my latest beauty essentials
As I mentioned in my post about Fresh Faced, I have become increasingly more interested in replacing my beauty products with healthier alternatives. I’ve stuck with natural deodorants since last fall (to be honest, I had moments where I was sure I would go back to antiperspirant!), which was a good start, and my visit with Julie from Province Apothecary certainly helped. In the past few months I’ve whittled down my routine to a few basics, and a few multi-purpose products, and here are the ones that are working well for me at the moment. It’s not perfect and I still have a few products I need to find. For example, a healthier foundation would be great, since I use foundation/tinted moisturizer every day (I’m currently using one from Bourjois). I really don’t mind that my choices look more like the inside of a health food store basket than a fancy department store one.
Aura Cacia Sweet Almond Oil: I’ve been using the oil-cleansing method to get makeup off, and it has been working well for me. I rinse my face with warm water, rub some oil gently for a few moments, then wipe off with a clean washcloth. When I’m feeling lazy I use a Desert Essence cleanser that works well, but I think the oil gets out more city grime and whatnot.
Heritage Products Rosewater & Glycerin: I’ve been using this for a long time now. It’s great in summer to refresh your skin & help you cool down, but I also use it as a toner. It smells so good.
Elovi Body Butter: I was sent this body butter to try out (thanks, Elovi!) and honestly, it is so good. I’ve never really cared for body butters, but this one absorbs quickly, has a delicate, pleasant smell, and only six ingredients. I’ve been using it as a multi-purpose balm, including putting it on the areas that I’m having laser tattoo removal on! The ingredients are really nourishing and massaging it in helps with blood circulation to make them heal faster.
Pai Rosehip Oil: I received this as part of a gift bag at the Green Good event, and I’ve been trying to remember to apply it before bed. I haven’t been super consistent with it yet, because I’m pretty forgetful about applying things to my face in the evening. But I feel really good about it and I always wake up with softer skin when I do use it.
Graydon Sun Cream: This also came from the gift bag, and I was stoked to get it! I use this every morning in between my moisturizer/serum and my makeup, and it’s worked really well. I’m pretty paranoid about getting too much sun on my face, but luckily I have a good collection of hats to use in conjunction with sunscreens. Plus I like that this one isn’t full of scary ingredients and is made in Canada.
Ilia lipstick: Neon Angel is my daily lipstick lately. It’s bright, but not alarmingly so (I like a bold lip). It’s matte, which I like, and has decent staying power. One of the few lipsticks I’ve been reaching for lately.
Leaves of Tress Argan Oil: I am so lazy when it comes to my hair, especially lately, since I cannot win any battles against humidity. I wash it every few days (I just use whatever looks okay and is on sale at the health food store—currently a Giovanni shampoo), and sometimes I’ll just air dry it and let it do it’s thing, or once in a while I’ll straighten it. I’ve tried lots of different products for frizz and heat protection but mostly I don’t notice much of a difference, other than the fact that my hair gets gunked up faster. I’ll usually just run a tiny amount of argan oil through at the tips (I used to use the OLO hair tonic but I dropped it on the bathroom floor, tragically). I like to try conditioning masks with food or coconut oil once in a while, so if you know of any good ones, let me know!
Lulu Organics Hair Powder: Ive had the Patchouli & Amber powder for ages now and I really only use it in emergency situations for a little freshening up. I love the smell.
Province Apothecary Facial Serum and Lip Balm: I am an unabashed fan of Province Apothecary and would own all of the products if I could. Julie gave me a custom serum in early January in exchange for something I did for her, and I used it as a moisturizer until it ran out last week. I think it really saved my skin over the winter because I never had any dryness or really any trouble. Now that it’s basically summer I’ve switched to her moisturizer, which I picked up at The Detox Market. It’s only been a few days but so far so good (I think you have to use a product for a few weeks to get a real feel for it!). And her lip balm is my current favourite, really silky and long-lasting.
Bergamot essential oil: For Christmas Geoff gave me an aromatherapy diffuser and I’ve enjoyed learning about different oils and their effects. Most of the time I use lavender only, since it’s so calming, but I also use bergamot quite a bit—it’s a little more energizing and good for low moods. I got this one at Dynasty.
Chakra by Nova: I ordered a sample of this and wore it on our trip to Lisbon. Ever since then it’s reminded me of Lisbon, which I love. It has that perfect combination of musk & floral that makes my nose so happy.
Lovefresh Natural Cream Deodorant in Moroccan Rose Absolute: Okay, I have found the one! This is my absolute favourite natural deodorant. I liked many of the ones that I wrote about in my deodorant post, but if I were to revise that post, this one would be my top pick. It smells lovely, it is easy to apply (I’ve gotten used to applying deodorant with my fingers), and the company is local. I transferred a little of the cream to a small container to carry it around with me, but I don’t often have to reapply throughout the day (except on the muggiest days, of course).
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