happy 5th birthday vapour

In what seemed like a lifelong search for the best and cleanest makeup, a connection was made in the Spring of 2011. Happily, sarimotley cosmetics found a beauty brand that walked the walk and talked the talk: Vapour Organic Beauty.

Vapour produces color cosmetics made from food-grade ingredients sustainably and honestly. With its unparalleled purity, Vapour Organic Beauty is about to celebrate five years of bringing the world a better, cleaner makeup made with organic ingredients. This brand is as much about being naturally gorgeous as it is about being green. I am delighted to celebrate bringing Vapour to you, to Houston, to a community of people who love the way it feels on their skin and how gorgeous they look when they wear it.

Happy Birthday Vapour!

the future of awesome

Over the last few years popular beauty brands have begun to evolve, with many making the shift to cleaner, greener products. Excitingly, what was once unthinkable is now commonplace.

Almost every major brand now offers products made with "natural" ingredients, has a “beauty oil” and might even be paraben-free or organic. Why? Because natural products are awesome, they feel good and work just as well as their mainstream counterparts made with benzones, color additives, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (what?), etc. The adaptation of conventional cosmetics into something cleaner, greener and healthier is not just a fad or for people who eat granola; it’s for everyone!

About ten years ago, sarimotley cosmetics launched a “pretty” pursuit to share clean, healthy, beautiful skincare and cosmetics. Most of our products were made from simple ingredients, many right from the kitchen. The collection included facial oils, castile-based cleansers and simple essential oil mists and tonics. Then cleaner color cosmetics emerged and were added to the collection.

As the beauty industry evolves, sarimotley cosmetics also evolves. You will see many products prevail and a few fizzle out. Rest assured knowing that if one of your favorite products is no longer available, something equally (if not more) amazing is right around the corner.

Some of our beauty brands available at sarimotley.com and studio:

BijaBody
A body care system designed around the four core pieces of true skincare: exfoliation, protection, regeneration and targeted treatments. Products are formulated using scientifically advanced ingredients infused with holistically nourishing goodness.

bkr
A trendsetting, luxe glass water bottle that will change the way you drink your water forever.

Coola Organic Suncare
Suncare actives (like zinc and titanium dioxide) in an organic ultra-moisturizing base, making spf super-nourishing and easier than ever.

One Love Organics
A natural, ethical and environmentally driven skin care company created by skilled cosmetic artisans, and handcrafted on St. Simons Island, a small barrier island off the coast of Georgia.

Vapour Organic Beauty
Where luxury performance cosmetics meets pure organic formulation.

Preserve Skincare
The perfect face cleansing pads developed by two experienced estheticians looking for an easy, effective way to get people to wash their faces and take care of their skin.

SariMotley Pressed Minerals 
Pressed mineral eye shadow, blush, powder and fun color.

Senna Cosmetics (select products)
Natural, wearable and innovative mineral and high-definition makeup and colors for everyone.

For information about sarimotley cosmetics and our beauty brands, please feel welcome to reach out and say hello. If you do not see your favorite product(s) on the website, do not hesitate to ask (sari@sarimotley.com). 

welcome one love organics

This post was intended for February (2014) and "celebrating love." It seemed to slip by getting posted here...

A warm welcome to One Love Organics. One Love Organics is a natural, ethical and environmentally driven skincare company created by skilled cosmetics artisans, and a perfect fit to pair with sarimotley cosmetics favorites. Their products are handcrafted on St. Simmons Island, a small barrier island off the coast of Georgia. Isn't that beautiful?

We are loving the brand for so many reasons, here are a few:

• One Love Organics embraces the simplicity and the knowledge that you can achieve more with less. 
• One Love Organics uses only the highest quality, most effective ingredients that directly benefit your skin.
• One Love Organics believes in the power of the beauty ritual to renew, relax and transform.
• One Love Organics beautiful philosphy: “... a simpler approach to beauty: a sensitive yet effective alternative to all those ubiquitous bottles and the mysterious stuff they contain. Our plant based formulas are designed to nourish and balance all skin types—so they’re perfect for everyone. Because beauty isn’t in the bottle. It’s in the heart."

beauty bottle

Water is the magical liquid that plumps skin, fills in fine lines and wrinkles, and boosts blah skin. So when you find yourself searching for this perfect beauty elixir, you now have the perfect receptacle from which to drink. 

Meet bkr (pronounced "beaker"), the perfect, most gorgeous way to stay hydrated and keep skin glowing and beautiful. Designed to make a statement against a disposable world and the chemicals we ingest via plastic bottles, bkr is an unfolding of loveliness from dirty plastic to clean, bubbly glass and soft silicone. 

