A Coloured Salad

By Mag Teo
Writing about Stem Organics made me think about food with anti-oxidant properties, especially brightly-coloured fruits and vegetables. Rich in carotenoids, these edibles fight free radicals to keep us healthy and clarify our skin. I may love colours on my eye but I love colours in my food too! ;)

One of my favourite salads came from the now-defunct pizza joint, Milano's. Combining several types of fresh produce, this cheerfully-coloured starter is a delicious and healthy dish. Best of all, it's really simple to make.

I won't be giving you a standard recipe, since proportions would differ according to veggie preferences but the salad basically comprises:

• Red, green and yellow bell peppers (capsicum)
• Lettuce
• Cucumber
• Carrot
• Tomato
• Yellow onion
• Raisins
• Olives

Slice or shred everything up and toss!

I love how there's crunch and texture in this tasty salad. The tartness and piquancy of the onion and tri-coloured peppers are wonderfully offset by the sweetness of the carrots and raisins, while the cucumber and lettuce are a crisp and refreshing complement to the other ingredients. I'm not fond of olives though, so I usually omit them! :P

The dressing in the original recipe was the ubiquitous Thousand Island dressing. It goes well with the crunchy veggies but if you like, you could dress this salad with a vinaigrette or some garlic mayonnaise.

If you wish to make it a complete meal, you could also add hard-boiled eggs and ham or tofu and mushrooms, if you're vegan.
Enjoy!

Up Close and Personal with Stem Organics

By Mag Teo

Through some friends in Australia, I recently interviewed Ms S, a happy user of Stem Organics skincare, to find out more about how the brand has worked for her.

Her Background:
Age: Late 20s
Skin Type:
• Sensitive combination skin
• Dry cheeks prone to redness
• Oily T-zone but skin is prone to dehydration
• Eye area has fine lines; milia can develop if products are unsuitable

Ms. S has been using the Gentle Cleansing Milk, Smooth Skin Exfoliant, Fresh Start Serum, Balancing Face Fluid and Intensive Eye Serum from Stem Organics for 9 months.

M: How did you find out about Stem Organics?
S: I found out about the brand from our common friends in Australia, after which I looked it up on the website for more information.

M: What drew you to the brand?
S: I have been an avid user of organic skincare products for 3-4 years now. Being the adventurous type, I have tried many brands in the market. Whilst having a chemical-free regime gives me more comfort, I feel that the brands that I previously tried tend to be overly 'mild' with no obvious benefits. I was later drawn by Stem Organics's anti-aging and anti-oxidant focus and decided to give it a go! I started off using just the Cleansing Milk and Skin Exfoliant, then I gradually added the other products to complete my regime.

M: So why do you like the Stem Organics Cleansing Milk?
S: I'm not fond of cleansing milks as I've had a bad experience with one, so I was a little concerned about the Stem Organics cleanser as it's called a 'cleansing milk'. Turns out that it actually has a gel-cream texture.

It cleanses very well but isn't drying. I like that it washes off nicely with no creamy residue that some milk/cream cleansers have. It also has a refreshing citrus scent.

M: I have heard you rave about the Skin Exfoliant, can you tell me more about it?
S: This is the most effective exfoliator that I've have used to date! The bamboo grains it contains are very small but dense, easily clearing the blocked pores on my nose and chin. They are quite mild, despite their graininess - I use this product all over the face, even on sensitive cheeks, with no problems.

I've read other reviews where users have commented that the effect is similar to microdermabrasion. I agree completely!

I'm on my third consecutive bottle of this product. ;)

M: How about the Fresh Start Serum?
S: It has a light texture and my skin absorbs it very quickly with no residue. I use it day and night and find it very effective in lightening my acne scars and pigmentation on my chin area.

Overall, my skin looks brighter and firmer with consistent use. I think it can be used as a standalone moisturizer for people with oily skin but I couple it with the balancing fluid.

M: What is the Balancing Face Fluid like?
S: It is a good moisturiser. My skin absorbs it quickly and it surprisingly helps to control my T-zone oiliness. It is sufficiently hydrating for my cheeks too (I have tried other moisturisers for combo skin but they were too drying on my cheeks). My skin has become smoother and my skin tone has improved with several applications.

M: And finally, why do you like the Intensive Eye Serum?
S: Finding a suitable eye product is difficult for me due to the dryness around my eye area. If a product is too lightly-textured, it doesn't do anything for me. If it's too rich or oily, I get bad milia.

This is *just* right - my skin very quickly absorbs the light gel-cream texture and it reduces the appearance of my fine lines. I've had no milia issues with this either!

It will last for a long time too, as a small amount goes a long way.

M: Any last thoughts on Stem Organics?
S: I love the texture of everything. They aren't heavy like products from other organic brands I've tried. I also like that the brand doesn't have a wide range…this takes the guesswork out of skincare for me!

