MUN No.1 Aknari – Nighttime Dream Youth Serum Review

I have mentioned MUN a few times already on Instagram and as a major blemish fighter in my latest post, How to Get Rid of a Sudden Breakout. MUN is a face oil/serum created by the lovely and talented makeup artist, Munemi Imai. (Do you see where the brand got its name now? Pretty fantastic.) In March, I was sent a bottle of MUN to review and have been using it ever since.

I finally ran out of my first bottle the other day, so it was about a 2 month supply for me, though admittedly I was using it on my hands and legs a lot. Under normal face use, this bottle would easily last 3 months. I just purchased my second bottle so I can continue my love affair. In fact, I will be repurchasing MUN over and over again because I refuse to be without it. MUN even came with me to Japan in my tiny quart bag, so that should tell you just how much I love this potion. That’s limited real estate right there, and one must pick their skin care wisely when under such space constraints.

MUN No. 1 Aknari is a simple, yet powerfully healing blend of three rare oils that are expensive to produce. At $95 for .5 oz, it is certainly not cheap. But I found that the quality and results are entirely worth it. Quality over quantity, I always say.

Full Ingredients List:
Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Organic Argan Oil, Rose Oil

My first impression was the beautiful smell. I love rose, and this is such a pure, fresh scent that you are at once transported back in time to a luscious Victorian rose garden where it is tea time and you are about to dig in to some scones with lady friends in wide-brimmed fancy hats. At first I only applied the oil to a random little allergic rash on my cheekbone that I had been battling for a few days. The very NEXT DAY, no more rash. All gone. Not kind of gone – all gone. Talk about healing power.

In short, my skin absolutely loves this oil. I have an oily T-zone (and oily skin is often dehydrated underneath the oil) and am balanced everywhere else, yet this oil seems to know exactly what it’s doing for each variation in the skin. The texture is light and thin, and it absorbs quickly to leave me looking dewy and fresh. Nearly everyone can use this in place of moisturizer and would not need any additional moisturizer.

The most amazing thing is that I do not have an oil puddle on my forehead by the end of the day – which is always the case when I’m not using MUN. As a result, I have had almost zero blackheads, no dryness, and a wonderful even skin tone. I was sick last week (for the first time in about 5 years – so mad that I broke my record) and should have looked like death. However, MUN kept me looking dewy and rosy, and even prevented the dreadful red nose effect.

I can sum up this review by stating that every single claim MUN makes about their oil is completely true. This is their list:

* Instills radiance for a captivating complexion. (Seriously. Yes.)
* Nourishes, softens and smoothes the skin. (Again, yes yes yes.)
* Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines. (Yes, especially around the eyes.)
* Prevents premature wrinkle formation. (Yes, see above.)
* Brightens dark circles and evens out skin tone. (Most definitely, even with dark circles caused by vein show-through.)
* Protects the skin from free radicals. (Seems very likely.)

This oil has superpowers: oil balancing, blemish healing, blackhead preventing, and overall appearance improving. Win. Now I am going to campaign for a MUN No. 2 Aknari Body Oil. *nudge nudge, Munemi*

10% Off + Free Shipping For Epic Beauty Guide Readers!

MUN has graciously given a special code just for EBG readers.  Go to munskin.com and enter code epicbeautymun at checkout  for 10% off and free shipping anywhere in the USA. Enjoy!

I hope you love this oil as much as I do. Let me know if you have tried it or if you plan on trying it.
~Steph  x

Exhibit A. Image courtesy of TATCHA

This level of clarity, smoothness, and even tone is usually seen on only two types of humans: 1. babies and 2. geisha.

So unless you are a baby, a geisha, or someone who abides by Epic Beauty guidelines, chances are, you have some things you’d like to brighten or blemishes you’d like to banish or fine lines you want gone. Clear, glowing skin is not some hairy-fairy wishful thinking daydream. It is true that no one has totally poreless airbrushed-looking skin without makeup, but smooth, dewy, bright, blemish-free skin is our birthright. (We are all born with that kind of skin, after all.) Thus, I present TATCHA.

After interviewing Victoria Tsai, TATCHA’s founder extraordinaire, I received a smattering of TATCHA products to review. This was back in July. Yes, it has taken me this long to write a review. The reason? This line is really, really friggin special. I needed to do it justice.

While TATCHA does not present itself as a natural brand, it fits the bill in terms of forgoing the use of known and suspected toxic ingredients. All the products in the line are formulated without any of my arch-nemeses (yes, that’s plural): mineral oil, synthetic colors, fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfates and other sneaky sulfates, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, urea, DEA, TEA, or phthalates.

What’s more is that TATCHA makes uses of recyclable and sustainable materials in their packaging. Their blotting papers are encased in Japanese baseboard printed with soy ink, and a label printed in a carbon-negative (translation: they offset more carbon than they emit = good for the environment) San Francisco facility. And if you’re wondering what that elegant hexagonal pattern on their packaging is, it is called “Kikko” and represents the tortoise, a symbol of eternal life in Japanese culture. The thin line of this patterned “tape” is so pretty and elegant, it sort of pained me when I had to break the seal to open my jar of rice powder.

Yes, I am ridiculous.

Behold! Victoria Tsai, TATCHA’s Founder. Photo Courtesy SFGate

TATCHA’s founder, Victoria Tsai, is a remarkably kind, beautiful woman with incredibly sensitive skin. Born with the sort of skin you get stopped on the street for (“tell me your secrets!”), Vicky developed a severe case of dermatitis as a result of testing the synthetics-laden products of the beauty industry. Now unable to use the vast majority of products out there, she relied on the 300 year old natural beauty secrets of geisha to bring back her healthy, radiant skin. The ubiquitous ingredients in a geisha’s skin care routine include rice bran, camellia oil, red algae, green tea, licorice root, pearl, and silk. And they work (see Exhibit A, above).

Vicky personally formulates each product with her chemist, and now that I have gotten to know her and her history with harmful skin care products, I have a certain element of trust in the products and the ingredients (which, as you all know, is HUGE for me).

There are very few products I use on my skin consistently, and while I was very excited to try the TATCHA line, I was also not allowing myself to expect any super glamorous results. And holy crap was I in for a treat.

Now, as you very well know, I am often sent products from all over the place to test out and review, and my skin undergoes trials every few weeks. Many products never make it to a review, because I either refused to try it in the first place due to horrible ingredients (parabens, SLS, you name it) or a sensitivity (chamomile is not my friend), or the ingredients were great but the product just didn’t sit well with my skin. In cases where a product’s ill effect is not visible until the third or fourth week, the damage has been done and I need to employ the right set of products to get it back to normal before I can try anything else.