Inspired by fashion, coolness, pretty things, tranquillity and the belief that you adore simple things that make life feel a little more beautiful and effortless; bkr

• is designed to hold the same amount of water as your typical plastic water bottle (500 ml/16 oz)
• has a similar mouth opening so you don't spill on yourself
• components are BPA-free and phthalate-free
• is dishwasher safe
• is lightweight, sturdy and easy to carry
• is made from glass, the ultimate green and clean material
• silicone sleeve is non-toxic, protects the glass, feels good in your hands and is clean, modern, minimal and cool. silicone is 100% recyclable
• each bkr collection is inspired by colors you love
• encourages you to drink more water
• means you drink better water
• gives back; a portion of all proceeds are donated to initiatives that combat the global water crisis

 Your best-loved bkr bottle is available at sarimotley cosmetics' studio. 

relaxed routine

When it’s hot and sticky outside, the last thing you want is to feel the weight of heavy products on your skin.

First thing, convert to something that feels like skin, yet still gives you the coverage you desire. Prep skin with products that do double duty, like tinted moisturizers with SPF (Coola Mineral Matte Tint with SPF 30 or Coola Mineral Rose Tint, SPF 20–both provide moisture, antioxidants, sun protection and a little sheer tint).

Also, using a primer will help even skin tone and texture without adding color (Stratus Instant Skin Perfector from Vapour Organic Beauty).

Find multi-taking products for adding color. This makes summer makeup extra-easy (Vapour’s Aura Multi-use Blush stick for cheeks, eyes and lips– favorite color picks for summer: crush, spark, courtesan and foxy).

Give eyes a sheer wash of color with fun in the sun shades that bloom, inspire, bronze and twinkle. Add a little mascara and have fun!

To find your relaxed routine and simple summer look, make an appointment to visit the studio (call 713-292-6711 or email sari@sarimotley.com.

colour theory by vapour organic beauty

Below is a repost of a great article from the Vapour blog. Give it a read:

http://www.vapourbeauty.com/blogs/The-Vapour-Theory-of-Colour.aspx

totally truffle

The long awaited launch of Vapour's Mesmerize Eyeliner, in its newest shade–Truffle, is finally here.

Truffle is a soft, taupey-brown, the perfect color for creating a softer (non-black) smokey look–a look that's easy on the eyes in more ways than one.

Mesmerize glides on without dragging or tugging on the skin. It's beautifully blendable, offering the softer looking side of smooth precision or sexy, smudgy.

Also, this extra-special eyeliner pencil is gluten free–like the rest of the Vapour collection–and does not contain the harsh adhesives found in traditional eye pencils.




Made with 70% organic ingredients, Mesmerize is a true treat for the eyes. Enjoy nourishing and moisturizing properties from organic coconut and sunflower oils, and soothing extracts of organic chamomile. Your eyes deserve Mesmerize!

glow on now

Vapour Organic Beauty is all a-glow, pure and simple.

Just in time for holiday splendor, you can add a little more dazzle to your look and feel good about it. Meet Halo Body Spotlight from Vapour Organic Beauty.

Halo adds sexy, subtle highlights to your shoulders, arms, décolletage and back, all-the-while delivering antioxidants and moisture to your beautiful skin. With Vapour's light reflective technology the appearance of younger, refreshed skin is yours. 

Like all Vapour products, Halo is made with 70% certified organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments & vitamins. Infused with nourishing, antioxidant Acai berry & Green Tea, soothing Calendula flower, essential amino acid Lysine moisturizing Lotus Flower, anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi and skin supportive silica, Halo will care for your skin radiantly.

In universally flattering shades, Halo imparts a sophisticated glow for all ages and skin tones. Available in Brilliance (24 karat gold) and Mystic (cool pink with blue iridescence). 

Finally, now you can have all the performance of a luxury highlighter with none of the chemicals!

Get glowing!

great to gorgeous

Step by step video from Vapour Organic Beauty.

don't be a flake

As it gets colder (and it will, even if it’s just for two days), the air inside will be warmer and drier. This can lead to dry, itchy skin. But you can help prevent dry skin by using products that attract moisture. Here’s how:

Use a moisturizing cleansing pad like Preserve Skincare Cleansing Pad in Orange Blossom, with aloe and herbal extracts. Or try a creamy cleanser like easy-does-it with cucumber and shea butter.

At night, use mild, creamy cleansers sans the lather. Two to try: Vapour’s Clarity with jojoba and evening primrose oil, and sarimotley’s easy-does-it (as suggested above). 

