Some of you may have already noticed that we’ve been offering Dr. Alkaitis’ new environmentally friendly packaging for the Day Cremes, Night Cremes and Eye Cremes. The cremes will be the same size and weight, but sport a sleeker, more eco-friendly look.  The Dr. Alkaitis facial masks also have revamped packaging, and we are hoping to have new pictures of them soon.  So stay tuned!

The new packaging consists of boxes made with 80% post-consumer mixed media (post-consumer waste material is recovered after being used by a customer as opposed to waste from industrial processes). The packaging also features environmentally friendly inks made with renewable resources such as soy, linseed, cottonseed, tung or china wood oil. In addition, the new packaging is made with 100% wind power. (Both the mill that manufactures the stock and the printing company is 100% wind-powered.)

What do you think about the new packaging?  Please drop us a line and share your thoughts and comments.

Introducing an exciting and totally revolutionary cosmetic product.  Packed with certified organic fruit and vegetable juices and extracts from blue berries, cranberries and purple corn, Intelligent Nutrients USDA Certified Organic Antioxidant Lip Glosses  ($24) are all natural and completely free of synthetic colors, mined minerals, iron oxides and potentially toxic, lead-laced heavy metals.  It is the first USDA Certified Organic cosmetic product that we know of.

Antioxidant and nutrient rich, these USDA Certified Organic lip glosses not only look and feel great, but taste great too!  Our shipment came in today and I tried it on immediately and fell in love instantly.  What’s not to like? Imagine the sweet aroma of smooth Coconut, Caramel and Vanilla and the taste of juicy raspberry and sweet agave. It’s simply addicting – and delicious. I found myself constantly licking my lips!  But I had to remind myself that it was ok, because Intelligent Nutrients Organic Lip Glosses are made with food-grade ingredients that are non-toxic and beneficial.  These natural lip glosses contain oils of acai, rosehip and black cumin blended with soothing waxes and butters that are high in antioxidants and help fight the signs of aging.

The slim, squeezable tube container comes with a brush-tip applicator which coats and nourishes lips with a natural, moisturizing shine.  Bonus: The Intelligent Nutrients Antioxidant Lip Gloss in Purple Maize (a beautiful berry color) won Allure’s 2011 Best of Beauty Award.

The USDA Certified Organic Lip Glosses come in two shades: Purple Maize and Clear Frosting.  And during the holidays, two new colors will be introduced, along with holiday gift sets.  So make sure to stop by BellaFloria.com to check them out.

Why not try them for yourselves?  We dare you to not to get addicted.

Our motto is “Truth in Beauty.” We strive to be as transparent as possible by keeping our customers in the loop.  We don’t take this responsibility lightly and so when an issue presents itself, we do the most thorough research possible and present the facts.

It has come to our attention that Zuii Organics, a brand that we’ve touted, recommended and endorsed as a USDA Certified Organic cosmetic line, does not in fact meet the USDA standards for being certified as containing 95% organic ingredients. 

We come to this conclusion after extensive research and fact-finding. We requested documents through the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) from the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) which concluded in a report that “the products produced by Zuii Organic were erroneously certified as ‘organic’ by TOFC (The Organic Food Chain) because the products contain prohibited ingredients and do not contain enough organic ingredients to qualify for the ‘organic’ designation, which requires the products to contain 95% or more organic ingredients by weight.”

The USDA regulations require that USDA certified organic products not only have 95% organic ingredients by weight if they are to carry the USDA Certified Organic seal, but also the products must not contain ingredients other than what is on the USDA’s National List of approved ingredients for organic products.  The USDA rules are quite stringent as they apply the same standards for food products to personal care items that are certified under the program.

The USDA report stated that Zuii’s products contained materials not on the National List such as sorbitan olivate (derived from vegetable wax), ascorbyl palmitate (fat soluble form of Vitamin C), magnesium stearate (magnesium salt), among others, and the mineral colors mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, manganese violet, and zinc oxide.

Please note that none of the “prohibited ingredients” are unsafe or illegal. They just are not allowed in USDA certified organic products.

