We are at it again with the best of clean beauty 2018! My girl Lisa from the blog This Organic Girl and I are dishing up our faves this year in clean and natural beauty. This is our third year in a row and the post always seems to be a crowd favorite.
Join the 5 Day Clean Living Challenge and start living your best natural life!
I’m going to give you a quick run down on some past favorites too that we can’t stope reaching for, plus some personal picks that I’ve tried and Lisa hasn’t. But before I do, I wanted to share a little about two places that keep me well stocked when it comes to clean and natural beauty products.
Just some of the clean beauty you can find at detox market!
This was the very first green beauty store I shopped at. I still remember angels singing when I visited the actual store in L.A. Ok, maybe angels weren’t singing but it felt like I had arrived in green beauty heaven! They have ALL the brands and more. You want some Josh Rosebrook- they’ve got you covered. Need some Osmia Organics in your life, sister they have it. Want some Odacite? No problem- they have the whole line. It’s your one stop shop for all things natural beauty! They have a list of ingredient standards, which lists ingredients they don’t allow in their formulations, so you can be sure your products are squeaky clean.
I remember hearing about their pop up shop in 2010- I was salivating to go! It was at the same time I had started to detox my beauty products. It’s so crazy to think where The Detox Market is today! There’s so many natural options, compared to 8 years ago. I love their mission on educating the consumer and bringing awareness. Forever a Detox Market fan! You can basically get any clean beauty product from their store.
Also, I love Boxwalla!
Love this clean beauty box by Boxwalla. It hits all the marks when it comes to a clean beauty box.
This is a clean beauty box that you can get bi-monthly. In case you’re not familiar withBoxwalla– allow me to introduce you. This box delivers some of the best of green beauty. I find that’s what sets them apart from other green beauty boxes is their thoughtful curations. I always find they go out on a limb and really find brands and artisans that I haven’t heard of- which I love! If you’re into trying new brands and discovering people that truly love their craft- this box is for you. I also love that this box is bi-monthly versus every month. It helps me to savor each box and really get to know the products. Their selections are always cruelty free as well. The products are also free of certain ingredients according to Boxwalla standards. You can find the specific ingredients they avoid here.Another reason I love getting behind this box! Plus, don’t get me started on their actual boxes the products come in- seriously next level. I keep each box and give them to others with gifts in them because they’re so gorgeous! Read below on how their boxes are made. A quote from Boxwalla’s website:
Each box containing Boxwalla goodies is carefully crafted from tree-free handmade paper. A small company in India makes the paper for us, from cotton scraps, using the traditional art of paper-making that involves 9 steps and takes several weeks. The handmade paper is then meticulously fashioned into the boxes that you see in the pictures. The whole process is completely child labor free and employs 63 local villagers and 20 skilled artisans whose families have been making paper for generations. We love supporting socially and environmentally conscious businesses such as these: They craft beautiful products while preserving traditional crafts and skills that would otherwise be completely lost.
If you want to start the new year off right and start discovering the best of green beauty, sign up for a Boxwalla box here!
Here are past favorites of Lisa and I that we can’t get away from:
Lisa and I wearing the beloved Mermaid Mask by Leahlani skincare.
Leahlani Mermaid Mask- Another cult favorite in clean beauty- the Mermaid Mask by Leahlani. It does wonders for the skin. First mask I used in natural beauty that literally showed improvements after the first use!
Ok, on to the BEST OF CLEAN BEAUTY 2018!
Moss Skincare Beurre Céleste Honey Antioxidant Infusion Recovery Mask in Cleansing Baume-It was love at first swipe when I used this cleansing mask/balm. It comes in a balm form and quickly melts in your hands and removes makeup and grime so effortlessly. Your skin feels so clean, and not stripped in any way. I often use it in the mornings and leave it on my skin while I brush my teeth. Such a unique formula too because it’s completely waterless- so no preservative!
African Botanics Fleurs de’Afrique-An amazing plant based retinol oil that my skin LOVES! I literally have seen a brightness in my skin and hyper pigmentation fade- no joke. If you got it, then you know what I’m talking about. I discovered this in a Boxwalla box- they are always dishing out the good stuff.
Kosas Lipstick-These lipsticks are the best. To own a Kosas lipstick is to love it! These are pigmented, long lasting and moisturizing. I almost have all 8 colors in the collection and there isn’t a bad color.
Odacite Lip Serum- I had never used a lip serum like this on my lips until Odacite’s. It helps to hydrate, minimize fine lines on the lips and plump. I love applying as my last step in my skincare routine. My lip’s nightly nightcap!
