my clean beauty + self-care favorites
THERE’S A LOT of buzz these days around ‘self care’ and I think it’s awesome. Any ‘fad’ that urges people to carve a few minutes out of each day to honor themselves, breath and prepare for whatever comes next is brilliant as far as I’m concerned. It’s so important to take that time to refresh, get a new perspective, be quiet [or loud]. Any shift in focus toward your own health + wellness, whatever that looks like for you, is a total bonus. Walk, call a friend, doodle, journal, stretch, play loud music, meditate, howl at the moon, binge Emily in Paris, read a magazine, dance, cook, light a candle, bedazzle something, stare out the window for a minute, put in some ear plugs to block out your sweet kiddos for just a sec… WHATEVER feels good and refreshes you and that you can actually pull off each day is perfect and so beneficial. My daily self care always includes moving my body, even if it’s just a gentle 15-minute walk. And when I have the time to spend, I hide out in the bathroom and take a looong shower with ALL the stuff. I dry brush + shave + scrub + deep condition + mask and just focus on caring for my own strong body for an hour. It always refreshes me and, in turn, makes me a better mama and wife and sets me up for whatever is coming my way [which, let’s face it, could be ANYTHING these days].
I’VE ALWAYS been passionate about beauty products [man, I loved that giant Barbie head that you could make up], which is a little ironic because, while I’m pretty darn high maintenance about my skincare, I’m quite low maintenance about my makeup, especially these days. My social functions now most often involve a hike in the woods and much to my 7-year-old self’s serious disappointment, I’m just not a gal who bothers to gussy up for the squirrels [sorry, girl]. And while I’ve long been interested in ‘clean’ or ‘green’ products [I DID grow up in Boulder], having babies totally sealed my commitment to making sure that the beauty products we use [and all of our household and cosmetic stuff] are as clean and toxin-free as possible, which, I’m not gonna lie, takes effort and can sometimes be a bit confusing.
THE TERMS ‘clean’ or ‘natural’ or ‘green’ beauty have become marketing buzz words and get thrown around A LOT. It can make a person bananas trying to decipher it all [if you’ve ever gone down a DEEP dark rabbit hole trying to figure out what’s in your laundry soap, you know what I’m talking about]. So for the most part, I just stick with retailers that I trust to shoot me straight, like Beauty Heroes [they have the strictest standards in the business], The Detox Market or Credo Beauty and let the rest go, giving myself grace when necessary [I assure you there is no perfection happening here]. I also follow a few clean beauty experts who really dig in and help make sense of all of the madness. I find it interesting and enjoy the learning process, but if you just want to get to the good stuff without having to master a whole new vocabulary, my advice is to just stick with those companies that you know are striving for gold and ENJOY.
I’M ASKED so often by friends which clean beauty products I really LOVE, so I thought I’d share my current favorites with ALL of you and find out yours, too. Enjoy this peaceful little moment, lovelies, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, I’m always here for you. And please do share the clean beauty products you’re loving in the comments so we can all plot our next haul. I hope whatever you have going on today, you can carve out even just a few minutes for yourself to refresh and shift perspective, you totally deserve it. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS [to yourself, too]. xo
Psst! You guys, I’m obvs not a skincare expert, so if you have particular concerns about your skin or skincare, you should for sure consult with an actual professional.
You can JUMP TO: Cleansers + Toners + Mists | Serums + Oils | Moisturizers + Sun Care | Lips + Eyes | Masks + Scrubs | Makeup | Beauty + Wellness Tools | Body + Hair | My Wishlist
Maya Chia
photo / Maya Chia
OK I don’t want to sound dramatic or anything, but Maya Chia has changed my life. Ok, my skin, which in turn impacts my life. I wasn’t able to use anything active on my face for a few years [see below] and when my skin was finally ready, I sort of reluctantly, but hopefully, splurged on a bottle of The Straight A Serum assuming it would totally freak out my skin. But instead, it became maybe my favorite beauty product ever.