Interestingly, the USDA puts much of the blame on TOFC, an Australian certifying agency. The USDA concluded that the certifier, TOFC, was in violation of the National Organic Program (“NOP”) regulations because it erroneously certified all Zuii products as organic and “upon investigation, continued to deem the products to be properly labeled as ‘organic.’” The USDA also noted that “TOFC inefficiently investigated the complaint and provided some obtuse answers to NOP’s questions…Also, it should be noted that during the investigation, Zuii Organic contacted NOP directly and provided documentation to NOP, noting that it was dissatisfied with its certifier’s (TOFC) response to the complaint investigation. Zuii Organic’s response to the NOP was significantly more timely and complete than TOFC’s response…”

Bella Floria has emailed both Zuii and TOFC to get a response regarding the investigation and have not received any response at this time.

The issue regarding Zuii’s certification status came up a few months ago when a blogger alleged that Zuii was using the USDA logo illegally because it was not certified, and could not possibly be certified. (The blogger did not name Zuii but used images from the company website.) We investigated this allegation and gathered information along with the help of some of our friends (Thanks Fig+Sage!).  It turns out the blogger had jumped the gun; we wanted more facts, since at the time, the USDA said that Zuii was legally using the USDA Certified logo, and was certified by the Australian agency, TOFC.  However, after a lengthy investigation by the USDA, including laboratory testing of the products and obtaining opinions from legal and scientific experts, the USDA concluded that Zuii did not meet its standards.

After receiving the USDA official findings, we’ve taken this step to inform our customers about what we’ve found. We’ve also taken down all the “USDA Certified Organic” claims on our website, including the USDA Organic logo. Zuii Organics has done the same on its own site.

Because this was an error by the certifying agency, and not a willful misrepresentation of Zuii, we have decided to continue carrying Zuii products, which are Australian Government Certified organic (and certified organic by TOFC). See here for Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service  “AQIS” standards.

We still believe that Zuii organic cosmetics are of good quality and contain significant organic content, even if they currently do not meet USDA certified organic standards. That is why we will continue to offer them and recommend them to our customers.

Meet Code SC.  Modern. Original. A little quirky. Code SC, is a natural, eco-friendly skin care company for guys (and gals) who want to go green without sacrificing style. Each product is made with botanicals, wild harvested quality medicinal plants and herbs from the deserts and mountains of the Western United States.

Code SC is also an environmentally conscious company, and is concerned about keeping its carbon footprint very small. All Code SC products are made from wild crafted, natural and/or organic plants and herbs derived from sustainable sources. The company also uses recyclable containers made in the U.S. and doesn’t package its products in boxes. Based in Spokane, Wash., Code SC is the brainchild of skin care vet Amy Townsend, and her husband Chris.

I knew this brand was special from the moment I met Amy. She spoke with so much passion and enthusiasm for creating a truly eco-friendly and clean skin care line. Although Code SC Skin Care is made specifically for men, I have heard from women who love it too!  Especially the Get Set Shaving Cream ($19) (great for legs ladies) and On Your Mark Organic Pre-shave Oil ($15), two products that can be enjoyed equally by both sexes.

These products make great gifts for grads and dads.  Get yours today.

Have you checked out The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Cosmetics Safety Database lately?  If not, you’re in for a treat. Taking cues from its more than 1 million users and supporters, the seven-year-old super-popular site recently received a makeover and it is stunning—and more user friendly.

Now the site has more than just ingredient and personal care product ratings (hazard ratings from 0-10). It includes more features, such as consumer tips, searchable FAQs and new user guides, that make it easier for readers to find safer personal care products. They have also made it easier to comment and to share content on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

And of course, it still has one of the most comprehensive listings, featuring more than 65,000 products in an easy to search format.

So if you haven’t been by in a while, stop by, take a peek, and let us know what you think about EWG’s new look.

Photo: EWG Skin Deep Screen Shot

The hot trend this season is bright palettes paired with neutral shades. The key is using bold colors on one feature at a time—eyes, cheeks or lips and keeping the rest of your face in your favorite neutral or earth tone colors.

Some Trends to Try:

Pink Lips: Warm, attention grabbing, this look is easy to pull off and very versatile. Pantone says “flirtatious honeysuckle is a feel-good hue that brings a festive sense of playfulness to the [Spring 2011] colour palette.” Vibrant pinkish-red “is a perfect post-winter pick-me-up.” Go for lighter shades like baby pink if you’re fair and deeper pink shades like magenta if you’ve got tan or golden skin. The key to pulling off this look is to avoid looking overdone, which means keeping the rest of your look as neutral as possible.

