Natural Beauty Favorites

Happy Sunday!

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite natural beauty products with you. I’ve spent A LOT of money trying products out over the last two years, and while I’ve been disappointed in many, there are quite a few that I just can’t go without.

As some of you know, switching over my old products to natural/non-toxic products has been quite the journey. I’ll be honest… I don’t know if I will ever be 100% on the natural train. I mean, never say never, but there are just certain things I think I just really prefer, like fragrance perfume or self-tanner instead of sunbathing. But, I am trying. Trying to be more mindful of where my products are from, trying to make sure to stay away from these ingredients, and taking into consideration the environmental impact of the things I use and purchase.

What I can say lately though is, I’m impressed! I feel like there are so many effective natural products now and it it so exciting when I find one I really love.

So, let’s dive into the ones I have been loving:

Favorite full skincare line: Epicuren
This is hands down my favorite line. It’s not organic, but it’s a line where science meets nature and I have never loved products more than theirs! This is a great one for all skin types.

Favorite mask: Origins Original Skin
This one is a MUST. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this mask because it feels like an all-in-one mask. Moisturizing, brightening, and pore refining.

Favorite body scrub: Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Polish
This one is well worth the money! A little goes a long way, and I love that it is drier than other scrubs so it really help exfoliate.

Favorite deodorant: Schmidt’s Vanilla Rose Deodorant
This has been my favorite daily deodorant by far. I am obsessed with the scent! Some people I know prefer the jar version of this, so it’s really just a matter of preference. Either way, this one has been a winner in my book.

Winter Skincare

Some of you might remember a while back when I posted about my experience going “more natural” with my beauty products. Well, I am still doing my best to keep this up, and I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite winter products. I don’t know about where you are, but Portland has been frigid this year! I’m sure sound like a total wimp because I know it isn’t as bad as other parts of the country, but I’m just not used to it! And my skin just flat out hates it. The winter months leave my skin feeling extra dry and really dull. So, I’ve had to step up my moisturizing products a bit, which I am sharing with you below. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without these products! They’ve been a total skin saver.

1. St. Tropez Self Tanning Mousse– I know this isn’t completely natural, but it is one of the “better” self-tanners out there. I would literally be a ghost in the winter if I didn’t have this stuff!

2. Epicuren Hydro Plus Moisturizer– This face moisturizer is extra thick and hydrating, without that buildup/heavy feel. I feel like it is a big glass of water for my face every time I slather it on. I don’t know what I would do without this!

3. Now Eucalyptus Oil– Ok, this isn’t a skincare product, but this is winter must due to it’s anti-bacterial properties! I like to put this in a diffusor and have it going throughout the house during the months when everyone is getting sick.

4. Fresh Sugar Face Polish– This is a gentle exfoliator that is also extra moisturizing. I like to use this 2-3x a week during the winter to give my skin some extra love. : )

5. Cosmedix Cell ID– Okay, I’m not going to lie. This stuff is PRICEY. But after working at a spa for over six years, I learned that your biggest splurge should be your treatment/serum, since it is the most targeted product you buy. And this stuff helps keep your skin youthful, which is my goal. My favorite Esthetician and Spa Owner, Ginny at Blooming Moon Spa also admits that while facials are great to do more often than not, what really matters is your daily routine, so make it a good one! I highly suggest asking a professional about a good routine and then stick to it!

Happy skin-caring everyone!

DIY | Rose Salt Scrub

I don’t know about you guys, but a good body scrub is my best friend. I started using the one by Fresh when I was pregnant and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve tried a few others, but none really compare. Since the Fresh scrub is so pricey and because I’m a notorious over user when it comes to products, I tried to find one at a better price point but have yet to love one like I do theirs.

Here is what I don’t love about some scrubs: They don’t smell good enough. Or, they have way too much oil, not enough scrub (if you know what I mean). OR… they just have way too many crappy ingredients – no thanks!

So when I say that I just made an amazing homemade body scrub, I come from a very critical background.

And honestly, this is one heck of a body scrub that was so easy to make. You can head to a local natural food store for these ingredients or if you live in Portland, I bought these at Fettle (formerly The Herb Shoppe).

1 jar

1 cup hawaiian course sea salt

1/4 cup melted organic coconut oil

1 tbs apricot oil

2 tbs finely chopped dried rose pedals

6 drops of rose essential oil

*optional: add a few drops of lemon (energizing) or bergamot (uplifting) essential oil in the blend

Mix ingredients with a fork or spoon and store in an airtight container for up to two months.

Au Naturale: 4 Products I’m Loving

I have been exploring natural products since I was pregnant (so a little over two years now). And I will say, this has been a total hit or miss. At one point I even gave up for a month, bought Clinique products and just said, screw it. Then, after two weeks of switching to Clinique not only did my skin go a bit crazy with all of the changes, but I didn’t feel right about it. I will never be perfect at this “natural” routine. I’ll still slather on self tanner here and there and I’m still having a hard time with natural shampoos and conditioners, but I really felt like there are enough great natural products out there now that I can’t really give up.

So, after more time and money, I’m finally finding things I like. And I will be posting about these products that are working as I go in hopes that I can do all the hard work for others trying to switch over to natural products.

Here is the deal with my skin:

I have dry skin/combination. Mainly dry though. I also have sunspots and pigmentation from all of my previous “no sunscreen” days. I get occasional breakouts, but nothing crazy. And my skin is somewhat sensitive; not to where I need sensitive products, but certain products can really irritate it. So, with that said, I tend to look for hydrating and brightening products that aren’t too harsh when it comes to my face.

These are a few of my favorites lately:

1. Andalou Naturals Brightening Beauty Balm: Okay, I’m slightly obsessed with this stuff. I use this as my moisturizer in the morning because it is super moisturizing, has a sheer tint and also has SPF 30. Since I’ve been in California this has been a lifesaver. If I’m at the beach or headed outside for exercise I don’t love to put makeup on, so this has been a nice replacement. It looks like your face just had a big glass of water 🙂

2. COOLA Guava Mango Sunscreen SPF 50: COOLA is such an amazing brand. I really love all of their stuff. For me, I prefer a spray sunscreen because it is a whole lot easier to put on. And this stuff smells amazing (major plus). Their sunscreen definitely lives with me during the summertime.

3. Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment: This as a moisturizer at night has been so helpful to hydrate my skin and give it a nice glow. Contrary to what you might think, the oil will actually not leave your skin feeling oily. My skin soaks this stuff right up (in the best way possible).

4. LaVanila Sports Luxe Deodorant: I used to use their regular version, but I wasn’t quite sure it completely helped with odor after a workout. This sports luxe version is a much better option if you are active. I’ve been loving it! One thing to remember is that most natural deodorants won’t really control sweat however.

Are their any natural products that you love? I am still on the search for a good shampoo and conditioner so I’d love any recommendations!