This past Earth Day has been an eye-opening experience for me. I have interviewed green make-up maven Paige Padgett and I have even started my own green beauty regime—thanks to her advice, I have identified which synthetic components might not agree with my personal lifestyle goals and I have been starting to replace some aggressive formulas with gentler, natural alternatives.
Although natural cosmetics aren’t new for me (as an European I’ve had access to cleaner formulas for a while), I’m positively surprised to find so many American-made natural brands. That is the reason why I have decided to create this Natural beauty guide, in order to include my personal favorite selection of natural products available in the USA. Please note that I have personally vetted, checked and re-checked the ingredients list of these beauty finds to only include 100% natural formulas, so if you’re looking for an all-natural alternative you’ll surely enjoy my selection.
Stay tuned, because tomorrow I’ll publish the part II of this guide with more natural and organic options for the discerning and eco-conscious beauty addicts out there!
(Psst… Follow the pretty bold pink links to learn more about the products!)
1. Anti-aging face sunscreen SPF 25 sheer tint by Badger ($19.99): Let me start by telling you how difficult it is to find effective and natural sunscreen options that don’t use nano or coated particles, which defeat the purpose of avoiding chemical nasties. Badger is one of the few companies out there that formulates safe and highly-performing formulas that are actually nice to use—and won’t leave a phantasmagorical trail on your face. What’s more, all their products are natural and made in the USA. How cool is that?
This sunscreen is formulated only with natural and non-GMO ingredients, smells great, and creates a sheer tint that compliments most skin tones. This product is so good that I wear it alone on my clean and pre-hydrated skin, and because it doesn’t leave a white trail I can skip applying make-up.
2. Supercritical Chia Waterless Wonder balm by Maya Chia ($36): This multi-purpose wonder balm is my to-go formula to treat rough spots. Because I have been gifted with an extremely dry skin, I use this balm as a night masque once a week to have a hydration boost. Beautifully scented with an orange blossom essential oil
fragrance blend, this all-in-one formula can also be used to treat cuticles, nails, hands, or even lips.
3. Vitality deep cleansing oil by PurErb ($9): Although I’ve known the benefits of oil-cleansing for I while, I very recently discovered this totally natural and moisturizing formula that melts away the most stubborn of my beauty products. Its carefully crafted formula includes 15 exotic botanical oils that leave my skin refreshed and hydrated after rinsing with water.
4. Damascus rose beauty balm by Badger ($16.99): This all-natural and organic-certified balm is my go-to for virtually everything. Formulated to nurture dry and delicate skin, this is an all-in-one treatment to use on the face, neck, and under-eye area. Conveniently created with a waterless formula (why would I want to pay for water?), I use it two times a week as a night mask, and it’s my new everyday under-eye balm to fight my first lines.
What I like most about this balm is that it’s very easily absorbed by my skin. While other night masks can sometimes clog your pores, this wonderful concoction is so well-balanced that absorbs easily and leaves no oily residue on the skin. This stuff is so good that I have used it in the mornings to moisturize on-the-go and it has left me with a perfectly balanced skin.
5. Antioxidant facial oil by Mad Hippie ($24.99): This highly hydrating oil has become one of my favorite daily moisturizers. Created with a myriad of super-antioxidant natural oils and extracts, this lightweight formula is quickly absorbed by the skin, making it a good choice for all skin types.
What I really like about this facial oil is that it actually helps fight sun damage by supplying essential antioxidants to the skin while shielding it from inflammation caused by free radicals (hello, UVA and UVB rays!) Paired up with a good sunscreen, this wonderful facial oil will become your best friend to fight premature aging!
6. Chocolate and rose hips beauty masque by Shea Terra Organics ($24): This anti-oxidant formula is ideal for those of you who can’t say no to a decadent treat. Pure chocolate liquor (the real chocolate stuff before it becomes your chocolate bar) is paired with select rose hips to slow down and reverse the effects oxidation has on skin, help repair skin cells and encourage healthy cell reproduction. And yes, with this masque you will be smearing yourself with chocolate while treating your skin. You’re welcome!
7. Strawberry lavender facial buffing biscuits by FarmHouse Fresh ($24): Don’t be fooled by the innocent appearance of these facial biscuits: For starters, you can’t technically eat them (and I say technically because their formula is so clean you could actually cook a Sunday meal with their ingredients!.)
These hand-crafted biscuits are in fact powerful exfoliating formulas that you need to crush in the palm of your hand and mix with water to create an oatmeal-like paste. Designed to buff, balance, and nourish dry to oily skin, I use them once a week to deep-cleanse my face and neck and wash away any dead cells. Because a little bit goes a long way, a packet of four biscuits provides 16 in-home treatments.
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These
hand crafted, 100% natural biscuits become gentle
exfoliating masks – just crush in the palm of your hand, add water and
apply. Our Strawberry Lavender biscuit includes pore-tightening
strawberry extract, rice bran powder, whole milk, organic lavender and
more. This select blend of wholesome ingredients is designed for normal
to oily skin. Strawberry fruit extract absorbs excess oils and provides a
tightening feel. Organic lavender and rice powder exfoliate, while
whole milk and mango butter soothe and soften skin.
To buff,
balance, and nourish your skin, simply break one biscuit in quarters.
Yes! A little bit goes a long way. Add a few drops of water to create an
oatmeal-like paste and exfoliate using circular motions. Leave the
product on your face as a mask for up to 15 minutes to let the
ingredients penetrate. – See more at:
http://farmhousefreshgoods.com/biscuit-s.html#sthash.9TMgFFsG.dpuf
These
hand crafted, 100% natural biscuits become gentle
exfoliating masks – just crush in the palm of your hand, add water and
apply. Our Strawberry Lavender biscuit includes pore-tightening
strawberry extract, rice bran powder, whole milk, organic lavender and
more. This select blend of wholesome ingredients is designed for normal
to oily skin. Strawberry fruit extract absorbs excess oils and provides a
tightening feel. Organic lavender and rice powder exfoliate, while
whole milk and mango butter soothe and soften skin.
To buff,
balance, and nourish your skin, simply break one biscuit in quarters.
Yes! A little bit goes a long way. Add a few drops of water to create an
oatmeal-like paste and exfoliate using circular motions. Leave the
product on your face as a mask for up to 15 minutes to let the
ingredients penetrate. – See more at:
http://farmhousefreshgoods.com/biscuit-s.html#sthash.9TMgFFsG.dpuf
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