ECO NON TOXIC NAIL BEAUTY

I get asked alot about eco friendly options for your nails. Is it possible to get nail polish and nail grooming products that are less toxic for us and less harmful to the environment? Well let me tell you that our prayers have been answered and there are plenty of options now on the market for non toxic nail beauty. Such brands include Scotch Naturals, zoya, Suncoat, HoneyBee Gardens, RGB and LVX. One brand I use in particular is called Butter London. I've come across this eco-friendly line that has fantastic formulas and are still free of nasty chemicals. I should note that nail polish in general is a lot safer these days, with major brands removing cancer-causing carcinogens and toxic pthalates from their formulas to make them safer for both consumers and manicurists alike. So while you can paint on your favorite brands with peace-of-mind, check out this under-the-radar line that is not only even safe enough for children, but also offer a variety of awesome colors and finishes to satisfy any lacquer-lovers taste. 

So what are some of the hidden nasties in your average brand of nail polish?

• Formaldehyde. It’s the stuff they use to preserve dead things. It’s a known human carcinogen and can cause ear, nose, throat and skin irritations.
• Dibutyl Phthalate. It’s the most controversial of these ingredients; it’s a known reproductive and developmental toxin, and is linked to hormonal and long-term fertility problems in newborn males. It’s banned in the EU.
• Toluene. A possible reproductive and developmental toxin that causes headaches, dizziness and fatigue. It can cause liver, kidney and brain damage, as well as damage to a developing foetus.

Most non toxic brands will opt for the 3 free priciple. Look out for this when choosing a brand. Butter London polishes are non toxic and "3 free," so they're formulated without formaldehyde, toluene, DPB, or parabens. The colors are unique and the pigments extra rich  so no need to worry about weak pigments, limited color choices, and chip-prone formulas.

One of my favourite products from the brand is the Nail Foundation. It is the perfect 'flawless basecoat' to your nail polish that lets your polish glide smoothly and nourishes your nails at the same time. I use this product as a basecoat but also build up a few layers and wear on it's own for when I want the 'au naturale' look. For a non toxic nail fix for Spring/Summer I suggest opting for pastel colours. The Butter London Pastel colour range is simply beautiful and will give you that fresh look for the season.

HOW TO ECO PACK

Not sure how to Eco pack? Not sure if it's even possible to have on the go essentials that are eco friendly? Well let me tell you it is possible, travelling eco friendly does not have to be a hard task. Here find my top eco daily and travel essentials for an on the go eco goddess look...

 Tips

• Simplify your life, If you can have something that acts as a 3 in 1 go for it, the less products you have for each different purpose filling up your bag or your cupboard the better.
• Go for a natural/mineral foundation or bbcream that doubles as a sunscreen but make sure it has a minimum of spf 15+.
• A natural crystal deoderant leaves no nasty marks on your clothing, go for one without the nasty chemicals and aluminium.
• Use a nail polish without the nasty chemical such as Butter London, they have a great selection of nail care products that are actually good for your nails without the nasties.
• A silk eye mask is perfect for travel and is lightweight and oh so soft on your skin, the perfect sleep/relaxation companion great for those long flights and trips away these holidays. You can get our very own EKO.LUXE Silk eye masks here.
• Go for a natural or recycled alternative for your makeup brushes, eco tools are great for the environment and have travel packs for on the go touch ups.
• Try a mineral lip gloss in a nice bright shade, it is not only good for your lips but will also brighten up your face with a pop of fresh colour, coral or yummy pinks should do the trick! Our fav pictured above is from mineral makeup brand Youngblood.
• Try an organic lip balm that also acts as an all over balm, the popular organic EOS lip balms are not only compact, a round ball that is easy to apply, but also yummy and amazing for your lips, we simply can't live without ours here at the EKOLUV office.
• A mineral concealer will answer all your prayers when you need a last minute touch up, a mineral concealer not only works wonders for your skin but also camouflages blemishes and other skin concerns.
• Also it is good to have handy an all over moisteriser that is great for face and body. We love the Evohe repair intensive moisteriser. It's perfect for overnight flights after washing your face and applying toner simply apply this baby and when you wake your skin will be so soft and revitalised. It is also a good brightening moisteriser to start the day, it smells amazing and will make you feel good too!
• Recycled and ethical purses are hard to find but alas the Milas range makes gorgeous purses and stationery. We also love a great notebook made from receycled paper and fabrics for those notes you need to jot down while youre on the go. You can get Milas products here.