Apply moisture while skin is still damp to help lock in moisture. Ingredients to look for: moisure-boosting hyaluronic acid (glow-getter), aloe (glow-getter) and shea butter (glow-getter, do-over, dollface). If skin feels tight, find a thicker, richer creme. Or skip creme and go for a hydrating and nourishing oil like Vapour’s Essence. 

To prevent dullness, try a gentle exfoliator like sarimotley’s polish microdermabrasion creme with aloe vera and shea butter. Or try something from your kitchen like a little coconut oil and organic sugar. 

If you have additional questions about your skin and how to hydrate during the the fall and winter, contact sari@sarimotley.com.

fall has it all

The change of seasons dictates fashion, and the biggest transition is Fall. Who will show what, and how will its runway edginess translate to everyday wear? Easy enough, pick a trend or two and make them your own. Fall 2012 is captivating, expressive and bold. Find seriously smooth skin, extravagant eyes and lovely lush lips.

getting it covered

smooth skin with vapour organic beauty
stratus soft focus instant skin perfector
and atmosphere soft focus foundation 

If you are still searching for the foundation that makes your skin appear flawless, now is the time to find it. With multiple formulas on the market–many touting skin-benefitting advantages—getting your hands on just the right one has never been easier. Foundation should look and feel like your skin. When choosing a new color, start with a few shades; paint a stripe of each near the jaw line. In natural light, the color you want is the least noticeable.

Flawless is different for everyone, but the result is the same—gorgeous skin. Find the perfect match with beauty award winning Luminous and Soft Focus formulas from Vapour Organic Beauty at sarimotley cosmetics.

extravagant eyes
black box lash jewel, gel eyeliner pencil
and pressed mineral eyes shadows

feast your eyes
Classic or dramatic, winged or smoked-out sexy; a favorite look for Fall requires keeping eye-defining tools within reach. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro, these lines are totally doable. Easy to apply, simple to smoke-out and brilliant for building lashes with impact.

Eye shadow shades you’ll want to wear: navy (indigo), gold (antique brass, gold minx, sand), taupe (moonstone, taupe tan), mauve (fading rose, brushed velvet), grey (cat’s eye, platinum, opal) and green (emerald mist, olive slate).

read my lips
First off, keep lips smooth and soft with gentle exfoliation (one to try: sarimotley amazing lip polish), and apply lip balm regularly so lips stay moist (sarimotley smartmouth natural lip balm available in the studio).

lovely lush lips with vapour organic beauty
siren lipstick in tryst and bold

Using a neutral tone lip liner is an easy way to keep lip color in place and looking great. Also, you may want to invest in a professional lip brush for applying lip color. It takes a little more time, but you’ll have more control over the finished look. Go bolder and sexier with color. Hues to look for: plum (tempt, au pair), pink (coquette, possess), red (ravish, tryst, bold, torrid) and neutral (chere, naive).

For assistance and info on creating your look for Fall, contact sari@sarimotley.com.

smart summer

Is your skin ready for summer? Making a few adjustments is key to breezing beautifully through the heat, humidity and sun. Of course you are using SPF for your face daily, correct? And on your body too, right? Also, remember to stay hydrated inside and out by drinking plenty of water. These daily do’s will help keep you looking “cool” despite rising temps.

use spf daily even when not at the beach or pool

After a bath or shower, slather on a body lotion, with SPF, to exposed areas (hands, arms, chest, etc.) to protect and moisturize. Two to try: Coola’s Mineral Body Unscented (limited edition) or Coola’s new Plant UV Collection (coming soon). And a favorite for the face, Coola’s new Matte Tint, SPF 30.

COOLA Matte Tint, SPF 30

make makeup simple 

Go for creamier formulas with your foundation (Atmosphere Luminous Foundation) and blush (Aura Multi-use Blush). They are really durable and easy to blend, and when formulated with skin-loving organic ingredients (like those in Vapour Organic Beauty), an uncompromising bonus for your skin. 

Vapour Organic Beauty: Atmosphere Luminous Foundation

blot not blotchy

Keep a pack of blotting papers in your handbag. These are great for absorbing oil and sweat and will refresh your look without the blotchiness of powder. Try Tatcha Beauty Papers made from oil-absorbing abaca leaf. 

TATCHA Beauty Papers

nourish your skin at night

If you need simplicity, keep these two go-to products by your bedside table: (1) Preserve Cleansing Pads in Orange Blossom, and (2) Vapour’s Essence Restorative Night Treatment. Remove the day’s muck and dirt with Preserve Cleansing Pad, then massage one pump of Vapour’s Essence onto face and neck. Wakeup stunning! 

