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amldaley
05-28-2011, 08:52 PM
I have successfully switched DD to Desert Essence Organics shampoo & conditioner and Toms for Kids toothpaste, but am having a hard time making the switch myself to healthier hair care, deordorant, nail polish, etc.

So, if you have explorered the vast realm of "better for you and the world" healthy & beauty products, could you please share what products seem to work better than other or are worth their price tags?

And...similarly...what's a waste?

infomama
05-28-2011, 09:33 PM
Well this is my favorite soap maker. http://chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/
I know the website looks rinky dink but I order from them about six times a year and they are fantastic. They have been around forever and you can find them on Skin Deep.
I use the chocolate almond soap on my face and body (kids, too). I can't live without it.
They have natural deodorant now...may have to try that next order.
ETA--I have used their shampoo bars and they work well. I am going to try citrus/chamomile next..supposed to leave your hair really soft. I also use Yes to Carrots as my moisturizer.

LMPC
05-28-2011, 09:43 PM
The ladies here at the BBB finally convinced me to try vinegar as a conditioning rinse...and I love it! My hair is shiny and soft! I also use Nature's Gate shampoo....like it well enough. For bar soap, I use something from WF...just their regular ol' soap that's on a table (not the one that you cut but already made up bar soap). It comes in some nice scents that are not overwhelming, and it's like 3 for $5. I use tom's toothpaste every now and then. For lotion, I use Alba unscented...no paraben, etc. But I can't give up my deodorant....have tried but I just feel stinky (probably because I am lol!)

AnnieW625
05-28-2011, 09:45 PM
I have been using these products for close to 10 yrs., if not a little bit longer:
Toms of Maine baking soda toothpaste
Earth Science Clarifying Cleanser
Beauty Without Cruelty Herbal Cream Cleanser
Alba Cream Shave (aka, Trader Joe's Cream Shave)
Shi Kai lotions and shower gels

I am not currently using the following products, but have in the past:
Tom's deoderant
BWC AHA cleanser
BWC eye makeup remover

The only all natural hair products I have used was the color line from Giovanni and it worked okay, but even after I had washed the product out of my hair they bleached my towels, I was a little irritated. It was so long ago though I don't remember if I really thought they were world changing.

Also if your DD isn't very good at spitting make sure that you get the Tom's Flouride Free Kids toothpaste and not the regular flouride one. The flouride one is much easier to find, but I believe that our Whole Foods carries the flouride free one.

vludmilla
05-28-2011, 09:46 PM
I like Giovanni hair products and I get them for a good price at TJ Maxx or Marshalls or through vitacost.com.
I like TJ's fennel, fluoride free toothpaste.
I use jojoba oil as my facial moisturizer.

SnuggleBuggles
05-28-2011, 09:47 PM
I use Whole Foods brand body wash, shampoo and conditioner. So cheap and does it's job

Beth

brittone2
05-29-2011, 10:20 AM
Giovanni for hair (I use a wax on my short hair, shampoo and condish. DD uses the shampoo and conditioner too. Not all of their products score equally on Skin Deep so I look for the formulations with "better" scores).

Giovanni body wash, Dr. Bronner's body wash (diluted) or whatever product I decide to use from Frontier (which is where I get most of my personal care products, including Giovanni).

Nature's Gate deodorant and Crystal spray (alternate or double up depending).

TJ's xylitol toothpaste (Some Tom's products IMO still have ingredients I'm not wild about. SOme of their formulations contain SLS for example).

