To say that I have been happy with Cocokind Skincare is quite an understatement.  This is a brand that I have had on my list to try for more than a year, but I just never got around to it until this Spring.  Once I finally tried it, I kept asking myself ‘WHY!?’ – Why did you take so long to decide to try these products?!

I have several items under my belt that I have tested, and more in the works, but what I will say of them is that they are made with simple, high quality, mostly organic ingredients (many are USDA Certified Organic) and are at a very affordable price point.

In the world of natural and organic skincare, I think we are somewhat trained to believe that typically, the higher the price, the better quality the ingredients. (which is certainly sometimes the case!)  Cocokind is smashing this logic, because they have created thoughtful formulas with natural and organic ingredients, making green skincare more accessible to many.

The product I am focused on today is their Turmeric Spot Treatment.  I purchased this after hearing about and reading that it is said to help in fading hyper-pigmentation and acne scars.  I have skin that is very prone to scarring, and once I have a blemish, the mark remains on my skin for months after it has healed.  I also have skin that is prone to redness, so I wanted to see how this product would help my acne scarring and inflammation.  Below I will cover how I applied the product, what results I saw from it and my final thoughts!  Please read on to hear more about the Turmeric Spot Treatment Stick.  If you prefer to see the product in action, head over to my YouTube video HERE as well.

The Details

Product Name: Turmeric Spot Treatment

Ingredients: organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, organic turmeric, organic ginger root, organic tea tree oil *This product is USDA Certified Organic

Product Description: The turmeric spot treatment helps tackle signs of inflammation and the appearance of dark spots.  Packed with turmeric, ginger, and tea tree oil, this organic treatment wards off clogged pores and helps to visibly brighten complexion. [description taken from the Cocokind Skincare website]

Cost: $9

Application

Before I started testing this product, I reached out to the brand and asked them how long before I would see results from using this product, so that I could make sure I gave it an adequate amount of time to work.  I was told ‘around a month with regular use‘.

The first thing I wanted to mention, was that I should have, but didn’t, clarify what was meant by regular use.  While I did use this product for just over one month, I used it on my own ‘regular’ schedule which was 2-3 times per week.  I want to point this out because this mask can be used as often as you like, meaning every day if you choose.  So, if that is what is meant by regular use, I probably didn’t receive the full benefits of the product.  BUT, let’s talk about how I did use it and the results I did see.

For my first week of use, I did use the product every single night for anywhere between 20-60 minutes.  I decided I would give my skin a little boot camp and really tried to boost the results.  After that week, as I mentioned above, I used the treatment 2-3 times per week for the same 20-60 minutes.

I applied the product direct from the stick onto my clean, dry skin.  I used it over the majority of my cheek area where I have a good amount of acne scarring as well as on my neck, where some really rough postpartum neck breakouts are still trying to heal.

The product is very simple. only containing sunflower oil, beeswax and some essential oils, so it doesn’t dry down on the skin, and I actually found it to leave my face feeling very hydrated post treatment.  After leaving the product on for the amount of time I had chosen, I used a cotton pad sprayed with their Rosewater Facial Toner to remove it.  I found it to remove fairly easily, but the longer I left it on, the more I had to work at removing it.  I would typically follow up with a cleanser to ensure all of the product was removed.

Results

I wish I could say that this treatment faded all of my post acne scarring, but that just wasn’t the case – it’s definitely not a miracle worker.  However, I did notice a slight reduction in the appearance of some of my more recent hyper-pigmentation, as well as just a general overall brightening of the skin.  As you can see from my before and after photos, (which were taken in natural light with NO filters) in the first set of photos on the left, the scar on my neck, just under my ear is reduced pretty significantly.  In the set of photos on the right, you can see the spot near my temple is nearly gone and the spots on my cheek have brightened slightly.  Like I said, not a huge difference, especially in photos, BUT, I noticed a difference in the overall brightness of my skin and some of the recent acne marks.

Final Thoughts

My biggest takeaway with this product is that you shouldn’t expect overnight results.  The product takes time to make a difference and with regular use, you should see an improvement in the brightness of your skin as well as any hyper-pigmentation.  I will say that with active acne, this treatment did help to reduce inflammation quickly and heal the blemish easier than if I did no treatments at all.  In using this for active acne, I also saw a reduction in the formation of a post acne scar in most cases, which I thought was a success!  Overall, it’s a nice acne treatment and can be used to slowly fade acne marks over time with extended use.  I recommend giving this a try if you are looking for an affordable organic spot treatment option.

Thank you so much for reading!  I hope you found this review helpful if you have been considering trying the Cocokind Turmeric Spot Treatment.  If you have used this, I’d love to know what kind of results you had – please let me know in the comments below!

This article was originally posted on naturallykeri.com

The post Cocokind Turmeric Spot Treatment Review appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

When I mentioned on social media that I was using only essential oil free products during my most recent pregnancy, I received a TON of questions as to why.  Why was I avoiding essential oils in the first place? What products was I using? What skincare was safe to use during pregnancy?

While I am definitely not an expert on essential oils, I had done my own research and based on my findings, I felt most comfortable eliminating essential oils from all of my beauty and personal care products.  For me, this was what I felt was the safest option.  There are certainly many women who use essential oils during pregnancy, and there are some oils that are considered safe to use while pregnant, and that is totally fine, especially if used under the direction of a certified aromatherapist.

But, talking about whether or not to use essential oils during pregnancy isn’t the purpose of this post.  It is, however, what brought me to discover a lot of wonderful natural and organic products that are completely essential oil free!

The reasons someone may decide to use products that are essential oil free may vary.  As I mentioned above, for me, it was that I was pregnant, but for others, the issue with essential oils in skincare may be a sensitivity to the ingredients themselves or even to the scents.  It can prove difficult to find unscented products in the green beauty space, but they are out there, and I’ve found some pretty great ones that I’m excited to share!

Read on to find my collection of skincare and personal care products that are all essential oil free. Many of these I have tried and used myself, while others are ones I have researched and not yet tried, but feel have clean ingredients or are from brands I have used and trust.  I hope you find the below product suggestions helpful if you are in search of essential oil free products.  Make sure to leave me a comment with your favorite essential oil free products if you don’t see it listed here!

Essential Oil Free and Fragrance Free Skincare Lines

Before we talk about the different products in each category specifically, I wanted to bring attention to a few skincare lines that are completely essential oil free and what products are carried within each line. Please note that these brands may carry other products that DO contain essential oils, so make sure you are only looking at these products that I mention below, and always check ingredients before trying, as product offerings and formulations can change periodically.

Wabi-Sabi® Botanicals

I was recently looking through the Wabi-Sabi Botanicals website for products for myself, as I have been interested in their brand since receiving one of their products in a subscription box a couple of years ago, and when reading their product descriptions, I started noticing that they were all listing that they contained no added essential oils.  I was so surprised and didn’t know that this brand was formulated without essential oils, and even reached out to the brand to confirm.  What a pleasant surprise!

I have sensitive, acne-prone skin myself and created the line to be really gentle and nourishing for all skin types without sacrificing efficacy.  The oils and ingredients we use are so beautiful on their own without essential oils. – Creator Elysse on why she decided not to include essential oils in her products

They are a luxury clean beauty brand that is doing some pretty incredible things outside of crafting beautiful products.  They have a focus on sustainability and most of their ingredients are sourced from small artisan producers and women-run cooperatives around the world.  They are PETA Certified, cruelty-free and vegan, while also strictly avoiding palm oil, palm oil derivatives or other ingredients that can negatively impact the environment.  I also have to mention that they invest 10% of their profits in micro-loans for female entrepreneurs across the globe – truly incredible! Here is what is included in the line:

Age Gracefully | Intensif Serum No. 3 ($59), Balancing Act | Intensif Serum No. 2($36), Blemish Correct | Intensif Serum No. 5 ($34), Heart Rising | Quintessential Hydrating Facial Mist ($55), Light Reveal | Intensif Serum No. 1 ($36), Moisture Boost | Intensif Serum No. 4 ($36), Still Waters | Soothing Ritual Facial Mist ($48), The Giver | Illuminative Ritual Cleanser and Makeup Dissolver ($60), The Offering | Ageless Ritual Facial Mist ($48), and Valley of Light | Illuminative Mask ($44)

Previse DermApothecary: ZeroFragrance Clinical Skincare Series

The ZeroFragrance Series is 100% vegan and is perfect for anyone with sensitivities to strongly scented products or for anyone with allergies, as the line contains zero artificial fragrance and zero essential oils.  They have chosen instead to use natural marine and botanical ingredients which will have no perceivable smell.  Included in this skincare series:

Purify Hydrating Skin Cleanser ($34), Marine Granules Skin Brightening Botanical Scrub ($45), Nutrify Ozone Defense Serum ($65), HydroFoam Rejuvenating Hyaluronic Moisturizer ($48), MommyBalm Stretch Mark Cream ($75), SOS Skin Rescue Healing Salve ($37), and BodyMist Skin Nourishing Body Oil ($22).

Solavedi: Hypoallergenic Line

I have used a number of products from this line myself while pregnant, and can tell you that these products are absolutely lovely.  I was lucky enough to be gifted a trial set from The Choosy Chick, and I was beyond impressed and went on to purchase some of the products myself.  As someone who has quite reactive skin and deals with a lot of redness and inflammation, using this line exclusively for several weeks resulted in skin that was hydrated, smooth and showed much less noticeable redness.  My skin overall was much calmer and happier.

This line was especially created for pregnant or nursing moms, individuals who are or have recently undergone chemotherapy or for someone who has developed reactions to their skincare products.

There are times in our lives when our system just needs a rest, even from aromatherapy or herbal ingredients, as delightful and good as those can be. – Solavedi website

As mentioned above, The Choosy Chick does not currently carry all of the hypoallergenic products, but they can be purchased direct from the brand’s website.  I will say that the website itself is a tad difficult to navigate, so I will link directly to each product so you won’t have to search for them. Through the website directly, they do offer samples for purchase of most of these products which is great as well!  The hypoallergenic line includes:

Hypoallergenic Face Wash (sample $2.95/full size $24), Hypoallergenic Cleansing Oil (sample $3.75/full size $24), Pure Hyaluronic Serum (sample $10/full size $59) – This serum is awesome!  I enjoyed adding it to their face cream for a great moisture boost! Hypoallergenic Face Cream (sample $4.95/$29 for 1 oz./$49 for 2.3 oz.) – This cream is a standout product for me!  Green Tea Hyaluronic Eye Cream (sample $10/full size $39), Hypoallergenic Organic Body Cream ($39 for 8 oz./$59 for 16 oz.), and Olive + Zinc UV Protecting Hand Cream ($18)

Marie Veronique: Kristina Holey + Marie Veronique Skincare Collection

This beautiful collaboration is one that has been on my wishlist.  It is created with some of the most potent and effective ingredients. It is designed for someone looking to repair their skin and make an investment into their skincare routine.  Here is a little more detail about this unique line from the Marie Veronique website:

All the products are biomimetic, that is, they are specifically designed to help nature achieve optimum health by supplying the building blocks required for proper maintenance at all levels of the skin, from the stratum corneum down to the dermis. Skin microbiome balance, another important factor in the skin health equation, is also very much front and center in the design process.

