Mother's Day Gifts of Beauty

One of the things I love about gifting with beauty is it truly is a gift that keeps on giving.  And each time the recipient uses that item, it reminds them of the one who gave it.  I find that's especially true when the giver takes the likes and desires of the recipient in mind.  What I mean by that, for instance, is if your mom has been complaining about itchy, dry, rough skin on her upper arms and you know she also enjoys citrus, a verbena scented body scrub would make such a special gift. Right? Of course, right.

With that in mind, here are a few products I can recommend to you for gifting, each with its own special properties.

POMEGA5 ROSE SYSTEM
Have a mom who loves flowers, perhaps even the traditional and lovely fragrance of roses?  I promise you, you cannot go wrong with Pomega5's Rose System.  Readers already know Pomega5 is one of my absolute most favorite skincare brand out there.  Based on using the highly coveted pomegranate seed oil, this is a family run company that takes time to create high quality, gorgeous, effective products, often receiving inspiration for their products from their extensive home garden.  There's not been a single item I've been even the slightest bit disappointed in. Everything I've tried I've loved, cherished and delighted in. Each product contains its very own special properties and each smells so delicious you can't wait to use them. I truly believe in this brand!

While 60% of us buy flowers for our moms every year, this year we can give her roses through the sure-to-make-her-feel-good Rose System that’s actually good for her. Pomega5’s Rose System makes you feel calm and refreshed, and the pure, organic ingredients will help regenerate skin to its youthful and bright complexion. Available exclusively direct from Pomega5.  $135 for the set.

Includes:

Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar (120 g)

Daily Revitalizing Concentrate (30 ampoules)

Bois de Rose Velvet Hydrating Cream (50 ml)

AMALA HYDRATE SPA VALISE
Amala Hydrate Spa Valise Set replenishes and sustains skin'­s moisture level with organic Egyptian Jasmine, renowned for its nourishing, smoothing and antioxidant benefits for skin. Amala's certified organic Jasmine is cultivated and custom distilled in Egypt by their own fair trade farm partner.  Your skin feels so refreshed, soothed and pampered. This is the gift of responsible, results-driven skincare. Rich in organic whole plants, the conveniently packaged, proven-effective treatments beautify the skin and benefit the earth.  Eco-luxe organic hemp and woven paper valise.  Available at Spirit Beauty Lounge.   $102 for the set.

Includes:

Hydrating cream cleanser 1.7 oz.

Hydrating toner 1.7 oz.

Hydrating face cream 1 oz.

ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY D.I.Y. FACIAL RITUAL GIFT SET
Offering innovative prescriptive skincare, Elemental Herbology products address the changes that occur in the skin as a result of seasonal, lifestyle and hormonal change. Formulated to help restore equilibrium, the brand is committed to helping their customers achieve healthy and radiant skin. They are performance focused, yielding that ‘feel good factor’, their products combine clinically-tested bio-actives with over one hundred unique plant, mineral and marine extracts and pure delicately scented flower oils.

This is the perfect introduction kit to give you a wonderful discovery of this fabulous skincare brand. Love, love, love Elemental Herbology.  I can't believe this kit is only $55.  Available at Beauty Bar.

Includes:

Facial Glow Radiance Peel - Vitamin C/Papaya/Manuka Honey

This radiance peel is infused with a tropical cocktail of vitamins, enzymes and skin-brightening botanicals, to help exfoliate dead surface cells, stimulate cell metabolism and harmonise the skin tone to create a radiant and glowing complexion.

Facial Detox Puifying Mask - Malachite/Kaolin/Manuka Honey

Mineral rich organic Amazonian Clay helps eliminate toxins from the surface of the skin while gently exfoliating and softening. Although it has astringent properties it is not as dehydrating as conventional clays, leaving the skin soft, humidified and glowing.

Biodynamic Facial Souffle' - Rose Damask/Marine Collagen/Calendula

Rich in amino acids, collagen and reparative botanicals, this luxurious treatment mask helps soothe, plump, hydrate and repair parched skin to reveal a dewy, fresh and vibrant complexion.

CLARISONIC MIA
If your mom doesn't own a Clarisonic yet, this is the p-e-r-f-e-c-t occasion to treat her to one. From the Clarisonic family of sonic skin-cleansing products, the one-button, one-speed, one-minute Mia is perfect for those wanting a convenient, less costly (from the traditional Clarisonic system), yet effective way to cleanse while traveling--or anytime. This award-winning waterproof, rechargeable, professional-caliber brush uses gentle sonic micro-massage action to cleanse deeply. It works so well, it helps other skin-care products absorb better. It cleans pores--loosening dirt, makeup, and oil as it reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It's proven to remove six times more makeup than traditional superficial cleansing, allowing serums and moisturizers to absorb better. Skin is left soft, pampered, radiant, and younger-looking--without harsh abrasion or chemicals. It's so gentle, you can use it twice a day.

