Best Natural Beauty Products

While I admittedly have a long way to an all, all-natural beauty regimen, I’ve been making a concerted effort to switch key products to those that are free of parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances. It’s something I’ve been passionate about for some time, and have a few friends who now offer products by BeautyCounter and Ava Anderson, which has served as a phenomenal learning experience. It’s unbelievable that while there is some level of oversight for food, there’s such a lack of regulation for products that we lather onto our skin (ultimately ingested into our body). Companies are allowed to sell us products with known toxins linked to cancer, reproductive issues and so much more.

For context, in Europe they’ve spent more than 20 years banning or restricting more than 1,300 ingredients… the US has only banned about a dozen. Sad. I’ve been using the EWG (Environmental Working Group) database and phone app where I can easily find out the safety rating on thousands of products.

I’m admittedly a budget girl, and haven’t loved every product I’ve tried, however so far, I’m a major proponent for everything below. Keep in mind that “organic” is just a term; you should be looking for SAFE products.  I’ve found skin care much easier than makeup so far, plus it’s a little easier to test. I’d love your suggestions!

Acure Organics Shampoo // After stumbling across this brand at least a year ago on Amazon, I now see this bargain brand in Whole Foods, Target, etc. The shampoo and conditioner are both top notch; I had unsuccessfully tried others. A major complaint can be a lack of suds feels like it’s not cleaning your hair. This stuff makes my scalp feel clean without stripping my hair of natural oils.

Alba Bontanica Hawaiian Conditioner // While I believe some fragrances in this product might make it not quite as “natural,” it’s free of all the bad stuff and does wonders on my hair. My daughter uses the  “so smooth gardenia” version and it makes her long, unruly hair so smooth and silky, and helps keeps the tangles at bay. For the price point, it has a luxurious feeling and they all smell sooooo good. I’m not a big fragrance person but the soft smell of fresh coconut is so heavenly.

 

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate // I’ve talked about this productive before. This fine grain exfoliator is one of my favorite products, and while admittedly one of the most expensive beauty products I use, it lasts forever and makes my skin feel so, so smooth and clean after use twice weekly. I get out of the shower feeling like I’ve had a facial.

Mineral Fusion Intense Hydration Facial Cream // I love how this thicker moisturizer goes on to provide deep hydration, but without feeling greasy or oily. I can wear it under my make-up and it’s extremely gentle. Note that this brand has a regular facial moisturizer; I candidly didn’t love it as much… this ‘facial cream’ provides the best hydration for a variety of skin types.

Acure Body Wash // OK, a second mention for this natural brand, with a body wash that provides a gentle yet quality clean, smells so good (like you just stepped off a Hawaiian vacation!) and doesn’t irritate my gentle skin. I’m even noticing the little bumps on the back of my arm starting to fade (which hasn’t happened in my lifetime until now!). At under $10, it’s great for everyone in your family.

BeautyCounter Tint Skin // When you think that your foundation is the primary makeup soaking into your skin each day, make it a priority to find a product you love. BeautyCounter’s tint skin (I use the shade “linen”) goes on so light weight yet offers great, build able coverage that completely evens out my skin tone. It gives my skin this incredible flawless finish and looks so natural. I can even spot reapply before a dinner and it doesn’t look cake-y at all. (ps: if you’re local to me and want to connect with my beauty counter consultant so you can test products in person, let me know. I now use the face wash, moisture balm and the kids’ body wash). 

Tarte Amazonian 12 Hour Blush // If you haven’t experienced Tarte but you’re someone who likes the convenience of popping into an Ulta to sample products, head to this natural brand with a major following. I have been a fan of this blush for years, long before I even knew the brand’s focus on safe beauty. With a range of colors, this blush offers a beautiful pigmentation that stays for hours (yet isn’t scary bright!) and brings out a brightness to my skin. Swear that blush (ok, and coffee) do such crazy wonders. I often check out other blushes but find myself back at this one time and time again.

Tata Harper LIp & Cheek Tint // This brand with a mega cult following (seriously, I’ve been hearing about — and seeing its signature pretty green packaging — for years) has so many MVP products. This one, ranked by Redbook, offers a gorgeous, 2-in-1 feature to provide your lips and cheeks the prettiest natural color. I’ve started carrying this in my purse, and it’s perfect for on-the-go or anyone doing the morning rush; the color lasts on your cheeks for hours, and it’s also moisturizing to my lips. A little also goes a long way. By the way, this mask that I’ve heard rave reviews is next on my list.

Zoya nail polish // Most of us probably don’t consider it when we go to get a mani/pedi, but a majority of polish is loaded with chemicals (though the smell inside nail salons should give it away!). Zoya makes such a range of beautiful polish hues, and has the quality to stand up to the rest. Also worth following them on social media, or joining their email — they have awesome promotions! A friend recently got three polishes for the $15 shipping price.

Do you have others? Please, please comment below or send me an email; I’d love to expand this list and try some new options (I need a great eye cream under make-up)!