March Natural Beauty Box Roundup

March Natural Beauty Box Roundup

by | Mar 1, 2019 | CLEAN BEAUTY

March Natural Beauty Box roundup is here!  Can you believe it’s March?!  I felt like January and February flew by- literally.  So excited we’re getting closer to Spring!  I’ve got the lowdown on all the clean beauty boxes.  First up this month is Beauty Heroes!  Keep checking back as I update the list.

Natural beauty box

Excited to share with you Beauty Heroes March Discovery box!

Beauty Heroes: March Discovery BLUH Alchemy

So excited to share this month’s Beauty Heroes Box with you, BLUH Alchemy!  I’ve loved getting to know the product and also learning the back story behind this natural beauty brand.  

 BLUH Alchemy was started by Becky Bluh who had a strong desire to help her daughter’s skin heal from itchy, dry and sensitive skin.  Becky knew she was on to something when her daughter’s skin began to heal.  She realized she wanted to pursue the power of plants even further and really learn of their medicinal properties. 

Besides experimenting on her own, she also was trained in cosmetic chemistry where she collaborated with top natural chemists to create BLUH Alchemy.  Not only does this innovative skincare line help protect against environmental effects, but natural aging, and daily oxidative stressors.  Using botanicals, BLUE Alchemy treats the skin with intentional products that produce results naturally.

I have never used any BLUE Alchemy products and was so excited to try the products out!  Once a product junkie, always a product junkie.

Heroic Product- BLUE Alchemy Multi C Serum

If you thought you knew about Vitamin C, step aside.  This is a new Vitamin C you have yet to use!  This is a quote about the product:

A breakthrough in botanical technology, Multi C Serum features the world’s first full- spectrum photoactive Vitamin C, a cellular extract from the kakadu plum that boasts 50 x more antioxidant potency than a Florida orange.

It’s actually more stable than any other Vitamin C!  This serum has a multitude of Vitamin C’s all wrapped into one.  From quandong and sea buckthorn berry oils.  When you combine them together they are a force to be reckoned with!

It’s no secret Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten, lighten and create a glowing complexion.  Plus, this unique formula has peptides that help to firm the skin, green coffee, and ferric acid.  Say bye to dull, ruddy skin and hello to glowing, radiant skin!  I use it after toning my skin at night and in the morning.  I noticed an improved overall texture, glow and evenness to my skin.  I love how it absorbs so effortlessly into the skin.  And can we talk about the luxe frosted glass bottle?  I love how it pumps how and has a cap- so easy for travel. I can’t wait to keep using it!  

BLUH Alchemy Toning Elixir- 

The sidekick this month is just as good!  This deep hydration toning elixir takes your skin from parched and dry to hydrated and supple.  Not only does this toning elixir contain bioactive and antioxidants but hyaluronic acid and hibiscus to keep moisture intact.  This hydration helps to firm your skin while helping to fade fine lines and of course when skin is hydrated it naturally glows!  

One of my favorite things I found to be in this toning elixir was Niacinamide which is vitamin B3.  This is a powerhouse ingredient for your skin!  It has long been applauded for it’s ability to soothe the skin, calm inflammation and help clear acne.  Not too mention helps strengthen the skin.  This really is such an amazing toning elixir!  I spray this on my skin and pat in with my hands morning and night.  I can’t get enough of it!

Best part is you can get this fabulous box right now for such a steal!  This box is valued at $209 but you can snag it for $42.95…I mean what are you waiting for?!  This box has been one of my very favorites and I don’t want you to miss out on it!  Hop on it now if you’re thinking of getting it before they sell out!

Boxwalla April Box

Boxwalla’s Beauty Box for April featuring Malaya and Flowerspice.

Boxwalla March Box-

This is a bi-monthly box. I really love that it’s bi-monthly!  It makes you really savor each product.  This month we are seeing two different brands in the box.  Flowerspice and Malaya.  

Flowerspice Soothe and Repair Daily Moisturizer- This moisturizer is so lovely!  It completely hydrates your skin but doesn’t leave it feeling greasy or oily.  The scent is so nice too.  Very different but I love it.  It’s a mixture of rose and coriander.  It comes in a glass jar.  I would scoop some out and apply it to my skin after my serums at night.  My skin would feel so hydrated and supple in the morning.  I even have been using it for my hands as they have been drier and loving how moisturized they feel.  This isn’t your average moisturizer.  It’s filled with aloe, prickly pear and Swiss Mountain Spring Water.  A serious treat for the skin!

