Birthday!

In honor of  Becky's 16th anniversary of her 30th Birthday you may enjoy 30% off all StormSister Spatique and 3waybeauty products, TODAY only!

Enter: APRIL26 at checkout. Offer expires at midnight.

Back, Sack and Crack

This new film, Mansome, is at the top of our list. We absolutely LOVE Willl Arnett and Jason Bateman!

Gentlemen, our shhh. 3-in-1 grooming bar is perfect for all of your manscaping needs.

Wanna try a three-way? Yes you do.

Mom's Day Deal

A MOTHER'S BOND WITH HER CHILD IS SPECIAL, AND IT'S DEEPENED WITH A LOVE FOR SHARED ACTIVITIES.
SHARING ACTIVITIES YOU LOVE IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH, AND INFLUENCE ONE ANOTHER - Enjoy a side-by-side manicure and/or pedicure with your mom this Mother's Day.

Mother's and son's can share pedicure time as well! Gentlemen, a pedicure and manicure is as important for you as it is for her. You don't have to associate a pedicure or manicure with a polish application. You can skip that part. It's about grooming.
Remember, your feet and hands do all the work so treat them well. And treat them to some love. You and your mom will have a great time. I promise!

So today share your love of quality and luxury.  Purchase NONTOXIQUE hand and foot care and receive 15% off your purchase today through May 13th. Enter: MOM13 upon checkout to receive discount.

Where do I go for pedicures? Amazing Beauty on Grand Ave. in St. Paul. - And, they have side-by-side pedicure thrones.
It's not fancy, but it's CLEAN and everyone is licensed (this is rarely the case in MOST $25 pedicure "chop shops), the pedi's are awesome and my polish is perfect (though grown out) when I go back in 5 weeks for a new one!

'Aha!'

via my interview with Secret Entourage.

I was asked what my 'Aha' moment was when I developed, shhh.


6) My clients kept getting their liquid grooming products taken away at the airport because of size restrictions.  After doing research, I discovered that there weren’t any TSA restrictions for a solid grooming bar.  Therefore, I worked with a manufacturer to reinvent grooming and designed a 3-in-one *shampoo | shower | shave* bar. - Becky Sturm @ 3waybeauty

Toxic "Non-Toxic"

via The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics

Did you hear the news? California’s Department of Toxic Substances revealed that a variety of nail polishes contain high levels of hazardous chemicals despite product labels claiming otherwise. These chemicals, dibutyl phthalate and toluene, have been linked to birth defects, asthma and other chronic health conditions.

Labels shouldn’t lie, and whether you’re a nail salon worker or taking your daughter out for a mani-pedi, you should be able to trust
that the products you’re using are safe.

Study finds “Non-toxic” nail polish still toxic despite label claims --Yet another scandal, yet another reason why we need REAL reform now!

This is yet another example of industry self-regulation gone wrong—tell Congress it’s time to fix our broken cosmetics laws now!

The good news: Congress is finally paying attention. Last month the House held the first hearing on cosmetics safety in 30 years and is considering updating our 70 year old cosmetics laws.
The bad news: The big cosmetics companies are pushing hard and spending big to keep the broken status quo in place—and we need your help to push back!

Help us tell Congress, enough is enough! We need real reform now!

Our message is simple: Any new laws must get rid of the worst chemicals in cosmetics that can cause cancer or reproductive harm. They must also require companies to be transparent and honest about what’s in their products and they must include a strong safety standard to make sure decisions about ingredient safety protect the most vulnerable populations – babies, children, pregnant women and workers. New laws must also ensure that states, like California, keep their right to regulate toxic chemicals to protect people’s health.

Favorite Products

via the 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic

A few of my absolute favorite things....

I'm all about using as many multi-use products at this stage of my life and there are several listed on my MUST-HAVE product list:

1. Madara Tinting Fluid in Moon Flower. It does double duty: Moisturize and cover. The perfect light foundation.

2. Elixery Lipstick in Pixie. No lead in THIS lipstick brand! Pixie is the perfect color for my skin tone and its creaminess hydrates perfectly.

3.  I also use the Kinky Curly Knot Today as a conditioner/leave-in as well. It eliminates frizz, hydrates and holds without stickiness or stiffness.

