Edelbio Skin Care Blog

Miley all Smileys about Prius

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Miley Cyrus has been deemed the 'Tween Queen' and Disney's biggest star. She is now a shining example of how younger generations can take part in greener lifestyles. After turning sixteen, she got the keys to a Porsche and a Prius. Not wanting to come off as hypocritical, she ditched the Porsche for the Prius.

“First of all, the Porsche is really hard to drive… This thing is really huge. I’m really into the environment; I’m always telling people to get more into it and there are different ways to stay green and then I’m driving, like, this big ol’ tank and I’m like, ‘That could not be any more hypocritical.’”

Get to Know: Louise Roe

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Louise Roe is on the list of people you ought to know and definitely a 'New School' icon. She currently works for Vogue TV. Roe dishes her fashion expertise about what is absolutely 'in' and shows how having an incredible smile is probably the best accessory.

Roe receives honorable mention from us here at Edelbio because she looked effortlessly flawless while wearing a dress made from a trash bag by a fashion student. Not only did she flaunt it but she strutted in it during fashion week in Milan! Here's the article and tutorial on making your own.

Two Prominent 'Eco'Mags Go Under, Thanks to Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:50:00 +0000

Plenty Magazine and Domino have seen their final days due to the current economy. Both magazines covered environmental news and living green.

“In making the announcement, company president/CEO Chuck Townsend said the decision was purely based on the softened economy, which has already claimed a handful of other shelter books. This year through February, Domino’s ad pages tumbled 51 percent to 22 percent, per the Mediaweek Monitor. Launched in 2005, the title achieved a rate base of 800,000. But observers have said that in addition to the hard-hit housing market, the title had some difficulty explaining its positioning in the marketplace.”

We pray that once the economy becomes stable and once again thrives that Plenty and Domino will come back in full force.

Limited Edition Bags Attempt to Make an Unforgettable Statement

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:54:00 +0000

Richard Nicoll is bringing awareness to Environmental Justice Foundation’s (EJF) Pick Your Cotton Carefully campaign using his amazing design skills to create these limited-edition bags.

The bag is being modeled by style leader and top fashion journalist Louise Roe. “Now more than ever, it’s crucial to be savvy about what you’re buying - customers need to take responsibility for the consequences of what they buy and where,” she says. “EJF are making a difference to children’s lives around the world, and I am proud to be supporting them.”

Most of us are unable to attend the London Fashion weekend, but by purchasing a bag we can feel not only uniquely fashionable, but also environmentally involved.

Stefani a Celebrity Mommy to Adore

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:37:00 +0000

We adore Gwen Stefani because not only is she a popular American recording artist and an innovative fashion designer, she is also an amazing mother and an active do-gooder.

Her family is always rocking the latest style and starting the hippest trends. That is incredible considering her son Kingston is only two years old and their newest edition Zuma is only six months old. They obviously get their good looks and fashion ideals from their mother.

Gwen recently teamed up with Handmedowns.com to auction off some of the two young gent's gently-used baby gear to raise money for a great cause. All the proceeds will benefit the Orange Wood Children’s Foundation and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

We may not all by able to become recording artists or fashion designers, but we can take a note from Gwen and actively help to reduce, re-use, and recycle our children's outgrown but still usable items.

Victoria's Secret Goes Vegan with New Beauty Line

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Victoria's Secret has recently introduced their latest beauty product line: Victoria's Secret Pink Body.

“INTRODUCING PINK BODY, a unique line of skin-loving and earth-friendly products created specifically for the pink girl. She spoke. We listened. The result? A more personalized approach to everyday body care using organic and vegan ingredients, powerful natural formulas and eco-friendly packaging.

With three dermatologist-tested, solution-specific collections, each designed to pamper pink girls from tip to toe: nourishing for dry skin, energizing for dull, sluggish skin and soothing for extra-sensitive skin. Plus, four additional essentials that everyone can use and love. It’s all about finding ways to look good, feel good and do a little good, too.”