Malaya  Advanced Repair Mask- This mask is unlike any mask I’ve used. It is both clarifying and nourishing at the same time.  Made with neem flower honey, bentonite clay and aloe, this mask really is a powerhouse when it comes to hitting all the skincare needs.  I love how my skin feels cleared, yet hydrated and glowing after using it.  And the smell!  I just love the smell.  It’s a lemongrass, blue tansy smell that I can’t get enough of!  I love how the ingredients are soothing like aloe and blue tansy, but at the same time clarifying from the honey, and clay.  Can’t stop using it!

I would snag this box soon!  It’s a $160 value but you can get it for $49.95!  Get it here!

 

March Clean Beauty Box

The March Clean Beauty Box is all about Indulge!

The Clean Beauty Box-

This month’s clean beauty box is filled with Beneath Your Mask.  This brand is known for really repairing and rejuvenating the skin and helping to reverse damage caused by environmental toxins. The brand fits so well with the theme, Indulge.  It’s all about indulging your senses and your skin.

Total Body Elixir- This elixir is such a indulgent skin treat.  It not only deeply nourishes your skin with 18 pure plant oils and botanicals but it also help protect it from the environment.  Your skin is left glowing and radiant!  The ingredient deck is stacked too.  With Baobab seed oil, white camellia seed oil, pomegranate seed oil and sea buckthorn berry co2.  These oils not only hydrate but also help heal stretch marks and scars and calm redness.  I apply the oil to slightly damp skin after showering and my skin is left feeling so soft.  

Skin + Hair Serum- This is such a unique product.  Not only can you use it on your skin but also your hair.  With nourishing ingredients for your scalp like neem this is perfect for calming scalp inflammation but reducing dandruff.  I applied it on my scalp and ends of hair at night and then slept in it.  I would shampoo my hair the next day and it would feel so hydrated.  I didn’t need to apply that much since my hair is fine and thin.  A little goes a long way.  For my skin I would apply as the last step in my skincare routine at night.  My skin would feel hydrated and moisturized but not greasy.  It has such a nice vibrant scent with the lemongrass oil in it.  Really adds a glow to the skin.  Such a great product for travel too!  A two in one!

This box is valued at $90 but you can get it for $41.95!  Such a steal for a green beauty box!  Get it here!

 

Detox Box for March

The Detox Box for March is featuring W3ll People’s 5 minute face!

The Detox Box March-

I always love seeing what’s in the Detox Box!  Sometimes it’s makeup, other times it’s skincare and then sometimes you get hair products. This month it’s all makeup and I couldn’t be more excited!  

We are seeing W3ll People in this month’s box.  It’s all about the 5 minute face!  You get the Bio Baked Bronzer Powder, Bio Brightener Loose Powder, Expressionist Mascara, Luminaria Eyeshadow,  and then you also either get the Optimist Lipstick in Soulmate, and a Kabuki Brush, or Optimist Lipstick in Choose Love, Expressionist Liquid Eyeliner and the Eye Contour Brush.  Your basically set with all you need to create the ultimate green beauty makeup look!  You get all of this for $49.95!

I would hop on this box- such a good one I have a feeling it may sell out quick! Grab The Detox Box here! 

If you want to read about past boxes, check out my February Box roundup here!

 

clean beauty box faves

Sharing March clean beauty box roundup in natural beauty.

Natural Beauty Faves For February

Natural Beauty Faves For February

by | Feb 20, 2019 | CLEAN BEAUTY

Who wants to hear what my natural beauty faves for February are?  Ok, well listen up because I’ve got the pulse.  I did this in January and you guys loved it, so I’m going to do this every month!  It’s hard to keep up on the latest and greatest when it comes to natural beauty products, so I’m going to do all the heavy lifting for you. 

Some of these products are new releases, some of them are just new to me.  So sit back, grab your drink of choice and listen in as I give you all the juicy details on my natural beauty faves for February!

Kosas Tinted Facial Oil

Want your skin to glow and not look dry and crepey this winter? Then grab some Kosas Tinted Facial Oil!

 

Kosas Tinted Facial Oil- 

Ok, so you know how the winter can turn your skin into looking dry and crepey?  Basically you end up looking older because your foundation makes your skin look dry and patchy.  I’ve seen it on myself and I’ve seen it on countless of people.  Not a pretty look!  Winter can just be downright harsh!

Well, thankfully there are foundations that not only give your skin the coverage you want but also make your skin look dewy.  My skin literally glows with this foundation!  I always get so many compliments when wearing this foundation.  People always say my skin looks so healthy and dewy.  