Back in the summer, just prior to receiving TATCHA products to review, I was testing a sunblock that did a number on my skin. I’ve never seen anything like it. Blemishes in places I have never had a blemish before, clusters of rough, irritated patches on my cheeks, etc. It was a doozy! This time, instead of falling back on my usual product set to maneuver my skin back to normal, I decided to put TATCHA to the task of bringing my skin to a pristine state.

A few weeks of sunblock testing left my skin with all kinds of congestion – I had been dealing with this with little success for at least 3 months. My aesthetician was appalled haha. TATCHA to the rescue!

Two-ish months after using TATCHA. No congestion. No Photoshopping (except for adding text).

TATCHA Original Aburatorigami Beauty Papers

These papers are 100% abaca leaf with real gold flakes. And yes, they are just as luxurious as they sound. It took Vicky a lot of time and effort to convince the gold craftsmen in Japan to produce and sell these coveted golf leaflets to her, but I’m so glad she did it! These sheets are not made from wood pulp, so they do not strip moisture from your skin like most blotting papers. Geisha exclusively use these thin gold leaflets to keep their skin and makeup looking fresh throughout their long work days.

I use one of these little luxuries almost every day to blot my T-zone. They gently absorb oil and leave my skin looking dewy and clean. And better yet, my skin does not produce a ton more oil to compensate because the leaflets do not strip my skin. Plus, at $12 for 30 sheets, it’s a steal. One package lasts me a month or so.

TATCHA Aburatorigami Beauty Papers Contain:
100% abaca leaf, gold flake

Made Without:
Mineral oil, synthetic color, fragrance, powder or pulp.

TATCHA Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder Review

Vicky sent along a beautiful package of rice enzyme powder samplers and hydrating potions. I decided to begin slowly by testing one product at a time. First up: the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder. First, I used Epicuren Gentle Cleanser to wash my face. I watched TATCHA’s beautifully executed “how to use” video on the enzyme powder and was giddy like a school girl when the fine powder turned into a poofy cloud of foam right before my eyes. It felt light, smooth, and silken on my skin. I was immediately enamored, but what came after had me all in a tizzy. (Sidenote: I emailed Vicky the day after using her enzyme powder, telling her that despite her warnings for me not to massage it into my skin for more than 10–20 seconds, I pushed it to about 60 seconds. You know, because I like to test the limits of just how gentle something claims to be. Anyhoo, not a single drop of redness or sensitivity resulted. It is that gentle.)

Now, you might not feel like this foam poof is doing anything, but when you’re done, I dare you not to keep caressing your cheek for how baby-butt smooth it is.

Oh, and I have a question: where did my pores go? Normally, the only place you can see my pores is on and around my nose, and not only did the enzyme powder enact a glorious polished look on the entirety of my face, but it completely did a magical disappearing act on those aforementioned pores and the little blackheads that once resided in them. I have never, not ever, used a product that provided such instantaneous and visible results. What’s more is that my pores were still gone the next morning. And they’ve been gone for months now.

I purchased the Classic and Deep powders as well, but my skin really responds best to the Gentle. No redness, no irritation, no reactionary breakouts. I had a breakout with the Deep powder because I over-exfoliated, which is easy to do because you don’t feel any scrubbing action.

Active Ingredients:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root), Papain (Payapa Extract), Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

TATCHA Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder Full Ingredients List:
Talc, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root), Papain, Dextrin, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinesis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxides (CI 77492)

Formulated Without:
Mineral Oil, Synthetic fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

I have broken down some of the ingredients for you because you may see them again when looking at skin and hair products on your own. Thought you ought to know what they are all about. (All info cross-checked with Chemical Book, PubMed, EWG, and Good Guide.)

1. I get asked about talc a lot. No, talc is not a carcinogen. Talc has been implicated in certain studies, but that is because the talc contained some level of asbestos. Talc and asbestos can show up in close proximity to each other in rocks, where they are then mined and put into various products. For cosmetic purposes, the mining is very selective and carefully processed to avoid asbestos contamination. Talc itself is a soft magnesium– and silica-based mineral that is a non-abrasive way of absorbing oil from the skin.

2. Microcrystalline cellulose is a processed wood pulp that is used as anti-caking ingredient in certain powders and foods. It does not digest (it passes through the digestive tract when eaten) or absorb and is not harmful.

3. Potassium Myristate is a potassium salt derived from a natural fatty acid called myristic acid (found in veggie oils and butter). It is used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cleansers. There is no toxicity, but since it is a surfactant, it could be drying to some people.

4. Phenoxyethanol is really common in a lot of natural brands and conventional brands as an alternative to parabens. However, several studies have concluded it is an irritant, particularly in large quantities. I personally do not have any negative reactions to phenoxyethanol. As far as actual toxicity goes, there is nothing implicating it is harmful to us – unlike BHT and parabens, which are directly linked to cancer and other issues.

TATCHA Deep Brightening Serum and Moisture Rich Silk Cream Review

In the days following my trial of the rice powder, I implemented the Brightening Serum. It is very light and smells lovely. It instantly gives your skin a nice sheen and I noticed a nice “clarity” and an even more porcelain appearance to my skin. I like that it is a lightening and brightening skin serum formulated without irritating acids and sensitizing ingredients. I like my skin care to be gentle.

Next came the Moisture Rich Silk Cream. If you have been a reader of mine for any length of time (thank you and I love you, by the way) you may have noticed I have an aversion to moisturizers. I do not like goopy things from jars and pumps, and I prefer to just slather on a plain and simple one-ingredient oil. The Silk Cream has the smooth, lightweight texture that the name implies, without any of the goopy additives and pore-clogging waxes. I feel like I am applying pure liquid silk to my face. The moisture sinks in so thoroughly that even though I spend 24 hours a day in the unrelenting, skin-shriveling heat (or cold) of the desert, my face is as soft and dewy as ever without any greasy residue.

I’m getting questions and stares from strangers. My fiancé keeps turning to catch glimpses of my skin when he should have his eyes on the road. This. Is. Cool.

The only problem I am having is that some of the not-so-natural ingredients are butting up against my au naturel beauty philosophy. Don’t get me wrong, chemistry is not the enemy. I’m preparing for medical school for chrissakes, so understanding chemicals is part of the job description. Like all my reviews, I present the facts as well as my personal experience, and let you decide for yourself what’s right for you. Check out the ingredients and breakdown below.

TATCHA Deep Brightening Serum Actives:
Squalane (Olive Extract), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Inositol (Rice Extract), Sericin (Silk Protein), Algae Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin (Soy Derivative), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

TATCHA Deep Brightening Serum Full Ingredients List:
Water, Glycerine, Propanediol, Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane (Olive Extract), Isocetyl Stearate, Inositol (Rice Bran), Phenoxyethanol, Oryza Stavia Germ Oil (Rice Bran), Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerine, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Sericin (Silk), Arginine, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Zizyphus Extract (Jujuba Fruit), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract (Licorice Root), Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract (Baical Skullcap), Ctearyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sorbitan Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Red Algae Extract, Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract (Green Tea), Fragrance.

