I am a total makeup/skincare/beauty product junkie. I have been for as long as I can remember. I’m not sure when it first began, but I think it stems from my days of dance and cheerleading where I was putting on a full face of stage makeup at 4 years old. 🙂
A few years ago, I read an article that made me aware of all the harsh chemicals that are present in most of the personal care items that are on the market today. From parabens and phthalates, to sodium lauryl sulfate and synthetic fragrances, these are dangerous chemicals that, once absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream, can potentially lead to hormone disruption (hello infertility), reproductive issues, allergies, organ toxicity, and issues like cancer among other diseases.
Once I became aware, I started the process of “cleaning up” my makeup and skincare routine and have since researched and explored my options for nontoxic and safer products. A few of the brands I’ve fallen in love with are Tarte, First Aid Beauty, Josie Maran, Beautycounter, Belif (my newest obsession), Bite, Acure, Weleda, Thayers, Honest, and Reverie. A great way to know if a product is “safe” or not is to look them up on the EWG database.
I still have a few tried and true favorites that I just can’t quit (like this foundation and this dry texturizing spray), but I only use these if I’m really getting done up, going to an event or going to be taking pictures. As far as my day-to-day routine goes, I use the safer products. Here are a few I’ve been loving lately:
First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser: I’ve been using this cleanser for the past two months and can already tell I’m going to be grabbing for it again and again. It’s a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt, and grime, while still leaving my skin soft and supple. It gives my skin a true clean feeling without irritating or drying it out. If you have sensitive or dry skin, this a good one to try!
Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb: This is the holy grail of moisturizers as far as I’m concerned. I have dry skin, but ever since I’ve been pregnant it’s been dryer than ever. For months I’ve been on the hunt for a really hydrating moisturizer, but none have done the trick and my skin ends up flaking under my makeup by the end of the day…. until I recently discovered this gem. I put it on at night before bed and when I wake up in the morning it’s like my skin has had a drink of water! It’s lightweight and smooth while still providing heavy hydration. It also has the loveliest citrus scent that is soft and not overpowering. If you have dry skin, I cannot recommend this moisturizer enough. And if you have combination skin that sometimes gets oily, they have this version for you.
First Aid Beauty Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer: In an effort to further combat the flaking skin under my makeup I mentioned above, I decided to give this moisturizing primer a try as it had great reviews on Sephora’s website. It also comes in a travel size so I could give it a try before committing and purchasing a full tube. Formulated with coconut water and other superfood ingredients, this natural, complexion-enhancing moisturizer instantly brightens, hydrates and smooths in one simple step. I also feel like it helps blur the appearance of pores and imperfections. I’ve really enjoyed this primer and will definitely be getting a full size tube once my travel size runs out!
Tarte Pout Prep Lip Exfoliant: In addition to my dry skin from pregnancy, my lips have been out-of-control dry/peeling the last few months and this stuff has been a game changer. It’s a minty lip scrub that’s infused with hydrating maracuja, shea butter, and exfoliating sugar to gently buff away flakes and hydrate lips. I use a little bit of this in a circular motion before applying my lipstick and I can definitely tell it has helped to smooth and hydrate while also preventing them from drying or cracking.
Bite Agave Lip Mask: Before I bought this lip mask, I had tried tons of natural lip balms and salves from Whole Foods, straight up coconut oil, Vitamin E…. everything! Nothing was actually healing my lips. They were getting really dry and uncomfortable if I didn’t constantly apply something. A Sephora consultant recommended this mask and after reading rave reviews, I went for it. It is very thick and tacky but since I only use it as night that really doesn’t matter. Since I started using this I have seen a HUGE improvement. My lips are super hydrated and not peeling like they once were. I’ll continue using this as part of my nighttime skin care routine. Also, a little goes a long way with this product. The tube will last for a while so it’s worth the price!
Oval Foundation Brush: I know this style of foundation brush has been out for a while, but I just recently picked one up when my beloved Tarte foundation brush finally started to fall apart (have had this one for years and loved it). I had been eyeing this Artis Oval 7 Brush, but it’s pricey and I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit yet. While I was perusing the beauty department at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago, I spotted a similar one and decided to give it a try (couldn’t beat the $7.99 price tag). While the handle itself is plastic and cheaply made, the brush is actually good quality and allows for easy application. Not only does this brush make my foundation go on like a dream, but it’s also allowed for a more even application and blends the product beautifully. Once this one falls apart, I will definitely be investing in a good quality oval foundation brush!
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