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Green-eyed Girl: Perfectly
Green Skin Care
By Tess Kurzeja
There’s a certain stereotype that has accompanied
the environmentally friendly for years. Historically,
the green gal isn’t overwhelmingly respected for
her fashion sense, product prowess or, gasp, grooming
rituals. But the times, they are a changin’ and
Teva sandals, bare faces and patchouli oil aside, who
ever said a new-age hippie couldn’t also be pretty
in pressed powder and stunning with super skin?
When it comes to faces, the green gal is leaving others
green with envy with the range of products popping up
that work well and reflect well on the environment.
And while great products come from near and afar, the
highest quality the greatest green gal can get comes
from Australia from the forward-thinking Stem Organics
company.
With a line of skin care products composing a full
regimen of skin health, the company uses only natural
and organic products and houses them in biodegradable
and environmentally friendly packaging.
 Skin
care experts stress the importance of frequent exfoliation
so rest assured, your skin will thank you for using
Stem’s Smooth Skin Exfoliant ($36 at
stemorganics.com).
Filled with Organic Jojoba, Pomegranate and Bamboo this
fine exfoliant is as gentle as it is effective on all
skin types. Sloughing off dead skin without over drying
and irritating, this product adds moisture, antioxidants
and essential oils to skin preventing free radical damage.
Another undeniable hallmark of progressive skin care
is moisture. And while moisturizers are some of the
most abundant products lining store shelves,
not just any moisturizer will do. Organic moisturizers, 
full of antioxidants moisturize and protect. Add a little
SPF to the mix and you have a balanced equation for
an ideal moisturizer. To sweeten the pot, an extra tint
can balance the tone of skin even before foundation.
Encompassing all these ideal properties, Juice Beauty’s
Organic SPF 30 Mineral Light Moisturizer is
just the moisturizer to try ($29 at juicebeauty.com).
Enjoy the smooth application, light scent and high quality
in this everyday moisturizer.
While the above products offer a great place to start
clearing skin, covering imperfections is the business
of makeup artist and product developer Alison Raffaele.
So, whether you are fighting off blemishes, or simply
seeking a refined look without damaging your skin, Raffaele
offers advice and products galore.
Starting her boutique line eight years ago with her
husband/business partner, Raffaele’s goal is to
assist a busy population of ladies in taking care of
their look with the knowledge she has accrued throughout
years in the beauty industry.
 She
counsels using a primer, before applying foundation
like her Acne Response Primer with SPF 15 ($44
on alisonraffaele.com).
A primer (which should not replace a great moisturizer)
will help minimize pores and stop the growth of acne
bacteria that skin fights daily. This product contains
Raffaele’s trademarked Frutta di Vita antioxidant
complex, chock full of pomegranate, goji berry and more
to reduce the effects of free radicals which can be
responsible for premature aging. It’ll also smooth
over flaky skin that often accompanies acne-laden skin
and allows foundation to glide on, rather than cake
over damaged layers of skin. This primer is packaged
within biodegradable materials and is designed to be
environmentally friendly as well as friendly to your
face.
 Where
Raffaele is concerned, she has one supreme tip to share.
When testing new products and ingredients, it’s
important to “introduce one product at a time
to better identify what works for you.” This,
combined with a dependable skin care ritual (wash, tone
moisturize) can make all the difference in keeping skin
clean and pristine.
When it comes to glowing by day and night, keep makeup
light and fresh with a thin layer of tinted moisturizer
and foundation followed by a hit of Afterglow’s
Organic Glow Bronzer ($18 at afterglowcosmetics.com).
This loose bronzer lends a unique summer “glow”
that enhances skin tone without the orange hue that
other bronzers are known for.
 After
skin care and makeup are all accounted for, all that’s
left in debunking the stereotypes of old is a fresh new
scent. Say goodbye to the patchouli scent so synonymous
with the earth conscious and embrace the light, summery
Purity scent from Wellness by CLEAN as a natural,
rose, jasmine, muguet and geranium scented alternative.
This scent is not only certified free of synthetics and
petroleum, its corn-derived alcohol base is safe for even
the most sensitive skin types ($76 at cleanperfume.com).
 “Green-eyed
Girl” is PrettyCity®’s monthly guide
to the latest beauty products and treatment trends reflecting
a consciousness for the environment and personal health.
If it’s organic, we know about it; if it’s
helping our environment while keeping us looking and
feeling our best, we love it. And, you can rest assured
we’ll tell you all about it. Please contact
us with story ideas or product suggestions.
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