It has been said that the greatest amount of damage done by UV rays is that received before age 20. Research definitely indicates that over exposure to the sun's UV rays during childhood significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

The teen years see the most high risk sun exposure. Out of parent's watch, and insistence of sunscreen usage, teens are much more likely to get sunburns and sun damage. And this is not only happening at the beach and pool, but tanning salons too.

Teens make up a large percentage of the tanning salon clientele, and research now shows that regular tanning bed usage prior to the age of 35 can increase the risk of melanoma by a whopping 75%.

Legislation is under way to put a ban on minors using tanning beds, with 32 states currently regulating the use of tanning beds by minors. New legislation would make it illegal for anyone under 18 to use tanning beds. The current law is children between 14 and 17 first need parental approval.

The threat of skin cancer and premature aging may go a long way toward encouraging our youth to avoid the damaging effects of tanning beds. Same goes to over exposure to UV rays from the sun. Lavera presents a great alternative to that harmful glow.

Let us a lend a hand with Lavera Tan & Protect Kit. Get your glow on while saving your skin (and your health) with our Glow & Go Self Tanner and our safe and natural sunscreen.

Get started with the Glow & Go Self Tanner. Our all-natural, chemical free tanner gives skin a beautiful glow without nasty ingredients or harmful UV rays. Organic plant ingredients lend light hydration to keep skin soft and supple. Easy application and streak-free.

Now that you have your color covered, protect your skin (and your "tan") with Lavera Sunscreen Lotion SPF 20 UVA. Our pure mineral sunscreen provides the best defense against sun damage, protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and is designed to be gentle on skin.

Annabella Asvik is a TV producer and has hosted numerous TV shows and series such as A&E Network's Bio Channel and Full Frontal Fashion on the Sundance Channel. She loves fashion and beauty, but wants to be stylish and sexy without hurting the Earth or the creatures that live on it. Annabella hunts down products that make her feel good inside and out, and hopes to inspire others to make beautiful choices too!

Recently, Annabella has discovered Lavera products and has created an number of video blogs at, EthicalBella.com, that we want to share with you. Her videos are extra special as she has a number of professional make up tips that you will find useful. Annabella's latest blog demonstrates how to create a summer signature look using Lavera's easy-to-apply shimmery eye shadows and eyeliners. Your eyes will shine and your tan come alive. View Annabella's makeup tutorial using Lavera eye products. You can watch now by clicking on this video!

We have packaged these eye makeup products from Annabelle's tutorial as a new product called "ECO BEAUTY: Sexy, Shimmery Eyes!"

ECO BEAUTY: Sexy, Shimmery Eyes!
Includes the following products:

• Beautiful Mineral Eyeshadow - Golden Beige #2
• Beautiful Mineral Eyeshadow - Chocolate Brown #8
• Liquid Eyeliner - Black
• Double Black Mascara - Black
• Eyeliner No. 1 black

Customer Feedback:
"I loved the video and used your technique on my eyes yesterday - its nice to have someone show us ladies how to do it right! Thanks!"
G. Baker

ETHICALBELLA BEAUTY: Lavera's Natural Gentle Makeup Remover Review Now that we have a glam signature look for the summer, we need to make sure we get it all off at the end of the night. It's so important to let skin breath! Annabella demonstrates in her video blog, how to use Lavera's Gentle Make-up Remover.

ETHICALBELLA: Lavera's Natural Self-Tanner Review - Amazing Tan! A great looking tan, healthy ingredients, and no sun damage! Looks like you've found your summer staple in New Lavera Self Tanning Lotion for Face & Body.

Lavera's Orange Sea Buckthorn products are the perfect summer cocktail for your skin! Why is Sea Buckthorn such a power house in the skin care industry right now? When it comes to vitamin C, sea buckthorn has about 16 times as much of this nutrient as kiwis. Not only does vitamin C protect your skin from the ravages of free radicals, it also plays a role in collagen production. This fruit is also loaded with vitamin A & E. These three antioxidants combined help to fight those dreaded wrinkles and play an important role in shedding the dead surface skin cells.

Sea Buckthorn also contains EFA (essential fatty acids), these natural lubricants that help your skin maintain a natural balance.

Using the Sea Buckthorn products is a great way to kick your summer into high gear and maintain the perfect balance of collagen production and moisture retention. Lavera isn't the only one that stands behind Sea Buckthorn, even Dr. Oz LOVES his Sea Buckthorn. The incredibly high antioxidant properties of the sea buckthorn berry, along with its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and its ability to be immune-supportive, make this an outstanding oil to improve total body wellness. The oil used from the sea buckthorn has even been used to reduce the risk of radiation burns for Russian astronauts working in space. Read the full blog article on Dr. Oz's website about additional benefits of the sea buckthorn.

