JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER, we’ve got deals on ALL NATURAL products to keep your skin protected and silky smooth!

• Don’t waste money on a sunscreen that is not TOP RATED.  Instead, get $2.50 off any Kiss My Face Sun Care Product at Whole Foods.  The best part is – Kiss My Face is at the top of the Environmental Working Group’s 2012 Sunscreen Guide -  so you can wear it with confidence!

• Whole Foods is also offering $2.00 off any one Weleda Facial Care Product

• AND our buddies over at Mambo Sprouts are promoting sexy summer legs with their $1.00 off DEAL for any Kiss My Face Moisture Shave!

Here’s to your Fab & Fru summer glow!

by Stephanie Berenbaum – May 16th, 2012

Paying the Price for Sun Protection

Buying a Fab & Fru sunscreen is about more than just price.  We don’t care how cheap a sunscreen is – if it is filled with potentially harmful chemicals, it has no value.  Luckily, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) came out with their 2012 Sunscreen Guide today.  Their handy guide lists sunscreens by safety and also by price!

For a sunscreen to truly be Fab & Fru Approved, it needs to be affordable AND protect against UVA and UVB rays AND have least amount of hazardous chemicals possible…Not so easy to find!

What’s The Rub?

Many sunscreens are filled with chemicals and ingredients that are toxic or questionable at best.   Some of the common ingredients EWG recommends avoiding are Vitamin A derivatives – like retinyl palmitate – and ones made with the chemical oxybenzone, which many experts believe is linked to hormone disruption.

EWG also recommends avoiding those spray sunscreens to avoid lung issues.  And, surprisingly, they don’t recommend SPFs of over 50 because people tend not to reapply them as often as they should and end up getting burned!  And last but certainly not least, you should only buy sunscreens that protects against BOTH UVA and UVB rays.

Not All Coppertone is Created Equal

Many of the sunscreens which are high on safety and low on price are NOT widely available – which is why we’re happy to see Coppertone make the list of best sunscreens.  But hang on – they also made the list of worst sunscreens!  This is why is helps to carry an ingredient cheat sheet with you when you go shopping.  While some Coppertone is ranked high for safety and low cost, ones that look almost identical are on the EWG “Hall of Shame” list!

Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 is a top pick – it is cheap, one of the safest, and easy to find at most drugstores.  But if you run in and accidentally grab Coppertone Water Babies SPF 70 – you have just picked one of the worst!  Why? Because the higher SPF version  has the added ingredient of oxybenzone – the potential hormone disruptor.  So, while many of the good and bad choices look almost identical, it is imperative to take a detailed list with you so you don’t waste money – or jeopardize your health.

Here’s to a summer of sun, fun and protecting your skin.  Enjoy!

What is your favorite Fab & Fru sunscreen?

Killing Me Softly?

Fab & Fru Fact: buying cheap beauty products full of harmful chemicals is not a bargain!

According to the Environmental Working Group, “The average woman uses 12 products containing 168 different ingredients daily. Many cosmetic chemicals are designed to penetrate into the skin’s inner layers, and…they do!”  Makes you think twice about slathering that fake “mountain breeze” scented crap you bought for “only” $1.99 all over your body, doesn’t it?

So, before you spend another dime of your hard earned money on a so-called “beauty” product, make sure the ingredients aren’t ugly and harmful!

Watch Your Wallet

Buyer beware: just because something is labeled as “natural” – doesn’t mean it really is! Our favorite resource for finding non-toxic beauty products is the Environmental Working Group’s “Skin Deep” Database  - plus, they have a handy wallet guide you can print out so you always have it with you.

Sleeping With The Enemy

Just look in your own bathroom and see how many of these common offenders are currently co-habitating with you – chances are you have: Parabens and PEGs in your lotions, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in your shampoo, Triclosan in your soap, synthetic “Fragrance” in …just about everything?

EWG warns the above ingredients have been linked to everything from allergies to toxic contamination to hormonal effects to thyroid disturbances.  We’re guessing that is NOT what you thought you were paying for!

Whole Foods…Affordable?!

The introduction of Whole Foods’ “Premium Body Care” labeling has made shopping for affordable, non-toxic products easy.  I know, I know – affordable and Whole Foods…what?! But it’s true.

