Posts

8 Tips for Cleaner Greener Beauty Cabinet, Let’s Talk Live #TVsegment

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Hey Mamas,

Spring time, at least for today, – hello sunshine and 60-degree weather – is upon us. This season always makes me want to organize and update my beauty cabinet.

Except now, I’m not just thinking about a new shade of lipstick or a bolder bronzer. My cleaner greener journey is growing, and I took the show on the road, literally, sharing my finds on Let’s Talk Live DC.

If you’ve been following this blog and my Instagram account, you know I’m constantly evaluating and questioning the cosmetics and body products that come across my desk. This segment is all about the little changes you can actually do, not a total revolt against all products that don’t adhere to the “free from” labels.

Who’s ready to for a Cleaner Greener Beauty Cabinet?

TIP 1 –Remember Expiration Dates

Take note of the small cylinder with lid icon, located on your cosmetics and skincare products. Inside the cylinder, there will be a number (6, 12, 18, 24) following by an M. So, “6 M” means you should stop using the product 6 months after initially opening it.

With the products that most women own, it’s espier to label your beauty items, then try and remember “When did I buy that mascara?”

I also like to color code my cosmetics, so that it’s not all black ink, and easier to sort in my beauty cabinet/drawer.

TIP 2 – Buy Nontoxic Lipstick

If you are looking to upgrade and make one nontoxic beauty change, my suggestion is lipstick. Why? Because it’s the most reapplied cosmetics idea AND we ingest the ingredients via licking lips, drinking and eating.

Make sure your popular go-to lipstick is 100% lead free. If you aren’t sure, based on their website and/or ingredient list, call the manufacture up.

Recent science indicates there is no safe level of lead exposure, even though the FDA allows small dosages. Lead is a neurotoxin and can be dangerous at small doses. Medical experts are clear that any level of lead exposure is unhealthy.

BRANDS TO TRY:

TIP 3 – Wash Face with Coconut Oil

From your kitchen to you beauty cabinet, coconut oil is a natural way to gently stick away makeup and environmental build up, on your face. It’s completely non toxic, effective, and leaves a glowy dew. Best of all, it doesn’t sting your eyes, like many common makeup removes/face wash.

TIP 4 – Skin-friendly Skincare

There are so many “free-from” skin brands on the market right now, that help improve firmness, tone and texture of skin, that you don’t need a chemically-laced option. You also don’t need to spend a fortune on the free-from options.

FARMACY is affordable, effective, and focused on naturally-derived ingredients that are free of parabens, artificial coloring and formaldehyde. The brands prized ingredient is a unique, natural antioxidant, that helps to protect your skin’s collagen (aka the glue that keeps it tight, bright and youthful!).

TIP 5 – Chemical Free Acne Care

Women tend to break out during the change of the season and thank-goodness there are always new solutions coming out to help with this pesky problem.

Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask is a chemical-free, UV free solution for acne, using the power of blue light (which fights blemishes) and red light (which combats irritation). Dermatologists have used similar products in their offices for over a decade, now you can too.

TIP 6 – Kill Cold Sores with Flowers

As someone who’s prone to getting cold sores, I’ve don’t it all, tried it all. The over-the-counter cold sore remedies are often very strong, but feel like they are burning my skin.

Aubio Cold Sore Treatment Gel worked on me in less than 3 days. It’s made with a botanical blend that stops the painful itching, sooths and clears up the cold sore. This gel is natural, safe, and non-allergenic.

TIP 7 – Smarter Nail Care Sorting

We’ve all fussed through our beauty cabinet, to find a rainbow mix of nail polishes that never stay up. Bins and ziplock bags take up lots of space and just don’t help.

Color clutch is an innovative storage solution for nail polish, that’s compact (2 inches thick) and stands upright like a book. The clear lid allows nail color to be viewer while sitting upright in the case. #WhyDidntIThinkofThis

TIP 8 – Natural Nails

Who can stand the smell of nail polish drying? Eeek!! I’ve gotten headaches from doing my own nails in the bathroom. Can you relate?

Try Zoya nail polish for a more natural way to take care of and color your nails. Zoya is Big5Free meaning the formula is free of Formaldehyde, toluene, DBP, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.