Try 100% Pure Lip Gloss in Pink Grapefruit or Pink Caramel ($12.95); Zuii Organic Lipstick in Pink Flesh ($26.95), or Nvey Eco Organic Lipstick in Shade 362 ($28).

Coral Cheeks: Peach is natural skin tone that compliments and brightens all skin tones. Pantone which forecasts hot colors of the season, predicts coral rose will be a must-have this spring. “Spicy, gregarious and persuasive describe coral rose,” according to Pantone. It’s “a sophisticated orange that conjures up feelings of faraway lands and locales.” To apply, pat color on the apple of cheeks, the place where color naturally is. A wash of vibrant, natural looking color makes skin look healthier and more vibrant.

Try Zuii Organic Blush in Mango, Peach or Melon ($29.95); 100% Pure Pigmented Blush in Mimosa (light coral), or Peach (neutral peach) ($25).

Plum Eyes: Try this fresh alternative to smoky eyes, or basic brown earth tones. Pantone describes this season’s hot color as “romantic” and “fanciful.” Lavender “implies sensuality with its subtle hint of red undertone.”  Rich, jewel tone plum colors and light lavender are flattering eyelids this spring. Light purple or lavender works for everyday, while darker plums and eggplant colors transition into evening and after-work festivities.

Try Zuii Organic Eyeshadow in Grape or Blackberry ($27.50);

The long awaited relaunch of the French cult-classic has finally arrived.  We welcome the revamped Patyka Beauty to our exciting line up of natural beauty brands. Patyka is a revolutionary natural skin care brand that focuses on combining natural and organic ingredients with cutting-edge technology. The result is a clean, elegant, luxuriously pampering line of products that bridge the gap between luxury and organic. From the Patyka Biokaliftin anti-aging line to the Patyka Absolis natural skin care line, Patyka products care and nourish your skin and deliver remarkable results.

Developed after years of research, Patyka Beauty Skin Care incorporates hundreds of rare botanicals and  formulas. Patyka’s line of organic skin care products are certified organic by ECOCERT, an independent board accredited by the European Union and the US Ministry of Agriculture. Patyka strives to incorporate the finest organic ingredients, while paying attention to Fair Trade practices. The result is an organic line of truly innovative and luxurious products, that are not just eco-friendly but also socially responsible.

Among our favorites:

We’re particularly excited about Patyka Absolis Huile Absolue Face and Body Serum, a multi-tasking superstar. Rich in organic plant extracts, this super-concentrated golden serum can be used to tame hair and split ends, to moisturize dry skin, or to soothe damaged nails and cuticles. It boasts a unique blend of 12 plant oils (including rose tree muscatel which is rich in essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 and helps regenerate skin cells) and extracts that help boost skin’s ability to heal, regenerate, hydrate and protect itself. This light-weight, yet supremely nourishing facial and body oil, has just the right balance. Facial skin drinks it right in and leaves a long-lasting, luminous glow.

Patyka Absolis Precious Woods Body Oil is another must-try. It delivers an aromatic and nourishing moisturizing skin treatment. This silky, smooth oil contains ylang, ylang and precious wood essential oils that help soothe and relax, while regenerating dry, tired skin.

Patyka Biokaliftin Radiant Eye Contour helps fight signs of fatigue, dark circles and under-eye puffiness. This luxuriously rich eye cream soothes with Cornflower and Chamomile extracts and contains Gotu Kola to help firm the sensitive eye area.  Leave on at night for optimal results.

SPECIAL OFFER: For a limited-time only, Get Free Shipping and Free Samples with any Patyka product order. Get three free Patyka samples. Just use offer code: “Patyka” during check out.  Offer expires: Feb. 15, 2011 and cannot be combined with other promotions and special offers.

Code SC Shaving Set: From our newest brand addition – Code SC – a natural skin care line for men. Get all three shaving products in our exclusive set. Let your special someone experience the joy of pre-shaving with Code SC organic pre-shave oil infused with organic grapeseed, jojoba, and arnica oils to stop shaving irritation and those painful bumps. Then move on to the main event with Code SC aerosol-free shaving cream made with Lavender, Blue Lotus, and Yucca to give you a smooth, even shave. Lastly, is the post-shave balm made with Avocado, Mint, and Sage to help guard against environmental toxins.  At this price, you can’t afford not to try it out. Introductory Price: $39.95 (a $49 value, an 18% savings.)