Preserve Cleansing Pads in Orange Blossom

mind your mouth

Keep lips super-hydrated with a simple nourishing balm like smartmouth natural lip balm from sarimotley. With cocoa butter and lip-loving natural oils, this freshly scented sassy balm will keep your foxy lips smooth and calm.

These smart summer essentials are available at sarimotley studio, sarimotley.com. For more information please email sari@sarimotley.com or call 713-292-6711.

mom's the word

Celebrate the person you call mom with beauty. Whether it's aroma, color or care, cosmetics and skincare can stimulate the senses, enhance natural beauty and nurture skin. They are also key to balancing the emotion of feeling beautiful. This Mother's Day treat Mom to something that makes her feel good and look amazing. Choose from the special value collections below, or ask about a customized assortment.

purify mom
Nurture her skin with an everyday ritual that is simple and sweet. This collection will clean, exfoliate, rejuvenate and invigorate. Included for her are: easy-does-it gentle milk cleanser with cucumber (or appropriate cleanser); polish skin-smoothing microdermabrasion creme; makes-me-blush skin-renewing treatment with cranberry; a pair of cellulose cleansing puffs for an extra deep clean; and an invigorating, organic fair trade botanical tea ($70, value $110). She'll love this gift inside and out.

eau de mom
Does your mother like flowers? If so, she'll love the light, intoxicating blend of gardenia and white exotics captured in Kai's signature scent. Take her senses on a journey with a collection of Kai favorites: (1) Eau de Parfum, Body Lotion, Body Buffer and Votive ($114, value $165). (2) Perfume oil, Body Lotion, Bathing Bubbles and Votive ($90, value $132). Show her the luxury she deserves.

prime time for mom
When it comes to natural makeup where universally flattering is a sure thing, Vapour Organic Beauty is the answer. Give her makeup made from pure, organic formulations her skin will love. This collection gives her the opportunity to put her best face forward by starting out with great, must-have makeup essentials: Stratus Instant Skin Perfector or Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector, Atmosphere Luminous or Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation, Illusionist Concealer, Solar Bronzer in Simmer and a bamboo makeup brush ($120, value $170).

color mom pretty
Brighten her day or enliven her night with color. Once she's created the perfect canvas with "prime time," add a little color. With award-winning favorites like Aura Multi-Use Blush and Siren Lipstick, looking good will be a cinch. This collection includes one each (Mom's shade selection): Aura Multi-Use Blush, Siren Lipstick, Elixir Pluming Gloss, Mesmerize Eye Color Treatment, and a bamboo makeup brush ($72, value $100).

butter up mom
Give Mom the gift of beautiful nails she can do at home. With Butter London's amazing three free ideology and flair for fashion-first color, Mom can wear the season's hottest nail lacquer and feel good about it. This collection includes the following Butter London gems: two nail lacquers (Mom's choice), Melt Away Cuticle Eliminator, Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat, Hardwear P. D. Quick Topcoat, Handbag Holiday cuticle oil, and a handy banana file for perfectly shaped nails ($70, value $100).

These collections are available at sarimotley studio, sarimotley.com and phone/email order. If you have a special request, or would like to create a custom gift collection, please email sari@sarimotley.com or call 713-292-6711. Gift wrap is always complimentary.

bright idea

Vapour Organic Beauty is introducing new, fabulous hues for you to choose for eyes and lips.

Just in time for adding that "pop of color," find brilliantly modern shade extensions in Siren Lipstick. These three exhilarating hues give new meaning to crimson, tangerine and vivid floral. New shades: Tempest–a feisty coral with brazen depth and intensity; Au Pair–a rich, velvety berry and Coquette–21st century amped-up fuchsia and 

Mesmerize Eye Color presents "urban flirt" with new-fashioned shadows that are intriguing, sassy and dynamic. These fresh jeweled shades will add dimension and flair to your everyday wear. Shades to explore: Obsess–a stunning and versatile golden-green that will add a little "voltage" to any look; Seduce–an exotic smokey brown with hints of blue and violet and Provoke–a flirtatious, sparkling-cool pink to brighten eyes.

Now available at sarimotley.com.

resolution: take better care of skin

If your New Year's resolution is to start taking better care of your skin then read on; if not, read on anyway. January 2011's blog post "New Year, New Skincare" talked about taking inventory of your skincare products and asking yourself what's working for you, or not. It also shared product info to help "winterize" your skin. The products discussed in last year's post are tried and true.

For this year, 2012, multi-tasking is key. Having products with multiple missions is great. Cleansers that also tone, exfoliators chock-full of moisture—who doesn't appreciate an action-savvy beauty blend? In a perfect world of endless time and mega bathroom counter/cabinet space, six-step-plus regimes to care for skin are grand. But when just a few products will do double the duty of their established equals, that's better, right? Find listed below multi-action beauty blends that will maximize your skincare routine with minimum products.

