Stopping the skin from becoming dry, flaky and vulnerable from the chilly winter weather and internal heating can sometimes be tough, especially if you’re prone to skin conditions such as Eczema and Dermatitis, but there are certainly things that we can all do each day to keep our skin healthy during winter. 

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Take care of the skin from the inside out

Keeping on top of our essential fatty acids (Omega 3 & 6) which can be commonly found in nuts and wholegrains will keep the skin clear and hydrated, their anti-inflammatory properties assist in preventing dry, inflamed and blemished skin. Our skin is reliant on adequate hydration, to avoid dryness aim to consumer 8-10 glasses of water and minimize your intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

Topical relief from dry skin

Caring for our skin topically will also go a long way in achieving skin health and hydration. Sometimes we need to mix up our beauty regime with the changing climates to ensure it stays in good condition. Avoid using foaming cleansers as these usually contain SLS (detergent) and can be drying on the skin, instead opt for a natural cream or oil cleanser (you can check out our favourites here) and pair with a rich moisturiser to keep the skin plump and bursting with moisture.

You can also mix up your makeup regime by adding a drop of serum to your Mineral Foundation Powder to achieve a liquid formulation with full coverage and intense moisture, or if you’re a one product kind of gal, you can’t go wrong with the Earth Cream Tinted Moisturiser for a dewy finish, beautiful coverage and lightweight formulation. We've all fallen victim to dry lips from time to time and I think we would all agree that it doesnt feel or look very nice. But, luckily for us all there are ways in which we can prevent dreaded dry lips or fast-track the healing process. Our entire collection of Lip Products are packed with moisturising oils that will nourish and condition your lips, we also use a combination of edible, healing ingredients that will restore health to dry and broken lips. For ultra-soft, kissable lips, swipe on some Mineral Lip Gloss or pucker up using the Vegan Lip Shine.

Some little tips that will go a long way

As much as we all love indulging in a nice hot bath or shower, the intense heat can break down the lipid barriers in our skin leading to moisture loss. How about trying a nice warm bath with a little oatmeal to nourish the skin! Don’t forget to moisturise straight after.

The natural shedding of our skin slows down during the cooler periods of the year, use a natural scrub once to twice a week to gently remove dead skin cells, you will be amazed at how clear your skin looks afterwards! You will find our favourite scrub here.

Coconut Oil is a great natural skin moisturiser, perfect for the hands and feet to prevent dry, cracked skin. You can pick some up from your local health food store or supermarket!

It is important to care for your skin inside and out, so why not experiment with some of these suggestions and see the results for yourself! We have popped some of our winter skin product picks below for you to learn more about, click the image to discover why these are so effective at keeping your skin healthy through every season.

Sammy,

and the rest of the Natural Beauties.

Who doesn’t love a touch of chocolate! With Easter around the corner, we thought this was the perfect time to share this delicious and nutritious recipe by the beautiful Krissy, qualified nutritionist and health coach, and the creative mastermind behind Her Nourished.

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This nourishing Cacao shake is simple, delicious and filled with whole food ingredients, making it the perfect indulgent treat.

Cacao is known by many as quite the extraordinary superfood.  Firstly, chocolate (doesn’t that say it all!).  That in itself is a superfood quality.  But more importantly, cacao is known to contain a variety of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants all of which are important for skin health as well as overall health and wellbeing.

Beauty starts within, and an ingredient such as cacao may support healthy glowing skin because of the naturally occurring flavonoids (antioxidants).  Antioxidants can help with the build up of free radicals that occur as a result of exposure to environmental pollutants, sun exposure and smoking.

What better way to enhance your natural beauty than to sip on a delicious and nutrient-dense cacao shake while wearing your favourite Cacao Shake Vegan Lipstick.

