W.S. Badger, Aubrey Organics, Larénim Mineral Makeup, Avalon Organics, Alba Botanica, Zia Natural Skincare, Bug Band, Under The Canopy, Kopali Organics
East Coast’s Largest Tradeshow For Healthy Lifestyles
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, October 18th 2008
Words, Judith Ecochard
Images From Companies’ Websites
The economy may be “Going Southbound” – but the natural products industry is growing with over $62 billion in sales…and accounts for nearly 20 percent of total sales in the United States.
Wow.
We made it our business to catch a day at the humongous (2100 exhibits!) Expo East event, the 24th annual gathering of the largest natural and organic products tradeshow and conference…right of the Great Divide
Naturally (ahem), we have already marked our calendar for next year’s multi-day confab.
EXPO EAST
One day=too much to take it all in.
WHAT”S NEW:
Expo East is a launch-pad for many innovative products including food (for humans and pets), nutritional supplements, haircare/beauty, household products and clothing.
Here’s a sample of what we loved.
W.S. BADGER Company Inc: Natural & USDA Certified Organics Line
We’ve used Badger “Hardworking” lip/body balms since it first hit retail shelves at our local gardening centers…like a decade ago
New for the holidays is what many need the most…the handy groupings of healing balms ($16). As in:
Mind Balm Duet Set (Headache Soother/Stress Soother)
Dig The Earth Gift Set (Cuticle Care, Anti-Bug and Sore Muscle Balms)
Badger Gems Gift Set (Healing, Sleep and Foot Balms)
and
Sore Muscle Balm Gift Set (Original Sore Muscle, Cooling Blend, and Sore Joints Balms).
We slathered on the Cuticle Care Balm within 30 seconds of entering the spacious exhibit. Loaded with moisutizing Wild Shea Butter and Virgin Olive Oil, the balm absorbed as soon as we applied the creamy formula (no oily residue)…and it worked its magic instantly.
Later on, we also made good use of the now Certified Organic -Aromatherapy relaxer, the Stress Soother Balm that had calming hints of Lavender, Tangerine and herbs (not chemicals!).
We rubbed a bit on our temples and wrists…and enjoyed the pause that refreshed.
Seeing how we were experiencing an airport delay (imagine that)…we decided that this Soother is an essential. In every day life there’s always something that needs a chill-out aid.
Rounding out the holiday stocking stuffers are 4 packs of the Classic Lip Balms ($10).
NEED HELP?
Live Badgers are available 9-5 ET, M-F to answer questions, take orders or therwise “make your day.”
(800) 603-6100/ BADGER BALM
AUBREY® ORGANICS:
This booth, the size of a typical NYC apartment- was buzzing. The founder of this used to be cult favorite-now widely popular skin/hair care brand, Aubrey Hampton was in the house…helping his friendly team educate attendees.
New to us is the firming renewal cream with CoQ10 liposomes-the Lumessence Lift ($32.50). Dabbing a smidgen on our visage, the light-weight hydrating cream sunk in right away. Reportedly, within two weeks of regular use, we’d notice a difference in our complexions.
Meaning a firmer, more youthful-looking skin courtesy of a unique highly purified algae extract, time released CoQ10, watermelon extract and an oat protein…that encourage cell production and slow down the visible signs of aging.
For us, this pleasingly scented (meaning barely a scent) cream is now our pre-makeup moisturizer. It’s comforting to know that the product that feeds our skin is made of natural good for you ingredients.
And we wouldn’t be surprised if the Lumessence Lift joins Aubrey’s best-selling GPB Shampoos and Conditioners-on household shelves worldwide.
No wonder their tagline is “…the intelligent choice.”
INFO: AUBREY® ORGANICS
LARÉNIM® MINERAL MAKEUP
Many companies get going as a result of the founder’s passion or problems.
Larénim Mineral Makeup came into being because of the latter…as entrepreneur Kristen Corcoran “…started the line because I wanted to use truly healthy and beautiful cosmetics and I couldn’t find any. For years, I struggled with skin issues as: acne, expanded pores, rosacea and irritated skin and eyes.”
Bingo-the laundry list of grips shared by many.
Mistletoe Eye Color
At the trendy booth, women were like kids in a candy store… pouring over the vast color selections available -in the Mineral Airbrush™ Pressed Foundations, Mineral Silk™ and Invisi-Pore™ finishing powders… and the luminous, long lasting eye colors and eyeliners.
What we tried out right away was the Mineralash™ Mascara-a vegan formula in Jet Black that went on clump free and made our peepers, well frankly Twiggy luscious.
FACT: Larémin does not contain bismuth oxychloride that “can be responsible for the greasy, big-pored look and skin irritation that dissuade many people from continuing to use some other mineral makeup.” The line has no phthalates, no talc and no chemical preservatives either.
HOLIDAYS: For beauty addicts on your list…or you…the limited edition- chic cosmetic bags will please recipients.
The Silver Collection for cool skin tones (Cooling Luminizer™ subtle glaze of color, Silver Belles™ icy silver eye color, Mineralash™ Mascara and eye color Kabuki Brush)
And
The Gold Collection for warm skin tones (Warming Luminizer™, Vixen™ gold shimmer eye color, Mineralash™ Mascara and eye color Kabuki Brush)
TOO COOL:
The Goth Collection for “wild masquerade nights or everyday dark glamour…(to) create your fabulous cryptic look.”