4.  Kinky-Curly Curling Custard. It only took me 20+ years to find the perfect haircare brand for my wavy hair and I have used it for the last 4 years.

5. Phytoceane Self-Tanning Gel - The best. Hands down.

6. shhh. I never travel without it. It is the only shaving product I use, I occasionally use it as a shampoo, especially when traveling, and I bathe with it 75% of the time. (when I'm not testing other shower products). There are no TSA size restrictions for a solid and there is also no fear of spillage or leaking in luggage or gym bag.

7. Vie Collection Eye Correction Cream. The best eye cream I have ever found and have used it for 14 years. It combats puffiness, dark circles and has the most magnificent anti-aging properties I have found. I use it around my lips as well.

8. Olivia Garden Bamboo Paddle Brush. Made from sustainable bamboo, this paddle brush is perfect for drying my thick hair when a smoother look is preferred.

9. The Hot Sock
The best hair diffuser ever! Its "spongy" texture makes it easy for both travel and home use. (Most diffusers are awkward for travel because they are made from hard plastic.)

Now that spring is here, I'm exfoliating my body more to prepare for more revealing summer clothes and self-tanning products.

10. Merben Medium Sisal Body Brush

I have to laugh

I'm about ready to bring on a new nail polish line and I'm super excited! (More on that soon!)

The following is a quote from an email from the distributor of this new brand: "Have you heard any of the press on nail polish lately? In CA a group pulled polishes off the shelves and tested them for the "toxic trio." All of the polishes they tested claimed to be "toxic free." Most of them had toluene and dibutyl phthalates in them. Yikes!'

I laughed out loud upon reading that email. Clearly, she doesn't know who she is dealing with.

My response?  "Oh honey, don't you worry. I am well aware of the shenanigans going on in the beauty industry and that is why I am interested in your brand."

Ha! That made my day.

Another Beauty Game

We're havin' a beauty game today through Wed. at noon. - "Like" our Facebook page and tell us WHERE you had your favorite pedicure and WHY it was so special. We'll pick two people to win a NONTOXIQUE Restore Day Cream.

It's that simple! Now, get on over and play or feel free to leave a comment here.

DIY Spa Day

Here is a little DIY action via the Star Tribune.

Relaxing at the day spa is always a treat. But if you don't have the time or money, you can make your own spa at home. We asked beauty experts to share their easy, all-natural recipes for everything from a body scrub to an enzyme peel. These three DIY treatments come close to professional service for a fraction of the price. So slip on a robe, crank up the Enya and get the spa party started.

The expert: Becky Sturm, the founder of StormSisterSpatique.com and a luxury grooming line, 3waybeauty.com.

The recipe: A skin-softening tribute to Sophia Loren, who, Sturm said, "has long been rumored to use just one product to cleanse and moisturize her body: olive oil."

The benefits: Gently exfoliates and deeply moisturizes skin without the use of harsh scrubs or chemicals.

Olive Oil-Sugar Scrub

Ingredients
• 1 c. olive oil
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
• A few drops of your favorite essential oil

Directions:

Combine olive oil and sugar in a sealable bowl or jar. In shower, thoroughly wet body. Turn off water. Apply mixture to skin and massage in circular motion. Rinse well. Gently pat dry to leave a trace of olive oil behind like a built-in lotion. Scrub can be stored in a sealed container for a couple of weeks. (To avoid irritating skin, don't massage any area for longer than 1 minute. Don't use on face.)

The expert: Kassie Kuehl, owner and stylist at Kasia Organic Salon, 822 W. 50th St., Minneapolis, 612-824-7611, kasiaorganicsalon.com.

The recipe: A deep-conditioning hair mask that's rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

The benefits: Adds moisture, shine and protein for stronger strands.

NATURAL CONDITIONING HAIR MASK

Ingredients

• 1 egg white
• 2 T. Greek yogurt• 2 T. avocado, mashed
• 1 1/2 T. kiwi fruit, mashed
• 2 1/2 t. honey
• 5-8 drops rosemary essential oil
• plastic wrap

Directions:

In a large bowl, whisk egg white until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and stir until blended. Coat clean, wet hair with mask. Massage into hair and scalp until fully saturated. Wrap head tightly with plastic wrap. Leave mask on hair for 15-20 minutes. For maximum benefit, sit in the sun or in a steamy shower. Rinse with cool water to seal in moisture. Finish with a light application of your favorite conditioner.