The design of the bottles is practical too - all have 'lockable' caps to prevent spillage when travelling (I can't say the same for other brands! :P).

Stem the Ravages of Time with Stem Organics

By Mag Teo
What is Stem Organics?
When Lara Deutsch, the founder of Stem Organics, was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome more than a decade ago, she turned to natural remedies and met with great success.

Stem Organics is the fruit (no pun intended) of her years of researching the benefits of natural and organic skincare, as well as working with cosmetics chemists who specialise in organic ingredients (quite fascinating, really; I wouldn't mind being in a cosmetics lab for a day!).

With a super-antioxidant product range that not only aims to brighten and clarify the complexion, Stem Organics also strives to protect the skin from the ravages of time - the lines and the sags that we cannot avoid but should guard against. Harnessing nature's goodness, the range delivers potent levels of Vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants to the skin to combat the signs of aging.

Although the brand has a strong focus on anti-aging, I like that Stem Organics products are also suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. I've seen such claims from a number of commercial brands but they often do not use the right ingredients. As a result, many people in the sensitive skin category are left gnashing their teeth in skincare frustration because of false promises. Thankfully, Stem Organics's claim is backed by its certified natural ingredients.

It's not surprising, then, that the brand is globally sought after and has many retailers worldwide. In Singapore, Stem Organics can be found at Soap 'n Sorbet from September 2010!

Where is it from?
Stem Organics comes from Australia, a land renowned for its natural bounty. The Land Down Under also has one of the world’s oldest eco-systems with the most certified organic land in the world. Reassuringly, Stem Organics products are entirely manufactured in Australia. ;)

What are the main ingredients in Stem Organics products?
All Stem Organics products contain:

Pomegranate - A super-antioxidant
We're seeing more and more of this fruit, thanks to its strong antioxidant property but it's been around since ancient times. Believe it or not, this jewel of a fruit was so revered that it was drawn on Egyptian tomb walls to symbolise life after death!

Kakadu plum – A super-fruit
Identified as the single natural food source with the highest Vitamin C content in the world, it contains more than fifty times the concentration found in oranges. A traditional source of food for the Aborigines who live in Northern Australia where the fruit is found, this super-fruit is also a natural antiseptic for them.

Aloe vera – A super-soother
A plant known to have soothing, moisturising and healing properties, aloe vera has been used throughout the ages to palliate and calm troubled skin.

Other special ingredients in the products include Australian bush flower essences which balance the skin's condition and grape seed extract, which boosts skin regeneration.

What sets Stem Organics apart from other natural/organic skincare brands?
Stem Organics differentiates itself from other natural/organic lines by infusing its three core ingredients in every product. I also like that it has a compact streamlined range – we've all been baffled by the mind-boggling choices offered by many skincare brands; Stem Organics makes it so much easier!

Whom are Stem Organics products suitable for?
I think this brand will suit people looking for skincare made with genuine natural ingredients, people with sensitive skin and anyone who desires an affordable skincare line enjoyed by many happy users.
The best thing? The brand has created a skincare compatibility chart to determine which specific products are best for your skin and your skin type. :)

Stem Organics will be available at Soap 'n Sorbet from this September. Do look out for this skincare brand that has been highly-effective for many in achieving healthy and glowing skin!

7 Reasons to try Nostalgia Organics Soaps

By Mag Teo
Created by American designer Elea Lutz, Nostalgia Organics has been stirring up the local bath and body scene with its range of natural soaps and charming aesthetic sensibilities. Here are seven reasons to say YES to N.O. soaps! ;)

1. These artisan soaps are carefully hand-made.
Every Nostalgia Organics soap is unique and each batch is limited in number. It is not surprising, then, that they are often snapped up very quickly. Elea meticulously designs all the sewing patterns and fabric prints of the packaging, putting an immense amount of thought and work into her creations. The ensuing beauty pieces are testimony to her labour of love.

With many beauty products being mass-produced in factories today, such a personalised touch is a rarity…and it is this distinct quality that makes these soaps lemming-worthy and great gift ideas.

2. They contain natural ingredients.
Coconut, lavender, shea butter and natural essential oils are some of the plant-based, skin-loving goodies that go into Nostalgia Organics soaps.

According to the company:
(We are committed to) creating natural personal care products using select ingredients from around the world. We emphasize quality not quantity: sourcing organic, biodynamic or wildcrafted botanical, fruit and nut oils is our priority. You will never find harmful synthetics in our products, including petroleum, parabens, lauryl or laureth sulfates, detergents, synthetic preservatives or artificial colors.

Thanks to the non-irritating and non-synthetic ingredients, many happy Nostalgia Organics customers have seen the soaps alleviate their skin rashes and clear their blocked pores.

3. They are pampering.
These luxury soaps not only cleanse, their skin-nourishing ingredients also moisturise the skin well. Some of them even contain natural exfoliants to smoothen and silkify the skin. The gentle scents of the soaps are an olfactory treat too.