TATCHA Moisture Rich Silk Cream Actives:
Squalane (Olive Extract), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Inositol (Rice Extract), Sericin (Silk Protein), Algae Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Zizyphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin (Soy Derivative), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

TATCHA Moisture Rich Silk Cream Full Ingredients List:
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane, Isocetyl Stearate, Squalene (Olive Extract), Inositol (Rice Derivative), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Batyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arginine, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Carbomer, Sericin (Silk Extract), Xanath Gum, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Thymus Serpillum (Thyme) Extract, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Fragrance (Natural).

Formulated Without:
Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

I have broken down some of the ingredients for you because you may see them again when looking at skin and hair products on your own. Thought you ought to know what they are all about. (All info cross-checked with Chemical Book, PubMed, EWG, and Good Guide.)

1. Propanediol is derived from corn and has no toxicity. It exists in formulations to help form a gel. Used by natural brands in place of propylene glycol and other nasties (propylene glycol is an irritant that shows a level of toxicity).

2. Methyl Gluceth-20 is a glucose(sugar)-based emollient and humectant. There is no toxicity and is often used for eczema and itching.

3. Ethylhexylglycerin has no toxicity, but may be a skin irritant to sensitive individuals.

4. Cyclopentasiloxane is a lightweight silicone that helps bind other ingredients together and deliver actives closer to the skin for absorption. They also lend a smooth feel to the product and the skin. However, in some studies I looked up, there are implications of bio-accumulation and endocrine disruption at moderate to high doses.

5. Isocetyl Stearate is a stearate ester lubricant that lends a non-greasy film to the skin, giving it a smooth finish. There is no toxicity but there have been some reports of irritation.

6. Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is a skin conditioning emollient and emulsifier with zero toxicity. It is a combination of isostearic acid (a fatty acid) and glycerin (specifically diglycerin).

7. Polyglyceryl-10 Isostearate is a combination of stearic acid and glycerin (specifically polyglycerin) with zero toxicity. It has the same purpose as its “brother” above.

8. Carbomers are water-absorbing carbon molecules that have no toxicity and help to thicken and prevent separation in skin care products.

9. Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a moisturizing, soothing ingredient that comes from the fermentation of plants and sugar alcohol.

10. Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is derived from the lauric acid (that should sound familiar, it’s the same acid in coconut oil) ester of lactyl lactate. It is used for its ability to penetrate the topmost layers of skin to offer moisturization and better delivery of active ingredients. It has zero toxicity.

11. Sorbitan Stearate is a sugar-based emulsifier with no toxicity.

12. Hydrogenated Lecithin is lecithin plus hydrogen, lending it greater stability. Fully hydrogenated oils are fully saturated stearic acid (fully saturated fats are not harmful and do not cause heart disease like once thought) and have not been found harmful. Only partially hydrogenated fats produce dangerous trans fats. But we’re not eating this ingredient, we are absorbing it through the skin here. Hydrogenated lecithin is as safe as lecithin (unless you have concentrations higher than 15%, which doesn’t happen in skin care products) and is non-irritating to both animal and human skin. Check out this cool study for more info.

TATCHA Camellia Cleansing Oil Review

I started using the Camellia Cleansing Oil back in July, and used it nightly for 5 months. It is luxurious and moisturizing, filled with rice bran oil and camellia oil, and mops up all the dirt and oil from the day. I love the smell – it’s floral, feminine, and not overbearing. I like to do the Tanaka massage while cleansing my face with this oil. When cleansing with oil (particularly this one), it is important to start off with a dry face. When you’re ready to rinse, this oil emulsifies and turns into a milk, so it is easy to wash off your skin. When I pat my skin dry, it feels moist and supple, unlike the stripping, parched result common among cleansers. I follow this cleanser with Wild Crops pure witch hazel (alcohol-free) to remove any residue. Luscious! And no breakouts.

TATCHA Camellia Cleansing Oil Actives:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

TATCHA Camellia Cleansing Oil Full Ingredients List:
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate (Palm Kernel Oil), Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquicaprylate (Coconut Oil), Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Water, Algae Extract, Camellia Sinesis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Fragrance (Natural).

Formulated Without:
Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Please excuse the silly look. There are very few expressions one can make with a clingy mask on one’s face.

TATCHA Deep Hydration Lifting Mask

This Deep Hydration Lifting Mask is the best mask I have ever used in my life. Hands down. It works as promised and delivers  instantaneous, yet long-lasting results.

I love pre-soaked masks, especially when traveling on airplanes. There’s something so fun and luxurious about them (plus you get to raise the eyebrows of your fellow passengers). The trouble is that it is incredibly difficult to find pre-soaked masks that do not contain artificial fragrance and parabens. If SK-II dropped parabens from their pre-soaked masks, I’d be all over it! But then TATCHA came along with their “deep hydration” angel and I am hooked. This mask is unlike any I have tried. The sheet is not paper or pulp, like so many of us are used to using. These masks are made of a coconut biocellulose that is used for treating burn victims. It has a unique gel-like texture that feels like it’s melting into your skin. It holds the hydrating and calming actives to the skin so that it absorbs as much of the silky serum as possible. The difference between this material and a paper mask in night and day.

I used this mask when I was having trouble eliminating two stubborn dry patches on my cheeks that had been hanging out for several weeks. The weather has been disgustingly dry and cold lately, so there was no real chance for these dry patches to recover. They needed some serious hydration. So I popped on this slippery smooth mask for 15 minutes. Once I peeled it away, my skin felt warm and looked positively radiant. The most important thing is that the effect actually lasted AND the dry patches were instantly gone. It’s now been several weeks since I used that one mask and the dry patches have not returned. Amazing. This mask will forever have a place in my beauty cupboard.

TATCHA Deep Hydration Lifting Mask Actives:
Inositol (Rice Extract), Red Algae Extract, Sericin (Liquid Silk), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Wild Thyme Extract

TATCHA Deep Hydration Lifting Mask Full Ingredients List:
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Alcohol, Inositol (Rice Extract), Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-10, Chondrus Crispus (Red Algae) Extract, Fragrance, Sericin (Liquid Silk), Xanthan Gum, Camelia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Algae Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Thymus Serpillum (Wild Thyme) Extract

Note: see ingredients analysis in the earlier parts of the review.

Formulated Without:
Parabens, Mineral Oil, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

In Summation

Now something very funny has happened to me: I cannot wait to wash my face at the end of the day. Don’t get me wrong, I have always loved my little skin rituals. But this is a step above. I rush upstairs in the anticipation of getting to use these super luxurious, effective products on my face (and neck – don’t forget your neck!). If they came in super-size tubs, I would probably use them all over my body.