The latest findings in skin physiology and microbiology drive MV+ KH design; for example the cutting-edge products make use of microceutical co-enzymes that kick-start biosynthetic processes, and take care to follow nature’s lipid management systems as closely as possible while at the same time avoiding ingredients like essential oils and microcidal preservatives that can interfere with healthy skin function. The result is products that have no scent, yet leave the skin feeling soothed, nourished, and ultimately, healthy.

Now, lets talk about what is included in this collection:

Pure + E.O. Free Oil Cleanser ($40), Balancing HypoTonic ($45), Intensive Repair Serum ($90), Soothing B3 Serum ($90), Barrier Restore Serum ($110), Barrier Lipid Complex ($95), Micronutrient + Hydro Mask ($135)

Peet Rivko

Peet Rivko is a natural skincare line that is completely essential oil free and formulated just for those with sensitive skin.  The ingredients are plant based and chosen for their calming and restorative properties.  They take it a step further though, and eliminate all harsh actives and irritants such as nut oils, limonene and floral extracts.  Here are the products offerings you can find from this brand:

Gentle Cleanser ($30), Daily Moisturizer ($48), Balancing Face Oil ($56), Exfoliator ($34) and Body Oil ($48)

Continue reading below for essential oil free products listed by category…

Facial Cleansers

• One of the easiest and typically fairly inexpensive ways to cleanse your face is by oil cleansing.  You can choose any single organic oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, castor, etc.) that suits your skin type.  A little bit of research will help you to find an oil that will work best for your skin type.
• Aleavia: Purifying Facial Cleanse ($19.99)
• Worker b: Raw Honey Face Wash (I use the one for Normal to Dry skin, but there is one for oily skin as well!)  ($36.00)
• Indie Lee: Brightening Cleanser ($34)
• OSEA: Ocean Cleansing Milk ($54)
• Blissoma: Free – Rejuvenating Herbal Gel Cleanser and Makeup Remover ($39)
• Root: Refreshing Coconut Micellar Water ($24/full size, $6/trial size)

Facial Toners

• Using aloe water (such as George’s Aloe) or an organic coconut water are great and inexpensive toners.  Both are gentle and provide wonderful hydration as well!
• Aleavia: Restore Soothing Mist (they have one for acne as well)  ($29.99)
• OSEA: Sea Vitamin Boost ($38)
• Cocokind Skincare: Raspberry Vinegar Toner ($16)
• Blissoma: Serene – Sacred Waters Tonique ($32)

Facial Oils and Serums

• Leven Rose: This is a GREAT place to find single, mostly organic carrier oils that can be used for oil cleansing or moisturizing.  They have a wonderful selection of products and what’s better is that you can get them on Amazon Prime! – ranging in price from around $13 to $22
• Acure: The Essentials Moroccan Argan Oil ($17.99)
• MUN Skincare: ARGAN Pure Argan Oil this product is worth the price in my opinion.  It comes in a huge bottle, it is a super multi-purpose oil, and it feels like a much higher quality argan oil than other brands I have used ($70)
• Worker b: Dawn Serum ($39) and Dusk Serum ($39)
• Badger: Unscented Face Oil ($14.99)
• Live Botanicals: Aer Hyaluronic Acid Serum (I like to add this to my dry powder face masks for an extra boost of hydration!)  ($30)
• OSEA: Hyaluronic Sea Serum ($88), Brightening Serum ($68), and Vitamin Sea Serum ($68)
• Cocokind Skincare: Chia Facial Oil ($16) and Facial Repair Oil ($14)
• Kypris: Antioxidant Dew ($90)
• Earthwise Beauty: Ruby Face Oil ($54)
• Ere Perez: Quandong Green Boost Serum ($34)

Facial Creams and Balms

• Kahina Giving Beauty: Facial Lotion ($68)
• Worker b: Unscented Lotion ($22)
• One Love Organics: Skin Dew Coconut Water Cream ($58)
• Meow Meow Tweet: Skin Cream ($25)
• Earthwise Beauty: Yasuni Face Balm ($110)
• Fitglow Beauty: Cloud Ceramide Cream ($89), Redness Rescue Cream ($69) and Cloud Comfort Cream ($84)
• Blissoma: Pure – Sensitive Care Complex ($50)
• CV Skin Labs: Calming Moisture ($49)

Exfoliate

• Salis Skincare: Unscented Salt Scrub – works great on the face or on the body ($31.99)
• Meow Meow Tweet: Face Exfoliant ($20)
• OSEA: Vitamin C Probiotic Polish ($108)

Facial Masks

• Blissoma: Lavish – Loving Recovery Beta-Glucan Mask ($50)
• Odacite: Synergie[4] Immediate Skin Perfecting Masque ($64)
• OSEA: White Algae Mask ($48)
• Naturallogic: Soul Milk Mask ($54)

Eye Treatments

• Cocokind Skincare: Mymatcha All-over Moisture Stick ($9)
• Earthwise Beauty: Passion Eye Serum ($36)
• Blissoma: Bright-Eye Vitalizing Nutrient Serum ($56)
• Fitglow Beauty: Eye C Firm Cream ($79)
• 100% Pure: Bright Eyes Mask ($7)
• Kahina Giving Beauty: Prickly Pear Seed Oil Rollerball ($40)

Facial SPFs

• White & Elm: Everyday Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($28.95)
• Kari Gran: Three Sixty Five SPF 28 ($48)
• Ursa Major: Force Field Daily Defense Lotion with SPF 18 ($54)
• Raw Elements: Tinted Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 ($17.99)

Body SPFs

• All Good: SPF 50+ Sport Sunscreen Butter Stick – these sticks work great for kids! ($15.99) and SPF 50+ Water Resistant Zinc Sunscreen Butter ($9.99)
• Badger: Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30 ($16.99), Clear Zinc Unscented Sunscreen Lotion ($18.99), Clear Zinc Oxide Sport Sunscreen SPF 35 ($16.99), Tinted Sunscreen Unscented – SPF 30 ($15.99), Unscented Sunscreen – SPF15 (15.99)
• Raw Elements: Face + Body SPF 30 ($17.99), Face + Body SPF 30 Tin ($17.99), Baby & Kids SPF 30 Tin ($19.99), Baby & Kids SPF 30 Stick ($18.99)
• Earth Mama Organics: Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 ($14.99) and Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 25 ($13.99)
• Babo Botanicals: Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen – SPF 50 ($19.95), Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30 ($22), Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 – Fragrance Free ($19.95),

Body Moisturizers

• Organic coconut oil (if your skin does well with it) is a wonderful moisturizer for the body and is truly a multitasking product.
• MUN Skincare: ARGAN Pure Argan Oil – ($70)
• Acure: Everyday Eczema Lotion ($11.99)
• Bubble & Bee: Unscented Organic Body Butter ($16.95)
• Osmia Organic: Naked Body Oil ($20/1 oz. or $64/4 oz.)
• Booda Organics: Booda Butter Daily Moisturizer ($14)
• Kosmatology: Free & Clear (unscented) Lotion Bar ($10.99)
• Babo Botanicals: Sensitive Skin Fragrance Free Daily Hydra Therapy Lotion ($12.95)
• The Honest Co.: Organic Body Oil ($9.95) and Face + Body Lotion, Purely Simple Fragrance Free ($9.95)

Body Soaps & Washes

• Graham Gardens: Avocado and Oatmeal Soap ($5)
• Osmia Organics: Oh So Soap ($18)
• Babo Botanicals: Sensitive Skin Fragrance Free Hydra Therapy Wash ($19.95)
• Bubble & Bee: Organic Unscented Soap ($6) and Unscented Shower Gel ($11.99/8 oz.)
• Dr. Bronner’s: Pure Castile Bar Soap All-One Hemp Baby Unscented ($4.29)
• Schmidt’s: Bar Soap, fragrance free ($5.49)
• Booda Organics: Suds of Love All-in-One Soap ($6.95)
• Aleavia: Enzymatic Body Cleanse, unscented ($19.99)

Deodorants

• Green Tidings: All Natural Deodorant, unscented ($7.49)
• Schmidt’s: Natural Deodorant, fragrance free ($8.99), Sensitive Skin Formula, fragrance free ($10.99) and Deodorant Jar, fragrance free ($8.99)
• Earth Mama Organics: Simply Non-Scents Deodorant ($9.99)
• Rustic Maka: Natural Deodorant, Naughty Butter, unscented ($9.95)
• Lone: Bold Creme Unscented Deodorant – this is a baking soda AND wax free formula ($11.50) and Unscented Deodorant ($10.50)
• Acure: Fragrance Free Deodorant ($8.99)
• All Good: Deodorant – Unscented ($8.99)
• Booda Organics: Cream Deodorant ($7.95)
• Primal Pit Paste: Baking Soda Unscented Natural Deodorant Stick ($10.95), Zinc Unscented Natural Deodorant Stick ($10.95), Charcoal Unscented Deodorant Stick ($10.95), Magnesium Unscented Natural Deodorant Stick – Sensitive ($10.95), Baking Soda Unscented Natural Deodorant Jar ($8.95), Zinc Unscented Natural Deodorant Jar – Sensitive ($8.95), Magnesium Unscented Natural Deodorant Jar – Sensitive ($8.95), Charcoal Unscented Deodorant Jar ($8.95)

Baby & Kids

Bath Time 

• Earth Mama Organics: Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash ($9.99)
• The Honest Co.: Shampoo + Body Wash, Purely Sensitive ($9.95) and Bubble Bath, Purely Sensitive ($11.95)
• Babo Botanicals: Sensitive Newborn Foam Baby Wash – Fragrance Free ($12.95) and Sensitive Baby Shampoo & Wash – Fragrance Free ($19.95)
• Osmia Organics: Oh So Soap ($18)

Moisturizing Lotions and Balms

• Zoe Organics: Cream ($17.95)
• Earth Mama Organics: Simply Non-Scents Baby Lotion ($17.99)
• Pleni Naturals: Berry + Olive Baby Balm ($15.99) and Cucumber + Grape Baby Oil ($15.99)
• CV Skin Labs: Calming Moisture for Face, Neck and Scalp ($49)
• Babo Botanicals: Sensitive Baby Daily Hydra Baby Lotion – Fragrance Free ($12.95)
• The Honest Co.: Organic All-Purpose Balm ($12.95)
• Buttercup & Jake: Cocoa Calendula Balm ($12.50)

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found this collection of essential oil free products helpful.  Make sure to leave a comment with your favorite EO free products if you don’t see them listed here!