MAYA CHIA’S mission and dedication to using science and painstaking research to create all of their truly innovative skincare pays off in a huge, beautiful way in every product I’ve tried. They have an intense method for extracting chia oil, the base of all of their products, in its purest and most potent form, which combined with the other organic, wildcrafted and consciously-sourced ‘super ingredients,’ makes really superior formulas. The Straight A has both encapsulated retinol [a safe derivative of vitamin A] and two forms of ‘botanical retinols’ that combine to make a seriously powerhouse formula. My skin was undeniably brighter and more radiant almost immediately and over time, The Straight A has also helped reduce some pesky hyperpigmentation that’s been bothering me for years. I also love The Super Lift Vitamin C More, which has a temporary tightening + lifting effect that I can see after my morning skincare routine, but the long-term impact of this vitamin-packed treatment is even more impressive. I haven’t been disappointed in a Maya Chia product yet and basically ALL of their gorgeous things are on my list.
Odacite
photo / Odacité
A FEW years ago I was really struggling with my skin [and my gut health, which was literally showing up on my face]. I was breaking out way more than usual, mostly around my mouth and chin, and was super reactive. My aesthetician thought it was probs perioral dermatitis. My dermatologist thought it was maybe mild rosacea. Whatever the case, it forced me to scale things WAY back. I packed up ALL of the lovely, clean stuff I was using and handed it over to a friend for a fun spa night. And for the next couple of years I used only 4 Odacité products on my face. They were all super gentle, with no real active ingredients. I also had semi-regular red light treatments through my aesthetician and my skin healed really well [along with my gut biome].
WHEN IT felt safe to start experimenting with skincare again, I was kind of eager to move on from the products that I’d been using for so long, wooed by all of the sexy choices out there. I have since tried LOTS of other things, many that I really love, but I kept many of my tried and true Odacité products in rotation for a long while because they’re just so good and gentle. I love the Blue Aura Cleansing Water and have hooked several friends on it. Odacité’s founder, Valerie Grandury, is a French breast cancer survivor living in California. She set out to marry the best of expert French skincare with a health-minded California sensibility and she succeeded really beautifully. If you have sensitive skin or just like to keep things a little simpler, Odacité is a great line to explore.
Beauty Heroes
photo / Beauty Heroes
REMEMBER those ads in Seventeen Magazine where you could mail-order a 72-color eye shadow palette for just a penny [and then get a bill for $30 later]? I know my dad does because he had to write more than one stern letter to whomever advertised that pyramid scheme to naive tweens [sorry, dad]. Well, this is the 100% legitimate grown-up version of that totally amazing ‘too good to be true’ fantasy. And instead of hot pink eye shadow that’s ALL kinds of wrong for me, my Beauty Heroes Discovery Subscription sends me the creme de la creme of THE cleanest beauty products every month. I have ‘discovered’ new favorites that I probs never would’ve tried otherwise and I just get giddy when it shows up. It’s such a great way to learn about new brands and to #giftalittlehappiness to yourself on the regular without even thinking about it. Learn more about why I love it here. PLUS, you get 15% off EVERY Beauty Heroes purchase while you’re a subscriber. It’s just awesome.
My Skincare Favorites
THESE are all products that I love and am currently using or are in solid rotation. I’m pretty sensitive to smell and can’t handle lavender in any form, so you’ll see a trend there. If you have any questions about my experience with any of these things, reach out, I’d be happy to share what I know.
