Welcome to the latest edition of the Beauty Beat! This month I have a round up of products that I have tested and tried in order to give you the lowdown. This year, I am continuing to focus on skincare and cosmetic products that are vegan and paraben free or specially forumalated for sensitive or acne-prone skin. I have found that this just works best for my incredibly sensitive skin. I battled break outs and skin issues for many years and the past year that I have been reevaluating my skincare routine, I've seen the best results.
I have a feeling that a lot of my skin issues were reactions due to the chemicals that were in the products I was using. I also find that my skin is more likely to be reactive during the colder months. The colder seasons tend to dry the skin out as the air is dry and in turn the skin dries out and can be easily irritated. So, this roundup is filled to the brim with products from brands that are skin friendly, vegan, paraben free and of course ones that are from independent makers with a few others thrown in! I'm also including some good spa inspired items to pamper yourself
Face:
First up, are some great drug store options. I find that traditional drug store brands are often just as good as their more expensive higher end counterparts. Brands like Bioré offer a range of products intended to cater to specific skin types and issues. If you're battling breakouts with combination skin, the Bioré Baking Soda Acne Scrub is a great option to try. This is a daily cleanser for combination skin which gently removes pore-clogging dead skin cells while also banishing existing breakouts with salicylic acid. If you are someone with oily skin, then Bioré Charcoal Acne Scrub is for you. This product contains exfoliating beads and skin-polishing micro crystals that clear away dead skin cells without irritating skin or stripping it of moisture, while also soaking up sebum.
If you're looking for a step up beyond the drug store brands check out Z Skin Cosmetics. Z Skin is a range of affordable organic skincare that caters to a variety of skin types. Z Skin Cosmetics uses a vast amount of exotic herbs and oils that are imported just for their skin care line. These herbs and oils come from around the world; such as Japan, Australia, Hungary and Africa. Each culture has had its own ancient traditions to look young, healthy and beautiful. For centuries, they have used their own remedies for healing such skin problems as acne, eczema, psoriasis and reversing the signs of aging. Z Skin scoured the world to incorporate these traditions and natural elements into their products.
I had the opportunity to test out their Complete Acne System. This is a wonderfully curated complete system of products meant to combat and heal even the most stubborn breakouts. The
system includes: Acne Day Lotion, Acne Night Lotion, Acne Daytime Exfoliating Wash, Acne Nighttime Exfoliating Wash, Shine Control, Acne Spot Treatment, Coffee Almond Face Scrub and
Daily Toner. The lotions are meant to moisturize without clogging the pores, while the spot treatments help with breakouts. The wash does a wonderful job of cleaning the skin without stripping it. The the shine control and toner help to tighten the pores and prevent future break outs. Having a skincare routine is one way I find to manage the health of my skin. This system is a really simple way to establish a routine that will help you get results.
KAMEDIS products is another affordable skincare brand catering to those with sensitive skin who are looking for organic and paraben free products. My youngest daughter also deals with skin sensitivities - specifically eczema on her hands. It's been a bit of a scary and frustrating battle as her young skin is so sensitive. We've been trying out different products that are skin friendly and don't cause flare ups. This is a fantastic line that didn't irritate her skin. In fact, it helped to heal and minimize the itchiness and redness on her hands this winter. KAMEDIS products are derived from plants known for their healing properties for hundreds of years. Instead of one artificially synthesized active ingredient, these whole-plant materials contain multiple ingredients that work with each other and with your skin in ways far more complex than any synthetic drug can. The company’s patented extraction process produces a potent concentration of botanicals that restores the skin to its natural balance without the side effects of conventional products.
KAMEDIS CALM Eczema Therapy Cream and Eczema Therapy Wash are two great options for those of you battling difficult skin irritations this winter. The brand also has a fantastic KAMEDIS CLEAR Acne Kit. The kit is another simple daily routine that helps maintain the health of your skin.
Tumerica Now Natural Facial Repair Serum is a fantastic product to add to your night time skincare routine. The Natural Facial Repair Serum readily absorbs into the skin and is rich in antioxidants to promote healthy skin cell growth. Apply it in the evening before bed to repair skin from stress and other harsh environmental conditions while you sleep.
