Are you headed to the beach?  Before you run out to buy all new beach gear, read these tips for incorporating eco-friendly beach essentials into your summer season!

1. For on the beach touch ups, pick cruelty-free favorites that come all wrapped up in one small package like Tarte’s new water-proof palette, Aqualilies and our 5 piece mineral set.  The handy zip top pouch will keep your brushes from getting wet!
2. Practice Safe Sun, the natural way.  To avoid lots of chemicals, opt for a natural sunscreen like the new line from Say Yes To Cucumbers - bonus, it’s cruelty free too!  Don’t forget about your lips, which can easily get burnt as well.  Pack a lip balm or chapstick in your bag that contains SPF, and swipe on often.
3. Pick bamboo or organic cotton materials.  When it comes to suits and towels, sometimes you just need something new to replace last season’s tattered version, so shop for organic cotton styles or cotton/bamboo blends, which tend to be more sustainable.  When it comes to sun hats, shop vintage for chic, pretty options that don’t take a toll on the environment.  Check out Etsy.com for a good place to start.
4. Need a new beach bag?  Borrow a friend’s, shop vintage, or pick a bag with a cause.  Smart, socially conscious totes from the FEED project are handmade by artisans in the country they support and provide school meal donations to children in need.  Popping something to read in that bag?  Grab a bestseller at your local Goodwill (get more thrift store tips here) instead of buying new or check one out from your local library.

Now you’re ready for an environmentally friendly and socially conscious day in the sun!  Don’t forget to apply sunscreen!  Need to brush up on your SPF knowledge?  Check out our Summer Sun Blog here.  Let’s all live beautifully this summer!

When the days get warmer, many of us shed our full coverage foundations for lighter tinted moisturizers, BB Creams, or even concealer alone.  Brush up on your concealer application technique with these quick, handy tricks.  You’ll be fresh faced and flawless in no time!

• Use a brush: It’s tempting to blend concealer with your fingers, but doing so can tug on skin or transfer dirt and bacteria, so use a brush to seamlessly blend concealer into your skin.  You can use your foundation brush, a sponge applicator, or a special concealer brush – its small shape is perfect for under eyes!
• Apply it last: Let your foundation or tinted moisturizer do most of the work and then touch up any areas that need extra coverage with your concealer.  You’ll use less product this way.  Save the under eye for after you’ve done your eye shadow, so your concealer can cover up any color that may have fallen.
• Let it melt:  Especially for the under eye area, dab on your concealer with a brush and then let it melt into your skin for a minute or two.  This lets the product soften into skin and makes blending a snap.
• Set with powder:  For covering blemishes or areas prone to oiliness like the T-Zone and chin, set your concealer with a light swipe of powder after applying.  Try using our gentle fan brush for a light, diffused application of powder.  It’s perfect for preventing a heavy-handed application.

What are your tried and true concealer tips and tricks?  Leave a comment and let us know, or share them with us on twitter using the hashtag: #EcoTools.

If you’re looking to add a little zen and organization to your life but you missed spring cleaning, it’s not too late!  Before you go and purchase expensive storage containers and organizational accessories look around your house, we bet you’ve got some items you can easily repurpose and upcycle!  We’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips for organizing the eco-way:

• Repurpose Old Boxes
  If you need to store almost anything from sentimental greeting cards and paperwork to newspaper clippings or mail supplies, boxes are the way to go.  Instead of buying new or plastic bins, repurpose old shoe boxes by covering them with fabric or contact paper and add a button for keeping lids secure.
• Line Up Old Mugs or Mason Jars
  To sort a kids crafting table or adult desk space, use all those extra coffee mugs you have laying around.  Cluster a handful on an old tray or line them up on a shelf and sort your supplies as needed.  Need more mugs?  Check out thrift stores for quirky and very inexpensive options.  The mason jar is another incredible versatile option for stashing buttons, makeup brushes, or even ribbons – bonus: since you can see through the jars, you’ll always know what’s inside at a glance.
• Odds and Ends Ice Cube Tray
  Organize your junk drawer or office desk odds and ends in an ice cube tray.  Items like paper clips, spare buttons, safety pins, mini sticky notes, and pushpins are all the perfect size for stashing in an old ice cube tray.  Chances are you have one in a kitchen cabinet somewhere, if not, ask a friend for ones their not using or grab one at a garage sale in your neighborhood.
• Bring Back Old Cassette Tapes
  Remember the humble cassette tape case?  Bring yours out of storage for corralling electronic accessories like head phones and charging cords to prevent them from getting tangled.

Have you used any upcycled products to organize your life?  Leave a comment and let us know or share your photos on Facebook!