This article was originally published on naturallykeri.com

*Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in the above post.  By using these links, you will not pay more, but I may receive a small percentage of a sale from you purchasing a product through my links or by using my discount codes.  If you do choose to use these links, I truly appreciate your support!  Please view my full disclosure page HERE for more information. 

The post Essential Oil Free Products for Sensitive Skin appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

Say it with me, ‘pamplemousse’.  Are you smiling?  I am.  Such a fun word!  It’s not just a nonsense word that easily rolls off the tongue though, it actually mean grapefruit in French.  It is perfectly named as pink grapefruit oil is the third ingredient in this gorgeous oil cleanser, added for its ability to purify and brighten the skin.  This highly anticipated cleanser is a wonderful addition to the Leahlani line, and when it was released, I was quick to place my pre-order, knowing that this product would be magic, like every other one of her skincare treats.  I was right, and it did not disappoint.

If there has ever been a skincare line that has completely stolen my heart, it is this one.  I have been a long time user of the Leahlani products, (back when they were only being sold on Etsy) and after trying her Mermaid Mask, I was hooked. She has since repackaged, launched her own website and added new products to the line.  I have explored several items and have been impressed with each and every one.

There is something about her line that speaks to me like no others ever have.  I used to think it was silly when someone would say a product ‘spoke to them’, or how they just felt ‘connected’ to a product or brand, but this is absolutely true for me in an indescribable way when it comes to this line.  The scents, the way Leah, the creator of these beauties, speaks about her products and her story, the packaging, the branding…need I go on?  It all makes me giddy with delight and has me feeling like I want to hop on a plane and head straight to Hawaii.  Each time I open one of her jars or bottles, I can’t help but take a moment to breathe in the intoxicating scents and let them take me away to a place of calm and relaxation.

Lets talk about this cleanser.  When I first opened the bottle, the scent immediately reminded me of her Kalima Cleansing Powder.  The beautiful notes of citrus and vanilla were the most prominent, but as with all of her products, it is never overpowering or too strong (in my opinion).  This golden colored formula is filled to the brim with nourishing oils such as macadamia and sunflower, while also including pineapple and papaya enzymes to gently exfoliate and soften.  Best part?  It rinses clean with water.  No steaming off.  No residue left behind.  Simply add a little water and it turns into a more creamy consistency and rinses off easily taking makeup and dirt with it.

I’ve been experimenting with different ways of using this cleanser that I want to share along with some more details about Pamplemousse.  Keep on reading below for ingredient info, how I like to incorporate Leah’s Aloha Alchemy and my final thoughts!

The Details

Product Name: Pamplemousse Tropical Enzyme Cleansing Oil

Ingredients: *Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Citrus Paradisi (Pink Grapefruit) Peel Oil, di-ppg-2 myreth-10 adipate, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil, Lactobacillus/- Papaya Fruit Ferment Extract, *Plumeria Acutifolia Flower Extract, *Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Psidium Guajava (Guava) Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit, Carica (Papaya) Seed Oil, Musa Paradisisiaca (Banana) Fruit, Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) Flower Extract

*organic

Product Description: Fun, fresh and effective, meet your new favorite first-step in your cleansing ritual! Bursting with vibrant notes of juicy pink and white grapefruit, sweet vanilla bean, and exotic plumeria flowers -our Pamplemousse oil cleanser will flirt with your senses while dissolving oils, impurities, and makeup like a boss.

Her ambitious and silken formula of organic tropical oils infused with pineapple and papaya enzymes will glide effortlessly across your face, deeply cleansing while gently exfoliating your sweet skin. She rinses clean with water, and will leave your skin feeling fresh, soft, clean, and supple. This girl does it all! [description from the Leahlani Skincare website]

Cost: $54

Application

Method #1 – The Standard

The most simple and easiest way for makeup removal and cleansing is to use this on its own as directed.  I usually use 2-3 pumps of the oil, and apply to my dry face.  I then like to take time to massage it into my skin and breathe in the lovely scents.  If I have worn makeup that day, I make sure to pay extra attention to my eye area for mascara removal.  Then I wet my hands slightly and massage over my face again, gently emulsifying the oils and creating a nice creamy consistency.  Splash warm water on the face, and done!  I think this is a great first cleanse, if you are in to double cleansing, and like to follow up with perhaps a cream cleanser after your makeup has been removed.  For me, this is all I need.  Pamplemousse removes makeup wonderfully and rinses clean leaving no film or makeup residue behind.  Because of the enzymes that are included, your skin is not only getting clean, but lightly exfoliated as well, leaving the skin so so soft, smooth, supple and hydrated.  If used in the AM, I like to follow up with a light cream moisturizer (like this one), but when I use it in the evening, I love to apply a nice layer of Bless, which leaves me with baby soft skin the next day.

Method #2 – Cleansing Alchemy: Kalima Cleansing Powder + Pamplemousse

I felt inspired one evening to mix Pamplemousse with Kalima cleansing powder and I am SO glad I did!  After mixing up the usual amount of Kalima in my hand with a little water, I added in a couple of pumps of Pamplemousse and used it as a bit of a mask while I brushed my teeth.  After rinsing, my skin was seriously soft and hydrated. All it took was about 5 minutes for this mixture to work its magic, but what a beautiful cleansing experience!  I have also used it as a morning cleanser where I just rinsed it off right away, and the results were still wonderful.

Method #3 – Exfoliation/Mask Alchemy: Honey Love 3-in-1 + Pamplemousse

I can’t take credit for this alchemy, because I first saw it on the Leahlani Skincare Instagram stories.  All you need for this one is a small dollop of the beautiful Honey Love and 2 pumps of Pamplemousse.  To get the full benefits, I would definitely recommend using this as a mask and letting it sit on the face for around 5 minutes.  When you apply Honey Love you get the beautiful exfoliation along with the hydration of Pamplemousse.  Such a decadent treat for the skin.  Honestly, a must try if you have these two in your stash!

Final Thoughts

This oil cleanser is absolutely beautiful and a welcome addition to my collection.  As with all of the Leahlani products, I am immediately smitten and have found myself never wanting to be without it.  The ingredients are perfection, the packaging is gorgeous.  You won’t regret trying this tropical creation!  Your skin will definitely thank you!

Have you tried it yet?  Make sure to let me know in the comments!

Make sure to follow along with Leahlani on social media!  Her Instagram is filled with stunning photos, uses for her products, and my favorite #alohaalchemy (search this hashtag to find lots of inspiring mixtures!) Also, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

This post was originally posted on naturallykeri.com

*Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in the above post.  By using these links, you will not pay more, but I may receive a small percentage of a sale from you purchasing a product through my links or by using my discount codes.  If you do choose to use these links, I truly appreciate your support!  Please view my full disclosure page HERE for more information. 

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Unfortunately, most of the mascaras found today contain an unnervingly long list of potentially harmful ingredients that can seriously affect your health. 

In this article, we’ll be discussing what you need to look for when searching for the best natural mascara that doesn’t contain harmful ingredients. We’ll also list 10 of our favorite products you must try at least once.

*Some links contained in this article are affiliate links. After you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. However, rest assured that this does not affect the price of any product you buy.*

At a Glance (our top picks)

Title	Image	Features
Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara		- Volumizing - Hypoallergenic - Doesn't smudge, flake, or clump	Buy Now
W3LL PEOPLE Natural Expressionist Mascara		- Best for a dramatic look - Precise brush works well even for short, thin lashes	Buy Now
Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara		- Long lasting - Doesn't easily smudge or clump	Buy Now

What to Look for When Buying Natural Mascara

Mascaras intensify our natural eyelashes, which in turn draws more attention to our eyes. Finding the right mascara can be tricky, so here’s our guide to help you find the best one for your eyes. 

Formula 

You need to search for a hypoallergenic mascara that has an all-natural, organic formula that doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.

Longevity 

A mascara with high-quality ingredients easily holds the color and curve of our eyelashes without having to apply other layers throughout the day. 

Generally speaking, natural mascaras aren’t waterproof like conventional ones since they lack artificial fixatives. Still, you can find some natural mascaras that last longer than others.  

Application

We all want something that is easy to use, right? You don’t want to hold a wand that’s too big or a brush that doesn’t coat every lash on your eyes. 

Instead, search for a wand that’s easy to maneuver so you don’t have to worry about poking your eyes or getting a clumpy and smudged final look. 

Other Things to Consider

Other than the considerations listed above, here are some other things to consider when buying a natural mascara: 

• It should volumize thin lashes
• It must be hypoallergenic to avoid hurting sensitive eyes
• It should be smudge-proof
• Natural mascaras are generally not waterproof but may still resist water well depending on the brand.

1. Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara

We love the Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara not only because of its volumizing, velvety application, but also because it’s natural, organic, and 100% non-toxic. 

Most mascaras use preservatives such as Parabens to sustain its longevity and shelf-life, but what they don’t tell you is that parabens are actually harmful to us. Inika is paraben-free and focused on making mascara as safe and natural as possible.

This mascaras hypoallergenic formula contains ingredients such as Vitamin E, Carnauba Wax, Magnolia Bark Extract, and Sunflower Seed Oil, which are all known to encourage eyelash growth. 

This one is a great mascara for your everyday wear. Want thick, beautiful lashes without the clumpy look? Yes, please! The Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara is definitely a keeper. 

What We Liked:

• Vegan
• Made with cruelty-free ingredients
• Noticeably lengthens and defines lashes
• Clump-free, smooth formula

What We Didn’t Like:

• It isn’t entirely smudge-free 
• May flake off throughout the day

2. 100% PURE Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara

100% PURE’S commitment to making the purest, healthiest, organic products isn’t short of admirable. They have a huge lineup of vegan makeup, skincare, and body products, all at reasonable prices. 

What makes the Ultra Lengthening Mascara so special is the fact that it coats the lashes with a mixture of berry, black tea, and cocoa pigments. These substances are among the most healthy conditioners for our lashes. 

This is vital to note because at the end of the day, our lashes are hair, and protecting them is as important as protecting the hair on our heads.  

It’s long-lasting, smudge-proof, and non-toxic, everything a mascara needs to be.

What We Liked:

• Smells great 
• Short bristles easily separate your lashes
• It washes off easily
• Cruelty-free mascara

What We Didn’t Like:

• Not as volumizing as other options

3. W3LL PEOPLE Natural Expressionist Mascara

Looking for a more bold, dramatic look? Well, this is the mascara for you! 

