Like I mentioned before, I am doing an educational series for my newsletter followers.. I thought you all might enjoy reading it too.

Dear Friends,
How are you? Hope you had fun with the last newsletter in starting to swap off chemicals in your home. We are going to continue to talk about replacing every chemical in your home with non toxic items that actually work. This month, we are going to talk personal care products – divided into this month and the next as there is so much to cover

But before we do that, let’s cover some basics about Essential Oils..

So, what the heck are oils anyways and why do I need them?

They are the most powerful part of the plant.
Just like your blood clots cuts and oxegenates your cells and detoxes the body, oils do the same for the plant.
They are the movers and shakers of the plant that photosynthesize, work through trauma and energize. They can do similar things in the human body.
They support all the body systems – skeletal, muscular, endocrine, respiratory, immune system.
They support brain health and healthy weight and for spiritual upliftment.
An oil in a diffuser can soothe a child’s tough day at school, provide a calming effect when you have had a stressful day at work, can help you focus and concentrate.
Oils can be used to replace EVERY SINGLE chemical in your home. You can literally swap out windex, pine sol, bleach, toilet cleaner with 1 bottle of Thieves cleaner and live a purer lifestyle without breaking the bank.

In my home, I use oils and oils infused products it for everything ranging from sanitizing the grocery cart, boosting our immune system, sunscreen, insect repellent, make up, personal care products like soaps and shampoos, in my supplements

Why? Because oils and oils infused products don’t contain the extra yuck and toxins that most household products have. Did you know that 26 sec after exposure, chemicals are found in measurable amounts in the human body?

The skin is the largest organ and will absorb everything that it comes in contact with. The average woman applies 300 chemicals to her body in a day all from 4 items Soap, Shampoo, Make up and Hair care, hence non toxic personal care products are super important to use.

See this short video on “The Story Of Personal Care Products”Remember that an oil infused supplement is much better for the body than one without.

Join me and learn alongside so many of us committed to natural ways of living – the age old saying “Health is Wealth” . I am so excited to share some phenomenal information with all of you. Do remember that “For every oil that you use, that is a chemical you are not using”

Make Up

Believe it or not, I am actually going to start with make up. All of you who know me, I barely wear any make up, may be an occasional eye liner. Years ago, I ditched it as I could not find anything that was not laden with toxic chemicals. Even more natural ones would make my skin break out. So I just quit. For most families who are diligent about ‘clean living’, make up is the last one to change as there are very few non toxic make up products out there.

UNTIL NOW.

Why? Guys, Young Living just launched a whole line of all natural mineral make up called ” Savvy Minerals” that is completely free of toxic chemicals. It is phenomenal.

I have a blog post on FAQ’s about Savvy minerals to help address questions including price comparison since it is a lot to cover in this newsletter.

If you have tried it, do share your before and after pictures for fun

Sun Screen

Oh! the good old sunscreen talk !!!! This has given me so much anxiety over the years because I could never find one that was devoid of toxic chemicals.

Environmental Working Group ( EWG) has detailed information on how to select a good sunscreen. It is really worrisome to find so many chemicals and hormone disruptors like oxybenzone and retinyl palmate that can cause harm to the skin in most popular sunscreens out there. They share that mineral based sunscreens using zinc oxide are quite effective. And they talk about how higher SPF’s are not necessarily better and can often be misleading. In fact, high SPF sunscreens increases the risk of skin cancer. The ever popular sprays these days pose the threat of being inhaled and not providing enough coating on the skin.

These are the main reasons I started making my own when my son was born 3.5 years ago. And once again, Young Living has come to the rescue. Their new mineral based sunscreen is awesome.

I mean, take a look at the ingredients – non nano zinc oxide so that your skin will not absorb it and yet provide protection that you need. It is vegetarian, not tested on animals though not vegan as it contains bees wax.

Only plant and mineral based ingredients and offering protection for both UVA and UVB rays.

Don’t be fooled by SPF 10. All it means is that you have to reapply after 80 min of being out. It is clinically proven to be resistant to water and sweat. You will NEVER look at another sunscreen after trying this out.

Insect Repellent

If you love the outdoors like me, you probably are also concerned about the critters that inhibit enjoying being out. When I started researching bug repellents in the market, I was mortified to see that the only choice of an effective one was the one with deet. It is again a controversial topic.

Having children has made me a lot more cautious of chemicals and deet is one of them. I would rather not take a chance than test it out only to have serious consequences.

Since I did not find an effective ‘all natural’ outdoor spray, I made my own using my trusted oils. And I have to say that it has worked well for us – I do have to use it very often though which can be a pain.

But, I am so excited to say that once again Young Living has outdid itself. They just released a new ‘all natural’ clinically tested Bug Repellent.
And as with most of Young Living’s products, you only need a tiny amount for it to do the work. It is completely plant based so vegan. A bottle will last you the whole season.

If you would like to learn more, see this short video on all these products.

Toothpaste

Did you know that the FDA has now banned Triclosan, an ingredient often found in antibaterial soaps and many toothpaste. Dr Mercola has an interesting article on ” Is your toothpaste loaded with toxins?” Many toothpastes contain harmful and potentially carcinogenic ingredients.

