New: Supergoop!

Supergoop! has just arrived on Sephora.com—and the SPF 30+ Everyday UV Slim Travel Tube already has a 5-star review!

Supergoop! is water-resistant, fragrance-free, and gentle enough for everyday use on babies and those with sensitive skin. That’s a huge plus for me, since some sunscreens leave me blotchy and don’t feel so great on my skin. It was recently approved by European and Australian standards as a suitable, eco-friendly sunscreen and comes in an array of forms, including lotions, sprays, and sticks. Super healthy, super safe, and super absorbent—it's just super, ok?

De-stress with skyn ICELAND founder Sarah Kugelman

Join us for an exclusive seminar: Sarah Kugelman—founder of the award-winning skincare line skyn ICELAND—along with a panel of medical and wellness experts, will be on hand to talk about the damaging effects of stress. Make an appointment to attend this special event, get pampered with a personalized stress-relieving service from a Sephora beauty pro and go home with a deluxe sample of skyn ICELAND Arctic Face Mist.*

*Free with any skyn ICELAND purchase at the event. One per person, while supplies last.

Tomorrow! March 31
Sephora Times Square,(212) 944-6789
12 PM- 6 PM
Seminars 1 PM and 4PM

Thursday, April 1
Sephora 86th & Lexington, (212) 426-6199
3 PM- 8 PM
Seminars 4 PM and 6 PM

Saturday, April 10
Sephora Santa Monica, (310) 395-3460
12 PM-6 PM
Seminars 1 PM and 4 PM

Friday, April 16
Sephora 42nd & Madison, (212) 503-0800
12 PM- 6 PM Seminars
1 PM and 4 PM

Saturday, April 17
Sephora Soho, (212) 625-1309
1 PM-7 PM
Seminars 2 PM and 5 PM

Pretty Little Comments: Are You a Disher or a Disser?

Here’s something I’ve found myself doing lately: Giving out compliments. Isn’t that Nice? Most people give compliments to their friends and coworkers—Oh, I love your new dress; Wow that haircut is great; Go-go hottie in the glossie. But I’ve been dishing out the props to people I don’t really know that well. I’m calling it an extension of my trade—I’m supposed to notice your new cut, color and eye shadow. But I’m afraid I’m edging into some Jennifer 8 territory here. Does it come off as creepy to email some (beauty related) girl you just met for coffee that you are coveting her curls? What about telling a friend’s new girlfriend that her features are striking? Should I offer up the oh I notice these things, because it’s sort of my passion and job or just keep quiet? Personally, I think people don’t give enough props when props are due. And I'm of the thought that compliments are gone the way of dial-up. So I’d love it if someone I barely knew told me (in a nonbunny boiler kind of way) that my lashes were just the most perfect thing she’d ever seen. So what say you, lovlie ladies? Are you a disher or a disser? Swak –Jenna Mahoney

Escape Into the Universe of tokidoki

Finally! The brand new colorful collection of tokidoki makeup—presented exclusively at Sephora—is here! You can now be part of the magically mischievous world of tokidoki with the Japanese-inspired assortment of criminally cute products: eyeshadows in heart and crossbones containers, mango flavored lip stains in bright pink tubes, and nail files covered with the unique characters.

Something special that we’ve done just for the tokidoki collection: a limited edition tank top complete with tokidoki’s colorful logo. You can seriously deck yourself out in the little characters! The quality of each product is nothing short of fabulous, just as you would expect from tokidoki creator, Simone Legno. In the true spirit of tokidoki, you can now escape into the magical world and explore this brand new collection of must-have makeup. My must-have: the Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette in Adios. The Grim Reaper sort of character is amazing—very Goth and unsettling. He’s perfect! But, really, I do love the shades of grey for smoky eyes.

Plus, listen to the guy’s story: Adios spent 500 years in fire and brimstone before the devil discovered his good-natured ways and kicked him out of hell. Too mischievous for heaven, Adios was condemned to live forever on earth, in his modern grave-loft with his girlfriend Ciao Ciao. Together, Adios and Ciao Ciao wander the world, sharing with others how to make the most out of this life.

See what I mean? A must-have.

