Natural Beauty

[dancerjodi]

I found out about http://www.everydayminerals.com/ from a ravelry group and decided to order a free sample kit. I think the colors that I got are a bit off, but I LOVE how this stuff feels (or rather, doesn't feel like anything). My blush is running low and my concealer hasn't been making me so happy, so I was thinking of getting something else anyway.

Along those lines, I've been using a daily moisturizer from The Body Shop that I do like, but its a pain to have to go in there when I'm running low. I'd love to find something I can easily get or buy online that's more natural. The problem is, having SPF itself negates the naturalness (though I want to make that concession - minimizing the sun damage and all of that). I'm trying to find something that's not tested on animals, doesn't have crazy chemicals, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Does that even exist? I'm thinking I may stick with what I've been using, but I'd like to simplify my whole routine. My skin is kind of oily so I need something with moisture but not too much. Do you have anything you use that you absolutely love?

Along these lines I'm giving a Trader Joe's conditioner a try. Its way more natural than the Aveda stuff I've been using (not to mention $6 buys me the same amount that about $50 would at Aveda). We'll see how it goes! I did notice that they sell a knockoff of Toms of Maine toothpaste minus the sulfates (who knew the Toms stuff had crappy chemicals in it?) that's also cheaper than the Tom's stuff. Methinks I'll be hitting Trader Joe's more, which isn't a huge deal given I drive by on the way home from work anyway.

I know myself well enough to know I won't be making my own products, but if I find some good ones that someone *else* is making I may partake. I've already bought some tea tree oil from Eeyrg for when my tea tree stuff from The Body Shop runs out.

Comments

[wereleopard.livejournal.com]

You might try www.eyeslipsface.com for cheap and cruelty-free makeup and skin care. www.urbandecay.com is another cruelty-free site, not sure what they have in the way of skin-care, but their makeup is to die for. They also offer a selection of completely vegan products, which is cool.

[legitimatelove.livejournal.com]

I started using ELF products about a year ago and LOVE their all-over cover stick for concealer, and I recently bought their minerals starter kit and love it (as opposed to Bare Escentuals mineral stuff that I feel makes me look cakey). I also suggest ELF.

[goat.livejournal.com]

huh, I didn't know that TJs made a sulfate free toothpaste. That's awesome, I only know of one other. I'm trying to give up sulfates, but I have a hard time avoiding body wash, since it smells delicious and is often given as a gift to me.

Mineral makeup does have some spf naturally. I think about 15spf, though don't quote me on that.

Two sites with good skincare products are https://www.psfskincare.com/ and http://www.dianayvonne.com/ They are a little expensive, but I hear a little goes a long way. I'm about to place my first order from PSF, and can order a few samples for you if you'd like to try it out.

[goat.livejournal.com]

ps - I've confirmed that PSF is cruelty free. I poked around about Diana Yvonne, and couldn't find anything one way or the other. I'd be surprised if they were not cruelty free.

[labellemargaux.livejournal.com]

I've been using Everyday Minerals for almost 2 years now (everything, foundation, eye shadow, etc.). It rocks! Glad to hear that they are getting more attention lately. :)

Everyday Minerals

[dancer.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the review! I've only been using the sample stuff for a couple of days but I'm really liking it. I think I may give one of their moisturizers a try too. :)

[legitimatelove.livejournal.com]

I've been using more natural cleansers and moisturizers for years now. I really love Avalon Organics Lavender line, and they have a moisturizer with SPF; I also love their Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub. Thing is, they cost like $15+ at Whole Foods (and are available online). THerefore, I switched to Desert Essence Stimulating Facial Scrub and moisturizer and have been really happy with them as well (tho I can't recall if they have a moisturizer with an SPF). I also use a lot of Kiss My Face products (body lotion, hand soap, etc.).

You know, you should check out Frontier Co-op (http://wholesale.frontiercoop.com/). A lot of my crunchy-mom groups often do co-ops so we get the products they offer at MAJOR discounts (tho then we also have to have it shipped to us), but the savings is really great and would be a decent way to try some products on the cheap. If you're interested I can let you know if/when I am getting in on another one.

[futurenurselady.livejournal.com]

Here is a link to Neutrogena's policy on animal testing.

http://neutrogena.com/AskFaq.asp?ID=33#10

I have always found their prices reasonable, and have seen different lines of their products work for people with different skin types.

[dancer.livejournal.com]

But, Neutrogena is owned by Johnson & Johnson (who *has* tested on animals). :/

Chemically, they don't rate too bad as far as toxicity at least:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?brand_id=434&category=facial+moisturizer%2Ftreatment

[goat.livejournal.com]

They don't rate too bad, but I think there are a lot better products than Neutrogena. I imagine you agree with me, but I figured it might be best to state it semi-publicly so other people know too.

[aidenraine.livejournal.com]

Hm, I've used some face lotions that are SPF friendly and don't involve icky synthetics. I really like Boscia's products, but they're a bit expensive. Desert Essence is good, so is Juice Beauty. Jason's does have a good one with SPF that isn't expensive.

[fidgetmonster.livejournal.com]

thanks for the link - looks like their stuff is cheaper than bare minerals and doesn't occasionally have parabens hidden in.

the SPF thing can be tricky. Though i keep trying, I'm failing at being 100% chemical free. (household products yes, because it's going right back into the ground with the septic, but beauty products, perversely, no. I shouldn't drink or eat pizza, but sometimes junk still goes in/on my body). I no longer rely on my moisturizer to double as sun protection, though in the winter during the day I use a daytime moisturizer with SPF, and nighttime without (cause you don't need the chemical then, right?). in the summer, since I need stronger protection, and generally skip the moisturizer anyway, I use the clear spray sunblock like the coppertone continuous spray. most sunblocks are lotions because the lotion is the method of application, but the sprays or gels for me, have revolutionized application methods. I can have really full sunblock coverage without being a sticky mess. in the spring/fall I put on the clear sunblock, then put lotion over that. then makeup over that, if necessary. all by way of saying, you can get whatever lotion you want, and use a different product for sunscreen, helping you control when you get the chemcals.

[brigid.livejournal.com]

i really really like bare escentuals, which is another mineral line. i found their stuff to settle better in my skin, even when it is dry

[narnee.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tip on Everyday Minerals! I'd like to try it as well, and looked around the site for a link to the free sample kit, but couldn't find it; do you have a link or remember how you got to it?

I use hand moisturiser from The Body Shop, but I use the >very natural Medihoney (http://www.medihoney.com/) on my face. I would never use anything else. I believe it can be ordered online.

Free Everyday Minerals Kit

[dancer.livejournal.com]

http://www.everydayminerals.com/g?cartItem=1&productId=627&t=incompleteKit

Re: Free Everyday Minerals Kit

[narnee.livejournal.com]

I realised I forgot to respond to this -- thanks for the link!