So, I would highly recommend switching over to clean toothpaste like Thieves which has no sulfates, dyes, artificial colors, fluorides OR you could make your own – lot more cumbersome.but a better option than many of the popular brands.

YL makes 4 different types of toothpaste including one for children called Kidsscent. They are all free of sulfate, fluoride, artificial flavors, dyes.

Another fantastic use of the Thieves toothpaste is something that you will never guess. It can be used as a deodorant. What???? Yes, take a tiny dime size and rub under your arms for an all natural deodorant. Try it, really, I am not joking.

Deodorant

Talking about deodorants. It is better to use deodorant to antiperspirants as most antiperspirants in the market contains aluminum and parabens. Aluminum plugs the ducts often causing build up of breast tissue in women and interfere with estrogen receptors.

So, check the ingredients in your product if you are using one. Use natural deo’s like Thieves toothpaste or follow this simple recipe take from HomeMade Mommy’s website.

6 Tbsp Arrowroot Powder
3 Tbsp shea butter
2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1 Tbsp baking soda
2 Tbsp Bentonite Clay
10 drops of the essential oil of your choice (I used Purification essential oil blend because it neutralizes odors)

Directions

Add the shea butter and coconut oil to a stand mixer and whip it until incorporated. Turn down to low and slowly pour in the essential oil.

Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, mix together your dry ingredients.

With your stand mixer on low, add 1/3 of your dry ingredients. Mix until incorporated and push down the sides as necessary. Then add another third of your dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Then add the last of your dry ingredients. You should now have what appears to be little bits of dough in the bowl. Scoop the mixture out and roll into a ball like you are working with play dough. Then press into an airtight 2 ounce glass jar and store away from direct sunlight.

Apply a tiny pea sized amount to both underarms for all day protection. I also carry some in a tiny container in my purse for days when I really need to re-apply midday.

Or just get Young Living’s Meadow Mist or Mountain Mint Aromaguard

Classes

I am thrilled to say that the Center For Arts at the Armory has invited me to do a series of classes. Please refer to my website for the description of the upcoming classes
We are doing classes on the following topics

1. Maintaining A Healthy Weight
2. Chemical Free Home
3. Essential Oils for Stress and Emotional Upheaval.

In addition, I have three classes scheduled on “Life Make Over With Essential Oils” on July 9th, 16th and 30th. Check my website for details. If you are inviting any of your friends and family to these classes, please make sure to tell me, so I can take extra care of them + I would like to ‘Thank You’ for the referral.

Lastly, but not least, if you would like to host a class in your home, out in the park or my house, or in a coffee shop, please do contact me. There are many perks to hosting a class or referring people to the class – from sharing the love of living naturally to getting your oils for free.

As always, I am here in service. If there is anything I can do for any of you, please do let me know. Stay tuned for the next newsletter which is going to be able personal care.

With love, blessings and gratitude
Padma

So, many folks have asked me what is different about Savvy Minerals (SM) in comparison to other mineral based make up out in the market. Here are some basic questions answered…Credit goes to Carol Gardener – A Young Living Diamond.

1. Where is SM made?

US Vendors

2. Where are the SM brushes made?

Italy

3. Is SM organic?

Because minerals are inorganic, organic labeling on mineral makeup is misleading.

4. Is there lead in the makeup?

SM goes through the same testing our Young Living oils do. The ICP test can detect any metals in the product. If there were any heavy metals, it would not pass our testing process. Lead makes its way into cosmetics vis synthetic dyes and lake dyes. SM has neither in their lip products as we use only micas to color the lips.

5. Is SM vegan?

This product is comprised of mineral-based ingredients and, therefore, is considered both vegetarian and vegan friendly. However, the lipsticks and the lip glosses have beeswax so they are not considered vegan. When the mascara is released, it will have beeswax in it too.

6. What about Mica?

Micas are how you get color from earth elements without using synthetic dyes. It limits us on colors, but it eliminates coal tar, petrochemicals and synthetics.

7. What about Titanium Dioxide?

The titanium dioxide used in SM is cosmetic grade.

8. What about Potassium Sorbate in the Misting Spray?

Potassium sorbate is a salt of sorbic acid which is naturally found in some fruits (like the berries of mountain ash). The commercial ingredient is synthetically produced creating what is termed a “nature identical” chemical (chemically equivalent to the molecule found in nature).

What it does: Two words: Fights bacteria. Most personal care products are made with a lot of water and a variety of nutrients (consider all of the natural oils and botanicals in Honest products!) which makes an incredibly hospitable breeding ground for microorganisms. What’s worse — the product might smell and look just fine, but be swarming with bacteria or fungi that are dangerous to your health.

Effective preservatives are vital for ensuring safety! Why we use it: Potassium sorbate is a food-grade preservative that has been effectively used for decades and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) to preserve food products. Studies using dilutions similar to what’s used in body care products found it’s practically non-irritating and non-sensitizing. In fact, the toxicity of potassium sorbate is pretty close to that of table salt! What’s more, it’s included in the Handbook of Green Chemicals , it’s approved by the Natural Products Association , and is also Whole Foods Premium Body Care approved. And their standards, developed by a team of scientists over the course of years, are some of the strictest available.

