Glow Getter: Skincare Oils

Up until just a few years ago, I thought I had oily skin... so naturally, I thought that oils were my #1 enemy. I have since come to realize that I actually have dry, sensitive skin which was over-producing oil in an attempt to quench and balance my dehydrated skin. Ever since I discovered the magic of natural, high-quality oils, I have ditched all my other conventional moisturizers! I have even adopted the oil-cleansing method, which (in all honesty) I used to think sounded crazy. 

Like all skincare products, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to oils. However, it is much easier to find the one that works for you and here's why: natural oils are made from pure and simple ingredients that can be used alone or easily mixed and matched to create your own personal skin-loving concoction. Conventional moisturizers typically contain SO MANY ingredients. It is easy for your skin to get confused or irritated when you are slathering on a product that is concocted of 20 plus ingredients. It's so frustrating to think of all of the money I have spent over the years on products that not only fell short of my expectations, but were also expensive and full of potentially harmful ingredients. Does this sound familiar to you?

Here is a list of my favorite natural, non-toxic, nourishing, skin-loving oils:

ROSEHIP OIL 

Rosehip oil is my #1 favorite skincare oil of all time. Rosehip oil is full of antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making it great for moisturizing and anti-aging. It is also an anti-inflammatory oil which can combat acne. Rosehips contain natural vitamin c, which can help brighten the skin, fade acne scars, dark spots, and gives an instant boost of glowy goodness. 

So, how do you choose a rosehip oil? Choose an oil that contains 100% pure rosehip oil as the only ingredient. The highest quality rosehip oil will be organic, cold-pressed and un-refined. A higher quality rosehip oil will have a slightly pinkish tone and smell similar to vitamin e oil or fish oil. 

My current favorites are:

Acure The Essentials Rosehip oil  https://amzn.to/2XEUZQx

and NOW Foods 100% pure rosehip seed oil  https://amzn.to/2UsF4Tz

How I use rosehip oil: I use rosehip oil as my main facial moisturizer both day and night. It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin, and is amazing under makeup for a healthy glow. The Acure oil is a heavier oil, which I like to use at night. I like to mix the Now Foods oil and jojoba oil as my daily daytime moisturizer. I also love that this can be used in your hair. I like to spread a few drops in the palms of my hands and run the oil through the lengths and ends of my hair between washes. 

JOJOBA OIL

Jojoba oil is another one of my skin oil MVPs. Jojoba oil closely resembles the sebum that our skin naturally produces, making it easy for your skin to absorb and more fully reap the benefits. Jojoba oil is antibacterial, non-comodegenic and hypoallergenic. This oil is a pretty safe choice for all skin types, so it is a great oil to start out with. 

I love Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil  https://amzn.to/2EMNT4U

How I use jojoba oil: I like to mix a few drops of this oil in with my rosehip oil pretty much daily. I slather this oil under my eyes and on my lips before bed, and wake up with soft, smooth skin. I have also used this oil alone as a makeup remover/oil cleanser when I run out of my usual oil cleanser. 

MARULA OIL

Marula oil contains free-radical-fighting antioxidants like vitamins C & E. It is a richer oil, but is easily absorbed by the skin and doesn't feel heavy. It makes a great cold-weather addition and helps to smooth those fine-lines.

I like Acure The Essentials Marula Oil  https://amzn.to/2Tf32F0

How I use marula oil: Marula oil is a newer addition to my skincare oil line up. I picked it up to add to my nighttime routine during the colder months when my skin needs some extra moisture. 

CASTOR OIL

Castor oil promotes hair growth, and is great for eyebrows, eyelashes and hair re-growth. It is a thick oil, and although it is not recomended as a facial treatment, is great for moisturizing dry skin on elbows, knees, heels and feet. 

I use Home Health Cold-Pressed and Cold-Processed Castor oil ($5-$10) https://amzn.to/2EALNE5

How I use castor oil: I sometimes forget about the magic that is castor oil. Castor oil is a very thick, sticky oil that is great for hair conditioning and growth. I use it mainly on my eyebrows, and it really works!

