Natural Body & Beauty Products

These days, it seems everywhere you look there are articles discussing the number of chemicals we put on or in our bodies. While I’ve focused over the past few years on eating less processed foods, it wasn’t until I found out that I was was pregnant with Katie, that I truly started to think about making changes to my daily routine.

I read numerous articles which shared unbelievable facts regarding the number of chemicals women put on their face and body on a daily basis. There are a number of websites and apps that rank and review products, most notably EWG Skin Deep site and the Think Dirty app.  Keep in mind, my personal philosophy with natural products is to take everything that I read with a grain of salt, realizing that many articles are influenced by other factors. In addition, I am focused on making small changes not a radical change. The change did not come overnight, nor have I moved to a fully natural lifestyle. My favorite under eye cream is definitely not natural and I still believe that a certain level of chemicals are needed to cut through tough grease. I fully believe that similar to diet, the choices we make are very personal. So far, it seems that each month we slowly increase the number of more natural products that we use, ranging from hand soap to shampoo. But, after receiving multiple requests from you all following some Instagram Story posts, today I am ready to share a few products that I personally love.

Natural Beauty

Below are a few products that I’ve discovered through recommendations, meandering through the aisles, research, and friends. None of these products were provided to me through sponsored posts or blogger samples. Since I’ve had a few people ask, I often buy online via Amazon and Thrive Market (save 15% with that link) or I look during my Whole Foods and Target shopping trips as both have a very good assortment of natural products at various price points.

  • Deodorant – Anyone who has worked out with me or followed me on social media knows that I sweat A LOT.  Since giving birth, my hormones inbalances have just made me sweat more. It’s the worst feeling to smell your armpits while attempting to nurse your daughter. At the same time, since my armpits are so close to where she breast feeds, I wanted to find a more natural deodorant option, at least while breast feeding. Luckily, within a one week period three different people recommended Schmidt’s Deodorant. The citrus scent is perfect for Summer and the formula effectively keeps me dry and fresh smelling all day. I’ve been using the deodorant non-stop for the past month and have been very pleased with the results, even in the hot, sticky weather we had last week.
  • Body Wash – Alba Botanica Very Emollient Honey Mango Shower Gel – After seeing this large body wash bottle in Whole Foods and Target’s natural beauty section, I decided to give it a try after reading rave reviews on multiple websites. A sucker for scent, I love the refreshing, fruity smell and the formulation leaves my skin soft and hydrated.
  • Shave Cream – Alba Botanica Mango Vanilla Moisturizing Shave Cream – During pregnancy, anytime I shaved I found that my legs were scaly and dry. Never a fan of using body lotion, I tried to find a more hydrating shave cream instead. This thick cream contains aloe vera and vitamin E which leaves my legs and underarms smooth without irritation. I will admit that some people may get annoyed with how thick it is, but I’m happy to rinse my razer a few times during the shaving process to get super smooth and hydrated skin.
  • Face Wash – Amara Organics Facial Cleanser – Since discovering this natural face wash through Julie’s blog back in early April, I’ve been a loyal fan. The face wash contains 15% Vitamin C as well as aloe, rosehip oil and tea tree oil. It’s strong enough to remove my makeup while gentle enough to use both morning and night without leaving my skin feeling dry. In fact, I found that it has gradually helped brighten my skin especially as I’ve dealt with pregnancy mask or skin discoloration related to pregnancy.  If you don’t believe my review, check out the more than 500 five-star reviews on Amazon!

I’d love to hear your recommendations for more natural products, especially shampoo, conditioner, counter cleaner and mascara.

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A Flawless Look in Just Minutes

Bo and Ashley Toronto

If you follow along on Instagram or Snapchat, then you saw that we enjoyed a quick 30-hour trip together in Toronto this weekend. Since Bo needed to be there for Friday meetings, it was easy for me to fly up Friday morning, work remotely from the hotel and then enjoy Friday night and Saturday in the city together.