For gentle cleansing, makeup removing, toning, moisture replenishment, skin soothing and environmental protection take home easy-does-it gentle milk cleanser with cucumber.

Experience light foaming cleansing and makeup removing paired with skin renewing and soothing properties in all-for-one foaming citrus wash.

Chock-full of moisture and anti-ageing properties, do-over daily moisture creme with co-q10, replenishes, tones, protects (from environmental aggressors) and decreases inflammation.

Repair skin while you sleep with dollface nourishing night creme. This anti-ageing, moisture treatment encourages skin to let go of the dull and flaky, while toning and soothing.

Rich in anti-oxidants and skin detoxing ingredients, polish skin-smoothing micro-dermabrasion creme, will smooth, soothe and create a suppleness you will love.

For more information about the above and other products visit sarimotley.com.

Happy New Year, Happy Skin.

resolution: find lip color

You don't have to start the New Year off wondering what shade fits!

Are you looking for the perfect red? The one that makes your eyes sparkle and feels amazing? What about that "just right" neutral? It's where subtle color and the best thing next to naked lips meet. Here's a little help:

The chart below, from Vapour Organic Beauty, will guide you in finding your best shades of red and neutral Siren Lipsticks based on your skin tone. Siren Lipstick is a feel-good luxury formula from Vapour Organic Beauty (available at sarimotley.com). Moisturizing and naturally long-wearing, this lipstick treat, made from pure plant ingredients, produces a nourishing shine that rivals its mainstream counterparts.

For more information on finding the right lipstick shade, send an email to sari@sarimotley.com or visit our contact page.

dazzling in december

"Nothing says festive like shimmering metallic makeup (Fitness Magazine, November/December 2011)." In the article "Glisten Up," Eleanor Langston offers get-glam tips from top experts. This brilliant feature prompted a share of sarimotley essentials that will secure you a spot amid the glamorously glimmering.

Start with luminous skin, here's how: party prepped skin is smooth (and exfoliated). Try polish skin-smoothing microdermabrasion creme to get fresh skin fast. Then add a little moisture (a favorite: do-over daily moisture creme with co q-10) to keep skin supple. Now skin is ready to glow.

Prime and prettify with Vapour Organic Beauty Stratus Instant Skin Perfector to even skin's tone and texture. Follow with Vapour's Atmosphere Luminous Foundation for a radiant finish. Add a dash of dazzle atop cheek bones, with Vapour's Aura Mutli-use Blush (radiant), and find luminosity effortless.

Make eyes sparkle. Metallic shadows are definitely soiree savvy, but keep it simple. For brown eyes play with plums (Brushed Velvet), pewters (Cat's Eye Quartz, Titanium) or navy's (Night). Beautify those baby blues with bronze (Bronzite, Caramel, Ember) and copper (Cinnamon Stone, Firefly). And make green eyes gorgeous in plums with hints of pink and gold (Fading Rose, Sun Quartz). Find these shade suggestions from Vapour's Mesmerize Shimmer Eye Treatment and pressed Mineral Eye Shadow at sarimotley.com.

Lovelier with lacquer. Take it to the next level with party pretty metallics for nails from Butter London. Metallic mainstays: Big Smoke (mildly metallic navy), Bluey (metallic dark peacock), Fairy Lights (liquid metal rose pink), Knees Up (smashing metallic red), The Full Monty (molten gold) and Wallis (metallic olive).

Now get glowing girl.

only once images

Just wanted to share a few pics from a recent photo shoot with Only Once Images.

Photographer extraordinaire, Angela has been practicing her art for nearly twenty years. She is a "visual story teller" whose first passion is people and second is art. She captures real beauty and emotion with every image.

Thank you Angela.

To learn more about Only Once Images visit their website: www.onlyonceimages.com or connect with them here.

flattering for fall

Allure magazine raves about a sarimotley favorite from Vapour Organic Beauty: Aura Multi-Use Blush in Impluse! This cool, clear red offers buildable coverage that takes you from sheer to bold with a few strokes. Impulse is a fall wardrobe essential.

giving back

a sarimotley staple, vapour organic beauty is committed to healthy, safe and beautiful makeup. what you'll find: gorgeous, cutting-edge products made with certified organic and all natural ingredients.

when you buy, you give back... all proceeds from vapour's elixir lip plumping gloss "honor" are donated to breast cancer awareness and research. this universally flattering, perfectly-pink shade is 100% natural, chemical-free and 70% organic (the other 30% is natural mineral pigments and vitamins). share and wear with honor.