Going Green: Organic Beauty Makeup Bag Must-Haves

Here at Canvas, we've spent a lot of time talking about organic beauty over the past few months. Collectively, Kimberly and I have probably tried out a dozen different products to see what's a fave and what's a flop. Today, we are sharing the best and brightest of the bunch. 

Stay Stylish,
M&K

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Megan: I have what was described to me as "thick, combination skin." Which basically means that after years of sun damage and using products that were harsh, my skin has developed a tough outer layer. Many exfoliations later, my skin is getting its glow back and these 3 products are helping to keep it that way.

1. Juice Beauty Stem Cellular 2-in-1 Cleanser- this cleaners is ideal for all skin types, especially those concerned with fine lines and wrinkles.
   Pros: It's a cleanser and toner in one, which takes a step out of my beauty regime.
   
   Cons: My skin does feel a bit tighter after washing with it, so I only use once a day and make sure to add extra moisturizer.
   
   The Verdict: I really like the brand, but find this cleanser plus toner to be too drying on my skin. Next time I will opt for just their cleanser.

1. RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek- a two-in-one lip and cheek stain, each shade is formulated with nourishing organic ingredients and raw mineral pigments.
   Pros: The colors are super-saturated (we tried Beloved) and it stays on the cheeks almost all day, requiring minimal touch-up.
   
   Cons: A little goes a long way, so it takes a little trial and error. If your skin is dry, you'll notice that it doesn't apply as evenly on your cheeks.
   
   The Verdict: Once you get the hang of how to apply, it is great! I think this little pot will last me a long time, but am excited to try out some of their other colors.
   

2. Vapour Illusionist Concealer- light reflecting minerals boost brightening while Frankincense, Tulsi and Lotus helps soothe, calm and protect the skin.
   Pros: It offers medium coverage that glides on and blends easily, covering any dark circles under my eyes.
   
   Cons: I notice that I need to reapply midway through the day. If you adda a pressed powder on top, it will last a bit longer.
   
   The Verdict: We aren't a match made in heaven. I will opt for another brand next time.

Stem Cellular 2:1 Cleanser, $32

RMS Lip2Cheek, $36

Illusionist Concealer, $25

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Kimberly: Most women have a few items that they couldn't live without in their beauty bag, for me its a great mascara, blush and soft foundation. I much prefer a natural look to makeup and less is certainly more--make up should enhance your beauty not cover it. I'm slowly trying to convert my makeup bag to natural products, below are the ones making the cut.

1. W3ll People Expressionist Mascara- I researched several natural mascaras before trying out this one. Not only is it highly recommended, it received beauty awards from Elle and Allure.

Pros: The applicator brush is a dream and I never struggle with blobs of messy product. The mascara is very buildable and leaves your lashes soft and flexible.

Cons: By the end of the day I am on raccoon watch, but a damp cloth quickly cleans up any residue. This product washes away with soap and water but it does take some scrubbing, I prefer to use a gel makeup remover to take it all away.

The Verdict: May repurchase, but curious to try the Lily Lolo Mascara next round. It was my second choice in researching and make smudge less at the end of the day.

2. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hr Blush- I first started using Tarte products when working at Sephora headquarters. Branded as "high-performance naturals" they offer a full spectrum of beauty products, but my favorite are their eyeshadows and blushes.

Pros: The color options are wonderful, very natural looking and easy to blend. There is a slight sparkle but the application is soft and easy to build on.

Cons: Although this is called a 12hr blush I think 6-8hrs is more accurate. I often apply more in the morning or retouch midday so it lasts all day long.

The Verdict: It's a keeper! I've used this blush in Blushing Bride for who years and love the natural rosy glow.

3. Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder Foundation- After switching to a new daily sunscreen I've noticed I need a little more foundation cover to avoid the over dewy look. Instead of going back to a translucent talc-based powder I decided to try this as a natural option.

Pros: Reduced shine while adding a soft finish that wears well throughout the day.

Cons: Easy to over apply and look ashy. Blending is key.

The Verdict: I'll be trying something new next time.