Get to Know: Summer Rayne Oakes

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Summer Rayne Oakes is a woman on a mission. She has embarked on a journey of "cause-related modeling and innovative sustainable design/development projects to push sustainability issues through fashion and media."

Oakes has made herself known as The Eco-Model. "In addition to this, Summer Rayne is now a spokesperson, resident expert, and youngest Board of Advisors for Planet Green, Discovery Network’s new eco-lifestyle network that launched June 4, 2008 to 50 million households."

Oakes can now add officially published author to her resume. She has launched her new book: Style, Naturally. The book provides insane amounts of information on ethical fashion and natural beauty. From the NY Post:

Summer describes the tome as an “irreverent, witty” guide for green virgins. And yet, for all her self-serious references to being a “sustainability strategist,” Summer is wry and savvy, admitting a desire to “obliterate” competing books because hers “looks so much better.” She also acknowledges, “Not everyone’s going to spend $20 to save a polar bear.”

Treehugger gave Ecorazzi these juicy details:

Style, Naturally is aimed at women “who love style, but may not have “environment” or “green” in their lexicon” says Summer Rayne. The approach is one of openly stylish seduction with 350 pages and 500+ images full of rich colours and beautiful images, showing how much fun we can all have with contemporary ethical fashion and beauty products.

It also goes in depth featuring interviews with industry insiders including many TreeHugger favorites such as Galahad Clark of ethical shoe brand Terra Plana, Blake Mycoskie of Toms Shoes, Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin and in the beauty section Horst Rechelbacher the founder of Aveda.

Pick up your very own copy at Barnes and Noble.

Furry Fashion Faux Pas at Obama Inauguration

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Yoerg) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:38:00 +0000

Cool or anti-green old school? This isn't a debate about the tastiness of seitan, guys - it's fur.

Okay, so you're no John Feldman, hosting lobster liberation parties. But there's something to be said for holding back on the non-PC attire at a very PC event: the 2009 Inauguration.

Spotted wearing fur (via Ecorazzi):

--Lynne Cheney with a fur collar on her coat
--Spike Lee and wife Tonya Lewis
--Steven Spielberg's wife
--Jay-Z (?) but NOT Beyonce - and definitely not Aretha, who has gotten into messes for being her usual fur-clad (but still fabulous) self

NOT wearing fur: Obama, Michelle, the Bidens, Laura Bush - and more than 2 million others. Get it?

Podcast: A Call for a Univeral UVA Index

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Yoerg) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:39:00 +0000

"SPF" is sooo 2008.

Check out this podcast from Brian Diffey, an emeritus Professor of Photobiology at the University of Newcastle. In it, he says that there has to be an agreement on a universal index to convey a skin product's UVA protection to the consumer.

He explains a possible solution that he published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. (Click here for a direct download.)

Have No Fear, Natural & Organics Will Survive the Recession

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Yoerg) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:27:00 +0000

The economy ain't doing so hot, in case you hadn't noticed, but guess what? According to expert, natural and organic cosmetics will "hold up well in 2009" regardless.

Of course, the sector won't have nearly the same dramatic sales growth that it's had in the past few years, but still. A lot of people are trading down and not spending as much on beauty products, sure, but consumers are "unlikely" to give up their commitment to organic products just to save a few pennies, said Organic Monitor's Tina Gill.

After all, premium & high-end branded products are still more expensive. For this reason, mid-range and private label organics will sell better than luxury options, she predicted.

Check out the entire report on the European organic cosmetics market's reaction to the global recession.

Beauty PR Firm Picks Top 2009 Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Yoerg) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:23:00 +0000

Pierce Mattie PR announced its top picks for 2009 trends in natural and organic cosmetics, saying that being "green" or natural would no longer be sufficient and that companies will have to focus on specific ingredients for targeted results.

Blueberry, for example, will be in more skin care products because of its high level of vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, and fatty acids.

