Four Beauty Products You NEED Now

Yes, you NEED more beauty products...Especially if you live in the northeast and are "weathering" the cold, dry air from Stella. It might seem like sunscreen season may never arrive here, but moisturizers are essential now. I've found the perfect, tropical scented moisturizers and more to make you feel like you've escaped to the islands...even if it's only for a few minutes!

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom and leave a comment for a chance to win Puracy Citrus & Sea Salt Body Wash and Alba Coconut Rescue! 

When I was pregnant Sweet P, like most moms to be, I was very conscious of what I put in and on my body. Most-- 85% of beauty products-- are filled with parabens, chemical compounds that mimic estrogen. Did you know that on average, we use between six and twelve beauty products every day? It's not just about makeup either .... consider toothpaste, body lotion, face lotion, sunscreen, deodorant and the list continues.  When stored in the body,  these chemicals can have a cumulative effect, increasing the risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. Concerning, no? 

Then when Sweet P arrived, I reverted to a "whatever-works" routine. I would grab a bottle or jar of any moisturizer in pretty packaging that appealed to me while rushing through Target or CVS. As far as cosmetics go, I made it a point to take care of myself and look presentable. But I certainly didn't have time to research or deliberate over ingredients in eye shadow or whether or not it could maybe be toxic after twenty years of wear.

I gave myself a pass as a new mom-- heck, at least I was making an attempt to do hair and make-up every day. And as any new mom knows, that in itself is a victory! With the new year though, I decided I was ready to make a change and re-commit to all natural beauty products. It's been a process of tossing the old and trying new products, but I'm finally ready to share a few of my new favorite products. 


Credo Beauty has become my go-to for info on all natural products. If you're lucky enough to live in a city where there's a brick and mortar store/spa, pop on in to this mecca for "totally clean, super good and absolutely beautiful" products." If not, their online selection and service is unbeatable. Credo has fast shipping and great communication about the order and follow up emails with products and info that I actually care about (yay for that in this day and age of spammy mar-comm) after signing up for an account. Check out their Clean Beauty Swaps  if you're beginning the switch to natural beauty products. (And no, this isn't a paid post. I am just a HUGE fan of Credo!) 

Onto the good stuff-- I swapped out my Clarins cleansing milk for One Love Organics Vitamin B enzyme cleansing oil and makeup remover, which I've been using for over a month now.  Dr. Trevor Cates aka The Spa Doctor and author of Clean Skin from Within says it takes three weeks to really see a difference in your skin after switching to new products (Listen to her on Lori Harder's Earn Your Happiness podcast episode 108). But I thought that the change was instantaneous when I started using this cleanser. 

Pros: It smells heavenly with a light pineapple scent. A little pump goes a long way, and it's easy to rinse despite being a cleansing oil (new to me!) It works wonders on removing sunscreen and mascara. Surprisingly, it's not at all greasy and leaves skin feeling hydrated and soft. 

Puracy Natural Body Wash- Citrus and Sea Salt- This body wash foams and rinses well and also smells like sunshine in a bottle. But it's not too strong-- even the Sailor likes it! With over 2500 almost all 5 star reviews on Amazon, don't just take my word for it!

The company makes household and personal care items from carpet cleaner to bug spray and everything in between. Based in Austin, Texas, Puracy is committed to supporting the local community and donates part of its proceeds to philanthropic organizations there including the Austin Children's Shelter and the Ronald McDonald House.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Coconut Rescue Moisturizer- This lotion has saved me from itchy, scaly skin this winter! It's super thick, which some users in warmer climates might not appreciate, but it really locks in moisture.

Bonus- Alba Botanica supports Empower Her Through Education, which improves access to education for girls around the world. Companies committed to social good, like MANA, which I mentioned here.

Sun Bum Lip Balm- Marketed as "For Those of Us Who Live and Love in the Sun"- I wish! Although I first picked up Sun Bum on our trip to Florida last month, it's served me well in the sun and snow!  So far, I've tried the key lime and coconut, and I'm so addicted to the delicious flavors that I stocked up on mango and pink grapefruit too. Bring on all the tropical flavors. 

Also a big fan of Sun Bum Baby Bum stick sunscreen for P-- perfect for cheeks and forehead without the mess of the lotion.

There's more to come on all-natural products and an all-natural cosmetics review in the queue, so stay tuned. 

Help spread the word about YOUR favorite products -- Leave a comment recommending your favorites below!  

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