Tea Tree Mint Refreshing Shampoo, which was a welcome pick-me-up and one of the few things that actually felt calming while I battled to get over a cold last week. I was surprised that I could actually smell it a little through my general stuffiness, but didn’t have to deal with that overpowering coolness on my scalp that sometimes comes with minty shampoos (I may have mentioned in the past, my scalp can be a little sensitive). The shampoos are also available in Aloe & Shea, Lavender Chamomile, and Simple and Soothing Baby Shampoo and Bodywash.

I also happen to be adjusting to the fact that my hair is about the longest I have let it grow in several years which, for me, means I’m in the extreme danger zone for tangles. Woe to the person (my sister, right now) who has to deal with my mood when my hair is knotty. I was glad to see that, for seeming very gentle, my comb went straight through with no problems after using the Soft & Pure Moisturizing Conditioner. My sister, who has extreme curls that are the total opposite of my locks had similar results. For the stray tangles that do manage to work their way in, Bayberry also has an Organic Leave-In Detangler that works like an absolute charm. It helps control frizz without making hair seem oily and can be used on wet and dry hair. I basically spend my whole day styling and restyling, taking down and putting up my hair, so I am now devoted to this detangler. The conditioner I sampled was unscented, but it is also available Lavender Chamomile and Tea Tree Mint.

Nancy Liddell, founder of Bayberry Naturals

Bayberry Naturals was started by Nancy Liddell, who decided, as a new mother, to limit exposure to chemicals in common products. After becoming frustrated with the lack of available products, she decided to develop her own line and ran them by her own family. As I mentioned before, everything is so gentle and simple but work, so it’s easy to see how anyone in the family can use them. As so many try get back to basics in the new year, Bayberry provides a nice little push to help us along.

This post written by Bernadette Silva, intern for RenataHelfman.com.

Bernadette Silva is a student, animal lover, and intern for RenataHelfman.com.

Lets start with my first can’t-live-without. The LIP and BODY TREATMENT BALM is a little tub of  super emolient balm that is great for all places dry and parched. Lips, elbows, feet- anywhere that is dehydrated is instantly transformed. What I really love is that its not at all greasy or sticky. I routinely use it under my lipstick for added moisture, and slather it on my poor heels nightly. This is a great winter staple.

The SKIN RECOVERY ENRICHED CALMING TONER is quite unique and really captured my love for this brand.  I am not really a toner gal, most of them seem to leave me feeling kinda dry and tight. This one is actually milky and really hydrating. I find myself putting it on first thing when I wake up-it’s just yummy and makes my skin look all dewy and glowy. Perfect for anyone with rosacea or any kind of irritation. Filled with evening primrose and borage seed oils- It literally makes your skin go AHHHH. It is the best toner I have ever used.

I am a mask person. I love to slather on something and emerge 20 minutes later a new person- (hopefully)  The SKIN RECOVERY HYDRATING TREATMENT MASK is just so lovely. It does just what it says: nourishes thirsty skin and basically leaves you looking totally radiant. I also love that it multi-tasks. You can use it just around your eyes as a super charged nightly eye cream, or put it on your whole face and leave it on while you sleep. In the morning you will look rested and years younger- which of course, is  my favorite perk. A tip on the website says to submerge the tube in warm water for a few minutes before use- which I now do everytime I use it. Like going to the spa-it’s heaven in a tube.

Founder Paula Begoun

I find it especially fitting that I post about Paula’s Choice as we enter the holiday season. I took this quote off the website, and find the spirit of it so perfect for this time of the year.

“It is Paula’s deepest belief that every individual and business can make a significant difference in the world by contributing their time or money to worthy causes.”

Paula’s Choice are huge supporters of tons of charities, from the Humane Society to Save the Children and countless others. Not only do we love spreading the word about fantastic, eco-friendly brands, but it makes it especially sweet to give applause to people who give back. Thank you Paula!

This post written by contributing expert Amy Holiber.

Amy Holiber is a makeup artist and  has been a contributor to LUCKY, MORE, and ELLE magazines.

I was lucky enough to try 3  brilliant  products, and now I am  hooked..