This mascara lifts, separates, and volumizes. The end result? Big, fluffy lashes that last all night long. 

The people at W3LL understand that short, thin lashes don’t push back on a cushiony wand the same way thicker lashes do. That’s why they made sure that their brush is made of rubbery silicone material to give you the best result. 

W3LL People’s Expressionist Mascara is 100% cruelty and clump-free. It also doesn’t make use of petroleum, parabens, gluten, coal tar, aluminum, or fibers. This makes it completely safe to use every day.

What We Liked:

• No harsh artificial chemicals or petroleum derivatives 
• Precise brush that separates even the thinnest, shortest lashes
• Long-lasting effect

What We Didn’t Like:

• It may be prone to smudging

4. Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer

Another highly rated product is the Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara. This 2-in-1 primer and mascara work perfectly together to get you the most beautiful lashes possible. How’s that for convenience? 

Application is smooth with Honest Beauty’s specially molded lash bristles. It should give you the dramatic, sky-high lift you desire. 

Like a lot of the products on our list, this one is also 100% cruelty-free. It’s void of parabens, paraffin, silicone, and other common ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions. 

Another important thing to note is this product’s water-solubility. Honest Beauty’s water-soluble formula makes it easy to remove, which saves you the hassle of harshly scrubbing your eyes to wipe it away. 

If you’re looking for the thicker eyelash look, the Extreme Length Mascara should deliver. You’ll get full, thick, and longer-looking lashes in seconds!

What We Liked:

• It provides a beautiful, dramatic look
• Non-toxic 
• It doesn’t easily smudge or flake
• It stays on well throughout the day

What We Didn’t Like:

• Doesn’t dry fast 
• It isn’t entirely clump-free
• It isn’t the best if you’re looking for a ‘natural-look’ mascara

5. Gabriel Cosmetics Mascara

Gabriel Cosmetics prides itself on developing clean beauty products that are entirely natural with no synthetic chemicals. 

They believe in utilizing healthy ingredients while committing to sustainable, earth-conscious practices with all their products. 

This is why Gabriel Cosmetics’s gentle and non-irritating plant formula is a serious game-changer for natural mascaras. Its added vitamins offer great conditioning for full healthy lashes. These vitamins also protect from any damage other mascaras may cause. 

It’s a vegan, gluten, and cruelty-free mascara, and is made with 100% natural ingredients.  With a brush that’s specially designed to coat and define your lashes, it’s perfect for all types of lash lengths.

What We Liked:

• Water-resistant 
• Mineral-based natural ingredients 
• Doesn’t flake 
• Gluten-free 
• Hypoallergenic 
• Affordable
• Great for a natural look

What We Didn’t Like:

• It isn’t clump-free
• Doesn’t add as much volume as other mascaras 
• Doesn’t hold a curl throughout the day

6. ILIA Limitless Lash Mascara

ILIA is known for its brilliant mascaras, and the classic formula of ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara is no exception. This product claims to “go above and beyond the expectations of any natural mascara.” With everything it offers, that doesn’t seem to be too far from the truth. 

With a nourishing formula made with a blend of organic bee and carnauba waxes, it won’t only condition your lashes to keep them healthy, but also give them a lifted look throughout the day. 

It lifts, curls, and lengthens, all without flaking. 

Every stroke of ILIA’s mascara brush adds just the right amount of volume for fuller, healthier-looking lashes without clumping or sticking.

What We Liked:

• It doesn’t smudge even after a long day
• It volumizes and lengthens the appearance of your lashes

What We Didn’t Like:

• It isn’t flake-free 
• It isn’t hypoallergenic

7. Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara

If you’re looking for a mascara to match your “no-makeup” makeup look, Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara is what we’d recommend. 

I personally went through over 30 different kinds throughout my life trying to search for the ‘perfect’ mascara, and I wish I’d found Honeybee Gardens’s products much sooner!

Their all-new natural formula coats every strand with rich, attractive color for robust-looking lashes. With it being a certified vegan, cruelty-free mascara, it’s one of our all-time favorites. 

This one is great for everyday use as it doesn’t smudge, flake, or clump. It’s safe and all-natural with ingredients such as Bayberry wax, jojoba, and Italian olive oils where this mascara originated from.

What We Liked:

• Gluten-free
• Hypoallergenic 
• It adds volume to your lashes
• It washes off easily

What We Didn’t Like:

• It dries slowly
• It might smear easily
• The poorly-designed wand makes it slightly difficult to apply for some people

8. Ere Perez Natural Avocado Waterproof Mascara

For those who are susceptible to skin reactions, this hypoallergenic, scent-free mascara delivers great lashes with absolutely no discomfort. 

Compatible with even the most sensitive skin types, this mascara is free from harsh chemicals commonly found on makeup like parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, and paraffin to name a few. 

With its organic avocado and mamey oils, you should enjoy beautiful, healthy lashes. If you’re searching for a volumizing, full coverage mascara, this one’s it. And because it’s waterproof, you can wear it for hours without worrying about your mascara running down your face.

What We Liked:

• It doesn’t weigh your lashes down 
• Highly waterproof 
• Vegan
• No clumping

What We Didn’t Like

• A bit difficult to apply
• The brush isn’t ideal for thin, straight lashes

9. Hynt Beauty Nocturne Mascara

The Hynt Beauty Nocturne Mascara would literally amaze you after application. While regular mascaras typically just coat your lashes with pigment, this mascara aims to volumize and nourish every individual lash you have with its all-natural and organic ingredients. 

This results in longer, healthier, and thicker-looking lashes with a natural finish. Color doesn’t disappoint, as well; it’s deep and rich without any harsh chemicals or synthetic pigment. If you’re looking for a glamorous, feathery finish, Nocturne certainly provides. 

Some of the ingredients found in the bottle are chamomile extracts, organic rosemary, and sunflower seed oil. This means longer, thicker lashes all day without the fear of damaging them.

Things We Liked:

• Gives you a beautiful look with a natural finish 
• It lengths, thickens, and volumizes
• The slim brush thoroughly coats every lash

Things We Didn’t Like:

• It isn’t a hypoallergenic mascara
• It dries slowly

10. Pacifica Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Mascara Supernova

Pacifica is another brand known for its impressive mascaras. Just one coat should give long, separated, and feather-like lashes without any dryness or clumping. 

Infused with coconut oil and Vitamin B, it doesn’t only nourish but also lengthens and strengthens your lashes. 

Its vegan brush is extremely plush, which works perfectly with those who have naturally thick and long lashes. 

Formulated without harsh chemicals, this mascara is as natural as mascaras can get. It’s also 100% vegan and cruelty-free, which is a plus for us. 

If you’re searching for a long-lasting mascara to get you through your early morning work hours and after-work yoga, this one should be on your shopping list. 

Things We Liked:

• Great quality for the price
• It doesn’t easily smudge or clump 
• A luxurious, cruelty-free vegan mascara

Things We Didn’t Like:

• It doesn’t volumize as much as some other products 
• It flakes after some time

FAQ

Want to know more about natural mascaras? We got you covered. Here are some commonly asked questions about this amazing beauty product.

The Verdict

After doing the research, we think that the Honeybee Gardens Bellissima Volumizing Mascara is the best natural mascara. The main reason for this choice? It’s a mascara that doesn’t smudge or flake.

The natural look it provides is what every girl needs for her everyday 5-minute “no-makeup” makeup look before leaving the house. While it doesn’t give you extremely volumized lashes, it does the trick in getting your lashes to their fullest and longest in one go to complete your look.

Its natural ingredients are an added bonus since they help with nourishing and lengthening your lashes. 

The post Best Natural Mascaras for a More Alluring, Eye-Friendly Look appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

Guest Post by Merrady Wickes

Merrady is the youngest of 7 kids. She was a bruised knees, bleeding heart, day-dreaming, bookworm kind of kid who was bossy and loud and also fiercely sensitive and shy.

She spent her teenage years reading every beauty book her local libraries had to offer, and landed her first makeup artist gig for an independent film when she was only 15.  After several years in the industry, between editorial, beauty counter, film, and TV (she also moonlighted as an indie musician), Merrady learned that her real passion was in her connection with the woman underneath the rouge. “Anyone can make a 16-year-old model look beautiful,” she says. “I’m interested in the everyday woman and what makes her feel her best.”

Fast forward and here she is with over 10 years experience as a makeup artist. She loves making women (and men!) feel their best through the power of good skincare and makeup they will actually use and enjoy. She loves the power of transformation. She loves beauty rituals passed down, and beauty rituals discovered. Beauty is meditative for her. It is an important part of her self care and creativity. She says that it’s also fun, and something anyone can do with practice.

Valentine’s Day is swiftly approaching. I have a special fondness for the love-themed holiday—the candy, the crafts, the kitsch. And while I’m not a personal fan of sitting awkwardly in a restaurant surrounded by dozens of couples eating from a pre fixe menu hovering over a vase holding a single red rose, I have been known to throw an epic Valentine’s Day party, or make a lovely meal for two at home.

Whatever your plans may be, I created this look to capture your inner romantic. The dewy skin, flushed cheeks, and softly defined eyes are the stuff of romance novel heroines, but will also work nicely for a date, a night out with your friends, or even a wedding (calling all brides!). Read on for details to achieve the look.

Step 1: Skin Prep

• La Bella Figura: Modern Radiance Concentrate
• La Bella Figura: Crema Supernova
• La Bella Figura: Découverte Under Eye Repair Serum

This time of year, after months of grey days and relentless dry air, skin can feel dull and sallow. Skip the self tanner, and reach for skin care with a heavy dose of Vitamin C to encourage natural radiance. While skin is still damp after cleansing, massage a pump of La Bella Figura Modern Radiance Concentrate into the skin, followed by the La Bella Figura Crema Supernova. To smooth and brighten eyes, you can add a little La Bella Figura Under Eye Repair Serum to your orbital bone, patting in with a ring finger. Be sure to prep the skin a few minutes before you apply makeup so it has time to soak in.

Step 2: Complexion

• Gressa: Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation
• Hynt Beauty: DUET Perfecting Concealer (Light)
• ILIA: Fade Into You Powder
• W3ll People: Bio Bronzer in Natural Tan
• Root: White Gold Illuminator

The Gressa Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation makes it easy to get a no-makeup makeup look. Be sure to give the bottle a good shake to mix the formula, then blend a few drops onto the face with your fingertips. Add a very small amount of the uber-concentrated Hynt Beauty Concealer on any darkness around the eyes, blemishes, around the nose, and anywhere else you need extra coverage. For makeup that lasts, and invisible pores, dust the Ilia Fade Into You Powder over your T-zone and anywhere else you applied concealer.

Add dimension and warmth with a touch of W3ll People Bio Bronzer strategically applied along the cheeks, bridge of the nose, hairline, and chin. You can also sweep bronzer into the socket of the eye to add depth and create synergy with the face.

