farm fresh faces

I love mission based retail: brands, companies, stores, and designers, who all have a special purpose and motivation behind their business.  I don't just mean having a mission statement; there has to be a greater cause.  For example, (product) RED is a movement to provide really cool products that are no more expensive than the regular versions, but a portion of the proceeds supports AIDS research and provides lifesaving medicine and treatment to pregnant women with HIV and their young children.  Or the Navy Exchange - a semi-governmental agency that sells quality goods and services to active duty, retired, family members, and Department of Defense civilians at a more affordable price, and ultimately donate a large portion of the proceeds to the morale, welfare, and recreation at military installations worldwide. 

Now, imagine a company going "above and beyond" a standard mission and addressing multiple needs simultaneously.  Imagine a company that employed local, small farmers to produce ingredients naturally, with as minimal negative impact on the environment as possible.  Now also prioritize hiring young people, who traditionally avoid the agricultural and farming industries for work.  And then sprinkle in the fact that those fresh, locally farmed ingredients are transported just two hours to the laboratories, where they're cold pressed for maximum efficacy and strength (much like the farm-to-table restaurant movements).  All these incredible aspects only begin to scratch the surface of the ethos at Farmacy Beauty.



Farm fresh ingredients + scientific engineering and formulation = gorgeous skin naturally.  Skincare doesn't have to be fussy, full of fillers and lackluster ingredients, and definitely isn't just for women.  Here are some Farmacy Beauty products I'm loving:

Sleep tight!  Literally.  Reinforcing the skin’s natural moisture content, this balm aids firmness and tone while helping to restore elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The texture is super lightweight, which I really appreciate in the warmer weather.   I rubbed a pea-sized amount on the palms of my hands to "warm up" the product, turning the gel into a luxurious oil-like consistency, which quickly melted onto my face, neck, and left just enough to treat my hands as well.  Farmacy Beauty's star ingredient is Echinacea GreenEnvy, a unique patent-protected variant of Echinacea Purpurea.  GreenEnvy contains the highest known concentration of the phytochemical Cichoric Acid, a potent natural antioxidant which helps protect and firm the skin by inhibiting the enzymes that break down collagen.  Cichoric Acid is more than just a powerful anti-aging booster - it also normalizes the skin pigmentation process to promote a more evenly toned, smoother complexion.  In short, Sleep Tight packs a powerful punch with vegetable-derived “Retinoid-like” ingredients to help prevent early wrinkles, smooth deep wrinkles, improve skin radiance and texture while restoring firmness.

It would be so easy to recommend a cleanser, exfoliant, and toner.  Or you could put your best face forward with New Day.  If you're in a hurry in the mornings, travel frequently and have limited space in your cosmetics bag, dopp kit, or gym bag, or are on a budget, this is definitely for you.  This powdered product is a three-in-one, gently cleaning the skin, sloughing away dead skin cells and pesky pore-clogging debris, then clarifies and tones, leaving skin silky smooth and radiant.  

I tried this out in the shower and can't say enough good things. I poured about a quarter sized amount into the palm of my hand and mixed a few drops of water into a frothy paste.  I then massaged it all over my face, neck, and hands, allowing it to sit for a few minutes (while I conditioned my hair), and rinsed clean.  

Natural cranberry seeds and rice bran powder sweep away dead skin cells and debris and absorb excess oils, while the brand's stellar GreenEnvy protects against anti-oxidants and free radicals.  Plus a natural cocktail of White Willow Bark, Carrot, Green Tea and Marshmallow soothe, protect and calm the skin.

I love face masks.  They're quick, effective, and convenient.  If you travel frequently or are always on-the-go, I recommend getting one of the assortment packs.  This way if you have a sudden breakout or unexpected dry patch, you have a quick and easy solution without having to buy an entirely new skincare regime.  During the summer months, you're more likely to have increased sun exposure as well - so a trip to the "farmacy" may be just what the doctor (or farmer!) ordered.  Natural coconut gel provides natural moisture to help skin look fresher and more radiant.  Kale extract offers a complex blend of minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids that helps re-balance vulnerable, stressed skin. Vitamin A strengthens the skin while active minerals help restore the skin’s ideal oil and water balance.  All in one easy mask.