Laurel Sun Damage Repair Serum-This is a serum and oil in one that helps to repair sun damaged skin. The formula contains 27 whole organic plants! It helps to reverse the signs of aging that the sun brings. It also helps to brighten and fade age spots. The oil feels richer on the skin but it also seeps right in. When I used it I noticed a decrease in overall redness, faded sun spots and clearer skin tone.
Khus Khus Modern Herbal Fusion + RASA Restorative Potion-This is such a unique body cream. Not only does it contain adaptogenic herbs but Ayurvedic and Western nervine herbs as well. It helps to bring a calm to the nervous system. It feels so soothing and healing! Plus, my skin feels so hydrated as well.
True Botanicals Cellular Repair Serum, Antioxidant Booster and Vitamin C Booster-The Cellular Repair Serum is designed to reverse the cellular damage caused by sun exposure and aging. Pretty sure everyone wants to sign up for that-am I right?! Besides reversing cellular damage it also replenishes moisture and plumps up skin. It’s highly concentrated and goes past the surface of the skin to really get to the cellular level. This Vitamin C Booster treatment is preserved in it’s freshest form. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to even skin tone, brighten and fade wrinkles, stimulate collagen, plus firm and repair skin. I mean every face needs this stuff. You might be wondering why it comes in a powder form. When vitamin c is mixed with a liquid it slowly loses potency. By keeping it in powder form you can be assured it’s in it’s freshest form. The Antioxidant Booster is similar to the Vitamin C Booster but it uses apple peel powder instead, which has actually been shown to be more powerful then Vitamin C! It helps brighten dark spots, even out skin tone and firm skin.
Sappho Brow Pomade- When my beloved brow cream that I had been using for a couple year from Hynt was reformulated I was back to the drawing board to find one that worked just as good! Thankfully Sappho answered my prayers. This works so well. Leaves my brows looking natural and so easy to apply. I wear the color dark brown black.
Honest Beauty Mascara- If you’ve followed me for a hot minute you know I’m OBSESSED with this mascara! It’s the best I’ve found in green beauty. It gives my lashed definition, length and drama. Plus, you can get it on Amazon and it’s under $15! I know- we hit the jackpot with this one.
Osmia Body Oil- I can’t get enough of Osmia’s Body Oil. It’s like the biggest drink of water for your body. Your skin will thank you and so will your mind as you wrap yourself in this goodness. I apply mine right out of the shower or bath and my skin stays silky smooth all day. I love the Night Oil scent- with notes of lavender, roman chamomile and atlas cedarwood. But if you don’t like scent you would love their naked oil- it has no essential oils in it.
Maya Chia The Optimist Hydrating Essence-I get SO excited for any new Maya Chia product and The Optimist was no exception. This gem is housed in a dark glass bottle, preserving every last drop of goodness. Smells divine with hints of neroli, sweet orange, and ylang ylang. The formula itself feels so hydrating on the skin and refreshing with white tea, antioxidants, fatty acids and phytonutrients- just to name a few. I can’t forget the actual spray function. It works so well! I know it might sound funny, but after truing hundreds of mists in my day, the spray function is actually quite important. You don’t want the mist to feel like it’s attacking your skin or spraying you in the eye! The Optimist sprays so well all over the face. The founder Susanne nailed it!
Honest Beauty Mascara is my favorite green beauty mascara.
Here are some favorites of mine that I discovered this year and I can’t not share:
Beautycounter’s Face Wipes- These wipes are the best I’ve found in green beauty. They offer the perfect amount of moisture, and they remove all my makeup! Plus, they’re biodegradeable.
Beautycounter’s Eye Makeup Remover-Ok, I seriously was so excited when I tried this eye makeup remover. All you Mary Kay fans will get me. Back in the day I used to be big Mary Kay Eye Makeup Remover devotee. It was the best I found and since I stopped using it I’ve never even able to find a replacement. Until now! This eye makeup remover works like a charm- can’t say it enough. If you like having an eye makeup remover- you’ll love this!
Ilia Eye Primer- I have finally found my favorite eye primer in clean beauty! This magic little wand does not mess around. It keeps my eye shadows in place the whole day, no creasing, or smudging. I can’t recommend it enough.
Tata Harper’s Clarifying Mask- I had tried this once before this year but nothing more. It had been a small sample. Then I got a full jar and lets just say, it quickly dwindled! This helps purify pores, detoxify the skin and leave you with an overall glow. Can’t get enough!