For dewy, candlelit skin, tap the Root White Gold Illuminator onto the tops of cheeks, cupid’s bow, center of the face, and the inner corner of the eye and brow bone. Don’t go too crazy! Less is more. You can also brush your highlighter onto your collarbones and throat to catch the light.

Step 3: Eyes

• RMS Beauty: Swift Shadow Garden Rose GR-12
• Kjaer Weis: Eyeshadow in Onyx
• W3ll People: Expressionist Mascara in Black
• Zuzu Luxe: Clear Mascara
• Ecobrow: Defining Wax in Sharon

Use a neutral taupe shadow like the RMS Swift Shadow in Garden Rose GR-12 to add shape and shimmer to the eyes without looking heavy. Blend all over the lid up to the socket, and on the lower lashline for a halo effect. Next, dampen a fine liner brush, dip into the Kjaer Weis Eyeshadow in Onyx, and brush along the upper lash line, and lightly along the lower lash line. Using shadow instead of a pencil liner adds soft definition. You can also tightline the upper waterline to make your lashes look thicker. Smudge the edges with a small shadow brush to further diffuse.

Next, curl lashes, and generously apply the W3ll People mascara in black. The plastic wand isn’t everyone’s favorite, but I love how it can build volume, while still defining every lash.

Brush brows straight up with the Zuzu Luxe Clear Mascara for a deliberately unkempt look. Once dry, if you need a boost in the brow department, apply the Ecobrow pomade in short vertical strokes and brush through with a spoolie. This creates a soft, full effect. Clean the edges with your concealer brush if you color outside the lines too much.

Step 4: Lips & Cheeks

• S.W. Basics: Citrus Lip Balm
• Jane Iredale: Lip Pencil in Spice
• Kjaer Weis: Cream Blush in Lovely

Lastly, you want a bright pink cream blush—my favorite is the Kjaer Weis in Lovely. Tap onto cheeks in an upside down triangle shape on the apple of the cheek to create a natural flush. Don’t be shy! This look is all about the blush. A cream formula will melt into the skin for a seamless effect.

Prep your lips with a balm like the S.W. Basics Citrus Lip Balm. If you want to cheat fullness, lightly line the edge of the lips (I used Jane Iredale in Spice). Then tap the Kjaer Weis blush in Lovely into lips with your fingertip for a sheer rosy finish.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Merrady
Xo

Connect with Merrady here:

• Blog
• Instagram
• YouTube

*All photos and video in this post are courtesy of and belong to Merrady Wickes

The post The Real Girl Romantic: a Valentine’s Day makeup tutorial with Merrady Wickes appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

Let’s be honest – some of us don’t always have the time to meticulously sort through brands to research ingredients and material sourcing for our beauty and fashion items – sometimes you know what you want and are looking for someone who has searched and done the legwork for you; someone you can trust and who is experienced.  Meet Alison Rojas Metcalfe, founder of Salud Shoppe; she is a modern, clean living, girl boss, who has been working to change the green economy.  She has curated her shop with integrity and an extensive knowledge base, so you can rest easy knowing that her experience and research has led her to stock only the best of the best in beauty and fashion.

Alison embarked upon her journey to bring clean beauty and ethical fashion to the modern green consumer in Spring 2015.  She has a background in fashion design and development, and while working in her previous job, she developed one of the first ever Fair Trade apparel programs and converted conventional apparel lines from cotton to organic cotton, eliminated materials such as rayon, and traveled to factories in India, Vietnam, Taiwan and China to review sustainability standards.  To say that she is inspiring and leading the charge for industry changes would be an understatement.

Working toward change

While traveling the world and reviewing factory conditions and practices, she realized that changes needed to be made at home in the US as well.  After seeing factories in Los Angeles that didn’t meet safety and environmental standards that were required in other countries, she left her job to forge her own path as she felt strongly that there needed to be an investment to build infrastructure domestically to set the bar for modern manufacturing abroad.

To her astonishment, while working on a project reviewing a restricted substance list for fashion,  she discovered that chemicals that were banned from use in apparel were still being used in cosmetics!  Knowing that these ingredients were being used sparked her interest in organic beauty, and she has dedicated herself to sourcing the best brands green beauty has to offer, most notably Hynt Beauty and 100% Pure which are both represented in her shop.  If having some of the top beauty brands isn’t enough, for those of you looking to take a minimalist approach to your wardrobe, Alison also has taken to creating an organic and sustainable capsule wardrobe for each season which is available at Salud Shoppe as well.  For the conscious shopper who wants both clean beauty and Eco fashion, Alison’s shop will fit your needs perfectly.

We are delighted to have had the opportunity to have Alison on the blog today to speak more about her journey and to share more about what inspires her in creating the perfect one stop shop for clean beauty and organic fashion.  Alison is also talking about how she designed the Winter capsule wardrobe (which is launching on the Salud Shoppe website today!!) and why it is important to be a conscious consumer.

She has very generously provided a 30% off discount code for The Greenly Guide readers as well which will be listed after the interview, so make sure you don’t miss that!

The Greenly Guide: Can you tell us a little about your background and how you became interested in organic beauty and sustainable fashion?

Alison: I grew up the middle child of a California State Park Ranger Dad and a Nurse Mom. That meant we spent most of our lives moving around and living in different parks across California, learning about park wildlife, meeting campers and visiting Historical Sites on our vacations. My most vivid memories started when we lived near Lake Tahoe and my mom would take us through ‘secret’ paths to find pristine lakeside beaches that were literally untouched but for the 4 of us. Later in my life, I moved to San Francisco and eventually ended up in New York City- a far stretch from my days living in the open fields of the State Parks but so much closure to the creative, city environment I saw on MTV when I visited my Grandma. As soon as I learned how to sew, I was making clothes for myself and sketching designs on people I would name and keep in my sketch book. I think I was about 11 when I started building collections on paper.

I became interested in sustainable fashion before organic beauty. I worked about 15 years in apparel as a designer and product developer and eventually specialized in sustainable apparel with a company called prAna in San Diego. In my role there, I was lucky enough to be involved in sustainable material development, chemical management and ethical sourcing initiatives. I worked with my team to launch prAna’s first Fair Trade apparel in the USA and convert our apparel collection to organic and sustainable materials and became the first brand to launch bluesign certified active wear. Each year we would raise the bar and the team would just knock the goals out of the park.

My interest in organic, non toxic beauty products came after a long project working on vetting our Restricted Substance List (RSL) at work and I realized there were chemicals banned from use in apparel that were still totally used in make up products. My very first email was to a company called NYX – they used PVC in their lipliner and it was banned from use in apparel. Another example is phthalates that are key in synthetic fragrances and are also used in waterproof finishes that were getting banned at the time.

The Greenly Guide: What is the story behind how you came to the decision to open Salud Shoppe and why did you decide to showcase both natural beauty and Eco fashion?

Alison: I always envisioned building a life as an entrepreneur even at an early age. It took another 20 years to hone in on my aesthetic point of view and align them with my values to come to the idea of Salud Shoppe. Then, the decision just hit me in my gut. I came home one day and told my husband, “I’m giving notice tomorrow, I want to start this business.” He knew from the first day he met me that I wanted to start something, he just never knew when. I didn’t even tell my family before then because I wanted to listen to my heart, deep inside my heart.

The bigger vision was to delve into this industry that I love so much bring the modern, East Coast sensibility that I have along with this California soul of love and kindness. My parents were both hippies so I have no problem embracing those values, but I was born in Long Beach and lived in NYC so I definitely haven’t ever been able to let go of the more refined urban sophisticate in me.

I chose to offer both eco fashion and natural beauty because I was living a pretty fast pace lifestyle and traveling a lot. I wish I’d been able to rely on a brand or shop that did the technical research for me while keeping a modern aesthetic. Ethical manufacturing, sustainable materials and non toxic beauty products became the soul of what we do.

The Greenly Guide: We love that you curate a capsule wardrobe collection for your shop each season – for those who may not be familiar with the concept, what is your definition of a capsule wardrobe?

Alison: I appreciate the idea of a capsule collection way more in my 30’s that I did in my 20’s. A capsule collection is a small batch, highly edited collection that is achieved with timelessness and seasonal relevance above anything else. We have a turtleneck bodysuit in the winter collection that may not have resonated a few seasons ago, but now, it’s totally versatile and on-trend. It’s amazing how many ways you can style a capsule collection and start adding personal touches like a vintage watch, a statement shoe or vintage luxury hand bag.

The Greenly Guide: For someone new to the idea of a capsule wardrobe, what are a few simple suggestions you have on how to begin building a solid minimalist collection?

Alison: A beautiful capsule collection is probably already in your closet, it’s just tucked behind or under a flurry of other items that you just haven’t had the chance to donate yet. The first steps, especially in transitioning to more sustainable buying habits, is to edit down anything synthetic. All those cheap polyester shirts, dresses, jackets and skirts have little to no business in your wardrobe beyond your teens but for a vintage item. Some investment pieces like suiting is ok, and some active wear pieces, otherwise, polyester feels different on the body and is petroleum based meaning that it will never breath like natural fibers and you are using natural resources for something you probably aren’t wearing that much. I think most of us can agree the petroleum is not the best source for fibers.

Once you have edited out synthetics, think in terms of layers. A Modal top, a lightweight wool sweater, a pair of jeans with a 10″-11″ rise flatter almost all women and a pop-over dress to start. I personally start to go astray with my coats but I know those will be with me for a long time and meet the 30 wear standards. Livia Firth promotes buying only if you will wear it 30 times in its lifetime which I can definitely get behind.

The Greenly Guide: Can you discuss some of the challenges you have encountered when searching for ethically and sustainably produced fashion and why it is important to shop consciously?

Alison: One of the biggest challenges has been with brand style and the somewhat muddy waters around what is sustainable and ethical. For example, there is a brand that I loved for its edgy play on using remnants and therefore using sustainable materials, but if the remnant is rayon, that material was actually quite caustic to manufacture. The same with synthetics, right? Its such a grey area. I think there are a lot of brands in the outdoor market doing awesome things, but even though I grew up in the outdoors, I don’t want to look like I did.

Another example I like to use when shopping consciously, is understanding that US and European fast fashion and corporate brands source millions of units from other countries, ship all those products to the US and guess where it goes when it gets a tear or snag? It goes into our own landfills. Companies like The Renewal Workshop are starting to tackle this problem, but each new season brings more products that have to go somewhere. Even Africa has drawn a hard line saying they will no longer take in all the excess used clothing, choosing instead to promote their own local industries.