If you want to bring a bit of the spa home, check out the Charcoal Peel Off Masks from 7th Heaven. I find using a mask like this once a week helps to detox the skin. These affordable single-serve sachet masks are all-natural and mineral-rich. The mask features charcoal, which attaches to toxins and impurities and then brings them to the skin’s surface. It’s great for problem skin and oily skin and also helps reduce redness from acne. Besides detoxifying charcoal, other key ingredients include skin-calming crushed witch hazel, purifying and soothing pressed birch leaf and oil-absorbing kaolin clay. It’s also cruelty-free! 7th Heaven is a member of BUAV/Leaping Bunny and Peta!
RDKL Glow packs your skin with healthy vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants that offer much needed skin brightening and supreme hydration, without leaving that thick, glossy feeling on the surface of your skin. I like adding this to my daily routine to keep my skin balanced. Many worry that oil isn't a good think for your skin, but in reality adding RDKL Glow to your daily skincare routine will help balance your skin’s oil production, minimize your pores, enhance its natural glow and better protect you against damaging free radicals. This natural treatment oil features five different types of oils including: hazelnut oil, squalene (from olive oil), evening primrose oil, avocado oil, and alpha bisabolol (from chamomile oil) along with other hydration heroes such as hyaluranic acid, shea butter and purified water.
Body:
When it comes to products for my body, I've been looking for natural items that don't include chemicals that could cause irritation or potentially seep into my body. I've also been looking for natural remedies to help with muscle pain due to my workouts. One of the first switches I've been looking to make is switching out traditional aluminum deodorant with something more natural. I tried out the Lavanilla brand and also had the chance to have my oldest daughter try out the
Lavanilla Deodorant Girl Duo.
This deodorant is extra gentle and non-irritating which is perfect for a young girls sensitive skin. The grown up version doesn't leave my skin irritated, but I did have to get used to it. I had to apply it a bit more than my traditional deodorant, but my armpits haven't experience any irritation while I've been using it. My daughter didn't experience any irritation, loved the scents and I'm happy knowing there are no harsh chemicals going onto her skin. It's great to see these products keep in mind younger consumer. Lavanila Girl’s twist-up solids natural deodorant delivers superior odor protection and vitamin-rich nourishment without the use of aluminum and other harsh chemicals. The formula includes health-promoting beta-glucan technology packed with anti-oxidants, active botanicals and essential oils fight odor by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, while still allowing young skin to breathe. With a compact, round applicator that is perfectly sized for the younger underarm, this non-whitening, super-soft formula is available in two fun, refreshing scents: Beachy Vanilla: Tropical and breezy, with bright citrus, creamy coconut and yummy vanilla and Sporty Vanilla: A squeaky clean combination of fresh apple, watery melon and soft vanilla.
As I've upped the miles I have been running and added in HIIT and Yoga to my weekly workouts, I am finding myself experiencing muscle aches. Rather than reach for the advil, I've been looking to use a more natural option alongside massage. Green Goo is a fantastic women-owned and family operated business. All their products are made in the USA with 100% all natural herbs and oils. They started small, making products for friends, family, and the local farmers market. They have now grown into a thriving, value driven company that remains committed to their roots: a time honored infusion process, high quality ingredients, and simple, effective products. Their Green goo pain relief salve has worked wonders for my muscles. Created with Arnica Flowers that are picked at their peak and infused into Olive Oil to make a strong soothing homeopathic salve for bumps and bruises. Arnica is known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe aches and pains from injuries and adventures. No emollients or artificial fillers are used to reduce the medicinal properties of Arnica. This formula allows for the highest possible absorption of the herb into the cells allowing for a potent and powerful effect. This special blend of essential oils also have additional anti-inflammatory properties to further enhance the effectiveness of this salve.
