Back In The Day – My Story

When I first discovered the whole wide world of natural foods my world got pretty rocked! I may be showing my age here, but I was pregnant with my first kid and the internet as we know it now didn’t really exist (it was 1998 – YIKES!) I had always made my food choices around what would make my body look the way I wanted, rather than what my body NEEDED to be healthy (hello eating disorder mindset) and the prospect of bringing a child into the world caused a serious evaluation of my priorities!

I adapted a complete devotion to every aspect of natural eating and living – and I was S-T-R-I-C-T. So much so that I basically didn’t wear any kind of makeup or do any sort of skincare for a really long time. In part, this was because I was a hippie and didn’t really HAVE to, and in part, it was because the cleaner options back then were REALLY limited. Over the years I found a handful of brands that both satisfied my standards of safety AND also actually worked pretty well, but for quite a few years there were very few options that really did BOTH of those on a level that truly satisfied me and so it was just a constant struggle to find options that were both “clean” and truly performed well.

A Better Way

Fast forward to today and the conversation is VERY different. The demand for cleaner skincare and makeup products that hold their own against the “commercial” brands is causing a big shift in the industry – it’s the true law of supply and demand; people everywhere are making their voices heard and making a place for companies that fill this need and the economics don’t lie. We’re tired of having to compromise our health in order to have great beauty products and we’ll choose to spend our money on the companies that are bold enough to go against the “big beauty” industry standards and make better products.

As many of you know, I do sell Beautycounter – but you’ll find a lot of other great brands in this list. All of these products are committed to cleaner ingredients and more socially conscious business practices and I personally believe in sharing the products that I love, not just the ones I make a commission on. BUT the reason I do Beautycounter is more than just a commission – they’re leading the charge to not only change the industry by making amazing products, but they’re actually investing a ton of their resources into actually getting our government to change the laws surrounding this industry. It’s ambitious – and I believe in what they’re doing. You can read more about their mission HERE.

So now that we’ve got that all cleared up, here are my 2018 Winter Beauty Favorites – I hope you love them and don’t hesitate to ask me questions about anything (probably best to ask on IG or FB honestly).

Phlur Fragrances:

What I Love: First, I love that they have full transparency on ingredients…which is rare in the fragrance industry. But most of all they are true artists when it comes to designing their scents. they have a complexity and richness that is on par with true high-end fragrances. Currently, I am wearing the scent Hepcat: Top: Saffron, Plum, Dried fruits, Mid: Aged Leather, Tobacco, Incense, Bottom: Patchouli, White Vetiver, Musk, Oud!

Why it’s safer: They never use parabens, phthalates, sulfates or other potential skin irritants. That’s also why they use an opaque bottle—it protects your fragrance from light damage and lets them skip potentially hazardous chemicals and stabilizers. When needed, they (like Beautycounter) use safe synthetics, if using a specific botanical would also mean harming the environment (example: sandalwood)

Get it HERE

Beautycounter Classic Velvet Eye Shadow Palette:

What I love: It’s triple-milled to a precise, silky-smooth consistency and formulated with Butterpowder, an ingredient that boosts pigment and long-wear. All of Beautycounter’s palettes are amazing, but for me, the Classic Palette is the one I use the most. If you prefer less of the browns and coppers, you might love their bestselling, Romantic Palette, or the new, Holiday Iconic Palette (my next purchase for sure!) BC’s cosmetic line was what first brought me to the brand, and I have not been disappointed. I love the safety without sacrificing one bit of performance!

Why it’s safer: Beautycounter third-party tests each batch of color cosmetics for heavy metals and contaminants, and often have zero or “no detect” levels. Natural eyeshadows can actually be surprisingly high in heavy metals as they are naturally present in minerals. Beautycounter works hard to formulate their powders with the lowest possible levels of contaminants as well as with safer ingredients all around, while still maintaining a high-performance level.

Get it HERE

Beautycounter Cleansing Balm:

What I love: Ok…so this is like the holy grail of all Beautycounter products…. at least for me! I use this to cleanse (like oil cleansing), as a moisturizer (I love mixing it with a drop or two of beauty oil), and I use it on my cuticles or any dry patches. This stuff is serious magic!

Why it’s safer: Uses high quality, well-sourced oils, and natural extracts to clean and hydrate skin on a deep and nourishing level. It also brightening the skin with natural vitamin C from raspberry and cranberry seed oils to promote a brighter complexion. No harsh chemicals or preservatives.

Get it HERE

Tata Harper Beautifying Oil:

What I love: I love everything about this oil, especially the lovely scent. The Squalane in it is perfect for my skin. It’s super moisturizing without being greasy and makes me glow like nothing I’ve ever used. And it has ARNICA which I adore for reducing redness and  inflammation! I like to add a few drops of this to my cleansing balm at night and even a drop into my Tint Skin Foundation by Beautycounter. It’s like radiance in a bottle! For a similar Beautycounter product that I also love: #1 Brightening oil. 

