Beauty Awards

First Annual H2O
Beauty Awards
And the
winner is...
Fifty of our lucky readers received hundreds of beauty and skincare
products to rate and review for your benefit and the results are in!
by Monica Weaver
S
ince our readers are some of the most health-conscious and
environmentally-minded people, we tried to seek out entries from
natural companies that share your beliefs. For instance, when Suki
mails its products, they pack them with organic shipping peanuts. And,
similarly, you can actually plant Pangea Organics’ cardboard box and
watch it grow into herbs in your garden.
From lip balms to anti-aging creams, to mascara to callous removers,
we literally reviewed hundreds of products across many, many listings.
The following are first place winners in each of their respective categories.
The grand prize goes to...
Hands down our readers loved most the Suki Lemongrass Cleanser
with Chamomile & Vitamin C. As ratings cards piled in to the office the
one product that consistently received a perfect ten was this refreshing
facial scrub. This product has the distinct honor of being “the best of the
best” this year!
Hear what readers had to say...
This was like having refreshing, crushed up
“lemon
drops on my face that rinsed off nicely and
left my skin so smooth!
–Deanna, 42
”
You should buy this product because it leaves
“your
skin looking so great!
– Julie, 33
”
feel alive!
“Makes your skin–Sandra,
”
60
I loved it! The scrubbing texture is comfortable and slowly
“dissolves
as you gently massage into skin. The skin tingles nicely
and the product rinses away easily leaving skin soft and moist.
”
–Dana, 54
62
September/October 2007
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Cosmetics
Foundation
1
Lip Plumper
Simply Karen Mineral Foundation SPF 15,
about $24.00, www.SimplyKaren.com
5
It provides excellent coverage while looking natural. Mineral
makeup brushes on like a silky powder, that stays put all day.
Infused with 100% bareMinerals, it gives luminous shine and
sheer mauve color with no sticky or tacky feeling. Tingly, cooling
sensation reminds you that lips are getting an immediate
increase in fullness.
Everyone should try this product because it really works
One of the best brushes I’ve used in a long time. Beautiful
“colors.
–Deb, 35
”
Lip Balm
2
“
6
Stays on the lips. Makes them shine and
“feel
soft and smooth.
–Meg, 50
”
Lip Stain
4
Gourmet Body Treats Navy Blue Shimmer Mineral Eye Shadow,
$7.00, www.GourmetBodyTreats.com
Perfect mineral shadows can be used as eyeshadows or
eyliners either wet or dry. Pure concentrated color won’t wear
off, stays put all day, and is water proof.
eye shadow I’ve ever used. The color stayed on
“allBestdayquality
without creasing or fading. Wonderful!
” –Sue, 30
Peacekeeper Lip Gloss, $16.50,
www.iamapeacekeeper.com
Light on the lips and not tacky, thick or sticky
the way some glosses feel on one’s lips. Made
with minerals along with green tea extract,
Vitamin E and a vanilla/citrus base.
– Julie, 33
Eye Shadow
Besides using alone as lip balm, this also worked well
“with
lipstick to make your lips look shiny and glossy.
– Joanna,”
35 Lip Gloss
3
” Eco Lips Bee Free, $3.49, www.ecolips.com
The highest certified organic content of any vegan lip balm on
the market! The blend of organic jojoba oil and organic cocoa
butter leaves your lips incredibly soft and supple.
Bare Escentuals Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish,
$18.00, www.BareEscentuals.com
Mascara
7
3
Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara in Black Magic,
$9.99, www.HoneybeeGardens.com
A silky, lash-defining and weightless mascara providing all day
color. The smooth light-as-a-feather base boasts zero clumping
because of the absence of clay in the superior formula.
I really love this mascara because it’s natural, smooth, and
“comes
off clean.
–Melissa, 35
”
Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Peach Glaze,
$20.00, www.lauramercier.com
Provides the visual effect of a stain with the
comfort and sheen of a lip gloss.
The color is so beautiful. I looked great.
“
”
7
–Stephanie, 25
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Hair
Hair Color
Hair Gel
Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color in Spiced Cider,
about $9.00, www.clairol.com
1
5
Non-permanent hair color (lasts through 28 shampoos)
enriched with a unique blend of antioxidants and vitamins
C & E that actually improve the healthy look of your hair.