MAD HIPPIE CLEANSING OIL

I am on my third bottle of this cleansing oil! My skin loves it. I use it as the first step in a double-cleansing method to remove my makeup. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I still feel like this has made a huge difference in my skin tone and clarity! Since I have started using this, I am no longer being visited by that evil hormonal breakout that used to plague my existence once a month :] (Ginger, rosehip and pumkin seed oil among other great ingredients!!)

FIG & YARROW HAIR + SCALP TONIC

I am on my second nearly empty bottle of this amazing hair and scalp oil. I use this twice a week, the night before I wash my hair. I massage it into my scalp before bed, and let my hair and scalp absorb all of the goodness during the night. I have a sort of finicky, sensitive scalp which can be prone to dryness. A dry/tight/itchy scalp is not a good thing, but this treatment is. 

That just about wraps it up! Have you tried any of these amazing oils? Which one is your favorite? 

xoxo

Health & Wellness: A Holistic Nutritionist's Guide to Supplements

Happy Holidays! I don't know about you, but this time of year can feel really stressful. Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays, but trying to fit all of the extra holiday stuff in an already packed schedule can really take it's toll on our overall wellness! Stress, sugar from holiday treats, alcohol from holiday parties, not getting quality sleep, the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, and cold weather can all play a part in compromising our immune systems.

As a holistic nutritionist, I don't typically recommend supplements because I believe that we can get all of the nutrients our bodies need and crave from real, whole-food nutrition. Food should be our first source! However, there are a few supplements that I believe can be beneficial to our health, especially during the winter. These are all things that I incorporate into my diet on a regular basis.

Probiotics

Something that we can all benefit from is a good probiotic! Quality probiotics can assist in balancing and protecting our microbiome (hello gut health!). Did you know that about 80% of our immune system lives in our gut??? So a happy, healthy gut is key to fighting off the dreaded colds and flu of the holiday season.

I don't always take a probiotic everyday, because I also eat a lot of probiotic rich foods (homemade coconut yogurt, kefir, kombucha and other fermented foods), but I take them a couple of times a week and/or up the intake to boost my immune system if I start to feel under the weather. My favorite happy-gut sources are Health Aid Kombucha and Renew Life Extra Care Ultimate Flora Probiotic (30 billion live cultures) as well as Renew Life Women's Care Ultimate Flora Probiotic (25 billion live cultures).

Echinacea 

Echinacea is a flower, and can reduce the chances of catching a cold. Echinacea comes in capsules, liquid tinctures and as a tea (my favorite!). I love to sip a cup of Traditional Medicinals Echinacea or Echinacea Plus with Elderberry before bed. Echinacea tea is naturally caffeine free, so it makes the perfect warm, comforting beverage to wind down at the end of the day.

Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil sounds gross, right? Well it's really not, and the benefits are amazing! Cod liver oil is nutrient dense, anti-inflammatory, and supports immune, cardiovascular, hormonal, reproductive and neurological health! It is an amazing source of essential vitamins including A, D and omega 3's. Obviously this is not a vegan/vegetarian friendly option, but if you don't have dietary restrictions, quality cold liver oil is especially beneficial during the winter when we may not be getting enough sunshine, eating too many inflammatory foods (inflammation is at the root of many diseases!) and dealing with compromised immune systems. 

The only Cod Liver Oil that I have actually enjoyed taking is Carlson's Wild Norwegian Cod Liver Oil. It has a lemon flavor and is not at all fishy! To me, it tastes like lemon flavored coconut oil. Take it with a meal, and not on an empty stomach. 

Digestive Enzymes

If you love indulging, especially during the holidays, then digestive enzymes will be your new best friend. I take digestive enzymes after a large meal to help avoid digestive discomfort and heart burn. Papaya fruit will also help break down your food, but toting around a papaya is just not practical, so I swear by these babies when I am away from home. I prefer the chewable tablets from Country Life, and Trader Joe's carries a cost-effective version of papaya enzymes as well. 