Cleansers + Toners + Mists
+ Osea is a super clean brand that has been around since before ‘clean beauty’ was cool. They’re all about harnessing the healthy benefits of different types of seaweed to create lovely and super effective products. I love this Ocean Cleanser, which is gentle and moisturizing and doesn’t leave me feeling stripped. + $48
+ I love most of Alpyn Beauty’s line and the Creamy Bubbling Cleanser is no exception. It foams in a satisfying way that most clean products don’t and is jammed with so many beneficial acids, vitamins and enzymes. Plus it doesn’t leave my skin feeling like a tight mess. + $36
+ This Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser is kind of like those awesome 80s style scrubs, but without the nasty microplastics that end up in the ocean. It’s SUPER gentle, but really effective at leaving you with a nice, smooth canvas. I use it several times a week for a little gentle exfoliation. + from $46
+ Odacité’s Gentle Rejuvinating Cleanser is just simply super gentle and effective. It doesn’t leave you feeling stripped or depleted. It’s formulated with a beautiful combination of organic plants, fresh aloe, cold-pressed oils and floral water to create a super gentle and lovely cleanser. I’ve been using this for years and still love it. It’s brilliant for anyone, but especially if you have super sensitive or reactive skin. + $40
+ I love a facial mist and Maya Chia’s The Optimist feels and smells divine. It’s my first step after cleansing and I also give myself a little spritz when I’m headed out and need a little freshening up. It feels fresh and calming and lovely and has a bunch of really potent, nourishing ingredients. + $59
+ I love this Yina The Essential Mist so much. It’s a blend of Chinese medicinal plants, adaptogens and prebiotics that provides a powerhouse of gorgeous protective and reparative nutrients for your skin. Love this stuff. + $75
+ Ok, I love this Odacité Aloe + Immortelle Hydra-Repair Treatment Mist also. I used it exclusively for years, but now alternate between the The Optimist and this when they run out. It’s also hydrating and smells fantastic and provides a perfect first layer to my skincare. It says it’s best for ‘mature, dry or sensitive skin’ and I guess I have ALL of that, so… maybe that explains why I love it so much. + $48
+ This Odacité Blue Aura Cleansing Water has so many incredible ingredients that I couldn’t possibly list them all, including aloe juice and Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, holy basil and neem that combat skin-damaging pollutants. I use this often as a ‘second cleanse’ and I love it so much. It doesn’t leave my face feeling dry or stripped and def has an impact on my complexion. I’ve turned some friends on to this gorgeous product and they’re now solidly in the fan club. + $39
Serums + Oils
+ You know how sometimes you’re like ‘I think I like this, but I can’t tell if it’s doing anything?’ Yeah, Maya Chia’s The Straight A is NOT that product. It has undeniably brightened + evened out my skin and generally just made it so much better right before my eyes. It has super potent ingredients in it, but is gentle and doesn’t freak out my skin at all. It’s really at the tippy top of my list. + $125
+ I was a bit skeptical about this Maya Chia The Super Lift Vitamin C-More at first. I mean a claim of instantly ‘tightening and lifting’ your skin sounds like a ‘wait there’s more’ TV ad. But I trust Maya Chia and love their products, so I gave it a shot and it’s just awesome. It has 3 types of vitamin C that have def brightened and smoothed my skin, plus protects it from the elements. As for the temporary tightening and lifting - I mean, I don’t look like JLo or anything, but it does for sure make a difference in the appearance of my skin for the day, especially around my eyes. I love it. + $110
+ During the dryest of dry months in Colorado, I need to mix things up and this Alpyn Beauy Instant Glow Serum is perfect for when you need a bit more moisture from your vitamin C serum. It’s super plush and silky and nourishing. It makes a big difference in the quality of my skin, especially when I need major hydration. It has bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, so it’s a great choice if you’re super sensitive. The vitamin C protects against environmental damage. And I love that it’s a bit more reasonably priced than some other comparable serums. WIN. + $54
+ This Ursa Major Mountain Glow Golden Serum has a supple, viscous, hydrating texture [almost like an oil] that feels super amazing on my skin, especially when it’s parched. It has 44 active ingredients that help protect your skin from environmental damage, even skin tone, reduce lines and on and on… I really like it during the cold, dry winter months. + $84