Acai, goji berries, acerola, and baobab all have properties that make them suitable for different cosmetic applications, Pierce Mattie said. Acerola, for instance, will be used more in skin care products that target redness and inflammation because of its high vitamin C content.

Spices, too, will show up in products: The Indian spice turmeric has medicinal properties that make it suitable for several applications including hair care, sunscreen, and anti-acne. Argan oil has already become a popular anti-aging ingredient, and the resin myrrh is expected to gain in popularity as Ayurveda takes off in the US.

Cosmeceutical products will also influence ingredient trends. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be marketed as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures, and probiotics may take a place in clinical like products.

Top 3 Controversial Ingredients of 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Yoerg) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:04:00 +0000

This year, three cosmetics ingredients were main topics of consumer and policy-oriented discussion, Cosmetic Design reports.

Phthalates were found to be linked to baby care products and the discussion began about how the buildup of such compounds have an effect on the human body. The EPA jumped into the argument, positing that personal care and pharmaceutical products may be leaking the chemical into US waterways.

Parabens, the preservative found in many cosmetics products, were highly criticized in the European arena - France in particular.

And triclosan, the antimicrobial used in personal care products, was linked to endocrine system disruption, cancer, and increased dermal sensitization in addition to noting its ability to persist in aquatic environments.

Dr. Bronner Now Part of Whole Foods Trade Program

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Yoerg) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:15:00 +0000

Whole Foods has accepted Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps into its Whole Trade Program, which the chain uses to mark products with the highest degree of ethics and integrity in its stores.

The program evaluates standards, prices paid to producers, wages and working conditions, and environmental sustainability.

For each Whole Trade product sold, 1% of the retail sale will go to Whole Planet Foundation, to create economic partnerships with the poor through microcredit in communities that make products for Whole Foods Market stores.

Alongside Dr. Bronner's, Whole Foods has accepted Swiss organic and fair trade certifier IMO.

Cali Green Hot Spot

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:47:00 +0000

Perhaps you're in the mood for a new taste of green. Well, you won't have to travel far (at least those of you in Culver City, California).

Akasha is an ecologically correct eatery located in a historic former hospital. Keep your eye out for the servers' Levi's Eco jeans.

Check out their very impressive green facts list:

FOOD
Sources: Farms, ranches and fisheries that are guided by the principles of sustainability, local produce whenever possible.

Standards: Natural and organic ingredients with no artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, trans fats, nitrates, hormones or antibiotics.

BEVVIES
Coffee & Tea: Fair trade and organic, locally-roasted.

Drinks: Many natural/organic juices and sodas.Water: In-house water purified and bottled with the Natura system.

Spirits, Wine & Beer: Many organic, sustainable and bio-dynamic selections on list.

BUILDING AND DÉCOR
Materials: American Clay, no VOC paint, sustainable insulation recycled ceiling material, reclaimed finishes, recycled glass tile, reclaimed barn wood recycled fiberglass insulation, beeswax finishes, local limestone.

Heating/Air Conditioning: Energy efficient units from Carrier, natural ventilation.

Lighting: High-efficiency choices, LEDs, metal halide, compact fluorescents.

Furniture: Organic leather, hemp fabric, sustainable wood.

Bathrooms: Reclaimed wood stalls, waterless urinals, auto shut off sinks, biodegradable soap, high post-consumer toilet paper / paper towels.

Equipment: Energy Star certified appliances.

Flooring: Natural ceramic tile made from sand.

Cleaning Products: 100% biodegradable products.

Dishwashing: 100% biodegradable products.

UNIFORMS
Jeans: Levis Eco 100% organic cotton jeans

Shirts & Tee Shirts: 100% organic cotton

Aprons: Hemp & recycled polyester

MENUS AND COLLATERAL
Menu Covers: Chip board menus designed by Taste Envy

Paper: Recycled content, post consumer waste paper from New Leaf Paper and other sustainable suppliers

PAPER GOODS
To-Go Hot Cups: : BagasseWare™ and Ecotainer™ biodegradable, compostable.

