Have you made resolutions this year? A common resolution is to exercise and eat better – generally live a healthier lifestyle. Have you thought about going for a healthier beauty routine?
For products that I use on a daily and long term basis I like to choose ones that are as natural as possible but of course natural and organic products (just like any other product) don’t necessarily work for everyone.
Here are 10 products that have worked for me and can start you off on a healthier beauty routine in 2014.
I was recently introduced to this Made In Canada brand Epic Blend Lip Balm. Paraben, gluten-free and all natural you’ll be able to find the flavour that you love best and most importantly it keeps your lips soft, smooth and healthy. There is also a vegan line containing no beeswax (the only non-vegan ingredient they use). These lip balms are guy friendly too as they don’t look girly, they have no colour and don’t leave a shiny film on the lips. Like I said, just soft, smooth healthy lips! My favourite flavours at the moment are the Pineapple-Mint, Green Apple and Chocolate Rum (the only rum I ever liked)!
You can find them online or at these retailers across Canada.
It can be difficult to find “good for you” nail polish. I first discovered Spa Ritual earlier last year. This vegan nail polish uses organic plant essences, has naturally coloured formulations and is paraben free.
You can get a Spa Ritual manicure from Elixir Spa in Toronto or find these nail polishes online at Nail Polish Canada or Spa Boutique.
Another Made In Canada product Kona Kare is best known for their lip butters. But their newly expanded line includes body care and this little jar of Luxury Butter Bliss has an apt name because putting just a little bit on my skin is true bliss! This lovely, non greasy multi-functional butter works so well on those hard to hydrate areas such as the knees and elbows but works equally well on the hands. I especially like using it on my cuticles in this dry weather. Because all of Kona Kare’s products are formulated without water they can make them preservative free which means a healthier product for us!
Find them online at KonaKare.com.
When I went to the Green Living Show last year I came across this no frills natural and organic line called Beaulance. I picked up the Naturose Skin Toner which I use after cleansing and before moisturizing to re-balance my skin and to help hydrate it. It’s also a nice facial mist in the summer time to keep you and your makeup refreshed. All the products are chemical-free and feature wild crafted herbs, oils and botanicals.
You can find them at several Green or Eco shows or online at Beaulance.com
Another favourite facial mist of mine is the Citrus Facial Mist by Pelle Beauty. The photo above is grabbed off their site as I sadly ran out and the bottle I had was the old packaging as well. I love carrying the travel size with me so I can spritz throughout the day when I’m feeling parched in the dryer months or need some refreshment in the summer months. All their products are vegan friendly and do not contain parabens or mineral oil.
Find the whole product line at pellebeauty.com.
What is this weird thing you might ask? It’s a Konjac Sponge for facial cleansing! This one in particular is the Dr. Sponge Charcoal Facial Cleansing Sponge meant for acne-prone and congested skin. This little sponge when dry is really hard but when wet it expands to about double its size and feels very “squishy”. Konjac is an exotic plant and is naturally rich in vitamins and minerals. This cleansing sponge is bio-degradable, fair-trade and cruelty-free. It’s extremely gentle on the skin – you can use it alone to cleanse or use with your favourite cleanser.
Learn more and find the whole line of products on drsponge.com.
If you’re looking for a facial oil to add to your beauty routine I’m a big fan of the Made In Canada lines from Pure + Simple. For mature skin I would recommend the Face Elixir from the Minimalist line. It’s chock full of amazing organic ingredients like jojoba oil, avocado oil, argan oil and rosehip oil just to name a few. Pure + Simple is of course also my pick for a healthier facial but always be sure to disclose any sensitivities to your esthetician.
For some colour on the cheeks and lips my healthier beauty pick is Revoluion Organics Freedom Glow Beauty Balm in Blushed. It’s 100% natural with 85% certified organic ingredients. I love the glow it gives to your cheeks – don’t be afraid of the colour it blends out beautiful for that nice healthy flush and it’s also buildable if you want a stronger look for the lips.
In Toronto you can purchase at the Blush Pretty Studio (777 Richmond Street West suite 2023) or online.
For makeup hands down I pick Jane Iredale for my healthy foundation choice. I use this Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage BB cream every day. All Jane Iredale products contain minerals so they have skin care benefits. They also have no parabens or phenoxyethanol. For preservatives (if they are needed) a combination of natural preservatives are used. All shades of this particular product are also gluten-free and vegan.
You can find Jane Iredale products at Pure + Simple locations and online too.
I think a healthier for you perfume is always difficult to find but I’m sure you know that my everyday perfume is another Made In Canada product – the Rice Flower Perfume Oil by Dot & Lil. Seriously, if I could bathe in this stuff I would! It used to be limited edition for the One of Kind Show but you probably have me to thank for Anne making it a regular in her line (kidding – but I may have forced it on a few people to try who now love it too). This is another product line that contains no water and therefore all of Dot & Lil’s products are preservative free.
Right now there is a 25% off EVERYTHING sale online with code WINTER. Time for me to stock up!
I would also recommend taking this workshop by Blush Pretty (I’ll be going!) on going GREEN with your beauty routine this year. The next one is February 6th – hope to see you there!
I hope I was able to give you some suggestions for products to make 2014 a more beautiful and healthier year for you!
If you have favourite products for me to check out leave them in comments!
***Disclaimer: This post contains products that were sent to me for review/editorial consideration***