The brand also has a wonderful line of skincare products as well as natural soaps, aroma therapy, candles and scrubs. The Green goo scrub is a aromatic and delicious blend of organic oil and herbs – with mineral sea salt – designed to gently exfoliate and moisturize your skin. The products are gluten-free and improve circulation leaving you with a soft, youthful and nourished glow after use. I really enjoyed the “Rise Up” Grapefruit & Bergamot which features ginger, grapefruit and bergamot that energizes the senses while warming the body.
The Green goo bath salts bring a bit of the spa home. If you're looking to add a bit of weekly TLC and self-care, you can't go wrong with a hot bath and salts. Throughout the ages, people have immersed themselves in a warm bath to cleanse, relax, and refresh. Green goo bath salts enhance the soothing effects of a warm bath with a bouquet of mineral-rich salts blended with pure essential oils. Add them to your tub for a sensational spa experience, use as a soak before a pedicure for sore feet or sprinkle on wet skin in the shower as a salt scrub to exfoliate!
If you are looking for a lavish moisturizer to keep your hands silky smooth this winter, check out Brazilian Touch: Sol de Janeiro hand cream. This is a silky smooth, beautifully scented hand cream. The product is infused with nourishing Cupua̤u Butter and conditioning Coconut Oil to help nourish hands and cuticles. Plus, selenium-rich Brazil Nut fuels protein enzymes to help keep nails strong. The luscious cushiony texture absorbs quickly. Hands feel nourished, not sticky and ready to touch anything without leaving greasy hand prints. The delicious, signature scent of Bum Bum Cream Рpistachio and salted caramel Рmakes each application feel and smell addictive. This is great to use daily or as an extra special touch during an at home mani.
Winter skin can be ashy and dry. A major way to combat is by staying hydrated. In addition, moisturizing the body after showering while the skin is wet can keep your skin in tip top shape by locking in the moisture. In-shower moisturizers are a specially formulated mixture of emollients that are activated by water and deposit a layer of oils and emollients on the skin that are absorbed before they are rinsed off. Cur̩l Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer was created to be used right in the shower. The water-activated formula instantly sinks into moist skin, diving deep into the surface to soothe, repair, and lock in long-term hydration. Formulated with ceramide complex for dry to severely dry skin, this moisturizer offers a solution to chronic skin concerns. Unlike other products, it all happens in the shower and there is no rinsing required Рso you can just dry off, dress and go!
If you're looking for an organic and vegan friendly soap, Brosily Bath and Body Soaps are a fantastic option. The independent brand was launched by Navine, a mother and researcher who was looking for options that would help her daughter. I immediately connected with this story. She spent years struggling to find the right natural products that would soothe, ease and calm her daughter’s eczema. When she couldn't find the right options, she decided to create her own. She found that plant based ingredients are the most effective ingredients in supporting and healing her skin issues.Their line consists of 5 soaps, and their best selling is Lavender Bliss. Yet, their Calming, Citrus Sunshine which is an uplifting scents is a favorite of mine. They have a bar for every mood to help restore balance. They leave the skin feeling clean, moisturized and most importantly there are no harsh chemicals to irritate it. The soaps retail online for $12 each at www.brosilybathandbody.com.
Hair:
Winter hair can be a drag, quite literally! Dry locks are limp and staticky and just a pain to style. Moisturizing hair products are important to keep your locks lustrous. If your looking for product that is sulfate, paraben and gluten free, then Janie 13 is the brand to check out. Janie 13 is a complete line of professional hair care products ready to make your hair healthy and beautiful! This professional product line has something for everyone. Whether you have fine, thick, color treated or natural hair, we have the right conditioning product for you! Janie 13 products are full of beneficial oils, vitamins, and antioxidants. Their Marula Oil Shampoo and conditioner are great for limp, brittle winter hair. Filled with antioxidants blended with Argan oil and Vitamin B-5, their Marula Oil shampoo and conditioner nourishes and protects your hair and scalp all day long. Lightweight in body, these products won’t weigh your hair down. The brand is also paraben, sulfate and gluten free too.
Well, that concludes this edition of the Beauty Beat! I hope you found it helpful. If you try any of these products, make sure to let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Take care,
Jen Lezan
No comments:
Post a Comment