9. How long does it last?

As a rule of thumb, once opened and you begin to use it, different factors contribute to the shelf life and deterioration of the pigment: humidity, light, brush cleanliness etc. Once opened, use it within 12 months. Rule of thumb for mascara once opened and used: 3 months Lips once opened and used: 6 months

11. What does “foiling” mean?

Spray the brush with the Mist, dip the brush into the eyeshadow and apply like paint. Keep applying and layering. It helps the pigment bind together so it gives a really deep dimension of the color.

12. Why does the “other” mineral makeup makes me break out in pimples?

Bismuth is a metal mineral that when worked into the pores, aggravates the pores and causes irritation and breakouts. Savvy Minerals by Young Living uses Arrowroot Powder and Kaolin Clay. Both are calming to the skin, help to absorb excess oil and moisture on the skin and make the skin feel silky smooth.

13. I’ve got a tight budget. What do you recommend if I only have $150 to spend?

Foundation 3 eye shadows misting spray 1 lipstick 1 gloss Be sure to get on Essential Rewards so you can add more makeup products each month and earn free stuff along the way.

14. How do you match foundation?

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT SAVVY MINERALS FOUNDATION FOR YOUR SKIN TONE

Mineral foundation is very forgiving. You can lighten or darken by layering the product on. And it doesn’t get “cakey” or heavy. A lot of people have three different foundation shades and use them year round. Lighter in the winter months and darker in the spring and summer months. Here are some tips for selecting the right foundation color for YOU:

Check Your Veins Push your sleeves up and look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. Are they blue or green? If they look more blue, you likely have cool undertones. If the veins look greenish, you’re warm.
The Jewelry Trick Think about whether you look better in silver or gold jewelry Typically, girls with cool undertones look better in silver and platinum metals, and warm-toned women look better in gold.
The Neutral Test Think about what neutral shades flatter you best. Does your skin, eyes, and face look better in bright white and black hues, or ivory, off-whites, and brown/tan shades? The former means you’re probably cool-toned, and the latter, warm.
Eye and Hair Color Your natural eye and hair colors can help figure out your coloring. Customarily, cool people have eyes that are blue, gray, or green and have blond, brown, or black hair with blue, silver, violet and ash undertones. Conversely, warm-toned women usually have brown, amber, or hazel eyes with strawberry blond, red, brown, or black hair. Their hair tends to have gold, red, orange, or yellow undertones.
The Sun’s Effects When you’re out in the sun, does your skin turn a golden-brown, or does it burn and turn pink first? If you fit into the former category, you’re warm-toned, while cool tones tend to burn. More colors will be released in the future.

15. What about concealer?

If you prime your whole face with ART Renewal Serum and then ART Light Moisturizer, you will get really good flawless coverage you won’t need concealer. Use an extra dab of foundation on those areas you need a little extra coverage.

16. What about eyelid primer?

Use Best Kept Secret as your eyelid primer. Spray the eye shadow brush with misting spray, then pick up Best Kept Secret eye shadow and apply.

17. I prefer liquid foundation. What do you recommend?

Take 1-2 pumps of ART Light Moisturizer, or a little scoop of SheerLume, ART Intensive Moisturizer or Wolfberry Eye Cream and mix foundation powder to make a liquid/cream foundation.

18. What about price in comparison to other cosmetics?

Young Living Savvy Minerals (Wholesale Price):
Eyeliner-15.75
Foundation-44.00
Eyeshadow (one color)-15.25
Lip Gloss-27.50
Lipstick-22.75
Blush-27.75
Total=$153
(w/out Lipstick-$130.25; w/out Lip Gloss-$125.50)

BeautyCounter Makeup (non-consultant price):
Eyeliner-$23
Foundation (powder)-$41
Eyeshadow-$34
Lip Gloss-$29
Lipstick-$30
Blush-$40
Total=$197
(w/out Lipstick-$167; w/out Lip Gloss-$168)

Bare Minerals Makeup (Retail-only option):
Eyeliner-$17
Foundation-$28.50
Eyeshadow (Palette)-$45
Lip Gloss-$18
Lipstick-$20
Blush-$24
Total=$152.50
(w/out Lipstick-$132.50; w/out Lip Gloss-$134.50)

So, as you can see: 1.) Young Living’s makeup is NOT expensive; 2.) Hello, INGREDIENTS??? Maybe you get a tad more (like multiple eyeshadows or a duo blush pack) but I am happy to get quality over quantity.
AND BEST POINT OF ALL: Neither of these other 2 give me POINTS BACK when I order!!!! With my YL order I can add these to my Essential Rewards order, get 25% back (if you’re just starting you will get 10% and work your way up) which is $38.25 back on an order of $153!!!!! So, what does that? Does Target? Ulta? Amazon?
Just something to chew on.

Solutions for Modern Living