Paraben-Free

If you're trying to make your personal care routine more natural, it might seem like you have to skip scent entirely or stick to single essential oils, but that's not the case. There are a number of organically derived fragrances popping up, and some are quite affordable.

Most recently, I tried Infusion Organique's Açaí Rain fragrance ($35), which is made with organic sugarcane-derived alcohol, certified organic açaí extract, and organic orange oil. (It's also paraben- and sulfate-free). From the ingredients you might expect something tropical and fruity, but what it actually smells like is a tart, light tea rose that's exactly the right weight for hot days. It's also not hippie dippy in the least, lest you worry that organic means smelling like patchouli and 1969, and would actually be more appropriate for a tea party than a drum circle.

If you don't think there's anything sweet about smelling like a big ol' spray can of DEET at barbecues and garden parties, take heart. There are plenty of natural alternatives that actually work. First, Badger Balm's Organic Anti-Bug Balm ($9), which gets rave reviews from us — on a recent vacation, one member of Team Bella found that it protected her better than regular chemical repellent did.

If you'd prefer a spray, there's California Baby Natural Bug Blend ($13), which is nontoxic and made with organic ingredients as well. For people who love towelettes, there are BugBand Bug Repelling Towelettes ($7), which are made with bug-repelling geranium extract that also happens to smell great on people. And if you're running to the drugstore quickly to pick something up? Try Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent ($8), which blends citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary for a lovely, light scent that bugs hate.

Growing up, my dad was — and still is — quite allergic to fragrances. It was all about scent-free detergent and soaps in our household. I think that's why I always liked staying at my aunt's house just a few miles down the road because she had the good stuff in her shower. She had Zest.

While probably best known for their fresh, clean, perk-you-right-up aromas, deodorant soaps such as Zest, Coast, Irish Spring, and the like didn't always have the reputation of being the most moisturizing. Formulas have improved over the years, but I've still always had a fondness for the eye-awakening aromas they deliver.

Recently, I came across a natural dupe, Pre de Provence's Shea Butter Soap in Sage ($4). While the body cleanser's not an exact replicate of those revitalizing soaps I grew to love back in the day, it is still rather reminiscent of them. And while Pre de Provence's version isn't exactly cheap (call it a reverse dupe, if you'd like), it's made with eco-friendly pure essential oils and a vegetable base. It's also free of parabens and packaged up in biodegradable cellophane. Not only that, it has those feel-good loofah-like bits in it that I like so much. Full of natural win.

I'm a big proponent of going natural when you can, but confused by the term "hippie" when it gets thrown around to talk about ecologically conscious products. There are instances where it can be funny, like this cute Stinky Hippie Body Wash ($13.50), whose illustrated "hippie" girl with fragrant underarm is meant to be amusing. However, a lot of times when people use the term it's pejorative, and suggestive of being not as clean or as well groomed as other people. This is despite the fact that most who use natural products actually take great care with their appearances.

I think being an actual hippie in the late 1960s could have been pretty cool, but I don't know about the term now, especially when it comes to cosmetics and personal care. What do you think? Is it rude to call someone a "hippie" just because they like eco-beauty, or is it just one of those terms that's connected to the green movement and unlikely to go away?

Most women consume a lot of lip balm over the course of a year, since we swallow several pounds of what we put on our lips. And if you're eating that much, it's nice to know your lip stuff is just as safe and natural as the veggies you chow down on.

Which is why certified organic lip balms are a good idea. They pass the USDA's rigorous standards, and only contain natural ingredients you'll probably have heard of before. They work just as well as regular balms and glosses, and the organic certification doesn't necessarily mean they cost more. So the next time you're thinking about picking up a balm at the drugstore, try looking for the USDA Organic seal, and check out the widget below to see some brands you can be looking for.

What do you get when you mix a beauty blogger and two Beverly Hills plastic surgeons? Sounds like the setup to a joke, but Nadine Jolie, Dr. Jason Litner, and Dr. Peyman Solieman are serious about their skin care. The trio teamed up to develop Jolie MD Metamorphosis ($96), a two-step regimen meant to minimize wrinkles, reduce acne, and address uneven pigmentation. The line has a fun backstory, but how well does it work? For my take, keep reading.

Here's a frequently heard complaint about paraben-free products: they're too hard to find, and they're too expensive. That's changing, as bigger companies are developing mass-market personal care products with a green tint. A prime example is Dial's paraben-free Pure & Natural body washes and hand soaps. The ingredients are 94 percent natural origin as well. (The products still contain sodium laureth sulfate and fragrance, though, so if you're intent on going super green, this isn't the line for you.)

Of course, Pure & Natural isn't the only large brand to appeal to ecologically minded consumers. After the makers of Clorox bought Burt's Bees, its store presence has expanded greatly, and Noah's Naturals, Yes to Carrots, and other smaller brands are making inroads. On the more luxurious end, Lancome has introduced a 100 percent natural-origin Juicy Tubes lip gloss.

Critics may cry greenwashing on some products, so it's not a bad idea to read labels to see what you're really buying. But even if large corporations aren't going strictly eco-friendly, they're definitely appealing to a green-leaning consumer. What do you think? Are you more likely to pick up a "greener" product if you have the option?

The British are coming, the British are coming — and they might just revolutionize the way you think of vegan hair care. London-based stylist Tara Smith has worked with dozens of stars like Nicole Kidman, Marisa Tomei, and Angelina Jolie. Now she's bringing her signature hair care line, which Rosario Dawson calls "ridiculously dope," to the United States.

Here's why we're excited. First, the line aims to incorporate organic and natural ingredients as much as possible. Expect ingredients like avocado, olive oil, orange, lemon, and rosemary leaf extract. (Yes, the products smell amazing.) The entire line is free of parabens, SLS, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and animal products. What's more, the shampoos and conditioners cost less than $10, which lets you go more natural without spending too much green.

Finally, one more reason we're excited: If you're in New York, you could win a haircut (worth $500!) from Tara. She'll be introducing her line at Duane Reade in Herald Square tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m. Stop by to say hello, take a look-see, and cross your fingers that you'll be the lucky lady who scores a cool cut. Your friends will be green with envy — and your hair care will be green, too.

Bliss is doing two things to make us smile this April. First, the spa brand has removed parabens from its moisturizing body butters. (Lemon+Sage is a perennial Bella favorite.) What's more, all Bliss brand products will be paraben-free by the end of 2011. While the jury's still out on whether parabens are safe or worrisome, the spa has decided to err on the side of caution. Can't hurt.

Secondly! For bikini-wax virgins, the spas (locations here) are offering 20 percent off your first bikini wax throughout April. If you're a waxing newbie, Bliss is a good place to test the waters. Their wax is gentle, doesn't stick to your skin, and makes hair removal much less stress than it might be. If you decide you want to try waxing, this is definitely not a bad way to start.

You've heard it before, but it's worth repeating: wearing sunblock every day is the best investment you can make in the future health of your skin. In doing so, you'll prevent photoaging — think sun spots, uneven pigmentation, and fine lines — and help protect your skin from cancer-causing UV rays.

I am a freak when it comes to SPF. Unless it's dark outside, it's on my face. Always. So it's important for me to find a non-greasy formula that doesn't pill or leave white streaks. Moreover, I want to be able to wear foundation if necessary, so the right sunblock needs to sink into skin. Finding something that fits the bill is a bigger challenge than you might think, but I tracked down two that do the job. For the scoop, keep reading.