What's your favorite tokidoki pick?

Salon Dispatch: Ouidad NYC for the Anti-Pyramid Coif

Our favorite curly girl Artemis Patrick, Merchandising Director of Sephora.com, recently made a pilgrimage to the ringlet Mecca of the world: 37 West 57th Street in New York City, the location of curl expert Ouidad’s original salon.

She was in the capable hands of stylist Ayanna (who rocked). Trained in the patented Carving and Slicing technique, Ayanna removed weight from Artemis' coif all the while preserving the natural patterns of her curls for face-framing fabulosity. No more dreaded pyramid shapes–just Venus-inspired Botticelli gorgeousness.

Artemis' before and after pix. For all you curly girls out there, she suggests moisturizing at home with Ouidad’s 12 Minute Deep Treatment Intensive Repair and for that big smile that comes with the happiest hydrated hair: Ouidad Climate Control Heat and Humidity Gel.

New and Improved Beauty Q&As

Theresa and Olivia at our Call Center have been busy with major beauty developments.

First off, Beauty and the Blog is renaming our section from Beauty 411 to drumroll please...BEAUTY CALLS.

It turns out there’s already a savvy site by that same name packed with reviews and tips on getting gorgeous. We’re swooning over the blog’s recent post on summer scents from Harajuku Lovers. So adorable!

Our second huge announcement: Sephora’s Twitter account has undergone a mitosis. We split ourselves into two for double the Sephora love. We’re introducing Sephora_Expert: A new account that offers expert one-on-one beauty advice just in time to support our clients who have signed up for our Skincare Challenge. It's chock-full of recommendations so that you can get smart and serious about choosing products that fit your personal skin type.

Caring is sharing and we love questions from our readers. Keep sending them here, on Twitter or Facebook.

Date Night Prep

Each week, I have one thing that stays consistent: Friday date night. I know it’s only Monday, but it’s what keeps me motivated all week so I’m starting this one off with it in mind. When you have opposite schedules from the people you want to spend time with, you begin to map out the exact times and locations you'll get to see them. It’s frustrating, but can also make you appreciate them more. I’m fairly routine in most aspects of my life, down to shades of shadow and gloss, but Friday nights are when I play dress up with the other half of my makeup bag.

Last week, I tried out the new LORAC Starry-Eyed Baked Eyeshadow trio in Rockstar (shown here in Star Studded). I loved the shimmering teal and dark charcoal grey shades highlighted with the brightening white pearl, and I got a ton of compliments. For this week’s date, I’m going with a new purple shade: Benefit’s Fancy Pansy (pictured at top, left). It's nothing too drastic, but a new color always makes me feel a little adventurous and it feels amazing when people notice, especially after you’ve gone to great lengths (or just tried slightly harder than usual) to do something different. It’s even better when the boy you see day in and day out notices the makeup transitions! This is not always the case, but I am proud to say it happens more often than not. And I’m sure that’s not because I talk about doing it all week long. No, I’m sure that’s not the reason...

What do you do with your makeup for special nights out?

30 DAYS OF COLOR: Day #7

Ocean blue lids today! I tried navy liner with MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes on Day #1, but wanted to test-drive a softer blue for day-to-day wear. Hats off to Lancome Black Lapis for this one. The creamy blue is subtle but still bold enough to show up on camera--impressive.

Brand New: Rexaline

If antiaging is the main component in your skincare requirements, Sephora has a brand new line that was made for you. Rexaline is a collection of high-quality serums, creams, and antiwrinkle formulas. The purpose of the line was to give people relief from the everyday of stresses of life, such as pollution, stress, aging, and any other skin-altering affects that may be part of your daily life.

The idea is simple, but the science behind it is not. The paraben-free formulas bring moisture to your skin almost immediately, refreshing and smoothing along the way. The collection consists of three different items, all of which are hydrating and made to be used together (the fourth item is a second antiwrinkle cream that’s just a richer formula than the first). Rexaline is a top-selling line at Sephora France and we’re proud to say it is now available at Sephora in the States, online and in stores. You can’t escape the stresses of daily life, but do you really have to let everyone see it?