The texture of my hair actually seems healthier than
before and it left no trace of my grays.
–Danielle, 39
“
Contains certified organic ingredients that hold your favorite
do while adding volume and texture. Pomegranate extract
fights off free radicals. Ginger root extract’s healing, soothing,
and warming properties help promote stimulation. Aloe Vera
penetrates the hair shaft, repairs, and gives moisture retention.
”
Shampoo
The smell of pomegranate makes this product worth
“buying.
–Amy, 45
” Styling Cream
H2O+ Sea Marine Revitalizing Shampoo, $14.00,
www.h2oplus.com
2
A sea-inspired shampoo rich in hydrating marine botanicals,
marine collagen and vitamins to help increase volume and shine
while cleansing.
The subtle scent and quick, rich lather was so luxurious
I felt like I was at a spa!
–Dana, 54
“
Conditioner
6
”
My hair is normally curly and frizzy, but after using it I
“looked
like I had beach tousled waves. I was running my
hands through my hair all day!
–Stephanie, 23
”
Styling Wax
Marine collagen provides excellent moisture retention properties
to help improve hair texture, vitality and natural beauty.
I loved the fragrance and it felt like liquid silk in my hair,
“which
is very coarse and thick. For anything to do that
deserves kudos.
– Jodi, 41
”
Hair Mask
7
Pantene Pro-V Texturize! Moussing Foam Wax, $6.49,
www.pantene.com
Crosses a mousse with a wax for lightness and stylability and
helps you create smooth, shiny, virtually frizz-free styles with
soft movement.
It was great! So easy to work with and made my hair full
“and
not over done.
–Andrea, 32
”
Pantene Pro-V Nourishing Intensive Moisturizing Mask, $3.99,
www.pantene.com
4
Hamadi Beauty Shea Leave-In Conditioner, $11.00,
www.upurea.com
As conditioner, it moisturizes and adds shine without being too
heavy. Leaves the hair pliable and texturized. As styling cream,
it creates soft, natural looks and enhances curl. Leaves no
starchiness or stickiness.
H2O+ Marine Collagen Conditioner, $16.00,
www.h2oplus.com
3
HEAD Organics Extra Hold Hair Gel, $9.99,
www.HeadOrganic.com
A deep treatment that provides nourishment to dry, parched hair.
I have long, thick hair so I was shocked when it was
“completely
detangled and plumped with moisture. The
silky, fluffy texture of it was great as well. I’m hooked!
”
–Lacey, 27
3
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Body
Soap
1
Body Wash
SeaOra Moisturizing Mineral Soap, $6.99,
www.SeaOra.com
4
A re-mineralizing body wash infused with sea salts that help
eliminate toxins and replenish depleted nutrients.
This soap removes dirt and cleanses your skin, while
simultaneously infusing it with minerals essential to keeping your
skin hydrated and moisturized. The natural balance of your skin
will be restored and your skin will have that healthy glow.
“
If you really need a little something to wake you up in the
“morning
(in addition to coffee), this body wash is for you!
Makes your skin tingle, makes your nose twitch, and gets
you ready to face the day.
–Sandy, 39
My skin felt great afterwards and it was very gentle. I’m
using it on myself and my daughter daily.
–Krystal, 29
”
Mud Treatment
2
Body Oil
5
SeaOra Dead Sea Mineral Mud, $9.99, www.SeaOra.com
to admit, but I was able to say goodbye
“toIt’smyembarrassing
‘bacne.’ Between all the products I put on my hair
and sweating at the gym, I get acne on my back. After one
use, I saw immediate results and after a week I was able to
wear my hair up without feeling self-conscious.
–Lindsay, 26
3
6
”
Body Lotion
6
Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Luxurious Hand & Body Lotion,
$12.95, www.AubreyOrganics.com
Fragrant, luxurious body lotion leaves your skin incredibly soft
and supple with organic Rosa Mosqueta® oil, high in essential
fatty acids, vitamin E, and other nutrients, plus organic jojoba oil
and macadamia nut oil.
Love the feel of my skin! Great moisturizer for older
women. —Donna, 57
The ultra pure salt smoothes, never scratches, while acting as
a natural antiseptic. Moisturizes with profound absorption of
organic oils. Stimulates circulation, refreshes energy, and the
lipid layer protects skin from dehydration.