The prices are in line with most department store brands and with the quality of ingredients and sourcing. After all, the entire line is made in Japan from the same active ingredients geisha use. I have also noticed that a little goes a long way. The satchets of rice enzyme powder lasted me two washes each. The silk cream had 4 applications in one satchet. I purchased the full sizes on my own, and they all lasted me about 5 months. To give you an idea of the product longevity, I started using my bottle of Camellia Cleansing Oil at the beginning of August and at the end of November, I was still using that same bottle – and that was with nightly use.

Have you tried TATCHA products? What were your thoughts?
~Steph  x

WINNERS – MAKEUP

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WINNERS – HAIR CARE

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WINNERS – SKIN CARE

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WINNERS – BODY CARE

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WINNERS – BEAUTY TOOLS

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WINNERS – BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE

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1. Soapwalla Deodorant Cream, $12. I recently posted an article on how to make your own natural deodorant, and shortly thereafter I discovered Soapwalla. The ingredients are along the same lines, but with some added niceties like clay and essential oils (plus it’s already made for you, if you’re not into DIY). It has a lovely smooth texture, a pleasant smell that both guys and gals can wear, and most importantly it works. It does not have the unfortunate side effect of actually making you smell bad, like many natural deodorants tend to do. It won’t stop the sweat (you don’t want to do that anyway), but you will have total peace of mind knowing you won’t stink. At all. For the whole day. Hoorah.

“I am Gotham’s reckoning!”

2. Coolibar UPF Clothing, price varies. I have been mildly obsessed with UV-protective “stuff” lately, especially since I have totally given up on finding a sunblock that will a.) not clog my pores or b.) make me itchy and dried out. I can’t just go without sun protection though, so my solution has been UPF clothing, parasols, big ass hats, and dark UV tinting on the car windows. I am all for getting that vitamin D production in, but I am not about to surrender to UV-induced wrinkles and sun damage. Coolibar’s selection and quality is pretty good, but their prices are a little high. I bought their crazy-looking face mask just for driving and to pretend I was Bane. It’s a small, thin cloth mask rated UPF 50 and very basic, with a bit of velcro. It was $25, which I feel is about $10 overpriced. Anyway, check them out, because I still like the fact they use UPF 50+ fabrics and the clothing (except their masks) doesn’t look cheesy.

3. Oshima Camellia Seed Oil, $16. While I love other oils for various reasons and uses (sweet almond for eye makeup removal, coconut for blemishes, etc.), camellia has been my summertime favorite for its super fast absorption, the lovely sheen it leaves on the skin, and its long-lasting moisturizing properties. I don’t feel like an oil slick when I wear it, so daytime application is fantastic. At night, I wash my face and apply it to slightly damp skin. In the morning, my skin is incredibly soft with zero flakes. In love! By the way, you literally need only two drops for your whole face – I have been using this oil for 2 months and I know I have at least 4 months left in my tiny glass bottle.

4. Celsus Scar Cream, $24. I bought this completely natural (Epic Beauty Guide-approved ingredients for the win!) about 2 weeks ago for some small, old brownish blemish scars/sun damage on my chin that my rosehip oil and vitamin E weren’t eliminating. The directions say to apply it a few times per day and massage it in until absorbed – so I did just that, and applied it once in the morning and once at night. It smells nice, the scent dissipates once you’ve massaged it in, and sinks in completely after about 5–10 minutes. I was worried that it would clog up my pores, considering that almost everything else does (sunblock, I’m talking to you), so I am surprised and relieved to discover that this cream has no ill effects on my skin. I’ve been using the cream religiously for 1 1/2 weeks and those old spots on the right side of my chin are GONE. Not faded. Not “kind of” gone. But GONE. And those spots were there for over a year! I was not expecting these results. If you’re struggling with some old or new scars, I can wholeheartedly say to definitely give this cream a try (and follow the directions!).

Warning: Do not use if you are allergic to bee products.

5. Holocuren Pure Propolis Toothpaste, $13. Yes, this is toothpaste. A big fat tube of yummy, super simple, bacteria-killin’ toothpaste. The ingredients are antibacterial and healing for the gums, and include tea tree oil, propolis (a very healing, nutrient rich bee product), and glycerin (some say glycerin coats the enamel and prevents it from regenerating, but I have not seen any scientific evidence of this). I just bought it this week for my fiance and ended up using it too. I normally rinse and wash with plain ole’ 3% hydrogen peroxide (I sometimes get questions about this, but yes it’s super safe, super effective, very gentle, and approved by my very conservative and excellent dentist) and my Sonicare toothbrush, but I wanted to give this a shot. My fiance used to be an Aquafresh guy, but most commercial toothpastes contain all kinds of irritants, artificial colors, etc. and the chemical concoction made his lips peel. (On a sidenote, if you tend to get pimples around your mouth, switch to a natural toothpaste like Holocuren or Weleda.) For over a year now, he has been using Weleda Salt toothpaste, but it can give you a funny smell to your breath the next morning. Not a dealbreaker per se, but after trying this propolis toothpaste, it instantly makes your breath smell glorious, and the next morning, it still smells fresh (disclaimer: if you have a bad diet, toothpaste alone isn’t going to give you super fresh breath).

1. SIRCUIT Skin Infusion-A Intensive Retinoid Serum, $80. For several years I have been waiting for effective retinoid products that are formulated in base of natural, “clean” ingredients. I was impatient and even considered starting a skin care line just to formulate those products, but SIRCUIT stepped up to the plate recently and introduced a natural-product-lover’s retinoid buffet. Imagine if you could use something as effective as a “traditional” retinoid without the petroleum derivatives, parabens, or side effects like peeling and flaking. In fact, if you could use just one topical anti-aging product, a retinoid would be it. And the younger you start using one, the better.

Retinoids are one of the few anti-aging substances backed by strong scientific studies and show obvious clinical results of improved skin appearance (e.g. reduced wrinkles, improved elasticity, prevention of collagen breakdown, improved skin tone, reduction of age spots and sun damage, etc.). It especially exciting because it is excellent for everyone and effective on everyone – and if you can start using a retinoid in your early 20s (or even late teens), it will be your best topical defender against sagging, wrinkling, and sun damage. I am all about prevention, and your three best lines of defense against losing collagen (after all, it’s much easier to prevent losing it than trying to add it back in later) are: excellent diet, preventing sun damage, and retinoids.