100% Pure Cocoa Lip Palette Perfect to give or receive. This cocoa lip set will get you hooked with its intoxicating chocolate aroma, and gorgeously rich color. Luxurious lip cream comes in a base of lip softening avocado and cocoa butters and colored with natural, antioxidant rich pigments of chocolate and fruit. 100% natural formulas do not contain synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, synthetic colorants, petro-chemicals or preservatives. (Sale Price: $32.50, a 15% savings)

Patyka Absolis Huile Absolue Face & Body Serum. Patyka Huile Absolue Serum for face and body is a multi-tasking wonder! Use it to tame hair and split ends, to moisturize dry skin, or to soothe damaged nails and cuticles. This golden serum is rich in organic plant extracts and boasts a unique blend of 12 plant oils and extracts that help boost skin’s ability to heal, regenerate, hydrate and protect itself. It helps smooth fine lines and gives skin a luminous, youthful glow.  Limited Time Offer: get 4 Patyka samples with purchase of the face and body serum. ($69.95)

Kahina Giving Beauty Limited Edition Argan Oil Gift Set. Give. Nurture. Empower. The Kahina Gift Set is the product of a unique collaboration with NEST to help women around the world. Nest is an organization that gives micro-loans to women in developing countries to help them achieve economic independence. This beautifully designed block-printed cotton makeup bag is hand-stitched by formerly trafficked women in India. It includes Kahina Argan Oil and a handmade argan oil bar soap. Special: $51 (a $60 value, 15% savings.)

Aromatherapy Personals – Aphrodisiac Multi-Nutritive Oil for Body, Bath & Hair & Roll-on. Indulge in the luxurious fragrance of this all natural multi-nutrient enriched oil blend of Pomegranate, Passionfruit and Sea Buckthorn seed oils. Made to help smooth, hydrate and protect skin and hair with anti-oxidant vitamins A, B, C + E.  This innovative multi-tasker functions as an all over body moisturizer, luxurious hair and scalp treatment, nourishing bath oil and…instant sensory remedy! Aphrodisiac Multi- Nutrient blend delivers a rich source of omegas-3, 6, + 9 for soft, luminous skin and hair.  Rare omega-7 fatty acid helps with collagen production and creates the perfect barrier to moisturize, rejuvenate, repair and protect.  ($33.50 for oil, $16.95 for roll-on)

Essence of Vali – Passion Gift Set. Enhance romantic moments with orange zest, ylang/ylang petals, patchouli leaves and ginger root known for their aphrodisiac effect. Essence of Vali’s spicy, sweet, earthy blend was created to inspire romantic moments. Treat your partner to an aromatic massage or share a bath and be enveloped by the intoxicating aroma and the richness of Jojoba. Set contains: 2 oz. Love Mist and 2 oz. Passion Massage & Bath Oil, both packaged for gift-giving in a red organza pouch. (A great value: $14.95)

Intelligent Nutrients Survival Trio Gift Set. Share calm in all forms with Intelligent Nutrients’ complete Destress Express System designed to deliver immediate stress relief through functional aromatic experience, therapeutic acupressure treatment and hair, scalp and body massage. Take care of those you love with a complete certified organic nutritional chemistry trio, which softens the aches, warms a cold, clears the head and banishes stress. Destress Express is a unique therapeutic blend of certified organic essential oils like peppermint, spearmint, ravintsara, cardamom, cinnamon, chamomile, lime, and vanilla and red raspberry flavors. Unique combination helps stimulate, strengthen, relieve tension, uplift, calm, and provide antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Each set includes: Certified Organic Destress Express Hair & Body Treatment Oil – 1.7 fl oz/ 45 ml; Certified Organic Destress Express – Pure Essence Elixir – .3 fl oz/ 9 ml; Certified Organic Destress Express – Spirit Essence – 1.7 fl oz/ 45 ml.  Specially Priced: $80 (A $122 Retail Value – 34% Savings!)

(Use code: VALENTINE at checkout for free shipping offer. For free gift wrapping, simple note “Free Gift Wrap” in order comments section. Note: offer expires Feb. 11, 2011 and cannot be combined with other promotions, specials and other discounts.)