“Great feel to the skin. Smooth and soothing.”
Planet Botanicals Kalahari Pure Shea Body Oil, $34.00,
www.PlanetBotanicals.com
“
”
Trillium Organics Lavender Geranium Organic Body Polish,
$3.99, www.TrilliumOrganics.com
”
Planet Botanicals Kalahari Pure Shea Body Oil is an intoxicating
blend of organic Sweet Orange and sparkling organic Grapefruit
with an irresistible bite of organic Petitgrain Sur Fleur Neroli,
rounded out with undertones of sweet organic Lavender. Pure
and 100% natural, shea body oil is a nourishing emollient that
keeps skin healthy and hydrated.
I just got back from Mexico, just what my skin needed. It
looked so much better, but not greasy!
–Dede, 50
Gently purifies and detoxifies skin, pulling out toxins, pollutants
and dirt particles. Minimizes pore size and infuses skin with a
rich concentration of over 26 minerals.
Body Scrub
H2O+ Sea Salt Body Wash, $16.00, www.h2oPlus.com
“
”
Foot Treatment
–Meg, 50
7
CalleX Exfoliating Ointment for Dry, Cracked Feet, $14.95,
www.xenna.com
CalleX Ointment thins and softens hardened skin and exfoliates
dry, cracked heels. Its patented, natural enzymes selectively
exfoliate only dry, cracked, thickened and scaly skin while its
petrolatum base retains natural skin moisture.
7
I’m a runner, so having gross feet comes with the territory.
“After
only a week, they completely transformed. I actually
went to get a pedicure to celebrate my new feet!
” –Tara, 22
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Face
Facial Cleanser
Best Mask for Dry Skin
Suki Lemongrass Cleanser with Chamomile & Vitamin C,
$24.50, www.uprea.com
1
A powerful blueberry antioxidant hydrating mask to fight free
radical damaged, stressed skin. An excellent treatment for sun
damaged, dehydrated weathered skin. Regular use can reduce
fine lines and signs of aging.
It feels great on my skin and gave me a noticeable boost in
moisture.
–Louise, 43
Suki’s gentle foaming lemongrass exfoliate cleanser smoothes
and softens skin, increases cell turnover, smoothes fine lines &
wrinkles and evens skin tone. Also purifies the pores of dirt and
removes dead skin cells and toxins to reveal fresh, renewed
skin and preventing spots and clogged pores.
“Makes your skin feel alive!”
Facial Scrub
“
”
Toner
–Sandra, 60
Lush Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub, $16.95, www.lush.com
2
MyChelle Blueberry Antioxidant Mask, $24.90,
www.MyChelle.com
5
Aubrey Organics Green Tea & Ginkgo Facial Toner for
Normal Skin, $9.28, www.AubreyOrganics.com
6
Lime, coconut and sea salt scrub gentle enough for the face
but, used head to toe it refreshes the whole body. Coconut
and avocado butters make the new skin underneath soft and
flexible, the lime and grapefruit juices revitalize.
This product polished my skin and made my face look and
“feel
refreshed. –Angela, 16
”
Best Overall Mask
Pangea Organics Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry
Facial Mask, $31.00, www.PangeaOrganics.com
3
Conditions with organic aloe, organic lavender, and two kinds of
chamomile. Clears and refreshes skin with witch hazel, ginkgo
biloba and peppermint leaf. Prepares skin for better absorption
of a moisturizer.
It made my skin soft without causing breakouts. –Sandy, 39
“
Sunscreen
”
G.M. Collin Mineral Sun Veil SPF 15 for Normal to Dry Skin,
$33.00, www.gmcollin.com
7
A silky sunblock with 100% mineral filters. Offers complete protection against sunburn and skin damage caused by both UVA and
UVB exposure. Contains natural antioxidants to help prevent the
appearance of wrinkles and the premature signs of aging.
These super ingredients deep-cleanse, detoxify, exfoliate,
tone, hydrate, stimulate collagen, regenerate skin cells, prevent
wrinkles, nourish, protect, and balance.
really like this product for two reasons. One – because
“itI works.
