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.

The throat and chest area, décolleté, is one of the first places a woman will notice signs of aging. The skin here is thinner and prone to wrinkling and uneven pigmentation. Following a regular skincare regimen will keep the décolleté looking its best.

Until Labor Day, Sept 6, 2010, save 15% on all items mentioned in this blog* - just enter promo code: DECOLLETE.

Lavera Solution line contains a wealth of powerful anti-agers to smooth skin, minimize appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin on neck, and increase overall luminosity. The main cause of premature aging of the skin is free radical damage. Free radicals break down collagen and elastin, proteins that give skin support and elasticity. These rogue molecules are caused by excessive sun, exposure to toxins, and stress. Avoiding these, and receiving a healthy dose of antioxidants in your regimen, are essential in fighting free radical damage.

Just as you care for your face, to keep it looking its youngest and most radiant, you must also care for your décolleté. When moisturizing your face, morning and night, do not overlook this delicate area. Continue on down the throat and chest with moisturizer to keep the décolleté soft and firm. Solution moisturizers contain Sepalift, a plant-derived anti-aging ingredient that protects against collagen loss, firming and smoothing the skin.

Vertical wrinkles on the chest are a common complaint amongst women. A lifting serum will help to decrease the appearance of these wrinkles and other fine lines. Both Hydro Lifting Serum and Solution Intensive Lifting Serum contain Bio-Hyaluronic Acid to strengthen connective tissue, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Apply morning and night under your moisturizer. Choose Solution for mature skin or Hydro for all skin types.

Gentle exfoliation, once or twice weekly, will slough away dry, dead skin cells and reveal fresh, healthy skin. Because the décolleté is so delicate, care needs to be taken when exfoliating this area. Hydro Facial Gel Mask is the perfect gentle treatment to recharge and energize dull, tired skin. Apply the mask to face, neck, and chest and leave on for up to 10 minutes. Gently remove with warm water. Fruit extracts do the sloughing, not abrasive ingredients. Skin will be moisturized, radiant, and restored to good health.

Pamper, hydrate, and renew stressed skin with a moisturizing mask. Intensive Facial Repair Mask contains Bamboo extract, rich in silica which is responsible for the formation and maintenance of connective tissue. This gentle mask protects the skin and improves circulation – perfect for dry or sensitive skin.

To rev up tired-looking skin and bring about a natural glow, try Solution Face Mask. Rich Mango seed butter and Shea butter hydrate, while Brown seaweed nourishes, tones, and clears the skin. Apply either the Intensive or Solution mask to face, neck, and décolleté. Leave for up to 15 minutes while you relax. Use as a weekly treat, or whenever skin needs a little indulgence.

Don't forget the sunscreen. Protect against aging sun damage with mineral sun protection. Solution Day Cream SPF 15 works perfectly for daily use. If you plan to be out in the sun, our Anti-Aging Facial Sunscreen SPF 15 UVA will provide effective protection to face and décolleté.

If you have freckles or sun spots on your chest, lightening ingredients will help to diminish the appearance of these dark spots. Arbutin is a natural skin lightener found in the entire Lavera Solution line, and is great for treating spots.

Now that we have your décolleté skincare regimen under wraps, let's dress it up a bit. When applying Glow & Go Self Tanning Spray to body, don't forget your chest. This will offer a subtle hint of color with décolleté flattering shimmer.

Fit décolleté enhancers into your workout. Back and chest exercises will strengthen chest muscles, giving a more toned and tight appearance.

Do not overlook your diet. Eating a healthy balanced diet and drinking an adequate amount of filtered water keeps skin looking its best. And avoid sugary foods. Glucose breaks down collagen and we all know what that means. Yes, over-doing the sugar can actually give you wrinkles. Or, in this case shall we call them smile lines?

Now, one last step. Go out a buy yourself a new dress or top to show off your gorgeous décolleté!

Summer is fun, this much is true. But a few months of sun, surf and chlorine can really take their toll on your complexion. If your natural radiance has gone from glowing to gone—read on for tips on reclaiming your spark.

