Beauty Talk - Part 1

Lately, I've been asked a lot for advice on natural beauty products that works so I thought it's a good opportunity to blog about some of my favorite products. I have a lot to say so this is going to be a long post!

I think I started making the shift about 2-3 years ago. I noticed my body was always extra dry and using extra moisturizing body wash didn't help. My scalp was always itchy and felt oily, while the hair was dry. I just felt like clearly what I was using and what I was doing was not working so I had to change it up. I started reading about SLS and Paraben and the harmful effects, so obviously, natural was the way to go. That being said, I wasn't about to go 100% natural as I am a beauty product junkie, so my goal was to look for more natural products without compromising on how well they work. Keyword is "more" and not "totally."

At that time, I also realized (inspired by an article in Allure about the annual cost of beauty) that I was spending well over $3,000 per year on beauty products so it was a good opportunity to cut down on that expense as well. Since I planned on spending less money, it was important to me that I spend my money wisely. Save when I can, splurge when I need to and most importantly, support companies that are doing great things.

Body Care

I don't know about you, but I LOVE large pump bottles. Pump bottles are easier to use and since it's larger, you save money and need to buy less frequently...not to mention it is better for the environment too! Really, a win-win for all! When I shop for shower gels, only large sizes will do.

My current favorite is Jason's Aloe Vera Satin Shower Body Wash (rated "5" on cosmetics database.) I've tried a few other fragrances and this is my favorite as I find some of the other ones too fragrant.

Another one that I love is Alba Botanica's Honey Mango Bath & Shower Gel (rated "4" on cosmetics database.) I've only seen the large bottles at Whole Foods so I always end up buying Jason's since it's more readily available and more convenient for me to purchase. The Jason one is also a few dollars cheaper. They're both Sulfate free, Paraben free, not tested on animals and suitable for vegans. It is also worth mentioning that I purchased a loofah to use with my shower gel. I didn't like it that much in the beginning but now I can't live without it. It was under $5 but worth 10 times more. Ever since I started using my loofah, my skin feels so much softer and there is no need for my weekly full body exfoliation anymore.

For body lotion, I am a big fan of Kiss My Face's Vitamin A&E Moisturizer (rated "5" on cosmetics database.) I love that I can get it in a large 16oz pump bottle for home or a smaller 4oz tube to carry around with me.

I really do love this moisturizer. I don't normally like things that are too fragrant but I love this! The smell of Jasmin is just a delight. When I use this, my skin actually feels soft and moisturized until the next day when I shower again! The 16oz bottle is about $12 and available at my local grocery store so I know I'll be buying this for years to come.

Haircare

I have a thick head of naturally wavy/curly hair that is often referred to as the lion's mane since it gets pretty wild and crazy. Every hair stylist that's ever cut my hair always comment on how thick my hair is. I attribute it to eating a lot of seaweed as I had super thin & fine hair when I was growing up. I used to do all kinds of crazy things to my hair and dye it a million colors but I haven't dyed or permed it for at least 5 years. That being said, I still flat iron it almost daily so I do need to care for it so it doesn't get too damaged. My hair only started to look healthier and feel less damaged after switching to more natural products. For shampoo, I am a fan of Aveda and Kiss My Face. My current favorite is Kiss My Face Big Body Shampoo Organic Hair Care (rated "4" on cosmetics database.)

It smells great, is gentle, mostly organic, free of Sulfate/Paraben/animal products and at $7, it is truly a bargain. I am a firm believer that you need to switch up shampoo every time you wash your hair so I always have at least 2 shampoos on rotation with 1 clarifying one. My current second shampoo is Aveda's Pure Abundance and the clarifying shampoo is Aveda's Hair Detoxifier. I bought both in their liter size pump bottles and while I love both of them, I don't think I'll be buying either of them again. I just realized today while blogging that Hair Detoxifier is discontinued (I am pouting as I am typing this) and I didn't realize this sooner since I still have my huge liter bottle and haven't had to repurchase for so long. And the reason for not repurchasing Pure Abundance is because I found a new one that I love - Aveda's Clove Shampoo (rated "6" on cosmetics database.) I impulse purchased a bottle of this when they did their re-launch last year and packaged it in a recycled bottle. The shampoo is amazing and every time I use it, I have a good hair day. I will be buying this in a large pump bottle for sure when I ran out. Any recommendations for a good clarifying shampoo?

For conditioner, my current favorite is Giovanni's Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Conditioner (rated "3" on cosmetics database.) It is light but works well and it doesn't weight my hair down. I also use Kiss My Face's Big Body conditioner for the same reason. I am still on the search for a treatment type heavy conditioner. I've tried a few different ones but none stuck around long enough for me to mention.

Skin Care

Prior to my search for natural products, I was a big fan of Philosophy. One of the reason was that you can buy all their cleanser, moisturizer and serum in large sizes! In my shower, I always had a liter size pump bottle of their cleanser but after countless reformulations, I decided to say good-bye for good.

I'm really picky about my cleanser so when I find one I like, I tend to stick with it. My current favorite is Kiss My Face's Start Up Exfoliating Face Wash (rated "0" on cosmetics database!!!) I thought by "exfoliating" they meant it has little beads so I was really glad to find out that it doesn't 'cause I hate those beads. Some of the other natural cleansers work great but they either make my face feel too dry, too oily or is just plain too expensive! Kiss My Face is a great product that I highly recommend to all. I also noticed a lot of companies still put SLS and Paraben in their cleansers...even the natural companies! So make sure you check the labels when you buy it.

For moisturizer, since it's a product that will stay on my face and get absorbed by my skin, I am okay with splurging on these products. One that I've been using and like is Jurlique's Balancing Day Cream.

However, while the product is great, I don't plan on repurchasing it unless they redesign the packaging. The tube is a pain to use because the products just ooze out and then the tube gets all mangled and ugly. One product that I DO plan on repurchasing is Ole Henriksen's Truth Serum (rated "1" on cosmetics database.) I had purchased their "Three Little Wonder" kit from Sephora and while I feel indifferent about the Invigorating Night Gel, I just love the Truth Serum paired with Sheer Transformation.

It is such a pleasure to use. I like the subtle fragrance and how well it absorbs into my skin and how great it feels on. On its own or paired with Invigorating Night Gel, Sheer Transformation doesn't seem moisturizing enough but it's perfect with Truth Serum. I don't use an eye cream but I will probably look into Ole Henriksen for one soon.

Another product I don't use is toner but I have a bottle of Jurlique's Rosewater Balancing Mist at my desk at work. You can use it as a toner but I like to mist my face when I feel tired...a habit I picked up from my dear friend, Sandra.

and that's it for now! I'll be back to talk make up next.