Zia Natural cleansers = my favorites

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This is a TotalBeauty.com anti aging skin care article We tracked down skin experts to help us decipher anti-aging facts from fiction. No matter what your age is, you'll find ways to prevent and restore signs of aging. Plus, you'll get tips and suggestions for products that will help combat your aging woes. Take quiz

Seriously now, I try alot of products though I keep coming back to some favorites in the Zia Natural line. They just feel good while washing and take off my makeup, even the mascara load. I really enjoyed the Oceanic clay cleanser, though the green gel cleanser is so good for grimey oily skin that is saturated in sunscreen and has been sweating too!

I was working outside for three days at the local Phoenix International Raceway NASCAR race and the sun and sunscreen and oily dirty icky got to me! I used the green "fresh"cleanser on those evenings and after I had a sunburned face from working outside for ten hours straight I switched to the soybean based moisturizing cleanser and it was calming to my red irritated skin.

Try these if you are looking for something to switch up and change in your current beauty routine. Zia Natural products are sold all over, though I think your best bet is in your local Sprouts, Sunflower Market, Wild Oats or Whole Foods. Enjoy and remind yourself that you've done a good job today!

Remember: you are beautiful!
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Oceanic Clay cleansing creme is cool on sunburned face!

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Oh you guys have got to try this! It's so lovely-rich textured, creamy, smooth, feels luxurious on the skin and yet deeply cleans without feeling taut and dry?

So I'm lovin' all these good things about the Zia Natural Ultimates Oceanic clay cleansing creme-except one wee thing: it didn't take my mascara off, so it may not takes yours off either. One time I was wearing L'Oreal featherlash and it was still on after rinsing. Another time I was wearing LASHFOOD mascara and that didn't come off with the cleanser either. So I had to use and still need to use the Arbonne eye makeup remover to take my mascara off while washing my face with the Oceanic clay cleanser. I think what I like about it most is that it's so gentle and two of the days I tested it, I had sunburned skin. Yes! A sunburn! Yes! I was wearing sunscreen but the sun is just so strong plus I was working outside all day long and I just got burned. Darn it! It was really cooling and comforting on my burned skin so you may be able to trust sensitive skin to it also?

Enjoy it! I find it in my local Sprouts, Sunflower Markets and Whole Foods so you may find it there in your neighborhood too? Or visit their website www.zianatural.com
Remember: you are beautiful!
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Essential Eye Gel by Zia Natural

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No. 15: Clinique Acne Solutions Body Treatment Spray, $19.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.4

"Prevented future breakouts on my back and shoulders …"

No. 14: Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub, $35

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.4

"It truly helps tighten the skin, especially around the tummy and thigh areas …"

No. 13: Bio-Oil PurCellin Oil, $11.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.1

"What it will do, wonderfully enough, is soften those red, new stretch marks ..."

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

So I got this sample of this ulta light creamy textured gel as I was beginning the HCG diet. I was so excited because I thought it was "approved" for the protocol.

Well, according to Dr. Simeons, the only thing "approved" is mineral oil or petroleum jelly in limited use in extreme cases of dryness.

I tried it and loved it. First, it comes in a tube with a nib at the end similiar to a lip gloss. Second it is so lightweight and hydrating that it absorbed right into my eye skin.

I am such a fan of the Zia Natural line for making great effective skin care products while using sustainable resources and organic ingredients.

Well don't take my word for it, visit their website and learn more about the Essential Eye Gel and the entire line. You can purchase at Sprouts, Whole Foods or the health food store near you!

Here's a little bit about the product from their website:

Zia Natural Skincare’s Essential Eye Gel utilizes all natural calming ingredients in an innovative soothing gel formula gentle enough for the most sensitive eye area. Don’t let dryness, puffiness, dark circles or fine lines take over your eyes.


Butchers Broom Extract combined with clinically proven peptide reduces under eye puffiness, Ivy Extract and Gotu Kola promote circulation, leaving the eye area looking awake and refreshed. Cornflower Flower Water, high in Allantoin and Vitamin K reduce inflammation and dark circles. Green Tea fights cell damage and aids skin repair. Organic cucumber and aloe soothe and nourish the delicate under eye skin.

This fresh, soothing gel costs $21.95 and is all natural and paraben free. Zia products are available at Whole Foods and other health food stores nationwide and online at www.zianatural.com.


Remember: you are beautiful!
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HCG diet protocol product list

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I have learned something and it's odd but true: from what I understand from professional dietician interviews, groups and research there are only two things that can be used as body products that Dr. Simeons approved of in the original "Pounds and Inches" diet protocol. 

Mineral oil and petrolatum.

Oh that was hard to say and disturbing to find out. At first I was very excited because from some information and perhaps some mis-information I was finding that you could use on your 21-40 days of active HCG dosing great natural and organic products, but alas, if you adhere strictly to the "Pounds and Inches" original protocol, there are NO products allowed and Dr. Simeons acquiesced only to mineral oil or petroleum jelly in extreme cases of dryness.

Remember this is from the early 1900's not the early 2000's: so the cosmetic products were different then.
The manuscript suggests dry brushing your skin for dryness or itchy skin. It recommends only powder, eyebrow pencil and lipstick.

Oh the horror of so many days without my usual palette of makeup!

I want to stick to the original manuscript outlined by Dr. Simeons. So if my choices are mineral oil or petroleum jelly, I think I'll go with dry itchy flaky skin.  I've been using that gooey stuff on my lips as needed except for the short duration of the party on Saturday I put mascara on, and I had to wear a full face of makeup for the photoshoot on Sunday.

That actually proved a problem because my skin was so dry, the makeup kept breaking up on my skin!

Get your mineral oil/petroleum wherever you choose to and use it sparingly. Remember the reason why is because it does NOT absorb into the skin. It actually makes a barrier.

All of the amazing organic and natural skin care lines that I love:
ALBA Rainforest collection
ZIA Naturals
J/A/S/O/N
Arbonne International: 

Can't use 'em for quite some time now... 

Don't get me wrong, there are people doing the protocol and using products such as Aubrey and Alba: but the original manuscript doesn't say it. Go with what is best for you.

p.s. after the diet I am going to soak in a lotion filled tub!
Remember: you are beautiful!
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HCG and weekend plans: prepare ahead of time!

Quiz: Can You Tell a Drugstore Cream From a Department Store One? Test Your Skills Here!

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Field trip! We're headed to the drugstore and the department store -- where you're sure to find loads of products that make the same promises but have very different price tags. See if you can spot the difference between drugstore and department store products based on ingredients alone. Take quiz

Okay, I'm on day 7 and I'm hungry. I've found that melba toast is the most delicious food I've ever had after waiting all morning for it! The truth is, I am losing pounds, and inches just like the Dr. Simeons protocol said I would.

I do still take my thyroid medication and so far have not noticed anyting different or off? I have not used any of my usual armory of skin care products and I am so dry and itchy! The only thing I do use is my La Roche-Posay thermal water atomizer to mist my face when I can no longer stand it.

Ok, if I can do this so can you! I keep telling myself that I can do anything for a short amount of time and so far I am already a third of the way there! Plus, I like the results I'm seeing!
Now, time to plan ahead: I have weekend plans that I can not avoid and I will be surrounded by food! And lots of it!
Grace grace to me! And to you too!

Now, I have been working on a personal list of makeup products that are in the HCG diet protocol safety zone and more on that later! There are many books that list products and they all say Arbonne, Aubrey and Alba!  If you like those, you'll like Zia Naturals too and don't forget JASON and Noah's Naturals.

Til next time, keep counting, measuring and focusing on the end results! You can do it!
Remember: you are beautiful!
Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!