That’s it for The Best Of Clean Beauty 2018! Want to see what The Best Of Clean Beauty 2016 and 2017 was? Check out 2016 here and2017 here.
I’ve rounded out 40 Natural Holiday Gift Ideas! Ok, so it’s less than two weeks until Christmas and if you’re anything like me you still haven’t wrapped up your holiday shopping. I know, shame on me but life’s been a bit hectic lately- can you blame a girl?! But I thought if I’m doing this, how many other people are doing the same thing. So I thought I would share some gift ideas that I’m gifting to my family and friends and some gift ideas that are just always winners. Plus, so many of the gift ideas can either be bought on Amazon- quick and easy or Pharmaca- and they’re always having sales! Basically, I’ve got your back this holiday season.
Pharmaca has all the top clean beauty brands but discounted!
Pharmaca- (Always having sales, and you can get clean beauty, kid’s toys and even herbs all in one place)
Juice Beauty Brow Envy Gel- This eyebrow wand is amazing! Best eyebrow wand I’ve found in green beauty. I wear the color medium-dark.
Inika Organic Makeup- This makeup brand is a cut above and their formulations are dreamy! Their mascara is awesome, their eyeshadow duos and baked foundation.
ZuZu Luxe Liquid Liner- This liner is my fave! It’s inexpensive, stays put and comes in a variety of colors.
Intelligent Nutrients Hair Spray- Ok, I’ve found another green beauty hair spray I can’t get enough of. It’s so good! And with Pharmaca’s sales a steal!
John Masters Hair Paste-This hair paste my brother and hubs love! It is clean and budget friendly! Also, doesn’t give your hair the wet look.
AER Vapour Deodorant- This deodorant is one of the best in green beauty and you can get it for a pretty good discount on Pharmaca!
Melissa & Doug Toys-Pharmaca offers so many natural options for toys! We love this wooden house. My girls love using the keys for it.
Stasher Bags- These silicone bags are my fave! I use them for anything and everything. They freeze well too. Say no to plastic and grab these instead!
S.W. Basics Cream- These easy creams are nice to take with you on the go. Put one in your car, one in your purse, kitchen- hands will never be dry!
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek-These are one of the first multi-use products I tried in green beauty and I still can’t get enough- so versatile. Use on cheeks, lips and eyes.
Best organic and natural green beauty at Pharmaca.
Amazon- (Quick turnaround with Amazon Prime and best deals)
Curious Chef Knife Set- I’ve been looking for a knife set for my 4 1/2 year old. She loves being in the kitchen and I love her learning about real food.
The Classic Eyeshadow Palette. Satin Powder Blush and Color Intense Lipstick.
Beautycounter- (All clean beauty in one place and they’re having a sale Dec. 15th-17th off holiday sets)
Necessary Neutrals Palette- Love this eyeshadow palette! Best eyeshadows I’ve found in green beauty. The longevity is amazing!
Highlighter Palette-This highlighter palette has 3 shades and is so gorgeous on anyone!
Mini Lipgloss Vault- This lipgloss set is a great option to give as one gift or to break up into smaller gifts.
Color Intense Lipstick Vault- This lipstick set is so fun! It has so many different shades you can try out- they’re hydrating and pigment is so rich.
Instant Awakening Trio- I use the lotion before makeup application, the resurfacing mask every other night and the eye masks in the morning- perfect skincare set!
Best of Beautycounter- This gives you a taste of the best of Beautycounter skincare products. It’s such a great gift idea for someone just getting started.
Travel Size Cleansing Balm- A bestseller in Beautycounter- it works so well. Now you can try it for a little less money with the travel size before buying the full size.
Counterman Kit- This is a men’s essential kit that comes in the coolest bag- any guy would be lucky to get it!
Travel Body Essentials- I love anything travel friendly. Makes it so easy to grab when packing- this set is all the body products you need when on the road!
Intense Moisture Body Duo- This set will keep your skin so hydrated throughout the winter! Such a great gift idea!
Holiday gift ideas galore! Kosas lipstick, Josh Rosebrook, True Botanicals and Aila nail polish.
So excited to share with you 3 brands that simplify natural living. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when detoxing your life. Trust me I get it! But it doesn’t have to be. I like to break natural living into three categories. The food we eat, the beauty products we use and household products. These are some heavy hitters when it comes to toxic load. Getting these detoxed is definitely a priority! But where do you start? What brands do you trust and what is effective.
Check out how to enter the GIVEAWAY happening in honor of my new website launch at the bottom of this post!
