Alright. Remember last October when I shared my attempts to get my skin a bit more chemical free? I have stuck with it. And I would love to get all of my recommendations into one place.
I want to note though... don't panic. I feel like transitioning to chemical free is super overwhelming. The good news is, you can take it slow and just replace products as you run out. You can also rest assured that once you have switched, buying products is much easier. Congratulations! You have less options! In a good way! No more standing in front of a wall of stuff wondering which one is the best. And the best news, perhaps, is that you can totally just skip this post and write me off as crazy!
But this is what I'll say... chemical-free has been VERY good for my skin. Some of the products I have been purchasing cost more than I have spent in the past, but a little goes along way. And the deeper I get into this, the less product (both variety of and amount of each) I seem to need.
click to enlarge.
I shared this cheat sheet in my first post, but here it is again. It's from There's Lead in My Lipstick and I still carry it around in my wallet and check products against it. Please note, not everything I am sharing here today is perfect; a few items contain fragrance which is considered a no-no because it's not regulated. I have starred any product that has at least one ingredient on the chart. All of these products, though, have been a step in the right direction for me because they are paraben free.
For the morning : Trader Joe's shaving lotion, Unite shampoo, Unite Conditioner, Zum Bar body soap, Kai deodorant, Pangea Organics body lotion, Josie Maran body sunscreen, Josie Maran facial sunscreen, Burt's Bees Pomegranate lip balm.
There are a few stars on this section for obscure long named chemicals, but I am pretty happy with everything here. I was very nervous to swap out my deodorant and then I made an impulse purchase and blew it. I saw that it was paraben and aluminium free (and smelled amazing) so I bought it despite the ridiculous price tag. Then later realized it does have a few toxins from the no list. The good news is it works great and it has much fewer chemicals than the Dove deodorant I've been using for years. Once this one runs out, I'll be trying the Lavanila Healthy Deodorant.
For when I wear make-up : Tarte mascara, bareMinerals bronzer, bareMinerals blush, bareMinerals well rested, bareMinerals Pretty Amazing lip color in "courage."
I really don't wear make-up that often and when I do it's usually it's just sunscreen, a bit of bronzer, under eye powder and Tarte mascara. If I am going to something fancy, I'll add normal face powder, a bit of blush, eye stuff and lip stuff. But that's rare, folks, and my application is somewhat tragic so it's probably useless anyways. Seriously though, that mascara is fantastic. Just that and Josie Maran sunscreen and you're well equipped for life, I think.
For the evening : Avalon Organics Vitamin C cleansing milk, Pangea Organics toner, Pangea Organics face lotion, Burt's Bees almond lotion, Trader Joe's organic coconut oil.
I joke to Paul that my nighttime routine involves about 15 steps (thankfully my morning rountine is super quick). My favorite part is spriting the toner. I am obsessed with the smell. The face lotion is great too. Lately, I have been trying to save my feet from complete a summer/running breakdown and so I apply a heavy coat of either Burt's Bee's almond lotion or coconut oil (on the suggestion of my friend Jessica) right before hopping into bed. I have noticed great improvement on my dry skin, but I am sure that's more from diligent application than chemical-free product.
For when I am traveling : yes to carrots body butter, yes to blueberries facial tissue + small bottles of my shampoo & conditioner.
When we take long or short vacations, I am all about keeping it simple. Love those facial tissues, but don't love the waste that would come with daily use. I use them just on trips because they are super easy to pack and include a wash, toner and moisturizer all in one. That body butter is great and not too greasy.
For about once a week : Pangea Organics face mask, no-miss base coat, Bert's Bee's cuticle cream, Essie's ole caliente nail polish.
This mask is amazing. When I remember, I wash my face, apply it, let it sit for about 15 minutes then rise it off and use toner and face lotion as usual. I love how it makes my skin feel, and again, a little goes along way with this stuff. I have sort of given up my search for fantastic nail polish colors that don't peel off or chip (I have found some that don't chip but they don't come in awesome colors and some in awesome colors that peel). I fully believe they are out there, but right now, Essie's ole caliente is my favorite. I like to think I am helping my cause by applying a no-miss base coat on top and bottom but who knows if that's legit or not.
It should go without saying, but I am not an expert on this and I can't guarantee what will be the best product for you or your skin! I just like to share what I find. Any chemical-free favorites you'd like to share? You guys always have fantastic ideas about this stuff and I learn so much from the comments.
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