Bath Bombs: Do or Don't?

Do you use bath bombs?  The bath bomb trend kind of exploded a few years ago with brick and mortar store fronts like Lush toting their brightly colored bath bombs available in all the colors of the rainbow.  While I don't take baths often, I do enjoy a leisurely soak after a hard workout or a long, exhausting day.  But then I wondered...what's actually in a bath bomb?  

Typically, it's a mix of fizzy ingredients, colorants, salts, sometimes essential oils, or surprises like bits of rose petals or glitter.  The reason it breaks down in water is the sodium bicarbonate in the bath bomb reacts with citric acid releasing carbon dioxide gas.  Very similar to what happens when you drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet in water.  Though it does make sense to be wary of bath bombs with colors you don't see in nature, or foreign items like glitter, sprinkles, or shimmer.  Colorants and these "surprises" can serve as skin irritants, especially if your skin is sensitive.

My go-to bath products are usually Dr. Teal's foaming bath with epsom salts in lavender or Young Living bath bombs in stress away (an essential oil blend that's a pleasing scent of lime, vanilla, and copaiba).  These products are both clean, fragrance-free, and straightforward with their ingredient lists - no additives, colorants, or artificial fragrances allowed.

Happy soaking!

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Let's Talk Lipstick

Let's talk lipstick, shall we?  Did you know that many makeup items contain heavy metals?  Do you know what the headliner of the heavy metals category is?  Lead.  Yes, lead.  Gulp.  Now, remember, companies are not intentionally adding heavy metals to makeup, but rather these are typically contaminants that are inadvertantly brought along with both mineral and synthetic ingredients used to give products color.

The FDA conducted a study of 400 lipsticks in 2007 for the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, which found small increments of lead in the majority of lipsticks tested.  The FDA also claims these are of minimal risk to people as lipstick is rarely swallowed.  Well...did you know, the average woman swallows seven pounds of lipstick in her lifetime?  SEVEN POUNDS!  

While there are some guidelines and restrictions limiting the use of lead in color additives used in cosmetics, there is no FDA limit defined for lead in cosmetics. Ultimately, this has been left to companies to create their own heavy metal standards which is terrifying, as many do not subscribe to safety as a #1 priority.

Okay, now that I've given you some facts - some good news.  There are companies that test all color products for heavy metals.  For example, during development, Beautycounter sends its cosmetic formulas to independent labs to test for 12 heavy metals.  They work with suppliers to do their best to avoid contaminants, and keep heavy metal levels at a non-detectable level - which is significantly more screening than most companies do.  Remember, there are no FDA restrictions on what the limit should be for ppm heavy metals in cosmetics at present. 

Some food for thought for the next time you're in the market for a lipstick.  This one is currently always in my purse.  

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Skincare Spotlight: Rejuvenating Eye Cream

You guys, this eye cream has got me all 🙌! Part of the Beautycounter rejuvenating line, a.k.a anti-aging line, it’s formulated with all kinds of botanical goodness, including wild algae and caffeine. A little dab goes a looooooong way to diminish fine lines, soften wrinkles, and reduce puffiness. If you don’t need that, I bow down to you! 😘

Skincare Spotlight: Cleansing Balm

Starting up some little skincare spotlights on my favorite products. First up, the Beautycounter cleansing balm.  If you’re anything like me, upon first hearing of a product called "cleansing balm," I was like... uh, so what is it exactly?  When I think balm, my brain goes right to lip balm. So is it a lip balm for your face?  Let me set the record straight.  First, it’s a cleanser, a face wash and eye makeup remover, but don’t stop there. Also works as an overnight hydrating mask, and can be used for eczema spot treatments. 

The texture is unique, it’s kind of like a thick, viscous version of coconut oil, but it melts into the skin more easily, if you can imagine that. Packed with nutrients, raspberry and cranberry seed oils and amazing for hydration, even for the breakout prone like myself.  And truthfully, at first, I was a bit skeptical of the balm. Would it be like Noxema? The awful cleanser whose noxious smell peppered my preteen years. Not even close! This is the first true “balm” I’ve ever used as a face wash and I’m not sure I can ever go back. 

To apply, you take a dime sized amount using the provided scoop, rub across your face. The balm + massaging removes any makeup residue, which you’ll see as it’s pulled from your skin. Wipe off with muslin cloth that comes with cleansing balm (or wet washcloth), tone, and moisturize and you’re ready for bed. I also use it 1-2 nights per week to hydrate and then just wash my face in the morning. 