Extras:

Boiron Homeopathics

I have been a huge fan of Boiron for years and years! This is a brand of natural, homeopathic medicines (meaning it works naturally with your body and there are little to no drug interactions)  that really deliver results. I keep a box of Cold Calm, Ocillocoxinum (for flu), Acidil (for indigestion), Arnicare (for aches and pains) and Sedalia (for anxiety) stocked in the medicine cabinet. You can find these at any Wholefoods, Sprouts and select drugstores in tab or pellet form.

I hope that you find this information helpful! I'd love to hear some of your tips for staying well during the holiday season!

xoxo

Current Green Beauty Obsessions (& Why You Should "Go Green")

I have basically been making it my life's work, as of late, to get everyone in my family to make the switch to clean, green, natural and non-toxic beauty and skincare products. Obviously, proper nutrition is still #1 when it comes to maintaining a healthy complexion and overall wellness, but what you put on your skin can be just as important as what you are putting into your body. Our skin is our largest organ, and whatever you are putting on it (i.e. creams, serums, foundation, etc.) is being absorbed into your bloodstream. So... we are eating a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet, exercising regularly, self-caring and detoxing like crazy... and then slathering toxic products on our skin everyday?? It just doesn't make sense.

Now, I know that replacing your "tried & trues" can be scary and searching for new "holy grails" can be daunting. Then there is the question I'm sure many of you are asking, "do natural beauty and skincare products really work??" The answer is yes, and I am here to share some of my current favorites, and to convince you to come over to the green side.

To get started, here is a simple list of some of the first things that I look for on beauty and skincare product labels:

NO Parabens
NO Sulfates
NO Animal Testing
NON-Comedogenic 
Safe for sensitive skin

Next, I always check the ingredients of my products on the EWG Skin Deep website or Healthy Living App. The rating system lists the ingredients of a product and scores them on a toxicity scale of 0-10 (the lower the number, the better) ThinkDirty App is another good source to check your products. These sources break down the ingredient concerns and rate them from low to moderate to high. I always look for products with an overall score of 3 or less.

Below is an example of one of my current faves. W3ll People is an amazing green beauty brand with a fair price point (you can even find them at Target!). AND they are verified by the EWG, which means their products have reached their "strictest standards for your health".

Ok, so on to my list of current faves:

W3ll People Bio Brightener Invisible Powder ($21.99) EWG Verified! - My BFF turned me on to this stuff (she's a hair and makeup artist) and it is AMAZING. I've never really been much of a powder girl before trying this stuff and now I'm hooked! It's the softest powder everrr. I have dry skin, and this is the only powder I have ever been able to successfully use to set my undereye concealer, without accentuating any fine lines. I also use it on my t-zone where I tend to get a bit oily throughout the day. It has a very subtle iridescence to it that brightens you up without looking sparkly.

W3ll People Nudist Multi-Use Color Duo ($24.99) EWG Verified! - I love me some multi-use products. Cream blush is my absolute favorite for that dewy, youthful flush. The color pay-off is also amazing. They are super blend-able and just sink into your skin. I love that the colors can be used alone or together and can double as lip and eye color too!

Cocokind Skincare Organic Chlorophyll Mask ($19) - First of all... the ingredient list!! Only 4 ingredients that are basically food-grade (meaning you could probably eat it). Second... it's so good. My skin LOVES this mask. It's sort of like a clay mask (powder form, and you add water), but it doesn't harden and crack like a clay mask. It dries down nicely, is easy to remove with water and leaves your skin feeling purified, but not dry and tight. It smells really good and I feel like I'm feeding my skin wonderful things every time I use it.

Cocokind Skincare Mai-Light Maitake Rose Highlight  ($12) - Anything Rose Gold... you've got my attention. This is my favorite highlighter to date! The color is on point, adds a subtle, natural-looking glow, AND it's packed with skin-loving ingredients including mango seed butter and maitake mushroom powder. It's gorgeous. I love it.