The easiest thing to do if you live near a Whole foods is to look first for their green “Premium Body Care” flags on the shelves – this will narrow now your search from the start.  Then start comparing prices. The Premium products are the purest and least toxic AND there are plenty of lower price range brands in the top tier that offer the best of both worlds!

Paying The Price

The next time you are tempted by a “two for one” sale of vats of scented shower gel at the drugstore – take a minute, and pull out your wallet guide!  The price tags aren’t the only labels you should be reading. Ingredients tell you the whole story about what the real costs are to the products you are buying!

by Lisa Moore – April 23, 2012

The Magic of Makeup

Thinking about plastic surgery?  You’re not alone.  13.8 million plastic surgeries were performed in 2011.  $12.4 billion dollars went into those surgeries – that’s $1.80 for each person on Earth!

As far as some of the most popular procedures go, 5.7 million Botox treatments were performed last year – botox cost ranges from $120 and $400 per treatment.  Nose jobs cost between $3,000 and $15,000, collagen injections run anywhere from $300 up to $5,000, and the 119,000 facelifts performed in 2011 set people back between $6,000 and $15,000 each!

Before dropping big bucks, check out these top tips for your eyes, lips and nose to help keep you looking young – while keeping your money in the bank! 

EYES: Lavish Lashes

As we age, our eyelashes often thin out.  Investing just a few bucks in false lash PIECES will give you an eye lift for less!  Forget what you think of the thick falsies of the past, today’s lashes are subtle fillers that give a natural, lush look, just where you need it.

For a little more pow, follow up with your favorite mascara, and then give your lashes a curl.  Good curlers start at $20, and curling will make your eyes look less saggy for a lot less than a trip to the operating room!

by Brandi Savitt – March 8, 2012

Why Avoiding Chemicals Is Worth the Price

You’ve probably noticed that at most major drugstores there are typically ZERO non-antiperspirant deodorant options for women – while the men’s section offers at least 3-4.  And you’re also probably aware of all the reports suggesting potentially harmful links between aluminum (a major ingredient in antiperspirants) and breast cancer, and of course Alzheimer’s disease - not to mention other terrifying chemicals found in deodorants, like parabens… So what’s an educated consumer to do – especially when the social norm (and more importantly the consumer price point) still pushes women to use toxic chemicals to stop sweating and smelling?

While none of us ladies want to smell bad, the health risks of using chemical laden deodorants and antiperspirants are just too great.  So, we’ve done a little homework and gathered the info you need to know.  From the most cost effective high-end organic brands to homemade deodorant recipes, we have the Fab & Fru stink on how to smell your best – the natural way!

Chemicals to Avoid & Why

It seems logical that rubbing chemicals on your pits may not be the healthiest choice – no matter what the chemists say.  While the list of chemicals to avoid can be rather daunting,  Naturalcosmetics.com has done a superb job summarizing a full list of nasty no-no’s to look for when reading deodorant labels.  And the two top chemical compounds to watch out for are: aluminum & parabens – here’s why…

Aluminum

Aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants block the sweat glands to keep sweat from getting to the skin’s surface. Some research has suggested that these aluminum compounds may be absorbed by the skin and cause changes in estrogen receptors of breast cells. Because estrogen can promote the growth of both cancer and non-cancerous breast cells, some scientists have suggested that using the aluminum-based compounds in antiperspirants may be a risk factor for the development of breast cancer.

And while no clear link to breast cancer has been established yet… the unclear part of that is good enough for us! There are many alternative health care practitioners that believe that high levels of aluminum in the body may be the link to many diseases…

Parabens

Naturalcosmetics.com states that “parabens in their many forms (methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, or butylparaben) are a class of artificial preservatives widely used in cosmetics and personal care products that are being investigated for their possible role in breast cancer. Parabens mimic the activity of estrogen in the body. Since estrogen promotes the growth of breast cancer cells and a woman is eight times more likely to develop breast cancer in the part of the breast closest to the underarm, scientists are studying the connection”.

Looking for an aluminum and chemical free deodorant that will leave you smelling pretty all day?  Well, we found some great deals on our Fab & Fru staff favorite – Weleda Spray Deodorant.  We’re partial to the Citrus scent, but you can choose Rose or Sage if you prefer… The spray is effective, all natural and smells great!

The Deals..