Ingredients:

-    1/2 cup filtered water

-    1/2 cup coconut milk (or your favourite dairy-free milk)

-    1 tbsp cacao powder

-    1/2 medium banana, peeled (choose a ripe, spotty banana)

-    1/4 cup ice cubes (approximately 6 regular sized ice cubes)

-    1 medjool date, pitted (optional - provides added sweetness, a slight caramel flavour and additional fibre)

Method:

-    Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

-    Serve chilled.

You can find Cacao at your local health food store, supermarket or online.  Ideally look for ethically sourced Cacao.  Organic and Fair Trade Cacao is almost always ethically sourced.

We hope you enjoy experimenting with this delicious recipe by Krissy, make sure to take a photo and tag @DustyGirlsMakeup in your Cacao shake creation or with your Dusty Girls Cacao Shake Vegan Lipstick.

Looking for some healthy skin treats this Easter?

Treat yourself or a friend this Easter with a healthy range of makeup for their skin. 

Have a wonderful Easter, Beautiful! I look forward to sharing more with you soon, please don’t hesitate to get in touch in the mean-time with any questions or suggestions of topics you would like us to discuss, we would love to hear from you, Beautiful!

Sammy,

and the rest of the Natural Beauties.

Having a breakfast that is quick and easy to prepare yet incredibly nourishing and nutrient dense can feel tricky, especially on those busy weekday mornings.  Chia seed pudding is such a delicious and simple option and can be eaten as a breakfast, dessert or snack.

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Why is a healthy, nutritious breakfast so important? Breakfast kick starts your metabolism, refuels your glycogen (energy) stores and provides our bodies with energy to keep us moving throughout the day. Mornings can be a bit of a rush sometimes, but it is important to set aside some time to preapre a healthy breakfast, or perhaps try this yummy recipe put together by one of our favourite nutritionists, and recipe developers; Krissy (creative mastermind behind Her Nourished).

Simply prepare the recipe the night before, pop it in the fridge and in the morning you can dust yourself with a little Dusty Girls makeup, grab your breakfast and head on your way.

Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fibre, both of which are important for a healthy diet. 

Dietary fibre (the fibre that isn’t broken down or digested by the body) is important for digestive health (keeps you moving along, to put it politely) and may also reduce blood cholesterol.

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for the body to function and must be provided by diet because the body can not make these naturally.  They are important for development and optimal brain functioning.

Learn a little more about chia seeds HERE.

BLUEBERRY CHIA SEED PUDDING

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 tsp rice malt syrup/pure maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Additional blueberries to serve

METHOD

1. In a bowl whisk together the coconut milk, chia seeds, cinnamon and natural sweetener of choice until combined.  Place the bowl in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
2. To assemble the breakfast, layer spoonfuls of chia pudding with blueberries in a glass serving jar or bowl.
3. Serve chilled.

We would love to hear if you give this healthy, yummy recipe a try! Share your photos online using the hashtag #dustygirlsmakeup so we can see how you get creative in the kitchen.

For more healthy recipe ideas and inspiration we recommend heading over to Her Nourished, Krissy's creations are mouth-watering. 

Sammy,

and the rest of the Natural Beauties.

Who doesn’t want healthy, vibrant looking skin? Everyone's skin is unique, but there are a number of things we can all do to support and encourage positive skin health.  Healthy skin is more than just the products we use on our skin. The foods we consume and the lifestyle habits we adopt also contribute significantly to how our skin looks and feels.

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It’s time that you feel confident with your complexion and take back your skin health for good! We’re going to equip you with the knowledge you need to do so. So first, let’s talk about how the foods we consume can affect our skin heath and how we can improve the overall condition and appearance of our skin. We’ve called on Krissy (the qualified nutritionist, health coach and creative mind behind Her Nourished) to get the best professional advice and tips on how to best care for the skin and achieve a gorgeous complexion.

Krissy's top tips for eating your way to a healthy, clear skin and a beautiful complexion:

While reaching for miracle creams and potions when you have skin issues can seem like the logical thing to do, nutrition (aka what you eat) is one of the best ways to support skin health from the inside-out.