I wash my face with coconut oil or jojoba oil. You can google "oil cleansing method" to get an idea of what some people do. Compare the price of a huuuuuge tub of coconut oil to something like this product from Shu: http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/skincare/cleanser-makeup-remover/high-performance-balancing-cleansing-oil-advanced-formula.htm ($30 for 5 ounces, first ingredient is mineral oil, 2nd ingredient is corn oil....). I can get a huge tub of organic, top notch quality coconut oil for $20 and use it as a facial wash, a moisturizer on legs and arms, and it even works as a deodorant. It also works as a makeup remover. The oil thing sounds weird but if you think about like dissolves like...it works well. I wash with it and then pat some back into my clean skin. Some people do better with castor oil, jojoba oil (which I also use), or olive oil. A few people here like the OCM...it sounds weird but my skin is in better shape with it than any commercial product I've tried.

elbenn
05-29-2011, 11:24 AM
Brittone2, do you use a castor oil blend for your cleansing oil? I have used coconut oil as a moisturizer but never as a cleanser. I am intrigued. After you cleanse, do you still moisturize with something?

brittone2
05-29-2011, 12:45 PM
I "wash" with it (jojoba or coconut), and then rinse, and then pat a little oil back into my (clean) skin. I started w/ castor oil years ago and my skin didn't like it. Coconut and jojoba work the best for me. It can take a little playing around to find what oils you prefer.

BUt yeah, I cleanse with it and then just pat a little back into clean skin.

Sounds crazy until you realize high end companies like Shu sell what is basically the same idea (the concept of a cleansing oil) for a comparatively astronomical price per ounce, using (IMO) inferior quality ingredients.

nmosur
05-29-2011, 01:59 PM
PP - question about coconut oil storage. How do you store it?? And where?? Do you find that it goes rancid pretty quickly?? TIA

lovebebes
05-29-2011, 03:21 PM
sorry if this is a bit all over the place but typing fast before baby wakes up!

I absolutely SWEAR by Josie Maran's argan face oil. My skin is radiant, soft, glowing. I love facial oils in general (great to keep skin looking young) but i know some people dont love the oily feeling on their face. the JM argan oil does not feel very oily if that makes any sense..its a soft, lightweight feeling oil that absorbs. I put a bit on, then my moisturizer and then just a bit of tinted moisturizer or foundation and it just makes everything glow beautifully!


Josie Maran powder bronzer is great too, nice peachy tone, very natural. Blush is good as well-the powder version, havent tried the cream.

For mascara I LOOOOVE Korres in the brown tube (not white). Makes my lashes look almost wet like when you come out of the water and they are all wet and stuck together. Thats my favorite eyelash look and Korres does it for me.

About 6 months ago I discovered Tarte's tinted moisturizer. FABULOUS. So so flattering, has great coverage for a tinted moisturizer and you cannot see it on your skin. Cannot be beat for summer. Great ingridients. Nothing yucky.

I love burts bees apricot oil for skin. Also LOOOVE Nature's baby mandarin coconut oil for skin. (use both on myself, i do not use those kind of products on baby).

(For baby I LOVE Earth Mama Angel Baby baby bottom balm. Cannot be beat!)

Oh, speaking of coconut. I have a jar of it sitting around-sometimes i use it as all over body moisturizer...that is when im not sauteing kale with it! I just recently got into the coconut oil and loving all of the great things about it, as well as the multiuses. Pay $8 at Whole Foods for an organic coconut lip balm? No, thanks, Ill just scoop up a bit from my GIGANTIC coconut oil jar!!!

For body I like Alba Botanica unscented lotion. I said like because I dont LOOOOVE it. Its ok and it works. Id love a more luxurious feeling option but havent found it yet. I do love the gigantic bottle of it that comes with a pump from Amazon for a good price. Makes it a breeze to apply when you only have 5.4 seconds post shower cuz baby wants you back.


Now what I need to find is a good deodorant. Im using a roll on one by fresh and im sure its got a bunch of yuck in it.

brittone2
05-29-2011, 03:40 PM
IME coconut oil does not go rancid easily.

brittone2
05-29-2011, 03:42 PM
sorry if this is a bit all over the place but typing fast before baby wakes up!

I absolutely SWEAR by Josie Maran's argan face oil. My skin is radiant, soft, glowing. I love facial oils in general (great to keep skin looking young) but i know some people dont love the oily feeling on their face. the JM argan oil does not feel very oily if that makes any sense..its a soft, lightweight feeling oil that absorbs. I put a bit on, then my moisturizer and then just a bit of tinted moisturizer or foundation and it just makes everything glow beautifully!