The expert: Facialist Sarah Kurn, who owns Sarah Kurn Skincare, 86 Mahtomedi Av., Mahtomedi, 651-426-6040,sarahkurnskincare.com.

The recipe: A fruit-enzyme and lactic acid facial peel that rejuvenates the appearance of aging skin.

The benefits: Exfoliates, softens and tightens skin while lightening sunspots.

ANTI-AGING ENZYME PEEL

Ingredients
• 1 papaya, mashed
• 1 T. sugar
• 1 lemon
• 1/2 c. plain, organic yogurt
• 1/4 t. grape seed oil
• 1 white hand towel

Directions:

Combine mashed papaya and sugar in a small bowl. Apply to cleansed face and gently massage for 1 minute. Rinse well with warm water. While skin is drying, squeeze half of lemon into a bowl, add yogurt and blend. Apply mixture to face and gently massage. Leave yogurt mask on. Fill a sink with very warm water. Squeeze remaining half lemon into water in sink. Immerse towel in water, ring out, then wrap face, leaving nose exposed. Apply gentle pressure to towel and leave towel on for 60 seconds. Relax by taking deep, slow breaths. Remove mask with towel. Apply grape seed oil to entire face by gently tapping into skin.

Minneapolis-based lifestyle writer Elizabeth Dehn is the founder of BeautyBets.com.

Essential Solar Protection

Shield skin from UVA/UVB rays with these lightweight, non-oily Phytoceane sunscreens enriched with ultra-moisturizing vegetal coral.

When you purchase the Phytoceane Sun Protection Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen, you will receive the Phytoceane Sun Protection Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen FREE.* That's a $50. value!

*While supplies last.

Simply add the 30 SPF to your cart and the 15 SPF will automatically ship.

Pocket and Purse

A new pocket and purse size for INtelligent Nutrients Certified Organic Bug Repellent Serum. 5 ml.


ATTRACTS LOVE BITES, REPELS BUG BITES

Great uses:

• Kids
• Skin and Body
• Hair
• Pets
• Travel
• Home

What's in it for me?

USDA certified organic personal perfume skillfully crafted to attract humans while at the same time repel biting, stinging, scourging insects. Profoundly unique from the often unpleasant smelling, citrus and citronella scents we have grown to expect, our insect fighting blend is enjoyable to wear even when you don’t need the repelling attributes. Free from drying and dehydrating chemicals, our skin loving and non greasy combination of oils condition and soften while providing moisture resistance. 100% DEET free, formula lets you, your family and pets live and play in and outdoors in a gentle, safe, non-toxic and organic way.

What's in?

USDA Organic Food Grade Sesame, Soy and Castor Oil Functional Insect Repelling Essential Oils of Geranium, Peppermint Lemongrass, Cedar, Clove, Rosemary and Citronella Skin-loving Oils

What's out?

• DEET
 
• Petrochemicals
 
• Toxic Chemical Pesticides and Insecticides
 
• Artificial "Fragrance"
 
• Drying and Dehydrating Ingredients

All Ingredients

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS 100%: GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL* (72.7%) , SESAMUM INDICUM (SESAME) SEED OIL* (16.5%), RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR) OIL* (2.8%), CEDRUS ATLANTICA (CEDARWOOD)BARK OIL* (3.15%), ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF OIL*(1.2%), MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) OIL* (1.2%), PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS (GERANIUM) FLOWER OIL* (1.02%), CINNAMOMUM CASSIA (CINNAMON)LEAF OIL* (.72%), EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS (CLOVE) LEAF OIL* (.32%), CYMBOPOGON SCHOENANTHUS (LEMONGRASS) OIL* (.29%) CYMBOPOGON NARDUS (CITRONELLA) OIL* (.07%), THYMUS VULGARIS (THYME) FLOWER/LEAF OIL *(.03%) *CERTIFIED ORGANIC

Related Reading

Over half of the most widely used pesticides on the market today are known endocrine disruptors. The average person is exposed to 10 to 13 pesticides each day via food, beverages, and drinking water (the annual results of the USDA’s “Pesticide Data Program”) Learn more

The DEET Truth

DEET is an effective solvent and may dissolve some plastics, rayon, spandex, leather, painted or varnished surfaces including nail-polish.

