Shopping for sustainable beauty products is, quite simply, a pain in the ass. Trying to find a company that doesn’t use questionable chemicals or mass production is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

When I was unexpectedly introduced to Anti-Body, I jumped at the chance to sample their products and am exceptionally eager to share my findings with you.

But first, let me tell you more about the company itself. Started in 2005 by twin sisters Tamara Johnston-McMahon and Shelby Moser, along with Shelby’s husband Steven, Anti-Body works to not only create planet-friendly beauty products, but also to help support fair trade in poverty-enveloped countries (mainly Togo and Liberia, both in Africa).

All of Anti-Body’s products are presented in recyclable packaging and are not tested on animals at any stage of the product’s development. As a company and a member of the eco-focused marketplace, Anti-Body’s goal is to become a 100% fair trade manufacturer. Most recently, the story of Anti-Body’s beginnings was made into a breathtaking and dramatic documentary, titled The Fair Trade.

There’s no question that Anti-Body is a fantastic brand with honorable goals. What are the products really like? Let’s get on to the product reviews!

Lemongrass Moisturizer ($9.95 US)

It is easy to see why this is one of Anti-Body’s best selling products. Made with fair trade-certified shea butter and coconut oil, this is the only moisturizer I’ve ever used that was emptied down to the last drop. Hands, feet, legs, arms …it will soften you anywhere and everywhere. The distinctive lemongrass scent is both energizing and centering at the same time – an anomaly that is hard to describe. I’ve already ordered another bottle and am quite sure I’ll have this product in my bathroom for many months to come.

Green Tea Mint Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner ($8.95 US & $11.95 US)

Of all the products I tested, these two had numerous ingredients that I couldn’t identify. I checked the Skin Deep Database and didn’t learn much about those mystery chemicals, other than that much testing hasn’t been done on them. It seems they are all-natural, but I’m not 100% sure on that. The green tea mint scent is fantastic and did a wonderful job at managing the psoriasis my boyfriend has on his scalp. A great duo, the shampoo and conditioner wasn’t as gentle as I was expecting. Also, the conditioner was too “heavy” for my fine hair, which was weighed down after just one day.

Chocolate Raspberry Lip Balm ($2.49 US)

Another Anti-Body best seller, I was expecting this lip balm to actually increase my craving for chocolate. Unexpectedly, it did exactly the opposite, oddly quelling my frequent urges for sweets (a major problem when trying to eat healthy). The balm glides on smoothly and has a subtle enough flavor that you will enjoy it but won’t end up eating it off your lips. Even the most chapped puckers will be treated kindly and luxuriously.

Nutcracker Sweet Collectible Lip Balm Set ($7.95 US)

Holiday-themed in both package and flavor, this set of 3 lip balms is the perfect stocking stuffer. The Sweet Strawberry flavor is the most subtle of the three and my least favorite. I’m not sure why strawberries are considered seasonal, but it is still a nice contrast to the other two flavors. The Sugar Plum flavor is my personal favorite and falls in the mid-range of taste intensity. Strongest and most decadent of the three is the Chocolate Hazelnut flavor, which I also highly enjoyed and still use.

And now … the EXCLUSIVE GIVEAWAY!

What will you win? A full six-piece set of Anti-Body Free Range Bath Fizzers in Petal Scent. Raved about on Oprah’s website and Viva Terra’s Eco Salon blog, these bath treats are all-natural and made with fair trade-certified shea butter.

How to Enter :: It’s easy! Just comment on this entry with your answer to this question – “What is your favorite sustainable splurge?”

That’s it! Make sure to include your e-mail address in the space provided or I can’t contact you if you win.

The Rules/Fine Print :: One entry per person, per e-mail address. Winner will be selected at random via Random.org.

Contest runs from today, Thursday, December 11th til next Thursday, December 18th.

Let’s not forget the EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT!

Can’t wait for the contest? Ready to do some holiday (or personal) shopping? Use the code “victoriae” during checkout at Anti-Body’s online shop and you’ll receive 10% off your total order. This code only lasts until December 31st, 2008, so shop soon!