Clarisonic Mia Systems retail between $124 - $150 and are available worldwide.  I recommend purchasing from b-glowing (looove them! great customer service and they include fabulous samples) and QVC (sometimes available with easy pay options).

JABONERIA MARIANELLA SOAPS
Handmade soaps, each with its own distinctive artistic flair and a childhood memory attached.  That's what Venezuelan-born Marianella Febres-Cordero has created with her gorgeous and luxurious line of soaps.  This is one of my very favorite places to shop when I have a gift to buy!  Each bar smells luscious and creates such a beautiful focal point, wherever you place it.  You just can't help but be transported to another place and time through the stories Marianella tells for each soap inspiration. Each bar is infused with its own special essential and fragrance oils. It's a sensual experience through and through. Truly lovely!

Current bars include:

Aranciata (my favorite) - Orange, Teakwood and Rosemary

Aura Elena (close 2nd) - Oak Moss, Coconut and Mulberry

Coqueta - Baby Powder, Vanilla and Grapefruit

Dama de la Noche - Lemon, Apple and the exotic Dama de la Noche flower

Desert Gardenia - Gardenia, Honey and Oak Moss

Lemonwood - Bois de Rose, Litsea Cubeba and Bergamot

Parchita - Passion Fruit, Polyantha Rose and Litsea Cubeba

Poncha Crema - Vanilla, Fig and Cinnamon

Sugar Cane Tea - Sugar Cane, Plum and Litsea Cubeba

Violet Fields - Violet, Bergamot and a hint of Menthol

Jaboneria Marianella bars (there's a men's line too) are available directly through them. $14

THIS WORKS "CRACKERS"
I love these ... and so unique. Love Lip Cracker contains a nourishing preservative-free balm that's been designed to melt at body temperature so it is easily absorbed into skin. With a rich formula packed with the earth's most moisturizing ingredients and an exotic blend of Monoi Oil, Rose Oil and Cocoa Butter, the balm hydrates lips, soothes and protects skin. Peace Eye Cracker contains a lovely little eye serum/cream that has garnered rave reviews for dark circle reduction and improvement in lines and undereye bags. The soothing blend of serum brightens and refreshes eyes using a fusion of regenerating and moisturizing glycerin, arnica, aloe vera and cucumber. Both are available at Beautyhabit. $14 each.

TALLULAH JANE NATURAL PERFUMES
Blended with botanical essences, resins and balsams, Tallulah Jane scents are an ever-evolving olfactory experience. No two vintages are exactly alike so your Tallulah Jane scent is always unique; designed my nature - especially for you. Tallulah, their signature scent, is the most fabulous jasmine scent I've ever tried. Creamy jasmine notes and heady tuberose combine for a scent that is timeless yet so ultra cool! And be on the look out soon for a feature on their newest creation, Hope. I can't wait to tell you more about it and the company's generous collaboration with the American Cancer Society for their Pink & Black Tie Gala. Tallulah Jane perfumes are available at Spirit Beauty Lounge. $48 - $58

LOVE + TOAST and TOKYO MILK CURIOSITIES
Such whimsical packaging, gorgeous formulas and sweet, decadent aromas are yours with a little purchase of Love + Toast or Tokyo Milk products. They feature an assortment of perfumes, soaps, lip balms and hand creams that are unlike any you've tried before. Experience scent combinations like mandarin tea, honey coconut, lemon mint, citrus gin blossom, or tantalize with a sophisticated blend of fresh greens, cassis, white iris and bronzed musk crushed and distilled to perfection. Love + Toast and Tokyo Milk and Tokyo Milk Dark are by beauty entrepreneur Margot Elena Wells, who also brought us Lollia. Her natural beauty line will be released soon, nectar + pollen - can't wait! Love + Toast and Tokyo Milk products are available at b-glowing and Beautyhabit. $6 - $28


Candles & Home Fragrance
Continue the heavenly scents experience for mom with a beautifully packaged candle or unique home fragrance idea.  Nothing warms the mood of a room or the essence of a soul quite like the candlelight.