Insect protection products on the market today contain harmful man-made chemicals such as DEET and pyrethrins. These substances remain in the environment and cause damage to humans, animals, water supplies, soil, and important pollinating insects such as bees.

Traveling Manicure Kit

via ModernSalon.com

Our favorite hand and foot care brand is included in Julie's manicure kit.

Nail Artist Julie Kandalec is regularly asked “What does a freelance manicurist keep in her travel kit?” This four minute video offers a tour of Kandalec’s precious and sturdy “bag” by Zuca and includes all that is needed for a manicurist who is regularly working in photo studios, on movie sets and in celebrity homes. “I sometimes even have to create a beautiful nail design in the back of a car!” she told me earlier today at a photo session for Modern Salon Media, “so I have to be prepared for anything.”

Kandalec makes sure that on top of having all that any manicurist could ever need (including a minimum of 100 shades), she also makes sure that her own nails are beautifully shaped and polished. On top of that, Kandalec, unlike most manicurists, wears plenty of jewelry including bracelets and rings. “People are looking at my hands and arms during the manicure so I like to give them something nice to look at!” In addition to her dazzling bling, Julie wears several pieces of the Duelette by Chilly Jilly. “It’s a gorgeous hair tie that I can wear as a bracelet. I always keep a few wrapped around my wrist, not just for me, but for my client as well,” says Kandalec. “And if I like her…she gets to keep it!”

Mascara Tip

As you know, sometimes your mascara may begin to cake or become too thick to apply properly. We recommend a couple drops of saline solution be added to the tube to remedy this problem. Simply add a couple drops, replace the wand and shake or let sit until the next application. Do this each day until the proper consistency is achieved.

Saline solution is sterile and may even kill some bacteria that may be present in the tube. This trick is not meant to extend the life of your mascara past 6 months. We recommend that it is replaced at that time.

The FDA recommends you replace your mascara every 4-6 months. This practice will keep your mascara free of any possible eye irritants. 

Love is in the Air

via the April edition of American Spa Magazine - Megan O’Neill

Sensual,  stress-relieving, and skin-softening jasmine.

F O R   S U C H   A   SMALL,   UNASSUMING,   AND simple blossom, the jasmine flower has certainly been imbued with some serious symbolism. In India, jasmine  is  used  in  rituals  like marriage, Puja (prayer), and holy festivals. In Indonesia, it’s revered as a sign of love and sensuality. In Thailand, jasmine flowers symbolize motherhood, and in China, jasmine was used as a flower of peace during pro-democracy protests. Jasmine is also seen as a state and national symbol in Hawaii, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

So why all the fuss about this tiny white flower?
Much of the plant’s power probably lies in its scent.
The blossoms open only in the evening—as the temperature in its native Mediterranean and Asian climates begins to drop—and produce a distinct aroma that’s appreciated by both women and men around the world. “I believe jasmine to be one of the most glorious, rich, complex, and satisfying essential oils to work with,” says Yael Alkalay, founder of Red Flower. “Its scent is mesmerizing, intoxicating, and transporting—it truly rocks my world.”

Jasmine essential oil is quite expensive because  manufacturers must use a large number of flowers to obtain a small amount of oil. Plus, it is best when produced  from flowers harvested  at night. This  is why pure jasmine essential oil or even absolute is not available in many mass-market products. In order to get the real thing, Tara Grodjesk, president and founder of Tara Spa Therapy, encourages consumers and spa decision makers to ask product manufacturers about the source of their jasmine and how it has been extracted.

As for the flower’s aromatherapeutic properties, jasmine is loaded with esters, the most re l a x i n g  t y  p e  of  chemicals  found  in essential oils. In traditional aromatherapy, jasmine is used to alleviate headaches, balance hormones, ease labor pains, stop stress and tension, and calm muscle spasms. “Jasmine is an excellent essential oil to boost an overall feeling of well-being and optimism,” says Lisa Polley,  director  of  education and business development at Jurlique. “We use jasmine because it is a sweet, exotic, and relaxing extract that is ideal when incorporated into body products.”

