This is such an odd post for me to write because anyone who knows me knows I’m ULTRA low-maintenance when it comes to my beauty “routine.” I put it in quotes because, really, it’s not much of a routine. I tend to stick with what I know and take the easy way out. Luckily, I’ve always had very easy-to-manage hair and skin, so I never had to invest too much energy and typically just picked up whatever product had the prettiest bottle.
So, why do I care now? Because these past six months have been transformative when it comes to how I treat my body. If I’m trying to give it the best of the best on the inside (good food, ample rest, supplements, etc.) I want to make some effort to treat the outside right. The fewer the chemicals, the better.Also, I read this article and realized my choices were harming the environment too.
It hasn’t been a complete and sudden overhaul of products, but I’ve made small changes when and where I see fit. For example, when I finished a bottle of shampoo, instead of buying a new bottle of the same brand, I did some research and made the change then. I also take cost into consideration because, at this time in my life, there’s no way in hell I’m going to spend $40 on shampoo when I could buy at least four jars of nut butter for the same amount. I listed the prices next to each product because, compared to many “lists,” I consider these to be affordable.
But truthfully, this is all an investment in my longterm health. I’m a wellness junkie and read an embarrassing amount of Well + Good articles, yet I still make sure to not blindly buy into something. LIKE ALL THINGS IN LIFE, do your research, find your why and decide what works for you and your lifestyle. (P.S. If you’re curious what I look for in products, I suggest reading the linked articles. Those sum it up nicely.)
With that said, if you’re in the market for some new products, here are a few I recommend. I purchased most of these at Whole Foods, but Target has great options too (and online, of course).
FYI: None of these are affiliate or sponsored links. Just products I use daily!
Shampoo
Acure Organics Clarifying Shampoo– $7.59
Everyday Shea Shampoo– $14
Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Swimmer’s Conditioner– $10
Not pictured: Acure Organic’s Clarifying Conditioner– $10
Body Wash
Nubian Heritage Body Wash-$13
Acure Organics Body Wash– $7
Body Lotion
Acure Organics Body Lotion– $8
Not pictured: Burt’s Bees Fragrance Free Shea Butter Lotion– $9
Face Wipes
Pacifica Essential Makeup Removing Wipes– $7
Deodorant
This product is the only one on the list that rings a little more expensive than the rest. I tried the brand Kiss My Face and had a bad experience (aka I smelled and it just didn’t work), so my cousin recommended this brand. I’m only one week in but I LOVE IT. It smells like a spa.
Agent Nateur– $19
Click To Tweet
A different post for a Friday, but something I wanted to share! Hope you all have a great weekend. Check back Monday for a fun post :)
Do you use any natural beauty products? If so, what are your favorite brands? Acure Organics is (obviously) one of mine!
*Linking up to Friday Favorites*
I LOVE Acure. So far, I have been a fan of all of their products (except for the dry shampoo, don’t waste your money on that.)
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Five Common Fitness Myths
I actually don’t use dry shampoo much (I probably should) but good to know! :)
I like the look of those face wipes! They are always such a good beauty product to have in your bag whenever you are feeling a little gross…whether it is after a workout or because it is just flat out hot outside and you need a quick clean. Thanks for sharing! XOXO
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Twist All The Bad Stuff OUT…
Definitely get those wipes! You’ll love the smell!
I’ve been thinking about going more natural with my beauty products so this post is perfect timing. I have been pretty harsh on my skin with various acne medications so I really want to let my skin heal naturally and bounce back healthy. I have an Acure face scrub that I LOVE and I also use those Pacifica wipes as well (mostly when I am too lazy to actually wash my face haha).
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Virtual Coffee Date #12
Those Pacifica wipes are the best! They smell like Hawaii (not that I would know what that smells like haha).
I’m a big fan of the coconut milk OGX shampoo and conditioner, and I’ve become more aware for the same reasons as you. I don’t wear makeup, but what I use to wash my hair and face has been a consistent thought of mine since I realized years ago I was having horrible reactions to a gluten-containing wash!
I used Aveeno’s oatmeal-based/scented soap when I was younger but haven’t used it since celiac. It’s crazy to me that so many products contain gluten!
I love ACURE! I really really like their sensitive skin face wash. I haven’t tried the shampoo yet but I need to!
kerri mcgrail recently posted…First Time Marathoner: Qualifying for Boston, The Green Bay Packers, & Hitting the Wall
So great, right? And they have such a variety of products!
I’m with you.. I don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for any beauty products. I’ve realized over the past year that this is one area where I’m usually not aware of all the harmful ingredients/chemicals in these products and I’m trying to be a little more conscious of what I purchase. I’ll have to check some of these out!
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Recent Reads: April & May Books
I look at some product recommendations and they are like $100 for a small bottle. Not going to work for me right now!
Thanks for the recommendations. I recently started using more natural products. I like Shea Moisture and Alba botanica. I read this book called “Green Beauty Rules” that gives a lot of good recommendations for products.
Thank YOU for that book recommendation. I’ll have to check it out! I have Alba Botanica shaving cream that I love.
I love this! I’ve been transitioning to organic/DIY beauty products recently as well, but makeup wipes and shampoo are tricky ones to find–thank you for posting your recommendations! So far, in terms of skin care at least, I’ve swapped out my cleanser for raw honey and my face lotion for olive oil. Sounds weird, but it’s working well for me! :P
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Comment on 12 Easy Ways to Live Greener by Liv @ Healthy Liv
Not weird at all! I’ve heard those things work so well (and coconut oil, too!). Thanks for that suggestion!
As someone who suffers from skin issues like eczema, I need to find things that are gentle and effective on my skin. Natural beauty products are very important to me! But I have found that Rodan & Fields is definitely a lifesaver, even though it isn’t all natural!
I’m so glad you’ve found something that works! That’s so important :)
YAY I’ve been waiting for this since I saw your snaps! I can’t wait to try some of these products. I’m awful about beauty stuff and usually buy whatever is the least expensive but I would love to start making some smarter choices about what I’m putting on my body!
Whole Foods has so many choices! Target, too! I tend to just wander through the aisles reading the product labels.
I’m definitely a natural beauty product loving girl! I have super sensitive skin that tends to dry out if I use anything with alcohol so I tend to go for natural alternatives as they’re usually alcohol free and they tend to work better on my skin!
My makeup bag isn’t so natural though as I haven’t found a natural mascara I love. I do have mineral foundations but my makeup bag is definitely a mix of everything!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recent Things: Forgotten Anniversaries, Winter Woes and Doggy Drama
I admittedly don’t wear much makeup so I haven’t invested the time to find natural products. But I should probably get on that!
Bookmarking this, because I am exactly like you, and what you said was really relatable. I’m super low maintenance about beauty/skin products, but I do want to take care of my skin. I love finding gentle, natural soaps, because I do have really sensitive skin. Thank you for sharing these Em!
Emily recently posted…Why Recovery Isn’t About the Food
I’m glad you enjoyed! There are tons of options out there but I’ve found that these work well :)
I’ll have to try some of these! I love my Acure fase wash, but yeah, it’s not super easy to try to be more green with beauty products. Thanks for sharing what works for you!
~ Sarah
Sarah | Shades of Sarah recently posted…Bright White & Earth Tones
Acure seems like a great happy medium because it’s not too expensive and available at many locations!