Beauty Obsessed: a Green Beauty Haul
I’ve loved skin care since I was little, and overtime my passion for products has only increased. I am beauty obsessed, and recently I made a huge green beauty haul.
Having skin sensitivities, as well as a desire to stay on the natural side, I’ve become very particular about the products that I use. I have a few good-quality favorites that I stick to, and try not to get too bogged down in the hype of everything else (even though Sephora makes me feel like a kid in a candy store).
Every now and then, after some research and extensive reading of product reviews, I’ll switch it up a bit. I just can’t resist!
Prior to my international move (I’ve been living in Israel for the past year), I stocked up on my beauty must-haves knowing that I probably wouldn’t be able to get my hands on them while abroad. I guess my planning worked perfectly, because the week before flying home, I ran out of many of my everyday staples.
I quickly order a huge Sephora box to my parents’ house so it would be waiting for me when I arrived. I picked up a few other favs at our local, natural foods co-op and Target.
It is Easy to be Green
Veganism and green living has become much more mainstream; it has become trendy, really, which is great for product lovers like me. Companies are now aiming to meet consumers’ demands by making some really great products that are vegan (V), cruelty free (CF), paraben free (PF) and sulfate free (SF).
The Clean Seal at Sephora
Sephora has taken it one step further by doing the work for us. Each product labeled with their Clean Seal are free of these ingredients: sulfates SLS and SLES, parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, and triclocarban.
All skincare, makeup and hair brands with the Clean Seal have less than one percent synthetic fragrances.
See… so easy!
Finally, the List:
Here is what I got and my first impression of each:
Face
(listed in order of use: from morning to night)
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Day Serum: I always want to start my day with a vitamin C serum to help protect my skin from free radicals. For years I used the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which is regularly voted the #1 Vitamin C Serum, but it is quite expensive and not cruelty free.
Drunk Elephant has a great reputation in the “green world,” so I thought I’d give it a try. Their vitamin C Serum also contains ferulic acids and vitamin E, so it is similar to the SkinCeuticals Serum.
First Impression: I have enjoyed using this product in the morning, it is light and easy to apply. It is not sticky or tacky on my skin; I forget that it is even on!
~ CF ~ Clean Seal ~ (not vegan – uses an ingredient derived from seashells) ~
Drunk Elephant Umbra™ Sheer Physical Daily Defense: I wear sunscreen every day, as everyone should! I have tried chemical sunscreens in the past but they really irritate my skin.
For years I used the LaVanila Facial Sunscreen, which was discontinued. For my new try, I picked up the Drunk Elephant, which won the best of beauty award from Allure Magazine.
First Impression: So far so good. This sunscreen applies like the LaVanila. The “white cast” typical to a physical sunscreen is not noticeable. The scent is nice and subtle. It is a bit greasy, but that is typical to this type of sunscreen. Usually I’ll add a bit of powder if I’m feeling too shiny and I’m good to go!
~ CF ~ Clean Seal ~ (not vegan – uses an ingredient derived from seashells) ~
Tip: There are two types of sunscreens, physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens use a mineral layer to physically block the sun’s rays (such as zinc oxide), while chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays. Here is a helpful blog post detailing the pros and cons of each.
Acure Brilliantly Brightening Facial Scrub: This is a repeat purchase. Acure recently updated their product lines and packaging, so I’m not sure the formula is entirely the same, but I still love the scrub.
I think of this scrub as a more affordable and natural alternative to Kate Summerville’s ExfoliKate.
~ V ~ CF ~ PF ~ SF ~
Herbivore Orchid Youth-Preserving Facial Oil: I had been through two bottles of the Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil and decided to try something new.
Herbivore products have risen in popularity over the last few years. I read the list ingredients and the reviews, all of which sounded great. Plus, their sleek, minimalist packaging is hard to resist, so I thought I’d give them a try.
According to the brand, the Orchid Oil defends against free radicals, supports natural elasticity, and contains beneficial vitamins and fatty acids.
First Impression: The packaging is gorgeous, and the oil feels luxurious, but the scent is a little strong. It may be too strong for me to keep.
~ V ~ CF ~ Clean Seal ~
Acure The Essentials Moroccan Argan Oil: I have owned many bottles of this oil, as well as Acure’s Marula oil. This is 100% pure Argan oil. It’s a no-fuss, super staple. I layer it with an expensive oil so I can use less of each.
Honestly, just using this oil would be enough, but something inside me wants more, more, more!
~ V ~ CF ~ PF ~ SF ~
Tip: For face oil, I always check to see how much of the oil on the label is actually in the product. For example: the first ingredient listed in the Fresh Seaberry Oil is grape seed oil. Seaberry is the fourth oil listed.
Omorovicza Acid Fix AHA BHA Treatment: This all natural brand has been popular in posh circles for years, and I decided to give it a try. It is a bit pricey, but feels so luxurious.