Even if you are well past your 20s, retinaldehyde, the form of retinoid that SIRCUIT has employed in their skin care formulations, is “highly effective in rejuvenating older skin” (Carolyn Jacob, MD. for WebMD). “A Swiss study found that among the cosmeceuticals, retinaldehyde is the most efficient and well-tolerated retinoid in renewing skin cells, filtering ultraviolent light, preventing cell breakdown, and improving aging skin.” Upon further research, I found something else worth of mentioning about retinaldeyde: if your skin has even been exposed to topical steroids or has been weakened by topicals, retinaldeyde shows promise in reversing atrophy and restoring healthy, plump skin (mice showed improvement within 1 month) and has the ability to prevent atrophy when used in conjunction with a topical steroid (New therapeutic targets in dermatoporosis. G. Kaya, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.). This is excellent news, especially for those with eczema, who are frequently treated with topical steroids to the detriment of the skin.

Now that I’ve bored you (sorry, I’m excited!), I am happy to say that SIRCUIT’s Infusion-A serum has lived up to my expectations. I have always liked their formulations, and my opinion is no different here. I live in a very dry climate, and my skin can get dehydrated easily and form precursors to fine lines around the eyes. This serum was a pleasure to use – I experienced zero peeling, zero flaking, and a complete disappearance of the dehydration lines within a three days. It smells like citrus and medicine, but it is not an overpowering scent and it does not linger after it absorbs (which is almost instantaneously). Oh, and the large light brown freckle under my right cheek that I’ve had since childhood is almost entirely gone. My mum even asked me where it went! I also decided to try Infusion-A on my hands to test the atrophy-reversing effects the aforementioned study produced (if you have been a long-time reader and/or have the book, you’ll know I used to have eczema and that it was treated with topical steroids years ago – since then my hands have been exceedingly dry, sensitive, and prone to cracking). The serum absorbed immediately upon application, leaving no residue, oil, or slimy feeling (part of the reason I despise lotions). I needed zero moisturizing for a full 24 hours after that single application. My hands have not been dry and look wonderful for the first time in a long time. It’s a hefty price tag, but for all the benefit it’s given me in such a short time, I am definitely going to keep this potion around.

My Bottle of Cinnamon Tingle Cod Liver Oil Blend – Nomnom!

2. Green Pasture Blue Ice Royal Butter Oil/Fermented Cod Liver Oil Blend, $49. Okay, I know this sounds bizarre. “Butter oil? Fermented cod liver oil? Uhhhh.” Well, you all know I’m obsessive about nutrition and pouring over studies is what I do for fun. For the past three months, I have been reading all there is to read on traditional food preparation, including fermentation and specially prepared foods used as medicines or supplements. Fermented cod liver oil and butter oil kept popping up, so I did some more digging and I have come to this conclusion: consuming those two foods is downright one of the best things you can eat for your body and skin. Rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K2 (exclusive to fermented foods), EPA, and DHA, fermented cod liver oil/butter oil blends are a traditionally processed food that has not been heat treated and stripped of its micronutrients. (And don’t worry, there is nothing to fear about the vitamin A and D content in fermented cod liver oil.) These vitamins and fatty acids are essential for beautiful skin, which as we all know by now, is a result of healthy organs that are getting the nutrients they need to do their jobs properly.

At first, I was nervous about the butter oil, since I know I get smatterings of blemishes from almost any kind of dairy except the local raw goat milk I get sometimes. However, the butter oil works in conjunction with the fermented cod liver oil and has caused no issues whatsoever in the past month or so that I’ve been taking it (I eat 1 tsp. everyday with a meal). My digestion has been flawless, and I’ve even gotten away with eating ice cream a few times without ANY blemishes. The last time I got away with that was when I was 18. My skin stays consistently smooth and blemish-free. The texture is not greasy or oily, and since I store it in the fridge, it’s a solid, creamy texture. My only problem is the flavor options – chocolate cream (not good if you’re sensitive to chocolate, as they use real cocoa powder), natural, and cinnamon tingle. I ordered the cinnamon flavor, and while I approve of all the ingredients and it tastes great, it’s just too intense and it burned my tongue. So now I chew it on my back molars to avoid my tongue, and follow with the remaining bites of my meal to remove any of the cinnamon “tingle.”

3. Physique 57 Classic Workout Complete 3-Disc Set, $59. I’ve mentioned these DVDs before, and after a two-month lapse in workouts from a pulled hamstring (caused by a sh*tty warmup and a bad instructor), I started up recently and realized once again the awesomeness that is Physique 57 (or P57, as people like to call it). I love ballet-type workouts in general, but I especially love P57 because it is difficult enough to make me sweat (I’m one of those people who find it difficult to get a good sweat going) and I love Tanya’s exuberant New Yorker personality and instruction. The time flies and the results come incredibly quick and most importantly, they last. I’ve been doing P57 and Bar Method for, oh, maybe two years, and the tone in my legs, stomach, and arms never disappears in the slightest, even when I have a two-month lapse. I like to mix it up with boxing and weight training and whatever, but I always go back to the barre. It gives me the lean, toned shape I like (different workouts will let you design your body in different ways), it is challenging, and you aren’t looking at the clock wondering when it’s going to end. But note: you will sweat and your legs and ass will be on fire, and it you will look great for it.

4. Seki Edge Satin Slim Stainless Steel Clipper, $19. These nail clippers were a surprise hit for me because I don’t get along with most beauty tools. I don’t use an eyelash curler, I barely use a comb (seriously, my curly hair hates it), and I have a love-hate relationship with my trusty old nail clippers. When Seki sent me this little beauty with the promise that I would adore it, I agreed to give it a shot. First, I was impressed with the design and quality. It is solid and lightweight, with a smooth finish and even smoother clipping motion. I should not be surprised – this tool, along with their entire range of sharp items, is crafted in Japan by ex-Samurai-sword-makers and their descendents, using traditional craftsmanship techniques. These are not your average $5 unwieldy drugstore clippers that are give you a rough, sharp edge to your nails. This little clipper feels solid and satin-y, and cuts smoothly and easily without having to apply much pressure, leaving no sharp or “fuzzy” edges. And in case you have nail OCD or are just bored, there is a built-in file on the underside of the handle. I give this clipper two neatly-manicured thumbs up.

In no particular order, I give to you…

1. Lily Organics Kukui Sensitive Facial Oil Treatment (Unscented), $28.99. I can sum this one up easily: WOW. I received this luxe oil to try out about 2–3 months ago and noticed a difference after the first night. The area around my eyes gets dehydrated easily, and I want to keep it free of fine lines (no wrinkles, thank you). The oil feels light and silky, and has no discernible scent. I like that it absorbs quickly, so as not leave any marks on my pillowcase. It completely hydrated and smoothed out my dehydration lines – I have zero now. Zero. I love that the ingredients are “clean” and simple, and they make use of the natural form of vitamin E (d-alpha, not dl-), which is a potent antioxidant and skin lovin’ hydrator. I have a sneaking suspicion this one will end up on next year’s Epic Beauty Awards.