The texture is different than any foundation I’ve used. It’s an oily paint thinner like feel more liquid feel then creamy- I know so weird but that’s an accurate description.  It offers light to medium coverage.  I thought I wouldn’t like it because I didn’t think it would offer enough coverage for me, but it actually gives a good amount of coverage.  I wear the color 03.  If you want your skin to look dewy and moist- this is it!  Grab it here!

Fitglow Beauty Night Lip Serum

Take your lips to the next level with Fitglow Beauty’s Night Lip Serum!

 

Fitglow Night Lip Serum-

I was SO excited to try this!  I’m all about taking care of my lips.  Lips are kind of a neglected area on your body. Did you know that  on your lips the stratum corneum is much thinner than anywhere else on your body.  Basically it’s the top layer of your skin that helps to protect your lips from the environment.   Another interesting fact is your lips don’t have any any sebaceous glands.  Sebaceous glands are what helps to keep your lips moisturized.  So your lips literally are on their own!

That’s why it’s so important to hydrate them since they aren’t getting any additional help.  In comes Fitglow Night Lip Serum.  This lip serum is in a league of it’s own!  I’ve tried other lip serums, but this one is hands down my favorite!  I apply it on my lips at night and I wake up to the smoothest, softest and hydrated lips.  It’s a clear formula that is filled with antioxidants that help with keeping your lips from looking weathered and old.  

Plus, it has vegetable collagen which helps to keep the moisture intact and gives lips fullness.  The plant ceramides in the formula work to hydrate at the very core of your lips which helps to repair your moisture barrier and prevent from future moisture loss.  I don’t know about you but my lips need all the help they can get!  Especially in the winter.  I’m obsessed!  Get your lip serum here!

I Create Waves Review

Can’t get enough of Innersense Beauty’s I Create Waves texture salt spray!

 

Innersense I Create Waves Texture Spray-

Innersense just knows how to create exceptional hair products.  The founders are stylists themselves which definitely helps.  They know the hair and they know what it needs.  This salt spray is their newest product and I couldn’t wait to try it!  I used it once and knew it was going to be a fave.  

A lot of texture or salt sprays can weigh the hair down a bit.  Not this one.  It gives my hair some decent hold, almost like a subtle hair spray, and then it adds texture.  Not heavy texture that gets super crunchy.  This is effortless texture that makes it feel like your hair just did it on it’s own.  

I love spraying it in my hair to break up my curls after I curl my hair.  It gives my hair a tousled look.  I’m excited to travel because I don’t even think I would bring a hair spray- just this!  It offers enough hold.  This would work great for those with curly hair too as it would help to liven up your natural curls.  SO excited to have this in the summer months!  Get your I Create Waves Texture Spray here!

Ursa Major Flash Mask

This Ursa Major Flash Mask is perfect for winter months for a gentle exfoliation.

 

Ursa Major 3-in-1 Flash Mask-

So winter can be brutal like we talked about.  I find you almost have to baby your skin a little more.  We all know we need to exfoliate, but manual exfoliants can be too harsh for winter months.  Well, that’s where Ursa Major 3-in-1 Flash Mask comes in!

This mask gets you glowing in 3 minutes flat- just like the name suggests.  It’s perfect for the most sensitive skin types.  Worried your skin might react to a mask?  This may be the one for you.  Instead of using harsher manual exfoliants that can cause your skin to flare or get red, it uses enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells, this mask does in 3 minutes what some some masks take 15 or 20 to do.  It looks like a gel and feels light and refreshing on the skin.  The perfect gentle exfoliant for winter.

If you’re perpetually running late, this may be the mask for you!  I put it on before I brush my teeth and rinse off once I’m done.  The perfect amount of time to get a quick glow for the rest of the day.  Get your Ursa Major Flash Mask here!

True Botanicals Review

The Overnight Moisture Mask gives your skin it’s hydration back!

 

True Botanical’s Moisture Lock Overnight Mask-

Ok, I literally just posted my True Botanical’s review last Friday, you can read about this natural skincare powerhouse here. But this mask is too good to not share again!  I’ve had it in my skincare rotation now and I can’t get enough.  This mask really offers some serious hydration.  You cleanse your skin and apply your products as you would normally and then you apply the mask.

 Instead of rinsing it off you sleep in it!  When you wake up your skin is silky smooth and moisturized.  Like a big gulp of water for your skin.  I put down a hand towel on my pillow so the product didn’t get on my pillow case.  But it really does soak in to the skin so well you hardly notice anything.

I can’t think of a better product for your skin in the dry winter months!  It literally nourishes the skin so well.  I notices minimized redness too and an overall hydrated look to my skin since using.  Foundation looks better too!  Get it here!

Beautycounter Volume & Shape

A natural shampoo and conditioner that cleans my fine/thin hair and doesn’t weigh it down. A natural beauty win!