Native Deodorant ($12) Rated 1 by EWG - Holy moly, these deo's smell so good AND they work! If I'm having a particularly active day, sometimes I re-apply... but that is NBD to me, especially considering the fact that they are non-toxic and rated 1 by EWG. My current favorite scent is Apricot & White Peach (heavenly. not even an exaggeration). It's a seasonal scent, so it isn't available at the moment, however Coconut Vanilla, Cucumber Mint and Lavender Rose are available year round. If you aren't into scents, they also have an unscented version! They also have "guy" scents which also smell amazing.

Hynt Beauty DUET Perfecting Concealer ($24) Rated 2 by EWG - First impression: wow. This concealer is definitely a "holy grail" product for me. I am always on the hunt for the "perfect undereye concealer" so this is a big deal to me. It is creamy, slightly dewy and perfect for the under-eye area. I've been really impressed with how well it covers up the darkness under my eyes (my main beauty concern). It is light, but buildable and it stays in place. Very minimal creasing if any on most days. A little goes a very long way, which is also really impressive. I ordered a sample size (I love this company for offering sample sizes), and I've been using it for around a month (!) and I even use it to even out my skin on other areas of my face!(!!) I will definitely be ordering the full-size.

100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream ($26) - Like concealer, I am always on the hunt for the perfect undereye cream. To say I feel like I've basically tried them all (from drugstore to high-end) would be an understatement...but then I found this. So far, it has been living up to it's reputation to depuff, moisturize and brighten without irritation to the delicate undereye. Did I mention that it smells incredible?! At first, the scent put me off (usually scented products irritate my eyes), but the scent comes from natural coffee bean and vanilla. I don't drink coffee or consume caffeine as a general rule, but my peepers sure do look forward to this treat every morning! (P.S. it wears very well under makeup!)

Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser ($15.99) Rated 1 by EWG - I've talked about this cleanser and this amazing skincare brand before in this post, and I continue to be amazed by it. This cleanser is so good. It gently, but effectively removes makeup, leaving my skin feeling soft and not stripped of its natural oils. I even rub the cleanser directly onto my eyes to remove mascara and it doesn't sting! The price really can't be beat for the quality and effectiveness. It even comes in a glass pump bottle! I love it, and expect to be singing its praises for many moons to come.

So there you have it! My current favorite Green Beauty obsessions! What do you think? Are you interested in trying any of these products, or making the transition into clean, green and non-toxic beauty?

xoxo

My Low Key Fitness Routine

I hate the gym. I've been a member of three different gyms over the years, but I never fully felt the benefit. First of all, I'm an anxious person. I don't like busy, crowded areas. I feel overstimulated and self-conscious. Then there's the added annoyance of always getting hassled when I go to the gym... but that's another issue altogether. I'm happy for those of you who love the gym and feel motivated by all of the other people and their energy! That atmosphere just does not work for me, and I ended up paying monthly for a membership that I just was not utilizing enough to justify the expense to my budget. So... many of you have asked, how do I stay in shape without the gym? First of all, I eat a healthy diet mostly free of refined sugars, white flour and fried foods. I eat a predominantly plant based, whole food diet. That's #1. You will not see results if you are eating (I'm just going to say it) crap. Second, my goal is to build lean muscle and to feel strong and healthy overall (and to have a nice booty, but hey, who isn't?). If you are body building or looking to bulk up then my routine probably won't impress you. If you are looking to avoid the gym and the costs that come with it, enjoy the outdoors, and want to use your workout time to clear your head and ease anxiety while building strong, lean muscle and work on your flexibility... then a routine similar to mine might just work for you! Here is an example of what I do to stay in shape and keep my sanity:

