Showing posts with label eco alternative. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eco alternative. Show all posts

Friday, November 20, 2015

Friday Favorites: Green Beauty

Way back when I started this blog,  I was living in New Zealand and my eyes were open to making more eco-friendly decisions.  In particular, I become much more aware of what some conventional beauty and cleaning products were putting in their ingredients.  On the bright side, I also became aware of how many wonderful green alternatives there are.

Over the years, I have tried a lot of different products.  I don't claim to be an expert.  I don't even claim to only use clean products... but my motto is, it's not about doing everything, it's about doing something.

It's been forever, so I thought it would be fun to recap some of my more recent favorites. So if you're just dipping your toes into the green beauty scene, of if you're a green beauty maven, I hope this list of some of my current favorite products will be fun to read through.

What are your favorites? Please let me know!
Green Beauty Favorites

1) The Cleanser by Graydon:  I have had the hardest time swapping my old standby, Cetaphil, for something less toxic. In fact, I held on to that the longest.  But, I finally found something that performs similarly for my sensitive skin.  It foams a bit more than Cetaphil, but the consistency is similar.  It makes your face feel thoroughly cleansed but never tight.  I'm really in love with this product.

2) Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Toner:  I used to be skeptical about toner, but after using it religiously for over a year, I can say that it does indeed make your other product work better.  I like this line of products, but this toner is my favorite.  I've used other more pricey toners, but keep coming back to this one and you can't beat the price point (you can usually get it on sale at WF). Plus it smells great.

3) Antipodes Serum:  This stuff is a miracle worker.  It makes your skin feel plump and supple instantly.  It is the extra moisture boost I need without feeling sticky or like there is an extra layer on your face.  It's a game changer.  Side note, this product line originated in New Zealand. It's harder to find in the states, but you can get it at Whole Foods in Canada.

4) Acure Night Cream:  This is a light weight night cream that doesn't feel heavy, but gets the job done. With the winter months approaching, I have turned to this for a the needed moisture protection. I alternate between using this and #5 nightly.

5) I like to make my own face oil with a mix of grape seed oil and frankincense and lavender essential oil.  I use it every couple of nights and in the dead of winter, I will use it every night.  It smells wonderful and it beautifully restores skin over night and doesn't feel heavy.  If I'm feeling really ambitious, I'll do a little face massage with it like this.

6) Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask:  There is a reason her stuff has a cult following- it is that good.  I use this mask about once a week.  I may have been known to fall asleep with it on a few times and it truly makes your skin feel brand new.

7) Burt's Bees Blemish Stick: For pesky little spots, this is a life saver.

8) Rescue Aromatherapy by Rocky Mountain Soap Co: I was introduced to this product line while in Banff.  I have been using this mist as a great way to banish the stuffy noses that come with this time of year.  I like to spritz it before bed and inhale deeply. It doesn't do anything for my skin as much as just make me feel refreshed and relaxed.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Castille Soap

Have I told you about one of my all-time favorite products? Here's the scoop:
Available here, here and here.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Mismatched China, Part II

I've blogged it before and I'll probably blog about it again... I need some mismatched China in my life. My recent adventures in hosting have me even more determined to start collecting.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Lavender DIY, part II

Thank you for all your sweet comments on my hurricane project! I learned that many of you share my affinity for the smell of lavender so I thought I would share another easy project that involves it's beautiful scent.
I've blogged about my favorite nighttime routine before, but it's too good to keep to myself so I've been making some as gifts. It's my perfect recipe for sweet dreams- hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Eco Alternative: Wayfarer

I'm rather partial to this classic style of sunwear:
Check out its cousin made of eco-friendly bamboo:
{Moda Vision has a great collection of bamboo eyewear in stylish choices, HERE}

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Eco Alternative: Bottega Veneta

If you like this:
{Bottega Veneta, $1550}
You may like this too:
{Deux Lux, $125}
The trademark basket weave construction of Bottega Veneta has long been a fiendish handbag favorite of mine. And while the supple leather and high-end hardware is alluring, the price tag is cost-prohibitive.
In addition to being made from vegan leather, the second option, from Luna Boston is $1400 less. I do not condone designer knock-offs; however, I enjoy the option of getting a similar look, from and eco-friendly designer for less.
I'm a novice when it comes to leather alternatives, but the the item description given denotes that this handbag has a buttery texture and convincing leather-like quality which makes me inclined to give it a try.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Eco Alternative: Best Beauty Serum

Over the past year, I've been trying to trade in my old beauty products for more natural eco-alternatives. One of the hardest to replace was my beloved Beauty Booster Serum from Trish McEvoy. I searched long and hard to find an organic and natural alternative that I feel does the job just as well-- and I have.


Serumdipity from Marie-Veronique Organics is my new favorite product. I use it as a moisturizer because it is hydrating, brightening and plumping all in one. It can also be pressed into the skin after you've put makeup on to diminish a powdery look and make everything look flawless and fresh. Marie-Veronique Organics is a line of beautiful and natural products that are effective without using harsh chemicals. And with ingredients like green tea, honeysuckle and elderberry the product smells as good as it performs. To make sure I wasn't biased, I recently had a friend give it a try and she loved it too! For a shopping guide to their extensive line, check out Marie-Veronique Organics here.