In my pursuit of taking small steps toward health, happiness and being beautiful, I decided to not only cleanse my eating, but also overhaul my many beauty products. After all, our skin is our body’s largest and fastest growing organ. This fall, my shopping spree started with reviewing the most important daily necessities including soaps, face washes and deodorants, to name a few. In doing so, I looked for organic and vegan products and used the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database to better understand the ingredients in my beauty products. I was willing to spend extra money, but luckily I was recently able to find some items that worked well and were reasonably priced. Loving to shop and try new beauty products, I continually keep my eye out and try new products. Here is a snapshot of the items I am using this spring and summer. If you prefer to use the gallery photos, my favorites are indicated by the three-stars. The pics next do it are the items I no longer use.
My favorite face wash: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, Tea Tree Oil. The slight lather cleanses well, combined with the essential oils that leave my skin smooth. I also use this to wash my makeup brushes as recommended by a makeup artist.
My favorite body soap: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, 18-in-1 Hemp Peppermint. I use this for body soap daily and sometimes for shampoo and face soap when I need an all-in-one product. The mint has a refreshing smell and effervescent tingle on the skin, too.
My favorite deodorant: LaVanila Laboratories – The Healthy Deodorant. I love the vanilla lavender smell. I tried several organic, non-aluminum deodorants and most only worked for an hour or two. I find this one lasts at least half the day and definitely through a long workout session. Like all-natural products, though, I tend to re-apply throughout the day.
My favorite eye make-up remover: Coconut oil. It is easy and smells so sweet. Just rub a little on your face and use a tissue to wipe off.
My favorite toothpaste: Tom’s. I use the Whole Care toothpaste. Many of the conventional toothpastes have added sugars and artificial colorings. I find this one works well to clean my teeth, keep them white and wards off stinky breath.
My favorite sunscreen: Kiss My Face with Hydresia SPF 40. This has minimal ingredients and is clear of the toxic ones. My 5-year old has very sensitive skin and does well with this brand, too. Note – when I buy beauty items, I look at the ingredients for each one because not all brands are consistent with using non-toxic ingredients in all products.
My favorite hair ties: While not a true necessity, anyone with long hair knows that the daily face cleansing, makeup removal and beautifying process is much easier with a great hair clip. For years, the problem was that trendy hair bands always left a mark. Emi-Jay ties are the best. I use them during my nighttime routine, to sleep in or even wear my hair in a bun. As soon as I take it out and brush through, my hair looks remarkably flowing without the kinks.
What are your favorite beauty necessities? Are you in search for something new?
