It's no secret to readers here that I am passionate about essential oils. It's also no secret that I'm kind of fussy about what I put on my skin. If it's not edible, I pretty much refrain from rubbing it on any where. so, when Erin Meyer told me she thought I might be interested in her small business, I was delighted to take a look.

NYR Organic passes my ridiculously stringent litmus test:

When formulating and making the products, they follow the precautionary principle – which means not using anything they believe could cause you, or the planet harm.
The list is on the base of all their labels. We're practically kindred spirits! Here's what it all means:

NO PARABENS – linked to oestrogen overproduction
NO SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES – many contain synthetic chemicals that are harmful to health
NO GMO INGREDIENTS – not enough is known about the long-term implications
NO animal testing – unnecessary and cruel
NO SILICONES – coat the skin, impeding its natural function
NO PHTHALATES – reported to have toxic impact on human and animal life
NO NANO – not enough is known about the long-term implications
NO MINERAL OILS – derived from petroleum, have a tendency to block the skin
NO EDTA – doesn't readily biodegrade
NO PROPYLENE GLYCOL – derived from petroleum
NO CARBOMER – derived from petroleum
NO DEA – associated with known carcinogens
NO ACRYLATES – derived from petroleum
NO BHT – linked to breathing and lung impairment (and hyperactivity/attention deficit in my experience)

There are some amazing jars and bottles to be discovered here. But first, let's get to know Erin a little better.

What inspired you to start your business?

My first pregnancy brought a lot of anxiety: anxiety about my diet, cleaning products,my coffee intake, and what I was putting on my skin. Most of the anxiety was from societal influences and was largely unnecessary and self-induced; however, some of it became productive. I introduced some “cleaner” foods into my weekly grocery cart, I started making homemade cleaning solutions and some daily-use hygienic products, and I also started looking into chemical-free skin care. I initially found out about NYR Organic in a comment on a blog (thank you, blog writers!). I tried the products, fell in love with the amazing scents and effective results, and became a consultant! We use free-trade essential oils which provide intense and beautiful aromas. I can feel the lotions and creams soaking into my hands and softening my skin. And, I love knowing that the products I use on my daughter are 100% safe. I realized there are a lot of people trying to eat organic foods and wanting to live a greener lifestyle while still using skin care products that have unnecessary chemicals and harmful ingredients. And, it is exciting to share my passion for organic skin care with these people through education and pampering sessions!

If you could eliminate one thing from your daily schedule, what would it be?

Meal planning, food preparation, and trying to find creative ways for my toddler to eat her vegetables! Meal preparation is a bit of a chore for me. And, my 18 month old daughter’s eating habits are lacking, making for frustrating meal times (which is admittedly, my fault). I remain very grateful for the food we are able to put on our table when there are so many children who go hungry. I do hope that I will soon find that passion for cooking that I know is deep down within me; I just need to find it!

What's the product or offering that you are most excited about right now? Tell us about it.

Right now, I’m most excited about the re-introduction of our mascara. Typically,mascara has some of the nastiest chemicals and most harmful ingredients out of all cosmetic products…and we put it on our eyes! I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I like a little mascara and lip gloss on a daily basis, and our mascara is incredible. It is effective (85% lengthening), smells amazing, and it doesn’t harm my lashes, ultimately making them healthier – they are naturally fuller and longer as if I’ve gone without mascara for months!

We're talking a lot about burnout 'round these parts lately, how do you keep

yourself motivated, and avoid burnout? What product would be your favorite to

suggest to a reader who is burned out?

In the fall of 2012, within a 3 month time frame, our daughter was born, we moved to a new state without family nearby (2 days after I gave birth), I began a new full time position as a physician assistant, my husband started his PhD program, and he began a full time job. In the last 18 months, we have certainly experienced that burnout you speak of. Continually trying to simplify our life has been fundamental to avoiding constant burnout. I recently transitioned to working part-time, we try to de-clutter our home on a regular basis (in a 1200 square foot house, this is vital!) and when our schedule gets crazy, we do our best to slow down and spend a day playing with our daughter, avoiding all other work, school and meal preparation!The wild rose beauty balm is my favorite restorative product. It heals my daughter’s eczema, restores my cracked and bleeding hands after washing my hands repeatedly in clinic, and it leaves my face baby soft after using it as a cleanser. I feel pampered every time I use it. And, my daughter smells delightful when I put it on her skin. I love to hold her and take in the scent…just like after she was baptized and smelled like Chrism for days!

In your mind, what is that one thing which makes your business different?

Not long ago, I read the book No More Dirty Looks, and learned that in the United

States, the cosmetic and skin care industry is practically self-regulated. This means that the industry can put almost any chemical or ingredient into its products without regulated testing or trials. I realized that I was using hair mousse, face wash, and body lotions with possible carcinogens! There are only a handful of ingredients banned in skin care products in the U.S., whereas there are thousands of ingredients banned in European products. NYR Organic is an ethical, green, European company with organic skin care and cosmetic products that I know are safe – even while pregnant and breastfeeding. I have complete confidence when choosing any of their products for me and my family!

Erin is giving away one free Frankincense Hydrating Cream to one of you! Frankincense is a precious essential oil, bursting with healing properties. This prodcut is a luxurious silken cream that will revitalize and rejuvenate, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and nurturing healthier skin. An it smells pretty amazing, too! Poke around Erin's site and see what else strikes your fancy. Leave a comment with a link and we'll notify the winner next week!