The jar will likely last you 4-6 months easy, and I can truly see a change in the texture and hydration of my skin. My skin used to flake occasionally when I applied makeup, and that is no longer the case. While I’m a consultant for Beautycounter, I don’t feel passionate about all of their products. But the ones that are effective, productive, and worthwhile, I sing the praises of. The cleansing balm is a solid favorite, I love, love, love it.

The Real Meaning of "Fragrance"

Do you know what’s in your kids’ shampoo? Flip over the bottle and scan the ingredients for the word “fragrance.” 

“Fragrance,” is considered a trade secret, so companies aren’t legally bound to disclose what chemicals make up the scent. It is often dozens, sometimes even hundreds of chemicals.” All tucked away in one little word. Scary, right?

I did this with all of my kids’ products and found the word “fragrance,” on every single bottle, even the ones that were sulfate, phthalate, and paraben free and seemed “clean.” 

Yet another reason I love Beautycounter and their kids line. There’s no mystery “fragrance.” They fully disclose all essential oils and ingredients used. The kids’ shampoo and conditioner come in fresh citrusy vanilla scent and you’ll feel confident knowing you’re not putting any chemicals onto or into your kids. 

Skincare Spotlight: Brightening Facial Oil

If you’d told me a year and a half ago that I’d be putting oil on my face as a moisturizer, I’d have called you crazy. Having had combination oily skin as long as I can remember, I couldn’t even imagine adding oil to my already oily skin, citing it was a breakout waiting to happen.

Eventually, after reading all sorts of hype about facial oils, I caved and bought one, figuring what the hell, it can’t hurt. As it turned out, there were no breakouts, no zits, and hydration like you wouldn’t believe. Who knew? Certainly not me! 

Over time I tried a few different ones; jojoba oil, rose hip oil, a combination of argan + sea buckthorn oil...but it has been Beautycounter’s brightening facial oil that’s by far my favorite. It’s silky smooth, lightweight, and smells like fresh citrus and sunshine. A few drops go a loooong way. And it’s clean. Chemical and toxin free radiance via oil. Who knew? 

Beautycounter

Hello out there!  I have a new gig I wanted to share with you!  I recently became a consultant for Beautycounter. I was reluctant to take on a side hustle unless I truly felt like it was a good gig for both myself and family and it had to be a company I really believed in.

How I got here? Well, I've been on a quest to rid toxins in my everyday products since a good friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer, and was told by her doctors that traces of parabens were found in the cancerous tissues removed during her mastectomy. Since then, I've tried to transition out all the products I use that contain chemicals. During this process, I kept noticing that swapping out household cleaners seemed to be an easier switch. Their labels were more explicit, clear cut, and more transparently chemical free. But when it came to skin care, shampoos, and makeup- if was very ambiguous and I felt like I never really knew what I was putting on my body.

I first heard about Beautycounter on a few blogs I love. I admit, at first, I too was skeptical. With so many people are plugging their side hustles these days, it's hard to know if it's the real deal. In addition, I'd been pretty loyal to big name makeup brands like Laura Mercier, Mac, and Tarte for years - despite not knowing what exactly was in their products. In addition, I was a little wary of a new brand - would an exclusively clean line be able to hold up to the makeup coverage I was used to? The answer is YES!

I started small; first with foundation, powder, and moisturizer. Since then, I've dabbled in lipsticks, lip gloss, concealer, cleansers, sunscreen, and more! And believe me when I say, since I've switched, I haven't looked back! Plus, I feel so much happier and more confident in my skincare and makeup routine today knowing that I'm not inadvertently putting any chemicals or potentially harmful ingredients into my body.

One of the main reasons I'm excited to partner with this company is because of their mission. They only sell products FREE of parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, etc. in addition to 1,500 other questionable or possibly harmful chemicals, which consequently are quite prevalent in other companies the beauty market today. Their never list includes the 1,400 chemicals restricted or banned from personal care products in the European Union plus others Beautycounter has found to be of concern.

To put this in perspective, there are currently only 30 banned ingredients in the US, and there have been no laws passed to regulate the cosmetic industry since 1938. Beautycounter also spends considerable resources advocating for stricter laws and regulations in Washington, D.C. to help change this, to promote change and hold companies accountable for the the ingredients they're allowed to put into their products.