Swimming and sun exposure dry out the skin. Dry, dead skin cells sitting on the surface cause skin to look dull. One quick and easy way to achieve a fresh, healthy complexion is to get rid of that flaky skin. FACES Calendula Exfoliating Wash contains finely ground olive grains to gently slough away dry skin and reveal a healthy complexion. Use one to two times per week to maintain bright skin.

Sun protection is key in keeping skin healthy and youthful, but don’t you wish it would moisturize and rejuvenate while it protects? Lavera Anti-aging Facial Sunscreen SPF15 UVA has you covered. This 2-in-1 sunscreen plus moisturizer couples the most effective mineral sunscreen with anti-aging ingredients; like caffeine, Hyaluronic acid, and organic plant oils. This delicate yet hard-working sunscreen delivers maximum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and is gentle enough for facial skin. This product is a must for summer.

Proper hydration for skin is just as important in summer months as in the dead of winter. Sure, once warmer weather arrives our skin seems to bounce back from the dry air and cold winds of winter. But you have probably noticed how it doesn’t take long for sun and summer fun to dry skin out again. FACES Aloe Vera Night (Protection) Cream protects and restores parched skin with Organic Evening Primrose, Avocado and Almond oils for maximum hydration. A healthy dose of Aloe soothes and cools. Don’t forget this super important step for happy skin.

Now that we have laid out your Summer Facial Essentials, let’s not forget a couple of other summer-time necessities. Plenty of water and a healthy diet of fresh organic fruits, veg, and whole grains are fundamental in keeping your skin and body functioning properly.

These simple steps will have you plumped, primed and glowing. Now get out there and enjoy!

Possibly the most misunderstood of skin care products, serums are an important step in maintaining healthy skin and preventing future damage. Serums are designed to cover a wide range of skin care situations, from lightening and brightening to supplying more moisture. Get in the know on the benefits of serums and you will wonder how you've been living without one.

What are serums?

Serums are a combination of highly concentrated ingredients designed to deliver healing nutrients that provide anti-aging benefits and leave skin soft and smooth. Plant and fruit extracts and essential oils treat skin issues like fine lines, sun spots, or acne. These potent ingredients strengthen connective tissues, improve elasticity, and help the skin to retain moisture. Serums also boost the hydrating power of your usual moisturizing product.

Who uses a serum?

Serums are designed for a range of skin types, ages and skin care issues. The concentrated ingredients in serums not only help to repair damage to the skin, but prevent further damage, so are perfect for all age groups.

Lavera offers two unique serums for different skin types and issues. Both specifically target fine lines and wrinkles - remember to pay close attention to around the eyes, upper lip, smile lines (labial folds) and forehead when using these products. HYDRO Lifting Serum provides mild exfoliation of dead skin cells with fruit acids and packs antioxidant protection. This light, yet powerful, serum can be used for all skin types but is particularly beneficial for normal to oily skin. It plumps and tones skin and evens out the complexion. Highly concentrated, a little goes a long way toward protection skin. In a 3 week test of 30 females with an average age of 33 years young, over 96% reported noticeably more elastic, moisturized, and firmer skin. Regular use of HYDRO Lifting Serum will grant a youthful, velvety-soft complexion.

SOLUTION Intensive Lifting Serum performs a bit differently. This serious skin care treatment provides moisture and nourishment to dry, stressed, or mature skin. The powerful ingredients in this serum control puffiness, brighten sallow complexion, and boost hydration. In a 3 week test of 30 females with an average age of 52 years young, over 93% said the Solution Intensive Skin Serum moisturized and nourished the skin, leaving it looking well cared for and regenerated. The Solution Serum also packs bearberry extract, which contains natural Arbutin, an ingredient that naturally lightens age and sun spots.

How do I use a serum?

Serums may be used day or night but are most-effective when applied day AND night. When used during the day, under makeup, serums provide all day support. When used as a restorative night time treatment, serums firm, brighten and leave skin satiny-soft.

Gently massage a small amount of serum into the face, neck, and décolletage. Allow 3-5 minutes for serum to absorb before applying day or night time moisturizer.

Including a nutrient-packed serum in your skin care regimen is an effective way to provide your skin with a dose of healthy, anti-aging ingredients.