Hey preggos, it’s safe for pregnant women to use. #BumpBonus

 

 

 

 

Friday 5 Finds by Pamela Pekerman

Red Carpet Ready Beauty: FRIDAY 5 FINDS

/0 Comments/in , /by

Hey Mamas,

I’m coming at you with Red Carpet ready goodies in this week’s Friday Five Finds including how to get fuller lashes, glowing skin, even a sweat absorbing garment shield.

So, whether you’re going on a date with the hubby, planning a fun dress-up Oscars viewing party at home, or simply thinking ahead to wedding season, you’ll want to check out my Pam-tested picks.

Red Carpet Ready Beauty Finds by Pamela Pekerman

Red Carpet Ready Lashes

Go big or go home with Grande Cosmetics Mascara, formulated to boost lash volume. Plus, it’s waterproof. So, enjoy that Kleenex moment while Emma Stone accepts her win for Best Actress in La La Land.

PS Use this in the morning when you’re running off to daycare and have no time for any other makeup … or even a shower. It’s an instant fake-awake that will certainly distract from the fact that you might be wearing the same shirt you picked the kids up in, the previous night. #ItHasntHappenedYet #ItCouldHappen

Red Carpet Ready Dress No Mess

I’m a sweater. Wearing long sleeve dresses, has always been a problem. When I was little my mom would cut up some special fabric and sow oval shields under my armpit area, which would absorb my sweat.

These days, I use Hollywood Fashion Garment Shields, disposable apparel shields. I have no shame in my sweat-free game. #KeepingItHonest

Red Carpet Ready Skin

I’ve been testing a lot of masks, lately and I love The True Tincture Chamomile Mask from belif. Belif which stands for “believe in truth” is a cleaner-greener brand that’s becoming a staple in my beauty repertoire.
This tincture mask is loaded with real, organic chamomile flowers that will sooth and deeply hydrate your already glorious face. #EcoMama

Red Carpet Ready Glow

Never have I been so in love with a bronzer, as I am with Vita Liberata Trystal Minerals Self-Tanning Bronzing Minerals. I’m not sure about the “self-tanning” part, and the claim to long lasting glow with prolonged use.

But, I can 10000% confirm my skin has never looked better, than when I apply this miraculous bronzing dust of goodness. #GoldenGoddessAlert

Red Carpet Ready Body

I promise to stop selecting finds from This Works, when This Works stops working!

If you’re looking to cover up skin imperfections and walk your Red Carpet with head-to-toe confidence, lather on Perfect Legs Skin Miracle. It helps diminish the appearance of skin discoloration and scars. #SexyLegsContest


Fountain of Youth Fruits: Beauty Benefits of Apples, Pomegranates & Pumpkins

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Hey Mamas!

I was planning to post this on Friday – actually I should have posted it the previous Friday, but sick kids, my gut issues, charity work on behalf of the Vasculitis Foundation, life …. Sorry! One of these days, I might get my whole act together.

For now, let’s talk apples.

We’ve all heard the adage: An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

But, an apple a day may also keep the plastic surgeon away.

pamela pekerman pix11 morning news

Yup, apples, as well as two of fall’s other fruit harvests – pumpkins and pomegranates – have amazing beauty benefits.

Some of you may have caught me discussing this food to face topic on PIX11 Morning News, last Tuesday, with my dear friend, and mentor, Sukanya Krishna. (Side bar: I LOVE this woman. She’s a momBOSS, girl’s girl and killer anchor).

If you didn’t get a chance to catch the segment – Fall’s Fountain of Youth Fruits – check out the clip below.

I got quite a few emails and social media pings about the items on the table, so here’s some more scoop about the skincare and beauty finds, as well.

APPLES

Benefits of Eating Apples

  • Ursolic acid, found in the peal, is linked to lower risk of obesity because it boosts calorie burn and increases muscle
  • There are 4gp of fiber per one medium size apple. Fiber will keep you fuller longer, so you’re hopefully less likely to much on unhealthy snacks.
  • Fiber also improves your digestive system and increases metabolism. If you’ve been following my gut health drama on Instastories, you know I’m all about good gut health.