AEDES DE VENUSTAS GLOW BOX
Presented in their signature black Aedes gift box the Glow Box contains their popular Lime Coconut Sea Salt Exfoliator, Claus Porto's Tuberose soap and a L'Artisan Parfumeur votive candle.  Available at Aedes. $80

L'ARTISAN PARFUMEUR PARIS VOTIVES COFFRETS
The exclusive and limited edition gift coffret contains three L'Artisan Parfumeur votives.  Les Best is composed of Orangers en Fleurs, Intérieur Figuier and Mûre Sauvage; Les Orientales is composed of Ambre, Thé et Pain d’Epices and Ile Bourbon. Available at Aedes. $60 (each set)

SLATKIN & CO.
Flower Shop is a delightful scent of fresh-cut spring flowers - sweet lilac, pink freesia and hyacinth layered with cooling greens.  This 14.5 oz, 3-wick candle has a burn life of 40 - 65 hours and is available at Bath & Body Works. Fresh Bamboo is another fabulous scent - very clean smelling. Special Sale Price: 2 candles for $30 any assortment of scents (reg. $19.95 each).

AVENUE CANDLE COLLECTION
Years of traversing the globe searching for extraordinary fragrances is the inspiration for Avenue Candle Collection; each unique candle brings the characteristics and mood of some of the most famous streets in Avenue's favorite cities into our homes.  Avenue's Regent Street highlights notes of Earl Grey Tea and Violet.  Bergamot Citrus and Black Tea leaves are married with a hint of honey and neroli for a deeply rich fragrance.  Available  at LAFCO New York. Burn time: 75 - 85 hours.  $48

SANTA MARIA NOVELLA SCENTED TABLETS
Here's a divinely unique idea.  Santa Maria Novella Scented Tablets are 100% organic and natural essential oils mixed with beeswax from the fertile Tuscan fields and bee farms of Santa Maria Novella. Too beautiful to be hidden, tablets can be placed in drawers, hung in closets (ribbon is already attached) or simply left out in the open on a tray to freshen and scent the surrounding space. Tablets are completely safe and organic and will not stain clothing or fabrics, however wax will become malleable at very high room temperatures (85+ degrees F).  Lavender and rose oils, lavender blossoms and rose buds for a fresh romantic scent. Available at LAFCO New York, and also available in the scents of Orange/Cinnamon and Potpourri. $30

Wishing you and your mothers a most fabulous Mother's Day weekend!  xo

CEW Eco Beauty Award: Sending Love to Two of My Faves

I spy with my little eye a couple of my very favorite eco-friendly skincare brands up for the 2011 CEW Eco Beauty Award and I couldn't be more thrilled for them. 

Pomega5's Healing Cream
I can't speak highly enough of Pomega5, their committment to quality, eco-friendly products and to providing their customers with a superb multi-sensory experience. Healing Cream is the star of the Pomega5 line as a gentle, nourishing moisturizer to comfort sensitive skin. This rich botanical recipe combines Omega 5 with soothing, restorative oils of carrot seed, calendula and grape seed to create an energetic shield to combat penetration of impurities, and a harmonious symphony of ingredients that nourish and "sing to the soul" (indeed it does). This cream also contains gorgeous shea butter. Formulated with 99% active ingredients and over 40% Omega oils, every element in this unique moisturizer works to improve the skin, inclusive of the botanical preservative and emulsification system.  You guys know I'm a sucker for pomegranate seed oil in skincare. It's all thanks to Pomega5 that this is so.  This cream contains pomegranate cold-pressed from the seeds within the juice-filled arils. It is rich in rare Omega 5 essential fatty acid.  It also proves to be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, promotes cell renewal, stimulates collagen production, protects against sun damage, reduces redness, and heals irritations. Sublime!

Amala Beauty's Rejuvenate Line
The Rejuvenate collection firms, smoothes lines and renews elasticity with Cocoa Bean, known for its unique ability to stimulate cell renewal and microcirculation.  It's all about the cocoa bean in Amala's Rejuvenate collection.  Their Rejuvenate Cleansing Milk washes away dirt, makeup and impurities while rejuvenating skin with this gentle, nourishing cleanser. The whole plant ingredients in the milky smooth formula help strengthen and smooth leaving skin healthy and even toned. Whole plant ingredients infuse their Rejuvenating Serum as well, including a powerful antioxidant trio of pure Vitamin C-rich Acerola, Sea Algae and Cocoa Bean. The serum naturally repairs skin while protecting it from environmental and free radical age damage.  And ... their certified organic Cocoa Bean is cultivated in the Huallaga region of Peru by an expert fair trade partner in the area.