Guest Blogger: Pacifica's Brook Harvey-Taylor

Meet Brook. She's the awesome woman behind Pacifica. A poster girl for West-Coast living with a passion for art, nature, surfing, activism, and healthy green living, Brook is someone we bow down to when it comes to effortless beauty. Which is why we hit her up for her favorite Pacifica tips and tricks. Here, she shares her bath-and-body savvy with our Beauty and the Blog fans.

Because I travel a lot, I love taking along things that multi-task and are real problem solvers. Like that indispensable coat you always pack--knowing that it will go with every outfit you bring. Coat problem solved. So I am always looking for ways to be creative with my products. (And less weight in body care means that I can pack that extra pair of shoes!) Here are some of my discoveries:

A close shave: Pacifica Body Butter is not only a great moisturizer, it also makes an impressive shaving cream. And when used on your legs, you can save time and moisturize while you shave.








Frizzy hair: Pacifica Solid Perfume is perfectly portable and an ideal way to reapply your favorite scent during the day. But I also use it to tame frizzies and smooth the ends of my hair. The fragrance becomes a bonus--think of how sexy you will be tossing your beautiful smelling mane behind your shoulders.






Lingerie wash: Pacifica Body Wash is thick, rich, and full of natural ingredients, making it a choice cleanser for your skin. But when on the road, you can also use it to wash your lingerie. Of course, do a color test first!







Pick-me up: Pacifica Spray Perfumes are a terrific size for traveling, and they will leave you smelling fabulous. But did you know that fragrances can also alter your mood, leaving you feeling fabulous as well? So when you are jet-lagged or just plain crabby, spray on some of your favorite scent and see what happens. Chances are you will be wearing a smile along with that perfect coat!





Want to learn more about Brook? Read her story here.

(Getting) Ready For My Close Up

Um, ok, we’re putting this in the “Oh Em Gee slash is-this-really-happening!?!” area of my life. In about a week’s time I’ll be posing for the cameras for the possible inclusion of little ole moi in a new reality series. I know—it’s b-a-n-a-n-a-s. It’s a long shot, by far and, quite frankly I’m a bit afraid of coming across as a real monster, but still, I’ve got to look my best for this living in clip moment. I’m thinking of keeping it super simple with glowing skin and muted eyes. Here are my tv product picks:

Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation SPF 15 ($38) I’m more of a tinted moisturizer kind of gal, but big lights call for big coverage. This formula blends well and doesn’t settle in those fine lines I’ve got wiggling across my forehead. Plus the anitaging properties will help plum some sagging areas (hello, undereyes I’m talking to you!).

Lorac Double Feature ($24) There’s a reason makeup genius Carol Shaw created and uses this for her famous, red carpet clients—it provides amazing coverage. Not only that the highlighting wand imparts a pretty light-diffusing formula that makes skin absolutely glow.

Cargo LashActivator ($8.80) Not only does this little piece of magic lengthen my lashes, it also separates them in a way I never thought possible. Such awesome definition highlights my eyes in a I’m-so-demure-pulled-together kind of way.

Benefit Eye Bright ($20) Just a dab of this smooth-as-silk concealer to the corner of my eyes helps me achieve a sparkle in my eye.

TARINA TARANTINO Gem Gloss in Cherry Red ($19) It’s no secret that I’m a GG all the way, so I’ll feel more comfortable in front of the cameras with a bit of my go-to slicked across my lips. Bet you knew it already tip: Red can make teeth look whiter. Score! Because my pearlys are so coffee-stained they need all the help they can get.

Kim Kardashian ($16) If I smell like a reality star, maybe I’ll feel like one. A spritz of this from a FOS and makeup junkie may dupe me into thinking I’m as gorgeous—and confident—as she is.

Do you have any faves that I should add to the list? And while you are at it—please lend a girl a signature saying—I need to shut it down. Swak –Jenna Mahoney

Wardrobe Change: Spring 2010

I don't want to brag or anything, but last weekend I wore a sundress. At night. Of course, a sweater or wrap of some sort might have been appropriate, but I'm so ready for warm weather that I'll weather the elements at this point.

