Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Review

After years of using and loving Beautycounter’s Dew Skin, I decided to try Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint because it was getting so many great reviews and because I am a beauty junkie and not afraid to try new products. Let me be clear, I love both and they are very similar, but when I heard about the brand, Tower 28 and their own tinted sunscreen, I had to give it a go. If you’re prone to sensitive skin and eczema, I highly recommend you check out this review and the Tower 28 brand!

Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Review

About Tower 28

Tower 28 was named after a lifeguard tower in Santa Monica and was started by a beauty executive named Amy who was constantly dealing with sensitive skin issues, specifically eczema. She was fed up, not only with products that irritated her skin despite claiming to be hypo-allergenic, but also with some of the questionable ingredients in some of the conventional skincare and cosmetics on the market. She created her California-inspired line to be easy on sensitive skin with non-irritating, calming, and non-toxic ingredients.

What Makes Tower 28 Different?

With so many beauty brands out there right now, you’re probably asking yourself how different can this one really be? And I agree, the market is a tad overwhelmed with beauty brands. It really comes down to personal preference and what works best for you and you skin’s needs. I’ve tried a lot of cosmetics and skincare from many different brands and this is the first line I’ve seen that takes sensitive, eczema prone skin seriously without feeling serious (you know, clinical). Amy, the founder, wanted Tower 28 to be fun and reflect that laid-back, carefree California lifestyle while still remaining non-toxic and suitable for super sensitive skin. In fact, they are the only cosmetic brand to 100% follow The National Eczema Foundation’s ingredient guildelines. Tower 28 also focuses heavily on non-toxic ingredients and follows the EU (European Union) Regulations for product safety which bans over 1,300 potentially harmful cosmetic and personal care ingredients. Their products are hypo-allergenic, gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan, non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.

My Review Of Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen

SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen (SPF 30) is just a tinted sunscreen without an added moisturizer like some of the other BB and CC creams. I already use a facial oil and moisturizer so I probably don’t really need a tinted moisturizer, even though that’s what I’ve used in the past, but some people may need that extra boost of moisture or want an “all in one” product. If that’s the case for you, then I recommend either the Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint or Beautycounter’s Dew Skin. SunnyDays does act a little more like a foundation with coverage that is buildable from light to medium. According to Tower 28, applying with your fingertips gives you lighter coverage than if you were to apply with a makeup sponge or brush. I, personally, like applying with a makeup sponge because it keeps my hands clean and makes application so easy and effortless, so I use just a little more than a pea-size amount to get that light coverage I want. I thought it went on smoothly, looked natural and subtly evened out my skintone (even in a mirror in a sunny room), which is exactly what I’m looking for in a tinted sunscreen or moisturizer. If you’re up for trip to your local Sephora or Credo Beauty (yes, they both carry Tower 28!), I recommend picking out your shade in person. However, they do make it pretty easy to pick out your shade online via the skintone descriptions and the face model pictures. Tower 28 also claims that their shades (14 of them) are “flexible” and I can attest to that since the shade I picked is a touch lighter than I wanted but still blends in easily and looks natural. Once I start using self tanner, I will need to go a shade or two darker. Online reviews are mixed, it seems as though there are some who absolutely love it and others who complained that it sat on the top of their skin and felt oily, but I did not find that to be the case for me. It’s always worth taking a peek at reviews before purchasing any product!

Clean Beauty on a Budget, Check Out These 7 Brands

The clean beauty world is exploding. I see new brands popping up left and right and some are, not only conscious of their ingredients, limited budgets as well. I know we are all starting to feel that pinch a bit as we see the price of almost everything creeping up. Many of us still want to use less toxic, cleaner personal care and beauty products but are just not willing to break our budget to do so. These high end, higher cost brands argue that the time and research spent on finding the most effective and safest ingredients drives the cost up. While I do understand that, there are many people who just cannot afford those high price points and should not be left choosing between breaking their budget or buying products they don’t feel comfortable purchasing because of questionable ingredients. If you choose to live this lifestyle like I do, it’s nice to have options that don’t break the bank. I did some research and found a handful of brands that are making an effort to keep their price points down while also providing an effective product with safe ingredients. Here’s what I put together for you.