W3ll People Mascara $22

Mineral Fusion Pressed Powder $19.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush $29

Shirt Alert: How We Are Styling Our Oversized Blouses for Spring

A menswear-inspired blouse is a spring wardrobe essential. The styling options are endless and from prints to solids, there is something out there for everyone. This week, Kimberly and I are taking on the trend and sharing how we have made it our own. First up, Megan shows her go-to pinstripe option, and stay tuned to learn how Kimberly styles her favorite oversized button down on Friday's blog. 

Stay Stylish,
M&K

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The Pajama Blouse

The loungewear trend has recreated itself this spring in the form of unstructured, slightly oversized blouses for women. Just one of the styles in this category is the pajama-like silk top. I love being able to wear something comfortable, while still looking stylish, so I was excited to try this look out. I've always been a fan of balancing masculine pieces with feminine style, and this pinstripe blouse from Banana Republic (similar) seemed like the perfect balance.

Look for the Details

Sometimes it is the details that can really make a piece interesting. What I loved about this masculine striped shirt was the pearl buttons down the front, which add a touch of femininity, and the open french cuffs. Both helped to transform what could look like a pajama shirt into a stylish everyday blouse. I like to refer to little details like these as "built in accessories." They add interest without you having to layer too many 'extras' to your outfit.

Pro tip: If you don't like to wear a lot of jewelry, look for pieces that already have "built in accessories" like unique buttons, a print under the collar, or even some embroidery.

Add Balance

When thinking about how to wear a pajama-inspired blouse, you want to mix and match contrasting pieces. It's all about remembering you proportions - if it is loose on top, you want to go more fitted on the bottom. For example, pair an unstructured blouse with a tailored pant or tuck it into a pair of cuffed denim. To dress the look up, add a pair of strappy heels, a chunky necklace or play around with a bold eyes and lip.

Pro tip: If you are wearing the blouse untucked, try throwing a cropped leather or suede jacket over your shoulders for that extra hint of easy style. It will also help add shape and keep the blouse from overwhelming your frame.

Celebrate Earth Day With Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Brands

Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22nd. While we will be celebrating by giving back to Mother Nature in different ways, one of our favorite ways is shopping sustainable clothing brands.

Kimberly and I have been blogging this year about natural beauty products that are better for the environment and free from harmful chemicals. Today, we are sharing our favorite eco-friendly clothing labels that prove sustainable shopping can be stylish. Be prepared to find your new favorite brands!

Stay Stylish,
M&K

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Kimberly:

It's our responsibility as consumers to step back and think about what we need and purchase mindfully. I'm encouraged that so many smaller brands are popping up and putting more pressure on big box shops to change the way they do business from production forward. Organic and sustainable no longer means "one style" or is associated with granola brands.

1. Amour Vert - This SF local is still relatively "new" on the fashion scene and is picking up steam. We love their commitment to environmentally friendly production and socially responsible products. The style is fresh and over the last two years has come into its own. Some of their knits quality are still being fine-tuned in my opinion, but keep them on your radar.

2. Eileen Fisher- For over 30 years this brand has been living up to its values to "to support the environment, human rights and initiatives for women and girls" Organic, sustainable fibers and fair trade business is the backbone of the brand. Beyond their timeless style and clean lines its hard not to love this label. Keep your eyes on these styles this year--this is no longer a 50+ brand.

3. Cuyana - It's no secret that we love this brand! The crisp clean lines and less is more philosophy overlaps with our own Canvas values and esthetic. We wanted to include this brand in our earth day post due to their "Lean Closet" program and supporting reducing the waste in the fashion industry.

Megan:

We've seen so many conscious brands emerge in recent years that 'conscious consumption' is now easily available to everyone. Having an eco-friendly attitude towards fashion is about embracing a “less is more” mindset and investing in items that are high-quality and timeless, rather than ultra-trendy and disposable. 

1. Everlane: Born in San Francisco, this is one of our go-to brands for versatile essentials. The socially responsible company believes in "radical transparency" letting customers know where their clothing is manufactured and exactly how much it costs to make.
   

2. Mara Hoffman: Mara didn't start off an an eco-conscious brand, but after learning how unsustainable her practices were, she decided to make a change. Today, the brand uses responsibly sourced organic, recycled and regenerated materials whenever possible and works to minimize the negative impacts associated with manufacturing.
   

