I found this great video on Girlie Girl Army and wanted to share! It provides a really nice summary of how cosmetics companies are continuing to put cancer-linked chemicals in everything from shampoo to lipstick. This video is really cool if you have never learned about why products are not safe – if you are a natural cosmetic “flirt,” if you will!

If you are still buying mainstream cosmetics, you should know that there are great alternatives to be found. You can find my recommendations for natural makeup here, and you can also find some of my favorite beauty products in my OpenSky store. One of the best ways you can fight for laws that would regulate cosmetics is to boycott the bad stuff, and use your dollar to vote for what is natural and good. I think you can make a huge difference that way!

Anywho, if you’re not using healthy, eco-friendly cosmetics already, definitely watch this!

What are some of your favorite cosmetics brands?

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If you’re a Kind Lifer, you’re no stranger to Kaia House. You might have seen or heard about our incredible selection of vegan non-toxic nail colors or our Soy Polish Remover, but we also have a loyal following for our natural and organic skin care and mineral makeup products that are based on ancient beauty remedies with a modern day twist.

One must have for the holidays is our best-selling Bright Eyed Starlett Eye Serum that helps de-puff, minimize fine lines and wrinkles and lighten up those pesky dark circles. How does it do it? With the magic of Japanese Honeysuckle and Nature’s most nourishing ingredients like Linden Blossom, Rose and Ylang Ylang and Shea. By providing super hydration in a light serum, the delicate skin around the eyes is nurtured, relieving puffiness, dark circles and the look of fine lines - all the consequences of dehydration from lack of sleep and moisture.

What’s the best thing about Kaia House’s Bright Eyed Starlett? You can get it for FREE!

Order over $25 on KaiaHouse.com and get the Bright Eyed Starlett (a $32 value) free. To claim, all you have to do is put "Starlett” in the comments section of your order when you check out. No need to add to basket, the serum will automatically be added to your order when it is processed. 

While you are “kinding” your eyes this holiday, check out other best sellers like Kaia House’s Charcoal Detoxifying Cleanser for combination skin or our Chemically Naked Rosewater Toner. Plus, give the gift of Green by “kinding” your gifts with 30% off! Head on over to Kaia House Gifts for vegan body scrubs, lotions and other goodies and use code: kind30 to save on already reduced items. **This offer cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.


Both offers expire December 20, 2011.

Want a chance to win 10 non-toxic nail colors from Kaia House? Click on over to our Facebook page and submit a picture of your town or city to our Pretty City contest. Five lucky fans will have a chance to win 10 Kaia House nail colors by uploading a pic of your town/city, and writing a little about why you love it.

A vegan beauty lover’s dream, Kaia House is a great place to find something kind for loved ones this holiday.

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

 

Be kind this holiday season by giving friends and family gifts from Kaia House. We have an amazing selection of natural and organic beauty products that’ll make your loved ones look and feel fantastic. Items range from vegan skincare and mineral makeup, to non-toxic nail colors, soy-based polish remover and even all natural perfumes all at super reasonable prices.

We know they say it’s better to give than to receive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give a little to yourself too. Especially since every product you buy, Kaia House will donate one meal to a child through the World Food Program.

Choose from two great discounts:

1) Get 25% off your entire purchase at Kaia House by using promo code KIND25

OR

2) Get a free holiday special edition nail color set (worth $36!) with any purchase over $50. Just add $50 or more of product to your cart, add the nail color gift set, then use promo code KINDGIFT at checkout to receive your free item.

 
All of our nail colors are vegan, non-toxic, and named after the cities that inspired the colors, like Istanbul, Dubai, and London. We have over 56 colors, and counting. The gift set lets you try 3 styles with a soy polish remover included!

Over 80% of all the products at Kaia House are vegan, and there is even a dedicated vegan section.

Look for the  “V” icon for vegan items, or “GF” icon for gluten-free beauty on the item picture for stress-free shopping.

Head on over to KaiaHouse.com now to browse our wide selection of organic beauty products and to get your 25% discount or free nail color set before the codes expire on November 30th, 2011.

Buy a gift, give a meal. You’re going to feel good being kind this holiday season!