2. Skin Apotheke Wild Rose and Sandalwood Mask, $15.50. You may be wondering why Skin Apotheke keeps popping up in my “favorite” products lists and in my skin care routines over the past several years. Well, ask Ria (SA’s owner and skin care magician). I just can’t help that this woman keeps churning out miraculous handmade formulas. This mask is no exception. One, I love the incredible deep red color of this mask. Two, I love the delicious, earthy rose smell. And three, I love that it does a great job of balancing my oilier T-zone, and how quickly and thoroughly it completely eliminates any redness, irritation, and…blackheads (a welcome result). All gone! I do a little mini-facial for myself about once a week, and this has been a perfect final step to my simple facial.

3. Sprout Skin Care Cleanser and Toner, $24 each. Two new tools in my beauty arsenal that I will not go without. At first I was sent samples to review but loved them so much I repurchased on my own. The Sprout Cleanser is a watery, toner-like consistency, which I apply with a cotton ball at nighttime. First, I do my usual warm-filtered-water-towel-on-the-face thing for a few minutes, swipe the cleanser on using a cotton ball, and then give a quick rinse with filtered water. The simple, all natural glycerin and rosewater (yes, it smells like roses) mixture does an excellent job of removing any dirt or oil remnants. Sometimes I’ll swipe some on my hands to eliminate any dryness. Some nights, I’ll just wash my face with water like usual and swipe some Sprout-Toner–soaked cotton balls on my face, skipping the glycerin cleanser altogether. The toner is a simple mix of apple cider vinegar, witch hazel, and essential oils, which does a wonderful job of balancing the skin’s pH and preventing pimples. While being a bit expensive for being so simple (their catchphrase, after all, is “simplicity is the essence of awesome”), I love that they use quality ingredients and have so carefully formulated their products. Another plus is the products are so long-lasting (I have another 1–2 months to go in order to finish ‘em off). Their blends work amazingly well, are non-drying, and leave a beautiful glow to the skin.

4. JumpSport Fitness Trampoline Model 250, $239. It may seem silly, but I have wanted a trampoline sooo badly, since I was a wee lass. My dad never let us have one because he deemed it unsafe for soft, breakable kid bodies. But my dream never died. For the past few years, “rebounding” for exercise has caught my attention – for some reason, I never thought of jumping gleefully on a trampoline to be a workout. Alas, it is, and a very effective, NASA-endorsed one at that. So after my typical obsessive research period, I finally bit the bullet and bought this “fitness trampoline” (a.k.a. rebounder) by JumpSport. There was no way in hell I was going to spend $800 on a Bellicon, nor did I want to spend $50-$80 to replace cheapo spring-based rebounders every few months. Not a day goes by where I don’t jump on this little beast (it sits in the middle of my living room). I love it. It’s silent (no squeaky springs, it has bungees instead), it’s easy on the joints, and best of all, it’s an easy, super fun way for me to some quick cardio in and get the blood/lymph moving.

Hope you enjoyed this post. Leave a comment letting me know your latest must-haves! Seriously, I wanna know.
~Steph  x

The First-Ever…2011 Epic Beauty Awards.

WINNERS – MAKEUP

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WINNERS – HAIR CARE

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WINNERS – SKIN CARE

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WINNERS – BODY CARE

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WINNERS – BEAUTY TOOLS

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WINNERS – BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE

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Hey everyone! I did two other posts on my skin care routine back in January and April, and I figured it was about time to do another one since some things have changed.

Since sticking to a 100% paleo/primal foods for about 4 months now (instead of half-assing it for the 2+ years), my skin has become even easier to manage. As a result, I don’t do as much to my skin, and my routine is more casual. Good times!

(By the way, are you on the Epic Beauty Guide Facebook page yet? I post exclusive tips and info on there…just so you know…nudge nudge.)

{SKIN CARE}

CLEANSER. Filtered water, $ for the filtration system**
A must-have. People with sensitive skin may find that water irritates their skin or makes their face red – however, it is not the water itself, it is the chlorine and all the bits of allowable chemicals (VOCs, THMs, pesticides, etc.) in city tap water. Chlorine dries out the skin, makes hair brittle, and can exacerbate asthma and eczema. So I shower in filtered water, I drink filtered water, and I use filtered water to wash my face.** I soak a soft face cloth in warm water (definitely warm, almost hot) and press it on my face for a minute or so, then gently wipe my face with the same wet towel. I don’t scrub. Not only does it feel good and is super relaxing, it also gently removes any dirt and any excess oil. I have found that water is all I need (note that I don’t wear makeup – if you wear makeup, you need to use something like coconut or almond oil to remove your makeup first, then use a cleanser suited for your skin to get all the makeup off).

FYI: You guys know me – always researching, always sticking my nose into new information, the latest technology, yadda yadda. Well I’ve been paying very close attention to the issue surrounding chloramine. What the heck is it and why should you care? Chloramine is fast becoming a popular (and inexpensive) way of disinfecting our tap water. It is a chlorine-ammonia compound, and even worse than chlorine. It’s important to find out if you have chlorine or chloramine in your water. Just ask your local water district if they ever use chloramine. If they do, you need to get a special filter (this is the only filter I know of that can handle chloramine and remove it safely) because regular carbon filters (which make up the majority of filters) will NOT work on chloramine effectively because it requires a large filter and lots of time. It’s a big deal because chloramine is highly toxic, lethal to marine life, does not evaporate from the water (you can’t leave the water out and expect chloramine to evaporate like chlorine does), and creates nasty nitrite-like by-products. Yum.

**I get asked often what filter I use. I saved up and bought a whole house water filter from Environmental Water Systems. I still have their shower filter (this is the one, my brother has this one too) and sink filter (this is my sink filter), even though I don’t need them anymore because of the house filter. Just get what fits your budget and don’t waste your money on cheap crap because it’ll end up costing you more in the long run (shorter filter life, cheap materials, etc.). The reason I use this brand is the reason I use any brand (like ARCONA, Sircuit, Skin Apotheke, Rahua, etc.) – it has to be super high quality, last a long time, and be good for my (and your) health.

TONER. ARCONA Triad Pads, $30, 45 pads (lasts up to 45 days with daily use)
Love these. I use a pad after I wash my face with water or by itself if I’m traveling, staying in a hotel with chlorinated water, or camping out where no running water is available. I use the scrubby side for my face, then I turn it over and use the smooth side to wipe my neck and chest. It’s extremely refreshing, smells delicious, and I love the little glow it leaves behind.

EXFOLIATOR. Sircuit Skin Mocha Loca 4% Lactic Acid, $75, 1.3 oz. (lasts 3–4 months with use once or twice per week)
This looks and smells just like chocolate. I use it about 1–2 times per week. I smear on a small amount in my T-zone (forehead, nose, sides of the nose, chin) and leave it on about 10–15 minutes. The result is super smooth skin. No redness, no irritation, no flakes, nothin’. I’ve found that it’s great for preventing blackheads. My other favorite exfoliant is Skin Apothke Ubtan Scrub ($15, 2 oz.), but I prefer to use chemical or enzyme exfoliants lately.

