Prime Skin Naturally with Argan Oil Mist

Josie Maran’s new Argan Primer Mist ($36) harnesses the power of the Moroccan cure-all to naturally nourish and hydrate skin while smoothing fine lines, according to the company.

The aerosol-free mist is infused with naturally-derived stem cells harvested from the sea. It diffuses light, absorbs oil and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, while an antioxidant complex firms, lightens and tightens skin with Instalift Goji. Natural extracts of willowbark and seaweed protect against blemishes and infuse skin with essential minerals that create a protective moisturizing barrier.

What it is:
A primer mist that provides intense hydration and visibly smoothes fine lines to create a perfectly prepared canvas for flawless, long-lasting make-up application.

What it does:
This lightweight formula harnesses the power of Argan Oil, the Moroccan cure-all, to naturally nourish and hydrate skin while smoothing fine lines. Infused with naturally-derived stem cells harvested from sea fennel, the innovative formula stimulates new cell growth, repairs and reverses damage caused by the sun, fights signs of aging, and improves skin tone for a radiant, renewed complexion. The two-second spray on technology provides a no mess, easy way to get a professional finish in half the time.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
Argan Oil is a superior source of antioxidants, Vitamin E, and moisture as it nourishes and protects the skin and hair from the environment. This organic ingredient prevents dehydration, inflammation, hyper pigmentation, and sebum production. It is your answer to healthy, youthful, radiant, clear skin and hair...naturally.

More info: www.josiemarancosmetics.com

EU Authorizes Growing BASF GMO Potato In Europe

BRUSSELS (AFP)--The European Commission Tuesday authorized the cultivation of a genetically modified potato, developed by German chemical giant BASF SE, the first such green light for 12 years.

The European Union Commission also allowed three GM corn products to be placed on the European market, though not grown in Europe.

The issue of so-called "frankenfoods" has long been a matter of fierce debate in Europe and the commission stressed that the Amflora potato in question would be able to be grown only for "industrial use" including animal feed, rather than for human consumption.

Prior to Tuesday's decision, only MON 810, a Monsanto Co. strain of genetically modified corn, has been authorized for cultivation in Europe.

That decision was taken back in 1998.

Austria To Ban Cultivation Of Modified Potatoes

VIENNA (AFP)--Austria said Tuesday it planned to ban the cultivation of genetically-modified potatoes after it was approved by the European Commission in Brussels.

"Minister Alois Stoeger is preparing a document banning the cultivation of genetically-modified potatoes," a health ministry spokeswoman told AFP.

The minister was going to "immediately issue a national cultivation ban," according to the ministry.

The commission approved Tuesday the cultivation of genetically-modified potatoes--the first approval of GM foods for 12 years--as environmentalists and some European ministers slammed the "frankenfoods" as a threat to human health.

Austria already introduced a safeguard clause in 1999 banning the import of two types of genetically-modified maize, also approved by the commission:Monsanto's MON810 maize and Bayer's T25.

10 Most Polluted Cities

Live Science recently reported on a study conducted by environmental and health experts. Here are the 10 most polluted cities in the world:

1. Linfen, China - horrible breathing problems because of coal dust.
2. Haina, Dominican Republic - lead contamination problems because of lead battery recycling.
3. Ranipet, India - contaminated groundwater because of leather tanning wastes.
4. Mailuu-Suu, Kyrgyzstan – 2 million cubic meters of radioactive mining waste.
5. La Oroya, Peru – toxic emissions of lead.
6. Dzerzinsk, Russia – former chemical weapons manufacturing site.
7. Norilsk, Russia - world’s largest heavy metals smelting complex.
8. Rudnaya Pristan, Russia - lead contamination resulted in frightening child blood lead levels. 
9. Chernobyl, Ukraine – site of 1986 nuclear meltdown.
10. Kabwe, Zambia – like Rudnaya, child blood levels at frightening levels.