No worries, I got your back! I’ve rounded out my top picks for where to get clean food for budget options, where to buy beauty products all in one place and what to use for your household products. I’ve simplified the process for you! These are tried and true and have worked not only for me but many of my peers and friends.
After all, detoxing your life shouldn’t feel like work but it should be exciting and fun! I mean who wants toxins lurking in their food, house or beauty products? I know you don’t!
Here’s the skinny on 3 brands that always deliver-
Find the best in green beauty at The Detox Market!
This was the very first green beauty store I shopped at. I still remember angels singing when I visited the actual store in L.A. Ok, maybe angels weren’t singing but it felt like I had arrived in green beauty heaven! They have ALL the brands and more. You want some Josh Rosebrook- they’ve got you covered. Need some Osmia Organics in your life, sister they have it. Want some Odacite? No problem- they have the whole line. It’s your one stop shop for all things natural beauty! They have a list of ingredient standards, which lists ingredients they don’t allow in their formulations, so you can be sure your products are squeaky clean.
I remember hearing about their pop up shop in 2010- I was salivating to go! It was at the same time I had started to detox my beauty products. It’s so crazy to think where The Detox Market is today! There’s so many natural options, compared to 8 years ago. I love their mission on educating the consumer and bringing awareness. Forever a Detox Market fan!
Find all your favorite clean eating and organic food pantry staples at Vitacost.
I started using Vitacost for over a year now and let’s just say I haven’t looked back! If you haven’t heard of Vitacost allow me to bring you up to speed. Vitacost is your one stop shop for all healthy and clean dry goods. Think pantry staples! Plus, they have some great household items too. I love stocking up on all my favorite natural brands through Vitacost. I save so much money when I purchase them there. Plus, they’re always offering some sort of coupon code to save even more through email.
I’ve been so impressed with their customer service, and timely delivery of my orders. I place an order a month and I never have had any broken or damaged items. I used to shop at other online retailers and I had several products break constantly. They carry all my favorite natural brands. I also love that I don’t have to pay a yearly membership to receive the discounts.
Branch Basics makes simple and clean household products that are effective.
I have fallen for this brand! I started to try all their products 6 months ago and have loved each one! They make detoxing your cleaning and household products so easy and simple! From the cleaner you use to clean your counters, bathrooms, laundry detergent and windows. It doesn’t need to be toxic to clean! Their whole mission on why they started is so cool. Each founder had their own awakening moment that made them realize the impact our environments have on our lives. Read all about the founder and their journey’s here!
Branch Basics products are based off their concentrate- which is made from plant and mineral based. I love how simple it is. You basically can remove all your cleaning products with one product- their concentrate. They give you the bottles to easily make window cleaner from it, countertop cleaner, laundry detergent, bathroom cleaner and even hand wash! It is hypo-allergenic, peanut free, gluten free, fragrance free, and contains no toxic stabilizers, preservatives, brighteners or surfactants. It removes grease, dirt, dust and grime. They’ve made the whole process so simple for people to transition from toxic household cleaners to non-toxic. Can’t recommend them enough!
Some Favorites At Branch Basics-
Concentrate- This is the plant and mineral based cleaner that does it all!
Oxygen Booster- Helps to create an abrasive when added to tubs, toilets or sinks. I also like adding it to heavily soiled laundry for a boost.
Trial Kit- Great to try before buying a large bottle or kit!
Have you tried any of these brands? What brand has helped you in detoxing your life? Leave me a comment and let me know!
So in honor of my new website launch, I’ve teamed up with all three of my favorite natural lifestyle brands to bring you the ultimate giveaway!
The Detox Market is giving away $100 gift card
Vitacost is giving away $150 gift card
Branch Basics is giving away $100 gift card
You will be set with this giveaway loot! From clean beauty, organic food and natural household cleaners, detoxing your life just got so easy!
Here’s how to enter:
Comment below sharing what the biggest struggle is for you when detoxing your life? Whether it’s beauty, food or household products. Make sure you leave your email so I can contact you if you win.
Repost my Instagram photo where I share the details of my new website for 10 extra entries. My Instagram is here.
In this episode we are learning tips to help for infertility and hormone imbalance with Dr. Katie Rose. Dr. Katie Rose is a licensed naturopathic physician in Tucson, Arizona specializing in hormone imbalance and infertility. Her own health crisis in her early 20s led her to naturopathic medicine as a patient and she quickly realized this was her calling. She graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ and has practiced in Tucson since graduation. After dealing with her own hormone imbalances and watching several close friends struggle with infertility, she decided it was time to learn all there is to learn about natural fertility options and the underlying causes of infertility. Dr. Rose is passionate about helping patients get to the root cause of hormone imbalances and build their families in the healthiest way possible.