MOISTURIZER. Coconut oil, $19, 32 oz.
Perfect for night time and waking up to super soft, hydrated skin. I find that since I’ve been eating more healthy fats, my skin is staying hydrated on its own, so I only use coconut oil every other night or so. Previously I was using ARCONA Magic White Ice ($38, 1 oz.) and it’s an excellent moisturizer, particularly for oily skin and for day use. I still have it in my cupboard in case I should feel dry and need some moisture without the obvious sheen of coconut oil.

Aloe vera gel, $5.75, 16 oz.
Aloe is fantastic for oily or normal skin, or those that are acne prone. I love aloe for moisturizing in the morning if I need it. It’s very soothing, heals up blemishes, and helps keep blackheads at bay. Plus, it’s super cheap! I have aloe plants, but I don’t like robbing them of their leaf gel all the time, so I alternate between my fresh plants and the bottled gel (it’s important to get pure aloe gel with non-harsh preservatives and no other added fillers or liquids).

EYES. Skin Apotheke Vitamin C Rejuvenating Eye Balm, $21.95, 1 oz.
This is the best eye cream I have ever used, and I’ve tried tons. It has a creamy, lightweight texture that melts into your skin. As you guys know, I’m pretty pale so my skin has a tendency to show those lovely bluish-green (on some people they are purple) under-eye veins. I have seen a tremendous improvement by using this, in conjunction with lots of sleep, lots of water, and leafy greens.

EYELASHES. Home Health Cold Pressed Castor Oil, $8.29, 16 oz.
I’ve used castor oil on my lashes for years and it keeps them thick and healthy. Check out the post I wrote on how to get long, thick eyelashes.

ANTI-AGING TREATMENT. ARCONA Vitamin A Complex, $68, about 2 oz. (lasts 3+ months) and ARCONA Youth Serum, 20% Vitamin C, $87, about 2 oz. (lasts 6+ months)
I started using both of these a few months back (maybe in February?) and it’s fantastic for knocking out those dehydration lines (precursors to fine lines, which are precursors to wrinkles) and healing a blemish or fresh acne scar. They are both pricey but last me a long time. The Vitamin A really reduces the amount of blackheads and keeps the skin incredibly moisturized, and the Youth Serum is great for under the eyes (C helps to thicken thin skin under the eyes). FYI: They are often 20% off at Spalook.

DEODORANT. Elegant Rose Boutique Lavender Vanilla Natural Deodorant, $7.50, 2.5 oz. (lasts at least 4 months)
This deodorant does not irritate my skin, it smells amazingly good, and it lasts all day.

{MAKEUP}

FOUNDATION. While I don’t wear foundation, I know of some good brands that have great ingredients and have received good feedback and reviews. See my previous post on makeup here (I list makeup toward the bottom of the article).

CONCEALER. I love RMS Beauty and Jane Iredale concealers for covering up a blemish or under eye circles after a funky night’s sleep. Whatever it is, those are my two go-to brands for natural concealers.

OTHER STUFF. I love wearing eyeshadow, mascara, etc. when I feel like it or for special occasions. See my previous post on makeup for specific brands I use (they are listed toward the bottom of the article).

FTC Disclaimer: I am not paid by, or sponsored by, any of the companies I mention in this article. I purchased everything myself. All comments are my 100% honest opinion.

What is your skin routine and favorite products? Feel free to share!
~Steph x

…Do you have any sug­ges­tions or alter­na­tives for those of us look­ing to make our skin and hair care more nat­ural with­out break­ing the bank?

–Popple

This is a great question. If you’re used to spending $3 on a bottle of Suave or Pantene, then you honestly won’t find anything comparable to that cost in the all-natural/organic market. Unfortunately, it is more expensive to produce healthy things, and until the corporate and economic environment shifts over to accommodate lower prices of natural and organic products, conscious consumers will have to pay more. Granted, some of these natural brands are bent on being a high-end product (in order to compete with high-end department-store type brands) and carrying a high price tag. It’s unfortunate, but you’ll find that with any product, natural or not. It often becomes all about selling an image and a perception instead of selling a quality product that is truly healthy for us, but that’s more of a philosophical and ethical discussion, and I’m focused on what we can actually do about it.

Now, if you are accustomed to forking over $20 or $30 (or more) per bottle for a fancy salon or department store product, then it makes sense to shift over to a natural product in that general price bracket since you’ll find many of them there.

It may also help to look at quality, all natural and/or organic products for how much they cost per day or per month, rather than balking at a higher price at the onset. A moisturizer that costs $30 but is completely healthy for you and lasts 3–4 months, costs $7.50-$10 per month. I would rather spend a little more money on my food and skin care products than risk getting a completely preventable disease because I decided to spend a few bucks less on a cheaper, artificial product.

Here are a list of brands that are acceptable in terms of how natural and effective they are. There may be a few things that I’m not particularly fond of, but we all have to do the best we can.

• Yes to Carrots
• Burt’s Bees
• Juice Beauty
• Trillium Organics (I love their salt body scrubs)
• Everyday Shea
• Aubrey Organics (I use their shampoo but their skin care is good too)

{GENERAL GUIDELINE}
If you find inexpensive brands of natural/organic products in a local store or online, just read your labels and make sure they are free of SLS (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate), parabens, and petroleum-based products or byproducts. Just do your best!

I’m sure I missed a few good natural/organic brands that are on the lower end of the price spectrum, so if you have a brand you would like me to investigate, feel free to leave a comment!
~Steph  x

OCTOBER 2011 UPDATE ON THE WAY

Hey everyone! I just updated you on my skin care routine in January, but in March it started to get warm (it’s in the high-80′s here already) so I needed to change some things and simplify it a little bit. Thussss, I want to share what I am doing. I have also included what I use for hair care, as well as makeup on special occasions since I get a ton of requests for makeup recommendations.

{SKIN CARE}

CLEANSER. ARCONA Triad Pads, $30, 45 pads (lasts up to 45 days with daily use)
A must-have. I use a pad in the morning and a pad at night, after using an ARCONA Clarity pad. I use the scrubby side for my face, then I turn it over and use the smooth side to wipe my neck and chest. It’s extremely refreshing, smells delicious, and leaves your skin moist and glowing. Since I don’t wear makeup (except on my eyes) and I don’t live in a heavily polluted area, the pads are an excellent replacement for washing my face with a traditional cleanser. The pads are also useful if you are traveling, staying in a hotel with chlorinated water, or camping.