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by

It’s officially fall, Kind Lifers, and that means it’s time to stock up on Hurraw! Lip Balm. There’s no better way to keep those vegan lips healthy in the coming cold months.

As always, Hurraw! Balms are 100% natural, handmade with organic and raw ingredients, and even better, they smell divine!

Add a slight red tint with the Black Cherry or Cinnamon Balms. Check out the real Vanilla seeds in the heavenly Vanilla Bean Balm. Or treat your lips to a Green Tea or Chai Spice Balm. Don't forget, the sun's rays can still be pretty strong in the winter months, so be prepared with the Tangerine Chamomile SPF 15 Balm. And once the sun sets, follow the natural light rhythms and lull yourself to sleep early with the deeply moisturizing and soothing Moon Balm.

Stay tuned for the new Earl Grey Tea flavor coming soon! And be sure to check out all of the fabulous Hurraw! Lip Balm flavors HERE.

This post is proudly sponsored by

Can you believe that in this day and age the average makeup brush is still made with animal hair? Neither can we! It’s not good for animals, it’s far more likely to cause an allergic reaction and it’s not the best way to apply makeup!

If you’ve made the switch to mineral makeup (like Alima Pure’s powders which contain no carmine or bismuth oxychloride) you need the right brushes to go with it.

Now is the time to buy excellent, cruelty-free Alima Pure brushes because not only will Kind Lifers receive a 10% discount on selected face brushes – Alima Pure will donate $5 for each face brush sold to PETA.

If you haven’t used an Alima Pure brush you are in for a treat. All Alima Pure brushes are incredibly soft and each one was designed by a makeup artist to provide specific application results:

Foundation Brushes

The extremely popular #25 Foundation Brush is gently domed to slip easily around the curves of your face. High-quality taklon bristles are densely packed making it easy to pick up the right amount of powder for sheer, buildable coverage.

The #15 Flat Top Foundation Brush has a smaller head with short, cropped bristles.  This design gives heavier coverage of foundation with just one layer.

Finishing Powder, Bronzer and Shimmer Powder Brushes

Created for Finishing Powders, Bronzers and Shimmer Powders, the #21 Buff Brush and #23 Kitten Brush serve similar purposes but with different results.

The #21 Buff Brush distributes a heavier layer of product with a soft touch. The #23 Kitten Brush is ideal when you want just a sheer bit of product, like a bronzer or shimmer powder. The longer, white bristles pick up roughly half as much product as the Buff Brush bristles, but the shorter, black bristles work with the white bristles to seamlessly blend anything, even the darkest bronzer!

Half Moon Brush

The #7 Half Moon Brush is an adorable little purse-sized brush that is ideal for touching up foundation or finishing powder on the go.

From now until October 7, order any of our foundation or finishing powder brushes (#7 Half Moon Brush, #15 Flat Top Foundation Brush, #21 Buff Brush, #23 Kitten Brush or #25 Foundation Brush) and not only will we take 10% off your brush price, but we will donate $5 to PETA.

Just enter the code KindPeta when you checkout at AlimaPure.com now through October 7.

Calling all college-bound kind lifers and kind mamas with school age children! EcoTools is giving away three back to school kits from my collection. Each winner will receive the following items:

4-Piece Backstage Vanity Brush Set – Comes with a countertop brush holder stocked with a Finishing Brush, Angled Eye Shadow Brush, and Lash and Brow Groomer

Train Case – A carry-all for your beauty accessories, school supplies, or anything you need to tote around

Deluxe Pencil Case – This handy item has a removable interior case, three interior storage pockets, and enough space to hold your pencils or five of your fave EcoTools brushes

All materials used in my EcoTools collection are earth-friendly, and include tree-free paper, a natural hemp blend, recycled plastic lining, as well as non-toxic inks. The brushes are the softest brushes I have ever used, and are made with recycled aluminum, bamboo, and cruelty-free synthetic bristles. The collection is now available at Target, Walmart, and Walgreens, so check it out next time you’re at the store!
 
To enter for a chance to win an EcoTools back to school kit, leave a comment below telling me how you plan to make this school year your most eco-friendly one yet!

