A heart haul: Beauty products that make a difference

When news of the global socio-economic-ecologic situation screams at you from every turn, what’s a socially aware beauty addict do? The answer: go for retail therapy, but find alternatives. It is possible to find inexpensive, effective, and environmentally- and socially-sound beauty products—where else?—on the internet. Here, some great finds—the fruits of an online beauty shopping spree.

Find No. 1: Leyende

Leyende is a collection of beauty essentials cooked up by Neva Talladen. The line has since come out of the kitchen and into an actual office, but all the hair, face, and body products are still handmade and organic. Plus, these are products Neva herself uses—I was sold! Neva also works closely with the International Mission for Justice, employing women who have been rescued from human trafficking as part of a work/study program. How’s that for a socially-aware beauty guru?

1. Clean Slate. A facial wash that is also a make-up remover and toner. Don't we all just love multi-taskers? This product removed my waterproof mascara and eyeliner without stinging my eyes. It doesn't foam up, but after washing it off, your face does feel clean and soft. I've been using it in tandem with the next product on this list, and my skin has been great.
100 ml, P350

2. Face Canvas. A light facial moisturizer that’s absorbed quickly by the skin. An excellent product, it eliminated the stubborn seasonal dryness on the sides of my nose. And like Clean Slate, it smells great.
60g, P450

3. Kiss Kiss Balm Balm: Lip balm. A beeswax balm (no petroleum here!) for your lips. I got the strawberry version (which is tinted) and it gave a slight hue along with its moderate moisturization. The strawberry scent is as expected, though it made me realize that this fragrance is not something I'm programmed to like—I’m a tropical kid through and through.
15g, P200

Visit http://www.leyende.com to see more of their lovely handmade products.

Find No. 2: Human Heart Nature

Human Heart Nature (their logo makes use of the classic love symbol: I suppose that means human loves nature? Or perhaps just Human Nature with a heart?) is a range of personal care products that is 100% organic, 100% Philippine-grown, and 100% chemical free. But it’s their prices that will make you take a second look. The brand was founded by Anne and Camille Meloto, who are working in tandem with their father, Tony Meloto, to provide livelihood opportunities to Filipino organic farmers from various GK villages.

1. Royal Jelly Overnight Moisturizer with Banana Extract: Night cream. Perhaps because of its container, it was runny, and I had to be careful not to spill it. The banana scent is strong without being overpowering. My skin seemed to absorb it unevenly, though upon waking up the next morning, my skin did feel moisturized without being oily. A new formulation is in the works.
50mL, P94.75

2.Bee Propolis & Beeswax with Calendula-Mandarin: Lip balm with sun protection. The orange scent of this balm is refreshing and its moisturizing action is adequate. A single swipe of your finger in this small pot doesn’t get much product, though, which is probably why they’re now sold in tubes.
10g, P49.75

You can order products at http://humanheartnature.com; your wallet will love you!

Find No. 3: Tindahang Sakto

Bea Misa's critique of our plastic-dependent (and in turn, petroleum-dependent) society is rooted in a respect and belief for the local. She and Robbie Crisostomo run Tindahang Sakto—think sari-sari store for eco-friendly goods. What piqued my curiosity was their KKL (kanya-kanyang lalagyan) policy. It's a simple but effective way of lessening our dependency on plastic bags.

Cinnamon Coffee Scrub: Glycerine-based exfoliating soap. Part of the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious soaps line, this handmade soap is a sight to behold. Its ingenious and completely biodegradable packaging is a treat in itself to open—in trying to find a way to seal their soaps without the use of tape (they used to wrap it in leaves), they hit upon the idea of wrapping them first in wax paper and then dipping it plant-based wax. The soap itself makes you think of clouds in your coffee and does foam up nicely. It leaves you with a clean, but not itchy, feeling, and a faint warm scent.
100g, P130

Check out their site at http://tindahangsakto.multiply.com or visit them at the Legazpi Market. They also have coffee subscriptions to aid in the war relief effort in Mindanao.

While popular beauty brands are all well and good, looking beyond the usual options—to those closer to home—is a small step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.  Because in the end, it’s not just about what’s organic or who’s doing it for a cause: we all need a good dose of ubuntu, an African belief that posits that we get our humanity from our community—literally, “I am because you are.” With this in mind (and in our hearts,) even our smallest and most personal choices can make a difference.

(Photos courtesy of Anina G. Abola)

• i love human heart nature products.
  by reeya on 2010-01-14 21:52:56
• My hubby and I are fans of Human Nature products. I'm using their honey facial wash while hubby uses calendula facial wash.
  by lizmaristela on 2010-01-21 22:48:27
• where can i get these prods?
  by h on 2010-01-27 15:50:08
• thanks for the great reviews :) I have tried some HHN products but I havent tried Leyende's and Tindahang Sakto's. I will definitely check them out :)
  by mizhelle on 2010-02-17 23:49:49
• I love Human Heart Natures! One of the best out there :)
  by wednesdei on 2010-02-18 01:25:55
• I want to try Human Heart Nature. Since maganda reviews and SUPER affordable sya. :)
  by anggeh on 2010-02-18 09:51:41
• This is the first time I've heard of these products. I'd better try at least one of them since they sound good.
  by prettylass8831 on 2010-02-20 09:31:12
• this products are all organic. i like them all.
  by Aizen on 2010-02-26 02:42:30
• I'd love to try Human Nature products.
  by stelaregine on 2010-03-01 11:39:25
• I have Human Nature's and Leyende's products! Hurray for organic products! :)
  by Nina Beatrice Lacson on 2010-03-02 13:04:26
• I heard the brand Leyende is nice and effective naman
  by Dan on 2010-03-04 12:05:01
• I campaign for being Green and Organic in everything, beauty/personal products included. I love Human Heart Nature products. Tried their Facial line. Effective and easy on the pocket. I am a total convert that I decided to become a Distributor. :)
  by Miel on 2010-03-06 11:53:25
• im using leyende's face canvas and i love it and it smells yummy! i've chanced upon it while strolling at the ramp in crossings dept.
  by rhia on 2010-03-11 02:06:43
• pls. where can i buy this product, human heart nature, tnx!
  
  by darlingpearl on 2010-03-14 18:12:55
• my sister and I together with my niece love human heart nature products. iam using the day and night moisturizer and my skin is no longer dry,my balikbayan friend even noticed my glowing skin!
  by socky on 2010-03-14 20:25:30
• Will check these products,thanks!
  by deejay on 2010-03-15 16:29:18
• i've been using human heart nature and leyende products. you may also want to check by nature handmade soaps. their soaps are great! :)
  
  you may visit http://naturesent.multiply.com
  by lish on 2010-04-14 10:12:58
• Do not a lot of cash to buy a house? Worry no more, just because this is available to take the business loans to work out such problems. So get a credit loan to buy everything you want.
  by Tia24Wall on 2010-06-19 15:26:25