5th Annual Earth Day Beauty Awards

Editors’ Picks for Face

Eminence Organics Facial Recovery Oil (.5 oz; $76) Don’t take our word for it— in a clinical study, this transformative facial oil demonstrated its ability to increase skin hydration by 53% and reduce fine lines and wrinkles by 43%, after 28 days of use. While those stats are quite impressive, we think it will be the calming, balancing ingredients that keep you applying it day after day.

Ilike Grape Stem Cell Solutions Serum (1.2 oz; $118) This serum packs in the impressive anti-aging benefits of plant stem cells derived from unripened red grapes. Within fifteen minutes of applying this ultra-hydrating serum, it increases the free radical defenses of the skin by 124%. What’s more, the protection lasts for hours (even longer than your sunscreen!). We’d layer this power serum under your SPF for bonus damage-fighting benefits.

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Capsules (30 .01 oz capsules; $40) Hate traveling with a bottle of face oil? We love these new capsules for their potent skin benefits— and the convenience of single-dose hydration when we’re on the road. In addition to healing rosehip seed oil, one capsule delivers sweet almond, jojoba and evening primrose oil to restore skin elasticity and softness. With a few of these capsules in your beauty case, it’s easy to pack light and go heavy on the hydration.

Neal’s Yard Frankincense Intense (1.76 oz; $90) This beautiful cobalt blue jar holds a precious gift— a face cream rich in frankincense oil, prized for its ability tighten and tone the skin. The cream is a powerhouse anti-aging formula, with plant stem cells and peptides that support collagen production, argan oil, and a slew of healing essential oils like macadamia and turmeric. After two months using the delicately scented cream, 100% of consumers said that their skin looked younger, smoother and firmer.

Qēt Balancing Cleansing Oil with Thyme (2 oz; $19) In the past, products for oily, acne-prone skin sought to dry out blemishes and dissolve oil— but today we know that oil-based products can actually balance oily skin. This organic oil cleanser mixes olive and castor oils with healing sea buckthorn oil and thyme, an herb with antiseptic properties that have been shown to reduce blemishes. We love that it also leaves skin soft and moisturized, without tight, dry spots.

HollyBeth Organics Grits + Honey Scrub (2 oz; $25) Proof that simple can be sophisticated: this 3-ingredient scrub combines skin-smoothing Tupelo honey, moisturizing vitamin E and corn grits for extra exfoliation. The result is a silky-smooth complexion every time you use it. We love this product’s dual purpose; it’s a wonderful mask as well as a quick skin-polishing treatment that’s almost good enough to eat.

Balanced Guru Antioxidant Masque (4 oz; $45) Antioxidant-packed spices, acerola and acai berries are the stars of this unique powder mask. Mix a spoonful of the powdered base with water, honey, yogurt or toner, depending on your skin type, and you have an instant, organic antioxidant boost for your complexion. After just one use we saw smoother, brighter, calmer skin.

Pevonia’s Ligne Rose (1.7oz; $80) This is an incredibly effective product for those suffering from sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, hypersensitivity, and skin allergies. There’s the perfect result from feeding your skin the right amount of moisture and protection without leaving it feeling oily. Leaves your skin feeling invigorated and decongested with the fresh, natural scent of rose petals.

Jurlique Purely Bright Eye-Correcting Cream (15ml; $45) We all want an eye-cream that can multi-task, targeting the inevitable dark circles and puffiness that all sets of eyes eventually battle. This 95% natural formulation combines VitaBrightKX and botanicals that work together to do their magic, adding a healthy dose of African Birch Extract to help keep your skin feeling tight and firm.

Osea’s Blemish Balm (2oz; $42) Blemishes be gone! If you’ve got inflammation and break outs, you need to trust in a powerful product that is both professional grade AND contains all natural healing ingredients. With a base of three seaweeds combined with a healing blend of essential oils known to do battle with bacteria, you’ve got the perfect product that is harsh on bacteria but nurturing to your skin.

Naturopathica’s Stem Cell Booster Serum (.5oz; $48) Echinacea and Butterfly Bush, both potent stem cell variations, help plump and protect the skin for a radiance that we all aspire to accomplish with our serums. Add in the exotic rainforest berry, Acai, which is loaded with Omegas, antioxidants and other regenerative goodies, you will achieve the supple skin you crave.

