Why I Love – Tatcha Japanese Blotting Papers

Blotting papers are a glorious thing. They have yet to really take off in North America the way they have in Europe and Asia for reasons I do not understand. They are the best – absolutely the best way to keep your face shine-free and your makeup fresh. Honest. No more reapplying of powder through out the day.

These Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers are my favourite by far.

Tatcha Blotting Papers

Why? Let me count the ways:

1. Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Blotting Papers are 3.75 inches in size – substantially larger that other blotting papers.

2. They are made from the finest abaca leaf known for its absorbency and softness. No talc is added (which would remove makeup and possibly irritate delicate skin).

3. They are brilliant and easy to use! Take a single sheet (from the beautiful packaging) and gently pat it on the areas of your face that need either oil control or just a freshening. Your makeup will stay in place. I find it enhances my makeup midday because it gives it a matte finish. You can use both sides as well.

4. Tatcha Blotting Papers work as a beautiful primer before makeup application for those with dry skin. Simply pat a single sheet over your face after applying your moisturizer to help create the perfect canvas for your makeup.

5. They are ideal for: brides, traveling, keeping in your purse, keeping in your desk drawer, keeping in your gym bag, freshening up before a night out. Love that.

6. You will feel elegant and sophisticated when you use them – a happy, albeit frivolous, perk.

7. Even Oprah likes them….

Be beautiful. Feel good about it.

Hair Today for a Green Tomorrow

I love discovering innovative businesses. Those organizations that make you go “Wow! You are doing something awesome and unique.” When that is wrapped up in conscientiousness – even better.

That is exactly how I felt when I discovered Green Circle Salons, an organization that works closely with salon owners to enable and empower them to become more sustainable. How great is that?

They have a series of turn-key services that collect, recycle and re-purpose everything from hair to foils to plastics to ensure they find another home other than landfill. Isn’t that smart?

As well, the work with partners like Bullfrog Power to help salons take their commitment to sustainability to the next level. They even give back 5% of  pre-tax profits to work with local and international organizations to develop and support programs that make creative environmental impact and lessons for positive change.

That is walking your talk.

Check out the directory on their site so you can seek out a salon in your neighborhood that has joined their program.

I love this illustration. I think it sums things up beautifully.

So you really can have your salon and be green too.

Be beautiful. Feel good about it.

The washcloth revolution

I am starting a revolution. Fire it up. Get ready.

I am bringing on the washcloth revolution. I know – it sounds a bit grandmotherly. Who uses a washcloth anymore? Not many of us – and that is the issue.

Does this sound familiar? It is the end of a long day and like all health and beauty conscientious individuals you head to the washroom to wash your face before bed. (I will use this opportunity to remind you that going to bed with makeup on – even a little – is a skin care no-no, my friends. Please head for slumber with a clean visage.)

So – you are in the bathroom embarking on your nightly routine of facial cleansing. You turn on the faucet and let the water run. And so the water runs – and runs, you get your cleanser, you splash water on your face a few times from under the running faucet (and the water runs). You gently massage your favourite cleanser into your face (and the water runs). You carefully ensure the cleanser has removed all the dirt and makeup from your day (and the water runs). Again you reach under the faucet and splash running water on your face until all the product is removed (this takes what – 3 times? More?) – and finally you turn the water off.

That is a lot of water, my friends. Exactly how much? I don’t know – a lot.

So hence the washcloth revolution. By using a washcloth to remove your cleanser you will benefit in 2 ways:

• You will use less water and therefore save money on your bills and be filled with the warm feelings of doing a little thing that will contribute to making a difference (and save you dollars on your water bill)
• You will gently exfoliate your face with the soft washcloth and therefore enjoy skin that has an overall healthy glow and the other wonderful benefits from regular exfoliation (fewer blemishes, tight and youthful texture)

What’s not to like?

My recommendation is also get a washcloth made of bamboo. Bamboo is super soft, is more absorbent than other fabrics and has natural anti-bacterial properties. Love that. (Psst – they make fantastic towels as well – especially for your hair because they are so absorbent.)

So here is the new scenario. Have favourite cleanser and washcloth at the ready. Turn on faucet and get washcloth wet and warm (please not too hot. It isn’t good for our skin – hot water usage post to come). Turn water off. Use lusciously soft washcloth to dampen face. Apply cleanser and massage into face. Turn faucet on to re-dampen washcloth. Turn faucet off and remove cleanser with washcloth – with a large cloth you should be able to do your whole face but do repeat if required. Turn on faucet to rinse product out of washcloth. Hang to dry. Be sure to store it where it will not be confused for a cleaning cloth for the bathtub – very important.

Easy, no?

So embrace your inner revolutionary; join me in the revolution and bring back the washcloth.

Be beautiful. Feel good about it.