Irresponsible? Hey, I'm just following beauty's lead. Not only have we been selling slews of spring product for weeks, but many of the hot commodities are actually dressed for the season. I've been loving the limited-edition, springtime packaging updates many classic products have been sporting. (In fact, I bought 2 nautical-striped tops just last week, thankyouverymuch, Jean Paul Gaultier.)

If you need an extra push to ditch the tights already, check out these inspirations--each appropriately dressed for the season.

TAKE THE SEPHORA SKINCARE CHALLENGE!

If you've passed by a Sephora store or surfed our website today, you will have certainly noticed our newest venture: THE SEPHORA SKINCARE CHALLENGE! Are you ready to join women everywhere on the ultimate beauty mission--discovering your healthiest, most beautiful skin ever?


Make the pledge, and we'll help you start--and stick to--a daily routine. With personalized consultations to help find the right products for you, advice from our in-store beauty pros, and a free reward product when you complete the challenge, we're committed to your success.

Here's how it works:

SHOP SKINCARE
Stock up on our incredible formulas.

EARN CREDITS
Automatically receive one credit for each facial skincare item you buy ($20 and over) online and in stores. When you shop in stores, you will get a stamp on your Skincare Challenge Card.

GET FREE REWARDS
Receive a featured reward product with every four credits you earn—for FREE.

All Beauty Insiders are automatically enrolled in the challenge. (If you go in stores, they will hook you up with an official Skincare Challenge Card.) Not an Insider yet? Sign up online or in stores asap so you can start earning your rewards.

Spring Cleaning: Cosmetics Need It Too

It’s that wonderful time of year: spring cleaning! I love purging whatever seems useless: unworn clothing, empty boxes saved “just in case,” and anything that I don’t want to look at anymore. Honestly, it’s my favorite thing. I’m constantly getting rid of stuff or giving things away to friends, but spring cleaning gives me a reason to do it without seeming like a clean freak (and I can do the same with my boyfriend’s junk and give him the springtime excuse).

When it comes to makeup and hair products, I’m a hoarder. I keep bottles because they’re pretty and store colors and products that I will probably never even use, just because I like the way they look. It’s sick, really. This weekend, that all changes. I’m going to sort through my five cosmetics cases and give unused items to my gal pals. Not only do they love getting the stuff, but also it’s just selfish of me to hold on to things that never get any love, so it’s good for everyone! Now, to get down to business, there are things to remember when you’re chucking your stuff. It’s not a free-for-all, get-rid-of-everything sort of things. Sometimes you find things you forgot you had and can put them to use again!

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for when you start your springtime cleaning:
-Replace moisturizers every six months, especially those with vitamins A, C, and E.
-Toss out eye makeup after six months to avoid any bacterial infections.
-Replace mascara every three months to avoid possible microbial growth.
-Technically, sunscreen can last up to one yea, but once it’s spent any time in a hot bag or out in the sun, the SPF loses its strength. Replace sunscreen each season.

Once I finish all of that, I will then proceed to throw out my boyfriend’s various hair gucks that he never uses and hideous apricot body scrub (I mean, really?) that I’ve been dying to get rid of—it will be glorious. After all, it is time to let go and start anew. And then you’ll have more room for new stuff!

5 Reasons Why Taupe is Dope

Mention the color taupe and images of knee-highs fill our heads. To forever disassociate this otherwise supremely chic color from the above, here are five reasons why taupe is dope.

Metro Chic by Sephora by Opi

Reason 1: It's an edgy neutral. A color that can’t make up its mind whether it’s gray, dark brown or camel has some major issues. We like flirting with trouble in different light settings.

Reason 2: It’s the color of gourmet mushrooms. Have you ever had a marinated portobello fresh off the grill? Heavenly.

Reason 3: It’s a shade of khaki–the IT color and fabric this spring. Everything now comes in khaki–not just your pants.

Reason 4: It has sexier nicknames: nude, sable, caramel, suede.

Reason 5 (the ultimate reason): It's the essential color for mastering a smoky eye. Taupe is the peanut butter to charcoal gray’s jelly.