Josie Maran powder bronzer is great too, nice peachy tone, very natural. Blush is good as well-the powder version, havent tried the cream.

For mascara I LOOOOVE Korres in the brown tube (not white). Makes my lashes look almost wet like when you come out of the water and they are all wet and stuck together. Thats my favorite eyelash look and Korres does it for me.

About 6 months ago I discovered Tarte's tinted moisturizer. FABULOUS. So so flattering, has great coverage for a tinted moisturizer and you cannot see it on your skin. Cannot be beat for summer. Great ingridients. Nothing yucky.

I love burts bees apricot oil for skin. Also LOOOVE Nature's baby mandarin coconut oil for skin. (use both on myself, i do not use those kind of products on baby).

(For baby I LOVE Earth Mama Angel Baby baby bottom balm. Cannot be beat!)

Oh, speaking of coconut. I have a jar of it sitting around-sometimes i use it as all over body moisturizer...that is when im not sauteing kale with it! I just recently got into the coconut oil and loving all of the great things about it, as well as the multiuses. Pay $8 at Whole Foods for an organic coconut lip balm? No, thanks, Ill just scoop up a bit from my GIGANTIC coconut oil jar!!!

For body I like Alba Botanica unscented lotion. I said like because I dont LOOOOVE it. Its ok and it works. Id love a more luxurious feeling option but havent found it yet. I do love the gigantic bottle of it that comes with a pump from Amazon for a good price. Makes it a breeze to apply when you only have 5.4 seconds post shower cuz baby wants you back.


Now what I need to find is a good deodorant. Im using a roll on one by fresh and im sure its got a bunch of yuck in it.

I have a few Josie Maran lip glosses I like. I also like Tarte's TM to use sometimes (picked it up recently), but I don't like that it has retinyl palmitate (concern with melanoma if you get a lot of sun exposure while wearing it).

boltfam
05-29-2011, 10:18 PM
I LOOOOOVE this deodorant: http://www.realpurity.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=28

It is expensive, but it works well and lasts a long time. I wore it on our Florida beach trip when I was hot, sweaty, and in the water a lot. I had no stink issues the whole week.

Karinyc
05-30-2011, 01:54 AM
I absolutely SWEAR by Josie Maran's argan face oil. My skin is radiant, soft, glowing. I love facial oils in general (great to keep skin looking young) but i know some people dont love the oily feeling on their face. the JM argan oil does not feel very oily if that makes any sense..its a soft, lightweight feeling oil that absorbs. I put a bit on, then my moisturizer and then just a bit of tinted moisturizer or foundation and it just makes everything glow beautifully!

For mascara I LOOOOVE Korres in the brown tube (not white). Makes my lashes look almost wet like when you come out of the water and they are all wet and stuck together. Thats my favorite eyelash look and Korres does it for me.

About 6 months ago I discovered Tarte's tinted moisturizer. FABULOUS. So so flattering, has great coverage for a tinted moisturizer and you cannot see it on your skin. Cannot be beat for summer. Great ingridients. Nothing yucky.

Now what I need to find is a good deodorant. Im using a roll on one by fresh and im sure its got a bunch of yuck in it.

:yeahthat: Agree with all of the above. I tend to use oils for my hair (coarse & thick) and face (normal/combo skin). The Josie Maran Argan Oil is a little pricey, but a little goes a long way. I also use these from her line:
http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/shop/skin/argan-primer-mist

http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/shop/hair/argan-oil-hair-serum

As a hair treatment & for body (and to remove makeup) I use a cheaper Argan Oil.

For when I feel like my face is a little too oily and for break-outs: http://www.desertessence.com/skin-care/thoroughly-clean-face-wash-original Their jojoba oil is also great.