Jane Iredale’s Balance Spray ($27) We are always being told to hydrate … hydrate…hydrate! JI’s facial spray, winner of ECOCERT’s Natural and Organic certification, not only smells amazingly refreshing, it’s also packed with a does of pomegranate extract to feed your skin much needed antioxidants. And an added bonus from this mineral make-up maven, she would never leave out the mineral setting qualities in this multitasking mist.

Kora Organics Soothing Day & Night Cream ($64) With our busy schedules, we need a cream that can not only work its moisturizing magic during the day but also work after hours while we are getting our much needed beauty rest. Evening Primrose, pomegranate, chamomile, olive and lavender oils are all packed into Kora’s nourishing day/night cream . We love the colors and packaging as well!

One Love Organic’s Neroli Aromatic Body Serum (3oz; $39) What makes a serum a serum you ask? The most effective versions are 100% active formulas for a more potent, longer lasting moisture solution vs. regular moisturizer. This winner’s got pumpkin seed oil, supercritical sea buckthorn oil, and the headliner ingredient, Neroli: Balances and nourishes the skin while promoting energy, playfulness and joy. You can literally feed your skin, head to toe, with this aromatic magic body serum!

Editors’ Picks for Makeup

Dr. Hauschka Inner Glow Limited Edition Lipstick (.15 oz; $23.95) It was the bright color pop of this lipstick (we tried the Pink Topaz shade) that caught our eye, and the incredibly soft, creamy texture that kept us applying. The rose and jojoba wax base of this lipstick is packed with moisture, while its rose hip and carrot extracts heal and nourish our delicate lip skin. There are eight beautiful shades of this lipstick available, and we’re hoping to collect them all.

Antonym Organic Quattro Eye Shadow ($38) Forget plastic compacts— bamboo is the new, earth-friendly way to package your cosmetics. Not only are Antonym compacts conversation pieces, they’re lightweight and fully functional (not at all like carrying around a block of wood in your handbag!), and they seal closed with a satisfying magnetic snap. Oh, and the shadows inside are certified organic!

Earth Therapeutics Shine-Free Spot Blots (80 sheets; $4.99) We consider these super-fine sheets of rice paper to be de rigueur in any handbag. They remove oil and dirt without disturbing makeup or adding layers of chalky powder. They’re simple, convenient and better for the environment than plastic-y blotting paper alternatives.

Kat Burki Glossy Lip Treatment (.5 oz; $28) The fruity lip balm you loved as a girl gets a sophisticated makeover in this chic rollerball gloss. Organic coconut oil and beeswax leave your lips lightly moisturized and shiny, while a sweet natural flavor and a hint of cinnamon make the application mood-boosting as well. We love that the ceramic rollerball applicator feels cool and stimulates circulation as it glides across your lips.

Zosimos Black Cherry Liptstick ($20) Pucker up Earth Day beauties, have we got a vegan lipstick shade for you! Black Cherry is the shade of a robust red wine with a surprise undertone of a dark blue, so have fun with it! And the best part, these vegan lip colors are lead free infused with only organic, plant-based ingredients. ECO EFFORT: Empty Lipstick tube can be returned for refill in same shade at a discount.

Gourmet Body Treats Luxe Mascara ($29) Finally, an organic mascara with mystique! This one’s also 100% vegan, certified organic, gluten-free, GMO free and paraben free! Added organic jojoba oil takes care of the moisturizing and thickening and for those of you eco-divas that are sensitive to artificial colors, this lash tint mascara gets its color from pure fruit pigments and minerals.

Gabriel Cosmetics ZUZU Mosaic Illuminator ($28.50) We love this mineral make-up choice! This iron, titanium, silica rich powder is a veritable palette of subtle and soft tones artfully capturing light and luminescence while it also works to cover imperfections. Perfect to brush right over your serum application, which often have mineral setting properties. Come on girl, get your glow on!

Editors’ Picks for Body

EmerginC Scientific Organics Coconut-Argan Body Oil (6.08 oz; $54) In one corner, the argan-obsessed, in the other, those who swear by coconut oil. The two sides will come together for this natural oil spray, which also contains eight other plant oils, from sunflower seed to jojoba. We fell hard for the beachy, suntan lotion scent, a natural fragrance blended from eucalyptus, bergamot, orange and clove. But the best part may be that emerginC plants a tree for every bottle sold.

CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray (6 oz; $34) Even the most judicious sunscreen wearers get red now and then, and when over-sunned skin happens, this is the product you want close at hand. Aloe, cucumber, chamomile and comfrey cool, soothe and reduce inflammation, while the Tri-Rescue Skin Complex of turmeric, reishi mushroom and bisabolol promote healing and repair. And the unique spray bottle makes it easy to apply to hard to reach places where you might have missed applying your sunscreen.

Zoe Organics Baby Oil (2 oz; $18) We love this organic oil blend for just about anyone, especially those with sensitive skin. With only five ingredients (all certified organic) and no preservatives, fillers or synthetic fragrances, it’s exactly what baby oil should be— pure and calming enough for baby, yet rich and hydrating enough for mature skin.

Elemental Herbology Detox Botanical Bathing Infusion (5 oz; $35) You’ve heard that essential oils have therapeutic benefits when used in your bath, but you have no idea how to mix your own herbal concoctions. Not to worry— this rich bath oil offers a potent blend of detoxifying essential oils. Juniper berry reduces water retention while rosemary stimulates circulation, grapefruit tones the skin and reduces cellulite and geranium balances the body. A few capfuls in the bath and you have a no-fuss detox ritual at a moment’s notice.

Brooklyn Limegreen Room-Linen-Body Spray (8 oz; $12) Go ahead; spritz your sheets, your skin and the air with this 3-in-1 spray (just remember to shake well first, to mix up the essential oils inside). While testing this product, it migrated from our nightstand to our living room, bathroom to our vanity table, proof that you’ll have more than enough opportunities to use every last drop. We tried Zinnia, a sweet, fruity floral that’s perfect for summer, but you can choose Lemongrass, Lavandula, Poppy and Lotus to suit your fragrance fancy.

Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 30 in Tropical Scent (4 oz; $15.95) This zinc oxide and titanium oxide sunscreen is thick, but not sticky, and mineral-based, without leaving a white film on your skin. It’s ideal for those who are active in the sun (beach volleyball, anyone?) and will last 40 minutes in the water. The sweet natural fragrance makes us want to reapply again and again.

Goldfaden MD Hands to Heart (3 oz; $38) Think just any old hand cream will do? Not if you want to keep your hands as ageless as your face! This rich cream combines three proven anti-aging ingredients — retinol, niacinamide and glucosamine— to fade discoloration, plump lines, soothe and hydrate dry skin and boost collagen production. Massage it into overworked hands for an instant spa moment.

Mio’s Liquid Yoga (6.8oz; $40) This soak comes with a warning label: May cause relaxation and happiness, and for good reason! Rest, renew and reset your tired yogini bones in a warm bath infused with Liquid Yoga’s Magnesium-rich Epsom salts and Arnica for muscle relief, a blend of V-Tonic™, spearmint, cypress, lavender, mandarin and chamomile essential oils to ease your stress and anxiety. You are essentially road blocked from feeling pain or ill-ease once you step out of this bathtub full of liquid therapy.

The Wonder Seed’s Fresh Jasmine Body Wash (8oz.; $15.95) HEMP OIL, it isn’t just known as a by-product of the famous plant from which is comes anymore, it’s also packed with natural emollients for the skin. It is easily absorbable in its role as one of the world’s richest sources of essential fatty acids. Essences of Jasmine Oil and Jasmine Blossom Extracts added to this body wash leave a lovely, fresh scent on your skin.100% Vegan, cruelty-free, toxin-free. Yah mon, lather it on!

LATHER Mangosteen & Green Tea Hand Lotion (8.5oz; $15) We are forever on the prowl for the perfect, silky smooth, delicious smelling go-to hand lotion that we can apply and reapply throughout the day. Problem is, a lot of them end up drying your hands out, depriving them of the essential, natural moisture they need. This lotion is packed with mangosteen and green tea, which means easily absorbable antioxidants into the skin to do their battle on the free radicals that are doing battle on you!

Kerstin Florian’s Ginger Bath & Body Oil (3.4 oz; $56) This bath and body oil t is NUMERO UNO for those that suffer from stiff muscles and arthritis, especially in the morning. After a warm shower, apply this blend of exotic essential oils to work on soothing sore muscles and to cool off inflammation. Infused with gingers from Thailand and Indonesia and coriander from Morocco, you’ve got a strong army to fight against chronic colds, joint problems, fatigue and other assailants to your health.

