For the last few years I’ve been shifting everything from household cleaners to lip balms and toothpaste over to more natural versions. It was relatively easy to find cleaning products I was willing to use, but beauty products have been more of a challenge.
Because these products go directly on my skin, I have a few more requirements of them than I do my dishwasher detergent. It’s taken a bit of trial and error, but I‘ve found a number of products that I’m excited about and enjoy using on a regular basis.
I recently wrote about using the EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning to choose new laundry and dishwashing detergent. The EWG also has a healthy cosmetics database, called Skin Deep, but I didn’t use it. Instead I read a lot, followed my instincts, found companies that seemed trustworthy, paid attention to labels and reviews, and tried products that appealed to me. Some worked for me and some didn’t.
My product choices are ever evolving, but these are the ones I’m enjoying right now:
Perfume – After trying too many essential oil essences that were oily and seemed to lose their scent just after application, I found Phlur, and I’m so happy. Favorite scents are Hanami and Sandara.
Mascara – Based on my many wasted tubes of mascara, this is a tricky category to get right. Limitless Lash Mascara by Ilia is the only one I’ve found that goes on well and doesn’t leave me with raccoon eyes at the end of the day, or an hour later.
Face Moisturizer – Juice Beauty Antioxidant Moisturizer
Body Moisturizer – I love Weleda. This body lotion and this one for super dry skin.
Soap – My all-around favorite cleaning product, Dr. Bronner’s Soap.
Lip Balm – Olio E Osso No. 1 Clear, all day long. The colored versions are great too.
Deodorant – Like mascara, a tough category to get right. Having tried many that either felt wrong or didn’t work, I’m a big fan of Schmidt’s for everyday and for exercising. I also like Lavanila for everyday, but not for workouts.
Dental Floss – Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss is a life changer. I don’t know why I ever used anything else.
Toothpaste – Auromere, licorice
Shampoo – For a splurge, Rahua Classic. It lathers nicely, and the palo santo scent gets me every time. For regular use, The Seaweed Bath Co. balancing shampoo.
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