Y'all totally made my day with your excitement about that post yesterday. I even got a few texts about it, which also means more than just my Mema reads this blog. (!!!!!) Since I don't think my 89 year old grandma is going crunchy anytime soon, I just want you to know it means a lot to get feedback. Beth and I really do eat it up.
Today, I'm going to talk more about beauty products. I'm a self diagnosed product junkie.. I'm not usually the kind of girl that purchases the same products every single trip to the store. I love to mix things up, unless I find something that really works. I wanted to share a few things that I actually have used consistently over the years because they are great.
Avalon Organics CoQ10 face wash has been my absolute favorite for years. I probably had 2 zits in high school, then started getting them in my 20's. (#rude) This face wash makes my face feel lovely and clean, has cleared up my face and on top of that- smells wonderfully like lavender. It doesn't lather as much as much as the normal stuff, but that's kinda how you know it's the good stuff. They add chemicals to stuff to make it lather. Ain't nobody got time for that.
Tom's of Maine Toothpaste is something I've used for about 4 years now. A friend of mine let me try hers, and I was hooked. Normal toothpaste now tastes sugary and actually pretty disgusting. And also, have you read this? More of a reason to switch to natural.
Natural Deodorant. Listen, I know you're sitting there cringing and wondering what I smell like. Fun fact: I used to use clinical strength deodorant, so I know what you're scared of. But, when I learned most things on the market contain aluminum, which has been linked to cancer, quite honestly- that's what got me to make the switch. I used Tom's of Maine deodorant for about two seconds before noticing it did not work. Not to be gross, but it totally made me smell worse than using nothing at all and I never felt dry. (Sorry.) I can't remember where I found out about Soapwalla Kitchen deodorant cream, but it is wonderful. I can't say enough good stuff about it.. You will stay dry and smell lovely by the end of the day. (The only negative thing I have to say is that when I used it in Rwanda, my armpits broke out. Like, it hurt to put my arms down. I discontinued using it when I was there, but I'm back on the wagon, and everything is great. Before I moved to Rwanda, I had used it for about a year and nothing like that happened- so I blame it on the fact that my body was making all kinds of weird changes- huge diet changes, skin problems & breakouts, etc.)
Avalon Organics Shampoo & Conditioner. Literally purchased this on Tuesday, and so far so good. Like the face wash, it doesn't have much later to it which makes it feel so weird! Any natural shampoo recs out there? (Molly, I'm looking at you!)
As far as make up goes, I am still working on this one. I went to a make up artist a few years ago, and she told me the truth about make up and toxins and how it's just sitting on your face and your pores are ingesting it into your body. She exclusively uses and suggested the Jane Iredale line. I switched over to Jane Iredale's Tinted Moisturizer and Mineral Powder and have not looked back. I also use the Hydration Mist to set it and it's my favorite part of putting make up on if I'm being honest. My face is clearer, the moisturizer & powder smooths out your skin and it's SO light that you don't even feel like you have anything on. It also lasts for.ever. One container of any of it lasts me at least 5 months. I don't really use a ton of stuff, but I need to convert my blush, mascara and eyeliner. Anyone have suggestions? This post, Going Green at the Golden Globes is pretty rad. Tons of recs!
Just as a disclaimer, I want to say, I'm not writing all of this to tell anyone they are doing it wrong. This is simply something I feel compelled to do- and so far, I love it. I like trying these new ways of doing things, and get excited when something natural works for me. It may not be for you, and that's totally ok too! In one of her posts, Elise wrote- "I know that the more natural I eat, the better I feel, so why should that not apply to what I put on my skin as well?" My thoughts exactly.
Other things to check out:
Chantel's post about no-poo. I'm pretty sure curly girls can't try this, but my bestie has been doing it for a while now.
More posts from Elise here and here. (Clearly love her- and there's lots of tips in the comments.)
This post by Oh Dear Drea. Cause, yes. All of it.
This post by Oh Dear Drea. Cause, yes. All of it.
This is food related, but I super love Molly's post about seeing the veggie section of the grocery store with new eyes.
And since we're talking about being crunchy, I can't wait to make this Quinoa Granola next week.
Have a fabulous weekend, friends! I'm headed to Austin.. Maybe I'll pick up more crunchy tips there. :) xo.
Curly girls can go no-poo! I've heard some say their curls get better the longer they go without washing (there is an initial period of transition though where things will probably get worse), might be worth a shot for you!
ReplyDeleteI use arm and hammer toothpaste, have for years, anything else tastes way too sugary, though I definitely will see if I can find some of that Tom's stuff around here. Also going to look into the deodorant, I've been meaning to switch for awhile!
Oh and my hair dresser friend has a natural shampoo and conditioner that she uses and recommends, can't remember what it's called, I'll look into it!
ReplyDeleteooh! i might have to get on the no-poo bandwagon!! i'm scared of the transition period! is it expensive to ship from amazon? cause i know they have tom's if you can't find it locally!
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