For the occasional break-out:http://www.mariobadescu.com/drying-lotion

Two products I love, but they're not very green:
http://www.philosophy.com/skincare-purity/purity-made-simple-product

http://www.amazon.com/Moroccanoil-3-4oz-3-4-Ounce-Bottle/dp/B001AO0WCG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1306733712&sr=1-1

The hair serum is amazing. It's all I use (to style) with these shampoos/conditioners:

http://blackstrands.wordpress.com/2009/01/17/reader-recommendation-maryamas-pick-earthly-delights-shampoo-and-conditioner/

Aubrey Organics has some great shampoos/conditioners as well:
http://www.aubrey-organics.com/Category/120_1/Dry_Hair.aspx

These are my favorites soaps. Have been using them for years. They feel & smell great. Expensive, but last a good while:

http://uncommonscents.com/Pre-de-Provence-French-Soap-s/81.htm

This is the "it" mascara now. I like it:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P281302&om_mmc=GoogleBase&_requestid=42976&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=P281302&sbanner=us_search

And never underestimate the power of a good supplement (biotin, zinc w/copper, evening primrose oil, vit. D3).

lovebebes
06-05-2011, 02:28 AM
I LOOOOOVE this deodorant: http://www.realpurity.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=28

It is expensive, but it works well and lasts a long time. I wore it on our Florida beach trip when I was hot, sweaty, and in the water a lot. I had no stink issues the whole week.

ooooo thank you!

lovebebes
06-05-2011, 02:32 AM
:yeahthat: Agree with all of the above. I tend to use oils for my hair (coarse & thick) and face (normal/combo skin). The Josie Maran Argan Oil is a little pricey, but a little goes a long way. I also use these from her line:
http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/shop/skin/argan-primer-mist

http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/shop/hair/argan-oil-hair-serum

As a hair treatment & for body (and to remove makeup) I use a cheaper Argan Oil.

For when I feel like my face is a little too oily and for break-outs: http://www.desertessence.com/skin-care/thoroughly-clean-face-wash-original Their jojoba oil is also great.

For the occasional break-out:http://www.mariobadescu.com/drying-lotion

Two products I love, but they're not very green:
http://www.philosophy.com/skincare-purity/purity-made-simple-product

http://www.amazon.com/Moroccanoil-3-4oz-3-4-Ounce-Bottle/dp/B001AO0WCG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1306733712&sr=1-1

The hair serum is amazing. It's all I use (to style) with these shampoos/conditioners:

http://blackstrands.wordpress.com/2009/01/17/reader-recommendation-maryamas-pick-earthly-delights-shampoo-and-conditioner/

Aubrey Organics has some great shampoos/conditioners as well:
http://www.aubrey-organics.com/Category/120_1/Dry_Hair.aspx

These are my favorites soaps. Have been using them for years. They feel & smell great. Expensive, but last a good while:

http://uncommonscents.com/Pre-de-Provence-French-Soap-s/81.htm

This is the "it" mascara now. I like it:

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P281302&om_mmc=GoogleBase&_requestid=42976&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=P281302&sbanner=us_search

And never underestimate the power of a good supplement (biotin, zinc w/copper, evening primrose oil, vit. D3).

thanks for the desertessence rec, excited to check it out!

oh and i bought organic argan oil today from my local organic/health store, its almost half the price of the josie oil. ive applied it twice so far so no verdict yet. wonder whats the difference...

lovebebes
06-05-2011, 02:33 AM
I have a few Josie Maran lip glosses I like. I also like Tarte's TM to use sometimes (picked it up recently), but I don't like that it has retinyl palmitate (concern with melanoma if you get a lot of sun exposure while wearing it).

thx-will look into!

Jo..
06-05-2011, 09:49 AM
100% shea butter. I use it instead of lotion and my skin is super soft.
http://www.amazon.com/32oz-African-FILTERED-CREAMY-Butter/dp/B002N6SBJ6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1307281609&sr=8-5

My favorite conditioner is avocado and mayo mixed together.

elbenn
06-05-2011, 10:55 AM
thanks for the desertessence rec, excited to check it out!

oh and i bought organic argan oil today from my local organic/health store, its almost half the price of the josie oil. ive applied it twice so far so no verdict yet. wonder whats the difference...