Both Pomega5 and Amala offer absolutely beautiful, gorgeous skincare, that are as effective in use as they are soothing to the soul.  Highly recommend without hesitation!  Pomega5 products may be purchased directly through their website and soon you'll find them at Bliss Spa.  Amala Beauty may be found at Spirit Beauty Lounge, whose shopping experience is like buying nectar from the gods. Yes, it's that fabulous.

Enjoy!

Pomega5's Newest Skincare Products - Yay!

Goody, goody, goody ... I've been waiting for Pomega5 to come out with some of their newer products and here they are. There's more to come so keep checking back with them, but these are sure to please even the most discriminating of skincare divas.


NEW! Skin Perfecting Cleansing Trio
3 Bars, 4.2 oz / 120 g each

I'm never without at least one of Pomega5's cleansing bars in my bathroom! I adore these gentle yet effective bars. Each has its own unique and heavenly scent (to die for!) and they render a creamy lather that feels wonderful on the skin.

Based on a blend of extra virgin olive oil and pomegranate seed oil (yes, they were way ahead of the game incorporating these must-have ingredients in skincare), Pomega5’s Skin Perfecting Cleansing Bar Trio incorporates purifying and skin rejuvenating botanicals and essential oils to offer a one-of-a-kind sensory experience for your skin and soul.

Lemongrass Clarifying Cleansing Bar - invigorating lemongrass and eucalyptus deeply cleanse, purify and calm troubled skin; this is their classic bar newly packaged and 'tis definitely my favorite ... mmm mmmm mmmm absolutely scrumptious! $18
Green Tea Balancing Cleansing Bar - antioxidant green tea, pomegranate and verbena balance pH and fight against free radical damage $20
Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar - Bulgarian rose, vanilla and red clover restore moisture while soothing dry or sensitive skin $24

Get the trio at $60 or buy the bars indiviually. They last a long time so enjoy the luxury of gifting yourself with one or all of these delightful treats for the skin.


NEW! Bois de Rose
A soothing, hydrating moisturizer for normal, dry and combination skin

A gift for her daughter who was always difficult to please, Bois de Rose is Tzeira’s classic must-have for every woman. Designed to counteract dehydration and early signs of aging, this moisturizer combines the skin rejuvenating properties of Bulgarian Damask Rose with Bilberry, purifying Panama Bark and nourishing Sweet Almond Oil to restore skin’s natural balance, leaving it smooth, hydrated and velvety soft. Sensuous, sweet, and incredibly fresh, Bois de Rose is like that little black dress you just can’t do without! Botanically preserved; contains no fillers, synthetics, parabens, or perfumes. Not tested on animals.

You can learn more about my love for Pomega5 here. Be sure to visit them online at Pomega5.com; their products are also available at The Marin Store, Makeup.com.

Pomega5 Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer + A New Look for the Brand

If you've followed For the Love of Beauty for any length of time, you already know my love for Pomega5 pomegranate seed oil skincare products! Their products have been listed in my Favorite Things categories over and over again. I've even gone so far as to say that since finding and using these products, my skin has never looked better - and it's true.

Tzeira Sofer, founder, president and creative force behind Pomega5, was driven by a vision to create an authentic, holistic line based upon the potent benefits of the pomegranate. The inspiration for the Green Tea Moisturizer originates with Tzeira’s love for Japanese green tea, which she habitually blends with organic herbs and flowers from her own garden. Formulated with three ultra-potent antioxidants - green tea, verbena and pomegranate seed oil - Green Tea Mattifying Moisturizer protects against environmental and free-radical damage, while hydrating to leave skin silky soft with a matte, smooth finish. Lightweight and extremely refreshing, this moisturizer is ideal for hot summer days, touch-ups and the occasional aromatic indulgence. I can't even describe fully enough how wonderful the moistuizer smells; it's very fresh with a lingering of verbena. You know those products that you can't wait to use because the smell of them feels like heaven ... this is one of those products! The true glory of the moisturizer, however, is in its effects on skin - hydrating, renewing, leaving skin looking smooth and healthy.




Hot off the press:
Pomega5 is expanding its product offerings and is redesigning its packaging (image above). The new line will be even more comprehensive, including 16 products that will address a variety of age and skin-type needs — all of them entirely pure and luscious as usual. Fans of this brand are on pins and needles (oh, you know I am) waiting for all the new goodness to spring forth. One of their newer products, Pamplemousse Brightening Lotion, which boasted a "green" all natural SPF 15, was so hot for the company in its debut that they literally haven't been able to keep it in stock. I had the opportunity to try some samples of this lotion and loved it immediately. It's very light in texture and has a lovely, fresh, almost "subtly-citrus" scent. Don't worry, they're making some more. x


Want to try Pomega5?
They've created a special promotion exclusively for our readers! For a limited time, receive 15% off all products (regardless of minimum order) PLUS a free Cleansing Bar. Believe me, just the offer of one of their cleansing bars alone is a fantastic gift. I'm really so excited for you to try Pomega5, and very thankful to Mikhal and Tzeira for offering our readers a special promotion. mwah!