The Acid Fix is a glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid treatment, which leads to radiant, younger-looking skin. I was so excited to try this product and it definitely did not disappoint!
First Impression: I used this product the night after my 12 hour red-eye flight from Israel to Boston. I layered it will the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask and woke up with the most radiant glowing, I-just-had-a-facial-not-a-red-eye-flight skin.
~ V ~ CF ~ Clean Seal ~
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: I was so excited to try this cult-favorite, overnight moisture mask, especially since I was recovering from jet lag!
According to the brand, this hydrating mask soothes thirsty, stressed-out skin by steeping cells in a nourishing mix of vitamins, ceramides, antioxidants, and gently exfoliating extracts. Your skin will look instantly renewed, radiant, and ready for anything.
First Impression: As I mentioned previously, I used this mask in combination with the Omorovicza Acid Fix and it was absolutely an award-winning combo. I am already so excited by this mask; and I think it will just keep getting better as we move into the colder, drier, winter months.
~ V ~ CF ~ Clean Seal ~
Omorovicza Travel Mask Trio: Since I am new to this brand, but have really enjoyed the products I have tried, I decided to test a few of their masks. This trio set is the perfect sampler. It comes with the Ultramoor Mud Mask, Deep Cleansing Mask, and Midnight Radiance Mask.
First Impression: I have yet to try all three masks (since I have so much new beauty to try). I did use the midnight radiance mask, which I liked, but the results were quite similar to the acid fix.
~ V ~ CF ~ Clean Seal ~
Skin Gym Rose Quartz Facial Roller: With facial rollers being all the rage, I had to pick one up for myself!
Facial rollers are said to improve blood circulation and skin tone, promote lymphatic drainage (thus eliminating toxins) and collagen production, and reduces puffiness and wrinkles.
First Impression: I’ve used my roller for a few days now and although it feels great, I’m not sure it is making much of a noticeable difference. However, I don’t expect the results to be immediate. I’ll keep you updated on the progress!
Hair
OUAI Hair Oil: Another cult favorite! I was excited to try this product after seeing so many great reviews. My hair isn’t that difficult to manage, but I wanted something to keep it healthy and happy.
This is the only hair product I use.
First Impression: My hair is soft and silky and even on a rainy day it remained frizz free.
~ CF ~ PF ~ SF ~
Wet Brush: There is a new tangle teaser in town. This brush is designed to detangle wet hair without causing damage or causing pain. I was in the market for a new brush and thought I’d test this one out, plus the inspiring quote was too cute to resist.
First Impression: Brushing my wet hair with this brush is so easy, it glides right through. I can feel that it is soft on my hair, but it works really well. I’m definitely going to recommend this brush to friends.
Body
Soap: I’m obsessed with the lychee rose scent that Mistral makes. I never get sick of it, and I always stock up when I can. Trying to branch out a bit, I decided to pick up a different brand. I loved the smell of this Wavertree & London Havana soap.
~ CF ~ PF ~ SF ~
Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Super Hydrating Hand Cream: I always need a good hand cream on my desk. I feel the dryness in my fingers when I’m typing. I’ve always loved the Pacifica Coconut Nectar smell, so figured why not get their hand cream. It’s vegan, cruelty free, and smells divine!
~ V ~ CF ~ PF ~ SF ~
Jason’s Toothpaste: I have sensitive skin, and the skin inside my mouth is probably the most sensitive of all. I used to hate brushing my teeth because the skin in my mouth would get so irritated! It wasn’t until collage that I discovered Jason’s Toothpaste, which has no sulfates (the dreadful irritants).
I’ve tried both the power smile, which is very minty, and the sea fresh, which is milder. I love them both! I buy several tubes of these so I never run out.
When I moved abroad I bought four boxes because I was worried I’d run out!
~ V ~ CF ~ PF ~ SF ~
Kiss My Face Moisture Shave: This may be the least glamorous product in this post, but it’s one of my all time favorites. I love it for many reasons: besides being a great “green” product (ethically sourced, vegan, cruelty free, etc), it works really well. The creamy texture doesn’t foam like most mainstream brands, which makes it both easier to use and more efficient. Plus, the texture is wonderfully moisturizing.
~ V ~ CF ~ PF ~ SF ~
Pacifica Coconut Milk & Essential Oils Underarm Deodorant Wipes: This was an impulse purchase that I picked up while perusing the aisles at Target. I thought it sounded interesting, and if it worked, it would be a great travel product.
First Impression: These wipes smell delicious and they actually work pretty well. I can tell [smell] the difference on the days that I use these wipes versus the days that I do not.
However, there are only 30 wipes in a package, so if you use one a day, you’ll need a package a month!
I think these are perfect for traveling, when showering may not be an everyday option, or to keep in your bag for mid-day touch-ups.
~ V ~ CF ~ PF ~ SF ~
That is it! It seems like a lot, but this will last me for most of the year. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products and what you thought. Also leave a comment with your favorite green skincare products; I’d love to hear about what you’re loving right now!
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