Nutritious Nibble featuring Apples

  • An apple bar is a fun way to get the whole eating the fruit. Slice up (with the skin on – because apple skin has the majority of the vitamins, fiber and other benefits) and put on the table with various sides like almond butter, peanut butter, Nutella, honey.
  • At my house, we’re big on baking apples. Wash, decorate with cranberries if desired and pop into the oven at 375degrees for approximately 45minutes. Baked apples with their skin on, retain more of their nutritional value, as compared to making apple sauce.

Beauty Benefits of Apples

Juice Beauty, which has Gwyneth Paltrow as their creative director, have an amazing green apple collection that is formulated without parabens, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances (yup eco excellence). The apples are even sourced from organic farms. On PIX11 I spotlighted the Green Apple Firming Body Moisturizer $18.

  • brightening malic acid from organic green apples combined with other ingredients for lux lotion that helps with skin glow
  • essential fatty acids and apple’s Vitamin C nourish and help firm skin from head to toe
  • No parabens, petroleum, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances

beauty benefits apples Juice Beauty Green Apple

PUMPKIN

Benefits of Eating Pumpkins

  • Pumpkins are loaded with Vitamin A, which helps with vision.
  • In the mood for less Wrinkles? Pumpkins are loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene which helps fight UV damage.
  • Vitamin C found in pumpkins is a natural immune booster that may help during cold/flu season

Nutritious Nibbles featuring Pumpkins

noosa yoghurt Pumpkin Flavor 4oz. 4 pack $4.99, Available at Whole Foods.

  • perfect for snack time, grab-and-go
  • made with whole-milk and fresh pumpkin puree and infused with wildflower honey on local dairy farms in Colorado

noosa_yogurt_pumpkin

Beauty Benefits of Pumpkins

PCA SKIN has a great pumpkin wine-based toner. Yup, you can make wine from anything. Who knew! The Nutrient Toner is $35.

  • It’s packed with enzymes, amino acids and vitamins helps minimize appearance of pores, gently exfoliate and leave skin with a healthy glow
  • pumpkin wine produced by fermenting whole pumpkin, which releases the nutritional benefits of pumpkin, including vitamin A and vitamin C
  • Best of all, this product is free of synthetic dyes and fragrances

POMEGRANATE

Benefits of Eating Pomegranates

  • Pomegranates protect against heart disease and cancer, due to antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols
  • They Contain a natural inhibitor that inhibits production of estrogen, which can reduce breast cancer risk
  • Blood pressure-reducing properties, thanks to phytochemicals in pomegranate

Nutritious Nibble featuring Pomegranates

POM Wonderful POM POMS Fresh Arils 4.3oz $3.99, Available at local grocery store  

  • Time-saving package of ready-to-eat pomegranate arils
  • good source of fiber, 4 grams per half-cup serving. With polyphenols and free-radical fighting antioxidants, only 100-calories for 4.3oz
  • For easy entertaining, the 8oz size is great for the home chef that wants to jazz a dish in seconds, giving it a punch of color, sweet taste and a healthy bonus.

POM Wonderful Pom Poms Fresh Arils PIX11

Beauty Benefits of Pomegranates

WELEDA is another one of those brands I trust for their cleaner, greener approach to formulation. IF you’re looking for a new night moisturizer, try their Pomegranate Firming Night Cream $37, available at Whole Foods.

  • organic pomegranate seed oil contains high-level of antioxidants and essential fatty acids that protect skin from damaging free radicals (sun other environmental damage)
  • results in the reduction of wrinkles, for firm refreshed skin
  • 100% certified natural by NaTrue

beauty benefits pomegranate weleda

I’m so passionate about finding cleaner, green beauty and lifestyle products. So, if you have a brand or product you love – skincare, cosmetics, cleaning agents, baby/kid items, whatever – leave a comment below. Let’s detoxify together. #CleanerGeenerLife

NOTE above medical/health claims: I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on f TV. All benefits are those I’ve heard from medical experts, research online and via interviews, and/or found in recent studies. If you have concerns about eating something or the effects of a certain product/ingredient on your skin, please call your REAL doctor.

Also, the food brands listed above and featured in my segment are not endorsing any of the benefits claims I’m mentioning, unless stated otherwise. Because, like me, they are not fans of law suits.

Okay, that’s all. Just gotta get that out. Like I said, I’m not a fan of law suits. Stress is just toxic for your skin.

Until next time, here’s hoping you #AlwaysBeYourBestYou.

