Eco gifts for any occasion

The holiday season is upon us (according to retailers at least), but sweet little gifts don’t need to be reserved only for special occasions. I thought I would share a few things that I have been given over the course of the fall that are perfect for treating yourself, or that eco conscious green beauty (and beau) in your life.

(Clockwise from left) La Bella Figura Daily Elements Defense Face Oil, Juniper Ridge Cedar Soap, Lavender in a Bag, Soi Green Tea Candle

1. Juniper Ridge wild harvested organic soap: For those who love the outdoors but may be stuck in a concrete jungle, Juniper Ridge products are for you. This company quite literally harvests and bottles the wild scents of the west coast mountains, forests, and deserts from their lab (or more accurately field tents) and turns them into intoxicating smelling soaps, colognes, incense, and room sprays. Personally I am looking forward to trying their Douglas Fir Campfire incense to go along with my fireplace channel. (We can’t all have the luxury of a roaring fireplace in a mountain lodge!)

2. Lavender in a bag: Take advantage of this super easy way to grow your own lavender, no pot (or garden) necessary. I had all good intention of growing lavender this summer in my own garden but now that it’s getting cold, I have to thank a dear friend for giving me this lovely gift and a second chance to redeem my lazy gardening skills.

3. Soi Candles: I used to love going into candle stores and smelling every single one until I passed out. Now, really can’t stand the strong synthetic scents of most candles, and so, I was happy to find these all- natural scented soy ones that also double as a skin moisturizer. (I know, crazy right?) The wax never gets hot, so you can safety put it on your skin without getting burned.

4. La Bella Figura: This little bottle of Daily Elements Defense face oil is the cutest thing that I have ever seen (declaimer, I do have a stronger than normal love for mini things). I was given this bottle the last time La Bella Figura was in town, and I cannot get enough. The lightweight oil smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Good news!  They just launched their limited edition Holiday Essential Mini Set, and so La Bella Figura products (in adorable little bottles) can be yours for your next trip across the globe. I love stashing mine in my gym bag to slather all over my face after the steam room.

What are gifts are you sharing with your loved ones these days? Already shopping for the Holidays? What’s on the list?

– Seanna

Hair Care: Graydon, Clinical Luxury By Nature

Let’s talk hair. Since transitioning to an all natural beauty routine a few years ago, finding the right shampoos, conditioners, and styling products has been tough! Frankly, of all the products that I use, shampoo has been the one that causes me the most grief. It’s the lather–or rather lack of, that causes this. You see, as much as I despise  Sodium Laureth/Lauryl Sulphite (SLES/SLS) in my toothpaste and soap, I kind of miss the frothy lather that it adds to shampoo (I know, the natural beauty police are going to hunt me down!) That said, my SLS days are over; instead, I continually seek out effective shampoos and keep my head shaved in the meantime (I joke, of course).

When I heard about Graydon products, which are made right here in Toronto, I had my fingers crossed.

All Over Soap: For those who feel that shampoo or soap is one product too many to use in the morning (and yes, I am judging), than this product is for you! It is also perfect for anyone who wants to simplify their routine, or just loves the smell and wants to use it from head to toe! The scent is pretty incredible. It contains rosemary, grapefruit, and citrus extract, as well as a special blend of essential oils (undisclosed). The All Over Soap is very clarifying, which I attribute to the grapefruit and rosemary extracts, and left my hair feeling squeaky clean without feeling stripped (note: 100% safe for coloured hair). I wouldn’t recommend this as a shampoo for those who want more mositure. However, as a soap I think it is perfect for everyone since it is SLS free and uses a coconut based cleansing ingredient which makes it very gentle and non-drying (this is coming from someone who is VERY familiar with dry, itchy skin). As for the lather, not bad. In fact it lathered pretty well with the right shampoo- to- water ratio.

Hair Smoothie: This conditioner + detangler is a product that has held my interest since founder, Graydon, announced that she was using broccoli seed oil as an ingredient. I didn’t even know that broccoli seed oil was a thing (and I like to pride myself on this sort of knowledge). It turns out that broccoli seed oil is a marvellous ingredient, especially for hair products. It is full of fatty acids and antioxidants; a light- weight, easily absorbable moisturizer which acts similar to silicone. Incredible news (!) since silicone (or siloxane) is on the beauty blacklist and is prevalent in so many products; anything from hair serums to deodorants.

The Hair Smoothie as a conditioner worked really well for me. My hair is quite fine and so a lighter conditioner is just what I need. If you have coarse, dry hair, you may want something richer, but I definitely recommend it as a detangler and leave- in- conditioner. I tried a small amount to smooth my dry ends and it left my hair feeling soft and manageable.

You can find Graydon products at a number of stores in Toronto like The Big Carrot and Husk, or check out the website.

The Hair Smoothie is non-greasy and leaves a dry finish.

Have you tried the All Over Soap, Hair Smoothie, or any other Graydon products? Let me know what think!

– Seanna