Learning how to read ingredient labels isn't as hard as it seems once you understand what you are looking for. Don't forget there are great resources online where you can do research to help you make educated decisions.

What to avoid
• Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, DEAs, MEAs, or TEAs
• Avoid GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism)
• Avoid petro-chemicals
• Avoid animal testing
• Avoid artificial colors, fragrances or fillers

What to look for
• Plant extracts and essential oils which are certified organic
• Essential oils which are steam-distilled and not extracted with propylene glycol (which kills the effect of the oils)
• Plant oils which are cold pressed, not heat distilled (which kills the therapeutic properties of plant oils)
• Ingredients proven to be beneficial to the hair or skin
• Ingredients harvested in an environmentally-friendly manner (wild-crafted)
• Biodegradable ingredients

 • Fair-Trade ingredients and production practices

Standards
If you shop at Whole Foods Market their Premium Body Care Standard means the safest, most high quality natural personal care products. The seal is on the package, so you know it is the greenest on the shelves. Learn more at wholefoodsmarket.com/wholebody

Nutrition
Eat fruits and vegetables with vitamin C (citrus fruits, red peppers, strawberries) to bring oxygen to your skin, making it glow, and foods with essential fatty acids (salmon, tuna, walnuts, pumpkin seeds) to keep your skin hydrated.

DIY RECIPES

LIPS
Soft Lips
If your lips are dry days before prom, apply a thin layer of honey to your lips and let dry. On top of that, apply a thin layer of vitamin E and let dry 10-15 minutes. Dip a cotton swab in hot water and wipe mixture from your lips. Repeat once a day for 2-5 days until lips are healed.

Hot Lips
To achieve that perfect pout, rub your lips with a chili pepper. The spices in the pepper with make your lips swell slightly (try it our a week or so before your prom so you know how much to rub on. A little bit goes a long way!)

EYES
Depuffer
To remove puffiness, place two thin slices of cold cucumber on your eyes. Cold tea bags will also work.

FACE
Yogurt Mask
Using regular yogurt, make a thin paste over your skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes until dry. Rinse well and pat skin dry. The yogurt brings dirt and other toxins to the surface, allowing you to wash them away.

Oatmeal and Honey Mask
Blend raw oatmeal in a blender. Mix with honey in a bowl, adding water to thin it out if necessary. Apply to your face and leave on for 10-15 minutes until dry. Rinse well and pat skin dry. The oatmeal acts as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and leaving your skin soft and smooth.

Pimple Spot Treatment
Mix together equal parts honey and cinnamon. Using a cotton swab, apply mixture directly to pimples. Both cinnamon and honey are antiseptics. Honey is also an anti-inflammatory that prevents and heals infections.

Moisturizer
A wonderful moisturizer for your skin and body is unrefined organic sesame oil. You can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for a great scent.

Dry Skin Remedy
For dry elbows and knees, rub your skin with avocado..