Clean Beauty on a Budget, Check Out These 7 Brands

Acure

Acure is the first brand that comes to mind because they have been around for a while. Acure is a no-frills brand and features a full line of skin, hair and body products. I’ve been using their body lotions for years and I am always so pleased with the price point and how well they work especially on my dry, itchy winter skin. Prices range from under $10 to under $25 (excluding their kits). SHOP ACURE

Lily Lolo

Lily Lolo is a cosmetics brand started by Vikki Khan when she couldn’t find mineral makeup in her native UK. The brand has grown and now features a full line of cosmetics. I especially love the eyeshadow palettes. Everything, including brushes and eye shadow palettes, is under $40. SHOP LILY LOLO

Tower 28

Tower 28 is a California inspired brand named after a lifeguard tower in Santa Monica. They create products for sensitive skin and are all dematologist and allergy tested. Everything with the exception of their product bundles is under $40. SHOP TOWER 28

Juice Beauty

Juice Beauty has been around since 2005 and has grown into a respected and trusted clean beauty brand. They provide a wide range of products including cosmetics, moisturizers, cleansers, serums and treatments. Prices can vary quite a bit too. The serums and treatments are in the $60-$100 range, which is expensive but the cosmetics tend to be priced under $40. It’s worth checking out their product line and seeing if something fits into your budget! SHOP JUICE BEAUTY

Exa Beauty

Exa Beauty is a relatively new brand that focuses on providing a wide range of color options for all skin tones while also creating formulas that are healthy for the skin and our planet. They have a small line of products that include primers, mascara, foundations and color correctors. I really like their color corrector. Everything aside from one of their bundles is under $40. SHOP EXA BEAUTY

INNBEAUTY PROJECT

INNBEAUTY PROJECT was started by two beauty industry veterans in an effort to create safe, effective skincare products that are also budget friendly. The line includes cleansers, moisturizers and serums. Prices are under $50 for individual products and bundles are $34 and up. SHOP INNBEAUTY PROJECT

Make it stand out

Three Ships was started by two women who were fed up with complicated, greenwashed and high priced skincare. They created a simple, clean and afforable line of products for all skin types that are clearly labeled and provide an ingredient glossary for full product transparency. Aside from their bundles, prices are under $40. SHOP THREE SHIPS

OTHER OPTIONS:

DIY - I actually love a good DIY beauty project. Some things like body moisturizers are really easy to make yourself. Most ingredients can be found at your local health food store or online. Wellness Mama has a ton of DIY beauty recipes on her website.

Payment Apps - Another option would be to use a payment app like Afterpay, Shop Pay or Klarna to spread out the payments over time for your beauty products. These payment apps kind of remind me of old school layaway, except you get the product upfront and the apps automtically charge the payments to your bank account on a set schedule. Most online and even some brick and mortar stores offer this option for consumers. I think it’s especially helpful when you are stocking up on products.

Ten Clean and Sustainable Beauty Brands You Need To Check Out Right Now

The clean, green and sustainable beauty and personal care world is exploding with some amazing brands. You know the clean beauty world is gaining some serious traction and attention when you see larger retailers like Sephora and Anthropologie carrying cleaner options for their customers. If you feel like you have not been able to find the right fit for you, one or several of these brands might just do the trick. If you’re a beauty junkie like myself, perhaps you just want some new brands to try. Some of these have been around for a while and are just lesser known and some have only hit the market in the last few years. Either way, let’s take a look at the brands that are getting me excited!

Ten Clean and Sustainable Beauty Brands You Need To Check Out Right Now

Pyt Beauty - Pyt was started by duo Amy Carr and Mary Schulman in 2018 after being concerned about some of the toxins being used in cosmetics and the effect that the beauty industry was having on our environment. They set out to create a clean and green brand that was also fun and effective. Now they have a collection of cosmetics that is free from over 28 concerning ingredients and uses sustainable plastic options like recyclable plastic, recycled plastic, sugarcane plastic and pre-degraded plastic. I was so excited to see that they have an eye primer because that has been one of the harder products to find with cleaner ingredients. Check out their full line of cosmetics and their mission at Pyt Beauty.