The FIRMING FLAX SERUM is an oil free concoction that has really delivered me smoother, firmer skin. I am generally an oil girl, since my skin is super dry, but this serum shed a whole new light on oil free serums. The secret weapon here is Harakeke Flax gel that actually causes your pores to contract, which prevents your skin from losing moisture, which in turn, is an amazing defense against wrinkles. Sign me up! It also contains Active Manuka Honey, sourced from local bees ( of course) and  does all kinds of magic like stimulate your skins immune system and clear up dead cells. Great for all skin types- I religiously use it morning and night.

I must say, I love something that does the big work while I get my much needed beauty rest. RADIANCE NIGHT OIL is filled with all the heavy hitters: rosehip, frankincense, jojoba and carrot oils. A few drops before you settle in to watch the E Channel stimulates collagen production and works all night long to rejuvenate your skin cells. It also multi-tasks. The team at LIVING NATURE suggest adding it to their hand cream, masks and nighttime moisturizers for an extra boost. Mornings have looked infinitely better since I added this potent oil to my routine!

New Zealand-Where the Magic Happens

Ok, I’m a freak about masks. Nothing is better than a Sunday late afternoon bath, my face slathered in something that promises to elevate me to supermodel status in 20 minutes. the VITALISING EXFOLIANT does just that! Its one of those very gentle feeling treatments that actually is super active. Loaded of honey and fruit acids, it gives a huge dose of instant gratification: Apply a thin layer, have a soak, and uncover a bright, rejuvenated complexion- I can’t explain how great my skin looks after I use this.

LIVING NATURE products also smell fantastic, and the packaging is super chic. From a far-away land, LIVING NATURE has given us a real treasure. Until I can actually get there, I am fortunate enough to have sampled what is truly the best of New Zealand. We know its a bit of a trek, so until you can book your next flight, visit www.livingnature.com  for beautiful skin now!

This post written by contributing expert Amy Holiber.

Amy Holiber is a makeup artist and  has been a contributor to LUCKY, MORE, and ELLE magazines.

I’ve tried liquid shampoos and ones that come with a foaming pump, but my first encounter with J.R. Liggett’s Old-Fashioned Bar Shampoo was also my first experience with a solid shampoo at all. Though I was little unsure as I rubbed the 3.5 oz bar on top of my head, the pretty substantial amount of lather (especially compared to some other natural formulas) it produced for all of my hair put my fears to rest. According to the wrapper, the bar is good for as many washes as a 24 oz. bottle. After using it for a while (and I’m pretty sure my sister is too), I definitely believe in the punch that little bar packs. Plus, you really don’t have to worry about it spilling everywhere or trying to figure how much of your bottle to divide while along while traveling. My favorite thing, especially with the Ultra Balanced formula, is that I have found that I actually do have much more manageable and soft hair that requires minimal styling, but still has all of the shine that I love and even gets way less oily between washes. I never thought I would be able to forgo conditioner, as the package states is best for some hair types, but after trying it a few times, I was proved wrong.

The bar comes in a neat, white wrapper that is also biodegradable. According to their site, each bar is made from 100% natural oils, won’t strip hair of its own oils, and is especially good for hair that has been colored or permed. There are several different blends of oils that vary depending on the issue you want to target, though I tried the Ultra Balanced and Virgin Coconut and Argan Oil blends and loved them. Each of the bars is hand cut in New England and made from an old recipe.

Between the feel of the brand being my best kept secret and the minimal fuss with full-on shine I have right now, I’m pretty sure my younger self would be pretty jealous.

This post written by Bernadette Silva, intern for RenataHelfman.com.

Bernadette Silva is a student, animal lover, and intern for RenataHelfman.com.