Aside from material sustainability, ethical manufacturing has come to the forefront of the industry because of documentaries like True Cost. Before watching it, I thought it may be a dramatic point of view, but after watching it, I felt it was so true to what is really happening in the industry. There really are women who are locked in their dorms with locks on the outside. There really are children working in factories instead of going to school. I went to a factory once where there weren’t any safety guardrails on the third floor – it literally dropped off to the floor below. That factory was right here in the USA.

The Greenly Guide: Can you share with us a little about the Winter capsule and what was your inspiration in designing it?

Alison: Our winter capsule was inspired conceptually by “The Luxury of Time”. I have been in an environment where working late hours was like a badge of honor and it wasn’t until I started working from the studio did I realize that time is the new luxury, not working at a high ranked position, not being overcommitted because so many people need you. The pieces in this collection are more easy wearing, like our Midi Dress with these amazing front patch pockets that are just effortless.

The Greenly Guide: What are some of your favorite or some unique fabrics or materials that you love in Eco-fashion?

Alison: I will always love organic cotton and long staple versions like organic pima. When a yarn is grown to be a silky and soft fiber from the boll onward, you know that is luxury. I don’t want to wash it down to make it feel good. I want it to feel and look inherently gorgeous.

Other fibers I will always love are Lenzing Modal and Tencel. When Lenzing first came out with their collection, you literally couldn’t get your hands on it because they didn’t have enough converters. They created a closed loop process so they can re-use the chemicals that break down the wood pulp, they use FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) farming and they use every part of the tree when it is harvested. They are responsibly innovating, which is what this industry needs.

The Greenly Guide: You also carry some wonderful green beauty brands such as Hynt Beauty, 100% Pure and Saint Cosmetics – how do you choose the brands and products you will carry at your shop?

Alison: The core of the green beauty collection is focusing on non toxic ingredients and product quality. I have bought cosmetics from department stores my whole life and was used to what I thought were luxury ingredients. I wanted products that you could swap based on quality alone.

My first experience sourcing beauty brands was at the Indie Beauty expo where I absolutely hit it off with the brand owners and makers. I met formulators who spoke my language and even educated me on wild harvesting, essential oil blends and were prepared to share traceability documents with me – which is critical in supporting any organic and cruelty free claims.

The Greenly Guide: If you personally could create a capsule makeup collection for Winter, what selection of products would you include?

Alison: I think we ultimately, albeit unintentionally, did this season! Eyes and lips are getting center stage while cheeks are more of the subdued side kick. We embraced this by introducing eye palettes from Saint Cosmetics which are pure velvety bliss and they use Ecocert Talc which is important because talc alone is often as risk of contamination. Along with a versatile eye palette, Hynt Beauty Volumizing Mascara, 100% Pure Cosmetics matte lipstick and our Saint highlighter to define your cheekbones and upper cupids arrow.

The Greenly Guide: Anything else you would like to add?

Alison: I have so much hope and optimism for our sustainable lifestyle community. Time and again I have met brands, makers, and customers that are both men and women who care deeply about changing our apparel and cosmetics industry for the better. I have experienced nothing but inclusivity and kindness which makes pushing through the hurdles of a more seasoned fast fashion and luxury beauty market worth while. I hope, in my lifetime, that we have made the kind of changes with product innovation, legislation and community action that our future generations will be able to take the baton and run with it.

Ready to do some shopping!?

If you are looking to pick up some of the new 100% Pure Matte Lipsticks, the incredibly popular Hynt Beauty Nocturne Mascara or refresh your wardrobe with a few sustainable pieces, this is the perfect opportunity!

Thank you so much to the lovely Alison for sharing her story with us here on the blog today.  She is creating something very special with Salud Shoppe and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for this incredible marketplace.

Make sure to visit Salud Shoppe on social media as well!

Instagram: @saludshoppe

Twitter: @salud_shoppe

Facebook: Search Salud Shoppe

The post Shop Spotlight: Salud Shoppe – A Modern One Stop Shop For Organic Beauty & Fashion appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

QUICK FACTS

Bio: Jana Drolc, author of Small Bits of Loveliness, passionate about green, natural and organic products.
Location: Slovenia
Connect: Jana’s Blog and Instagram

If you are not yet familiar with the beautiful face pictured above, it is our great pleasure to introduce you to Jana – lover of green beauty, advocate for organic living and content creator behind the blog Small Bits of Loveliness.

Amazing natural and organic product recommendations, Beauty Heroes Ambassador, and trained beautician, Jana is an incredible wealth of knowledge.  She has a passion for living healthfully that shines through in her thoughtful posts and detailed reviews.  Although she has a degree in Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, makeup and beauty products have always interested and inspired Jana, and after reading an article about harmful ingredients that are often in every day products, her focus shifted to green beauty and finding clean and safe products.

If you are new to green beauty or are a veteran in your journey to finding healthier beauty alternatives, you will certainly enjoy Small Bits of Loveliness and the wonderful woman behind it.  We are thrilled today to have the lovely Jana on the blog sharing with us a little bit more about herself, how she became interested in organic beauty and she is even sharing her five must have winter skincare products!  Read on below for our interview with the lovely Jana!

The Greenly Guide: What was it that first intrigued you about green beauty and natural products? How did you first become interested in researching what ingredients were in the products you were using?

Jana: Well if my memory serves me right, I got into green beauty and natural products after I read an article about toxic and harmful ingredients hiding in my every day products. Before really diving into the magical word of green beauty I actually first got into cruelty free brands and products. The majority of natural and organic products are cruelty free so I just started using those. Then I started reading more about ingredients, learning which to avoid and which worked for my skin. My skin and hair really agreed with the change so it was only natural to continue. I also started reading green beauty blogs and was inspired even more to follow on this journey. So yeah, my interest in animal welfare and cruelty free products + reading and learning about ingredients made me think and changed my whole look on beauty.

The Greenly Guide: What inspired you to share your story through your blog and when did you begin blogging?
Jana: The longer version of this answer is in my Beauty Heroes interview, to sum it up – it was my gorgeous friend who inspired me to start writing my blog. I said it many times before and I will gladly say it again, I will be forever grateful to her. Starting out on my blogging journey was THE best decision of my life. I feel blessed to have her in my life, as well as my friends and family who support me.

The Greenly Guide: How did you come to settle on the name Small Bits of Loveliness? (such a cute name!)
Jana: Aw thank you! I wanted something that would give me the option of writing about a wide variety of subjects because I didn’t quite know for sure where my blog would take me. I only knew I wanted to write about beauty, but then I also wanted to include some fashion and cooking posts, and more, so I decided on a name that would cover all that. But it wasn’t as easy as it sounds, not at all. After years I still like my blog name so I guess I did something right there. Again, thanks to my boyfriend and friends who helped me.

The Greenly Guide: What qualities do you look for in a brand when you are searching for new products to try?
Jana: I take a closer look into the ingredients + brand’s philosophy. Cruelty free, 100% natural, organic, palm oil free, eco friendly, vegan and things like that make my heart skip a beat. I’m not perfect and still use products in plastic packaging (but then I always recycle!) and I also don’t use all vegan products (I can’t say no to honey), but I try to do my best. Oh and when I see palm oil or palm oil derivatives among ingredients I always ask the brand if it’s from a sustainable source. I think everyone should be more mindful of palm oil. If you’re not familiar with the problem, palm oil plantations have a huge negative impact on environment, on animals and people. You should really look into it. Back to the qualities I look for in a brand, well a gorgeous packaging doesn’t hurt either, but in the end the ingredients and performance are what really matter.

The Greenly Guide: Are there any green brands that you have tried that are local to you that you have loved and would like to share?
I haven’t tried the brand yet but I saw it the other day and it picked my interest –Amon & Anis. I love their cute design, so pretty! They are 100% natural and at least 98% organic. I will have to try something from them, they look so lovely.

The Greenly Guide: What are your winter skincare must haves? Can you narrow it down to 5?
Jana: Keri, this is the hardest question, I love so many products! Since this time is all about hydration and nourishment, the first product that comes to mind is the Nap in the Meadow by the amazing Earthwise Beauty. The Nap is a very hydrating product that is also anti-inflammatory and soothing, and has made such a massive difference in my skin. This year I haven’t experienced any problems with dry, flaky skin which is often times the case when transitioning from fall to winter, and I believe this product played a big role in that. For the face let me also mention my newest discovery – Siam Seas. Oh my word, Supadra’s products are so good! Such a fan of the Elements Beauty Balm and The Twiglight BeCalm Skin Serum. I saw immediate results with these two products. My skin was instantly calmer, more even and smooth. Can I cheat a little and think of the two Siam Seas products as one? If that’s the case I can move on to the best hair oil in the world, the UMA Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil, which is keeping my hair soft and hydrated. For my body I have to mention Kahina Giving Beauty Moroccan Rose Beldi Soap and accompanying Kessa Mitt, which makes my skin unbelievably soft and Rachel’s Plan Bee Jasmine Body Oil, doubles up as perfume oil. The scent of this product is one of the best out there. So much love for all these products.

The Greenly Guide: We are big fans of The Peridot Mag that you are a part of- how did this collaboration come to be and can you explain a little about The Peridot for those who aren’t familiar with it?

Jana: Thank you, glad to hear it. First let me start with your second question. If I try to describe The Peridot Mag in one sentence, then I would say it’s a place for all who are interested in green beauty, ethical fashion, eco lifestyle and more. Everyone can find something special to enjoy and learn something new. If I can say so myself it is a great place to spend some of your time. I’m only a contributing member (a very bad one at this moment!) but I was actually a co-founder, with Liz, Tammy, and Nic. It was fun while it lasted but honestly, I was feeling too much pressure and having a full time job and my blog was just too much for me to handle. For the sake of my sanity I had to take a step back, so I became a contributor. Luckily the ladies were really understanding and I can’t thank them enough for that.

The Greenly Guide: Living abroad, can you share your go to green beauty online shops that are your favorites in your region?
Jana: For Slovenian shops I want to mention two – Specia and LilyLolo, and as for European beauty shops I love Reina Organics, Eminessences, Love Lula and So Natural Beauty. These are the ones that first come to mind.

The Greenly Guide: Do you have any exciting upcoming plans for Small Bits of Loveliness that you can share?
Jana: There is always something going on, but at the moment there’s nothing too big to share.

The Greenly Guide: Anything else you would like to add?
Jana: All that is left to say is that I’m so very grateful to you Keri to feature me on your beautiful blog. I feel so honoured you picked me among all amazing green beauty bloggers out there. Thank you! To those of you who read my interview, thank you as well. <3

Thank you so much to Jana for taking the time to share more about herself and her green beauty journey.  We cannot wait to see what she has in store in the coming year!

For amazing green beauty information, gorgeous photos and honest product reviews, please make sure to head over to Jana’s blog and follow her over on Instagram as well!