From Make Up Forever's Robin Mathew

Using taupe (aka mushroom/khaki/nude/sable/

caramel/smoke/suede) as a base creates contrast and accentuates the rim around your eyes, making your eye color really pop. We’re not the only ones who know this secret. Watch this clip from Make Up For Ever for a step-by-step smoky eye tutorial. Next up, we might just give mauve a makeover – just in time for all you upcoming bridesmaids.

30 DAYS OF COLOR: Day #6

Pink lipstick can be difficult territory--some shades look too flamingo, others too washed out. The trick is experimenting with different shades to find one that works with your complexion; one that pops a little without looking too extreme. This shade (Jing-A-Ling from Benefit) is a great pick for fair skin. It's a really soft-pink with a little opalescence to it. Not too bright, not too soft.

Warm Weather, Warm Colors

Taking inspiration from the rich culture of Havana, SEPHORA by OPI has created a brand new collection of vibrant nail polishes, launching online tomorrow! The array of warm colors brings to mind what I would imagine the Cuban city to be like: warm summer nights, romance and passion, and salsa dancing. Bright orange, sky blue, sea green, and rich coppery-gold are so bold and beautiful.

You can really feel the energy of the sizzling culture of Havana with these polishes! I am seriously inspired to pack up and head off to a Cuban beach town right now, and then salsa dance the night away. Yes, I am aware that the former may not quite be possible due to some government restrictions, yada yada. So, I’m prepared to settle for the latter, if I have to. I suppose that’ll do. Thankfully, tomorrow is Thursday—salsa night at SF’s Mojito, hello!

Be sure to check back to snag some of the beautiful Cuban-inspired colors!

-----------
UPDATE: Sorry for the confusion, dear readers! I have just been informed that the colors will not be available until the second week of April. I apologize for jumping the gun here and announcing an early arrival. So sorry I got some hopes up for these lovely little gems. Please forgive me and I'll be sure to update when we have them again for purchase!


To hold yourselves over, check these little gems out!

Game Time: Would You Rather…

…be beautiful and stupid or unattractive and a genius?
Yep, that age-old question is swirling around the zeitgeist yet again. This time it popped up on a news report by the BBC, which was based on a recent study that found attractive people are more likely to get ahead in life. The report discussed the fact that attractive lawyers more often achieve partner status and hotties are more likely to earn more than their cooler counterparts. So this brings us to the blog participation part of this post: In which camp would you rather sit?
After a few days of thinking on it, I’ve come to the following conclusion: I’d rather be off-the-charts smart than just another pretty face. I mean look at Cyrano, he got the girl. Plus if I’m a genuis, then I’ll be able to make enough money to pay to change my looks later. –Jenna Mahoney

Instant Moisture, Instant Love

If you’re like me, you're feeling super dry from the arrival of glorious springtime. (A serious allergy to beautiful blooming flowers is the epitome of bittersweet.) This brand new, clinically proven formula might be the answer to our problems. StriVectin, the innovative skincare line credited with revolutionizing the way we treat wrinkles and stretch marks, has just launched a breakthrough reparative moisturizer, Instant Moisture Repair.

I’m not one to use products simply because they claim to be “clinically proven,” but this one treats very dry, deflated skin to rejuvenate and even out texture. That pretty much sums up everything my skin needs after my allergies run rampant every spring. Oh, that, and I can’t breathe! But that’s a whole other issue that’s not going to be solved with skincare. (Claritin, anyone?)

StriVectin’s Instant Moisture Repair is lightweight, full of moisture, paraben-free, and it absorbs instantly. To top off my skin issues, I have super sensitive skin and end up with red patches if I use products with too many ingredients, so this suitable-for-all-types formula is a keeper, even without the sneezy sinus problems.

30 DAYS OF COLOR: Day #5

Yellow, yellow, yellow! Went with Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Yes! today, a crazy-bright school bus yellow with serious high-pigment to it. (Illamasqua is a messiah of daring color.) Love the peppy color, but this one would definitely work better on warmer skin tones.

Steals + Deals: Cover FX Primer

If you weren't one of the ten lucky winners to get the free Cover FX “Big Cover Up 3 Step Essentials” kits in celebration of the Canadian brand's 10-year anniversary, take advantage of the reduced price on their Skinprep FX Mini Nourishing Foundation Primer & Anti-Aging Serum. (Wow, that was a mouthful!)