+ I can use all the moisture I can get, especially in the winter, and this Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum is an essential part of that hydration process. I’ve been using it for like 2 years now and still can’t get over the crazy moisture barrier it creates on my skin. I can feel it when I rinse my face in the morning and I love it so much. I use it on top of my Straight A and under my moisturizer for extra defense against the elements. + $88
+ Way back in the very first edition of Things I Love I introduced you to Essentialist’s Daily Renewal Facial Oil. I had never used an oil regularly before and fell HARD for this incredible product. I have since tried several other oils and none of them hold a candle to this gorgeous product for my skin. It’s super natural, not at all oily and makes a huge difference in the nourishment, hydration level and look of my skin. It has become, well, an ‘essential’ part of my skincare routine. I use it as a last step morning and night. + $88
Moisturizers + Sun Care
+ Maya Chia’s The Advanced Response Complex [ARC] is just straight AH-mazing. This gorgeous neck + face cream is formulated to encourage your skin to fire up its own mechanisms for regenerating, smoothing, brightening and tightening itself. So… It’s kind of miraculous and from the first time I used it, I could see and feel a major difference in my skin, which at the time was a bit dull from lots of summer sunshine. It’s a gorgeous texture, too, substantial but not greasy or heavy. I’ve been using it for about 2 years now and keep coming back to it. + $125
+ I’m loving Alpyn Beauty’s Super Peptide & Ghostberry Barrier Repair Cream right now. I love the silky texture and ‘thickness’ of the cream. It’s formulated with 8 peptides and 5 ceramides and some beautiful botanicals and it just smooths on really well. Barrier creams are formulated to protect your skin from external damage and from losing moisture [as opposed to a moisturizer that’s designed to hydrate the outer layers of your skin], so you def want to put this on last. In these crazy dry winter months, I layer it over their PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer for a double layer of yummy hydration. I have heard ah-mazing things about Alpyn Beauty's Brightening Bounce Cream, too, but I can’t tolerate the lavender scent, so I’ll let you explore that one and get back to me. + $62
+ I received this Yina Hydracloud Cream in a Beauty Heroes Discovery delivery and LOVED it immediately. It’s deceptively hydrating and effective for how lightweight and silky it feels. It’s formulated with a unique combination of East Asian plants, including a blend of 5 different types of Ginseng that each have a powerful purpose. I really love this cream, especially in the warmer months. + $98
+ Odacités Creme de la Nuit is so fluffy and silky and lightweight that I was sure it wouldn’t do anything [I like my creams THICK], but I was SO wrong. It’s incredibly nourishing and full of powerful actives like vitamin C, CoQ10 and adaptogenic Ashwaganda that work hard while you sleep to leave you hydrated and with fewer fine lines. A little bit goes such along way that one jar will last me like a year. + $118
+ Le Prunier’s Plumscreen SPF 31 is a revelation. I have been searching for years for a clean broad-spectrum sunscreen that doesn’t have a weird texture or leave you with a ghostly sheen and this is IT. It’s formulated with their cult-favorite Plum Beauty Oil [which I also love] and is so velvety silky smooth. It leaves absolutely no trace of a white cast or that weird zinc smell and imbues your skin with antioxidant-rich superfoods while it protects. It’s def more expensive than what I have been using, but it lasts me forever even with everyday use. LOVE this stuff. + $78
+ I’m loving Tower28’s Sunny Days SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen. Tower28 is a ‘cleaner’, cool brand dedicated to sensitive skin, in fact, this is the first product endorsed by the National Eczema Association. It’s a broad-spectrum SPF formula that comes in 14 shades [I like Ocean Park]. It goes on smooth, doesn’t feel heavy or greasy and doesn’t get all caught up in my wrinkles. It leaves my skin looking even, but not made up, and maintains the moisture that it so badly needs. It’s basically awesome. + $32
Lips + Eyes