What made you pursue fertility as an area of expertise?
What is the relationship between chemical exposures, chemical sensitivity and infertility?
Can you talk more about male fertility- because it seems like the focus always goes to women?
What modalities do you use in practice to support healthy hormones and fertility in both men and women?
What are some tips you can give to listeners for at home?
Can you discuss any success stories that you’ve had with fertility?
How can our listeners find out more about you or get in touch with you?
Links Mentioned-
Dr. Katie Rose e-book 7 Steps To Healthier Hormones- simple steps to better hormone health, download here!
*Sponsorship- This episode is brought to you by:
Why We Love It?
Goat whey has demonstrated positive anti-inflammatory effects in the digestive system. Cow whey has shown increased inflammatory effects.
Cow whey is considered allergenic whereas goat whey is considered hypoallergenic.
Whey protein is the “gold standard” for serious athletes. Goat whey is the “gold standard” of that “gold standard.”
Goat whey is amazing for our immune systems, supporting lean muscle growth and repair, as well as optimal body composition.
Goat whey has the full range of essential amino acids in ratios that best support the athlete in all of us
It is really light and doesn’t ever makes us feel bloated. That’s because there is nothing added to fill up space, just the purest goat whey and flavoring.
Activ Whey is a goat whey protein that comes from goats that are grassfed all the way through their lifecycle. There are zero antibiotics or hormones used on the goats or the vegetation they eat from.
I personally know the creator and can vouch for the legitimacy of the protein and where it is sourced from.
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I’m so excited to share with you about the Arbor Day Foundation! I learned about this foundation recently and was amazed at what they do. They are a nonprofit dedicated to planting trees and bringing awareness and education around the impact of trees to our environment. It might seem small to plant a tree but the ripple effect lasts for generations to come!
Learn how you can give a celebration or remembrance card and plant trees too.
I love their mission:
We inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.
So what do trees actually do for our environment- well a lot actually. They clean the air and water, which is important for human survival. But they also provide homes, and habitats for wildlife. Not to mention, providing many fun activities for people young and old to enjoy. You could say these forests give life! Arbor Day Foundation supports the replanting of forests and helps to bring awareness of the issue. Many natural disasters have wreaked havoc on forests. Arbor Day’s mission is to revitalize these forests and ensure they’re brought back to life. They just celebrated planting 60 million trees recently- a huge accomplishment!
Make an impact by giving a card and helping plant trees.
There are so many programs and opportunities that Arbor Day offers to help bring to light the importance of planting trees and saving our forests. One cool offering they have is with their Give-A-Tree Cards. Whenever you purchase a card a tree will be planted in honor of a friend or family member. So awesome! There are different options to choose from depending on the occasion. From a thank you card, birthday card, holiday card- the list is endless. You can even personalize the card for free! Then once you receive it you can sign the card. It’s a simple act but with impact that lasts over a lifetime.
I chose a thank you card with the message, A Gift That Grows. I love that as I write a thank you note, in turn I’m also sending a gift by planting a tree in honor of the recipient. This is such a perfect reminder especially around the holiday season when giving is in full swing. Why not send some Christmas cards dedicated to giving back this year? What I’ve found is when I give, it has a ripple effect and is contagious. Who know’s you may just spark a little fire within someone to donate and share this wonderful cause with someone else. Send a meaningful card with Give-A-Tree Card here!
Give a card that creates change!
Besides Give-A-Tree Cards, Arbor Day Foundation also has a program called Trees in Celebration. You plant trees in celebration of a person, an event, a life- really whatever you want. I did this and dedicated mine to my Nana. She lived 80 beautiful years on this earth! To know that her life is being remembered by giving life back through trees is amazing. It’s so simple too- a perfect holiday gift idea. You simply fill out the certificate online and then you can either choose to have it delivered to you or download it yourself and print it. Honor your celebrations by planting trees through Arbor Day Foundation! You can check it all out here!
Send Christmas gifts that make an impact for the next generation.
If it’s one thing I’ve learned throughout the holiday seasons, it’s the importance of supporting and bringing to light organizations that are giving back and making a difference. If you want to learn more about Arbor Day Foundation, get involved or donate- check out their website here!
Have you thought of planting a tree this holiday season?