Use promo code: ftlob15 when you order

Offer good thru 9/30/09

Note: I receive absolutely no commission or payment in line with this promotion; this is a special offer for you to enjoy! xo

REVIEW: Pomega5 Green Tea Moisturizer

Pomega5 has done it again!

And I was their #1 skeptic. I'd written to them, tweeted them on Twitter, and all but begged them to bring back their Essential Moisture product, a cream filled with the skincare ingredient I'm most addicted to - pomegranate seed oil (and included argan oil in it's blend). But, to no avail. Ughhhhhhh ... they weren't bringing it back.

"Essential Moisture is being replaced by an even more silky and delicious formulation," they advised, "Green Tea Moisturizer. You won't regret it!"
(I scowled at the thought ... more silky and delicious, pshaw ... but I've already fallen in love with Essential Moisture.)

"Try it," they kept encouraging me.

Roxy, really, "the Green Tea is similar, but a little lighter and more airy in texture. So far we haven't met someone who doesn't love it," they kept retorting.

I had no choice, did I. Given the fact that Essential Moisture was gone, I HAD to try the Green Tea Moisturizer. I was desperate to find a replacement that would come close to my love for their other product. And I DID (do) trust Pomega5. They've not let me down yet. (Well, except for the fact that they discontinued my favorite daytime skin cream ... that has to count for something, right?) : )


So be done with it already, Roxy. And so I was. I took advantage of ordering their new Pomegranate Green Tea Skin Detox Kit ($29.50) as soon as it was available on the site, so was able to garner a nice little discount as well. The kit comes packaged in a sweet earthy green organza pouch and includes miniatures of these products, all new to the skincare line-up:

Verbena Green Tea Cleansing Bar For Face and Body (90 g) - deep cleansing, anti bacterial, anti inflammatory blemish relief with strong antioxidants

Green Tea Daily Mattifying Moisturizer (15 ml) - daily detoxifying and purifying moisturizer for normal, normal to oily, acne prone or irritated skin

Daily Skin Revitalizing Concentrate (15 applications) - revitalizing elixir made with potent Omega oils, including 60% pomegranate seed oil extract

Green Tea Blend with Rosebuds (3 servings) - invigorating blend of jasmine green tea pearls and sensuous rose

Following in the tradition of thousands of years by the Japanese and Chinese civilizations, I learned the green tea plant is one of the most potent antioxidants available in nature. Valued for its ability to detoxify and restore balance, green tea has served as an ingredient in various medicinal tinctures, as well as ancient cosmetic aids such as facial compresses and masks. Pomega5 products are handmade from scratch, using the freshest certified organic botanicals, fatty acids and essential oils available.

Pomega5’s new Pomegranate Green Tea Skin Detox Kit draws upon the incredible antioxidant strengths of the precious green tea leaf, combining it with the healing qualities of the pomegranate (thank goodness they kept my star ingredient) and invigorating accents of verbena to yield a new system that is uniquely purifying, nourishing and irresistible. And, yes, it truly is that and more!

I've not opened the cleansing bar yet to try, as believe it or not I'm still working my way through the full-sized Pomegranate Cleansing Bar I bought from them nearly a year ago (and I use it every morning!). My objective was to get the moisturizer, and as it's not yet available on its own, one must purchase the kit to access the cream. I'll give you a review of the other products when I've had a chance to try them.

REVIEW: The Green Tea Daily Mattifying Moisturizer, as it's formally named, is a gorgeous light and airy-whipped cream just as the folks at Pomega5 promised. The cream sinks right into skin leaving a matte, completely non-greasy finish. It is a dream to apply, and each morning I can't wait to get in the bathroom to wash my face and experience the hydration of this new find. As with other Pomega5 products, I've fallen in love with the scent. Clean, fresh, lemony from the verbena and completely intoxicating in the morning. My skin feels hydrated, pores are clog-free, skin is fresh without being greasy, and is brightened and renewed. It's perfect for oily or combo skin types. I'm loving it!

For more information on Pomega5's new Pomegranate Green Tea line of products, visit them online. They must be experienced to really be wholly appreciated. You won't be sorry. xo