Green Goddess

Let me just say that I have a health and socially conscious side. I would much prefer to exclusively use products that contain no environmentally or systemically harmful chemicals, preservatives, or artificial fragrances. In a perfect world, it would be thusly. I was even on an all-natural kick for a couple of years and through my breastfeeding days. And, I’ll admit, I’m MUCH more strict about what I put on my baby’s skin. Even now, I still truly believe that this is the best thing for us, as our skin is the largest organ, and therefore the gateway to our health and well-being. I’m no scientist, but I’m positive that many of the diseases we all suffer from can be traced to toxic substances leaching into or bodies from the products we apply to our skin alone. That being said, my superficial side’s come back for a visit. I have yet to find an “all natural” product that smells as good AND produces the same results as conventional ones. Therein lies the rub (pardon the pun). Another concern for mass hoarders, such as myself, is that having cream sans-preservative is a recipe for disastrous rancidity. Natural products serve the sensible best: those who buy one product and use it daily, until it’s gone, then move on to the next. They aren’t meant to last more than 3 months to a year, and thus must be used in a timely fashion. Be sensible or beware the consequences: shelf life or YOUR life.

*Product review: La Vanilla The Healthy Deodorant

Nobody ever talks about this stuff, but it’s pretty good. You can find the 1.7 oz. stick at Sephora or sephora.com for $18. As another option to daily applications of brain-killing antiperspirants, this couldn’t be better. I like the Vanilla Grapefruit variety. Now, I must confess that I still need the traditional Alzheimer’s-waitin-to-happen antiperspirants when I’m going to tackle anything strenuous or stressful, but at least it gives my body a chance to detox on those plain old ordinary days. For a healthy (as the name would imply), aluminum, pthalate, and paraben-free alternative, that actually cuts the funk … 4 Stars.