+ Oooh I love this Alpyn Beauty Willow & Sweet Agave Plumping Lip Mask. That’s a whole lot of words to say that this little pot is full of good stuff that leaves your lips so much softer than before. I am super fussy about my lip goo and this hits all of my ‘must haves’ [and my ‘must nots’]. It’s not sticky, is actually hydrating, doesn’t have a strong taste or smell and keeps my lips from getting cracked or peel-y, especially in the winter. I put it on every night before bed and my lips still feel moist when I wake up. It just keeps them super healthy and happy and I’ve gifted it to sooo many people because I love it so much. YAY. + $28
+ I get super excited when I find a lip balm that doesn’t actually dry out my lips even more and this Poppy & Pout Lip Balm is awesome. It’s super hydrating and the scent is subtle and natural so it doesn’t bother my sensitive nose. I’ve tried several ‘flavors’ now and I love them all. And it’s made in Idaho with only 5 ingredients and poured into a cardboard tube that’s totally recyclable. I’ve also gifted a bunch of these beauties. + $9.95
+ I have tried several lip scrubs and this French Girl Rose Lip Polish is def my favorite. I use it when I have a mask on my face, too, because it’s pretty messy and a little greasy, but it leaves my lips feeling super smooth and nourished from the organic shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil. All French Girl products are handmade in Seattle, which is a total bonus. + $19
+ I find that many lip products leave my lips feeling even more dry and parched than before. Ah, no thanks. But this Ilia Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment is awesome. It’s hydrating and smooth and exfoliates your lips while you sleep. It has no scent or taste, which is key for me, and it just feels nice. This is a great option if you’re super sensitive, but want a product that actually works. + $26
+ More Alpyn Beauty for the win. The Instant Bright Eye is SUPER nourishing, doesn’t bother my super sensitive eyes and is packed with peptides and niacinamide. It’s also a peachy color that blends in and ‘blurs’ the dark circles under your eyes, so I actually wear it during the day, slathering it on as a last step after my sunscreen. Love it. + $52
+ These little 100% Pure Bright Eyes Masks are the only ones I’ve ever tried that actually really work. They have a massive amount of caffeine from several clean sources, plus aloe, and they def de-puff my eyes. You can buy one pair or a 5 Pack. I like their Organic Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream, too. + from $7
+ So, when my roommate in college first suggested I pluck my bushy eyebrows I really had no idea that it would become a decades-long habit. Combine that with the glory of aging, and I recently found myself with lashes and brows that did not represent. I have super sensitive eyes [like I can’t use most eye creams] so I’d been reluctant to try a lash serum in the past. Plus most of them have a bunch of weird chemicals in them that end up directly in your mucous membrane. So when Maya Chia introduced the super clean Power Fol Eyelash + Eyebrow Serum, I decided to give it a shot. SO glad I did. It doesn’t bother my eyes AT ALL and has def made a difference in the coverage and fullness of my lashes + brows. I wish I’d taken a before + after, but I can for sure tell. + $110
+ My eyes are super sensitive and react to most eye creams that I try. But as I get older, I really want to actively nourish my brows and lashes, so I took a chance on this Me Time Botanicals RevitalEyezing Serum and I really like it. It doesn’t bother my eyes, which is a small miracle, and it def does leave the skin around my eyes looking less puffy and more nourished. I roll it all around, under my eye, on the lid and on my brows before bed and the cool roller ball feels good, too. + $47
Masks + Scrubs
+ This Blissoma Lavish Loving Recovery Mask is heavenly, especially if I’ve had too much exposure to the elements. It’s incredibly calming, moisturizing and nourishing and feels amazing. It goes on thick and silky, but doesn’t feel cloggy or harsh. I love it after skiing or when my skin is a bit off from weather or wear. + $69
+ This Laurel Honey Berry Mask feels a bit like a li’l layer of sticky Smuckers on your face, but It leaves my skin super soft, smooth, bright and clear. It’s one of my favorite masks, especially when my skin is a bit off or freaked out. + $58
+ I got this Activist Manuka Honey Mask in my Beauty Heroes Discovery delivery a few years back and it’s really nice. It has one simple, but super potent and high quality ingredient and it leaves my face feeling really clean, calm and clear. I love it especially when my skin is feeling a bit off balance or gets too much sun or wind. + $65
