First thing’s first: I must confess, I am a sucker for beauty stores like Sephora and Addcolo. I either walk in on a mission for ONE thing, or I walk in just to glance at new products (they’re like shiny new toys for me that just lure me in!) Not surprisingly, I walk out with a full bag, sample smears all over my hands, much poorer, but with much greater knowledge on skin care and hair care.
Lately, I’ve been trying to delve more into non-toxic beauty. I’ve always been drawn toward more natural products, but I am now making a conscious effort to buy these over other, leading brands. Why? Because we expose ourselves to toxicity and pollution every day, and the products we put directly on our skin/face/body should be pure, because our bodies deserve to both look good and feel good, from the inside out.
While I’m no expert, this rounds up my favorite, better-for-you beauty products, with links to purchase.
Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm
As many of you do not know, I am a true allergy and dry eye sufferer. With this in mind, I need more than caffeine to wake me up. One of my solutions is an allergy eye drop (burns so good) and the other, is Kate Somerville’s Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm. I truly use this every single day, first thing in the morning. Both paraben and phthalate free, when applied, this product cools your under-eyes to reduce puffiness and dark circles, which overall revitalizes tired eyes. Since it’s made with goat milk, it’s great for sensitive skin and even calming down redness (i’ve used after a brow wax before). It is important to note that this is not an overnight repair cream or serum, but rather a quick pick-me-up solution for daily use. The brand even offers a mini, travel size, which I keep in my purse. The subtle tingling sensation is perfect for that 3PM wall (I know all of my fellow working girls can relate).
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
I truly do not know what I did before this primer. Sure, my primer was okay, but it definitely didn’t hold my makeup on for an eight hour work day. This product feels very light and silky when applying, yet it’s extremely powerful and effective; it evens out skin tone and reducing pores to the point you look angelic. Seriously, my skin has never looked so smooth! Aside from the aesthetics, this primer is SPF 15, contains no parabens, sulfates or phthalates, is vegan, AND it repels water so your makeup stays on… it actually works! An oil-free version is also available if you have oily skin rather than dry skin, like me.
Primally Pure Deodorant
Strong chance you’ve seen this promoted on social media through some of your favorite bloggers’ promo codes. For years now deodorant has been linked to cancer due to its aluminum-based compounds. On another note, deodorants are simply just harsh on skin. Many with sensitive skin become uncomfortable and have trouble finding a (affordable) solution. Look no further than Primally Pure. For $12, this deodorant brand prides itself on “pampering your pits with good-for-you ingredients (like tallow from grass-fed cows and organic + fair trade coconut oil).”
I was sucked in quickly and had to see what all the rave was about. I purchased the lavender, and can personally say it smells AMAZING. Better than that, it smells like actual lavender and not a fragrant combination of artificial flowers. If you are ultra sensitive, however, I would suggest the unscented, which contains less baking soda.
Josie Maran Argan Reserve Healthy Skin Concentrate
There is nothing that says from the Earth like trees, and this oil comes straight from the Argan tree. Stronger than the most Argan oils on the market, this product reduces fine lines (on more than just your face), and creates a radiant glow. I use this every night after my moisturizer, and love feeling like it’s completely soaked into my skin in the morning. The extra radiance certainly enhances the “I woke up with this” look.
The brand promises this, “Like a supercharged superfood for your skin, this limited edition treatment concentrate nurtures and enhances skin clarity, texture, hydration and resiliency for the smoothest, healthiest skin of your life.”
Worth a pretty penny, I can vouch for the fact that this oil lasts FOREVER. All you need is 2+ drops each evening to obtain, or maintain, a youthful look.
Truly Restored Honest Shampoo and Conditioner
While the days I wash my hair feel like a rare occasion, I am constantly switching shampoo and conditioners. My hair is a challenge: it’s thin, but I have a lot of it, which makes it hard to find the right “fix” for my frizz, dryness, etc. Knowing Honest is a highly regarded company in its make up line, I thought I would give the Truly Restored shampoo a chance.
This product is geared toward dry and/or damaged hair, however, the brand also offers a hydrating line. The ingredients contain amino acids derived from 18 different vegetables, providing a keratin-like feel. It smells amazing, and a little bit goes a long way. My hair feels silky and smooth without the need to add additional soothing products. As an added bonus, this is also sulfate-free, which means it’s safe for colored hair.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Lip Balm
Finally, it feels necessary to throw it back to a classic. Ever since high school, I’ve been religiously applying Palmer’s Cocoa Butter lip balm. Many alternatives seem nice at first application, but my lips feel dry and chapped moments later. Palmer’s seriously nourishes in comparison. While many confuse it for a glue stick, I truly swear and live by this product.
Pro Tip: In Southern New Jersey, this is located on very bottom shelves next to other Palmer’s products at your local CVS, however, it is much harder to find in the Midwest. Amazon is your best bet.
While these products work great on my skin, which I categorize as dry, I highly suggest walking into these stores and asking for help. The world is evolving into a place where non-toxic options are much more accessible, and it is important to find the best products for YOU.
Please let me know if you try any, and please share any personal favorites in the comments below!