For a limited time, get the primer for only $8 (regularly a $22.50 value). This offer only lasts while supplies are available, so get on it!

Olivia's Fierce Fragrance Walk

Master it and you'll have a pack of Romeos chasing you around the room. Fragrance rises and the heat from your pulse points will make the perfume last longer. If you're wondering why it's not in our slideshow, Olivia had pants on that day.

Step 4: For the finishing touch, you'll want to do the fierce walk through. Mist the air with two spritzes and sashay through. On the other side, you'll find an instantly sexier, more babelicious you. Congratulations! You're wearing fragrance like you really mean it.

Warning: Apply this technique, only for evenings out. Skip steps 3 and 4 if you are wearing for day. We're serious. You will intoxicate at the bar, but reek in the office.

WIN IT: NARS Goodies from Backstage at the Thakoon Show

At Thakoon, lead makeup artist Diane Kendal kept things “fresh, beautiful” with a strong brow and highlighted features. She gave eyes a subtle smoky look with a taupe shadow and defined brows with a deep brown shadow. Cheeks and brow bones were highlighted for a luminous effect.

Add this sexy set to your collection by telling us in the comments section which NARS product you can’t live without. (Don’t forget your e-mail address!)

NARS Single Eyeshadow in Bali, Duo Eyeshadow in Portobello, Blush in Lovejoy, Orgasm Illuminator, Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle de Jour







Check out this exclusive NARS get-the-look video from backstage!

WIN IT: NARS Goodies from Backstage at the Marc Jacobs Show

With smudgy eyes and coral lips, the look at Marc Jacobs was sexy and modern. Dusty lavender shadow was first blended on eyes, with pencil then lining the upper lash line to define and accentuate. Lashes were coated multiple times for extra length and volume.

Perfect for those warm sexy nights on the town, where would you take this look out? Let us know in the comments section–with your e-mail address–and this NARS collection could be yours.

Single Eyeshadow in D. Gorgeous, Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara in Black, Lipstick in Casablanca, Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Aigle Noir, Eyeliner in Black Moon, Blush in Gina








Check out this exclusive NARS get-the-look video from backstage!

WIN IT: NARS Goodies from Backstage at 3.1 Phillip Lim - Women

Happy Friday! We’re celebrating the start of a gorgeous spring weekend with three bonus fashion week giveaways from NARS. First up is from backstage at the 3.1 Phillip Lim – Women show, where Blondie’s Debbie Harry was channeled. The look was glowing and romantic with shades of pink, but charcoal liner at the eyes added a hint of rock-and-roll.

How will this put a spring in your look this season? Let us know (and include your e-mail address), and we’ll send one winner this set!

The Multiple in Luxor and Riviera, Blush in Madly, Single Eyeshadows in Nymphea, Abyssinia and Bali, Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Sex Machine, Eyeliner Pencil in London






Check out this exclusive NARS get-the-look video from backstage!

Fresh Scent: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

I’ve always been a fan of Viktor & Rolf’s outlandish creations—the infamous “Dream” and “No” outfits from fall 2008 and the big, holey tulle gowns from spring 2010. The Dutch duo is well known for pushing boundaries and creating cutting-edge clothes. And now, Sephora can help you smell like them! Or at least, smell fabulous in their signature fragrance, Flowerbomb, which we now have available.

The seducing, floral Eau de Parfum is packaged in a pretty little pink bottle designed like a multi-faceted diamond. It contains notes of jasmine, rose, orchid, and freesia, with a patchouli base. If you want more of the scent, they’ve also recently released a full collection of bath and body products to complement it perfectly. It’s like a blooming bouquet of flowers for your skin. The fragrance is very dreamy and feminine, just like their fashion, except that this is acceptable for everyday wear. The holey tulle ball gowns, on the other hand, are more of a special occasion thing.