Jones Road - After selling her incredibly successful beauty line and leaving the company a few years ago, Bobbi Brown was not ready to leave the beauty industry. She started Jones Road with the mission to create high-performance, streamlined, clean beauty products for all ages and skin types. Bobbi calls it the “makeup equivalent of the Swiss Army Knife” and stays true to her “no makeup, makeup look” philosophy. Jones Road goes above and beyond E.U. standards by banning more than 2,700 concerning ingredients from their cosmetic formulations. I’ve been using the eye liner and loving how easily it glides on and lasts. Check out Jones Road’s full line and read about their story here.

Primally Pure - Started by Bethany McDaniel in 2014 after farm life began to teach her about the power of eating real food, thus opening her eyes to the wellness world in a whole new way. She ditched her conventional beauty and skincare products and decided to start making her own with simple, pure ingredients. The “less is more” philosophy is at the heart of Primally Pure by formulating products only using clean, high quality ingredients sourced from nature and tested for efficacy so you are getting a clean product that actually works. I use their deodorant and it has been the best non-toxic deodorant I have tried to date (and I’ve tried A LOT). Check out the full line of products and their story on the Primally Pure website.

Lily Lolo - Lily Lolo was started in the U.K. by Vikki Khan who fell in love with mineral makeup when she was traveling but wasn’t able to find it in England. She took a chance and launched Lily Lolo to fill that void and has since grown a brand of clean, mineral-based cosmetics for all skin types. The Lili Lolo Laid Bare Eye Shadow Palette is one of my favorites because it’s loaded with soft, neutral easy-to-wear shades that I can wear everyday or layer-up for a more dramatic evening look. Check out their story and their full line of products!

Merit Beauty - I actually discovered Merit Beauty when I was browsing my local Sephora. I was so pleased to see a larger retailer showcasing a clean, up-and-coming brand along with their more high-profile brands. Merit’s philosophy is based on minimalism and sustainability by offering fewer, multi-tasking products with safe, clean ingredients. I decided to grab their tinted lip oil during my Sephora visit. It’s moisturizing with a light wash of high-shine color that you can build for a dramatic look. To shop and get the full scoop on Merit’s products, check out their website!

100% Pure - Oh I am super excited about this brand. Founded by Susie Wang, James Wang and Rick Kostick with the mission of creating incredibly safe and pure beauty and personal care products. The fruit pigmented makeup is what first caught my attention since most color cosmetics use synthetic dyes. All of their products are cruelty free and many are vegan, gluten free and made in the USA. They have a full line of color cosmetics along with skin care and hair and body products. They also focus on sustainability by creating fully biodegradable formulas, eco-conscious packaging and shipping materials. Check out their entire line of products as well as their mission on their website!

Athr Beauty - Started by Tiila Abbitt in 2018 after working as a product developer for Sephora for 7 years. She wanted to create a brand that aligned with her organic lifestyle but was also effective and on-trend. Athr Beauty focuses on sustainability, ethical sourcing, clean, non-toxic and vegan ingredients. Tiila has been meticulous when it comes to product packaging by eliminating mirrors and magnets in her palettes so that the cardboard case can be recycled when it’s empty as well as using post-consumer glass and plastic that can be recycled at Credo Beauty locations or reused at home. With all of this being said, Tiila wanted to make sure her products actually worked so efficacy is also at the top of her priority list. I absolutely love my Rose Quartz Crystal Quad eye shadow palette. I encourage you take a deep dive and learn about the emerging brand and Tiila’s mission on the Athr Beauty website.

FitGlow Beauty - FitGlow was started by, Anna, a health and fitness expert who was looking for solutions to calm and heal her rosacea-prone skin and had trouble with even the clean beauty options available at that time. Anna worked with experts for over a decade to formulate a line of effective plant-based skincare and cosmetics. Made in the USA, small batch, plant-based, woman owned, dermatologist tested and leaping bunny certified, FitGlow is definitely a brand worth a closer look. They are also committed to sustainability by using recyclable aluminum packaging, reducing virgin plastic use by 95% by 2030, using refillable, PCR and sugarcane packaging. Check out FitGlow’s website for the full scoop and their full line of products!

