So as you know, one of my goals for the new year was to be more conscious of what was in the beauty products I use. After all, your skin is your largest organ, and everything you apply to it gets absorbed in, so it's a good idea to watch what is being absorbed into your body! Through these two articles, 8 Toxins to Avoid in Shampoo and Body Wash and Killing Me Softly: The Ugly Truth About Cosmetics, which I found via Pinterest, I compiled a list of toxins I wanted to avoid.
Before I shopped I familiarized myself with the list, but when in doubt I followed this rule: if I can pronounce the ingredient (the pronounceable bad ingredients are easy to remember!) and I know it's not on the list, then we are good! Another rule of thumb I stick to as well is to look for products with as little ingredients as possible--those are typically the really healthy ones.
So far, it's been a success! I'm still experimenting with different brands (the natural deodorant I tried has left my underarms bumpy and unhappy!) and obviously some of the healthier cosmetics come with a bigger price tag which for a college student is not ideal. But I have always been okay spending a little bit more on beauty products when you know you are getting your money's worth.
Enough about the boring stuff, let's skip ahead to me sharing with you some of the products I have grown to LOVE!
Arbonne Tinted Moisturizer
I'm really really really excited about this one! Shout out to my (basically) mom-in-law Sandy for hooking me up with a sample! I love that this makes my skin feel incredibly soft and healthy, but at the same time it doesn't look like I have a thing on. Plus it has yet to rub off on anything, unlike other tinted moisturizers/BB Creams I've tried. What I love even more is it has allowed me to replace the series of 3 products I was using perviously. Before this magical moisturizer, I'd mix a BB cream with regular moisturizer, then follow with a layer of primer. What I didn't realize until yesterday, when I randomly decided to use primer, was that the primer I was using was severely drying out my skin. This and my 3-step system was probably the root cause of all the dryness and more-acne-than-normal that I had been experiencing for some time. Now I cannot find the ingredient list for this moisturizer but quite honestly, I know Arbonne puts good ingredients in their products (I went to a party awhile back) so for now I will ignore any potential toxins. It certainly makes my skin feel amazing, and I will continue to use it! You can find it through an Arbonne consultant, found via their website.
Tarte Maracuja Oil
I have been using this face oil for more than 6 months now, and I love it! It's a little on the pricy end (could be a lot worse though), but a little goes a long way and it is worth every penny. I put it on at night, and then I rub two drops in my hands before I apply the Arbonne Moisturizer in the morning, just to help it go on more easily. And the best part? Only one ingredient! You can find this at Ulta, Sephora, or online at Tarte's website.
Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
I bought this to try for just a slight oil absorbing layer over my tinted moisturizer, and I've been pleased so far! It's perfect for everyday, and is light, does it's job. As far as ingredients goes, it has nothing on my "bad list". Winner! You can find this at Ulta, Sephora, or online at Tarte's website.
Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara
Yes, this mascara is smart! It goes on without clumping, makes my lashes look full and luscious, and doesn't smudge though out the day. At night, it comes off easily with eye makeup remover. It has two ingredients on my "bad list" so I might keep shopping around, but I had started using this mascara sometime last year. You can find this at Ulta, Sephora, or online at Tarte's website.
Like I said, I'm still trying products, but these are the standout ones to me thus far. They make getting ready in the morning fun! And I'm all about fun! Sound off readers! Do you read the labels on your products? Or do you think I'm just a crazy hippie?
(Note: These opinions are my own, and I have no affiliation with any of the mentioned brands or retailers.)
--Caroline
