We are fortunate to live in a time in which the cosmetic industry is feeling the force of the customer and turning away from the popular lab-concocted chemical formulas of the 70s and 80s to produce safer natural makeup.

And while mineral makeups you see on TV may be free of parabens and irritating preservatives, if you’ve tried them on your skin, they don’t exactly feel as “hydrating,” “calming” or as “healthy” as they claim to be.

In this day and age, however, as a consumer, you should expect more.  After all, a foundation can actually be hydrating, anti-aging and made from only safe, natural ingredients.  But these products may have a shelf life.  So the question for you is this:

Are you willing to use a natural product that might expire in 6 months if it really is good for your skin and feels great on?

For info. on how to try to score these glosses for your group, please visit: http://glutenfreebeauty.com/blog/gluten-free-lip-gloss-giveaway

100% natural and gluten-free, they won’t dry, chap or addict your lips, but they may leave your beau vying for more gluten-free kisses!

My Aha Moment

I was SO excited and honored to be contacted recently by the Mutual of Omaha “My Aha Moment” tour while they were in Asheville.  I was invited for an interview about my own moment of realization that aligned me with my “path.”  And for me that moment was putting my research to work for me and accumulating all of my years of product research behind Naturally Dah’ling into the development of my own cosmetic and skin care line, aka a line I can REALLY stand behind (one made by my own hands!). To view, just click  here!

One of my very favorite boutique skin care lines, Amelia’s Soap Co., has added some amazing new items to the line.

I rave often about how I love Amelia’s soaps, and refuse to travel without them.  Well now Mrs. Janet Amelia has been mixing up even more delightful bath beauties to become addicted to!

Famous for her gentle, moisturizing, Crisp Citrus scented body bars, the line also now includes scents like:

• Sunny Morning Soap with Orange Peal and Rosemary Petals
• Chamomile Tea and Lavender Soap with Calendula Petals
• Energizing Soap with Crushed Rosemary
• Gardner’s Soap with Crushed Apricot Seeds, Lavender Buds and Rosemary
• Unscented Oatmeal Scrub Bar (Made w/ gluten-free oats)

Mrs. Janet has also added round and rectangular soap gift sets, face polish and soap packets, and gift sets that include soaps, face polish and lip balm.

Everything Amelia’s sells is gluten-free, and in her extensive “All Natural” selection, there’s just so many wonderful choices!

You can purchase these bathing beauties from Amelia’s @ http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5518360&section_id=5690562

I truly value Afterglow’s committment to natural, gluten-free cosmetics, and their red carpet worthy cosmetics are utterly impressive. As a result, I have added several new favorite Afterglow products to the site, and have just wrapped up one of my very first (of many) videos featuring their buzzy-worthy, professional finish products in a comparison/contrast to those of Jane Iredale which are wonderful for everyday beauty.

Please visit the newly updated NaturallyDahling.com and don’t forget to check out my new product comparison video:

Take care!!!

kristen
author/creator
www.naturallydahling.com

This does have me thinking, obviously gluten-free is going to be a big food trend in 2009, but what about make-up trends?

So here are some of my favorite picks for make-up tips in 2009:

-Lengthened Brows

-Exaggerated Eyeliner

-Pop Lip Color

I’ll be working on some video demonstrations and pics to upload soon!

Here is the first of what will be many videos to come demonstrating the use of ELISA Tek’s EZ Gluten Test Kit, a simple, effective way to test foods and products for gluten.  In this first video I tested Dr. Hauschka’s Natural Lipstick (which was previously verified gluten free via the Dr. Hauschka company). And was able to proudly confirm that yes, it really is gluten free!

Here’s my demonstration–and during the testing I really didn’t know which way the test would go!

Yesterday was very exciting, I recorded a YouTube video as I tested my Dr.Hauschka Lipstick
for any traces of gluten using ELISA’s EZ Gluten Test Kit.  The test kit is so easy to use, and detects as little as 10 parts per million.

Representatives at Dr. Hauschka had previously confirmed that the product contains no gluten, but because as little as one milligram of gluten per day can prevent intestinal healing, it’s better to be safe than sorry.  The most exciting part of the process was that as I was testing, and filming, I did not know for certain how the test would come out.

It was a successful negative, the Dr.Hauschka Lipstick is absolutely safe for those with celiac and gluten intolerance!

Here is my link to the video:

Dr. Hauschka Natural Lipstick: Is It Really Gluten Free?

Nothing like some gorgeous gray eye gloss to add a little sparkle and shine to your Friday! 

One of my latest favorite’s is Jane Iredal’s Eye Gloss.  I adore how this natural, gluten free teensy tube just makes my eyes shine.   With shades like Green Silk, Wine Silk, and my brown eye’d fav Gray Silk, there’s a gloss for every girl!  And I am utterly impressed with the staying power of these magical little glossies.

(Click the image to purchase)


I simly apply some on my lid (below the crease), using the gentle wand, give it about 30 seconds to dry, and then pop some eye liner on my lower lash line, apply lots of mascara and voila!