Honeybee Gardens - Honeybee Gardens has actually been around for many years but it’s definitely not as mainstream and well-known as some of the other clean beauty brands and I think it deserves some attention. It was started by Melissa Buckley in 1995 after she realized that the corporate world was not for her. She had been studying and growing herbs for years and used that knowledge to eventually formulate a shaving cream that worked for her husband’s sensitive skin. Melissa used her passion for herbalism to grow her business to what it is today. Honeybee Gardens features a full line of color cosmetics, including nail polish as well as some facial and body products. Check out Melissa’s story, her philanthropy work with animal shelters and her products on the Honeybee Garden website!

Odacite Skincare - Odacite was started by Valerie Grandury in 2009 after a breast cancer diagnosis. The diagnosis changed her perspective on many things including what she was putting on her body. Finding clean beauty that actually worked at that time was incredibly challenging so she started making her own products in her kitchen. Odacite grew and she moved production out of her kitchen and into a lab in Los Angeles in order to take her products to the next level. All products are clean, vegan-friendly, cruelty free and made in California. They offer a gorgeous line of skin, hair and body products. I’m especially excited to try Le Blue Balm which is a multi-purpose hydrating balm. Check out the rest of the Odacite products and the story behind the brand on the website!

Get Ready for Dry Skin Season with These Clean Beauty Body Moisturizers

If you’re looking to replace just one personal care or beauty product with a cleaner, non-toxic version, body lotion is a great place to start. It covers a large portion of your body and it sits on your bare skin all day so it’s important, given those circumstances, that the ingredients are safe! Yes, it’s entirely possible that some of the ingredients in body lotions can permeate the epidermis and enter your bloodstream. Yes, it’s possible that some of those ingredients in conventional lotions pose a risk to your health when used for a sustained period of time. The good news is that there are SO MANY clean, non-toxic options. I’ve tried quite a few and I am going to share with you a handful of body moisturizers that I like and that suit a number of needs.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid In My Body Lotions?

Parabens - Parabens are found in so many beauty and personal care products, including body lotions. Look for butylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, or ethylparaben on the ingredients list. Parabens are a preservative, which is essential, but unfortunately there is some concern about their possible link to hormone disruption and even breast cancer. Manufacturers have found safer preservatives like citric acid and vitamin e to replace parabens, but consumers should be aware that the shelf life will be shorter. Make sure you use all paraben-free products up by the date provided on the packaging.

Fragrance/Parfum - Yes, fragrance is going to make your lotion smell really good, but it’s those undisclosed ingredients in fragrance that are of concern. Phthalates, in particular, are the most concerning because of their link to a variety of health issues including hormone disruption, fertility issues, cardiovascular issues and obesity. Phthalates are used to help fragrance last longer and “cling” to the skin.

Mineral Oil - Mineral oil is too heavy for the skin and doesn’t allow it to breath. It basically sits on top of the skin like a plastic coating rather than sinking into the skin and providing a permeable protective layer. It can clog pores and not allow the skin to naturally eliminate toxins.

DMDM Hydantoin - DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde releasing preservative added to many personal care items including body lotions. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can be present in products that include DMDM hydantoin in their ingredients.

Benzalkonium Chloride - Benzalkonium chloride is another preservative and also a surfactant and has been associated with significant skin, eye, and respiratory irritation as well as allergies.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) - EDTA is a binding agent added to personal care and beauty products to help improve stability. There is concern that is may be toxic to organs.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds) - PEGs are commonly used in beauty and personal care products as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. There is concern that during the manufacturing process, PEGs may be contaminated with significant amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are carcinogens.

Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate) - Retinyl palmitate is an ingredient made from both palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A). An FDA study has shown that retinyl palmitate, accelerates the development of certain skin cancer lesions and causes photosensitization. The FDA as well as health agencies in Norway and Germany have raised concerns that consistent application of vitamin A creams may also contribute to excessive vitamin A intake for pregnant women and other individuals.