3. Reformation: A cult favorite among style bloggers, Reformation’s mission is to lead and inspire a sustainable way to be fashionable. They source sustainable fabrics and vintage garments, while incorporating better practices throughout their supply chain to make clothing with minimal environmental impact.

Megan's eco-conscious style picks:

Mara Hoffman Temple Jacket, $575

Everlane cashmere v-neck sweater, $100

Reformation Francis dress, $218

Eye Do: Saying Yes to Natural Eye Creams

While age is just a number, now that both Megan and I have celebrated our birthdays for the year it's also time to face the facts--our skin needs a little more TLC than it used to. Your eyes don't lie. Suddenly we find ourselves waking up with puffy eyes after a cocktail the prior evening or sporting dark circles when staying up too late blogging (like tonight).

This year Megan and I are trying to transition our beauty bags to more natural/organic products, so finding an "healthier" eye cream became our mission this spring.  We purposely tried to sample products at a mix of prices, but ultimately focused on more entry price points. See below for our top eye cream picks... you may find one you love too.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

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Kimberly's Picks

Dark Circles Eye Cream:

 Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes - Dark Circle Radiance Complex $55

I never really thought this was a "thing" but over the last two years (gasp!) I've woken up to the walking dead in the mirror.

I purchased this Radiance Complex from Credo Beauty on Fillmore street and love how light and fresh it feels. I apply it in the morning with my daily moisturizer and have noticed it keeps my skin hydrated and more resilient throughout the day. While I haven't noticed a stark difference in dark circles, they have lessened.

Pro-Tip: As you age your skin thins and your blood tends to pool in your eye cavity during sleep. To lessen the appearance of dark circles, sleep with your head elevated to work gravity in your favor. I suffer from allergies, so certain seasons puffy eyes and dark circles are inevitable. I've found sleeping on two pillows helps keep me bright eyed in the morning and less congested.

Moisturizing Eye Cream:

One Love Organics Vitamin E Eye Balm $49

I first tried this product as a sample at Credo and would highly recommend trying it before purchasing. This product is not for everyone with its slightly herbal scent and thick texture (think crystalized honey). However, I love it! It goes on like a paste and softens with the heat of your skin. Given the nature of the consistency, I use it at bedtime to "lock in the moisture." The following morning I still have traces of it left under my eyes. In using this product I've noticed more elasticity in my delicate under eye and now smile with fewer crows feet (but I really don't mind happiness wrinkles). 

ProTip: While at the Tata Harper event at Credo, one of their VPs shared a skincare tip that Megan and I have been practicing. When applying your eye cream at night, wipe any excess around your lips to minimize pucker lines....if you saw this woman's skin you would be a believer too. Since these indregitents are all natural we are not concerned about ingesting anything in our sleep.

Megan's Picks

Youth Stimulating Eye Cream

 Skin Owl eye+ $46

Ever since my birthday in January, I've become hyperaware are the lines around my eyes. What drew me into this product first is its consistency. It is more like a gel than a cream and immediataley cools the skin after application. Made with Hyaluronic Acid, periwinkle, licorice, cucumber and aloe, it is designed to combat fatigued, tired, run-down skin. I do notice my skin perk up and brighten after applying it in the morning a bit, but have found myself reaching for a more moisture-rich eye cream at night.

ProTip; Keep this product in your fridge and use it to cool down you skin and instantly reduce puffy eyes during the hot summer months. It can also be used on the forehead and cheek area for all all-over face treatment. When applying, use your ring finger. It will naturally apply the lightest touch and be least likely to tug the skin.

Reduce Fine Lines Eye Cream:

Tata Harper Restorative Eye Cream $95

I walked away with a sample of Tata Harper's Restorative Eye Cream after her event at Credo in February and couldn't wait to try it. This is the most expensive cream that we tested out, and now I understand why. The product promises to relax wrinkles within 2 hours, diminish lines within 24 hours, and minimize puffiness 80% after 28 days. The texture is incredibly soft and smooth, so it glides on with ease and has a nice, natural scent that isn't overwhelming. While I didn't have enough to use it for the full 28 days, I did see an instant change around my eyes. My crow's feet lightened up and fine lines softened. I looked more awake when I looked in the mirror in the morning and noticed brighter eyes throughout the day.