I encourage you to check out the Beautycounter website and seee if you find something that piques your interest. If you decide to buy and try, there's a 60 day exchange/return window, no questions asked. And if you’ve read this far – thank you!  I want to give you as much information as I can without overwhelming you.  If you have any questions, please ask!  I'm excited to be doing something that I believe in that also earns money for my family.

P.S. I'll be posting some of my favorite products soon, so stay tuned!

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These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Sorry I'm a week behind on my favorite things posts, my bad.  There's been a lot going on around here, stay tuned for a follow up post to explain...

In the mean time, here's another one of my favorite things, Origins Drink Up face mask.

I've tried many a mask in my hey-day, what girl hasn't?  Many slumber party memories include "beauty sessions" involving many a drug store face mask paired with cucumber eye patches.  I would consider my skin combination, oily at times, dry at times, but temperamental to unsuspecting breakouts as a result of trying out new products.  As a result, I'm a bit wary to try anything new on my face, especially a face mask, which has the potential of mobilizing into a break out machine.  

However reluctant I was, I inevitably tried this mask at the recommendation of the make-up artist who did my wedding make-up!  This 10-minute mask isn't aimed to deep clean or exfoliate, it's sole purpose is to rehydrate your skin.  And I can honestly say that after using it, my skin feels soft and supple, and very hydrated, believe it or not!

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Paraben Free Skin Care

Forgive me if this post gets a little "preachy," but I thought this information was too critical to not pass on.  Do you know what parabens are?  I hate to admit, but I wasn't very knowledgable on the subject...  I recognized this word from the ingredient list of many of the bottles in my shower, but I assumed it was just another ingredient in the mix and nothing more.  However, when a friend told me that doctors found traces of parabens in the tumor they removed from her breast cancer surgery, I was utterly shocked.  That reality check was all I needed to get myself in the know..and NOW!

When I googled "paraben definition," three separate definitions all looked almost identical to this: "paraben: an antifungal ingredient commonly used as preservatives in skin care products that is linked to hormonal changes in the body as well as an increased risk of breast cancer."

What?!  And to think I've been blindly putting these parabens into my body.  Uh-uh, not anymore!  This was the kick in the pants I needed to revamp my skincare for a paraben-free regiment.  

If this post is at all is intriguing, inspiring, or a skin care game-changer for you, I suggest you start here: The Cosmetic Database.  This database lists the stats on most brands of makeup, shampoo, toothpaste, and skincare products.  Use to find out what's really natural, paraben free, which brands have higher risk factors, the list goes on.  But, beware - this is a major time suck, I spent a good hour and a half scouring this website before I managed to pull myself away.

From this website, I discovered Yes To brand.  This brand uses natural ingredients and is entirely paraben free.  I originally bought the Yes to Cucumber face wipes and Yes to Tomatoes clear skin moisturizer on Amazon, but last week I discovered Target is now carrying the brand, hooray!  Products are affordable, with fresh scents, and leave your skin feeling healthy and clean.  

Here's another perspective on the paraben free trend via real simple.  While I'd like to eventually try and go all natural, it's been pricy to make the switch.  As of now, my game plan has been to try and cut out the amount of paraben products I use, see what new products I like, and keep up the momentum. 

Have you found any must-try paraben free products you'd like to share?

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Glam Hair

 I've been on a mission to grow out my hair for summer, but this wavy chic bob Rachel McAdams is sporting is making me seriously consider a major chop.  

If you made a drastic change to your hair, what would it be?

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It's Genius

I'm always on the prowl for the perfect nail polish color.  I just picked up this lovely sparkly purple hue, "It's Genius," by Essie.  Thi polish the is perfect shade of eggplant with a hint of gold flecks, the ultimate manicure color for cheering on my alma mater - the Washington Huskies!  

What's your latest polish du jour?

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Make Up 411

Make up has never been my thing.  Although I sincerely wish it was a skill I possessed.  When my college friends do vacations - I love that I'm able to shelve my unimpressive regiment of bare minerals coverage, cover girl eye liner, maybelline mascara, and my lip gloss du jour, and default to my friend Marissa, who somehow manages to create makeup magic on me every time!   If only I could keep her in my pocket to be my personal makeup stylist for every other day of the year.

