Admittedly, I’ve become a little bit obsessed with natural skin care over the past couple of years. I’m actually less motivated by the fact that these “clean” products are healthier for me (although that is definitely a huge factor), than the fact that I simply find them to be more pleasant to use and more effective. Plant-based oils and butters nourish my complexion so much better than man-made ingredients that just sit on top of my skin. Plus, I have developed a serious aversion to chemical fragrances. Why use a product made with chemicals when you can use a product that smells like roses because it’s made with… rose oil?
Two other motivating factors in me making the switch to natural skincare: I have sensitive skin and am allergic to glycolic acid, which has made me seek out ways to gently exfoliate without using anything too harsh. And finally (and most important), I’m still nursing my son, which means that I need to be mindful of the products I’m using, for both his benefit and mine.
All this being said, I just turned 30, and as a mom, I never get enough sleep. So, lately I’ve been trying new products in an effort to improve my previously very basic skin care routine. That “pregnancy glow” is ancient history, so I definitely need more than a little help. But, thankfully there’s no need to blow a ton of cash on an expensive skin care routine when there are so many simple yet effective natural products available. Ahead, check out the clean products I’m loving, and let me know if you have any more suggestions for me!
featured image by fig + yarrow
Smooth Sailing Gentle Resurfacing Mask by Captain Blaknenship
When I saw that cult-favorite natural beauty brand Captain Blankenship was doing a capsule line for Target, I know I’d need to own the entire range. I mean, how cute is this packaging? Thankfully, every product exceeded my expectations—especially this amazing resurfacing mask, which gently exfoliates with naturally-occuring alpha hydroxy acids found in fruit. It’s seriously amazing, and not irritating at all, which makes it a perfect replacement for a retinol-based product.
1000 Roses Daily Shade Facial Lotion by Andalou
A long-time favorite of mine, this daily moisturizer with SPF from Andalou naturals is one of those products that I buy over and over again. The texture is silky and the scent is heavenly—just the purest, cleanest rose scent. True natural-skincare junkies might bristle at the presence of chemical sunscreen ingredients, but I do think that daily facial sunscreen is important to protect from aging (especially in the warmer months), so I don’t worry about it.
Another longtime love of mine, S.W. Basics is one of the first widely-available brands that is truly, obsessively natural. Every product is five ingredients or less, which takes literally all of the guesswork out of clean-beauty shopping. All of their products are fantastic, but this makeup-removing oil is fab: it instantly wipes away mascara, but also makes for a great lightweight face oil.
All Bright Hydrating Night Cream
Night cream is one of those products that many of us feel like we have to splurge on to see results—but not with this fabulous cream from Botanics. It hydrates, exfoliates with natural AHAs from the hibiscus plant, and get this: it’s only fourteen dollars.
Acure Organics Brilliantly Brightening Glowing Serum
A more recent discovery of mine, this serum is the perfect thing to wake up your skin in the morning—argan oil hydrates, while antioxidants from cranberry seed oil protect your skin from free radical damage.
Fig + Yarrow Orange Blossom Complexion Water
Talk about everyday luxury: this complexion mist soothes, softens, and will truly improve your mood with its lovely orange blossom scent. I use it morning, night and even sometimes in the afternoon when I’m dragging and dying for a boost.
Nourish Organic Cream-to-Oil Essential Oil Treatment Skin Calm
If you have super-dry, sensitive skin, this cream-to-oil treatment is perfect: packed with soothing chamomile, ylang and patchouli oils, it sinks right into the skin to lock in moisture all day (or night) long.