Your skin is your largest organ and the one that is often most reflective of what is going on inside. The food you eat, and subsequently your digestion of those foods, can impact the way your skin looks and feels.  Acne, poor scar healing and rashes, to name a few, can be signs that your body isn't getting the nourishment and care it needs.

Some skin issues are complex and may require exploration by a specialised professional. However, there are specific foods that are known to support skin health due to their skin-loving nutrient profile. 

8 skin-loving foods to support healthy, nourished and vibrant skin!  

Water

Water isn’t technically food, but none-the-less it makes it to the top of the list when talking about skin health. Your entire body requires water to function and skin is no exception.  Drinking water at every occasion between meals supports healthy, nourished and vibrant skin directly as well as indirectly such as through digestion and circulation.

Keep a water bottle with you to remind you to stay hydrated between meals.  I love popping a slice of lemon into my water in the morning for extra skin-boosting properties (more on lemon soon).

Berries

Free radicals and antioxidants are terms that you’ve likely heard floating around the health arena. When the balance of free radicals and antioxidants within our body is out (often as a result of exposure to toxicity or poor nutrition) ageing can occur more rapidly.  Berries are rich in antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage from free radicals.  Berries are also lower in sugar compared to most other fruits.

Add a handful of berries to your smoothie or pair with nuts and seeds for a delicious snack.

Almonds

Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E.  Vitamin E is an antioxidant and as discussed above antioxidants can help protect cells from the damage free radicals cause.  Almonds are also a good source of fibre, important for healthy digestion and gut health.

From a skin perspective, look for raw almonds that still have their skin intact as the antioxidants are largely found in the brown skin.  Snack on a small handful of almonds between meals or add a glass of homemade almond milk to your day.

Almond Oil is a staple ingredients here at Dusty Girls. We make our Vegan Lip Shine with lots of Almond Oil to give it extra moisturising capabilities. 

Citrus

Vitamin C is another valuable Vitamin that supports skin health by protecting the skin from oxidative stress.  Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges are a delicious way to add Vitamin C to your day, but Vitamin C is also widely found in a number of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Add lemon juice to your daily water or smoothies for an easy boost of Vitamin C.

Avocado

Avocados are a rich source of vitamins and essential fatty acids.  Essential fatty acids can not be made by the body therefore it is essential (just like their name) that you eat foods that naturally contain these healthy fats.  The fatty acids in avocado help your skin produce a natural oil barrier, keeping it hydrated and more youthful in appearance.

Add avocado to your salad or meal for a delicious dose of essential fatty acids.  Don’t like the taste of avocado?  Try sprinkling a little salt, lemon juice and chilli on top.  And guess what?  You can also apply avocado straight to the skin as a face mask.  FUN!

Some more natural oils we LOVE are Watermelon Seed Oil, Manuka Tree Leaf Oil, Apricot Seed Oil and Grape Seed Oil. These beautiful oils can be found all throughout the Dusty Girls range, in particular the Lip Products!

Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin etc)

Seeds are another source of the all-important essential fatty acids.  Some people find seeds less dense and easier to digest than nuts, therefore seeds are often the perfect way to consume healthy fat.

Sprinkle a few tablespoons of seeds over your meals before eating or enjoy a mix of seeds and goji berries.

Oats

Oats, a HUGE favourite at Her Nourished Headquarters, are yet another source of essential fatty acids as well as compounds that can help reduce inflammation.  They also contain vitamin E, one of the most talked-about Vitamins when it comes to promoting youth.

Oats naturally contain phytic acid, which can combine with some of the essential minerals in our intestine and block their absorption (which over time may lead to mineral deficiencies). Soaking helps to break down the phytic acid and makes the oats easier to digest.  It is best to soak oats in a dairy-free liquid as the calcium in milk has been suggested to be less effective in breaking down the phytic acid, therefore making the soaking process less effective.  At Her Nourished I simply soak oats in filtered water.