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LOVE LACE PARISIAN

Our gorgeous EKOLUV Melanie Lace Dress now available in time for summer, this piece is perfect over swimwear or with a slip underneath and can be worn casually or dress it up for evening wear. It is eco friendly as it is hand made in small batches and is limited edition. Pair it with a navy blazer and a cute clutch to complete the look of parisian chic. To purchase the 'Melanie' visit here

Outfit: EKOLUV Melanie Lace Dress (Eco Brand); Leona Edmiston Navy Blazer; Mimco Lazer Cut Leather Clutch; TOMS Shoes (Eco brand).

SUSTAINABLE FASHION AT UNDRESS BRISBANE 2013

Do you know where your clothes came from? Undress Brisbane invites us to consider adopting a more sustainable approach to not only the way we see fashion but how we use fashion. They aim to challenge you to take a look at your wardrobe, If you don't know where your clothes came from, then take them off!

Undress Brisbane is Australia's largest sustainable fashion show, now in it's 3rd year, it's proven to be a tremendous success with the announcement for Undress Brisbane to expand further and with over 700 guests it's amazing how this wonderul team has pushed the boundaries of how we see fashion, forcing us to take a look and take responsibility with our fashion purchases.

EKOLUV was lucky enough to collaborate with Undress this year and we were thankful when invited to attend this wonderful event. We arrived at the multi level carpark and to our delight were instructed to proceed to the bar, on the menu were a range of delicious cocktails served up by the popular Oh Hello in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley Bar scene. I ordered the organic cocktail and was happy to see it served up in recycled containers and paper straws.

I also loved how creative the goodie bags were, they were made by Little Mother creations and made from recycled jeans. They contained fabulous goodies such as coconut water, an eco bird gift voucher and frangelico! Yay!

As we headed down the next level to the lit up jungle themed runway, we encountered the sustainable fashion industry's finest. Everyone from sustainable designers, retailers, bloggers, entrepreneurs were there ready and excited for the best Sustainable Fashion Australia has to offer. I was so impressed with the amazing local talent shown on the runways, seeing such wonderful design driven but sustainable fashion pieces so readily available made me excited for the future of sustainable fashion. It seems more and more people are becoming conscious with their fashion purchases and are looking for the next step, they want not only fashion that pushes the boundaries but a story and or a connection to their clothing, a way to express themselves and say "hey I care about where my clothes come from".

I can't wait to see more of Undress Brisbane, what an amazing show. Truly one of the best nights I have had in a long time.

Should you have time this week please pop on down to James St in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane for their Pop Up shop, they will be selling the designs fresh off the runway from the night. Just a couple of my favourite pieces from the night...

 

 Make Amend - Shift Dress

Anna-Lisa Wiklund - Bamboo bodice with a leather waist and silk skirt.

Thanks again Undress Brisbane, congrats on another amazing show!

UNDRESS BRISBANE

 

Are you a sustainable fashionista? Do you find yourself being conscious with your fashion and lifestyle purchases? Then this event is for you! If you don't already know about Undress brisbane then you should. Undress Brisbane is a sustainable fashion runway and there mission is to showcase Brisbane's sustainable design scene.

What are you wearing? If you’re unsure where it was made, what it is made of, or where it will end up; take it off. Undress Brisbane challenges you to assess the sustainability of your wardrobe.

The runway shows feature established and emerging sustainable designers. Think ‘no-waste’ collections, ‘food dyed’ garments, natural fibres, ethically sourced and unique pieces made from ‘off cuts’. Vintage items from the local area also make their way into the show. 

Their aim is to motivate Brisbane fashion consumers to change the way they shop. One billion items of clothing are imported into Australia every year (from China alone). There are only 22 million of us. Where does the excess go? For every person in Australia, 32kg of clothing ends up in landfill.

About The Undress Brisbane Event:
- The biggest sustainable fashion runway in Australia
- Three runway shows: swimwear & lingerie, day-wear, evening-wear & accessories
- Sustainable design exhibitions. Organic cocktails. Live music.
- All housed in a unique setting that will take you away from a Valley car-park and into an avant-garde, underground fashion scene.
- This is an 18+ event.
- Drink responsibly, dress sustainably.
- After-party at Oh Hello from 10 PM.


They will also be hosting a pop-up shop after the event were you can buy sustainable fashion from the night, visit their facebook page for details.


EKOLUV is delighted to collaborate with Undress Brisbane and will be reporting on these upcoming events, stay tuned for another post about the night and pop up shop.



For more information and to book tickets to the event please visit the link below:


http://undressbrisbane-es2.eventbrite.com/?rank=7&sid=6a4746ba30b811e3b20c12313b01148d
 

Will you be going to these events?

X Em