So now, that I've decided as an almost thirty year old grown up, it is time for me to invest in some quality makeup that suits me.  However, I find buying makeup extremely daunting.  In fact, the idea of it is somewhat frightening to me.  First I think it is grossly overpriced, and second, since I'm not as familiar with what is necessary to create a polished look on my ever-pale skin, I somehow manage to buy products I never end up using, and neglect to buy the essentials.

So I'm curious, what's your go-to brand?  I'm always so impressed when bloggers do make up posts, I always scribble names of the stand-out products, thankful for honest and helpful recommendations.  

Do you have a favorite blush?  Eye shadow?  Lipstick?  Liner?  

If so...please, do tell.  I'm all ears!

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New Fave Beauty Product

My new favorite product is this - Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream. I was a little skeptical of the "gel-cream" concept, but this little jar of moisturizer is amazing!! It's the texture of a gel, but is not sticky in the slightest with a smooth texture. The fragrance is light and not overpowering and really adds that *oomph* of moisture to my skin.

Trust me, I don't endorse beauty products very often, I only endorse what I truly believe in!

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Blackbirds

Aren't these blackbird soaps the cutest?

Whenever I'm in a new restroom, I usually scope out soaps and such on display while I'm washing my hands, just to see if there are any sweet smelling products worth buying myself.

These darling little blackbirds caught my eye as I thought, wouldn't these look so sweet perched on my soap dish. Plus they're natural and locally sourced, and the coolest part... there is a white ceramic bird hiding inside. What a keepsake!

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via designcrush

Skin Care 411

What's your skin regimen? Skin care is of the utmost importance to me. I'm a sunscreen "freak," given my fair complexion, and I'm always curious about to learn about and get feedback on new skin care products. Lately I've been trying to be budget conscious and use the Target brand daily renewal cleanser and night cream. However, I'd like to try new products as long as I can confirm they are worth the price.

Lately I've been eyeing these products...

Origins Brighter By Nature

Philosophy Hope in a Jar

Bliss Triple Oxygen Energizing Cream

What do you use?

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My New Fave

My new favorite nail polish color - Pamplona Purple. Isn't this a fun color? I'm currently sporting this shade on my toes right now. Perfect for football season...

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Bath Product Love

I adore bath products. I have to resist the urge to buy new shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, etc. every time I enter a store like Target. I typically try new brands that sound intriguing, and I'm a sucker for clever packaging. However, once I find a brand or product I like, I am definitely a repeat customer. I recently discovered a fabulous new lotion, Red Cherie Hand Lotion by Thymes. It smells like fresh cherries and is smooth to the touch, non-greasy, and leaves a light pleasant but not overwhelming scent.

What are your favorite bath products?

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Creme de Pistache

I recently converted to Laura Mercier make-up after a long standing relationship with Bobbi Brown. While her products aren't great for my wallet, they are for my skin. While in Nordstrom over the weekend, I was perusing the Laura counter and came across a new bath product line - Creme de Pistache. This line was apparently inspired by sweets in a French bakery, and though I've never considered myself one for pistachios, one whiff and sample, and I was in love. Particularly with the body souffle; it's sweet, luxurious, and heavenly. Unfortunately I couldn't stomach the price tag, but maybe I'll add it to my wish list for a rainy day...

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Lip Lust

One of my fave beauty products Labello lip balm. Unfortunately, it's only available in Europe, so whenever I'm there I always make a point to stock up. If you've never tried Labello before, think of a it as a smoother version of chapstick, with a way better taste.

I recently learned that Labello was bought by Nivea - an American company, and is now available under the guise of "Nivea." I was thrilled to hear this news as my last European Labello is almost out! I found the Nivea version at a local drugstore for about $2.99, and my lips have never been happier!

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Oh Oh Organic

Two of my favorite scents are lavender and citrus. Lavender to relax and calm, citrus to liven and awake. I recently discovered Pangea Organics, an organic bodycare company that brings my two favorite scents into one bottle: Pyranees Lavender and Cardamom (yes, I realize the citrus isn't built into the name, but trust me the scent is there).

I received this scent as part of a gift set which is as "green," organic, and earth friendly as they come. Forget the cellophane, my gift was wrapped in a cardboard container with shredded recycled paper filler. Now when I take a shower, I really feel like I'm being green!

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