There are few better places to unleash the sedating and stress-reducing properties of jasmine than in the spa. “Our guests are most pleased with the calming effect of jasmine and find it a unique scent that isn’t found in many spa services,” says Sandy Trevino, spa director at Jurlique Spa at FireSky Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, AZ). This explains why the flower and its heady, floral scent are so often seen as symbols of love and marriage in Asian cultures. “I think jasmine is a very sexy and sensual fragrance that helps each and every woman experience her own beauty,” says Kathy Nelson, spa director at Kabuki Springs & Spa (San Francisco).

Jasmine oil is also the perfect addition to beauty treatments aimed at improving the skin, as the plant oil provides hydration without clogging pores or causing breakouts. Plus, its esters help inhibit the growth of bacteria and help regulate sebum production. It can even calm sensitive, easily irritated complexions. “Traditional Chinese medicine   u s e s   jasmine   to  ‘ d r a i n   f i r e ,’ which clears heat and relieves irritability,” says Suzanne Lombardo, wellness  manager   at  Fi ve  Phase Wellness Center (Evanston, IL). “In beauty, aside from increasing romantic allure, jasmine enhances smooth, firm skin by promoting skin repair in strengthening collagen and elastin,” says Lombardo. The oil also helps increase elasticity in the skin. “Jasmine oil also helps in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines,” she says.

Yet another way to bring jasmine’s benefits into your life is by a warm mug of jasmine tea. The naturally sweet-flavored beverage that’s known to lower blood pressure and promote a sense of calm is very popular in China, where jasmine flowers are often blended with either a green tea or oolong base.

Ecobold

My interview with Ecobold

Shampoo, Shower and Shave with this natural ingredient "3 in 1" soap and shampoo bar by StormSister Spatique's  3waybeauty brand. Learn a little more about the founder, Becky Sturm:

1. Tell us a little bit about your background, story and what inspired you to create StormSister Spatique?
I had been in the salon/spa industry for 25 years and wanted to start an online (then storefront) beauty boutique. StormSister was a nickname from a client that always referred to my sister and I (we had a salon/spa together) as the "stormsisters". Our last name is Sturm and Sturm = "storm" in Deutsch.

2. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Except for a tiny glitch in time when I wanted to be a veterinarian or surgical nurse, I always wanted to be in the beauty industry. I have memories of being 3 and 4 and sitting my little sister in my grandmothers' salon chair (grandma was a hairdresser too!) and brushing and clipping up her hair.

3. What's a question you get all the time when you tell people about your
products?
When asked about my 3waybeauty brand, I am asked if they are all natural.

4. Who are the top 3 people that influence you the most?
1. Horst Rechelbacher - the founder of Intelligent Nutrients.
2. Stacy Malkan - founder of safecosmetics.org
3. All the small business women I know and work with on a regular basis.

5. If you could live in any place of the world, where would it be?
Austria/Germany.

6. Describe a typical day in your life.
Bring my son to school, research, blog, Pin, Facebook, Tweet the beauty biz until it's time to be a mom again.

7. If you had to choose... wine or chocolate?
Chocolate.

8. What's the biggest lesson you learned while making/building your product?
It takes a lot of due diligence to do it right.

9. What's a natural, non-toxic product you could never live without?
My signature shhh. shampoo | shower | shave unisex grooming bar. It's triple duty is a must for traveling, gym and home.

10. If there is one thought or idea that you could pass on to the next generation, what would it be?
Learn about every ingredient listed on the labels of products you consume or put on your body.

FIRMING BOOSTING CREAM

New from Vie Collection - FIRMING BOOSTING CREAM

Firming & restructuring for your skin.

Impressive Results*
Increases elastin synthesis by 140%
Increases collagen synthesis by 59%

*In vitro tests

A peptide-enriched formula that stimulates skin to firm, plump and moisturize.

What it's used for:

Vie Collection Firming Boosting Cream is a gold-peptide infused treatment that boosts collagen to plump and firm skin. The potent peptides go deep into the skin to raise levels of fibroblasts that restore firmness. Hyaluronic acid smooths and helps to retain moisture for fuller-looking skin.