Always Be Your Best You Pamela Pekerman Signature

Friday Five Finds: Earth Day Eco Essentials for Mom Kids & Home

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Happy Earth Day!

Ever since I was in elementary school and we learned about the concept of “Reduce Reuse Recycle” – this was a rather novel concept to discuss with kids in the early 90s, at least in my corner of Brooklyn  – I’ve been a little budding environmentalist. I began to beg my parents to start recycling, which they did … eventually.

When I was a teenager, I wanted to be an environmental lobbyist working for Mother Nature against the evils of those that want to strip her naked. (But, an internship at YM Magazine (RIP) altered my dreams).

When I got married and became a home owner, I laid down the rules for more intense recycling, of course by now the NYC government had my back. Fines make people do all kinds of things that are good for them – buckle seat belts, recycle, etc.

Most recently, as you may know, I’ve been on a greener, cleaner path to improve my beauty routine, as well as be mindful of the ingredients my family and I inhale via cleaning products.

So, while today is EARTH DAY, these Friday Five GREENER Finds, aren’t just a convenient way to get more traffic on a day when everyone is searching for ways to stroke their eco ego. I’m genuinely excited about the improved health and wellness of myself, my family and my planet thanks to the below items.

As always, I would love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and let me know if you use any of these goodies or have your own tips for a cleaner, greener lifestyle.

FridayFive_042216

1. Plum Organics Grow Well Organic Infant Formula ($32.99/21oz) So, breast may be best, but you either don’t want to give up the boob (I totally get you), or your schedule doesn’t allow for best feeding and the machine is just too painful (ya, I’m with you) or you just aren’t producing enough milk (total bummer mama), for any or these reasons, new moms on the hunt for organic formula should check out this new product. I trust Plum Organics, as do many moms. Once you have earned a mom’s trust, we are with you at every turn. Rest assured should I have baby #3, and breast feeding may be off the table (CLICK HERE to read  why) I will likely be turning to this formula (made with organic lactose, no corn syrup solids added, No genetically engineered ingredients, DHA & ARA – basically all the good stuff without all the nasties our munchkins don’t need).

2. Seventh Generation Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent Free & Clear ($28.99/150oz) When I realized my son had eczema, I got a little tougher with my laundry detergent and finally settled on this winner from Seventh Generation. It’s clinically tested to be hypoallergenic, gets the dirt out (which is key, duhh) and it’s made without dyes, synthetic fragrances, petroleum-based ingredient or optical brighteners. Oh and COSTCO carries it – winning!

3. Tata Harper Fortifying Body Lotion ($68) As my acquaintance, secret BFF, and the author of Gorgeous for Good  Sophie Uliano says, if you only  make one greener switch in your beauty routine it should be your body lotion because it covers the biggest part of your, well, body. I’m a huge – read HUGE the way Presidential-hopeful Donald Trump pronounces the word – fan of this farm-to-face brand. The lotion is a great anti-aging, hydrating creme that lives on my nightstand, and gets replenished every 3-4 months.

4. Force of Nature ($89.99) – a brand new appliance that electrolyzes water and a premeasured capsule of salt, water and vinegar, creating two super powerful, cleaning-agent ingredients that are a non-toxic solution for your home. It’s literally a one-stop cleaning, deoderizing and disinfecting solution for the mama who wants a chemical-free option for her home that actually cleans! Ya, so skeptics take note: the electrolyzed water lasts for 2-weeks and it’s up to 10 times more effective than bleach, without the nasty, causes-my-eyes-to-weep smell.

5. The Organic Pharmacy Rose Diamond Face Cream $435 While I’ve been following The Organic Pharmacy on Instagram for about a year, I’ve only recently begun to use their products. While on the hunt for diamond-infused spa and beauty products for my first expert post for SpaWeek’s blog – wahhu READ IT HERE – I was having a hard time finding products that lived up to my greener, cleaner standards. Many diamond-infused and inspired cosmetic and skincare products had lots of luster on the outside and junk on the inside. Then I found this new Rose Diamond Face Cream and was blown away by its thoughtful ingredients. Most importantly, yes, it does have wonderful skin shining and plumping effects. You’ll start to see it over time. FYI This one is price, but when is a good diamond not?

P2signautre