The Perfect Powder

Cut to.. I got a kid who drives, and I am STILL the hugest fan of Dr. Hauschka. Their newest collection of makeup has me swooning. Its called the NATURAL ALLURE COLLECTION, and I can definitely say that I am as impressed as I can possibly be with this makeup. Lets start with the ILLUMINATING POWDER, which I not only love for myself,  but I used it on all the women on my last 16 hour workday- and it was GENIUS. It is packed with luxe botanical and mineral ingredients, which nourish the skin and keep it healthy. And it gives your complexion this kind of glowy, gorgeous  sheen which is not too matte, yet not at all shiny. It was perfect for camera, and sets makeup beautifully. Best of all, I could keep reapplying it on all the actresses on the set, and it never ever looked cakey or too heavy. Just what you want from a translucent powder. Perfect in every way. The EYESHADOW DUOS  are equally fabulous. Usually I stay away from the “neutral” word because it immediately conjures up an image of BORING,  and these tones are anything but.  Yes, they are neutral, but in a really sexy, wearable way. The Pale Caramel and Cedar Dawn pair combines a gorgeous khaki with a hot, sheer gold color. The Soft Cinnamon and Deep Bronze duo are two shades of yummy mocha colors that give new meaning to the words “smoky eye.”  And the formula is foolproof: silky, just the right amount of pigment and absolutely perfect for fall.  I’m  also completely obsessed with the EUCALYPTUS DEW GREEN EYELINER. Such a perfect complement to either eyeshadow duo, and it glides on like a dream. Great to smudge and create a sultry, super hot look, or perfect of you just want a beautiful, everyday liner. Last but certainly not least is the LIPSTICK NOVUM. Normally I’m a gloss girl-I tend to find most lipsticks drying and hard to wear. These rosy, super pretty colors ( Delicate Orchid and Maple Glow) are housed in a creamy base of beeswax and rose petal extract that are not too matte, not too glossy, and feel delicious on your lips. Definitely my new go-to colors that have a permanent place in my makeup bag! To sum it up, this new collection from Dr. Haushka is brilliant for so many reasons, and I am just loving that it is so well edited, the colors are sensational, and EVERYONE can wear it. Some brands just really stand the test of time, and Dr. Hauschka has proved once again that we will forever be fans of this incredible line.

Soft Cinnamon/Deep Bronze Eyeshadow Duo

This post written by contributing expert Amy Holiber.

Amy Holiber is a makeup artist and  has been a contributor to LUCKY, MORE, and ELLE magazines.

Sumbody definitely uses a wide range of resources in their products, which I think is the root of their effectiveness. Their Coal Train Detox Cleanser uses things like charcoal for buildup, witch hazel water for redness, and various plant extracts (Japanese honeysuckle, lemon, Chickweed to name a few), for deep pore cleansing. I had really never considered something like charcoal (theirs comes from sawtooth oak) as a skincare solution, but for the sake of my pores, I am really glad they did. Their Milky Rich Sumsoap for face is also luxuriously moisturizing. With goat milk, coconut oil, and safflower oil, it has a light vanilla scent with hints of citrus, perfect for treating your skin at the end of the day and forgetting your stresses once you get into bed. Before trying out any of the natural ones, I had previously sworn off all bar soaps because I figured they would all leave my skin dry, but this is one that I can especially get behind. While Sumbody offers great facial care solutions, that is not all they are limited to. Their Citrus Splash Salt Scrub exfoliates with solar-evaporated Pacific sea salt and moisturizes with various oils, including the Sum essential oil blend and orange peel that you can see right in the jar.

Written by Sumbody founder, Deborah Burnes

One of the products I was most excited and intrigued by was the bottle of Expelling Perfecting Granules. I am no stranger to dry cleansers or scrubs, but with Pacific sea salt, kelp extract, Kaolin clay, mustard powder, and coffee as some of the ingredients, it’s not really like any other scent I have found in a beauty product, which is not to say it is unpleasant.  In any case, it certainly gets the job done. Reminiscent of the beach, the granules sort of resemble sand, but then dissolve as you massage it onto your face (which is nice, if you ask anyone who has gone to the beach and then found traces of sand for days after), leaving you with unbelievably pure skin.

It is really no surprise that Sumbody is able present us with effective answers to our skincare woes when it seems like they have taken the best things the earth has to offer, added them all up, and shown us the sum of that. Before any skeptics decide to give up on eco-friendly or natural skincare solutions, I challenge them to shake up their routines and compare these results with any of their old products.

This post written by Bernadette Silva, intern for RenataHelfman.com.

Bernadette Silva is a student, animal lover, and intern for RenataHelfman.com.