I must admit, I’m rather annoyed right now. I’m annoyed with being lied to by big corporations and companies wanting to foist products on us, knowing full well that there are associated health issues. From mattresses, to paints, to cleaning products, to baby bottles using BPA, the list seems endless and, on a bad day, insurmountable. Having to read endless ingredient lists on labels to determine whether my skin will fall off or my baby will keel over at an inopportune moment is not my idea of fair or fun. One such area that has its (un)fair share of toxic ingredients (and animal testing, to boot) is the cosmetics industry.

With new information and warnings about chemical beauty products coming out every day, reading labels and trying to memorize an ever-growing list of “ingredients to avoid” can be overwhelming. So, when I heard about a new, carbon-neutral online boutique for luxury green, organic and cruelty-free beauty and life-style products, I just had to have a peek. SpiritBeautyLounge.com was launched in the fall of 2008 as a one-stop shop for organic and sustainable beauty products from companies with clearly defined humane, ethical, and environmental policies. They also carry recycled and vintage jewelry, hard-to-find European skincare lines and non-toxic household cleaning products. How fab is that? As well as donating a portion of all profits to carbonfund.org and 1% For The Planet, their facilities also use Green-e certified 100% renewable energy sources.

Created by Spirit Demerson, a San Francisco native, artist, activist and beauty school dropout who was less than amused with the misleading labels and not-so-luxurious organic beauty products at the local natural foods markets. Her dedication to perfection paid off and, after spending hours obsessively researching ingredients and mixing up her own potions in the kitchen, she has now turned to her passion towards helping the rest of us shop safely.

The site showcases a variety of great products ranging from skin care, hair care, cosmetics, baby, fragrance and baby, etc. You’ll also find handpicked high-end organic and/or natural lines like Suzanne aux Bains, ila, Patyka, Nvey Eco and Tsi-La. Still not feeling the love? Well, on the Customer Service side of things they have Live Chat on the site so you can ask questions and get recommendations and answers on the spot. But I  personally really I love ‘Spot Light’ section which contains (IMHO) the made for the man with no clue ‘Green Gifts’ section and this is just perfect for the upcoming holiday season (hint, hint!). Oh, and not only are they great gift ideas, but purchasing one will result in a 5% donation to help save the Polar Bears!

Whatever you decide on, you can reset assured that all products are held to a “3 P’s” requirement of performance, potency/purity & packaging and also don’t forget to also check out their blog. It has some great health and beauty related articles and top tips to get you looking and feeling fab this winter!

One more thing… as a special incentive to get you to do something wonderful for yourself  (or your loved ones) SpiritBeautyLounge have extended MuseGreen readers a 15% discount through December 15th! You’ll always get free shipping on orders over $100, they have a 30-day return policy and they hand pick free samples to send you with every order. So hurry up and pamper yourself before you turn into a pumpkin. Just remember to use MUSEG at checkout!