Things I’m Loving Lately: Natural Beauty Product Edition…and Food
Confession: I’m a beauty product junkie.
Do you remember way back in the day when they used to let you travel with an unlimited amount of liquid on airplanes? I would fill my entire carry-on with full-size beauty products, even if it was only a three or four day trip, because I couldn’t survive that long without having multiple conditioners, hair masks, shampoos, lotions, perfume, etc. This is probably why I enjoy watching garbage reality television like the Real Housewives so much; I’m easily reminded that there are women out there who are actually much worse than me.
In the recent past, I have tried to look for more natural options since I keep hearing about the harmful chemicals in beauty products and their potential side effects. The toxic chemicals swirl their way down the drains of our bathtubs and sinks, end up in the soil we use to grow our food and eventually find their way back into our drinking water. Ultimately, choosing what I put on my body is really just as important as what I choose to put in it. Not to mention that most natural products are also cruelty free which helps protect our precious animals.
So I decided a few months ago that once my old products run out, I’m going to make it a point to replace them with natural options. I’m also trying to buy less than I used to and I think I’m doing better {just don’t ask Brandon his opinion} but it’s a work in progress.
1. Alba Botanica Acne Dote Face & Body Scrub– This is my favorite skincare product right now. After I stopped taking hormonal birth control last year, my skin started to go haywire. I’ve never dealt with acne before so I was little freaked out but I’ve noticed a significant improvement since I started using this scrub. I use it every night before bed and my skin feels soft and perfectly clean after.
2. Yes To Tomatoes Blemish Clearing Towlettes– Now that I have to deal with acne, I try my best to prevent breakouts by removing my makeup before I exercise. Waking up early to workout would be the best solution but mornings just aren’t my thing. After I get home from work and change into my sweatin’ clothes, I swipe one of these bad boys across my face and I’m ready to roll…err, run.
3. Abba Detox Shampoo– I actually found out about this shampoo after reading a post from Cara’s blog regarding long hair. Like I said, I’m a beauty junkie and I’ve always had longer hair that I use deep conditioners on in attempt to keep it healthy. Over time, my ends would get a little crispy from what I attributed to damage but apparently build-up from deep conditioners can actually cause your hair to become dry and brittle as well. Cara recommends using a clarifying shampoo {like Abba’s} once a week to prevent build-up and so far my crispies have stayed away.
4. Giovanni Avocado & Olive Oil Conditioner– super moisturizing, doesn’t weight your hair down, plus it’s good for you and the environment. Enough said.
5. Korres Volcanic Mineral Mascara– I have been an avid Diorshow fan for years but unfortunately, their formula is far from natural. I’ve tried a few natural mascaras and so far, this one takes the cake. The brush is big and fluffy like Diorshow and the formula does a great job thickening and volumizing lashes. Best of all, it doesn’t flake all over the place.
6. Dark Chocolate, Almond & Coconut Hemp Seed Granola- I couldn’t do an entire post without mentioning food nor could I wait another day to talk about this granola. This is by far, the best granola I have ever had. I have been stuffing my face with it every morning and I cannot wait to share the recipe with you next week!
7. Easy Red Bean & Quinoa Chili– this recipe is from Barre 3 and I’ve made it several times over the past couple of months. It’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, full of healthy ingredients, and tastes amazing. #winning
Okay, my OCD is freaking out over stopping at #7 but I’m going to end it there before I bore the bajeesus out of y’all.
I hope you all have plans to enjoy the beautiful fall weather this weekend! We are going to an heirloom tomato festival on Saturday that I am beyond excited for. Mainly because it involves lots of wine.
What are your favorite natural products?
**If you decide to make a purchase through the Amazon affiliate links listed on this page then I will receive a very small percentage of the sale. The cost is the same to you whether you buy it through the affiliate link or through Amazon’s regular site; the affiliate link is just a way to support me and my blog which of course, I would appreciate. I was not compensated or provided free product for this post and all opinions are entirely my own.
Apparently, TSA is lifting the liquid size restrictions for carry-ons. So I have been reading. Still in the very early stages but if I find anything out I will keep you posted. I am trying to get better about natural beauty products. I use Aveda products for my skin which I know isn’t totally natural but not terrible either. Been trying to find the “yesto” wipes but might need to order them online. Have fun at the tomato festival! (how cool)
Oh, that would be amazing! I would rather fly safe than have my beauty products with me but if they could accomplish both then I’ll be one happy flyer.
I love Aveda products too, they smell so good. They really need to get on the all natural train!
Have fun at the blogger meetup! I’m assuming you’re going but I could be wrong.
I’ve been trying to switch to more natural beauty products, so thank you for all these ideas! I’ve just been taking baby steps right now, so a lot of the products I’m using are the natural version of conventional products (like the Neutrogena natural face scrub). I know it’s still not the best, but I’m working on it!