+ Ok, this GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator was 100% love at first site. Or first use. Whatever the case, my skin LOVES it and the name really kind of says it all. It gives you instant bright, glowing + radiant skin. It’s an awesome double whammy of both a physical and chemical exfoliant - I scrub it on gently in circles for the physical and then leave it on for a few minutes while I do my other stuff for the chemical. It’s gentle enough not to bother my sensitive-ish skin but the result is seriously instantaneous and awesome. The first time I used it I looked like I’d had ‘work’ done. It’s fantastic. I use it once or twice a week and really love it. + from $42
+ It’s a little bit no pain, no gain with this GOOPGLOW Acid Overnight Glow Peel. I started with the 5% to see how my skin would handle it and then moved up to the 15% because I wanted MORE intensity. And I got it. It’s def pretty tingly, but my skin can take it and is left like a baby’s bum. Note that you can start with a 4-pack to test out the different percentages and see which you like better. The package recommends that you use it once a week, but I do it more like once a quarter because it’s pretty intense. + from $45
Makeup
+ I was hoping this Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 could completely replace my daily SPF, but it’s just a bit too thick for that, especially when I’m working out + sweating. BUT I love it as a ‘foundation’ when I want to be a bit put together. The coverage is light, but enough for me, and it’s super hydrating so it doesn’t settle into my wrinkles and make them look worse like some products seem to do. It comes in like 87 shades, so you’ll def find one that works for you. + $48
+ I love this Ilia Multi-Stick Cream Blush + Highlighter + Lip Tint so much. I’ve tried a bunch of blush products now and this is def my favorite. It can be as subtle or not as you like, it doesn’t get stuck in my wrinkles and it comes in a ton of pretty colors for every skin tone. It’s easy to apply, too, and doesn’t stain. I use Dreamer on cheeks and lips and it’s perfect for me. + $36
+ Ok, this Tower28 MakeWaves Mascara won the Allure Best of Beauty award BEFORE it even launched. So… there’s been a lot of hype and I think it’s totally deserved. Tower28 is formulated for sensitive skin and this def doesn’t mess with my super sensitive eyes. I love the silky, lightweight formula and the applicator, which combine to give you a super smooth and not at all clumpy look. LOVE it. + $20
+ Love the Tower28 LipSofties even though my favorite shade actually violates one of my lip goo rules - it smells. Yummy. Dulce de Leche is a super pretty neutral and it smells a bit sweet, but not so sweet that it bothers me. And the SOS clear balm is in my car at the ready at all times. + $16
+ I am extremely fussy about what I put on my lips. I don’t want anything that I can taste or smell and I don’t want it to be tacky. I’m so excited that this GOOPGENES Nourishing Lip Balm Trio meets all of my criteria AND comes in such universally flattering shades. The darkest is actually my favorite, but they’re all perfect. [They’ve since launched a new pallet that I haven’t tried yet, but it looks equally beautiful.] + $42
+ I love the way this Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara doesn’t clump up my lashes. It goes on really smoothly because the unique brush has a different pattern on each side, one that lets you lift and separate while applying. It also has a bunch of super nourishing ingredients and it doesn’t bother my sensitive eyes. Love it.+ $28
+ Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm ticks all of the boxes for me and my fussy lip needs. It has no bothersome taste or smell, isn’t sticky or tacky, has universally flattering colors and is super hydrating even after wearing it for a while. I have Cool Beige and it’s a pretty, neutral with enough hint of color for me. + $38
+ I also love this Exa All Smiles Universal Glow Lip Oil. It’s not sticky, doesn’t smell, has a little hint of shimmer and is super hydrating. The colors looks wild, but they’re sheer and pretty. LOVE it. + $15
Beauty + Wellness Tools
+ I started dry brushing last summer and I love it. I’m so happy that it has all of these amazing lymphatic benefits, but what I LOVE each time I use it is the amazing benefit to my skin. It just feels awesome. I love Goop's G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush with the long handle because it reaches ALL the parts. + $25
