A while back, I completed an audit of my bathroom products to see how they measured up in regards to safety and cruelty to animals. Some were down right scary! I’ve been doing my research and have begun to slowly replace those naughty products with ones that more align with my personal opinions and beliefs.
Here’s a list of the basics that I used daily with their not-so-good ratings as well as the products I’ve now switched to.
Body Wash: Aveeno Positively Nourishing Body Wash Think Dirty – 9 Skin Deep – 4
NEW! Kiss My Face Olive Oil Soap
Think Dirty – 2
Skin Deep – 0 Cruelty Free
Lotion: Jason Soothing 84% Aloe Vera Hand & Body Lotion Think Dirty – 9 Skin Deep – 5 Cruelty Free
NEW! Nutiva Coconut Oil
Think Dirty – 0
Skin Deep – n/a Cruelty Free
*yes folks, this is regular old coconut oil that you can cook with!
At Home Hair Color: Garnier Nutrisse Cream Hair Colour Think Dirty – 9 Skin Deep – 8
NEW! Naturigin Permanent Hair Color, Ebony
Although not on either app, I read up on the company and think this could be a good direction to go to find a less chemical laden hair color process that doesn’t test on animals. Hair coloring is never going to be super safe, but it’s the one thing I can’t give up. I can’t go grey yet!
Face wash: Cetaphil Skin Cleanser Think Dirty – 10 Skin Deep – 6
NEW! Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap
Think Dirty – 0
Skin Deep – 1 Cruelty Free
Face Scrub: Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub Think Dirty – 10 Skin Deep – 5
NEW! Plain ole organic baking soda 🙂
It’s still a work in progress but I look forward to continuing to make educated purchasing decisions when it comes to bath and beauty products!
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my health and beauty products ie. what’s behind a company’s flashy marketing materials vs. what’s actually in those bottles. I feel that there’s a lot of conflicting information out there and, as a consumer, I’d like to make more conscious, educated decisions when I head to my local Bartell’s (gosh, I love that store!)
I’ve decided to test out two apps to find out critical information about the products I use on the daily: Think Dirty and Skin Deep. I also like to keep Cruelty Free International/PETA in mind too as I’d rather not use products tested on animals – this site is super helpful in breaking it all down. I’m still a bit torn about animal ingredients in a product like bee’s wax or hair/fur used in brushes if it was taken in a non-harmful way…to each their own I say!
So here’s a list of the bathroom basics that I use daily and their ratings. (more…)
I recently had a bad experience at the MAC makeup counter at the downtown Seattle Nordy’s. I’ve always considered myself a MAC girl, but after them forgetting about my appointment AND ignoring me for the first 20 minutes I was sitting there, I figured it was time to spread my wings and try other beauty products. Sorry MAC, it’s been real.
In steps a Nordstrom beauty consultant, which I guess have been around for a while now? My bad. They’ve recently added a booking system that had caught my eye online so I made an appointment and met up with Cory a few days later.
I decided to focus on one area for this appointment and chose foundation. Mine had been looking a bit too pink-ish lately and I was ready to try something new. We cleaned off my face and he prepped my skin with some uber amazing (and expensive!) products. I think skin care is important, but not $100 per bottle important if you catch my drift. I kept my focus and we moved on to the foundation hunt.
We ended up with a Trish McEvoy product as the big winner! I must admit, I’d never heard of this product line before but their Beauty Balm was it. The foundation leveled out the redness in my face without feeling caked on. Granted, the price tag was a bit steep ($85 – eeek!) but I’m totally loving this product after a week’s use. And hey, if it lasts 5 or 6 months, then that’s really not bad when you think about it. I can talk myself into any purchase really 🙂 I also purchased a NARS translucent powder and a YSL clear lip gloss that was probably not needed but really polished off the look.
A little blush and bronzer touch ups, a few eyeshadow suggestions and this gal was just about done! I was extremely happy with the results though I may have went over my makeup budget a bit. But it was really great to have someone who knew all of the products on the floor and could pull them as he saw fit. I’m definitely going with a Nordstrom Beauty consultant from here on out!
I would consider myself a traditionalist when it comes to health and beauty. I’m quick to go to Bartell’s to meander their aisles for products and have no problem with a prescription or two when needed. But after 10 years of using the same stuff over and over again, I’m not seeing the results I’d like.
I’m not sure if this has to do with my age or with my face/hair/extremities getting used to what I currently use…..either way, I’ve starting looking into more holistic options in hopes that they might be able to keep me youthful, sharp and healthy 🙂 A girl can only dream, right?
Here are a few things I’ve picked up recently based on research I’ve found. Obviously, there are many opinions out there so find what works for you. *Note: I am not a professional or expert in regards to any of this. What works for me, may or may not work for you.*
Apple Cider Vinegar
A common folk remedy that seems to be the cure all for just about anything. Not sure exactly what I want to get from drinking this, but I wanted to give it a try for a few weeks. I’ve been mixing 2 t. vinegar with 1 T. organic honey, 1/4 packet of apple cider mix and hot water for my morning beverage. I’ve also heard mixing it in oj works too. I’d like to find a way to not to have to incorporate sugar with it, but I figure baby steps are better than no steps at all.
Tea Tree Oil
This is probably TMI, but I have had tinea versicolor, which is a superficial fungus in my underarms and chest area. I’ve had it for many, many years and no prescription from my dermatologist has seemed to fix it. It’s not contagious and it really doesn’t bother me, but it just ain’t pretty darn it! I’m hoping this oil mixed with olive oil will help clear it up for good.
Eucalyptus Aromatherapy
I’m a naturally a sleepy person – I seem to always run on a semi permanent level of tiredness to which no amount of coffee or exercise can fix. To keep my energy levels up at work, I’ve started spritzing eucalyptus around my office and so far, it does seem to perk me up a bit. Plus, it makes my office smell like a spa 🙂
Organic Coconut Oil
The BF has been sick this week and I found a recipe on Pinterest for GOOT, which is suppose to be a home cold remedy that includes garlic, coconut oil and olive oil that are all blended together and slathered onto the bottoms of your feet. This sounds nuts, but I’m very curious to see if it’ll work. I’ve also read a ton of other health benefits of coconut oil so it’ll be good to have on hand for future uses. *Note: I caught his nastiness over the weekend and did apply GOOT twice and I swear it helped. I feel a million times better.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids, antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. It also makes your smoothies turn a wicked green color if you use the powder form like I do! With all of the hype about dark green veggies, this seems right on board with that train of thought.
Chia Seeds
Rich in omega 3 fatty acids and fiber, these seeds have also been a new addition to my morning smoothie. At first I found it weird to be eating what are found on those Chia Head thingys, but I’m over that now. So far, I’ve noticed that they do seem to keep me fuller longer, which is a good start. And let’s just say, I’m um, feeling more ‘regular.’ TMI! I know, I know!
Are there any holistic remedies or supplements that you’ve found to work well? Are they all hype or is there actually more to them?
Ugh, late in posting this but I just didn’t see anything super inspiring in my Birchbox shipment this past month. I guess it can’t be a slam dunk every month – NBD. I have been curious about Madewell so I may have to do a bit of online shopping with this discount card (note: the coupon was only for the month of Sept. – bummer.). Other than that, it was kind of a yawn for me. Fingers crossed for a better box this coming month!
A while back, I completed an audit of my bathroom products to see how they measured up in regards to safety and cruelty to animals. Some were down right scary! I’ve been doing my research and have begun to slowly replace those naughty products with ones that more align with my personal opinions and beliefs.