We searched high and low for a new organic personal care brand to add to our line up, and happily found Moksa Organics. It wasn’t just the pure, wholesome ingredients, or the eco-friendly, recycled packaging, or the luxuriously scented, highly effective products that hooked us. It was really the people behind the Moksa brand that made us believe that this line was truly something special.

Moksa founders Haskell and Melanie Martin began with a simple notion:  They wanted to start a company that offers conscientious and truthful products. They wanted to do something different than the norm. They wanted to bypass the vast amounts of wasted materials being used, bulk packaging, and cheap chemicals used in products and foods that have a list of ingredients a mile long. What’s more is they wanted to do away with the false marketing and chemicals that most people can’t even pronounce.

After hours of research, they discovered that most household and personal care products used to be made by hand using natural ingredients. As an experiment, they decided to make some of their products, and much to their surprise, they had a blast doing so.  “Moksa Organics” was born.

Each product in the Moksa Organics line is meticulously hand-made with pure, certified organic ingredients. Their organic soaps, body oils, lotions, and organic shea butters are some of the best in the business.  Moksa Organics products do not contain any parabens or sulfates,  synthetics, animal by-products or any artificial preservatives or fragrances. They have eliminated harmful chemicals, and in the process, created a truly remarkable, affordable and eco-friendly organic personal care line.

The following are some of our faves in no particular order:

Moksa Organics Bohemian Forest Organic Body Bar Soap This generous 6.5 oz body bar (the average size soap is 4 oz) that is made with a blend of wintergreen and woodsy aromas and infused with organic ground anise seeds, organic oat bran and organic rosemary extract. It provides an exfoliating and invigorating clean. ($7)

Moksa Organics Amazon Lemon Exfoliating Organic Body Bar Soap Infused with vanilla bean orchid and lemon medley, this rich lathering bar will transport you to the Amazon rain forest. Made with organic poppy seeds, organic ground lemon peel, and organic rosemary extract. ($7, 6.5 oz)

Moksa Organics Organic Lavender Bergamot Body Butter. This heavenly smelling, melt-in-your-hands body butter is a wonderful and simple blend of Organic Lavender & Bergamot shea butter.  Rich and creamy, this luxurious moisturizing body treatment will leave you moisturized and soothed. ($14, 6 oz.)

Moksa Organics Organic Rosemary Sage and Mint Body Oil. This natural body oil is incredibly nourishing, healing and moisturizing.  Made with a blend of organic Jojoba and organic sweet almond oils and lightly scented with pure essential oils. ($14, 6 oz.)

In addition, all of Moksa Organics packaging is made from 100% post consumer waste. As they say tree-free baby! All of their glass containers are made from recycled glass and are completely reusable and recyclable. All of the ink they use is soy-based and non-toxic to prevent ground contamination. Moksa also offsets their carbon footprint through certification from Climate Safe and they donate a portion of profits to a number of environmental and non-profit groups.

Bottom line is that Moksa founders have literally and figuratively poured their passion into each other and into every batch of organic soap, body oil, shea butter and other organic body products they’ve created.

We say “try it,” we’re sure you’ll love it. Moksa’s entire line of soaps, body butters, and body oils now available at Bella Floria.

As we welcome 2011, we wish to thank all of you for making this such a wonderfully successful year at Bella Floria.  We are heartened by your comments, suggestions, and most of all, your continued support.

Here are just a few examples of how your support has helped make the world a brighter place. Your purchases have helped fund education, housing and food programs for needy children through Plan USA. It has helped conservation efforts to preserve wildlife throughout the world through the World Wildlife Fund. And it has supported the Environmental Working Group’s important research and consumer advocacy promoting safer, greener products.  Also, throughout the year, your purchases help fund programs for homeless youth, support battered women’s shelters, and help provide legal support for the indigent.

None of this would have been possible without your loyalty and support.  So we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!

We have much more in store for 2011.  Watch out for new, innovative and inspiring natural and organic beauty brands we’ll be adding to our growing inventory. Look for our insightful articles and interviews with movers and shakers in the green personal care industry, and stay tuned for more useful and truthful green consumer news and tips.

With your help, we can make 2011 an even better year!