I do yoga and stretch every morning. I also use this as my meditation time when I'm feeling particularly anxious or depleted. I work out 4 to 5 days a week. I alternate between high intensity workout days and low intensity days to allow my muscles time to recover. On high intensity days, I will do 45 minutes to an hour of high intensity circuit training or a training video. Before you scoff at workout videos... I'm not talking about Richard Simmons (although the man still looks great so he must be doing something right). Workout dvds are really no different than having a personal trainer EXCEPT for the fact that you are the only one to keep yourself motivated and to hold you accountable (If you need someone to hold you accountable then this probably won't work for you). The other difference is that you aren't paying tons of money every month. You pay for a DVD/BluRay once, and that's IT. My favorite workout is this one here. It's a full body strengthening and conditioning workout, and it hurts. Hurts so good. Other higher intensity workouts that I love are created by Pamela Reif (YouTube and Puma Trac App) and Alexa Jean Fitness 12 week Healthy Body Guide and Sore to the Core.

On low intensity days I like to go for a run outdoors and/or run and walk on an incline to activate my glutes and calf muscles. Feel that extra burn carry over from the high-intensity day before. I like to help my muscles recover with Restorative Yoga. This is my go to, and I even have it memorized.

I find a way to be active everyday and get the most out of my surroundings. For example, I always take the stairs when that is an option. So simple, but effective. Small daily changes, over time, can be one of the best ways to get results!

There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to health and fitness. Find what works for you and make it your routine. Just don't forget to find ways to mix it up so that you are getting the most out of your workout!

My Current Natural Skin Care Routine

I have always been what you could call a "skincare junkie", trying every new "holy grail" product out there. I had never really considered that many of these "miracle" products could actually be doing more harm than good, in the long (and short) run. I don't know how many times a product has made me break out, given me a rash, or itchy, puffy eyes (even the ones specifically formulated for sensitive skin) Not only do many of these products contain toxic ingredients, many of them also test on animals! For these (and many other positive) reasons, I started to research products before I buy. First of all, I read the labels and look for a few key words on the packaging: non-toxic, cruelty free, no parabens, no pthalates and free of perfumes and dyes (organic ingredients are a plus!). I also check the toxicity rating on the EWG website. Lastly, I read reviews. I like to get the opinion of REAL people who have used the product before I take the plunge. I am happy to say that I am well on my way to a completely non-toxic skincare routine. Here is my review, in the order that I use them:

TULA Probiotic Purifying Face Cleanser - This is the newest addition to my non-toxic skincare routine... and so far I love it! It is described as " a probiotic-based gel cleanser that deep cleans pores and removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin"... and this is exactly what it does! I double cleanse (once with my hands to quickly remove any makeup, and lastly with a facial brush to exfoliate), and my skin still feels dewy and moisturized! It's also a foaming cleanser, which I prefer. There are two sizes, so you can try before you buy. The bottles are very generous. I purchased the larger size, and because I only wash my face once a day (at night), I feel like this cleanser will last a loooong, long time.

Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner - I have to admit, I was scared to try this. I had used witch hazel as a toner years ago and it was not a pleasant experience. However, my pores were calling out for a hero, and this got excellent reviews. First of all, it's alcohol free! This was the main reason I decided to give it a go. It also has aloe vera, which is super soothing for skin. Finally, it smells really pleasant. Not like any other toner I have used in the past, and my skin loves it! I feel like it really preps my skin for facial oil and moisturizer.

Heritage Store Rosewater and Glycerine Spray- I love this stuff! Super refreshing any time of day. I like to spritz this on after toner and apply my facial oil while my skin is still damp. It has a very light rose scent. It's inexpensive, but so essential to my skincare routine! You can pick this up at any Whole Foods or Sprouts, too!

Aura Cacia Sweet Almond Oil - I have used some pretty high end and expensive facial oils, but none have worked as well with my skin as this simple oil! It's not scented, and only has two ingredients: almond oil and vitamin e. I also have a bottle in my shower and use it as a full body moisturizer. It works great in place of shaving cream, too!