Weleda deodorant retails at $13 on their site (free shipping with orders over $70) for a 3.4 ounce bottle, and up to $15 in stores! Although on the pricey side, this long lasting spray is currently…

•  On sale at Vitacost  for $8.18 – Vitacost is also currently offering free shipping on orders of $49 or more.

• Drugstore.com is currently offering 20% off all Beauty products with code beauty20 – but just until 3/9/12!  So with the discount, their price on the Weleda deodorant is $10.40 – but their minimum for free shipping is lower than Vitacost – at just $25 to qualify.

• Shipping fees may vary, but Amazon is currently offer the Weleda Citrus scented 3.4 ounce bottle for $10.33.

• Or if you want free shipping without the minimum?  Dermstore is offering the Weleda 3.4 ounce bottle for $13 – but offers free standard domestic shipping all the time – no minimum required.

ENJOY!

by Alexandra Pauline – January 30, 2012

Cheap Tricks for Healthy Skin

As the dry winter weather wreaks havoc on our delicate skin, there’s no need to overpay for skincare products whose ingredient list you can’t even pronounce.  Check out these Fab & Fru tips to keep your skin happy, healthy and winter ready the au naturel way!

Moisturize Naturally

Homemade Masks

There’s nothing better than a cool face mask to refresh your skin.  No need to spend your cash on expensive lotions or store bought products because everything you need for an amazing face mask can be found right in your own kitchen!  Celebrity stylist Sherri Jessee said, “A great way to keep dry winter skin at bay is by mixing one egg with Greek yogurt.  After your mixture is made apply it straight to your face and leave it on for five minutes and then rinse and pat your face dry.” (And for goodness sake, take the same precautions you would when cooking – don’t eat the raw egg, and make sure you wash your hands well to avoid the remote risk of salmonella!)

Sweet Exfoliation

To help keep your skin soft and glowing, it’s important to exfoliate your skin once a week.  If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, good old sugar is an excellent exfoliant!  The rough texture gently scrubs away dry skin and helps clear pores.  To create this sweet smelling scrub, take an equal amount of olive oil, white sugar and brown sugar, and then add 6 drops of vanilla extract.  Massage the mixture right onto your face in gentle circular motions and soak in the beautiful aromas while you exfoliate!

Recycle Your Coffee Grinds

Looking for another deep cleaning face and body scrub that will leave your skin silky soft plus smooth & lighten rough skin on your elbows?  Concoct your own inexpensive coffee exfoliant!  Just take your morning coffee grinds and mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice.  It’s a little messy when you apply the scrub, but you’ll be shocked at how good your skin looks & feels! (Steph and Brandi SWEAR by this one – one try and you will be hooked…)

By Megan Segura – August 31, 2011

Beauty Trends for Fall 2011

Some people go to fashion shows to see the clothes, while others wait to see what makeup and hair trends will be making an appearance on the catwalk.  Like the clothes, beauty trends are always slightly exaggerated on the models for theatrics, but the statement they make sets the interpretative stage for what’s hot – and what’s not…

The Power of the Understated

The first word that comes to mind when looking at the Fall 2011 shows – save a red lip here and there – is UNDERSTATED. For the most part, hair was kept simple and away from the face (who knew low ponytails were so fashion forward?) and makeup was rarely over-the-top.

Raising An Eyebrow or Two

They say the eyes are the windows of the soul, but this season, the eyebrows are getting all the attention! Anorexic eyebrows got beefed up for the Alexander Wang and Burberry shows. Makeup artist Gucci Westman used Revlon’s Brow Fantasy to make the models’ brows pop for the Oscar de la Renta runway. The pencil end of the wand is used to fill in the hairs, and the colored gel makes sure everything is groomed and stays in place.

If you try this look at home, remember to keep the rest of your makeup pretty neutral. Pairing a strong brow with dark lipstick and blush can result in a look that is more clown than couture!

Metallics Everywhere

Backstage at Roberto Cavalli, models’ eyes were lined with thick black liner before a deep bronze shadow was applied. Makeup artists at Chanel skipped eyeliner and swept a silver metallic shadow over the models’ lids – the result being more ethereal than intense.

To achieve this look, try Lancome Color Design Eye Shadow in Bikini Gold. The sandy color gives eyes a golden shimmer.