To-Go Cold Cups: NatureWorks™ PLA, biodegradable and compostable.To-Go

Cutlery: Wheatware™, biodegradable, made from wheat.Napkins/Bags: 100% recycled fiber, biodegradable and compostable.

Dicaprio Documentary In The Works, Again

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:52:00 +0000

Leonardo Dicaprio has never been shy about his commitment to improving this world. He currently is working on a follow-up to his environmental documentary, The 11th Hour. The previous film highlighted the effects of global warning and expressed a demand from us all to start rescuing the world from the perils of climate change.

Dicaprio had this to say about his reason for developing The 11th Hour:

"The environment has been a huge passion of mine ever since I was very young. I was really affected by documentaries that I saw as a kid about the rainforests, the mass extinction that's going on right now. We were trying to make a film that would really impact on people, to the point where they leave the movie theatre facing the harsh realities of what will happen to this planet and us in the future if we dont make a change. But we also wanted to highlight and, hopefully, inspire people to realise there are a lot of solutions out there if they become active."

"That's the whole key to making this movie inspiring people to become more educated about this subject and to take action personally. And hopefully, when people see this movie, they'll be emotionally impacted and want to do something about it."

We hope his next documentary will have the same impact.

Fergie's Latest Project: Eco-Friendly Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:53:00 +0000

Fergie, the fergalicious singer, is working on a new line of eco-friendly shoes. You may have briefly seen them in her HP commercial.

“Working on an eco-friendly style next. Green is the new black, baby.” - Fergie

We're excited to see what she comes up with. We'll keep you posted as we find out more!

Raw Ani Phyo

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:54:00 +0000

Ani Phyo is a famous raw foods chef. Why raw foods?

She says, "My belief is that illness is created by toxins we put into our bodies. Eating raw foods helps me detoxify, stay healthy, strong, fit, weigh my ideal weight, and look my best.

When I eat whole fresh organic foods, manufacturers can't sneak in chemicals, perservatives, artificial colors, flavorings, or other toxins into my food. I go straight to Mother Nature as my source for nutrient rich foods. I thrive on nutrifiying myself with the highest quality food I can get my hands on."

(It's the same with using safe organic skin care products on your body!)

Take a look at her YouTube page to learn how to 'cook' raw foods.

Tropical Green Getaway

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:44:00 +0000

With the cold winter weather creeping in, many of us are looking to get away somewhere more warm and sunny.

Perhaps a resort like Spice Beach? Yes, please.

This tropical hideaway earned a Green Globe benchmark certificate due to its natural composting system, non-chlorine pools, and solar heating.

More info: The resort is located on St. George's in Grenada, call 473-444-4258.

These Clothes Are Too Hot

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:45:00 +0000

Burning Torch, a vision developed by Karyn Craven, is the hottest line in Los Angeles right now.

"As the logo suggests, Burning Torch's foundation is based on transformation and freedom; the brand, like each of its individual pieces, is built on respect for individuals and their cultures. The collections are driven by a vision that melds vintage, modern, organic and global sentiments. Unique to the company is Craven's commitment to recycling materials and to the idea that the energy of all time and history is in each and every garment."

An interesting tidbit is that the debut collection was made from recycled vintage garments and was bought by Barneys New York in the fall of 1999. Each Burning Torch garment reflects tremendous attention to detail, which has become a signature characteristic of the line.

“My absolute favorite materials to work with for the green collection are recycled materials,” designer Karyn Craven has said. “We take discarded items and transform them into new, extremely beautiful and desirable objects.”

Fred Segal is Branching Out

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:39:00 +0000

If you haven't already you should check out Fred Segal's new online store. We here at Edelbio applaud Darrilyn Kaun, owner of Zero Minus Plus, because she has made it her mission to support individual artists, fair trade and eco products. Darrilyn is focused on putting forth the most unique and innovative products into her store.