Pro Tip: Kimberly and I both learned that since these products are made with all natural ingredients, they only have a shelf life of 6 months. When storing your natural skincare products, keep them away from direct light or heat, since this can alter their potency as well.

Spring Fresh Pistachio Hummus

For our Canvas anniversary, Megan and I celebrated in style at Terrain, the Palo Alto Anthropologie cafe. It was a fun treat for a light bite post trend shopping and to a take moment to be inspired. Megan recommended ordering the pistachio hummus and I'm so glad she did! We were both instantly smitten. This spurred a little online research on my part to try and recreate it at home.

The recipe below is based two trial versions of Pistachio Hummus I made inspired by a traditional hummus recipe and infused with pistachio goodness from a SF Local, The Healthy Maven. I opted for Meyer Lemon juice for spring since it's a little softer on the delicate pistachio flavor and upped the pistachio and garlic quantity to enhance the flavor. The Antro Hummus version had a little more water, oil, and parmesan for a smoother consistency. I have a few non-dairy friends, so I wanted something everyone could enjoy, but feel free to adopt the recipe according to your taste.

Stay stylish,

K&M

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INGREDIENTS

1 can organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed

3/4 cup raw unsalted shelled pistachios + ¼ cup coarsely chopped

4 garlic cloves

2 T extra virgin olive oil

1/3 cup water (divided)

2 T Tahini (optional)

2 Meyer lemons juiced, 1/8 tsp zest

Salt and pepper, to taste

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INSTRUCTIONS

In a food processor add garlic cloves pulce until diced. Add 1/2 cup pistachios, olive oil and HALF of water. Process until a creamy paste is formed.

Add in chickpeas, Meyer lemon juice, Tahini, the remainder of reserved pistachios and water. Process until a smooth and fluffy consistency is reached but you can still see flecks of pistachios.

Serve with a sprinkling of chopped pistachios and drizzle of olive oil. Serve with pepper flatbread, lavash, veggies or a side of strawberries.

Recipe makes roughly 2 cups.

Garden Party: Our Favorite Floral-Inspired Easter Dresses

Spring has sprung and we are ready for lighter, brighter colors. Whether you are looking for a dress to celebrate Easter this weekend, or are just ready to welcome in the new season with fresh florals or color we are sharing our top picks for dresses that are blooming with style.

Stay Stylish,

M&K
 

Try A Jumpsuit

A jumpsuit is a stylish alternative to wearing a dress, especially for day events or brunch celebrations. Like dresses, jumpsuits come in a mix of styles, so part of pulling off the look is all about finding the right jumpsuit for your body. As a great rule of thumb, look for a style that is fitted at the waist, so that the jumpsuit doesn't overwhelm your body, and then flows through the legs.

Megan's wearing the Marilla Maxi Dress $248 available at Antropologie

Go Light With Linen

This year linen and other natural looking fabrics are popular. While we have a love-hate relationship with linen, knowing that stretch and wrinkles happen will set you up for success. Look for a dress with structured seamlines or stripes (this will keep you from looking frumpy). A great example of this would be a shirt dress. The silhouette is having a come back this spring but in a very quiet minimal design. We love that it is an easy piece to transition to a workday.

The Dress That Wraps It All Up

Flowy wrap dresses with plenty of movement and ruffles are popular again this spring. To balance out the movement and volume, pay attention to the scale. The size of the ruffle and print should enhance your shape, not overwhelm you. If you are tall or plus size, play with longer ruffles and bigger blooms. If you are a petite limit the number of ruffles and explore small sized florals or a print with more solid color and floral accents.

Our Favorite Picks:

Anthropologie, $228

Express, $40

Universal Standard, $110

Reformation, $218

Madewell, $178

Ted Baker, $335

Megan is wearing the Paradiso Halter dress, $178 available at Antropologie.

Painted Ladies: Our Favorite Nail Salons In San Francisco

A few months ago Megan and I blogged that we were taking a beauty detox and letting our nails go nude for a bit. I enjoyed taking a little more time to nourish my nails and continued the detox for two and a half months. After a long week at a photo shoot and a calendar full of upcoming shopping trips, this week I decided to treat myself to a manicure and paint my nails for the first time this year. While I loved the extended break, it feels good to be polished again.

