Once again we find ourselves at the beginning of a new year. While many are busy making resolutions -- several of which undoubtedly will be broken -- I find myself making reflections. Reflecting on how lucky we are to be healthy, to have embraced an eco-friendly lifestyle, and most of all, to have each other. As we look forward into 2010, I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage all to make some promises.
 
First, let's resolve to take care of ourselves by using healthier products. One of the core reasons I created Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics was to help those with severely traumatized skin. As a medical aesthetician, I saw patients who had undergone laser treatments, or who suffered from acne and other conditions. They were searching for natural-looking makeup that would conceal irritation, while allowing skin to breathe. Our positioning encourages you to "breathe new life into your skin," and our satiny Mineral Primer, mineral Foundations (liquid and powder) and the exquisite Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder create the perfect environment to treat skin beautifully without clogging pores.

We've also made great strides in becoming a greener, more environmentally friendly company, using recycled materials for our packaging and soy-based ink for our printing. We've implemented green practices to reduce waste and save energy, using, among other items, compact fluorescent light bulbs. We only issue our newsletter electronically, and so much more. There are simple practices you can do, too, that mean so much: reduce your water consumption with shorter showers, replace your light bulbs, recycle. Even revisit fashion by accessorizing with a belt or scarf, rather than buying something new. My personal favorite is to jazz up a black dress with berry-colored lips.
 
A final thought: respond to each other. Live, laugh, love. It's a motto we should all embrace, for without one another, we have nothing. It's really that simple.
 
This year, as we work to come out of a recession, there really is no better time for celebrating what we have, what we can do to improve ourselves and our planet, and how we can better respect one another.
 
I wish you peace and prosperity in this New Year.

Sincerely,