Mad Hippie Review

A few months ago, I made the full transition into non-toxic, cruelty free skincare. After doing a lot (A LOT) of research, I purchased nearly every Mad Hippie product and gave it a go. I have been using their products (along with a few Ursa Major products, which will be another review), and I am so-so-so pleased with how happy my skin has been! Read my full, honest review on the products I purchased below:

I feel that it is important to start with a background on my skin. Some products work better on certain skin types than others.

About my skin: I have a fair complexion (meaning I will burn fairly quickly without sunscreen) that will tan slightly in the summer. I have combination skin (oily in some places, dry in others) and my skin is very sensitive (my skin reacts to harsh chemicals and strong fragrances). I have the occasional breakout (I'm human!), I have larger pores around my nose and occasional redness. I don't wear a lot of makeup and typically use a tinted moisturizer and spot conceal where needed.

Cream Cleanser (with Jojoba, Green Tea, Macadamia Oil, & Orchid Extract) - I read a lot of mixed reviews about this cleanser. I was a bit skeptical because I enjoy a foaming cleanser, and this is a non-foaming cream cleanser... but it is amazing! This is probably my favorite product from the line. I read some reviews that said this was not very good at removing your makeup, but I think it does an amazing job removing makeup! Like I mentioned above, I don't wear a lot of makeup, but this easily removes even my mascara (I wear a natural, non-waterproof mascara). The best point is that this cleanser does not sting your eyes. Like, AT ALL. Every cleanser I have ever used has stung my eyes (even the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, which drives a main selling point of not burning your eyes)! It feels cooling and luxurious on the skin. The fact that it has green tea SOLD ME HARD. My skin loves green tea. Super refreshing!

Vitamin C Serum (with Konjac Root, Ferulic & Hyaluronic Acid )- I was looking for a serum to even out and brighten my complexion. At, first I wasn't sure this delivered but I found that it does amazing, glowy things when I pair it with an exfoliant. I use this a few times a week with the Pixi Overnight Glow Serum. (Mad Hippie has their own exfoliating serum, but I have not tried it because at the time of purchase they recommended one or the other.) The vitamin C serum is a cloudy, orange-ish serum (reminds me of diluted OJ with pulp) which makes me feel like it's made from fresh citrus fruit (I'm not complaining). It is a light-weight serum with a lovely smell. It's not super moisturizing on it's own, so use as a treatment in conjunction with a moisturizer.

Antioxidant Facial Oil (with Argan Oil, Goji & Camu Camu) - This oil smells AMAZING. So good. I don't usually like scented products, but this smells delicious and does not smell synthetic. I bought this to replace my much loved Kiehls Midnight Recovery Oil, and although it does not perform the same, I am happy to be putting something more natural and safe on my skin. I don't use this serum everyday, it is very thick so I save it for evenings when my skin feels like it could use some extra moisture. It is sort of sticky, like honey, which isn't bad, just know that it doesn't spread well on dry skin. Spritz on a little rosewater first, and apply to dewy skin.

Face Cream (with Peptides, Acai, Argan Oil & Reservatrol) - I bought this to replace my loved Mary Kay Timewise Facial Moisturizer. This moisturizer is formulated for all skin types and is safe to put all over your face, the delicate eye area included. Even the eyelids. That was a major selling point for me. I don't want to have to worry about avoiding the eye area when applying a moisturizer. This feels a little heavy when first applied, but that may just be because I am used to a more gel-cream type moisturizer. The only thing I am not crazy about is the scent. Not to imply that it smells bad, it actually smells great! I just prefer an unscented moisturizer, especially when I am applying it to the eye area. If they made an unscented version, that would be golden in my book.

Eye Cream (with Peptides, Ceramides, Pomegranate & White Tea) - I was super excited to try this. I am constantly on the prowl for that "holy grail" eye cream. One that is moisturizing, but not too heavy and does not leave me with puffy, irritated eyes. I was so into the fact that this has white tea in it, and was hoping it would help brighten the eye area. This checks all the boxes, however, the formula is a little grainy. Not grainy in the sense that it feels like sand or anything crazy, but it takes a lot of rubbing to get it to settle into the skin (which is not a good thing for the delicate eye area). I've tried gently patting it into the skin, but I am always left with these little grainy balls of product. It is possible that I just got an off bottle, so I may purchase again and see.

Have you tried any of the Mad Hippie Line? Which is your favorite? Which would you most like to try?

*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own, and the products were purchased with my own hard-earned money from Lucky Vitamin.

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