By Megan Segura – July 21, 2011

Being Pretty Isn’t Cheap

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a good beauty product. From the $2 nail polish at the drug store to the $100 face cream at the Bloomingdale’s makeup counter, I want it all. Each pretty tube and jar seems to hold a promise that this will be the product that changes my life.

Although it’s healthier than, say, crack, my addiction to beauty products is just as intense – and certainly NOT Fab & Fru! Until now, that is… There’s a new company in town that will have you asking, “Where have you been all my life?”

The Beginning of Birchbox

Birchbox is the brainchild of Hayley Barna and Katia Beauchamp, two Harvard MBA grads. In the simplest of terms: It’s the Netflix for beauty products. Each month, a small box arrives in the mail containing sample sizes of the latest products to hit the market.  A reasonable payment of just $10 each month keeps the boxes coming.

Why It Will Save You Money in the End

How often do you buy something only to be disappointed by it? Maybe a shade of lipstick didn’t look particularly flattering or a brand of body butter wasn’t quite as moisturizing as it advertised. Now you can sample all of those products you’ve been eying in stores for without wasting big bucks on a product you’ll never use.

My Personal Experience

I, myself, am a Birchbox subscriber going on three months, and I haven’t been disappointed yet!  Since you never know what products will be delivered, I was a bit hesitant to sign up for the service.  I have extremely fair skin that is easily irritated, and I was worried I be sent a bunch of samples that I wouldn’t be able to use.   But these ladies know what they’re doing. -Did I mention they went to Harvard?

When you first sign up, you answer a list of questions about your skin and hair type. If you’re fair, you’re not going to be sent makeup made for women with Jersey Shore skin tones, and women with curly hair won’t be sent products made for straight hair ladies.

What’s Inside the Box?

My first box was a mixed bag…  It contained a bottle of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion before it even hit stores.  I also received Herban Essentials Towelettes, Xen-Tan Face Tanner Luxe, Kate Spade’s perfume Twirl and a bronzing powder. While I really loved some of the items in that particular box, I wasn’t thrilled with all of them. But the point of Birchbox isn’t for you to like every product that you’re sent. The entire purpose is for you to test out new products yourself and decide if they’re worth the spend.

It Gets Even Better

Let’s say you do love one of the items in your box so much so that you want to buy the full-size version. Instead of going to a store, you can just go to the Birchbox’s site to order it. You can even use your loyalty points to get money discounted off the item!

by Brandi Savitt – May 19, 2011

How Sun Lovers Should Protect Their Skin

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer, a rite of passage that includes BBQ’s, swimming and sunburns!  The first two are tons of fun, but the third – not so much.  That’s why it’s super important to learn how to buy the right sunscreen – and how to ensure a high quality product without spending a fortune!

The Cause of Sun Damage

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a single overexposure to sunlight can result in painful sunburned skin.  To make matters worse, a bad burn when you’re young can lead to serious consequences later in life .  (Wish I had thought about this when we were slathering baby oil over ourselves in the 80s!) Long-term overexposure can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, freckles, age spots, dilated blood vessels, and changes in the texture of the skin that makes skin look older - and none of us want that!

What are UVA & UVB Anyway?

The invisible rays, known as ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), cause most of these problems, including suntan, sunburn and sun damage.  There is no “safe” ultraviolet (UV) light, and there is no such thing as a safe tan. UVB radiation affects the outer most layer of the skin and can’t penetrate through glass, but UVA rays affect the skin at a much deeper level, penetrate through glass, and can cause damage all year round.

Picking the Right Sunscreen

You want buy a sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.  According to Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields who are co-developers of Rodan + Fields Dermatologists, and the well known Proactive line, there are two kinds of sunscreen blockers that can protect you from UV rays: physical and chemical.

Physical Blockers

Physical blockers include ingredients like zinc oxide, (remember that white paste lifeguards used to wear on their noses?) and do exactly what their name implies.  They block or reflect the UV rays back out into the environment.  The problems with zinc is that it’s white and not a very good look for any of us, it gets everywhere and can ruin your clothes.  But luckily, technology is constantly advancing and there are better, more transparent forms of zinc on the market today.

Chemical Blockers

Chemical blockers are the latest technology and both doctors feel they are the future.  Chemical blockers include ingredients like avobenzone (Parsol® 1789) or Mexoryl®), and when combined with zinc oxide offer the best protection against UVA rays.