Get Ready for Dry Skin Season with These Clean Beauty Body Moisturizers

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Solid

Kate McLeod’s Body Stone - Kate McLeod has formulated a combination of oils and botanical butters to create this incredibly unique solid moisturizer that melts into skin upon contact. It’s available in a full and mini size and several formulations. The mini is perfect for traveling since it’s solid (no spills) and packs easily. I love that the packaging is completely plastic free and that all ingredients are botanically-based. Mini is $14 and the full size starter kit is $45 (refills are $38).

Mountain Madness Solid Lotion Bar - Formulated with olive oil, local beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, calendula extract, essential oils of lemon, rosemary and vitamin E and that’s it! Simple yet hydrating, it’s great for the whole body or spot treating those dry spots like elbows and cuticles. $12 on the Mountain Madness Soap Co. website.

For Eczema Prone Skin

Acure Everyday Eczema Lotion - This highly rated unscented formula with colloidal oatmeal and and a variety botanical oils helps sooth and protect skin between and during eczema outbreaks. Vegan and paraben, sulfate, petrolatum, mineral oil, formaldehyde and cruelty free. $12 on Amazon.

Pipette Eczema Lotion - Perfect for eczema prone skin of all ages. Plant-based squalane and colloidal oatmeal help soothe, moisturize and protect during eczema flare ups. Free of steroids, petrolatum and silicones. $14 on Amazon.

Adaptive

Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisturizer - Formulated with squalane, aloe vera, plum oil and phytic acid, this moisturizer is uniquely designed to adapt to your individual skin’s moisture needs. Light in texture and scent, this lotion sinks right in and leaves skin feeling soft with no greasiness or stickiness. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, this is perfect. $39 on the Beautycounter website.

Body Balm

Beautycounter Melting Body Balm - Enriched with argan and avocado oils, this body balm is perfect for skin that needs a good boost of hydration and protection (good for those really dry, cold winter months) without being heavy or greasy. It’s also great for spot treating areas like elbows, cuticles and hands and a little goes a long way. $42 on Beautycounter’s website.

Sheabrand CBD Muscle, Joint and Skin Balm - Loaded with healing essential oils along with CBD, this balm is formulated for providing relief to aching joints and muscles along with providing hydration. $30 on the Credo Beauty website.

Anti-Aging

oSea Anti-aging Body Balm - We use anti-aging products for our face but what about our bodies? This anti-aging balm from oSea is so luxurious and hydrating, plus it contains antioxidants and seaweed extract to help tighten and firm skin. It’s loaded with botanical oils that sink into skin and give a soft, dewy finish. $48 on the oSea website.

Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil - An antioxidant and vitamin rich body oil that promotes radiant and healthy skin from head to toe. Richly hydrating with evening primrose and camellia oil. Good for all skin types and can also be used as a deep conditioning hair mask.. $120 on the Credo Beauty website.

Body Oil

Weleda Hydrating Beauty and Body Oil - A blend of botanical oils that can be used on body, hair and in the bath. Simple, nourishing and hydrating. $21.50 on the Credo Beauty website.

oSea Undaria Algae Oil - Perfect for every skin type this luxurious body oil is infused with seaweed extracts and botanical oils to hydrate and firm skin. $48 on the Credo Beauty website.

Baby

Pipette Fragrance Free Baby Lotion - Gentle, lightweight and fast-absorbing, this lotion is perfect for baby’s delicate skin. Adults can use it too! Contains plant-derived squalane, essential fatty acids and ceramides. Completely fragrance free and well priced at $8 a tube. Available on Amazon.

Beautycounter Daily Baby Protective Balm - Specially formulated for baby’s delicate, sensitive skin this balm includes shea butter, sunflower seed oil and jojoba seed oil to soothe, hydrate and protect. Also great for sensitive adult skin. $22 on the Beautycounter website.

Simple

Beautycounter Hydrating Body Lotion - Beautycounter’s tried and true body lotion in its signature citrus mimosa scent. Loaded with hydrating botanical butters and oils for smooth, hydrated skin. $25 on the Beautycounter website.

Billie Dry-Bye Body Lotion - Formulated with aloe, shea butter, grapeseed oil and chamomile for soothing all-day hydration with a light citrus scent. A matte, comfortable finish with no greasy, sticky feel. $12 on the Billie website.