The post Greenly Connections: Jana of Small Bits of Loveliness appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

If you have ever scrolled through the #greenbeauty posts on Instagram, there is a good chance you have come across the beautiful page of Mari, founder of The Goofy Mermaid. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS in 2014, she made the decision to start living a more clean and organic lifestyle. She wanted to share her experiences in hopes that she could help others who were dealing with similar health issues, so she created The Goofy Mermaid as a space to document her journey.

Her feed is brimming with green living inspiration. From the stunning photography to her informational product posts, you will easily pick up several tips from her page. If you are looking to discover small niche brands, but are also interested in the green beauty heavy hitters, The Goofy Mermaid has you covered. Mari has been a leader in the green beauty community and many have connected with her—she has always been willing to answer questions, lend suggestions and be there to listen to and support her followers. She has even been known to give out her personal cell phone number, which is pretty incredible! What I really love about The Goofy Mermaid is that their motto is “We don’t believe in perfect choices, just better ones—and we’re here to encourage and support those choices”. So wherever you are in your transition to a healthier lifestyle, there will be recommendations for you!

The Goofy Mermaid has become a place for people to connect and to learn how to make better choices, and Mari’s sweet and genuine spirit has been behind these connections. She has befriended so many in the green community, it was quite a surprise when she announced that she would be taking a step back from social media and The Goofy Mermaid. With so much on her plate, and a desire to find her passion elsewhere, Mari is no longer running the day to day posts on The Goofy Mermaid. She will be working behind the scenes, so if you would like to reach out to her, she can still be contacted through The Goofy Mermaid page.

“We don’t believe in perfect choices, just better ones—and we’re here to encourage and support those choices”. – Mari of The Goofy Mermaid

I was so excited to have a chance to chat with Mari around the time of her social media departure to get some of her thoughts on her green beauty journey, what the future of The Goofy Mermaid holds and what advice she has for those just starting down a healthier path.

The Greenly Guide: When did you start your “Going Green” journey & why did you decide to create The Goofy Mermaid?

Mari: It was my 2014 diagnoses of endometriosis and PCOS (now Metabolic Reproduction Syndrome) that prompted me to take a closer look at the choices I was making and to transition to a more organic way of life. I created The Goofy Mermaid in order to share my journey in hopes to inspire others to join me in making better choices.

The Greenly Guide: With your recent departure from social media, can you briefly explain the future of the Goofy Mermaid, as I’m sure a lot of people will be interested to hear what is next for you!

Mari: It’s been a crazy ride — and to be honest, I never really had a clear strategy for The Goofy Mermaid. I just kind of hopped on and began sharing with hopes that someone would listen and feel understood, because living with any kind of invisible illness can not only be discouraging, but also lonely. It actually wasn’t until I decided to step away from social media that I realized just how much of an impact the brand was making… I received tons of emails, private messages, text messages (yes, I give my phone number out!) from people sharing how The Goofy Mermaid has inspired them and asking me to stay in the space. I had to leave social media, though. The solution? To bring on a new mermaid! I introduced her right before my exit and decided that I will continue to work behind-the-scenes with her to develop the brand. What that will look like? Who knows, but we do have some high hopes!

Although I’ll be BTS, The Goofy Mermaid will not be my only focus. I’ll actually be taking lots of time to sit in stillness to figure out what’s next for me. Despite the odds that are against me, I’m determined to get pregnant — naturally — and to find my life’s purpose. So I’ll be using my newfound free time to focus more on my health and listen to what Life is asking of me.

The Greenly Guide: I have heard you speak about your health reasons as to why you turned to natural products and green beauty – for people who may be going through similar things, can you share what you think have been your most important & effective changes that you have made?

Mari: It’s tough to spotlight just one change when really I believe that they all work together. If I’m eating correctly, but not using cleaner products on my skin, I’m still not feeling my best — I have to be eating a certain way, exercising (be careful, though: Endometriosis and/or PCOS sufferers should not be doing heavy cardio!), taking vitamins, and using all of the right beauty + home products to feel 100%. Nurturing my emotions + soul also plays an important role in my feeling good.

The Greenly Guide: What was the first natural beauty or skincare product that you purchased?

Mari: I was fortunate enough to be provided the opportunity to try A LOT of products without having to purchase first however my first purchase was from Leahlani.

The Greenly Guide: What has been the hardest product to find a natural alternative for, if any?

Mari: Deodorant was a difficult hunt. Mascara and perfume are another. I actually just went back to my Yves Saint Laurent mascara since even the most impressive natural mascaras still don’t cut it [for me].

The Greenly Guide: What was your most recent green beauty purchase?
Mari: Does a tube of David’s Natural Toothpaste count?

The Greenly Guide: I’m sure you are constantly receiving emails from brands who are interested in working with you to promote their products – What do you look for in a new brand that you are thinking about trying? What are your tips on avoiding greenwashing and finding truly natural products?

Mari: It’s all about intention. My standard for brands is that they truly aim to provide better, safer, cleaner alternatives to conventional products while also serving the needs of the consumer. Purity is a bonus, but really I think that focusing too much on purity, might actually lead to exclusivity. Not everyone can afford to spend $160 on a bottle of serum, so that’s a huge consideration of mine when selecting brands. Also, just because a product contains 100% natural ingredients doesn’t mean that it’s effective. The goal of The Goofy Mermaid is to welcome everyone to make better choices — regardless of their budget or beliefs — without passing judgement on what better means to them

The Greenly Guide: Over the years, you have had the opportunity to try products from many different brands – what are the ones that you keep coming back to and have become a staple in your household or beauty routine? Can you narrow down your top 10 brands?

Mari: Just 10 brands? That’s rough, haha! Honestly, I have so many products that I use regularly depending on my skin’s/body’s needs, but if I must choose below are some of my must-haves (in no specific order):

Bella Aura: Gentle Purifying Cleanser
Twelve Beauty: Hyaluroil Lip Treatments
David’s Natural Toothpaste
Lotus Wei: Peony Elixir or Infinite Love Anointing Oil
Innersense Organic Beauty: Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer
Plume Science: Lash & Brown Serum
Leahlani Skincare: Mermaid Mask
Native Atlas: Clarifying Face Oil
Tabitha James Kraan: Scented Organic Hair Oil
Siam Seas: Shampoo + Treatment

The Greenly Guide: What is the greatest tip that you could give to someone who is just starting down the road of living a more natural and organic lifestyle?
Mari: If you want success: go slow. You don’t have to go crazy trying to get rid of every single “toxic” thing in your life, instead start with the things that most concern you and work your way from there. Also, follow some influencers within the community and connect with them! Ask them for advice, their fave resources, product recommendations for specific needs, etc.

Make sure to follow Kirstie, the new mermaid over at The Goofy Mermaid on Instagram.  Kirstie will be working with Mari to continue to bring you wonderful content and introduce you to ‘better for you’ beauty and wellness products. Make sure to stop by and say hello!

Thank you so much to Mari for taking the time to speak with us and share her knowledge – I’m sure you will all join me in wishing her so much happiness and success in all that she will pursue in the future!

The post Greenly Connections: A chat with Mari Draughon of The Goofy Mermaid appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

With your VIB card in hand, and the aisles and aisles of displays, any beauty lover can find something at this makeup haven. But what if you are looking for cleaner beauty options?  Do you have to give up your VIB status?  No way!

Once you have started down the road of transitioning your health and beauty products from conventional to natural, most people immediately write off mainstream stores such as Sephora.  While it is true that the available options are quite limited in comparison to shopping at an all-natural, green beauty shop, the choices are becoming better, and the reach of green beauty brands is growing.

Plan Ahead

Before diving into the brands that we suggest picking up at Sephora, we wanted to mention that when shopping at conventional beauty stores, it is essential to read labels!  Greenwashing is very prominent, and many companies are trying to profit from the growing community of individuals who are looking for natural and organic beauty – do your research prior to heading into the store so you know what you are looking for and which ingredients or brands you would like to avoid.

The Greenly Guide’s Clean List

With the VIB sale upon us, we have created our brand guide below to help you navigate through to the truly natural brands.  We have also chosen a few of our favorite picks to help you build your Sephora green beauty wish list!  [Make sure to always keep your eyes open as new clean beauty brands continue to be added to their brand list!]

Captain Blankenship

“Beauty Wild With Nature” – This luxurious organic line is for those mermaids at heart.  With products ranging from hair care to body care, the soft ocean colors and blue glass bottles will have you swooning and dreaming of sunshine and beaches

GREENLY PICK: Mermaid Sea Salt Hair Spray

If you are looking for the perfect beachy waves in a bottle, this is it.  Made with organic aloe vera gel and organic sea kelp extract to add moisture, light hold and texture to the hair, it will look like you have spent all day at the beach, even if you are far from it.

Deborah Lippmann

“Backstage trend creator.  Celebrity manicurist. Nail care expert” – Created by celebrated manicurist Deborah Lippman, she has created a 5-free formula that is innovative and beautiful.  Free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP and camphor, these polishes are also cruelty-free.  Each color is infused with Biotin and green tea to help keep nails healthy.

GREENLY PICK: Iconic Treatment-enriched Nail Polish in “Dark Side of the Moon”

This full coverage, aubergine shade is absolutely perfect for Fall and Winter. You cannot go wrong!  These formulas are long-wearing, dry quickly and apply evenly.  Give your nails the star treatment with this gorgeous polish line.

Herbivore

“Natural beauty for an unparalleled sensorial experience” – Herbivore is a brand that combines pure active plant ingredients, beautiful and simple branding and effective formulas that deliver results.  They are perfect for those seeking a minimalist approach to their skincare.  Between their masks and facial oils, you will have glowing skin in no time!

GREENLY PICK: The NEW Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment

Dullness and uneven skin texture are no match for this multitasking treatment!  Fruit enzymes gently resurface the skin while a blend of butters and hyaluronic acid hydrate and leave the skin exfoliated, smooth and glowing.

ILIA

“Brilliant Color. Organic Beauty” – Known for their rich pigments and organic ingredients, ILIA products are formulated with up to 85% certified organic ingredients which will nourish the skin for a unique beauty experience.

GREENLY PICK: Multi-Stick in “A Fine Romance”

If you are looking for a versatile product for easy on-the-go application, this one is great for both the lips and cheeks.  With a nourishing blend of ingredients, including avocado oil, organic cocoa and shea butter, this smooth formula will give an effortless looking tint to the lips or flush to the cheeks—this berry color is perfect for Fall!

Kari Gran

“Be kind to your skin”  – If you are looking for an eco-luxe skincare brand that contains only the best, non-GMO ingredients, Kari Gran has you covered.  Their lip whips are coveted by many green beauty fanatics to achieve the perfectly tinted and hydrated pout.

