The Big V Day is arriving and you are thinking about doing something similar from last year. So predictable, so easy – but really boring. Let’s spice things up! It’s 2011 and the time is now to think creatively and fun and festive. This does not mean things have to be expensive. Most restaurants will be full and anyone can take a date out to dinner. What about actually making dinner for your Valentine? Doing something special for them like running the bath with some bubbles and setting up candles and washing their hair? How about some close, special “me” time or maybe we should say “together” time?  Sounds better than dinner out with a worn out waitress taking your order already right? We thought so! And yes, we normally talk about natural skincare and makeup and having your own private label skincare line for your spa – but we are straying a bit for the fun of Valentine’s Day!

Here are our TOP 4 Valentine’s Ideas that won’t break the budget and are designed to have you back to your sexy self again!

1)  Get in the car….full tank of gas and take a romantic drive. Bring your favorite CD’s and relax together. Find a neat, local out of the way place to have a bite to eat and ask the locals for something interesting to know about the town. Sometimes you find out that a random famous book author lived there and the entire plot for the novel was developed out of the local characters. Maybe you go find the book and read it later. Give it to your date as memorabilia for your fun day. Sometimes you find out that a town is haunted or maybe just the library…..hmmm do you have time to check it out? Be adventurous and open to new ideas and new experiences – together it will be a fun day!

2) Are you an eco-friendly green environmentalist type? What can you do on Valentine’s Day that would help the planet? What about something you could do together to help a neighbor? Sometimes it’s not about doing things for just yourselves, sometimes it’s about lending a hand to fix and paint an elderly neighbors broken fence. You could just ask permission first (always a good thing) and then hand them a Valentine’s card and wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day neighbor – your friends name1 and name2. So if you end up at the movies that night eating popcorn for dinner at the $3 theater – that’s ok – you helped your neighbor and your neighborhood with time. Precious time and a little bit of effort. I bet you’ll have fun too!

3)  When as the last time you were on a train? There are fun train rides all across America. You just have to do a little research. Some people like to take the ski train up to the mountains whether they ski or not. Think about experiencing a railroad museum together. Take in a little history – maybe you will actual win your next Trivial Pursuit game just because you know a cool steam train fact. If you do find a fun excursion it’s nice that you can both enjoy the scenery and snuggle while the train takes you to magical places. All aboard!

4) Ok so we know this might be predictable but – you can’t go wrong setting up the tub with candles and rose petals and some nice natural bubble bath that will make your Valentine’s skin so soft and subtle. Yes, it really will. Do we have to mention all the details? Even if you just bring in pizza or tossed salads from your favorite place – just make everything easy and relaxed. Er, you did remember the champagne? Chocolate? Sent the kids to their friend’s house for the night? Check, check and check?  Ah, you ROCK my friend. The scent of cherries or lavender or roses along with the sweeping shadows of light from your candles and the warm steam from the bath…….such a great way to celebrate time. Slow, relaxing time. Valentine’s Day is good to come around early in the year to remind us of how nice and giving we should all be to one another. Cuddling is so much better with chocolate kisses.

May all our blog readers all over the world celebrate Valentine’s Day in style. If you’d like to use any of our luscious products in your experience please order soon from Renaud Naturals so everything will arrive in time. Happy Valentine’s Day friends!

Mineral makeup is one of the hottest trends in the beauty market today. Natural, earth-based makeup has grown in popularity in the last decade as we strive to become healthy and “green” and we see the need to integrate natural, organic products into our lives.

Skin is a living, breathing tissue that covers and protects the body, but it also absorbs substances that come into contact with it.  Just as prescription drugs can be delivered through our skin via a patch – makeup and skin care products are also absorbed by our skin.  It is important to use both natural skincare and natural makeup products that are chemical, pesticide and paraben free.

All natural mineral makeup is free of harsh preservatives, fragrances, and synthetic dyes.  Many of these artificial ingredients are the culprits that can irritate sensitive skin. Consumers love mineral makeup because it does not contain these harmful ingredients, and they are doing something good for their skin.

Mineral makeup is as natural as it gets and it does not require the synthetic preservatives to maintain the shelf life of the products.  It is manufactured using finely ground stone such as mica, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide – minerals that come straight from the earth.  These minerals are used to create the powders free of potentially toxic ingredients, such as talc. There is a demand to produce cosmetics that beautify, but that also offer health benefits as well.

Mineral make-up is made from minerals that have natural healing qualities. Ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide actually have anti-inflammatory properties.  This can be beneficial if you have skin conditions such as acne or rosacea that cause the face to redden.  Not only will mineral makeup conceal the condition, but it will also help to correct the inflammation.

The rich colors are drawn from natural iron oxides instead of synthetic dyes. Mineral eye shadows and blushes are available in every hue you can imagine. So, you’ll never have to give up the colors you crave.

The exceptionally silky textured minerals in this natural makeup give long lasting coverage with a lightweight natural feel, not the powdery look caused by many talc-based products.  Mineral powder foundations have a light and airy texture. These mineral powders reflect light to help skin look even and smooth, instead of caking into fine lines like many traditional foundations.

Most mineral products are extremely intense and may be used very sparingly. The loose powder foundations and blushes are very popular varieties and can be buffed into the skin using a wide brush.

Mineral makeup also helps protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.  Many mineral ingredients offer the skin protection by blocking the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin. The minerals (with titanium dioxide) tend to stay on the skin rather than be absorbed by it, therefore blocking the UV rays. The light reflective minerals provide a healthy glow and protection from the sun.

Renaud Naturals‘ mineral makeup contains no talc, perfumes, dyes, alcohol, or comedogenic ingredients, and uses only the purest ingredients available. Isn’t it time you went “natural” in your makeup as well as your skincare? It’s  great for all ages, skin types, and skin tones. What are you waiting for? Dive into mineral makeup and enjoy the natural healthy glow!