Galen Labs

What: A line of all-natural skin care products ($12 up to $32) based on the writings of Claudius Galen, an ancient Greek physician. With vitamins A, C and E, the line claims to counteract the effects of eczema and rosacea. Kevin Olson of Minneapolis developed Galen Labs; products are made in Buffalo, Minn.

The verdict: Whipped shea cream ($32) has a dreamy texture (must be all that whipping), smells amazing and soothes the skin.

More information: www.galenlabs.com. It's also available at several local salons and retailers, including the Wedge, 2105 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-3993.

Nontoxique

What: Foot and hand products developed by Sheila Mossberg of Minneapolis. A professional manicurist, Mossberg became sick from the chemicals in beauty products, so she created her own line ($16 to $36).

The verdict: Fingers and toes have never been so pampered. The scrub leaves hands smooth, especially the Daytime Crème, with anti-aging ingredients such as kiwi extract and mowrah butter, and a sweet orange and anise scent.

More information: www.nontoxique.com and organicdivas.com.

GreenBody

What: Shampoos and conditioners ($22 for 8 oz.) in two formulations -- energizing and revitalizing, which are available both scented and unscented. The toxin-free line was developed by hairstylist/salon owner Lorri Weisen.

The verdict: Hair felt clean and had bounce. The fragrance-free option is a bonus for those with sensitive noses.

More info: greenbodygreen planet.com.

Where to buy

Galen Labs, Nontoxique and GreenBody are available at StormSister Spatique, 635 S. Smith Av., St. Paul, 651-221-4668, and online at www.stormsister.biz.

Local label: Rapport Minnesotans Michele Henry and Wesley Uthus have been making one-of-a-kind leather handbags and flair (brooches with magnetic backs that attach to clothes, bags and shoes) since November 2009 under the name Rapport (www.shoprapport.com).

Even though the partnership is new, the collection already has a distinctive look and fun names, such as the Grand Ave Monica clutch. You can meet the designers on Thursday night at Picky Girl (5 to 8 p.m., 949 Grand Av., St Paul, 651-698-4107). The spring party also will include Calpurnia Peach, The Post and Nelle Handbags.

Sales and events J Brand denim leggings -- and everything else -- will be 25 percent off Friday through Sunday at Bluebird Boutique (3909 W. 50th St., Mpls., 952-746-8675). Shoes and accessories at Ladyslipper (4940 France Av. S., Mpls., 952-224-1900) will also be 25 percent off this weekend.

Fashionistas will be shedding a few tears for Ivy (1440 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-827-2764), which will be closing May 15. Before the fashion-forward shop is shuttered, you can get 50 percent off everything.

Brides-to-be will want to check out the bridal trunk show at Monique Lhuillier from Thursday through Saturday. Appointments are requested to view the entire collection (3928 W. 50th St., Edina, 612-929-0747).

On Saturday, the Icebreaker shop crawl (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), a progressive sale in northeast Minneapolis, will feature discounts on fashion items at retailers including Parc Boutique, which is offering 15 percent off all purchases, except jewelry, and Key North, which will give 20 percent off one item plus free pedi-cab rides. There also will be free flowers and, if you visit all the participating businesses, you'll be registered to win a trip. Go to www.northeast minneapolis.com for more info.

Thursday night is Woodbury Lakes Girls' Night Out (www. woodburylakes.com, 4 to 8:30 p.m.). For a $10 donation (to the Woodbury Community Foundation), the first 300 women will score a swag bag of goodies, discount coupons, free photos with friends and psychic readings. There also will be complimentary appetizers and a chance to win a shopping spree.

For jewelry junkies, there is a trio of trunk shows this weekend. At Fawbush's (Galleria, Edina, 952-922-5717) on Thursday (4 to 9 p.m.), local designer Teresa Goodall (www.teresagoodall.net) will show her handmade-in-Minneapolis collection, which is not usually available directly to the public. On Thursday and Friday, swing by JB Hudson Jewelers (901 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-338-5950) to see Monica Rich Kosann's affordable sterling silver and 18-karat gold pieces (starting at $90). From Friday to Sunday at Oh Baby (Galleria, Edina, 952-928-9119), check out Heather Moore's jewelry, which features charms that can be personalized.

In honor of Earth Day, Buffalo Exchange (2727 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-9115, www.buffaloexchange.com) will be having a used-clothing sale on Saturday. A selection of used clothing items will be sold for $1 and the proceeds will go to the Humane Society of the United States' Don't Trash Wildlife campaign, which encourages safe disposal of refuse.

Another Earth Day celebration: Donate old cell phones at participating stores in Calhoun Square (3001 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.). They'll pass them along to Secure the Call, which makes emergency phones (that call 911 only) and distributes them to people in need. In exchange, you'll get a coupon for 5 percent off at select retailers, including Bay Street Shoes and Sox Appeal.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 sglassman@startribune.com