My Organic Makeup Musts

OK, we know you probably know already, but April is Earth Month -- which means there's a bevy of earth-friendlier, body-friendly beauty choices on the market right now, but it's actually taken me FOREVER to find ones I actually like. For example, one kinda popular brand makes me smell like curry (a friend who worked at the brand says it's something with my pheromones and the product's essential oils mixing to produce that scent, but I digress), another line sends my skin to a clog-frenzy and then there's a third label I played with that left my face totally cakey. But, there are a few really great brands out there -- you just need to know where to look! Here are three of my fave Earth Month musts.

THE TOOL: Alima Pure #15 Flat Top Brush, $22, is the best brush for dealing with summertime temps. I like to keep makeup super light when it's a zillion degrees (I mean, no one wants a drippy mess of a mug), so I use this to blend out face powder or foundation so it looks smoother and feels lighter. (Brushing a liquid formula may sound crazy, but trust: it works.) The flat-top brush is soft and dense, made from wood and synthetic fibers (not animal hair, which is actually pretty commonplace), and doesn't shed weird little black fibers on your face. THE PRODUCT: Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation, $48, is simply freaking awesome. Whether you rock it solo, or mix it with lotion so it's more of a tinted moisturizer, this formula wonders for creating Instagram like-levels of perfection in real life. Spritz a makeup sponge with a facial spray or makeup finisher -- I'm currently obsessed with Benefit Cosmetics B. Right Ultra-Radiance Facial Rehydrating Mist, and use that to blend this stuff into skin. THE WEBSITE: SaffronRouge.com is my absolute go-to for all organic products. They have makeup, skincare, body care, hair stuff, aromatherapy, baby stuff and men's stuff. Literally everything. My favorite thing about the site? The option to shop by skin type, since I have a hard time finding organic stuff that's okay for my overly sensitive skin.

What are your fave Earth Month products? Tweet us at @AESam and @SELFMagazine.

RELATED LINKS:

View the original article here

Listen Up! Your April Music Musts

Ladies, it's time to stop hibernating and start dancing: April is here. The air smells fresh, flowers are starting to bloom, and it's finally OK for you to bust out those open-toed pumps that have been languishing in the back of your closet. The month signals new beginnings, and with it comes a wave of awesome new albums.

The country rocker siblings will fire you up to wage war on dust bunnies and sort through your over-stuffed dresser. Frontwoman Kimberly Perry is sassy and fierce as she belts out a damning goodbye to a no-good lover. Channel her energy to get rid of your own junk, then play the album again as you dance around your squeaky-clean digs.

When you're taking a bike ride around the park: Andrew Wyatt's "And Septimus..." from Descender, out April 16

The debut solo album from the Miike Snow vocalist might just inspire you to stop and smell the tulips as you cruise through the park. This dreamy, cheerful song is guaranteed to make you smile even if your ride is cut short by those inevitable April showers--hey, at least it isn't snowing anymore!

When you're plotting your April Fools prank: Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Sacrilege" from Mosquito, out April 16

We're faced with a bit of a moral quandary this year: The wholesome, marshmallow-filled Easter holiday and the most mischievous day of the year are back-to-back. Let the catchy guitar riff and Karen O's frenetic vocals inspire you to do dastardly deeds, but remember: You can have a fun prank without risking time in a jail or hospital.

When you're scrambling to finish your taxes: Phoenix's "Entertainment" from Bankrupt! out April 23

You need something peppy enough to help you power through the labyrinth of tax documents, and the French group's upbeat vibe is the perfect accompaniment to stave off your money woes. Just cross your fingersthat the band's album title won't describe your financial situation when you realize how much you owe the federal government.

When you're lounging at the bar's al fresco patio: Kid Cudi's "King Wizard" from Indicud, out April 23

After months of hiding your cute going-out minis underparkas and scarves on blustery Saturday nights, you can finally flaunt yourfashion and show some skin. Fortunately, Kid Cudi, aka the king of cool, party-worthy hip-hop, is back with a solid third album just in time for thewarm weather bar-hopping. He's simultaneously laid-back and intense, chill and badass. It's the perfect soundtrack as you raise a glass to springtime.

RELATED LINKS:

Image Credit: Getty Images Entertainment

View the original article here