Making us wait on the granola recipe eh? NOT COOL. But I forgive you because I think you may have just saved my disgustingly dry long hair. Years of dying and straightening has done it’s damage but I’m going to see if that shampoo and condition can do the trick! Have a wonderful weekend my dear :)
Bahaha…I’m sorry for the tease, I couldn’t help myself. :)
I love Nature’s Gate and Yes to … I currently have some Yes to Carrots and Yes to Cucumbers in my shower. I avoid sulfates (which can cause a crazy list of problems, and they’re in almost every freaking kind of sudsy soap) so these guys have been a life saver! Nature Gate’s hand cream is amazing as well
Yes, I remember the giveaway on your blog! Too bad I didn’t win…sigh. ;)
I adore the Yes to line. It’s hard to find around here, but I have the Yes to Carrots hand cream and I love it. I want to get better at using more natural beauty products, but I always have trouble finding ones that I like…good to know that there are some awesome ones out there!
What an awesome list, thanks for sharing. I am always so intrigued by natural products but if they have a big price tag I am always nervous to purchase them.. especially shampoo and conditioner. I haven’t found a natural shampoo/conditioner that doesn’t leave my hair greasy looking (my hair is super fine and long). I may give your suggestions a try. I’ve actually never dyed my hair so it has never had harsh chemicals in it, but the drying and straightening does a number on it.
I’ve had the same battle with breakouts since going off the pill as well. I still get them now and then and it’s been years since I stopped taking it. Joe says it make me look younger ;)
Thanks for the mascara recommendation! I’ve been looking for one that doesn’t leave me looking like a raccoon! I love animals, I just don’t love resembling one :)One natural product I love is Isvara lavender & rosemary body polish. So good for those little bumps on the back of my arms.
Haha, I love that! Yes, our acne is youthful. ;)
That body polish sounds so luxurious! I’ll have to look for that one, thanks!
Your dog is just too cute. Is he/she full lab or a mix? As far as the beauty products go, I may have to buy that face wash. I’ve had acne my whole life and have tried severalllll products, some better than others, but I’m always anxious to try out new products.
Thanks Erin! She’s part lab and part pit bull, I think. She’s a rescue.
I don’t think anything will cure acne completely but I find that this scrub helps lessen it, for sure. Another thing I read is to still use a moisturizer after. A lot of people with acne use harsh facial products to dry their skin and then don’t moisturize so (supposedly) your skin does into overdrive trying to produce more oil to keep up and you end up with more breakouts. So I have been using an oil free face cream, about a dime size amount, every night after I wash my face with the scrub. I may be telling you something you already know but just in case! :)
Once my neutrogena face wash is gone, I’m going to try out that alba face wash. I love alba products. Have you tried their body washes? I love the orange/red label one, I think it’s mango. I also like the mint one with the green label. I try to use as many “natural” products as I can, toothpaste, deodorant, trying out the “no poo” method on my hair…going pretty well so far!
Yeah, I miss the days when we could bring anything we wanted onto airplanes… Travel size shampoos and stuff are super sucky.
I love these products! I have just recently been seeing the “yes to” products in the stores and I’m super curious about them. Mostly, though, that avocado hair stuff sounds amazing! I am all for hair products that will help reverse all the damage I’ve done to my poor hair. :)
Yay for your granola next week! I use granola almost everyday in my Greek yogurt so a homemade option would be excellent! Now if you could just fly over and make it for me… I’d be all set! :) Have a great weekend!
I love the Yes to Carrots line. There shampoo and conditioner are currently my favorites and I always have face whips (the cucumber ones) in my gym bag for easy makeup removal.
Holy moly…this post is so loaded with fab food! I definitely need to try that chili ASAP. And that granola?? So stoked for the recipe! On the cosmetic side of things…I’ve used Nature’s Gate shampoo before and was obsessed, so I’d love to try that hemp body wash next.
I have the Yes to Tomatoes daily scrub and LOVE it! Ill have to try the towlettes too.
So funny – Natalie and I have a very similar post planned for today on cruelty-free beauty products.
We are also product twins. I use the Alba Acne-Done products (love them) and the Nature’s Gate body wash. Do you use the conditioner daily or just a few times a week. I’ve been using Pureology for a while. It’s vegan, but definitely has some crap in it. I’d love to make a change, but my hair is very processed (I know this will surprise you but I’m not a natural blonde) and I NEED a really moisturizing product. What shampoo do you use on the days that you’re not using the Abba product?
I remember you mentioning that on your blog before. I can’t wait to read yours!
I actually have been using the conditioner every day but I use a lighter one on my roots and that one on the bottom 3/4 of my hair. I told you I’m a freak.
For my shampoo, I’m finishing off a bottle of rice volumizing shampoo and from Khiels that I love but it isn’t natural. I have yet to find a good natural shampoo so let me know if you find one you like.
I think Pureology makes really great products but my hair was always limp after I used them. One of my friends used their products religiously and her hair is gorgeous. Your hair looks beautiful and shiny too so they must be doing something right!
I have been making the switch to natural beauty products as well for the past couple months. I really like Alba bontanica products, but haven’t tried that scrub specifically. I have been meaning to write a review on some of their products too! There are quite a few you’ve listed I want to try actually.