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Uses for Charcoal Soap and My Charcoal Bar Shopping Guide

I love my charcoal soap bar. I’ve been using one for several years now and it’s really helped clean up my oily, congested skin. I also appreciate that it has multiple uses and there are so many options for any need and budget. The charcoal bar is definitely having its moment! Activated charcoal is the key ingredient because it bind to and cleanse unwanted substances or “impurities” from the skin’s surface and washes them away. It also has exfoliating properties so it will also exfoliate along with cleansing. Many soap companies are also adding other helpful skin-friendly ingredients like witch hazel and oils to help clarify and soften the skin.

When shopping for a charcoal soap, be sure to read the ingredients to make sure that there aren’t any added fragrances or other ingredients that may irritate skin. Simple ingredients are probably best. So many soap companies are making their version of a charcoal soap so there is definitely one out there for you.

Check out how versatile this trendy soap can be!

Uses for Charcoal Soap and My Charcoal Bar Shopping Guide

Help Clarify Oily and Acne Prone Skin - Activated charcoal skin products, including a charcoal soap, are a great addition to a regime for oily and acne prone skin because it can help exfoliate and pull impurities and excess oil from the skin.

May Help Soothe Psoriasis and Eczema Prone Skin and Flare-Ups - The right charcoal soap may gently cleanse and help soothe any psoriasis and eczema flare-ups due to its antibacterial and purifying properties.

Makeup Brush Cleanser - Lather a bar and use it to do your weekly wash of your makeup brushes.

Use as a Deodorant Soap - Take advantage of the purifying and antibacterial properties to help deodorize in the shower.

May Help with Dandruff - Charcoal may also help clarify and gentle cleanse dandruff-prone scalps to help ease the flakes. Some companies have even come out with activated charcoal shampoo bars.

Find the Right Charcoal Soap for You:

Beautycounter Charcoal Bar - This is my favorite by a landslide because it’s gentle and versatile. It contains skin soothing oils along with some witch hazel. It also lasts a long time. With a ton of 5-star reviews, you won’t be disappointed. Available on the Beautycounter website for $26.

Megababe Space Bar - A great detox soap for your underarms but can used for other body parts as well. The perfect prep for your deodorant and may help keep you smelling fresh longer. Available on the Megababe website for $8.

Soapbox Detoxifying Shampoo Bar - Great reviews online and just the scalp clarifying properties you’re looking for. Available on The Grove website for $15.

Beekman’s Lump of Kohl Detox Purifying Bar - Contains goat milk, olive oil and coconut oil for super moisturizing experience. Beekman has more of a masculine feel if that’s what you prefer. Available on the Beekman website for $15.

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My Clean Beauty Product Guide

If you’ve been hesitant to make the switch from your conventional personal care and beauty products, there’s never been a better time. The clean beauty industry has exploded in the last few years and there are so many options. The good news is that everything from your hair care to your nail products are going clean. Although maybe you’re left wondering: Do they really work? The short answer is yes, BUT like any product some may work for you and some may not. So it’s important to be patient and not give up. Your products are out there, it just may take a little trial and error.

Some quick tips for making the switch easier:

1. Read the Product Reviews: There’s no better way to learn about customer satisfaction than through customer product review. It’s also important to remember that what may not work for someone else may work great for you.

2. Try Free Samples First: Many brands and retailers like Beautycounter, Sephora and Ursa Major offer free samples. Ask a consultant or sales associate for some samples so you can try before you buy.

3. Talk to an Expert: Many of these companies have consultants and/or customer service representatives to help out. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions.

4. Buy from Companies with Good Return Policies: Most of the major brands and retailers have good, reliable return policies so you can buy and try risk free. Just make sure you read before you buy so you know what to expect if something doesn’t work out. Have a Whole Foods nearby? They carry a wide variety of clean, non-toxic beauty and personal care brands and have a good return policy.

5. Join a Clean Beauty/Living Facebook Group: Joining a group is a great way to ask questions and get feedback from individuals knee deep in the clean living world and those just getting their feet wet. Join my women’s only Facebook Group here.

6. Switch Out One Product At a Time: Do not. I repeat, do not throw out all of your old products and start fresh. It’s too expensive and overwhelming. Replace slowly as you tun out of individual items so you can take your time to research the right products for you.