Please update us on how you like the less expensive argan oil versus the Josie one. I want to try some argan oil. There is one on Amazon for much less than the Josie, and it gets generally very good reviews but there are a few reviews that aren't so glowing, so I don't know whether I should splurge for the Josie kind. Of course, I would rather not spend so much money on it.

Karinyc
06-06-2011, 11:41 AM
I get my cheaper argan oil at my local pharmacy ($20 for 4oz). I mainly use it for my hair, cuticles, & as a make-up remover. I massage a handful in my hair before I wash it. Also use it before I color it (at home).

The cheaper oil is fine but I prefer the Josie version as a moisturizer (feel a little more "elegant" & lighter). What I 'd really like to try is this from Tarte:

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.A215554.desc.tarte-100-Pure-Cold-Pressed-Maracuja-Oil-from-the-Amazon?&cookie=set

It gets excellent reviews. But it's also pricey.

PSA about Dessert Essence Face Wash- Try not to get any into your eyes. Due to the tea tree oil, it'll sting like crazy! Other than that, I like it.

lovebebes
06-08-2011, 02:00 AM
Please update us on how you like the less expensive argan oil versus the Josie one. I want to try some argan oil. There is one on Amazon for much less than the Josie, and it gets generally very good reviews but there are a few reviews that aren't so glowing, so I don't know whether I should splurge for the Josie kind. Of course, I would rather not spend so much money on it.

ok, updating. I am going to agree with what someone posted right above. JM oil does feel "lighter". Even when you are pouring the few drops in/onto your hand, it feels more like a liquid and less like an oil. Which I personally prefer. Why? Because it spreads over your face easier this way, and feels silkier, and I simply just prefer the way it feels. The other organic oil (one i bought from natural store,brand is called Simplers) is also nice and had I not tried the JM oil I would have wanted to use it. It does feel a bit more like oil, so thicker/oilier texture.
So like if JM oil is silk, the other oil is velvet. I prefer silk :)
Another thing to consider when looking at the cost: I feel I need LESS of the JM oil to cover my whole face and more of the other oil. Another thing-I bought my JM bottle when I was 5 months pregnant and ran out when baby was almost 6 months old-and I used it every single day, 2-3 times per day. So it really lasts for SO long.
bottom line: will you like non-josie oil - probably yes. Is it worth it to try JM oil? - Definitely! The way this oil has revolutionized my skin is priceless to me AND i can now use a much cheaper, less luxurious moisturizer because the oil does it all for me!

lovebebes
06-08-2011, 02:05 AM
I get my cheaper argan oil at my local pharmacy ($20 for 4oz). I mainly use it for my hair, cuticles, & as a make-up remover. I massage a handful in my hair before I wash it. Also use it before I color it (at home).

The cheaper oil is fine but I prefer the Josie version as a moisturizer (feel a little more "elegant" & lighter). What I 'd really like to try is this from Tarte:

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.A215554.desc.tarte-100-Pure-Cold-Pressed-Maracuja-Oil-from-the-Amazon?&cookie=set

It gets excellent reviews. But it's also pricey.

PSA about Dessert Essence Face Wash- Try not to get any into your eyes. Due to the tea tree oil, it'll sting like crazy! Other than that, I like it.

i totally agree with you on the Josie oil-def more elegant and lighter!

WHY must you post this delicious looking Tarte oil now?? Now i want it!

ps thanks for the DE warning-that takes it out of the running for me as i absolutely cannot deal with face washes that sting eyes. That is the first test my face wash must pass always-no eye sting!

lovebebes
06-08-2011, 01:17 PM
http://prettylightsbeauty.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-tarte-maracuja-passion-fruit-oil.html


read this!!!

Karinyc
06-08-2011, 11:06 PM
http://prettylightsbeauty.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-tarte-maracuja-passion-fruit-oil.html


read this!!!