I whole heartedly agree about the full circle of what we pout on our body goes in our body as well. The road trip up the north coast with my cousins gave us a LOT of time to discuss things. Heck, I even have given up typical deodorant. Now I just use coconut oil and a dash of baking soda and I’m good to go. just as good as a stick and without the aluminum!
What an interesting combination for deodorant! Does the coconut oil get on your clothes?
This is a great roundup of products! My favorite natural beauty line is Desert Essence. I used their coconut shampoo and conditioner and I am obsessed. I’d love to try that hemp body wash!
And that granola? CAN’T WAIT for that recipe. ;)
I am pinning this! I am wanting to switch over to natural products for the same reason—the scary toxins that are leaching into our skin! Question–do you use a natural deodorant? That is the one item I’m just not sure about. I don’t know if it will be able to handle my sweatiness. =)
Thanks Melanie! I have tried a few natural deodorants and hated them. I’m not super sweaty but I need a little something and they have all sucked!
I’m currently using Secret Natural Mineral Deodorant but honestly, I didn’t research to see if it was truly “natural” so it’s probably not much better than the original formula.
I have heard several great reviews of Lavanilla’s natural deodorant so that one is next on my list to try. Please do share on ze blog if you find something you like!
boy oh boy, does that granola sound incredible! all of my favorite ingredients!
Oh my gosh! I am a beauty junkie too! My husband always refers to my beauty products as “all my lotions and potions!” I totally agree with you about Housewives. It is very comforting to know there are people out there worse than me! I did Barre3 earlier this summer. I’m actually planning on doing a review of it soon! I didn’t realize they had recipes!
Can I have the granola recipe RIGHT NOW? I need it immediately!!
Loved this post – I really enjoy finding new-to-me *green* beauty products and reading reviews on ’em. Some of them can be so hit or miss, especially when it comes to makeup. Have you done a ‘green’ makeup post yet?!
Jason lavender body wash is my absolute FAV, and I usually pick up a bar of handmade soap from the health food store to use on my face – like tea tree oil, bee pollen, etc.
I haven’t done a green makeup post yet because only a small portion of my makeup is natural. It may take ten years for me to run out of my MAC eyeshadows and Benefit blushes!
I’ve tried Jason’s thickening shampoo and conditioner and I really liked them! I’ll have to try their body wash too.
I recently got pretty heavy into beauty in the last year so I went on a rampage and bought lots and lots of new things- but now I’m hearing more and more about how bad they are for you and the environment, which is making me feel very guilty! After these products run out I should probably start getting more natural products…and jsut turn the other cheek on the price. Thanks for the ideas. Have a blast at the wine festival!
Great post! I literally. LITERALLY haven’t tried a new beauty product in 6 months. I know! I should really revamp my beauty routine or at least try 1 new item. That scrub looks awesome!
I’ve made the switch to natural cleaning products as things have run out and am trying to do the same with my beauty products too. We use a natural organic shampoo and conditioner by an Australian company called MooGoo, they have a good philosophy on what they put in their products and not testing on animals etc as well as being kind to the environment.
I will have to check some of those other brands out!
Thanks so much for sharing this list! I’m always trying to use more natural beauty products. The Yes To line and natures gate are some of my favorites as well. I also like Juice Beauty, which is all organic, and Jason products. I’m definitely going to check out that conditioner!
I love seeing what products other people use! I want to try that hemp bodywash! It looks great! I used to work at an Aveda spa and got the most ridiculously amazing discounts, so I’d spend a great chunk of my paycheck on products and everywhere you looked in my dorm room or bathroom there was something from Aveda! I want to use more natural products but as one of my only vices, I have a hard time giving up the non-natural cosmetics! Also, I used to live right around the corner from the Korres main store in Greece. It’s this tiny shop in a really local part of Athens that I’d walk by on my way to school every day. Every time I see those products now I’m reminded of that!
Sarah – I just love this post! Some really great product recommendations, and getting them from you makes me feel so much more confident that I’ll actually like them! And, as if I needed another reason to use natural products without animal testing: Coco’s sweet face is the clincher, right!?!? Oh – and that granola … can’t wait for the recipe on that one! Great job dangling an enticing carrot! :D
I am a beauty product junkie too! I’m always game to try new moisturizers, nail polishes, makeups, skin care, etc. Right now I am loving Miranda Kerr’s products! However, I love seeing what everyone else is using. I’m always up for new ideas and products to be on the lookout for! I really want to try that hemp body wash! It sounds so intriguing!
Your granola looks yummy!! I also use Alba Botanica, and Burt’s Bees products are among my favorite natural beauty loot!
LOVE Burt’s Bees. I go through their chap stick like it’s water.
I am totally looking into that mascara! I am not a huge make up person, I never know what to buy, so I appreciate the suggestions! :)
Totally agree with using natural beauty products! Our skin is our biggest organ, and I believe what we put on it our skin is just as important as what we eat. I love simply using food for homemade beauty products – olive oil, coconut oil, & avocado are fantastic (just google homemade beauty products).