4. They support social causes.
Nostalgic Organics believes in fair trade working conditions and earth-friendly recycling practices, as well as selecting raw ingredients from sources that offer sustainable, organic materials. As a result, they source their supplies from organisations that share those beliefs.

In addition, a part of the profits from the sale of the soaps goes toward Beautiful Survivor, a program that lends support to women and girls recovering from cancer.

5. They are beautifully-packaged.
The soaps are packed in colourful vintage-inspired paper/fabric sacks adorned with petite satin ribbons. The images are slightly rustic, a little nostalgic and always charming. The retro soap revival is much welcomed, not least because of the delightful packaging that comes with these cakes of bath lovelies.

6. They are environmentally-friendly.
These natural soaps are gentler on the environment than regular commercial soaps. Their packaging is recyclable and reusable too: The paper packaging printed with vegetable inks is 100% post-consumer recycled, while the specially-designed soap sacks can be crafted into adorable DIY items to be enjoyed even when the soap is used up – their labels unfold into reusable sewing patterns that can turn the fabric into other useful products like egg cozies and pin-cushions!

7. They are affordable.
For all their benefits and positive features, the soaps will not send us into sticker shock. They are priced reasonably in Singapore: the paper-wrapped ones are S$17, while the ones in soap sacks are S$20. These extra-large bars weigh 5.4 oz (slightly more than 150 g) and will last two to three months with daily usage – value for money, certainly!

Do take advantage of periodic Soap 'n Sorbet promotions to purchase them for even less. :)

Try:
Nostalgia Organics Happy Days for a mixture of uplifting citrus and floral scents + gentle exfoliation with finely-ground oatmeal.
Nostalgia Organics Goosebumps to moisturise with a blend of organic olive, coconut and palm oils + banish bumps and spots with crushed apricot shells.
Nostalgia Organics Lavender Flowers for soft exfoliation with a sprinkling of floral buds.
Nostalgia Organics Mud Pie for a skin-soothing treat with comforting chocolate, calming cocoa butter and a dash of wild mint.

It's Soap Lovely!

By Mag Teo
Soaps are enjoying a resurgence in popularity and it's easy to see why: skin-nurturing ingredients, together with an evocative feel of the past, have upped their beauty ante. Throw in a touch of luxe and soaps are set to rule the bath and body realm once more.

Soft and silky
Say goodbye to the skin-stripping bars of the past — today's bath soaps are infused with nourishing ingredients and laden with skin-loving goodness. Often containing restorative moisturisers — and sometimes, exfoliating agents — these soaps cleanse, soothe and smooth our skin all at once.

Old is new
The solid form atop a bath dish and the reassuring feel of a bar of soap in the palm not only conjure up memories of old for some of us, they are also a reminder of how some things never change. If retro is in, then soaps are the definitive nostalgic product of beauty past...and present.

A natural touch
Natural soaps contain plant-based ingredients (think shea butter, botanicals and essential oils) and sometimes, exfoliants (oatmeal and crushed seeds, for instance). Usually organically-sourced, these beneficial ingredients not only pamper our skin, they are gentler on the earth than the chemicals in commercial soaps.

Packaging is everything
A sprinkling of floral petals dispersed in natural soap cakes lend them an air of charm, while vintage-inspired packaging adds a touch of whimsy to these functional products. Ribbons and sacks sometimes dress them prettily, delighting the visual senses. The best thing? Soaps are often simply but tastefully packed in paper — easy-peasy to recycle and great for the environment.

Scents of smell
Gone are the synthetic scents of yesteryear. Essential oil fragrances often permeate natural soaps and are released with every use. At once an olfactory and therapeutic pleasure, the aromatic whiffs make baths a joy and enhance our well-being.

With a plethora of reasons to use these cakes of lovelies, it's time to revel in this soap renaissance!

Upcoming: Mag our beauty guru

Hi all! We have exciting news for you =)

Since the inception of Soap 'n Sorbet 7 months ago, our beloved customers have reflected their wish to to read and learn more about beauty tips and our products.

We love that you have urged us to educate you more! That's why, starting this week, we have invited beauty guru Mag Teo to share her insights with you. A freelance makeup artist and published writer, Mag is the founder of beauty website: http://www.makeupstash.com/. Mag has been writing about cosmetics and skincare for more than 10 years! So, be sure to follow our blog closely to read up on Mag's beauty tidbits. Feel free to drop us any questions or comments!!

New Love & Toast Parfum in Paper Flower!

Dear All!

Happy Summer! Since we brought Margot Elena's whimsically colourful brand Love & Toast, our customers have fallen head over heels in love with its natural, botanical fragrances and cute packaging! Paper Flower - one of the most sought after fragrance among the range - is now back in Parfum form! Now you can enjoy spritzing the lovely scents of Waterlily, Dewberry, Rose and Ylang Ylang anywhere you want! Available at our online store only at http://www.soapnsorbet.com/.