We posted the above picture online Friday night, while enjoying the views from one of Toronto’s landmarks, the CN Tower. A couple of people immediately commented on the picture, saying that my hair and makeup were perfect. What they didn’t know was that I rushed to transition from a sweaty, gym outfit to this outfit in just 30 minutes. Since that time included shower, drying my hair AND doing my makeup, I wanted to share the six beauty items that made this quick transition possible.

I’ve been using the below items for over a month and in this short time, I’ve recommended each of them to multiple friends and even ordered two of them, the lip gloss and concealer, for my mom!

Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover Concealer – This is one of the best concealers I have ever used. The wand applicator is easy to use anywhere, without requiring any other accessories, and the small, pen like size allows me to easily toss it in my purse or makeup bag. It comes in more than fifteen different shades so you should be able to find one which blends easily with your coloring. I use this under my eyes, on my scar and on any blemishes that pop up overnight.

Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pomegranate Delirium– My mom has always said that just a quick swipe of color to the lips adds brightness and life to a tired face. It has taken years for me to embrace this but finally, after discovering this easy to apply lip gel last month, I’m a believer. Every day I swipe on this rosy, plum gloss before leaving the house and it instantly wakes up my face and provides a more finished look. Unlike many other lip glosses on the market, this one isn’t drying, doesn’t have a strong smell and is not sticky. The vibrant color stays on my lips at least a few hours and at the $14 price point, I can afford to try different colors.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner – Similar to the lip gloss, a quick application of eye liner, right along my upper eyelid instantly makes my eyes pop even when I’m exhausted. When we are going out in the evening I apply a thicker line, which makes more of a statement.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder – Until last month I’d never tried a setting powder. But, after being convinced by a very persuasive Sephora sales associate that this would help my makeup stay in place all day, I bought the travel size. To say I was skeptical was an understatement. Why the heck did I need one more powder in my life, much less on my skin. But, after using it just a few times, I was convinced. People commented that my makeup and skin looked flawless, every bit of makeup stayed in place ALL day and my face had less shine come five o’clock. It hides blemishes, helps my blush and bronzer blend and leaves me with a luminous finish. Even though it is a white powder, it goes on translucent and will quickly become your favorite makeup item!

Bumble & Bumble Hairdressers Oil – Even though I have naturally straight hair, it tends to have a mind of its own. If I don’t tame it properly with a few different potions then it’s a frizzy mess due to the curly nature of my bottom layers. This light oil has made a huge difference in the time it takes to do my hair as it has eliminated the need for a flatiron. I use two pumps for my long, thick hair and apply one pump to the bottom layers and another pump to the ends before blow drying my hair. Unlike Moroccan oil, this doesn’t weigh my hair down or leave my hands feeling greasy.

Drybar Sparkling Soda Shine Mist – Always a fan of the blowouts I get at Drybar, I’d actually not tried or purchased their products until recently. I am now the proud owner of four of their products, this one being my favorite! After a quick blow dry, I spray this all over my hair before one final hand smoothing. The result is a high gloss, flyaway free hair hair style that will last all day even in humidity.

Your turn: What is your favorite beauty item these days that you recommend to everyone? 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes beauty items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

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My Daily Beauty Routine

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Like many women, I love beauty products. I love trying the newest trends and products, to see whether they live up to their hype. Regardless how much I love beauty, it has taken me years to find my unique style and the products that work best with my skin tone and complexion. After years of experimenting, these are the products I rely on each day to go from “just rolled out of bed” to office ready.

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As you can see from the array of products, I fully embrace the splurge/save mentality. Certain products, such as moisturizer and foundation, I find are worth investing more whereas I tend to save on dry shampoo, lip balm, and mascara.

BASE

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation – I start my morning routine with this oil-free, lightweight moisturizer.  My skin feels hydrated and looks vibrant within minutes of applying. I love that this moisturizer absorbs quickly and serves as a perfect base for my makeup.

Olay Total Effects Dark Circle Minimizing Brush -  Next I apply a few swipes of this cream under my eyes to minimize fine lines, bags or circles. Even though I sleep eight hours most nights, I appreciate the camouflage this provides.