Green Gift Ideas - in Maryland

• Aid Through Trade

- Fair Trade; gifts.. (Annapolis, MD)

• Global Baskets LLC

- Unique Handmade Ghanaian Baskets packed with Energy Efficiency Tools and Tips Saves $ & Planet2. (Annapolis, MD)

• BeGreenDesigns

- eco-friendly custom murals & wall hangings ~ shipped to you!. (Baltimore, MD)

• Three Stone Steps

- Accessories from fine to funky and fairly traded.(Baltimore, MD)

• Light Unto My Path Soy Candles

- Soy Candles. (Bowie, MD)

• Nest

- A natural home and gift shop offering recycled glass, organic cotton, fair trade & handcrafted goods. (Clarksville, MD)

• OmGym

- OmGym Supension Yoga. (Columbia, MD)

• Urban Canteen,llc

- stainless steel bottles and glass decanters for water, tea and smooties . (Ellicott City, MD)

• Butterfly Effects

- Butterfly Effects - - Jewelry and All Natural Soy Candles. (Frederick, MD)

• Two Paws Up

- The dog house even your cat will love. Independtly owned and operated.. (Frederick, MD)

• Upavim Crafts

- Fair Trade crafts.. (Ijamsville, MD)

• Doodle Greetings

- Recycled and Eco-friendly Greeting Cards.(Kensington, MD)

• Cedarwood Soaps

- Skin Nourishing Shea Butter in Every Bar.(Millersville, MD)

• Wild Boar Creek, LLC

- Fair Trade; gifts.. (Odenton, MD)

• Trees for the Future

- Non-profit organization planting trees in developing countries around the world (treesftf.org). (Silver Spring, MD)

• LolaBabiez Organics

- One-stop baby organic boutique & nursing products. (Westminster, MD)

• Kaylala, LLC

- All Natural and Organic handcrafted skin care products. (Windsor Mill, MD) - All Natural and Organic handcrafted skin care products. (Windsor Mill, MD) more states at http://organicconsumers.org/state/greenbiz.cfm?all=UniqueGiftIdea

Paraben-free cosmetics

• AnneMarie Borlind Natural Beauty
• Aubrey Organics Skin, Body & Hair Care Products
• Caribbean Pacifics Suncare Products Dr. Hauschka
• Earths Beauty Cosmetics
• Honeybee Gardens
• Kettle Care herbal Body Products
• Living Nature Products
• Logona Cosmetics
• Martina Gebhardt Naturkosmetiks
• Natural Solutions-Holistic Beauty&Health
• Organic Essentials Skincare (and Nutritional Product)
• Organic Excellence Hair Care Products
• Real Purity Cosmetics
• Restored Balance Herbal Products
• Sante Kosmetics
• Suki's Naturals

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps and all Terressentials products, among
others, are also paraben-free as well as made from organic ingredients.

Forms of parabens:
Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Ethyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Propyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Parahydroxybenzoic acid and Parahydroxybenzoate.


more articles on paraben-free cosmetics

Read Your Labels! What to Ingredients to Avoid

If most of your time shopping is spent reading labels, you're not alone. More and more moms are wising up and informing themselves about the beneficial and harmful effects ingredients in everyday products have on their families.

You do your homework. You read your labels. But do you know which ones you should be avoiding and why?

Pull out some of the things you already own at home: shampoo, sunscreen, toothpaste, hand soap... You've checked them before, but check them again. You might need to rethink your choices and find more healthy alternatives for you and your family.

Here are some of the worst offenders in ingredients, along with what they may be doing to you and your family:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - skin irritant with mutagenic effects

Parabens - causes breast cancer

Propylene Glycol - alters skin structure for other chemicals

Phthalates (aka: fragrance) - disrupts hormones; decreases sperm mobility; genital abnormalities in baby boys; linked to asthma and allergies

Petrolatum (aka: mineral oil, Vaseline) - banned in Europe, linked to breast cancer

Cocomide DEA/Lauramid DEA - human immune system toxicant

Diazolidinyl Urea - human carcinogen and nasopharyngeal cancer

Butyl Acetate - skin, eye, and lung irritant

Butylated Hydroxytoluene - human immune system toxicant and neurotoxin

Ethyl Acetate - linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive deformities; skin, eyes, and lung irritant

This short list, borrowed from the Environmental Working Group, is just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more about all the dangerous chemicals found in our everyday products - and why we should be avoiding them - go to www.ewg.org today.