If you tolerate grains, consider adding a handful of soaked oats to your day by enjoying warm oatmeal, a delicious oat smoothie or the Her Nourished favourite, a nourishing bowl of zucchini oats!

Maca powder - HORMONES

Our skin is often reflective of the state of our hormonal health. Maca powder is believed to have wide-ranging benefits including to the hormonal system.  It’s important to note here that research into the impact Maca can have on hormonal health is limited in some areas (there is some research, such as for premenopausal women, just not a lot of it), so watch this space.  None-the-less, it’s another favourite at Her Nourished in small amounts.

Try adding a small amount (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) to your smoothie, oats, sprinkled on yogurt or in bliss balls.

Extra tips:

While not a food, digestive health is possibly one of the most important systems to nourish when seeking vibrant and healthy skin.  To keep your digestive system happy and healthy, ensure you are staying hydrated, eating nourishing whole foods and eating foods rich in fibre (you’re in luck, as most plant-based whole foods naturally contain fibre).

Stick to beautifying, toxic-free makeup and skincare, such as the Dusty Girls range, to reduce free radical exposure and support healthy, nourished and vibrant skin while enhancing your beautiful features.

To find out more about Krissy and to check out some of her delicious, healthy recipes you can visit www.hernourished.com. 

Looking to get creative in the kitchen? Check out these mouth-watering recipes for positive eating and skin health:

Nourishing recipes for healthy skin:

• Happy Hormone Maca Bliss Balls: http://hernourished.com/sugar-free/maca-bliss-balls/
• Zucchini Oats: http://hernourished.com/breakfast/creamy-chocolate-oats-with-zucchini/

Dusty Girls on Makeup for Healthy Skin 

So now we know how we can best fuel and nourish our skin through the food we consume, it is time to look at how we can best care and protect our skin through the products we are apply. Would you have ever thought that by applying makeup you could improve the health of your skin? Well with Dusty Girls, you can!

It just doesn’t seem possible. But let me assure you, it truly is (I encourage you to do the research for yourself, check out all of the ingredients we use in our products- you can find them on your packages and they are also listed on the website). We combine powerful, effective, natural actives, oils, vitamins and minerals to ensure we are providing the highest quality products that will be suitable for all women, even those with the most sensitive of skin. Even if you are blessed with beautiful skin, natural products are the best way to ensure it stays at it's best..

We are passionate about creating healthy, natural products for women of all ages and skin types. A lot of women who use our products suffer with sensitive skin and skin conditions, which is why it is so important that we are extra careful with the ingredients we use. We dedicated our first blog post to educating women on the benefits of pure, mineral makeup and how you can be sure you are picking the best products for your skin.

Are your ready to make the transition to a healthy range of makeup or simply stock up on your everyday essentials? We've bundled up some of our most-loved products for you, beautiful!

Creating healthy, vibrant skin has never been easier or more affordable. The Fresh Face Kit (avaiable in Light and Medium) contains four of our signature products for creating a flawless coverage without synthetic chemicals. 

Earth Cream 50ml
You can create a beautiful base with big benefits using this versatile BB cream. Packed full of moisturising and haling ingredients you can achieve a smooth, full coverage and SPF properties. Perfect for all ages and skin types!

Mineral Blush
This gorgeous shade will have you glowing inside and out. Enhance your natural beauty by adding flush of pink to your cheeks and eyes. No synthetic dyes, chemicals or preservatives.

Kabuki Brush
Will allow for a smooth and effortless application of your makeup, and won’t leave any bristles behind as evidence. This versatile brush can be used to apply your Mineral Foundation, Mineral Blush and Earth Cream, talk about clever!

Mineral Lip Gloss 8g
This moisturising formula that will actually nourish and condition your lips to keep them silky smooth and soft in every season. No Silicone, synthetic dyes or chemicals or preservatives needed.

