Heidi Craig, founder of the “ecoluxe” online retailer Philtre, contacted us a few months back to let us know about the launch of her new site. I checked it out immediately and was drawn to the brands she carries: your natural favorites like Acure, Alima Pure, Meow Meow Tweet, Dr. Alkaitis, and Rahua (just to name a few)… and also some very exciting brands that I have yet to try, but that are perfectly in line with Unsullied’s motto. Alaska Glacial Mud Co., Camamu, COOLA, Innersense, and OSEA were on this list, among many others. After a two hour conversation with Heidi on the phone, I not only made a new friend, but was so supremely impressed with her mission.
Philtre, based in San Francisco, is not only a non-toxic, cruelty free, ethically produced online boutique, but it also only sells products that are made in the U.S. This all-natural haven was formed after Heidi spent four years working with the United Nations and realized just what an impact our personal shopping decisions can have on health, environment, economy and quality of life. She wanted to create a place where people could shop and feel good about what they were buying, and committed a great amount of detail and hard work into streamlining Philtre into the green beauty veritable CANDY STORE it is today. Okay, they don’t actually sell candy…but they may as well to me, because brands like By Nieves and Persephenie are my equivalent to a big chocolate bunny the size of my 12-pound cat. What I mean is: Philtre is my happy place!
Heidi is so passionate about what she does, and facilitating a way for people to not only be healthier, but happier in their beauty/grooming choices. She has something for everyone on her site: moms, teens, and even couples! The men’s boutique is particularly extensive, not just the typical beard oil and organic shaving cream you find on most sites akin to Philtre. Men are often left out of the loop in terms of clean products and branding, and it puts a smile on my face to see Philtre appealing to them, and also curating for them. There is, after all, NO reason the men in your life should be using Old Spice body wash. (And NO ONE should have to be subjected to Axe…no one. I’m lookin’ to YOU, guy I ride the subway with every mornin’. You’re killin’ me softly. Everyday.)
Now…onto the GIVEAWAY!
Heidi sent me some of her favorite brands from the “left coast” to sample for our “it’s finally spring!” giveaway… and oh man. Whether you are a California native and are enjoying 80 degree weather already, or you are on the east coast/midwest and are watching (hopefully) the last of that snow melt… you are going to go bananas for this basket o’ goodness! It’s all ya need for spring weather.
The goods:
- Dr. Alkaitis Organic Night Cream: This is one of Philtre’s richest face creams and a tried and true favorite for many. It has botanicals in it that stimulate cell renewal and smells yummeh! This is a truly luxurious bedtime ritual for me.
- COOLA Matte Tint Mineral Sunscreen for Face: This stuff freaks everyone out who tries it. It’s serious SPF 30, but seems to disappear on your skin. Having tried this out on my hours-long Farmer’s Market trip this weekend, I can attest that this is truly one of the best facial sunscreens I have ever used. It was the first time I bought my veggies without that slimy, sticky sheen even the best of natural suncreens give you. This is like a magic act.
- By Nieves “C” Perfect Skin: Everyone who reads this blog knows how much of a sucker I am for a good serum. My weird combination skin lives and dies by them! A nice small-batch formula with the added brightening, free-radical protection of vitamin C. No chemical emulsifiers, so just shake and use. Fun fact: You can put this on if you accidentally get sunburned. It will give you a cooling sensation and reduce discomfort!
- Innersense Pure Harmony Shampoo & Pure Inspiration Conditioner: Natural, but doesn’t leave a film and has a light natural citrusy scent with hint of floral. Perfect as we enter the warm months. This will make your hair light, bouncy, and fancy free! My hair feels cleaner than it has in a long time after using this combo, plus, their label is made from tree-free stone paper. Isn’t that cool?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The next time you do a beauty haul, check out Philtre. They’re the real deal, and in my opinion, one of the most honest, thoughtful, and FUN places to shop for your favorite all natural brands. Free shipping on orders $75 and up, too.