 

Beautycounter Volume & Shape Shampoo-

If you follow me you know I tried the Daily Shampoo & Conditioner by Beautycounter and it worked for my hair for 2 weeks and then I could tell something was off.  My hair just wasn’t styling like normal and it kept falling flat.  I knew the shampoo wasn’t going to work for my fine/thin hair.  People love it though, so if you have thicker hair, it may work great for you.

So I bought the Beautycounter Volume & Shape Shampoo and Conditioner instead and let’s just say my hair loves this formula!!  My hair feels bouncy, has volume, and styles great.  It doesn’t feel weighed down at all.  My hair feels clean but not stripped.  Something that’s hard to find in green beauty.  

If you have fine hair and it’s thick or thin, try this.  It’s been a game changer for my hair.  Plus, I love how it smells good, but doesn’t have a strong smell.  Just subtle.  So excited to find a clean shampoo that works so well!  Get it here!

Rejuvenating Toner Pads

These Beautycounter Rejuvenating Toner Pads are like nothing I’ve tried in clean beauty!

 

Beautycounter Rejuvenating Toner Pads-

These little pads have quickly taken up residence in my skincare routine.  I’ve never found anything like them in natural beauty.  They are little round cotton toner pads that help to tone the skin and give your skin essential antioxidants like Vitamin C and fruit acids to help your minimize fine lines. They also contain lentil seed extract which helps to tighten pores- can I get an amen on that?!

Plus, they have algae extract which helps to brighten- um yes please!  And jambu extract that helps skin that youthful, firm look.  I cleanse my skin and then take one of these bad boys and swipe it all over my skin.  My skin just sings a little every time I use one!  I can’t get enough.  Another reason I love using them is it shows me if I have leftover residue on my skin.  You know, if it’s actually clean?

Sounds silly, but I find sometimes people aren’t actually cleansing their skin properly and that contributes to their skin issues, especially breakouts.  If you’re not getting your skin clean, you’re going to have bacteria sitting on the top of your skin.  Not the best look.  Get these, trust me you will love them!

Honest Beauty Mascara

Honest Beauty Mascara is the best natural beauty mascara I’ve found- it checks all the boxes!

 

Honest Beauty Mascara-

 I know I talk about this nonstop- but for good reason I haven’t found anything else that works as good!  Plus, this is the cheapest natural beauty mascara- I mean does it get any better? $14.99 on Amazon!

Ok, so I did try this mascara when it first came out over two years ago and I didn’t like it.  It stung my eyes pretty bad and there wasn’t anything amazing about it.  However, they re-did the formula and I have to say it is completely different and I LOVE it!  This is hands down my favorite mascara in green beauty.  I know, that says a lot but it’s true.  The formula checks all the boxes.  

It offers thickness, length, separation- it’s just awesome!  The formula isn’t too dry or too wet and I love that I don’t have to apply 5 coats of mascara to see product on my lashes.  In just two coats my lashes are instantly lengthened, thicker and have overall more volume.  I’m sold!  On one end of the mascara wand is a primer and the other the mascara color.  I apply the primer first and then the mascara. Doesn’t smudge or flake on me either!  Get it here already!

That sums up my natural beauty faves for February!  See any products you want to try?  What are some clean beauty products you’re loving?  Leave me a comment!

Head to my Instagram! Giving away some of my favorites!  

If you liked this post and want to dive a little deeper into some popular posts check out these posts below:

Natural Beauty Faves

Sharing my favorite natural beauty finds for february on the blog!

 

 

The Power Of Essential Oils With Osmia Organic’s Founder Sarah Villafranco, MD

The Power Of Essential Oils With Osmia Organic’s Founder Sarah Villafranco, MD

by | Feb 18, 2019 | The Golden Hour

Sarah is an ER Doctor turned soap maker.  After almost ten years of practice, she became unsettled about the course of her career. She liked the work, and was good at it. But the practice of emergency medicine was not what she thought it would be. The paperwork. The dictations. The constant hum of worry in her brain about the existence of human error – that she could miss something with a potentially devastating result. And there was the upsetting fact that many of the patients she cared for had absolutely no interest in contributing to their own health.

She leased a commercial space in Carbondale, Colorado.  She put together a green facility with a small retail space, a soap making area, a perfumery station, and two “clean rooms” (clean room attire required) for making skin care products. She launched the store and the website in April of 2012. This is where she operates today.