Over the years Megan and I have had our fair share of experiences at local salons. Because we consider it a treat, we appreciate when a salon will go the extra mile to make you feel pampered and keep their space spotless. Here is a list of our current favorite salons in the city. If you are looking for our favorite "healthy" nail salons you can cross reference them here.

Stay Stylish,

K+M

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The List

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Parlor Minispa (Russian Hill)

2418 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

If you are looking for cute ambiance and a zen approach to beauty you'll love this spot.

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Polish (Richmond District)

301 Cornwall St
San Francisco CA 94118

A new kid on the nail scene, this sweet salon is tucked away on a neighborhood street.

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Sugar Coat (Lower Nob Hill/Union Square)

619 Post St
San Francisco, CA 94109

A short walk from Union Square, this salon is lower on the pamper scale, but consistently delivers the best (and more affordable) gel nail treatments.

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Silk Day Spa (Lower Pac Heights)

1425 Franklin St
San Francisco, CA 94109

A classic that balances chic polishes with pampering.

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LuxSF (Hayes Valley)

490 Hayes St.
San Francisco, CA 94102

Perfectly situated in Hayes Valley this "Healthy" salon is a little more expensive than your average experience but the selection of non-toxic polishes is excellent.

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Rainy Day Essentials: Our Favorite Puddle Jumpers and Parkas

Mother Nature always has a way of reminding us of the gaps in our wardrobe. It's difficult to argue with torrential downpours or arctic temperatures. Luckily San Fransisco is a fairly temperate climate, but you still need the basics to carry you through the rainy season. So why not have fun by adding a healthy dose of style?

Neutral or Pop Color?

When it comes to picking a raincoat, you can go one of two ways. Keep is basic with an easy to wear neutral or liven it up and infuse a fun pop of color. What it basically comes down to is your personality and what you feel the most comfortable in.

Our recommendation is that if you tend to wear a lot of prints and color in your everyday wardrobe, stick to a raincoat in black, khaki or another neutral so that it doesn't compete with your outfit. If you tend to wear more solids or lean toward monochromatic dressing, then opt for a color statement jacket that will be a bright and easy accent to any look.

The Shortie vs. The Classic

Rain boots have come a long way since your childhood Wellies (which we still adore!). No longer heavy and clunky, today we have lots of options from high pull-on boots to low lace-up styles. We love Chooka for a tall rain boot. They are comfortable, come in a range of colors and have strap detailing. Sorel is our go-to for classic rain boots (they make both short and tall varieties) and also make great winter boots that keep your feet dry and warm. For something more style forward, Sloosh boots add a bit of edge with fringe detailing and stud details.

Check Out the Details

Look for little design details that are made for comfort and also add a bit individuality. Does the parka have vents under the arms to keep you from overheating? Are the rain boots lined or do they have buckles to adjust to your fit? Is there a button on your umbrella to open it and close it easily?

Pro tip: When purchasing rain gear, check to see if it is water resistant or waterproof. Water resistant will repel water but not keep it out totally, while waterproof means that the surface of the product is completely impermeable.

Our Favorites:

Splurge! Stutterheim X Marni $990

WOMEN'S OUT N ABOUT™ LEATHER DUCK BOOT $115

Uniqlo WOMENS BLOCKTECH COAT $89

Kate Spade umbrella, $38

Sloosh "Original" Rain Boot, $150

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Megan's Monochromatic Style

I am someone who loves to wear a pop of color. But some days I just want to put on all black (it's the East Coast girl in me) and go for a monochrome look.  It's easy, classic and timeless. Below are our tips for taking a monochromatic look and making it your own.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Black is the New Black

Monochromatic dressing means wearing separates of one color that have different textures for an overall tonal look. The more you layer on different pieces of the same shade, the more depth you add to your look. While it may seem simple, monochromatic is anything but boring. In fact, when you keep your overall outfit within the same color hue, it can be just as striking as wearing a striking pattern or bold color.