+ I love this little Solawave 3-Minute Pimple Spot Treatment for breakouts. You just hold it over your zit for 3 minutes and let it zap the blemish with its combo of blue and red light. It’s not a miracle, like your zit won’t be magically instantly gone, but I do think it def helps accelerate the healing process. It’s great for travel and teens, too. + $69
+ My boys are super scared of my Omnilux Contour Face Mask, but I LOVE it. I’ve been using it a few times a week for just 10 blissful minutes for the past 6 months and have without a shadow of doubt seen a real change in my skin. The fine lines, pigmentation and my mild rosacea are all def improved since I started using it. I just turn on a podcast or audiobook and sit back for a few chill minutes while it works its magic and I truly love it. If you’re considering red light therapy and want to hear more about my experience, reach out, I’d love to chat. But know that I LOVE this thing and think it’s worth every penny if you actually USE it. I’m totally eyeing the Contour Neck and Décolleté next. + $395
+ Solawave’s Red Light Therapy Wand combines 4 powerful technologies to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and blemishes [hello, I have ALL the things]. When I use it consistently, I can totally see a difference in the dark spots, fine lines and overall quality of my skin. I use the Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum with it and the combo is super effective for such a li’l tool. It’s a perfect solution if a full mask isn’t in the cards for you [though they have those, too] or want a compact travel buddy. + $169
+ This Detox Mode Body Crescent is meant to stimulate the lymphatic system, sooth sore muscles and reduce the look of cellulite. It’s a bit like giving yourself a deep tissue massage. If you want a spa-like treatment at home, pair this with some Prima Beyond Body Oil [or any oil you love]. after a hot shower. + $15
+ In an ongoing effort to reduce our family’s waste, I ordered some Marley’s Monsters Reusable Facial Pads to replace cotton balls for my Blue Aura Cleansing Water. The soft cotton flannel pads just get tossed in the wash over and over again. There are a bunch of cute prints or solids to choose from and a pretty handmade Wood Container for keeping them stored in your bathroom. I find they work best when I fold them into quarters before dousing them. I feel great about both reducing waste AND supporting a small business that makes these by hand in Eugene, OR [go Ducks!]. Total win-win for me. + from $10
+ I LOVE my silk pillowcase. Silk is less absorbent than other natural fibers, so it doesn’t suck up your skin’s natural oils or your precious overnight products [I ruined SO many cotton pillowcases]. And because silk is a bit slippery, there is less friction and less tugging on your hair and skin. I have been super happy with this Lilysilk version, which not only feels super luxurious, but is also OEKO-TEX certified, so you can rest knowing you’re not laying on gross chemicals. You can even have a whole bed full of Silk Sheets if that’s your fancy. Ooh la la. + from $39
+ Ok, this is obvs not clean beauty, but it does pertain to my wellness, so it’s on the list. These Port + Polish Pill Cases are perfect for travel. I got one and then bought another, so I have one for my morning supplements and a separate one for the nighttime set. They don’t hold a ton, so if you’re carrying a lot of big pills, it might not be the best solution, but for a few medium to smalls, it’s perfect. + $20
My Body + Hair Favorites
+ If you follow along, you already know that I LOVE Nopalera's Cactus Flower Exfoliant. This scrub is smooth and lovely and has such a gorgeous subtle scent that I adore [love both the Tangerine and the Hibiscus]. It leaves my skin feeling super nourished and dewy, especially if you follow it up with the awesome Botanical Bar. It’s perfect for the super dry Colorado air. + $32
+ Oh I love the smell of this fantastic Palermo Coffee Body Scrub. It’s a really gorgeous combo of coffee and lemon that’s super beautiful and not sweet, making it an awesome choice for the polished dudes in your life, too. It’s a bit toothier than the other 2 scrubs I’m sharing, but not gritty, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, so it’s great for morning. + $56
+ This Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish is smooth and takes off what you need without leaving you feeling stripped or greasy. The scent is subtle and could go grandma with the rose, but is beautifully balanced with the coconut to leave it more modern than dusty. I use it in the shower, but also as a hand scrub before bed because I have winter man sandpaper hands that need serious attention. + $40