Why it’s safer: Uses Squalane derived from olives (also a natural component of skin sebum), Sacha Inchi Seed Oil (natural antioxidant and source of Vitamin E), and Camellia Oil as a natural source of Vitamin B! Tata Harper products are Ultra pure and when possible, many of their ingredients are grown on their own organic farm.

Get it HERE

KHUS+KHUS BLEU Body wax: 

What I love: You may initially think this one is too spendy up front…until you try it! This is not just a moisturizer, its like mind healing magic. You will put it on and feel spellbound…I am not kidding – it’s like a drug that you’ll pay ANY amount to keep getting! But seriously, I love the anti-inflammatory properties of the Blue Tansy in it, as well as other oils and essential oils that make this pot of blue gold chocked full of therapeutic awesomeness. In their own words, and I can attest, it is “Uplifting, cooling, soothing. Helps to balance energy and cleanse nervous tension.” You MUST try this at least once. But then you’ll be hooked and you’ll either love me or hate me.

Why it’s safer: Intelligently formulated with organic + sustainably wild harvested ingredients. Zero fragrance added. All that therapeutic scented awesomeness is beautifully crafted oils.

Get it HERE

Beautycounter Countermatch Eye Rescue:

What I love: I love the squalane, derived from olives, and how it draws moisture into the skin and restores elasticity. It also contains Betaine, which is derived from sugar beets and increases oxygenation to reduce the appearance of shadows. The Countermatch line is one of Beautyconters new babies, with “bio-mimic” botanical technology, that dynamically adjusts to your skin’s moisture needs. I seriously love this whole line, but especially love how this minimizes my dark, under-eye circles, and smooths out my skin.

Why it’s safer: Many traditional eye creams are made with preservatives which can potentially release formaldehyde and wreak havoc on the immune system. Formaldehyde? Now that’s an eye-opener. Countermatch Eye Rescue Cream (and Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion) are naturally preserved with phytic acid from green rice.

Get it HERE

Beautycounter Overnight Resurfacing Peel:

What I love: When Beautycounter released this peel this summer I thought, “it can’t be that big of a game changer can it?” And yes…yes it was. I love the formulation with 15 botanically-derived acids ( Xavier Ormancey is a genius) It’s a leave-on peel that improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores, fine lines, and dark spots without irritation or over-drying. It’s been amazing for my dark spots and even reduced some acne scarring!

Why it’s safer: Beautycounter’s Overnight Resurfacing Peel is formulated without synthetic fragrances, PEGs, and formaldehyde-based preservatives commonly found in peels. It’s gentle but VERY effective.

Get it HERE

Beautycounter Volumizing Mascara:

What I love:  Beautycounter just reformulated this from last year’s version….and it is amazing! They say that it increases volume by 385%* to create fuller, more dramatic-looking lashes. I agree, my eyelashes look fabulously full with this formulation. And I have zero eye irritation. The hourglass brush curls, separates, and plumps, without clumping, flaking or smudging. Over time, it even helps give you healthier, softer and fuller lashes  

Why it’s safer: Made with natural fibers and uses cleaner, plant-derived ingredients, like carnauba wax and rice bran wax and replaces harmful emollients, while bataua oil helps soften lashes.

Get it HERE

Evolve Hyaluronic Eye Complex:

What I love: Evolve uses Tuberose Plant Cells, that are clinically proven to work on dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles as well as firming the eye area. This complex also uses a lower molecular weight of Hyaluronic Acid that penetrates deeper and has more effective hydrating properties. Hyaluronic Acid also increases the production of collagen. I love that it is super light and the perfect boost to my favorite Countermarch Eye Rescue from Beautycounter.

Why it’s safer:  Evolve believes that well-formulated, natural and organic skincare can be just as effective as it’s synthetic alternatives. So they keep it clean, simple and organic…but powerful. And they have total ingredient transparency, which you know I love!

Get it HERE

Beautycounter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation:

What I love: This was my first love and obsession at with Beautycounter products. I adore how lightweight and moisturizing it is. Plus, its coverage is easily buildable. It minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines and makes my skin, look and feel glowing and fresh.

Why it’s safer: Foundations often contain emollients and emulsifiers known as polyethylene glycols (PEGs) that may be contaminated with known carcinogens. Beautycounter’s Tint Skin uses a safer combination of plant-derived skin conditioners and emulsifiers to create a flawless look.

Get it HERE

Questions, thoughts…other suggestions? Head over to my Instagram or Facebook and let me know what you love!

XOXO,