It’s clean and natural. Two – this company is very
“Worked well on sensitive skin; wasn’t greasy.” – Joanna, 35
environmentally conscious. That means a lot to me. ” 35 Anti-Aging Facial Cream
– Melissa,
Best Mask for Oily/Acne Prone Skin 8 G.M. Collin Crème H50 Therapy Cream Menopausal Skin
formulated for Dry skin, $105.00, www.gmcollin.com
Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask, $23.00,
www.AstaraSkincare.com
4
Fortified with botanical detoxifying, antibacterial, and
healing agents, as well as soothing and hydrating bioactive
components, this mask is ideal for acne, blemished and oily
skin, and for those exposed to environmental pollutants.
My pores immediately looked smaller and my skin was
smooth without being shiny. Love it!
–Naomi, 31
“
Rebalances the skins optimal cellular activity and helps counter the
visible signs of hormonal, chronological and environmental aging.
I am on medication and have very dry skin so the lotion
has helped me wonderfully.
–Mary, 58
“
”
”
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Best Family Product Line
Anti-Aging Facial Serum
9
ABBE Laboratories Veradex Skin Therapy Recovery Serum,
$24.00, www.ABBElabs.com
Burt’s Bees www.burtsbees.com
W
Thoroughly cleanses the face while leaving the skin supple,
soft and moist. Helps maintain proper pH of skin without
stripping natural oils or causing irritation.
“This product made my face like a baby’s bum!” –Melissa, 35
Eye Cream
10 G.M. Collin Contour Yeux Bota-Peptide Eye Contour, $79.00,
www.gmcollin.com
Helps improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and
puffiness.
My eye wrinkles softened from the hydrating effect. The
“area
looks healthier –Dana, 54
”
Moisturizer
11 ASTARA Skincare Blue Flame Oil-Free Moisturizer, $42.00,
www.AstaraSkincare.com
Ultra-light hydration combined with Oil controlling benefits.
Potent Totara Tree essence helps purify clogged pores and
prevent breakouts. Cooling and soothing to the skin.
I know moisturizing is important, but I tend to skip this
step because my skin is so oily that it clogs my pores &
leaves my face too shiny. This is the ONLY moisturizer I’ve
ever been able to use. Love it. – Julie, 31
“
”
Peel
More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Shampoo, $8.00
More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Conditioner, $8.00
Color Keeper Green Tea & Fennel Seed Shampoo, $8.00
Color Keeper Green Tea & Fennel Seed Conditioner, $8.00
12 AVON ANEW CLINICAL Advanced Retexturizing Peel, $25.00,
www.AVON.com
The advanced exfoliator safely retexturizes and resurfaces skin.
Formulated with soothing botanicals that help nourish and
calm skin.
It left my skin so soft and smooth that I couldn’t stop
touching it! I felt like I looked younger, and my husband
noticed as well. – Beth, 43
“
ho doesn’t love Burt’s Bees? Their ingredients
are effective but gentle, making them the natural
choice for the whole family. Their Baby Bee line includes
everything you want for your little ones from Dusting
Powder ($6) to Buttermilk Bath Pint ($16). They even
have a new Mama Bee line featuring the deliciously
peppermint scented Leg & Foot Cream ($9). Everyone
can enjoy the moisturizing benefits of the Thoroughly
Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Creme
($10) and protection of Natural Sun Care ChemicalFree Sunscreen SPF 15 ($15). This company with a
conscience sponsors festivals that focus on preserving
our planet, while protecting our environment by using
recyclable and reusable packaging technologies.
Instead of just throwing away a package that printed
crooked (which is a very common practice that creates
unnecessary heaps of waste), they offer them for sale
at a special price. Quality, earth-friendly products that
everyone can enjoy earned Burt’s Bees the title of Best
Family Product Line.
”
Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Conditioner, $8.00
Natural Sun Care Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother, $10.00
Natural Sun Care Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 15, $15.00
Thoroughly Therapeutic Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Creme, $10.00
Mama Bee Leg & Foot Cream, $9.00
Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath Pint $16.00
Baby Bee Buttermilk Soap, $5.00
Baby Bee Dusting Powder, $6.00
Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil, $9.00
Baby Bee Skin Crème, $11.00
Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash, $7.00
9
Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion, $9.00
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