INFO: LARENIM 800 650-9575
AVALON ORGANICS, ALBA BOTANICA™, ZIA® NATURAL SKINCARE
The Hains Celestial Mothership sailed into Expo East with many skin/body care lines we know, trust, and have been using for years.
We zeroed in on the Holiday gift sets that are soon to hit shelves…as we think in this economy- it makes sense to buy gifts that are functional and not superfluous.
AVALON ORGANICS:
Peppermint Revitalizing Bath and Body Sink Set
For that post adrenaline let down after spending way too much time stressing (shopping)…this festive packaged gift revitalizes with gentle Peppermint Glycerin Hand Soap, and softening Peppermint Hand & Body Lotion with refreshing Peppermint Oil (natch).
This is a great gift for any over worked holiday host, male or female.
BTW: All Avalon Organics’ products are free of parabens, artificial ingredients and synthetic fragrances.
INFO:< AVALON ORGANICS
ALBA BOTANICA™
A tropical vibe of mouth-watering fruits and plants permeates the Holiday Gift sets from the hypo-allergens’ aware Alba Botanica.™
The Hawaiian Bath and Body Gift Set transports users to sunny skies with its natural aromas emanating from the Passion Fruit Body Wash- with enriching papaya, pineapple and kelp… and the Papaya Mango Body Cream with soothing macadamia nut oil.
For beauty queens the 100% mineral color Terra Gloss lip duo (Garnet and Bloom shades that look good on most skin tones) has a hint of shimmer plus moistens puckers with vitamin E and shea butter. The glosses feel good on lips too, not glucky. We tried.
The clear Hawaiian Lip Glosses are ideal seals over lipsticks or naturally healing on their own. They impart a healthy shine… and are authentically fruity courtesy of natural extracts.
We really liked the feel of the Hawaiian Lip Balm trio with certified organic Jojoba Seed oil (in Coconut Cream Lip Balm, Pineapple Quench Lip Balm and Passion Fruit Nectar). Figures, our significant other “stole” our sample.
INFO: ALBA BOTANICA
ZIA ®NATURAL SKINCARE
This under the radar, natural and eco-conscious skincare line has earned a stellar reputation for effective solutions to what ails pores of both genders…
In fact- Zia’s handsomely packaged Men’s Skincare line is chock full of dual or triple purpose products like Triple Action Wash 3 In 1 Face/Body/Hair a mild cleanser that’s travel perfect.
For the holidays Zia’s “To Go Facial Gift Sets” are a great intro to the line. Just $19.95 apiece-these presents are smartly grouped product collections for all skin types-dry, oily and normal to combo.
Not wanting to label anyone- we think the normal/combo set is the safe bet with:
Fresh Cleansing Gel, Bamboo Exfoliant , Sea Tonic Rosewater & Aloe Toner, Ultimate Moisture, and Fresh Papaya Enzyme Mask
INFO: ZIA NATURAL
800 334-SKIN
BUG BAND™ WITH GERANIOL
We wish we were hitting golf courses for the holidays.
Dream on.
During the warmer months, one essential that we always use is the Bug Band…. a plastic wristband with natural geranium oils that keeps us tick/mosquito bite free. And it comes in many colors for when we are in matchy-matchy mood.
We think everyone prefers pesticide free, environmentally ‘green” protection. That’s a no-brainer.
For gifts the cool Glow in the Dark Bug Band wristbands will delight kids and parental units alike. Very smart.
INFO: BUGBAND
UNDER THE CANOPY –EARTHWISE STYLE
Although we were drooling over the sumptuous home collections (organic bed coverings, 100% thick cable knit organic cotton blankets, plush organic cotton towels etc)…gift-wise, the casual wear is the way to go.
For men, the organic cotton interlock kimono (one size) in white, natural, or grey would please.
For ladies, the lounge gift set – an organic cotton spandex jersey cap sleeve v-neck top and comfy bottom in eggplant – is good for hanging out around the home, running around the town, and/or and versatile enough to wear to the gym.
There are also extra long, soft organic cotton jersey tees with fun graphics and basics like capri pants, and Henley long sleeve tees in soft neutral tones- via eco-friendly dyes.
These are separates one can never have enough of. In sizes Small-X Large.
INFO: UNDER THE CANOPY
KOPALI ORGANICS: “SUPERGOOD SUPERFOOD”
There was healthy eating galore at Expo East. We snacked our way through 4 long aisles of food and tasty treats.
One delicious standout was the Kopali Organics Fair Trade premium snacks.
Backstory: Started by co-founders Zak Zaidman and Stephen Brooks while they were living off the grid in a Costa Rican permaculture farm…
Kopali Organics is “a mission-driven company” that delivers healthy yummy snacks in a sustainable manner.
Meaning sourcing the small organic farmers throughout Mexico and Central America to produce chocolate covered treats and dried fruits that are naturally sweet, good for you…and an economic lifeline for ethical eco farmers.
We sampled the chocolate covered espresso beans. They were purely divine.
Need we say----the sample packets of organic pineapple, mango and mulberry that we helped ourselves too…didn’t last past our aforementioned airport delay. And we weren’t in a sharing mood either.
INFO: KOPALI ORGANICS