Rose Hip Oil - After reading about the wonderful anti-aging benefits of this oil, I added it to my regimen. It's rich in Omega 6 fatty acids and helps aid in antioxidant protection. I mix a little with my sweet almond oil, or just pat a few drops on top. My skin soaks it up and looks instantly dewy and happy.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - This is the only part of my routine that may have some questionable ingredients. For this reason, I don't use it everyday, but I have found that it really helps to fade spots overnight. It also seems to have had a positive effect on my eyebrows! They have never been so full. However, it is fairly expensive. I will probably be phasing this one out of my routine in the near future, so if you know of a good non-toxic dupe let me know!!

What are your favorite non-toxic skincare products?

Friday Favorites: Coming Up Roses

Happy Friday! I'm currently obsessed with anything and everything rose: Rose colored, rose scented, rose flavored... you get it. Rose is so subtle and pretty, and makes a wonderful addition to beauty products. I also really love discovering new beauty products. I just received my first order from cult favorite Glossier this week and I'm really impressed. I think these products really live up to the hype, and I'm excited to try more of this brand. Although these products aren't made from 100% natural ingredients, I like the message behind the brand. They encourage you to accept your flaws and show off your skin instead of covering it up. I have also been loving these natural anti-aging products from Kiehl's, another long-time cult favorite band wagon I am just now jumping on.  Here's a list of my current favorite obsessions:

Glossier Stretch Concealer $18 - This product appealed to me because it claimed to be like second skin. I have some hereditary darkness under my eyes and have nearly literally tried every concealer on the market. My under eye area also tends to be sort of dry, which is not a great base for concealer. Needless to say, my under eye area is my biggest skin concern. I am happy to say that this product did not disappoint! A lot of reviews I read said that this product was too sheer, but I totally disagree. I think it beautifully smooths imperfections and it is so ridiculously smooth and moisturizing... AND it stays put. You would think something so creamy would slide around, but there was barely a crease to be found hours and hours after application. The best part? This stuff is totally build-able (another claim I read about the product that did not disappoint) without being cakey or heavy. Do you get that I LOVE IT?

Glossier Cloud Paint in Haze $18 - Glossier totally gets me with their simple, pretty and fun packaging. These little paint tubes are filled with skin plumping, build-able color that looks flattering on virtually every skin tone. I really dig a healthy flush, so I chose their deepest berry color to try. It's so pretty! It looked a little intimidating when I squeezed a drop out of the tube, but it goes on very sheer until you build it up. Pretty much goof-proof, which I love because I am no make-up guru. 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate $46 - I've used some light-weight anti-aging products since I was in my teens (mama is a long time Mary Kay lady), but now that I'm in my thirties, I decided to step it up a bit. I've been blessed with the 'still look like I'm 12' genes, and I'd like to keep it that way. This product is an expert concoction of essential oils and claims to reveal younger looking skin overnight. A little goes a long way, and I add a few drops into my moisturizer at night before hitting the sheets. After just a few days, my skin felt noticeably smoother (like crazy smooth) and my fine lines diminished. Plus, it smells good and is super easy peasy. I'm sold. 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye $37 - As I mentioned above, my under eye area has been my main skin concern for years. I've tried so many (so, so many) under eye creams over the years, but I have pretty sensitive skin and most have crazy ingredients that cause more harm than good. This eye cream is a dream! It's super supple and not at all heavy. My skin literally sucks this stuff right up! I wake up looking like I've actually slept HOW BOW DAH! 

Evan Healy French Rose Clay Mask $26.50 - I have been using Evan Healy clay masks for years! The green tea clay is my absolute fave, and I just recently discovered this amazing French Rose version. The green tea mask is a little more aggressive and will leave your skin pretty pink for some time after removing it. This mask is pink going on, but is made for sensitive and congested skin types so it leaves no irritation. It also has a bit of grain to it for exfoliation as you rinse it away, leaving you with clean, smooth and happy feeling skin.

Heritage Store Rose Water $9 - I have come back to this product after a few years of not using it. I used to purchase the version with Glycerine, but I found it to be irritating to my skin. I came across the non-glycerine version and I love it. I like to spray it on after using my rose clay mask to help soothe my skin. I also love adding some to my bath for that light rose scent.


What are some of your favorite products?

xoxo