Lessons from Rose-Marie Swift

A few weeks ago at Husk , I had the opportunity to meet makeup artist and RMS Beauty creator, Rose-Marie Swift. Needless to say, I was very excited! Ever since RMS products became available in Toronto, I have become somewhat of a devout user. It’s all about the creamy texture and silky smooth application.

With Rose-Marie Swift at Husk

Naturally, I would like to believe that Rose-Marie Swift had me in mind when she created her line. Okay, maybe not ME specifically, but after overcoming health problems as a result of years working with chemical makeup (lead, mercury, and cadmium had actually accumulated in her body!), she created RMS as a way for women to “claim their right to healthy beauty”. RMS products are made with nutrient dense food- grade ingredients, like coconut oil and cocoa butter, that nourish and heal the skin.

RMS beauty products are made with pure and natural ingredients including coconut oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and essential oils

When Rose-Marie sat me down for the makeup application I didn’t realize how much I would learn.  The Husk staff and I were mesmerized by everything she said; de-bunking age-old makeup myths, and explaining how to use her products in the most optimal way. It’s not everyday that you get to learn how to use products in the same way that the creator intended.

Getting some wise beauty advice from Rose-Marie Swift

Now, unfortunately I can’t write about everything I learned, (there was just too much!), but I will share one beautiful tip.

The “un” cover-up was my first RMS purchase. At the time, I was looking for a product for my ever-present under eye circles. Ever since using it, the product has worked ‘okay’, but not magically (as I had hoped). I have always thought that the lightest shade ’11’ was a bit too dark, and instead, I wanted something lighter to brighten up the eye area. Well, let’s just say I got a verbal slap on the hand for that opinion. Turns out using a cover-up that is ‘too light’ is a very outdated look and should remain with Kim Kardashian. Instead, lightly apply RMS living luminizer  underneath the eye before the “un” cover-up and, voila! no more dark circles!

Bye-bye dark circles!

Rose-Marie also dished that she was launching a new cover-up palette in salmon shades. Despite my disbelief, these pinkish hues offset the grey and brighten the whole under-eye. Until that comes out, she told me to mix a touch of the lip2cheek  in Smile with the “un” cover- up to get the same effect. Perfection!

“un”- cover up + lip2cheek in ‘Smile’ = no more dark circles

Have you tried RMS Beauty? What are your favourite products?

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

Clash of the Eco-Deodorants: Soapwalla vs. Leaves of Trees

Poor deodorant. . . we put such pressure on this small odour battling- perspirant fighter; always cursing it and blaming it for foul body odour when it fails us at our best and worst of times.

Good news though! We put some eco-deorodant titans to the test which we consider superior to some others we have tried. Here’s a look at their strengths and some of their weaknesses.

Soapwalla Deodorant Cream

Soapwalla Deodorant Cream

Lina:  I’ve had my fair share of trial and error with eco deos. I’ve tried products that are homemade, high-end, scented, and unscented only to result in utter disappointment. My main concerns are application and effectiveness. I want a no-fuss product that keeps me dry without having to re-apply halfway through the day. I also prefer a fresh scent but not overpowering to the point where it’s basically perfume. Until now, soapwalla is the only product that has risen to the occasion, with its high-end appeal in an adorable little blue box. The instructions recommend stiring the pot before use in order to combine the natural agents that may have separated. I instantly noticed its gritty texture that felt rich and substantial between my fingers. At first, application was a bit awkward because you had to literally rub the solution into your hands before applying to the underarms. While I typically prefer a stick over a cream for this very reason, the formula was relatively easy to apply and didn’t leave a sloppy mess on my hands. I did have one major setback: the deodorant initially caused some discoloration on my underarms. After my first few tries, I noticed a reddish brown rash-like patch where I had applied the cream but there was no itchiness or irritation. After using it a few more times, the pigmentation returned to normal and hasn’t returned since. . . strange indeed! Ultimately, this product is highly-absorbent and left me feeling super fresh all day long. I’m actually still in denial that I have found a natural deodorant that works!

Shown here: Lavender Tangerine Deodorant

Leaves of Trees Deodorant

Seanna: On a recent trip to the Eco- Beauty Market, hosted by Environmental Defence, I came across this lovely brand which specializes in argan oil products. The lotions and the lip balms all smell and feel divine, but what really attracted me to the booth that day was the deodorant (unfortunately this product is so new that it is not yet on their website).

Ever since trying Soapwalla I was on the hunt to find other deodorant creams to see how well they stood up to the competition. On first impression, I really loved that the Leaves of Trees deodorant came in a tube (unlike many that are packaged in a jar). It comes in two scents, Lavender Tangerine and Eucalyptus Mint. Both smell amazing, but I love the latter, which smells so fresh and reminds me of the spa. The texture is soft and creamy just like a moisturizer –but no surprise there since it is based on the same formula as the argan hand and body lotion. Even though it is extremely moisturizing, it does leave a slight white residue and the soft texture can get messy. . . I have accidentally smeared it all over my shirt (apparently it’s best to apply before you put on your clothing). All in all, I quite like the Leaves of Tress deodorant. I don’t normally perspire too heavily (outside of the gym and job interviews) and it has not failed me yet. It doesn’t always keep me dry (I must give that one to Soapwalla), but in terms of smell, it keeps me just as fresh and leaves no skin irritation or discolouration –a big bonus for someone with sensitive skin.

The Verdict: Choosing a victor between these two was harder than we had anticipated considering we have our own preferences centred on our individual beauty needs, i.e. Lina prefers Soapwalla for its staying power, while Seanna is happiest with the texture of Leaves of Trees.  While there is no clear winner, we both agree that deodorant creams are definitely the best option over deodorant sticks. After all, they let us work up a sweat without fear of losing friends.

But let us know your own experiences and what you think!

– Lina & Seanna