Look Out, Lush

Now occupying slot #342 in the Inc. 5000 list (an annual ranking of the fastest growing, privately owned, American companies) is Urban Fresh Cosmetics - a family-run, farm-to-tub line of products ranging from an all natural skincare collection to luscious scented candles, and even pet shampoo. The company leapt to this coveted position from slot #603, which they earned just one year prior.

Keith West-Harrington and his partner André erected their urban farm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after Hurricane Katrina claimed their promising hybrid hotel-spa-and-coffeehouse in New Orleans. The couple now sources the herbs used in their luxurious products directly from the farm they have reared, which also fuels their green day spa, Great Face & Body. They use only eco-friendly packaging, and even give back to the cosmetics community by heading a consulting firm in their free time that coaches salon and spa owners on methods of increasing their profitability. If that wasn't impressive enough, they also host classes for their customers, covering a vast array of topics including solar energy, vertical gardening, beekeeping, and more.

Urban Fresh Cosmetics' "Sensitive Acne Bar," looking more like a tempting pile of brownies than a skin treatment.

"The Ashley: Gin & Tonic With Juniper Berries Soap." Nuff said. *drooling*

Pop culture fanatics will also be tickled to learn that Urban Fresh's founders capitalized on the popularity of the totally addictive (no pun intended) series Breaking Bad, which filmed in Abuquerque, not far from their brand's HQ. And - here's the best part - they called their line of products that were inspired by the show "Bathing Bad."

"Smooth Operator Sugar Bar." Bears a slight resemblance to Walter White's blue meth, don'tcha think?

Find out more about this wholesome and ambitious operation at http://www.urbanfreshcosmetics.com/

xoxo Effeigh

Glam Slime

I would like to publically apologize for the deplorable crimes I have committed... against my skin.

Dear Skin, I am so ashamed of how I have treated you in all our years together. I haven't cleansed you completely each evening, often falling asleep with caked-on makeup only to awake to eyeliner flaking from your eyelids and burning my unsuspecting eyes. I have forgotten to moisturize you for days at a time. You have suffered most in the summer, when I take to the brutally hot city streets after neglecting to slather on the sunscreen you so desperately depend on. You have tolerated this abuse, and bounced back, miraculously. You have yet to punish my insolence with the consequences of skin cancer, and I thank you for your clemency. I can change. I swear. Please, be patient with me. We can work this out!

I'm open to your ideas. What must I do to gain your trust again? I've been reading up on some possible courses of action, and one skincare method stands out, in particular.

Two words: "snail slime."

*Pause for dramatic effect*

Okay, hear me out. People have been using mud and bee venom to treat their various skin inconsistencies for ages. And apparently, snail mucin treatments have been popular for years now, gaining stratospheric popularity recently in Korea. According to my research, even the Ancient Greeks experimented with the stuff.

Snail mucin is touted as being capable of fading acne scars, reducing the signs of aging, smoothing the complexion, eliminating dryness, and providing an all-over healthy glow. Listen, Skin, companies have been infusing this gunk into everything from creams to balms to masks, so it isn't like I'll be subjecting you to a direct mollusk-to-face application. Established named like Mizon, Organic Doctor, and Tony Moly have all embraced the trend, and what's good enough for them should be good enough for us, no?

Oh... "No," it is. I'll just get you some cocoa butter, then. Good talk.

xoxo Effeigh

Trend Watch: Viking Braids

I often catch myself brimming with envy as I take my seasonal hairstyle census: the oppressive NYC heat is already distributing its usual calling cards of humidity induced frizz and neck-clinging flyaways, and bold young women everywhere are lopping off their locks, side stepping the styling struggles.

I, on the other hand, due to a great many years of consecutive, ill-advised hair don'ts (mohawks, faux hawks, mullets - you name it, I'm ashamed of it) am completely unwilling at this stage in my life to part with the limp strands still recovering from so many botched color processes, which have finally made their way down to my clavicle. So what's a girl to do with her sloppy mop when summer's unforgiving conditions set up camp in the muggy Big Apple?

Ladies, I submit to you THE VIKING BRAID. This more ornate cousin of the bohemian styles that have permeated the summer festival subculture for a handful of years now is an attractive alternative to messy buns and *shudder* ponytails that scream, respectively "I don't have my shit together" and "I just came from the gym." For a small investment of time (enlist a gal pal and make an event of it) you can rock these intricate hair sculptures straight on till shampoo day, and fancy yourself an elegant warrior-goddess who is not to be crossed. 

Source: Bustle

Pinterest has oodles of inspo and -thankfully- tutorials with which to experiment. Go forth and impress with your tresses!

xoxo Effeigh