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!

My skin was immediately softer and more supple, leaving me infinitely grateful to be using the Healing Balm again.  I can see how the toner is a nice addition, and would’ve been good to have while travelling, but I did sneak a bit of my new Naturopathica Environmental Defense Mask along with me, and used that to spot treat any blackheads or spots. 

What surprised me the most, however, was when I saw my mom.  I hadn’t seen her since the summer, and her skin looked positively radiant!  My mom is nearing 60 and looks like she’s in her 40s, she absolutely has great genes, but her skin was different since I’d last seen her.  Her skin was soft and glowing, and I had to know how! 

Surprise!  Mom’s been using the 100% Pure Organic Healing Balm for the past few months.  She absolutely loves it, and was telling everyone at Thanksgiving who was willing to listen.

So all in all, I am back onto my regular skin care routine, though maybe I’ll give the Hauschka facial oil and toner another try. Either way, I adore Dr. Hauschka’s bronzer, mascara, eye liner and lipstick. And I’m sure he has plenty more amazing products to offer that I’ve yet to try.

The Cleansing Cream is just not for me.  If you’re familiar with Jurlique’s Daily Exfoliating Cream, it is similar, though I actually prefer Jurlique’s.  The Cleansing Cream is a pasty consistency and is meant to be pressed into the skin to deeply cleanse while also exfoliating.  The issue is that I prefer a cleanser that a) also removes makeup b) goes a long way so I can also use it down into my decollage and c) can be used on the entire face which again, helps in removing makeup.  Plus, it contains wheat germ oil, which means, it’s probably not gluten free.

So I’ve moved on.  I am not trying the Sircuit Skin X-Trap Face Wash, which is a concentrated gel.  And to help remove all of the dirt and oil that’s built up, I am presently wearing my Environmental Defense Mask by Naturopathica.

I will continue to try out the Toner, Moisturizer and Facial Oil–until I simply can go no longer without my 100% Pure Organic Healing Balm, that is.  Seriously though, I do think there is something to using a toner and an oil.  Time will tell . . .

I do miss my regular face wash, the Seafoam cleaser, it foams so nicely, the Dr. Hauschka Cleasing Cream is just not the same.  The concepts of using a daily toner and facial oil do intrigue me, and could become staples of my routine. 

One  aspect of the Hauschka philosophy continues to trouble me: they believe that because cell regeneration happens overnight no skin products should be applied to go to sleep.  Night time regeneration is no new concept, that I fully believe in.  But then, if not at night, when am I to use my anti-agers?  And even more confusing, I just received a mail sample of a new Dr. H repair product, to be used at night.  Hmmm.  This is all so confusing.

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?

As I left the house yesterday I felt quite good about the state of my completely make-up-less skin. I opted to forego even a swift application of mascara or concealer in order to demonstrate to the esthetician my skin in it’s most natural state. My tried and true product routines have done me well, I have discovered a few new masks for deeper cleansing, and I really have no complaints. So when I sat down with an esthetician from Dr. Hauschka as we formulated my ideal Dr. H skin care routine, everything sounded hope-filled and wonderful, but I still came home questioning whether I really can achieve all that I want with just one product line.

Last night I began my new system, and this morning was eager to continue this new routine. Here is what I am using:
Lavender Bath
Cleansing Cream
Facial Toner
Moisturizing Day Cream
Normalizing Day Oil

I am told that the oil will train my T-zone to stop producing excess oils throughout the day.  And that the toner–a product I often forego, is quite essential to balancing the PH levels of the skin post-cleansing.

I will certainly keep you posted on my progress.

The only challenge here is the application.  Because I have never quite mastered the art of coloring in the lines, I actually sweep a bit of product onto a flat liner brush and easily fill in my lash lines for easy application.  I adore Jane Iredale’s Dual Eye Liner/Brow Brush for this, as one end easily fills in the lines and the smaller, rounded tip is great for slight smudging.

Because the Translucent Bronzer is a concentrate, it is practically foolproof to apply: simply mix it with a dollop of your usual moisturizer and press into your skin to apply.  You can even mix it with your favorite sunscreen!  And if you desire a darker or light shade, simply use more or less bronzer.  It truly is . . . fabulous dah’ling!

**Dr. Hauschka’s Translucent Bronze Concentrate is Gluten Free

As any great mascara should, this lash lovely can go all day sans irritation or displacement.  It is a perfectly natural and gluten free addition to anyone’s make-up bag!