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

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?

Current Favorite " Cleaner, Greener" Beauty Products

I've been making the switch to green, or at the very least greener, beauty products. I try to put the best foods I possibly can into my body, so it only made sense to make an effort to put the best products I can on it, too. I am skincare obsessed, have been since Junior High... er, although I was not anywhere near as comfortable in that skin back then as I am now. I believe that nourished, healthy skin is the best base, and not some ridiculously expensive foundation. I'm all about, glowing, hydrated, dewy skin. Here are the products I'm loving right now:

W3ll People Bio Tint Multi-Action Tinted Moisturizer - I love this tinted moisturizer! It provides SPF without feeling heavy, and gently blurs imperfections. In other words, your natural glow shines through.

W3ll People Bio Correct Multi-Action Concealer - This is probably the best concealer I have used to date! I never wear a full-face of makeup, but some days call for a little extra coverage here and there (hello dark circles). This concealer goes on like a dream! It's super moisturizing, and helps tired eyes fake being well-rested.

W3ll People Expressionist Mascara - Umm... ok. Where do I start? I've faithfully used the classic Maybelline pink tube mascara for over 10 years, but this mascara has converted me! It makes my lashes really happy and keeps them so soft!

Pixi Skin Treats Overnight Glow Serum - I have to admit, I was scared to try this. I have sensitive skin, and heard that exfoliants can be way too harsh. However, I heard good things about this so I took the plunge. I'm so glad that I did! Applying this serum before moisturizing a few nights a week before bed, and I wake up with even, glowy skin!

Manuka Honey - I've enjoyed honey many times throughout my life, but I had never thought of putting it on my face. With it's antibacterial and skin softening properties, it only makes sense! I love to slather this on my face before I hop in the shower, and let the steam and honey do its job! Best tasting beauty product ever, haha!

Sweet Almond Oil - Discovering this has been a game-changer! Almond oil makes the best in shower moisturizer (I love time-saving multi-taskers!) I like to add a little fragrance oil to the bottle, but it's great unscented too.

Rose Hip Seed Oil - An amazing natural anti-aging treatment! I like to create my own nighttime facial oil by mixing this with almond oil and a little bit of lavender oil.

Rosewater Facial Toner - This is so refreshing! I like to spritz this on a clean face before I apply my moisturizer or facial oil.

CoCo Kind My Matcha and Macabeet Moisturizing Sticks - My Matcha is my favorite of the two, but they are both great! My Matcha is great to use on the lips before bed, and Macabeet is great for a daytime touch of color.

Native Deodorant - Paraben free, aluminum free, gentle, and they smell great! I love the coconut
scent best!

What are some of your favorite clean, green beauty products?

xoxo

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