*UPDATE: We've chosen our winners! Congrats, Jessica, Sherry, and Julie!*

Life just got easier for vegan and eco-conscious gals, thanks to Vegan Beauty Market!  Imagine all the vegan products you love in one location, offering a huge variety of products for your skin, hair, bath and body, cosmetics, fragrances, kids and sun care. Vegan Beauty Market not only has something for everyone; it’s super convenient!

You’ll find brands such as 100% Pure, Beauty Without Cruelty, Everyday Minerals, Herbs of Grace, Max Green Alchemy and other natural and organic products with a vegan twist. Like to branch out and try new products? You’ll receive at least two product samples with each order you place, so enjoy your favorites while you discover new ones! Got allergies? No worries – all ingredients are listed for each product.

In addition, Vegan Beauty Market is offering free shipping on orders over $49 (U.S. only), giving you a near perfect shopping experience!

As part of their commitment to be socially responsible, Vegan Beauty Market’s shipping materials are all reused and recycled whenever possible, resulting in less waste. They also donate a portion of the profits to environmental and animal welfare causes, so not only will you look good, you’ll feel good after placing your order!

TheKindLife.com readers can now enjoy this special offer and receive 15% off your order total now through Sept. 14. Use coupon code KINDLIFE15 at checkout.

Stay beautiful with a vegan shopping experience that is both kind and convenient - at Vegan Beauty Market!

There’s nothing like a birthday to put you in a great mood – and we can’t think of a better reason to have a party than Alima Pure's 7th birthday!
 
With customers like you, we really have a lot to celebrate. The Kind Life readers have responded so warmly to Alima Pure and we are proud to be associated with a blog that does so much to navigate a healthy, natural – and still rich, enjoyable and stylish - lifestyle.

And since it wouldn’t be a party without party favors, keep reading:
 
Enter coupon code ALIMABDAY at checkout for 15% off your whole order through August 29th!
 
GIFT WITH PURCHASE
Order any full size product (including brushes) and receive three free deluxe sample eyeshadows in “Alima Colors” while supplies last.
 
BYE BYE, BAGGIE SAMPLES!
We’re doing away with baggie samples. Instead, you will get two free jar samples (like the ones you buy – usually eye and cheek color) with your order. 
 
And remember – we are all vegan, 100% pure pigment mineral makeup (no carmine, ever). Our Organic Nourishing Lipbalm contains beeswax.
 
So, come celebrate with us and take advantage of the great party favors – it wouldn’t be a birthday celebration without you!

Still plagued with acne breakouts even though high school is a faint memory? You’re not alone – most of us hope our skin will clear up as we get older, but end up having to accept that acne is an unpleasant part of life. The good news is you have a way of fighting back that works!

Whether you suffer from those ambush-style hormonal breakouts or battle blemishes daily, SIRCUIT® SKIN Cosmeceuticals has a new secret weapon for your arsenal. Our concentrated blemish-drying serum, Fixzit™ ($30), is a targeted treatment that hits the blemish without drying out your skin. Unlike other products, Fixzit™ won’t fade away after it’s applied – its staying power means you’ll see a noticeable difference overnight!

What gives SIRCUIT®’s products the effective edge over your current brand of acne treatment? Simple – the highest concentration of the newest, most effective, medical-grade ingredients. We make our products in small batches, with no preservatives, chemicals or fillers, to ensure that what you put on your face is as fresh and healthy as possible. And all of our products are cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using them!

The only way to truly know how effective our products are is to try them for yourselves, so we’ve whipped up an exclusive offer you won’t want to pass up!

Receive a FREE travel sized X-Trap Daily Gentle Face Wash ($12 value) and FREE shipping with any purchase of $50 or more at SircuitSkin.com. Get yours by using promo code THEKINDLIFE at checkout.

The road to healthier skin goes beyond just adding Fixzit™ to your beauty routine. SIRCUIT® can personalize your approach to skin care by offering Kind Lifers individual skin consultations with our skin experts. Simply call (888) 661-4544 to speak with one of our experts today, and take that first step towards clearer, more beautiful skin!

*UPDATE: Promotion ends August 31, 2011 at 11:59PM*