+ I’m usually a simple bar soap kind of gal, but I LOVE the smell of this Bathing Culture Mind and Body Wash and it’s so hydrating that I’ve been converted. It’s full of aloe, coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter and all kinds of super nourishing things and I love it. It’s a very gender-neutral scent, so it’s also a go-to gift for dudes and teenage boys. + $20
+ I am super fussy about my body lotion. I don’t like thin or watery lotion. I don’t want any lingering scent. I don’t love a pump because it leaves you with like 1/4 of the bottle stuck at the bottom. Tough crowd, right? What I do LOVE is The Seaweed Bath Co. Body Cream. I’ve been using it for years and it’s super consistent, thick but not greasy and has no gross chemicals. And they do make scented versions if that’s your jam. Love their Collagen Hand Cream, too. + $12.99
+ I discovered this magical French Girl Nail & Cuticle Oil last spring after a series of manicures left my nails peeling and in bad shape. It healed them in days and I’ve been using it every night ever since. It’s super nourishing and keeps my nails and cuticles super healthy. I love it so much. + $22
+ I also like the Manicurist Complete Serum. It’s not greasy like an oil, so it’s a bit tidier if you don’t love the feeling of oil on your hands or want to use it on the go without waiting for it to soak in [like at your desk]. It’s water-based, super nourishing and helps heal cracks. The texture makes it a bit more friendly for travel, too. + $15
+ Cocofloss turned me into a regular flosser at age 46 with their 21-Day Floss Challenge. I love the texture of Cocofloss, the impressive way it’s made and the generous spirit of the sisters who own it. Pretty much ALL the stuff. Learn more about why I’m geeking out on dental floss here. + from $9
+ I love this minty Innersense True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub especially in the summer when I’m sweaty or in a bunch of sand. I give myself a good scalp massage with it a few times a month and it leaves my hair + head feeling tingly, squeaky clean and energized. My teenage son loves it, too. + $42
+ Have I mentioned yet that Colorado is dry? I mean. It’s part of what I love about my home state, but it can wreak havoc on a gal’s skin + hair. About once a week I use this Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask and it leaves my scalp + hair super healthy, soft, shiny and ready for the elements. + $38
+ I love EVOLVh’s Ultra Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. I can really tell the difference in the texture of my hair when I use them together, especially as my grays are starting to multiply and change the landscape a bit. I also love the EVOLVh Smart Volume Leave-In Conditioner. It’s a great detangler and doesn’t leave my hair feeling heavy or coated, just smooth and silky. + from $26
+ I was a bit skeptical of Lolavie at first, curious if it was actually clean or just another fad celebrity brand. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised that it’s both clean and pretty awesome. I like the whole ‘system’ together with the Restorative Shampoo, Restorative Conditioner, Glossing Detangler and Perfecting Leave-In. The smell is a bit funky to me, but it’s not off-putting enough to keep me away. And the minis are perfection for travel. + from $15
+ My hair is naturally curly, but I wear it both curly and straight depending on my mood, my time and the weather. This Innersense Organic Beauty Quiet Calm Curl Control is the best clean product I’ve found by far for leaving my curls soft AND taming frizz, which is tricky business. No crunchy curls here, just super nourished, soft, happy little curls. And when I’m going straight, I use just the teeniest amount of Innersense Organic Beauty Serenity Smoothing Cream before blowing dry and it leaves my hair smooth and shiny. + from $26
+ My sweet hubs surprised me with this Liis Bo a few Valentine’s Days ago [bold move, right?] and I loved it so much I ordered the sample set for travel and to try out the other scents. I honestly can’t decide which one I like best, I would buy all of them if I could and alternate or layer them. They’re super clean and bright and well balanced. + $165
On my wishlist
+ So aside from being my favorite color, this Maya Chia The Refresh Mint Moisturizing Mask has 4 different acids to brighten your skin, plus enzymes and hydrators. Um, yes please. Plus it’s cooling, tingly mint. + $68
+ I’m really trying to justify adding another subscription to my monthly haul. The Detox Box is The Detox Market’s awesome version and they send GORGEOUS stuff. + from $39.95 per month
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