Photo By: Gunnar Larson
Sara Damelio’s line of balms and creams have a busy job: clearing up problem skin all over town, all while being green.
Her fans have spoken, recently naming Skincando the Best Handmade Eco-Beauty products in the DC City Paper contest. (Want to buy ’em now? Head to her green beauty spa in Silver Spring, called The Emerald Door.)
Now the eco-facialist is on a mission to spread the message of “healthy beauty” and get DC caught up to the organic skincare movement. Cities like LA and NYC are already leaps and bounds ahead of us, she says.
Her beauty boutique at The Emerald Door sells top eco-beauty brands, including Meow Meow Tweet, Shamanuti, Orgaid, and Raw Elements–all products that complement her organic facials.
“If you’re looking for the best non-toxic manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing and organic beauty boutique, it’s at The Emerald Door,” she said.
Damelio shared her thoughts about the growing eco-beauty market–and how to spot a real “green” product amidst a sea of confusing labeling.
Why do you think eco-beauty is hotter than ever?
Green and Clean Beauty is the fastest-growing sector in the beauty industry because as the population has gotten sicker, more people are looking to lighten their toxic load. It’s an exciting time for women because we have so many amazing, clean product lines available. Also, Gwyneth Paltrow and GOOP was a major force in getting green beauty out there on a national scale.
How can a consumer make sure they are buying an organic skin care product?
If they say they are green and organic, you need to look for a clear ingredients list to make sure that the product isn’t green-washed.
What are the benefits of using green products?
When you use products from the drug store or a department store, you are buying packaging and marketing, not amazing products that are beneficial to you. True green beauty products help keep your skin healthy, primarily because of the ingredients that aren’t in them. You can get real results including clearer and brighter-looking skin.
What are some must-haves going into the summer?
Every one needs a jar of Combat-Ready Balm and a bottle of Combat-Ready Bug Repellant in their beach bag. It is the perfect solution for after-sun care and avoiding bug bites this summer. Another must have that I love for summer is Raw Elements’ SPF 30 tinted facial moisturizer. Billed as an “eco-protection sunscreen,” the Miami Beach-made product is reef safe and comes in a tropical neon orange tubes and cans. The best part, it won’t break you out!
Carla, founder of Spicy Candy DC also swears by her Miracle Cream and the brand new Day Cream—for the visible effects of smoother, dewier, and breakout-free skin. And Raw Elements is giving us an extra glow under the sun. We also tried a lineup of Eco Tools makeup sponges, made from EcoFoam technology with 70% plant-based materials. The funky shapes are fully functional, with a flat surface for large surface areas and a round base to seamlessly blend lines.