She loves what she does now more than she could have ever have imagined.  She does miss a few things about being in the ER, but, in some ways, feels like she is practicing a broader medicine now – helping people choose natural and organic skin care products, encouraging them to nourish themselves physically and spiritually, and detoxifying their medicine cabinets all the while. Guiding people to make healthier choices for their skin, their bodies, their minds, and this beautiful planet seems like a brand of medicine that could really do some good.

 

Connect with Sarah-

Topics:

  • Tell us all the things!  Who is Sarah from Osmia Organics?  How did you go from ER Doctor to soap maker and owning a thriving organic beauty product company?
  • What was your Golden Hour or defining moment that really inspired you to take the leap in your life when it came to your health and wellness?
  • So I really want to talk all things essential oils with you and share with the audience some tips.  First can you share what the name Osmia means and how it really is the essence of your company? (I can just hear you saying..”Return To Your Senses”)
  • I love how you have whole blog posts on your site dedicated to one essential oil and it’s benefits. You paint such a clear picture of the oil and even what it takes to make it. What are some common misconceptions you find people believe about essential oils that aren’t true, or things you wished they knew?
  • When differentiating between essential oil fragrance and synthetic fragrance what are the main differences someone should understand? Is there anything specific on a label?
  • Can you share about the power of essential oil quality and sourcing?  Is there a difference- should we be looking for organic?
  • Often you hear of people taking essential oils internally- what is your take on this and is it safe?
  • Can you share your top 3 essential oils and how you incorporate them into your life?
  • I get this question a lot and would love to have you share your thoughts. I know you have a blog post too about it. What are your thoughts on essential oils during pregnancy?
  • A question we ask all our guests- what are 3 health habits that have made the biggest impact on your health?
  • Where can everyone find you?  Social channels, website, etc.

Links Mentioned in The Podcast-

 

Essential Oils podcast

Learning the power of essential oils with Dr. Sarah Villafranco.

 

 

*Sponsorship- This episode is brought to you by:
DID YOU LOVE IT?!  

If you did, don’t forget to subscribe on Itunes!  And while you’re there, could you please leave us a “golden” review? It would really make our day and help spread the word about healthy living.

We love hearing from you!  If you enjoyed this podcast, take a screenshot of you listening to it on your phone and tag us!  @gurlgonegreen and @roseangove and hashtag #thegoldenhourpodcast  

How To Set Achievable Goals With Rose and Suzi

How To Set Achievable Goals With Rose and Suzi

by | Jan 7, 2019 | The Golden Hour

So excited to be sharing with you episode #29 on how to set achievable goals with Rose and Suzi.  Today we are pulling back the curtain on what goals look like and how to achieve the ones you set.  It can often seem daunting setting goals, thinking you’re not actually going to achieve them.  However, we are sharing what’s worked for us and what setting realistic goals actually look like.  Plus, we are busting some common goal myths too and why mindset is so important. This episode is so good and perfect for the new year as everyone has goals on their mind.

Connect with Suzi and Rose-

Suzi- Instagram, Facebook, Blog Rose- Instagram

Topics:

  • How we set goals
  • All about planners
  • Favorite podcasts on mindset/goals
  • Favorite books on mindset/goals
  • The importance of having a few goals versus many
  • Why you should have a goal
  • What is a word for the year
  • Why focus is so important

Links Mentioned in The Podcast-

 

*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.
 
 
DID YOU LOVE IT?!  

If you did, don’t forget to subscribe on Itunes!  And while you’re there, could you please leave us a “golden” review? It would really make our day and help spread the word about healthy living.

We love hearing from you!  If you enjoyed this podcast, take a screenshot of you listening to it on your phone and tag us!  @gurlgonegreen and @roseangove and hashtag #thegoldenhourpodcast  

The Best Of Clean Beauty 2018

The Best Of Clean Beauty 2018

by | Dec 30, 2018 | CLEAN BEAUTY, Product Reviews

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. 

Clean Living Natural

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.

The first is The Detox Market– 

best of clean beauty

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!  

best of clean beauty

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 with Boxwalla– 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:

best of clean beauty 2018

Lisa and I wearing the beloved Mermaid Mask by Leahlani skincare.

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!

best of clean beauty

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.
  • Beauty counter’s Eye shadows- I love these shadows.  They get the best eye shadow award in clean beauty hands down!  They are so pigmented, go on smooth and stay on forever- the whole day.  Trust me- you will be hooked once you use them.  They are having a sale right now for 30% off their holiday eye palettes too!
  • 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 and 2017 here.  

Go check out my girl Lisa’s take on all our faves, plus see what 5 products she discovered this year!

*Also don’t forget to check out our Instagram pages @gurlgonegreen and @thisorganicgirl to enter to win over $500 worth of clean beauty loot!  

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