"Zero Minus Plus is dedicated to giving you the best shopping experience possible. That is why you see the words "A Celebration of hands, hearts and minds." Zero Minus Plus is a conduit between you the consumer with the "mind"fulness to give a gift and the "hands" of the artisans that created your gift, along with the "heart"felt intent of the Zero Minus Plus shopkeepers to help you give the perfect gift."

Replay Organic

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:14:00 +0000

Replay Organic is an Italian company that uses pesticide-free cotton and vegetable-tanned leather buttons for their very stylish jeans.

Entourage star Emmanuelle Chriqui has been seen sporting Replay's green jeans.The clothing line also includes, accessories, underwear, footwear, eyewear, jewelry, and watches.

While you're checking out their site, be sure to also check out the Fondazione Claudio Buziol:

"Replay Fast Forward' is an online gallery - a window onto the world of young creativity. Users can take part in the site actively, through the publication of their works and projects in the Gallery. After the registration everyone will have the opportunity to show his/her work without any censorship. The best artists/works selected by Fondazione will have a special visibility."

Suzanne Juul: An Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:51:00 +0000

Suzanne Juul is a woman to admire. Despite many hardships and tragedies she's encountered in her lifetime she is still fulfilling her dreams.

She began kitting one-of-a-kind ponchos and then took her knitting talent and turned it into a business: Suzanne Juul Designs. She has expanded the business to include swing coats, caplets, sweaters, and the ever-popular and unique eternity shawl.

Juul said, “I want to make clothes that are noticed, that are head-turners that say ‘I’m here.’”

Mary Kate Olsen, Hayden Panettiere, and Eva Longoria are just a few celebs who've been sighted wearing an item from the Juul collection.

Madeline Gadsby

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle Elaine Pham-Crepps) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:44:00 +0000

A new organic clothing line has arrived in San Francisco: Madeline Gadsby.

The line was inspired by "a young French school girl who is now all grown up." The clothes are strictly sustainable and all fabrics are organic. Madeline Gadsby is based out of Paris, with an office in San Francisco, and the organic materials are from Istanbul, Turkey.

Be sure to check up on their site...soon they'll have their collections updated as well as purchasing locations.

Despite Economic Woes, Consumers Still 'Trading Up' to Organic

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Yoerg) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:51:00 +0000

The natural personal care industry is growing five times faster than regular personal care products, according to the Natural Products Association. Consumers are increasingly driven by concern about the environment and a desire for healthy products free of synthetic ingredients, the AP reports.

But five times? That's incredible.

Here's another figure for you: three-quarters of 2007 sales in the category came from natural grocery stores, says the Organic Trade Association. Though drug stores and mass merchandise chains are adding more natural products to their mix, the survey found.

And people - stuck in economic gloom - are looking for little indulgences as they shop for necessities like lotion and shampoo, making natural items a perfect fit as a "poster child for consumers trading up," says a managing partner for San Francisco Equity Partners, which poured $14 million into the Yes To Carrots brand now found in both Walgreens and Target.

Edelweiss: Making You Look Younger, One Stem Cell at a Time

noreply@blogger.com (Ana Yoerg) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:18:00 +0000

A biotech company in Milan has found a way to grow stem cells of a highly bioactive ingredient found in - guess what - edelweiss.

"[E]delweiss grows in harsh climates, [so] it is obliged to produce a number of active substances that help protect against the elements such as UV rays," explained Francesca Melandri, a spokeswoman for the Institute for Biotechnological Research (IRB).

Rather than harvest the rare and protected plant itself in large quantities, the company is producing metabolites from stem cells it grows from small amounts of plant biomass. This allows the compound to be produced at "industrial levels" without endangering the species, reported Cosmetics Design.

The particular ingredient, Leontopodium alpinum stems, has high concentrations of leontopodic acids A and B which have strong antioxidant properties, according to the IRB. It also has has strong anti-collagenase and hyaluronidase actvity which helps to limit the degradation of important macromuolecules in the skin.