My Clean Beauty Product Guide

Beautycounter - I’ve been a customer of Beautycounter for 6 years and they are the gold standard when it comes to clean beauty, IMO. I use quite a few of their products in my regime because of the consistency of quality and efficacy. This especially true with their targeted skincare for issues like acne, anti-aging, brightening, etc. They also have really nice make-up, a sheer mineral sunscreen and a new deodorant that I’m excited to try. Browse their products and read about their mission and standards on their website.

My Top 3 Favorite Beautycounter Products:

1. Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer - My first and favorite Beautycounter product. Contains sunscreen and it light and sheer.

2. Counter + No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil - Facial oil is must for me and this has added brightening benefits. Sinks right into my skin and keeps it balanced.

3. Counter + Overnight Resurfacing Peel - This did wonders for smoothing my skin and eliminating minor acne.

Ursa Major - Ursa Major is a small skin care company our of Vermont. What I like about them is that they only release a product when their team is 100% in love with it. They’re less concerned about marketing deadlines and more concerned with quality and it definitely shows. All of their products are also gender neutral. Check out their website to learn more about this great, little company!

My Top 3 Favorite Ursa Major Products:

1. Golden Hour Recovery Cream - I love everything about this cream. It smells good and is moisturizing without being too heavy or greasy. There’s a reason it’s one of their top rated, best selling products!

2. Morning Mojo Bar Soap - Deodorizing, exfoliant and long-lasting, this is hands down my favorite bar soap.

3. Essential Face Wipes - I love these for both face and body. They are perfect for washing your face on-the-go but also for refreshing the bod mid-day.

OSea - OSea is a skin care company out of Malibu, California. They source their ingredients from a botanicals, but especially three different types of seaweed with healing properties. They are vegan, cruelty free and gluten free. OSea’s products are beautifully crafted and feel very luxurious and pampering. Check out their products and their story here.

My Top 3 Favorite OSea Products:

1. Vitamin C Probiotic Polish - My absolute favorite exfoliator of all time. It’s a little on the pricey side but lasts forever and I love that I can mix it with my own cleanser. Fades darks spots and hyperpigmentation and smooths skin for even make-up application.

2. Anti-Aging Body Balm - This is an incredibly luxurious moisturizer. It smells amazing and feel so good on your skin. If you are looking to treat yourself or someone special, this body balm is the way to go.

3. Sea Vitamin Boost Facial Mist - I love having this facial mist on hand to refresh my make-up or for a mid-day moisture boost.

Clean Hair Products Available on Follain.com

Follain - Follain originally started out as a clean beauty and skin care retailer and now they have their own line of products. I enjoy shopping their website, learning about new brands and reading reviews to decide what I want to try next. Check out Follain’s website here.

My Top 3 Favorite Follain Products:

1. RAKE Styling Balm by Reverie - I work just a tiny amount of this styling balm through my clean wet hair and it gives it much needed texture and volume without weighing it down.

2. Follain Everybody Bar Soap - I love this long-lasting, moisturizing bar soap with a rich, creamy lather.

3. Hurraw Moon Balm - I like keeping this lip balm in my bedside table. It contains calming chamomile so it’s the perfect lip moisturizing before bed.

Other Notable Brands I Love:

RMS Beauty - Another great clean beauty brand. I love their Buriti Cream Bronzer and Tinted Daily Lip Balm.

Ilia Beauty - Ilia has some beautiful products and I was so happy to see them being sold at Sephora. I love their Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint and Necessary Eye Shadow Palette in Cool Nude.

Merit - I’m just getting to know this brand. At my last trip to Sephora, I noticed their products were featured on one of the aisle end-caps. I picked up their Shade Slick tinted Lip Oil in Pink Beet and I love it so far.

Juice Beauty - Juice Beauty has been around for a while and has some great products. They have a full skin care line and some make-up. I love their Green Apple Peel and Green Apple Blemish Clearing Serum.

Acure - Acure is another brand dedicated to clean skin care. They have reasonable price points and wide range of effective personal care and skin care products. I really like their Seriously Soothing line of products.

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