Prom Queens

Thank you, thank you and thanks again to all the readers of Teen Vogue who voted Sephora the best beauty retailer. The annual beauty awards were presented this morning by EIC Amy Astley and amazing beauty director Eva Chen in at the magazine’s headquarters in NYC. Other top props went to Clinique—Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2, Clinique All About Eyes—and OPI. Gosh it feels like we’ve just been crowned homecoming queen. And like every benevolent royal, we’ll let them have beauty! Swak –Jenna Mahoney

image courtesy of buycostumes.com

Friend of Sephora: Joshua Onysko, Founder of Pangea Organics

Dreamy do-gooder and Pangea Organics founder Joshua Onysko built his company on social responsibility. It makes us rest easier at night to think that the our fave Japanese Matcha Tea with Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask was made by content employees receiving living wages.

We called this boy wonder, age 32, out of his garden to discuss everything from his veggie burger of choice (the one at San Francisco’s Plant Café) to his company’s commitment to women in developing countries.

Beauty and the Blog: Why don't you start by telling us what consumers should know about skincare?
Joshua Onysko: Skin is your largest organ. What you apply to it is an accoutrement to your diet. It’s important to feed your skin.
Skincare is no longer about concealing and hiding. It’s about establishing a long-term ritual. You can prevent and prolong wrinkles for an extreme amount of time with nourishing ingredients. At Pangea, we take nature and reconstruct it for the skin so that the nutrients are bio-available on a cellular level. We call it alchemy.

B&TB: Sorcery and witchcraft?
JO: Not quite. Our modern day alchemy takes botanicals, oils, and lipids and reconstructs them for really strong benefits for your skin and results you can see and feel.
Take Vitamin C as an example. What a lot of people don’t know is that the molecule is too big to penetrate pores. It’s not really absorbed into you. Some brands use another version called ascorbic acid, which is chocolate brown, yet they produce creams that are white. That’s a dead giveaway. The Pangea solution: Eat an orange.

B&TB: Many of us already know your products are non-synthetic but what we don’t know is Pangea’s philanthropic work.
JO: For the last year, we’ve been collaborating with Women for Women International, a non-profit organization that helps women survivors of war.
We got involved after learning some startling facts. 87% of food is grown by women, which would be fine except for the fact that only 1% of land is owned by women. It’s extremely difficult to build the infrastructure. Pangea wanted to help Women for Women rebuild lives through education and job skills training.

B&TB: Do you support other organizations?
JO: We pick and choose as we see fit. Fourteen years ago, I was at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where I met Jane Goodall and was blown away by her passion and over 50 years of working with local communities. Her work is not only with primates. We support her Roots & Shoots program, which educates youth on their local ecosystems.

B&TB: Your company is just as locally conscious. What’s an average day like?
JO: Just yesterday, the seeds for our garden came in the mail. We call them seeds of change and we’re going to grow them in our 3000 square feet garden outside the office.

Joshua on an average day at Pangea Organics' headquarters in Boulder, Colorado

B&TB: What’s in your garden?
JO: What’s not in our garden! Arugula, fennel, chilies, kale, sweet corn. I’ve decided that we’re going to run a sustainable company from the inside out.

B&TB: And, what does the man who is set out to make the world a better place – one bar of soap at a time – do for his morning grooming routine?
JO: I wake up and shave; I mix dime-sized amounts of shower gel and body lotion. When I’m done, there’s toner and depending on the season Himalayan Geranium & Pomegranate Balancing Oil for an extra protective barrier. And three times a week, I use a scrub.

Learn more about Women for Women International at http://www.womenforwomen.org/ and Roots & Shoots at http://www.rootsandshoots.org/. To find out more about Pangea's good works, friend Joshua on Facebook. After reading this article, how can you not! We already adore the brand's products and are now developing a crush on him too.

30 DAYS OF COLOR: Day #4

In honor of St. Paddy's Day, I'm wearing smoky green lids today, courtesy of Sephora castmember Tykima Walker. She used Urban Decay eyeshadows first--"Graffitti" on the lids, "Mildew" in the creases--and blended Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hypershadow in "Amulet" on the outer corners for drama. Save the best for last: Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Liner in "Zero" and "Covet" on the lash lines, with black on the inner half of the lower lashline and green on the outer half. Loving this! Here's to green and Guinness!