The Fresh Face kits are the perfect way to try some of our most-loved products, achieve a beautiful complexion and take back the health of your skin! Say goodbye to makeup that weighs down your skin. Open yourself up to a healthy range of natural makeup with big skin benefits.

Sammy,

and the rest of the Natural Beauties.

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With an abundance of brands all claiming to bring you healthy, youthful looking skin, how can you be sure that you’re choosing the right products? We want you to feel confident in your choice so we have compiled everything you need to know when selecting a healthy range of makeup for your skin.

So, what is mineral makeup, exactly?

Mineral Makeup is created by blending and grinding a combination of loose pigments from the earth such as Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mica and Iron Oxides. These ingredients together create a lightweight, buildable, gentle formulation for a luminescent, natural looking coverage.

Mineral Makeup doesn’t just come in the form of a powder; it includes everything from lipstick to liquid foundation! Just remember to pay close attention to the ingredients to ensure your product contains quality, natural ingredients rather than synthetic chemicals, chemicals preservatives and cheap fillers.

What are the benefits of using mineral makeup?

The benefits of true Mineral Makeup are extensive. For starters, the SPF rating in mineral products is far higher than most conventional cosmetics as minerals such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them. They are also water-resistant which gives you longer lasting coverage and protection.

Mineral Makeup is also a god-send for those with sensitive and troubled skin as the gentle formulations won’t irritate the skin or block pores which can often lead to congestion and sensitivity.

Dusty Girls tips for selecting makeup

Check the ingredients! Knowledge is power, and when it comes to choosing healthy, effective products for your skin, it is essential! While a lot of companies are claiming to be ‘mineral’, they contain synthetic chemicals and cheap fillers like Talc. Bismuth and others of the like which will not encourage a healthy skin, and could do the exact opposite!

Keep a close eye out for makeup that contains Mica and Iron Oxides for coverage and colour, rather than synthetic, coal tar dyes and lake colours- these can be toxic to our bodies.

A few ingredients we don't believe belong in cosmetics:

• Talc
• Bismuth
• Silicone
• Coal-Tar and Lake Dyes
• Formaldehyde Donors
• Phenoxyethanol
• Parabens

The Natural Beauties at Dusty Girls are here to answer all of your curly ingredient questions, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch via email howdy@dustygirls.com.au, we’d love to hear from you!

If you’re looking for a natural range of vegan-friendly, mineral makeup that actually does as it says it will, and offers you a healthy and natural alternative to conventional makeup you can read more on the Dusty Girls website. We also list each and every ingredient, no matter how big or small on our website and packaging, so you can make educated decisions surrounding the health of your skin.

Sammy,

and the rest of the Natural Beauties.

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We have a background in skincare (MooGoo) and specialise in creating natural products for adults and babies with sensitive skin and skin conditions. We also cater for individuals looking for a healthy, natural alternative to traditional products. Dusty Girls came to life after receiving copious amounts of feedback from MooGoo customers who were struggling to find a natural range of makeup, that was good for their skin and actually did as it promised.

Our aim is simple - to offer all women an effective, natural range of makeup that will leave them with healthy skin, flawless coverage and a radiant complexion. We achieve this through extensive research and the use of the most powerful, natural ingredients we could find, proven to nourish, moisturise and protect the skin. We know just how fussy the skin can be, which is why we formulate unique blends for all skin types, using extracts, oils, vitamins and minerals, so you can achieve a breath-taking coverage without compromising the health of your skin.

We recognise that healthy skin is more than just the products you use, and involves what we eat and how we live. This is why we endeavour to provide you not only with quality products and education surrounding ingredients, but also tips for healthy living and natural beauty.

These natural beauties are all sporting their Dusty Girls Makeup, I believe the results speak for themselves. You no longer need to compromise flawless coverage for a clear conscience. 

Sammy,

and the rest of the Natural Beauties.