Parissa’s Wax Strips Essentials Kit ($25) If you are looking for a super smooth, non-toxic, sustainable, even food-grade wax for your DIY hair removal routine … search no further! Parissa is not only 100% pure and safe but their eco-ethos is something to talk about. Parissa’s plant produces NO bi-products or environmental waste and is powered by natural gas and hydro-electric power. Hair removal with a conscious, now there’s a new concept!

Erbaviva’s Jasmine & Grapefruit Deodorant ($19) Deodorant is a touchy subject for a sensitive area. We’ve been warned of the dangers of toxic deodorants and yet the market doesn’t have much to offer in the way of organic options. But then we found erbavia: A USDA certified organic, aluminum free spray-on deodorant. Organic extracts of sage, lemon, patchouli, and Tea Tree oils come together to create a bold smelling spray deodorant that counteracts the growth of bacteria and doesn’t clog pores.

Editors’ Picks for Hair and Nails

Farmaesthetics Powdered Silk (3.3 oz; $30) Some dry shampoos leave your hair feeling thick and textured, but this light powder, made from silk powder, lavender buds, cornstarch and sea salt, leaves hair satiny-smooth. The light lavender scent is so fresh that you’ll be tossing your hair back and forth— and maintaining your gorgeous blowout for days.

Badger Beard Oil/Mustache Wax (1oz., $15.99)/ (.75oz, $9.95) You moisturize and soften the hair on your head, so why not do the same for the hair on your face? Guys, these organic products from Badger’s Man Care line offer a low maintenance way to groom your beard and mustache. The rich Beard Oil smells warm and spicy, like sandalwood, cardamom and black pepper, while the Mustache Wax has a light vanilla-bergamot aroma, and plus organic oils and butters to soften and tame those scratchy hairs. Your sweetie will be impressed— and want to get a little closer.

Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Grow & Strengthen Serum (4 oz; $12.99) This fresh-smelling serum applies the age-old wisdom of herbalists to nourish stronger, healthier hair from root to tips. Massage a dab into your scalp and spread it through your strands. Hemp calms scalp irritation, tamanu oil repairs, bamboo strengthens and monoi oil hydrates. What you’ll notice is softer, healthier, great-smelling hair.

Olivia Garden Bamboo Styling Brush HH-B40 ($22.45) Bamboo— it’s 15% harder than maple, 30% lighter than oak, and a 100% renewable natural resource, making it the perfect choice for this durable styling brush. The boar bristles are naturally antibacterial and a favorite of hair pros, plus it comes to you at a drugstore price. The oversized 2 3/4-inch barrel of this model is perfect for styling medium to long hair.

Honey & Hibiscus Reconstructing Shampoo + Reconstructor (10oz; $54) This luxurious duo may just change what you think about organic hair care. The spicy, exotic scent (a blend of ylang ylang, grapefruit and bergamot) of the richly foaming shampoo lingers in our hair, just like the softness you get from the matching conditioner, which moisturizes and strengthens with organic honey, cupuacu butter and kelp extract. The result is hair that feels smooth and hydrated without looking weighed-down.

100% Pure’s Creamy Nail Colors ( $12) No more walking into nail salons where the nail specialists wear masks to protect from breathing in toxins all day. 100% Pure nail polishes are just that, 100% pure. These polishes are void of the Forbidden Five carcinogens found in regular polishes: formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, camphor, and formaldehyde resin. The colors are rich and bold and oh so creamy! If you can’t apply polish on your own, bring them in with you to your manicurist, at least you are making an effort!

Neuma Beauty’s reNeu Scalp Therapy ($25) When we think of exfoliation, we think face and body, but what about the skin on your head, aka your scalp? Neuma’s got ya covered! Created from the earth and back to the earth, this treatment is made from plant extracts, essential oils and Phyto UV Shield™: an exclusive blend of plant nutrients which protects color from UVA & UVB oxidation.
Eco-Effort: NEUMA is a part of the solution – VETTING every chemical, providing full ingredient disclosure, not hiding behind words like “fragrance”, using CLEAN energy and GREEN chemistry principles in manufacturing