ARCONA Clarity Spot Repair for Face/Body, $28, 45 pads (lasts up to 45 days with daily use)
These pads are amazing for preventing hormonal blemishes women tend to get around period time, and excellent for preventing razor bumps and ingrown hairs (face, legs, etc.). The smell is really intense and makes my eyes water, and even though my skin is sensitive, it does not irritate it whatsoever and is great for days when my skin might be pretty oily due to hormonal shifts. I like to use one before I workout to prevent any workout-related blemishes. Works wonders.

EXFOLIATOR. Skin Apothke Ubtan Scrub, $15, 2 oz. (lasts about 4 months with use once or twice per week)
This scrub has been in my arsenal for almost a year now and is great for all skin types, especially those that are prone to redness and irritation. This is safe to use daily, but more sensitive skin may choose to use this less often. You can mix it with yogurt (plain, unsweetened, no additives or preservatives) or plain filtered water. This scrub imparts an amazing glow on your skin, and it will feel incredibly smooth and nourished, not dry or irritated. A must-have.

ARCONA Cranberry Gommage, $42, 3.4 oz. (lasts about 6 months with use about once per week)
I have been using this scrub for about 6 months now, and it’s amazing for preventing blemishes and eliminating blackheads. I have about 1/3 of the tube left, so for the price, it lasts a very long time. I alternate between the Ubtan Scrub and this Gommage whenever I feel like it. I really love the rounded jojoba beads in this, so if you have uber-sensitive skin prone to tearing and flaking and blemishes, give this scrub a try.

MOISTURIZER. ARCONA Magic White Ice, $38, 1 oz. (lasts 2 months)
I use 1–2 pumps for my face and neck. It’s the perfect moisturizer for me (my skin is oily in the T-zone, normal on cheeks, and tends to be sensitive). It absorbs quickly, smells lovely, doesn’t leave a greasy feeling, and really helps to balance the skin instead of just covering it up in some goopy moisture mess. This is the best moisturizer I have used (aside from coconut and olive oil). This will not be moisturizing enough for dry skin, though.

EYES. Skin Apotheke Vitamin C Rejuvenating Eye Balm, $21.95, 1 oz.
This is the best eye cream I have ever used. It has a creamy, lightweight texture that melts into your skin. As you guys know, I’m pretty pale so my skin has a tendency to show those lovely bluish-green (on some people they are purple) under-eye veins. I have seen a tremendous improvement by using this, and you can hardly see them now. This also works perfectly under concealer.

EYELASHES. Home Health Cold Pressed Castor Oil, $8.29, 16 oz.
I’ve used castor oil on my lashes for years and it keeps them thick and healthy – if you’d like, check out the post I wrote on how to get long, thick eyelashes.

BLEMISH TREATMENT. ARCONA Tabula Rasa, $22, 1.17 oz.
This is really runny and thin, so I use it by unscrewing the pump top and dipping a Q-tip into it. Just dot it on your blemish once or twice per day, and that blemish will be gone within 2 days. I like that it doesn’t dry out or irritate my skin. For a double whammy, you can use the Clarity pads (see above) to tone after you wash, then dot this on. Let it all sink in for a few minutes and then apply your moisturizer.

ANTI-AGING TREATMENT. ARCONA Vitamin A Complex, $68, about 2 oz. (lasts 3+ months)
At 24, I needed to start using an anti-aging product (the younger you start, the better). So I started using this about a month ago and it’s made a lovely difference in my skin already. I am fair and have incurred my share of sun damage when I went through a period of 2 years where I was out in the sun a lot and not wearing sunblock or a hat. This is pricey, but it lasts a long time because you only use it 3 times per week. If you’re prone to blackheads and fine lines (or dehydration lines), then this product would be great for you. It really reduces the amount of blackheads and keeps the skin incredibly moisturized and works to even out your skin tone by reversing sun damage (thanks to the vitamin A).

DEODORANT. Elegant Rose Boutique Lavender Vanilla Natural Deodorant, $7.50, 2.5 oz. (lasts at least 4 months)
This deodorant does not irritate my skin, it smells amazingly good, and it lasts all day. It doesn’t stop you from sweating (you don’t want that, anyway…you’re supposed to sweat), but it does stop any potentially nasty smells.

{HAIR CARE}

SHAMPOO. My hair is fine and naturally curly, and because it’s curly the cuticle does not lay flat and is prone to dryness and frizzies. I have found the best shampoos for me are Aubrey Desert Herb Shampoo, Ctonics Core Shampoo, and Amazon Beauty Rahua Shampoo. I alternate between them every few days or so.

CONDITIONER. I use Ctonics Elixir Blossom Conditioner as a strengthener and thickener, and Amazon Beauty Rahua Conditioner to moisturize.

TREATMENT. Once every 2 weeks I use hair treatment oil from Skin Apotheke.

{MAKEUP}

FOUNDATION. While I don’t ever wear foundation or tinted moisturizer, I have been asked for recommendations on those that are natural and of good quality. I have investigated foundations based on their ingredients and reviews, and have found that Alima Pure, All Natural Face, Living Nature, Vapour, and Miessence would be good choices. See if you can order samples first, but if not, most stores have great return policies if a color or something doesn’t work out.

CONCEALER. RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up in 11 or 22. An excellent concealer for under-eye circles or a blemish. This goes on smooth and creamy, stays on all day, doesn’t crease, and doesn’t clog your pores (you don’t want those little while milia bumps!).

MASCARA. Real Purity Mascara in Brown and Black, $13
This is my favorite all-natural mascara. It doesn’t irritate my eyes, the brown color looks natural with my whiteness and red-blonde hair (black can look too harsh for the day, but looks great for nighttime), and it doesn’t flake or rub off. Awesome product, and the best mascara I have ever used.

EYELINER. Bare Minerals or Jane Iredale. They are natural and do not irritate my eyes or rub off. If you like the waterline, make sure to set the liner with a matching natural eyeshadow powder (see below).

EYESHADOW. I have a collection of eyeshadows from Alima Pure, My Beauty Addiction, All Natural Face, and Jane Iredale. I bought a few sample sizes of Alima Pure because it’s so cheap and I don’t use them that often. I have had the same tiny samples for about a year. I use their matte black and matte brown eyeshadow powders to set eyeliner on the waterline.

BRUSHES. All of my brushes are from Sigma, with the exception of 2 brushes from Alima Pure and 1 from 100% Pure. The Sigma brushes are my favorite since they don’t shed and are easy to use since I’m such an idiot with makeup sometimes.

MAKEUP REMOVER. Aura Cacia Organic Sweet Almond Oil. It is great for removing eye makeup and moisturizing the eye area. For full face makeup, you may want to use coconut oil instead.

FTC Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the companies I mention in this article. In the past, I have been sent free products to try by Arcona and Skin Apotheke, and have since re-purchased everything on my own. Everything is my 100% honest opinion.

What is your skin routine? If you’ve tried anything mentioned here, how did you like it?
~Steph x