Pro tip: When going for a monochrome look, the colors don't need to match perfectly, they just need to be in the same family You'll never find the exact shades of black, blue or gray.

Add In a Print

Feel free to sprinkle in a fun print with your monochrome look. It's no secret that I love a good leopard print, and these boots blended perfectly with my all black ensemble and earth-toned scarf. You can also add a bold colored shoe for an unexpected pop of color when the rest of the outfit is the same hue.

Break It Up With Accessories

Some people like to keep their accessories simple when they are wearing a monochrome look. For me, I like to add a few easy statement pieces to amp up the outfit a little.

The secret is to keep the accessories in the same color family to play off the monochromatic look. Sunglasses, scarves and purses are three easy ways to instantly add a pop to an all black outfit. 

My Outfit Breakdown

I like to invest in my staple pieces and then spend less on accessories that are more trend-focused. That way when the trend goes out of style, I am not stuck with an investment piece I can't wear anymore. The jeans are my go-to DL1961s in the Florence fit.  I've had them for years and they still hold their shape. This wrap is currently on sale at Uniqlo for $6! You can wear it as a poncho or as a scarf and it is ultra soft and warm. (It also doubles as a great blanket when you are on a plane.) The sunglasses were only $16 at Nordstrom and the purse was on sale at Banana Republic.

Our Favorite Picks:

Vince Wool Sweater, $295

Banana Republic Haircalf Bootie, $142

Fringe Poncho, $54

Saint Laurent Lou Surf Sunglasses, $329

Natural Beauty With Tata Harper

We took a break from styling last week to enjoy a little Valentines' Day pampering. Natural skincare pioneer Tata Harper was having a special event at our local Credo shop and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet the face behind the beauty line, enjoy a mini-facial, and try out her skincare products.

Natural Skincare

We've spoken about natural skincare before, but the more we learn the more both Kimberly and I are finding ourselves wanting to use natural products. The Tata Harper event was the perfect opportunity for us to not only get to check out her entire skincare line, but also learn more about the benefits of natural skincare. We both agree that they do not disappoint!

Who is Tata Harper?

If you aren't already familiar with Tata Harper products, they were created with the essential idea that people no longer have to sacrifice their health to look and feel beautiful. Everything is handmade on her organic farm in Vermont, naturally derived and non-toxic. Her products use over 300 raw ingredients that are sourced from 68 countries and have zero fillers.

Pro tip: Because her products are natural, they only stay good for 6 months after they are opened, which is the same with many other natural skincare products. After that time, they can lose their potency.

Our Favorite Tata Harper Products

Honestly, everything that we tried was so wonderful, it was hard to walk away with just one favorite. Her products feel incredible on the skin, are light and smell incredible.

Megan: I fell in love with her Concentrated Brightening Essence, which minimizes pores, reduces dark spots (always an issue for me) and leaves a luminous glow all over. I also was a huge fan of Tata's Resurfacing Mask, which is great for exfoliation and but also really gentle on the skin.

Kimberly: While Tata Harper products can have some sticker shock, the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. I loved the Natural Age Defying Skincare Discovery kit as a starter. It's a great way to try a new beauty regimen and determine what products work best on your skin for less than the cost of a spa facial. I have fairly sensitive skin, so I need to tread lightly when trying something new. 

Top Benefits of Natural Skincare

So, why should we all be using organic, all-natural skincare? We did a little digging and came across these three top reasons from The Global Healing Center:

1. It's better for your skin. Chemicals, artificial colors, and fillers in skin care products and makeup can cause redness, irritation, and breakouts. Many people are even allergic to chemicals commonly found in conventionally produced products. Natural skincare products work with your skin instead of against it.

2. If a product is USDA certified organic, that means it is made of 95 percent or more of organic ingredients derived from plant sources and grown without pesticides, bioengineered genes, or petroleum-based fertilizers, which could be toxic to the environment. The ingredients were also farmed using organic farming methods that recycle sources and promote biodiversity. 

3. Artificial fragrances in many products often cause headaches and sensitivity, while parabens can alter the function of the endocrine system in your body. Check out 10 Best Natural Beauty Products for a list of more all natural skincare products, from fragrances to moisturizers that are good on your skin and the environment.

Stay Stylish,
M&K