GREENLY PICK: Color Lip Whip in “Marsala”

A gorgeously luxurious lipstick hybrid, the Color Lip Whip is made with the same wonderful moisturizing and natural ingredients found in the naked and tinted lip whips, but these offer a deeper burst of color.  Use them alone or over a lipstick for the perfect dose of hydration and color.

Kopari

“Have a coconut love affair.  Your beauty is safe with us” – This tropically influenced, coconut oil based skincare and bodycare line will have you feeling like you are on the beaches of Hawaii.  Drawing on the many benefits of coconut oil, such as skin hydration and anti-aging, it is the star ingredient in all of their products. With their brightly colored packaging, you will be smiling and smelling like a delicious coconut!

GREENLY PICK: Coconut Balm

This pure and simple balm is a super multi-tasker and can be used from head to toe.  Infused with organic coconut oil, aloe vera, and cocoa butter, dryness won’t have a chance.  Apply to the body, hands or as a spot treatment for dry patches anywhere.  Works great right after a shower on damp skin to really lock in moisture

Rahua

“Beauty is power” – If you are looking for a unique and luxurious hair care brand, Rahua cannot be beat.  Their brand is inspired by the Amazon and centuries-old authentic tribal beauty secrets.  Their products give life to lackluster hair by feeding it with only the best organic rainforest grown superfoods.

GREENLY PICK: Jet Setter Kit

We love this four-piece set of hair care essentials so you can get a taste of this luxurious line without breaking the bank.  In this set you will find their classic shampoo and conditioner formula along with their Voluminous shampoo and conditioner all housed in 2oz bottles that are perfect for finding the best products for you and are great for travel as well!

REVERIE

“Luxury organic hair care line handcrafted in California” – Created by experienced hair stylist Garrett Markenson, REVERIE’s hair care is made of the world’s finest organic and sustainable ingredients. Their products feature chic black and white branding where you will find everything from shampoo and conditioner to styling and treatments–this line will help to restore your hair to optimum levels of health.

GREENLY PICK: Ever Recovery Hair Oil

Great for all hair types from straight to curly, this marula oil based hair oil will help to repair split ends, add shine and restore damaged hair.  It can also be used as an intense overnight treatment for super hydrated and silky smooth strands.

rms beauty

“Organic meets luxury” – Created by renowned makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift, rms beauty is a must have in your quest for clean beauty.  Their makeup offers some of the cleanest ingredients in the industry, and the entire line is made with organic, raw, food-grade ingredients.

GREENLY PICK: Living Luminizer

This cult favorite and best-selling cream highlighter is a must have!  Crafted with high quality, nourishing ingredients, this highlight gives your skin the coveted ‘Lit from Within’ glow we are all searching for.  It gives the skin a dewy youthfulness without being greasy or glittery.

Tata Harper

“100% natural and non-toxic luxury skincare handcrafted without a drop of synthetic chemicals” – If you think going green means missing out on indulgent luxury brands, meet Tata Harper.  Made in small batches using the latest technology and the finest quality ingredients, you will feel like you’ve stepped into a spa upon each use.

GREENLY PICK: Regenerating Cleanser

To keep skin smooth and clear, exfoliation is key – especially as we head into the winter months. This exfoliating cleanser is highly effective and will help to improve the look of enlarged pores, boost radiance, purify and deeply hydrate – an incredible multi-tasking skin treatment for all skin types.

We hope this will be useful in navigating Sephora and helping you to find green beauty brands among their offerings.  

The post Shopping at Sephora: A Green Beauty Guide appeared first on The Greenly Guide.

In addition to being ingredient savvy, Omiana is also first and foremost a family-centered business.  They are a privately held, family-owned company, that caters to a small niche clientele who are looking for a wide variety of safe and high performing cosmetics.  They pride themselves on always remembering that there is a real person on the other end of an email or phone call, and they operate on a strategy of putting heart, not profit, at the center of all that they do.

In addition to providing helpful and friendly customer service, they take their family-first stance a step further by providing their employees a “classroom” to bring their children with them to work.  This room is filled with books, piles of compostable diapers, toys and comfy couches for nursing moms. They believe in harmony between work and family, and they certainly take the steps to provide their employees this incredible benefit.

The Greenly Guide is so excited to share with you more about this company on the blog today.  We had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Lauren, founder of Omiana, and to ask her a few questions about her company and their products. Please read on below for our full interview with Lauren, a wonderful discount code plus a chance to win some of Omiana’s fabulous products!

The Greenly Guide: Can you share a little about your story and how you first became interested in using natural and non-toxic beauty products?

Lauren: My mom’s family is Mennonite, straight from Germany, so we (my sister, cousins, and I) spent a lot of time helping husk corn and riding horses on the farm. I think that environment kept my head health-geared from a young age. My grandma wouldn’t keep sugar in the house, for example. Just honey, and only once in a blue moon would she let us use it! It’s always been a lifestyle for my family and me. My sister and I delved into makeup when my mom, who did not stay within the Mennonite circle, let us; we have always enjoyed makeup and considered it an art form.

The Greenly Guide: How was Omiana born? What inspired you to start your company to create safer cosmetics?

Lauren: Omiana came about during my first pregnancy. I was looking for a line with numerous safe options; there are a lot of amazing pure lines out there, but sometimes their shades and finishes seem limited.

The Greenly Guide: Is there a special meaning or significance behind the name Omiana? How did you decide on this name for your brand?

Lauren: My [then small] team and I actually cycled through a few names, but the trademarks didn’t go through! Omiana (“ah-me-ah-nah”) is a name my toddler helped me devise, ha-ha! We polled a good deal of our loyal customers, too: they seemed to agree it’s a memorable, ‘clean’ name.

The Greenly Guide: Omiana caters not only to those looking for cleaner beauty products, but to those with specific ingredient sensitivities as well- can you talk a little about the ingredients you have omitted from your formulas and why?

Lauren: It may sound odd, but even avoiding coconut oil is a biggie within Omiana. We certainly use it, and a lot of us love it, but it would probably come as a surprise to many how some skin types are sensitive to this ingredient. Ditto for beeswax, castor oil, even zinc oxide and other oxides. Chromium greens, ultramarines, mica … some colorants, colorants that have ‘iffy’ research findings. There is inconclusive research, pros and cons, to virtually every ingredient out there, though, so when we source, we are diligent to be sure it’s the safest option among its kind. For example, Omiana’s iron oxides are not coated, are not micronized, and are certainly not nanoparticle. Our zinc oxide is high-micron; our beeswax is kosher, cruelty-free … the list goes on and on. Every ingredient has a strict sourcing process.

The Greenly Guide: When creating products with natural and non-toxic ingredients, what challenges have you encountered and how have you resolved these issues in your formulas?

Lauren: One thing we talk about a lot with our manufacturing team is what we call the ‘preservative battle’ … we can make an amazing pH-balanced formula that passes safety tests but then have a savvy team member or even customers (we enlist some very loyal customers in early product creation) want or not want a preservative because a preservative can offer ‘extra security’ yet some are sensitive to them or don’t like a moderate EWG-rated ingredient (e.g., a “3” over a “0” or “1”) — on the other hand, some are sensitive to or disapprove of herbal preservations systems … they might not want an herbal preservation system only in a mascara because if it gets contaminated because it’s opened and closed so much, that’s awfully risky, being so close to one’s precious eyes. It can be a catch-22 … so we opt to offer a variety of formulas.

With the care we put into formulations and ethical, legal, customers’-right-to-know full ingredient disclosure, it can be so disheartening seeing companies mislabeling in effort to win customers in the ‘natural’ segment. We have seen this with mom-and-pop shops that might not understand strict labeling mandates, and we have seen this with big companies — I don’t want to throw anyone under the bus, but an example is a company claiming an anhydrous (no-water) formula, with numerous extracts, yet their extracts are suspended in water. Or not disclosing an ingredient combination because it’s trademarked. It can get a little frustrating as consumers ourselves and caring about other consumers’ right to know what is honestly in their products.

Omiana is full of young women and mamas: we shouldn’t have to choose if we want to have a career or be a mom. Merging the two is what is natural in our case. -Lauren, founder of Omiana

The Greenly Guide: As a mom myself, knowing that family is at the core of Omiana is so inspiring. I love that you have given your employees access to a ‘classroom’ in your offices so moms can bring their little ones with them. So amazing! As this is definitely not the standard, can you explain why you decided to offer this incredible feature at Omiana?

Lauren: Thank you so much for caring; We have two men who are in our warehouse, and my husband is our COO, but other than that, Omiana is full of young women and mamas: we shouldn’t have to choose if we want to have a career or be a mom. Merging the two is what is natural in our case. These little ones, our future, are our driving forces: seeing my babes’ faces and getting to plop down to feed them — it’s why I work so hard, and I know many women who are the same way and would prefer this. Totally not judging anyone who prefers otherwise, but this is a great set-up for us here. We have to keep kiddos away from manufacturing and order fulfillment, of course, but fortunately that’s quite separated. Our ‘classroom’ area, as we call it, is neat. It’s modern and comfy with lots of learning centers and is downtown Columbia, Missouri, so there are fun little organic cafes and other local businesses surrounding us.

The Greenly Guide: Let’s talk about your products – what was the very first product created at Omiana, and is it still in production today?

Lauren: It was Omiana’s loose powder, and you bet, it is!

The Greenly Guide: For someone who is new to your brand and wondering where to start, can you share some of your current best-selling products?

Lauren: Omiana’s mineral veil really flies off our shelves. It’s simple and silky and really helps allay the appearance of pores, lines, and imperfections. Also, it sort of surprises me how well the baby bum powder does! I love this so much. Normally clay is an awesome ingredient, but it made me a little nervous with my newborn, so we formulated without clay, even, and no cornstarch … I think moms really appreciate all its omissions. A little secret — you can totally use this as a dry shampoo, too : )

The Greenly Guide: What brings you the greatest joy through owning Omiana?

Lauren: Two things: the experience it provides my family and remaining as bonded as we are and the connection I and other team members get to establish with our amazing loyal customers. We have heard so many stories about triumph over illness; healthy pregnancies; landing-the-job, Omiana getting a tiny role in these stories. It’s just awesome hearing how Omiana plays a part in lives, even if it seems small. Augmenting our natural beauty through fun colors and ingredients — it’s an art form and a way we get to connect with people.

The Greenly Guide: Can you share any exciting plans or new products that we can look forward to in 2017?

Lauren: We are working on at least one new mascara, more foundation choices, and eye shadows! Also you will see more in our ‘holistic’ section: Beauty and health go hand in hand, so offering EMF protection, essential oil-fragranced lead-free soy candles, and much more really excites us and hopefully our supporters, too.

Interested in trying some of Omiana’s Products?

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