Color Magazine Online

These Earth-friendly Products will Rock Your World, Gently

Innersense

When I first came across the Innersense Organic Beauty line I was taken aback by the simple, brown-hued packaging. Let's face it, right now there is a substantial amount of organic product on the market in fancy packaging, which can be insanely overpriced. So when I saw the simple, organic look of Innersense, well, it was a breathe of fresh air.

They are not your average "green" product. The philosophy behind the brand is more spiritual and reflective on the earth than it is about market share. It's about being one with your inner identity and listening to your body.

The hair products offer yummy smelling shampoos, conditioners and styling products that you will fall in love with. They leave your hair feeling super soft and manageable. The skin products are developed with organic oils and butters and all products are animal-friendly. (Even the ingredients they use from different manufactures are animal friendly.) My favorite was the Blissful Body Butter, at only $25 you can use it generously. To top it off, a portion of Innersense profits are donated to environmental causes and charities. Talk about good Karma.

- Rosanna Ortiz Sinel

Visit www.innersensebeauty.com to purchase products or find a retailer.

Lush

Lush began in England in 1994, and the first U.S. store opened in 2002 in San Francisco. Lush has a multi-ethnic workforce that works for competitive wages and all North American products are made from their Canadian factory to minimize the carbon footprint. I like supporting a company that tries to be a good citizen, uses minimal packaging and supports charitable causes - especially when their products live up to the hype.

The Henna Fluff Eaze is a wonderful jasmine elixir, which reminded me of a sensuous flower garden and left my hair soft. Between the Flying Fox Shower Gel and the Karma Body Soap, I preferred the soap. It was easy to get a good lather and do a fast cleansing, plus it had a wonderful patchouli fragrance that filled my bathroom.

I always feel like men get neglected in the beauty realm so I recruited some of my guy friends as testers. Tester #1 tried the Cosmetics Lad, T'eo Deodorant, and the Ambrosia Shaving Cream. His favorite was the Ambrosia Shaving Cream, because, as he put it, "it was a great shave." Tester #2 enjoyed using the Daddy-O Shampoo because of its "refreshing smell and unique color." He also added that the Chai Shower Gel did not dry out his skin, unlike other soaps.

- Joanne M. Choi

Visit www.lush.com to purchase products or find a retailer.