Smooth, soft, full lips are always en vogue.  And that's exactly what you'll get with this soothing herb-infused balm.  In addition to the anti-aging GreenEnvy, Caster Seed Oil provides a plant-based protective film that helps preserve natural hydration levels, while Sunflower Seed Oil helps maintain the skin’s barrier function with high levels of emollients derived from natural essential fatty acids.  And the best part - it's not glossy, so it's perfect for men and women.  

With Farmacy Beauty, you don't just have to eat your fruits and vegetables - you can wear them, too!

paint the world (red)

(red) isn't a charity.  it's a way of thinking.  put your money where your mouth is and do some good.

Proper Marketing

The holidays are prime time for adverts - whether print, digital, online, or on the air, smart companies do more than shout sales and new products; smart companies intensify their grand awareness, highlight their company values and ethos, and improve their image. Case en pointe: Canada's WestJet.

For the last few years, the maple flavored airline's Christmas campaigns have gone viral. Absent are sales, new product pitches, and all the traditional commercial aspects. Instead, the company highlights their employees, giving back to their constituents' communities. In doing so, the brand builds upon their diversity, strong customer service, exhibits the priority for compassion and integrity, and overall love for humanity.

Well done, WestJet. Well done. 

mission based retail

You don't really need a reason to shop.  It's instant gratification, and can be an addiction for some.  Whether it's things you need, things you think you need to have, or a splurge of any size, shopping brings a bit of excitement and fulfillment.  When brands partner with a worthy cause or community, everyone wins.  When done well, the company makes even more money than they would have without that mission based hook, and the organization / cause / philanthropy / community gains much needed support and awareness.

Take Starbucks for example.  Beginning in 2013, the coffee giant pledged to hire 10,000 military veterans and spouses by 2018, and have already surpassed their halfway mark.  They also have more than a dozen "military family" stores, in markets with large military communities, that're run primarily by military veterans and spouses.  In addition to having special recognition on each apron (with an American flag and "military veteran" or "military spouse" under their name), these locations also have a local charity or organization they support that in turn supports local veterans and military families. 



Soma Intimates raises money and awareness for a myriad of women's and children's health organizations, including Children's Miracle Network hospitals, breast cancer awareness, the American Heart Association, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence. 

Cook's heaven Williams-Sonoma supports No Kid Hungry, sharing their strength and the strength of their generous clientele to end childhood hunger in America, by donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of special merchandise and raising cash donations. For the past few years, celebrities and chefs have designed wonderfully whimsical spatulas specifically for the campaign.  A very worth cause - as one in ten children statistically go to school hungry in America. 

Some organizations exist solely to support their own community - like the Navy, Army, and Air Force Exchanges.  Not only do the semi-governmental agencies bring quality goods and services at competitive prices, they also donate a large portion of their profits to the moral, welfare, and recreation of their constituents. 




My favorite mission based retail of all is (RED).  (RED) was founded in 2006 by U2's rockin' front man Bono and the charitable and brilliant Bobby Shriver to get businesses and people involved in the fight against AIDS, particularly in places where the people have no access, education, or resources to fight for their lives. 

The difference between (RED) and other charities, is that it's not a charity - it's a choice.  As a consumer, there are things you already know you're going to buy.  When you choose (RED) products and companies, they're often the same price as non-(RED) items, but profits and donations are made to the organization. 

Today, of the nearly 37 million people in the world living with HIV, nearly 15 million have access to life-saving treatment that costs as little as 30 cents a day. While this is incredible progress, we've still got a lot of work to do to ensure that all those who need medication have access to it.

(RED) was created to help provide a sustainable flow of money from the private sector to fight AIDS. Together, they've raised over $324 million to date through the sale of (RED) products from iconic companies - like Apple and Starbucks – and from (RED) events. And 100% of that money goes to work on the ground.  Because of the progress made in the fight against AIDS, the world is now on the cusp of an incredible possibility – we can deliver the first AIDS FREE GENERATION in over 30 years. Every day 600 babies are born with HIV. Yet with access to antiretroviral treatment, we can prevent the transmission of the virus from moms to babies. Without it, 50% of babies will die before their second birthday.  Only urgency and action will help us achieve the goal. If we act now, an AIDS FREE GENERATION can become a reality. The question is not ‘Can we do it?... It’s ‘Will we do it?’

Use your buying power for good.  Turn your dollars into sense.