The sea buckthorn berry, which is native to Europe and Asia has also been recently featured on the June 2nd segment of "The Dr. Oz Show," in which the health benefits of this berry were explored. Dr. Oz noted that sea buckthorn oil can keep the skin young and beautiful as a moisturizer for the face and body. Sea buckthorn provids more protection and nutrition to the skin due to it's high levels of free fatty acids, phytosterol, phosphatide, vitamins E and A, and carotenoids. The free fatty acids is easily absorbed by the skin keeping it slightly acidic which helps to fight infection. Linoleic acid and linolenic acid promote repair of tissue damage. Phosphatide, hydrocarbon and phosphatide forms a protective film to prevent excessive moisture loss. Sitosterol improves mirco-circulation in the skin. Sea buckthorn softens and lubricates the skin and keep it smooth and fair.

With this in mind, we created a collection of Lavera's Orange Sea-Buckthorn products together as our new Spa Package. Designed specifically for rejuvenating and nourishing your skin with high concentrations of antioxidants; vitamins A, C and E from the sea buckthorn berry. This Spa Package includes one each of the following Orange Sea-Buckthorn products:

• Shower & Bath Gel
• Body Lotion
• Body Scrub
• Deodorant Roll-on
• Hand Cream

While there are the four most common skin types oily/acne, dry/mature, sensitive, and normal/combination — none of us have cookie-cutter skin. You may have normal skin with an oily T-zone, or dry skin that is also sensitive, or oily skin that is sensitive...the list goes on and on.

The most important step in choosing your skincare is first determining exactly which products work for your skin. You may need to use a different moisturizer on your forehead, nose, and chin than on your cheeks and neck. Or maybe you have dry skin but require a cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients. Tailor-make your skincare to your individual needs.

Two very common issues are dry skin or oily/acne skin that is also sensitive. First, many women believe their skin to be sensitive when it may be a reaction to the toxic chemicals used to make conventional skin care. You may find that your sensitivity lessens, or even disappears, once you begin using natural skin care. You may also have sensitivity to certain ingredients. Look over your product labels and see if you can identify a common culprit.

Another cause of irritation is often due to over-cleansing and drying out the skin. If you are concerned about breakouts you may be using too harsh a cleanser on your face, sapping the skin of moisture (even oily skin needs hydration), which results in over-production of oil and breakouts. In this case, a mild cleanser and light moisturizer usually works wonders.

Just because you love a couple of products from one line does not mean you have to use the entire line or can't substitute a product from another. You may love the FACES Calendula Cleansing Gel from the Normal/Combo line, with the Wild Rose Toner for balance, Calendula Balancing Cream on the T-zone, with MyAge Eye Cream and Night Cream for over-night. It is all about finding what works for YOU.

As Liz Thompson, beauty editor of Organic Beauty Source, stated in this month's issue of JAYE Magazine..."Your beauty drawer should be as individual as you are. I think many women make the mistake of using what their best friend uses on her skin, or their sister, or their favorite movie star. Use products that are suited to your individual skin type and issues. If you are uncertain what your type is, ask a professional. And you do not have to use all of the products from a line just because it matches your skin type." Lavera skin care is all natural and completely free from harmful chemical ingredients. Unsure of which products you need for your skin type or skin issues? Rebecca, can help - call her at 1.877.528.3727

It is as important to be healthy as it is beautiful - after all good health is the foundation of true beauty. And with Lavera organic cosmetics and skin care you can have both!

One time of life when you may tend toward a lower maintenance level is during pregnancy and raising young children. Who has the time or energy for elaborate skin care and makeup sessions?

You do not have to have much of either to maintain beautiful, glowing, healthy skin. As expectant mom Alicia Silverstone knows, vegan/organic cosmetics and skin care are the answer to caring for your skin and protecting your baby at the same time.

As a matter of fact, Alicia loves Lavera products. Just check out her blog on her website - theKindLife.com

Calendula Cleansing Gel - This gentle foaming cleanser gets rid of dirt and makeup without irritating skin. Contains Organic Calendula, Witch hazel, and Mallow extract.

Wild Rose Moisturizing Cream - Light and nourishing, instantly restores radiance to dry or tired skin. Made with Organic Sweet Almond Oil and pure flower extracts.

Wild Rose Eye Gel - Brighten and refresh sleepy eyes with this light and gentle gel made with Organic Evening Primrose.

Volume Mascara - Nothing opens eyes and gives the finishing touch like our natural-look Volume Mascara. Contains Organic Jojoba oil and natural minerals.

Rose Milk Shampoo - Add luster and tone to dry or stressed hair. Made with Organic Macadamia and Avocado oils, plus Wheat proteins for elasticity.

Mango Milk Hair Treatment - This deep conditioner contains anti-oxidant rich Organic Mango and Green tea extracts to protect hair, while Organic Cocoa and Shea butters seal in moisture.

Treat yourself or a mom you know this Mother's Day with organic cosmetics that pamper and protect not only the skin, but the entire body.