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 Long, Healthy Hair Routine (& Tips!)

I've been getting some questions about my hair lately (it's the longest it has been in a while, maybe even ever...?). I've liked having long hair all my life, but this is probably the best I have ever felt about my hair.  I've always received kind compliments about the same qualities that make me mad at my hair (haha): My hair is very straight, very soft and very fine. However, I have always wanted thick, wavy hair. I've had this conversation with ladies so many times: they want my hair, and I want theirs! Lately though, I have really been embracing my hair type and giving it the support it needs to be the best it can be, instead of trying to fight it.

Although I have fine, straight hair (oily roots, dry ends)… the tips and tricks I am sharing here would be great for the health of pretty much all hair types. Sort of like "Hair Care 101".
So let's jump right in with a quick list of healthy hair commandments:

• Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods
• Don't over-process your hair (be gentle!)
• Stay away from heat styling as much as possible
• Care for your scalp
• No sulfates, parabens, silicones 
• Find the right shampoo/conditioner
• Wood bristle brushes are your friend
• Protect your hair (like an investment!)

You want to grow long, healthy hair? Continue reading.

If you just want to see a list of the products I currently use and love, scroll to the bottom 

1. EAT LIKE YOU MEAN IT. 

This is the first commandment in the book of healthy hair. Think of the condition of your hair as an outward indication of inner health. Your hair needs Protein (it is essentially made of protein), vitamins and minerals. If you are not consuming enough protein, your hair is more likely to become brittle and weak. Protein sources: lean meat, fish, dairy, eggs, nuts/legumes. Iron is an essential mineral for full hair. I love to stuff my face with all the leafy greens. Spinach is my #1. I add it to smoothies, eggs, beans, sandwiches, salads, etc., etc. Vitamin C is a key player on Team Iron Absorption and boosts your collagen production which will help strengthen your hair. I eat lots of berries, citrus fruits, broccoli and my beloved sweet potatoes (aka the real MVP). Your hair and scalp health need the support of Omega 3 fattys to keep your tresses hydrated. I love avocado and salmon, but you can also snack on some walnuts and supplement some cod liver oil. I would make cod liver oil my last resort because it is not a treat by any means.

These are my four nutrition-based must-haves for hair health. 

(For more info on check out this link: Good Food)

2. Treat your hair like you treat your friends (this only applies if you're a good friend)
Your relationship with your hair is important to its overall health. If you are always beating it up and treating it like crap, it's going to leave you in the dust. Literally. It will break off just to get away from you. So be nice. Don't overprocess your hair, especially if it is fine like mine. In highschool, I used to use a drugstore lightening treatment on my hair (smh) at least once a month. Now I get Baylage highlights done professionally (shoutout to Nicole at Mane!!) maybe twice a year and I get trims in between.

3. Break up with your hot tools (or save them for special occasions)
I've never been big on curling irons or hair dryers, and I definitely don't need a straightener, so maybe this is easier said than done for some. However, applying high heat directly to your strands damages them. That's the truth and there's no way around that. I let my hair air dry as a rule (also I'm always running late so this will happen regardless), and I only curl my hair a handful of times a year. When I do, I use the lowest heat and I like to apply a heat protecting product.

4. Scalp care/health
If you don't have a healthy, happy, balanced scalp, you are not going to have healthy, happy hair. Period. If you slather masks, serums, lotions and potions on your face (or at least I do), but neglect your scalp it just doesn't make sense. I love the Innate Life Scalp Treatment and Fig & Yarrow Hair and Scalp Serum. I give my scalp a full pamper session before each wash by applying a scalp treatment or oil the night before and work it in with a scalp massage. Scalp massage really helps with circulation and promotes hair growth (it also feels real nice). I like to let my scalp and hair absorb the treatment overnight, and I follow up with a good washing and conditioning. Once in a while, I will also do an apple cider vinegar rinse in between washes (1 part ACV to 3 parts water). This will help remove buildup, balance your scalp PH and make your hair shiny.

5. Avoid sulfates, parabens, silicones and heavy synthetic fragrances like the plague 
Late last year, I started to make the switch to natural, non-toxic hair products. I have sensitive skin, and my scalp is no exception. It's a very delicate balance. If a shampoo and/or conditioner is too harsh, my scalp will itch like crazy. The same goes for a shampoo and/or conditioner that is full of crappy ingredients. Finding the right natural shampoo/conditioner can be daunting/exhausting/frustrating at first, but when you find the one it is so worth it. You will never go back to other shampoos/conditioners. When you first make the switch, your hair and scalp will need a little time to adjust. It might seem a little to greasy or a little too drying at first, but once your hair is "detoxed" it will feel better than ever. 

6. Mixing & Matching Shampoo/Conditioner 
One of the most hair-life changing discoveries I have made is using a different shampoo and conditioner for my scalp and for the length of my hair. I use a volumizing, balancing shampoo and conditioner for my scalp, and a moisturizing conditioner for the lengths of my hair where it tends to be more dry. I don't even wash the ends of my hair unless I've used a styling product or it somehow got really icky.

7. Three words: Wood. Bristle. Brushes.
Wood bristle brushes help to distribute your hairs natural oils from the scalp down the hair shaft. This will help to keep drier ends moisturized and as a bonus your scalp will stay less greasy for longer in between washes. Plastic bristle brushes only strip your hair of its natural oils, and nobody wants that.
I purchased mine from Whole Foods and Sprouts. Both were under $20.

8. Protective hair styles
I always sleep with my hair in a loose braid or braids. If you have long hair, this will help to keep it from becoming a tangled mess while you sleep. A tangled mess = breakage.


Hair products I currently use and love:

ACURE Organics Peppermint & Echinacea Shampoo
ACURE Organics Peppermint & Echinacea Conditioner
Nature's Gate Dry Hair Conditioner
Fig + Yarrow Hair & Scalp Tonic
Innate Life Scalp Treatment
Spa Sister Wood Bristle Brush
Bass Bamboo Bristle Brush
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Trader Joe's or Braggs)
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (Trader Joe's cold pressed/unrefined)

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