Rebecca Cannon
Production editor, is a recent college graduate and fairly new to the natural products industry. With a
degree in English from Millersville University, Pennsylvania and a love for all things processed, she
had no idea that she would be mired in a world of words like natural and organic. Begrudgingly,
Rebecca has been slowly putting aside all her body- and environmentally-damaging products that she
holds dear, and opting for a life of better health and greener living.
05/15/2008
SPPF: Skin Nutrition with Phytomins
Happy Friday to you all! While you're sitting there at your desk, wiping the crust out of your eyes and moaning into your cup of caffeine about how happy you are that tomorrow's the weekend, I'm traipsing around Sedona, AZ, having my palm read and my aura checked for spirit worms or whatever it is that mucks up your chi.
As promised, today is our very first SHAMELESS PRODUCT PROMOTION FRIDAY!!! Or, the alternate title, "Stuff I Want To Try But It Costs Too Much So I'll Just Let That Weird Editor Try It And If It's Good Maybe I'll Go Buy Some."
This week, I used the Skin Nutrition with Phytomins™ Even-Tone Face Serum. Now, my skin is usually pretty good on it's own, but with all the extra stress I've been under lately (and the barrels of refined sugar I've been pouring down my throat in the form of chocolate), my skin has, well, exploded. Not pretty. Especially since, the last time I checked, I wasn't in junior high anymore. At any rate, I've had to be super-vigilant about my face care regimen lately, and in addition to washing it and moisturizing, I've started to use the serum in the mornings. According to the site:
A safe, naturally derived Phytomin Serum helps even skin tone and minimize color deviations. This combination of natural pigmentation balancers prevents the formation of melanin clusters, while vitamin C, kojic acid, buriti lipids and mineral reflectors give the look of color-balanced radiance.
Even-Tone Face Serum offers lighter, brighter, more even skin tone without the irritating effects of hydroquinone. This dual level cream works to lighten existing discolorations while preventing the growth or formation of new color trouble spots.
I was surprised by how light and sheer it felt; a lot of times products tend to make my face oily and gross. I didn't notice a difference for the first couple days. However, by the middle of the week, my skin looked visibly more even, and a coworkers asked if I'd gone tanning lately (I assume because tanning makes the skin one, even color). As of today, I've noticed that my usually splotchy, ruddy color has been replaced by a more even, softer pink. My skin looks smoother and I don't feel like I have to wear foundation; I can get away with a light dusting of powder now.
All in all, I'd have to say that, while I'm not one for gooping on product after product, the serum makes a nice addition to my everyday moisturizer, and I'm really happy with the results.
I turned 23 this week, and I made a vow to myself that the next year was going to be about self-improvement. It was like making New Year's resolutions except I was sober and I meant it this time.
By the time I turn 24, I want to look better and feel better. This means actually exercising (adieu, spare tire and thunder thighs), eating right (goodbye, everything delicious and trans-fatty) and taking care of my body, inside AND out (farewell, all my beloved products with bad, potentially carcinogenic, body-poisoning, baby seal-clubbing chemicals).
Considering my job here and my efforts to ease my was into the natural market (and because it's Friday and, let's face it, who really wants to read anything of substance on a Friday), every Friday I will be featuring a natural/organic product I've recently tried and letting you know how it went. Naturally, there are a lot of products out there that I'm unaware of, and I would love your input on things you would like me to try. Leave a comment or contact me at rcannon@vpico.com.
...Because it's time for a contest! Have you been feeling that your creative juices are being dammed lately? Have you been longing to break out your fabulous interior designer? Are you feeling the need for flare? Do you have lonely containers of glitter just begging to be used? Most importantly, do you want to win some extra money for your store?
Look no further than ReNew Life Formulas' “Are You ToxSicK?” display contest, which will award $1,000 to each of the 10 best store displays promoting the need for healthy detoxification in an increasingly toxic world. The program coincides with the release of a new book by Brenda Watson, CNC, founder of ReNew Life: “The Detox Strategy: Vibrant Health in 5 Easy Steps.”
ReNew Life is looking for displays that snap! crackle! and pop!, draw customers and highlight the benefits of herbal internal cleansing. Several criteria will be considered in selecting winning displays, including:
*Prominent placement of ReNew Life cleansing formulas and Watson’s books
*Attractive overall appearance and layout of the display (Can you say GLITTER?!?!)
*Effective use of signage within and around the display (who doesn't love some good signage?)
*Overall creativity and originality of the display (more GLITTER!!!)
*Absence of holes and/or gaps in the display (Boo to holes and gaps! Fill them with GLITTER!!!)
Displays must be featured prominently in the store and be in place for a minimum of 30 days. The contest ends June 30, and retailers should send a photograph of the display to ReNew Life no later than July 31.
Better yet, if your store is one of the winners, send me pictures and I'll put them up!
Fresh Takes 
This week, I used the