Unfortunately I couldn't access the blog, but I ordered a smaller version of the oil on Amazon & will update once I try.

lovebebes
06-09-2011, 03:22 PM
Unfortunately I couldn't access the blog, but I ordered a smaller version of the oil on Amazon & will update once I try.

thanks!!!

Karinyc
06-19-2011, 02:46 PM
Just wanted to update on the Tarte maracuja oil if anyone is interested in purchasing. I've been using it for a week & love it. The oil is unscented (to me) and is light, absorbs easily and is very hydrating & healing. I see a difference in the texture of my skin & my complexion is clearer & more radiant (btw, I'm 40 & have normal/combo skin w/mild sensitivity). If you're on the fence about trying it (like I was) get the smaller size on Amazon. You don't need much. My only complaint is the packaging (I'm not too keen w/the way the dropper dispenses the oil).
http://www.amazon.com/Tarte-Pure-Maracuja-Oil-0-23/dp/B004ZZXPEY

I also didn't mention about the oil cleansing method that's very popular. There have been several posts about it on this board. The following is a pretty comprehensive description. If you haven't tried it yet, do so.

http://crunchybetty.com/nitty-gritty-on-the-oil-cleansing-method

http://sortacrunchy.typepad.com/sortacrunchy/2009/08/from-the-archives-oil-cleansing-method.html

And s/o of the magic powder thread, for those who get ingrowns and/or bumps this takes care of them in a jiffy:

http://www.tendskin.com/ourstory.htm

Best thing for them. Just make sure to use on DRY skin and be careful not to overuse since it can be drying. I've used it everywhere & never had an issue. HTH someone!

prettylights
06-20-2011, 01:28 AM
http://prettylightsbeauty.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-tarte-maracuja-passion-fruit-oil.html


read this!!!

Thank you for posting my review, hopefully you found it helpful :) I'm still using the Natural Bliss passion fruit oil, and still loving it! From what I've read, it may be a better choice compared to argan oil for people who are breakout prone.

prettylights
06-20-2011, 01:53 AM
I'm new to this forum but love natural skin care/makeup and found that my blog had been linked on this forum, so I've been enjoying reading everyone's suggestions. I'll share some of my favorite natural products too!

I, like some others here, use coconut oil as a moisturizer, for cooking, and I also occasionally eat it and give it to my cats as a treat - they love the taste! I got mine through www.vitaminshoppe.com

I recently started using Natural Bliss products - they are handmade, all natural, and mostly organic. My favorites are their olive oil soap - scented and unscented, face serum, kaolin powder scrub, and passion fruit oil but they have so many other products I want to try too! I won't use anything else on my skin anymore since it completely cleared up whiteheads I was battling for years. I have also reviewed their products on my blog, if anyone wants to learn more: http://prettylightsbeauty.blogspot.com/2011/05/natural-bliss-skincare.html , their website is www.mynaturalbliss.com

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is another favorite, I do this mask once to twice a week to keep my pores clear, I also bought that through www.vitaminshoppe.com

I use Silk Naturals mineral foundation which is customizable and offers coverage from sheer to heavy, they also have great mineral eyeshadows, lipglosses, ect. and even offer vegan options: www.silknaturals.com

Desert Essence makes a really nice oil control lotion that really works to keep oil at bay throughout the day and also mattifies skin: http://www.desertessence.com/skin-type/oilycombination/thoroughly-clean-oil-control-lotion

Mayron's Goods Chapstuff for the lips and cheeks is a fantastic lip balm and also can be used anywhere skin is dry, it's paraben free and 99.5% natural: http://www.mayronsgoods.com/products/chappedcheek.html

I'll stop before this post gets too long! Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!

pastrygirl
08-18-2011, 08:43 AM
I've gone through many deodorants and found two that work: Oyin Handmade Funk Butter and Dessert Essence Pomegranate roll-on. I used the Funk Butter exclusively for a year, but putting it on is annoying. Then I found the Dessert Essence roll-on on clearance at Walgreen's for around $1, and decided to try it. What a great find!!

ETA: I also use Garden of Wisdom products for my face. Love their stuff, though it can be daunting to get started. They have SO many products!