HAIR

Morrocan Oil Hair Treatment – Next, while blow drying my hair or styling it, I put a small amount of this nutrient filled oil on the ends of my hair. It helps smooth my hair and provide just a bit of shine. A little bit goes a long way so even the small bottle will last weeks.

Batiste Dry Shampoo – I discovered this dry shampoo the first weekend I stayed with Charlie. She swore by it even though it isn’t brown, which I always thought was a requirement for us brunettes. The fresh scent and light formula can take my “just a bit oily at the roots” hair to fresh and full of body in just a few sprays. I spray a bit along my roots and then come through on days when I don’t have time to hop in the shower.

FACE

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Ochre – Once my hair is done, I focus once again on my face. My mom and I are both loyal fans of this tinted moisturizer. It gives me a refreshing glow while providing sun protection and moisturizing benefits.

Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder Rich Vanilla – Since my skin tends to get a bit oily, especially in my t-zone, I lightly apply this powder that helps set my moisturizer and keep everything in place. I do find that I need two different shades, one for winter, and another, darker one for summer as my complexion changes so much during the year.

Laura Mercier Pink Bronze Duo – After using NARS Orgasm combo for years, I was introduced to this last Spring as a lighter option. Using a large makeup brush, I apply a mix of both colors to my cheeks each morning for a little extra pop of color.

EYES

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner – Since trying liquid liner three years ago, I’ve never looked back. I love that it gives my look just a little more polish while helping my eyes pop. The narrow, pen applicator allows even clumsy hands to apply a perfect line.

Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow – After applying my eyeliner, I add a few swipes of this nude shadow. While many would probably wear it as a base, I like the hint of color it adds to my eyelids while diminishing any veins or darkness.

Dior Show Maximizer Lash Primer – Unfortunately, I have short, stubby eyelashes. There is no denying it. Over the years, I’ve tried everything from nightly growth serum to artificial lashes in hopes of making them appear longer and fuller. Who knew that a small tube of primer could give me better results any of my previous experiments? I received this from Sephora two months ago and have been a believer ever since! After using it, co-workers and friends thought I’d invested in false eyelashes! If “Mrs.. Stubby Lashes” is getting this question, it’s clear that this primer works!

Cover Girl Full Lash Bloom Mascara – Another drugstore favorite is Cover Girl mascara. I’ve worn their mascara since they introduced lash blast a few years ago. Their latest formula provides both length and fullness, something that has paired perfectly with my eyelash needs. Made with natural beeswax, I like that this mascara doesn’t clump or leave my lashes feeling soft and brittle.

LIPS

Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer – A new item in my makeup bag, I stocked up on this new Clinique lipstick when I was home in March. I couldn’t decide on one color, instead splurging on three. The neutral, Bare Pop, has become my everyday lip color as it’s a warm nude with just a hint of shimmer – perfect for my complexion. Even though it is lightweight, the formula is super hydrating and lasts longer than most nude lipsticks.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment – I wear this when I don’t feel like dealing with lipstick. The tinted lip balm is perfect for any day of the week and provides moisture and just a hint of color.

DOLCE&GABBANA Lipgloss Intense Color Lipgloss in Secret – When I want more color, this gloss is my favorite option. It is easy to apply, has a vibrant shine and the vibrant coral adds some fun to my otherwise neutral face.

DOLCE&GABBANA Light Blue Fragrance Pen – After working in the beauty and fragrance industry for six years, fragrance is something I can’t leave home without applying. While I rotate between four or five fragrances, Light Blue is my perennial favorite during the warmer months. A light, crisp, citrusy fragrance it isn’t overpowering and lasts longer than most of my fragrances.   

To see other items I’ve included in my beauty routine previously, check out these two posts:

Disclosure: This post contains ShopStyle links affiliate links, but as you can tell from the post, that doesn’t have any influence the products I featured! Also, Cover Girl and Dolce&Gabbana are brands owned by my employer, Procter & Gamble.

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