GODDESS FROM GREENE

The word goddess gets thrown around way too lightly these days. But before it got linked up with self-proclaimed inner and domestic goddess bloggers, the word meant something. Tempest-stirring power. Ship-launching beauty. The ability to wear a white toga fashionably post-Labor Day.

One person who deserves the title? Our dear friend Erika from - we kid you not - Greene, Maine. Not only are we in awe of her skin (it sparkles from across the room), but her beauty regime is heroic. To kick-off well-to-do's three week series on green beauty we rounded up Erika’s top tips on how to save your skin and the environment, no matter what type of earth-loving goddess you are.

GET EDUCATED. Start reading the ingredients labels of your beauty products - shampoos, conditioners, body washes, deodorants and skin care products. If they’re packed with these chemicals - toss ‘em!

THE GRASS ISN'T ALWAYS GREENER. Buy green beauty alternatives, but be careful. Sometimes products labeled “green” and “organic” are still packed with synthetics. Julie Gabriel as lots of specific recommendations in “The Green Beauty Guide”.

MAKE YOUR OWN. Polish your body to a healthly glow like Erika’s and moisturize it to softness at the same time with an easy DIY sugar body scrub. You will need plain white or brown sugar and organic extra virgin olive oil. In a bowl or a jar with a lid (that way you can save the rest for next time), pour the sugar and add the olive oil. The mixture should have a mushy consistency and not be too oily or grainy. Rinse thoroughly in the shower. The sugar will remove dead skin cells and the olive oil will nourish your skin keeping it moisturized. Erika, who has very sensitive skin, swears by the scrub as an exfoliant as well as a shaving cream (note: don't shave with the scrub; shave after you rinse it off).

KEEP IT SIMPLE. When looking for green beauty products, consider simple solutions like using coconut oil on your skin instead of mineral-oil based body creams. The health benefits of coconut oil include (but apparently not limited to!) hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, dental care and bone strength. Yea, A LOT.

Coconut oil as hair care: Coconut oil can be natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing a shiny complexion. Erika applies coconut oil to a pony tail about 20 minutes before showering and then rinses it out.

Coconut oil as skin care: Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin - a safe solution for preventing dryness. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.

USE BAR SOAP. By dissolving entirely, bar soaps like Shaklee's Meadow Blend Soap-Free Cleansing Bar cause less junk at the landfill.

SAY SO LONG TO SYNTHETIC PERFUMES. Scented products often have the word fragrance on the ingredients list. But a fragrance can actually be dozens of synthetic ingredients, possibly including petrochemicals. FYI: companies aren't required to disclose specifics. Spelled-out ingredient lists, such as those on Aubrey Organics Eau De Parfums and Ajne Natural Fragrances ensure you know what's going on your skin.

WEAR SUNSCREEN. Always. Lots of it. Slather it on. And choose oxybenzone- and Vitamin A-free from thinkbaby or Shaklee.

USE MINERAL MAKEUP. We love a good tease... more on this next Monday!

With Erika’s tips, you’ll be raising environmental consciousness without ever lowering your standards. How green goddess of you.

xx S+S

Coming up Wednesday: More tips from Erika and - of course! - Shaklee skin care solutions.

Images courtesy of John Speirs/Erika Williams, Michelle Phan, Organic Facts, thinkbaby, Ajne Natural Fragrance and Shaklee.

Share |