Summer Means Clean Sunscreen: Part Two

Welcome to the Summer Means Clean Sunscreen series! As we enter the warmer months, I’ve declared it my duty to keep you up-to-date on all of the best clean, non-toxic sunscreens. Whether they are new releases or old favorites, I will detail them all so you can make an educated decision on which sunscreens to purchase for you and your family!

Today we’ll be looking into two fantastic brands, Kimberly Sayer and Badger. I am LOVING these two sun protection brands so much this season and can’t wait to give you all the details.

BADGER SUN PRODUCTS

Badger is a small, family-owned and family-friendly company nestled on the banks of the Ashuelot River in rural Gilsum, New Hampshire. They blend organic plant extracts, exotic oils, butter, and beeswax to make healing balms, lip balms, safe mineral sunscreens and other personal care products that work well and feel great on the skin.

I have three personal favorites.

Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion

This is a brand new formula and technology! Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion is a lightweight, easy to apply, non-greasy, everyday sunscreen lotion. Blocks the sun’s harmful rays with clear zinc oxide, a specialized zinc oxide powder with high transparency and low whitening. This is huge, obviously, as I hate looking like a pasty, sickly ghost when I apply many natural sunscreens.

The product acts like a non-nano particle in that it stays on the surface of your skin, however, it is actually made up of smaller nano-sized particles that are fused together into larger clumps so that no detectable nanoparticles exist in the product. The clumps are porous, like sea sponges, and their structure allows them to appear clear on the skin, making them a safe, effective and aesthetically pleasing option.

More details:

84% organic base ingredients and Clear Zinc Oxide
Super moisturizing base with 56% Organic Fair Trade Aloe
No added fragrance
Excellent UVA and UVB protection
Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic – safe for sensitive skin
Reef friendly and biodegradable, no oxybenzone, no octinoxate
Certified cruelty-free and gluten-free
Non-GMO certified by NSF to NSF Non-GMO True North

However! I must point out that this product is not waterproof nor water resistant. If you are going to be in the water, definitely opt for the Badger Sport Sunscreen.

Bottom line – this soaks right into the skin and there is no whitish cast. It’s all I’m looking for when spending the day outside.

Badger Kid Sport Sunscreen

Another new formulation, the Badger Kid Sport Sunscreen is now SPF 40 and made with the same clear zinc mentioned above. Smells exactly like a creamsicle and it’s water resistant to 80 minutes. It’s hypoallergenic so safe for the most sensitive skin and the light fragrance is made with non-photosensitizing essential oils of Tangerine & Vanilla in a gentle Sunflower Oil base.

This is great for little kiddos!

Badger Aloe Vera Gel

Oh, how I LOVE Badger’s Aloe Vera Gel. It’s the cleanest gel out there – made with 96% pure, organic, fair trade aloe juice. It’s truly as close as you can get to breaking a leaf off an aloe plant. With its amazing moisturizing benefits, it delivers that feeling of instant relief we remember from our childhood days at the beach. Not sticky and NO ADDED SCENT – So good!

This also works so well while massaging your face Gua Sha-style AND I love using it as my conductor gel with my Nu Face device. More on that later. ;)

Okay, now let’s talk face! I’ve got some goodies for you.

KIMBERLY SAYER SUN PRODUCTS

Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer SPF 30

Described as a product for oily or acne-prone skin or anyone that desires a very lightweight SPF for face, Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 is my new favorite for the face. It is SO GOOD. In fact, I don’t know many skin types that wouldn’t love this lotion. This stuff soaks right in yet makes my face feel super hydrated at the same time. The scent is lightly citrus – not overpowering in the least, and it looks great under makeup. No sunscreen cast on the face at all, even in photos!

You know I love both the Hynt Sun Prep SPF and the Honua Malu, but this one has just rounded out my trifecta of face sunscreens. And the price? $33 which is fantastic for the full 4 ounces. I definitely recommned this product to anyone looking for a great facial sunscreen that doesn’t feel greasy or heavy in the slightest yet still feels hydrating on the skin!

Kimberly Sayer Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

This award-winning protective SPF day cream absorbs easily and won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. It’s made with natural and organic ingredients including lemon oil to detox the skin, minimize oil production and help dry up acne. If you have super dry skin, this is the one I would go for.

The formulation contains live organic extracts, anti-oxidants and organic sunscreen to protect against free radical damage and aging. The anti-oxidant Beech Bud Extract helps to repair damaged cells deep within the skin and cold-pressed Borage Oil fortifies cell growth and provides anti-aging benefits. An excellent choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

A GREAT GIFT WITH PURCHASE

All of these products can be bought at The Choosy Chick and they are honoring a great deal for you all. From now until Sunday, May 5th, spend $50 or more at The Choosy Chick and get a free Badger Aloe Vera Gel! Your total can include any brands or products and don’t forget to use the code WHOORL for 10% off your order too! Bomb dot com.

Want more sun protection? Check out Part One of the Summer Means Clean Sunscreen series!

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My Favorite Kitchen Tools and Gadgets

Welcome to the #betterforyoucrew series! I’ve teamed up with my girls Lisa, Suzi, Kate, Kristina, and Caroline to highlight green, yet effective food, beauty and lifestyle products that are rocking our natural mama worlds. This series will publish the last week of every month so check back for the latest. You can also search #betterforyoucrew on our blogs and Instagram to access the entire series. Wanna join in? Tag #betterforyoucrew on social with your picks. We want to see your faves, too!

There are a lot of tools in my kitchen that get plenty of use, but these four are tops in my books!

Big Berkey

My Big Berkey water filter is the one thing I simply could not live without in terms of my kitchen and my family’s health. I started using a Big Berkey two years ago and have never looked back. It serves as our drinking water, our cooking water, and even our puppy drinks water from the Berkey.

Water quality is so vital to your health, and when I found out that my city’s water quality was questionable, I did tons of research on water filtration devices and systems. Berkey was consistently rated the highest so for me, it was a no-brainer.

The Berkey Water Filter is the world’s most effective (and most cost-effective) personal water purification system available. It uses gravity water filtration technology to remove toxic elements, parasites, bacteria and hundreds of other contaminants from water without removing the beneficial minerals, and without the use of any electricity.

I wrote in detail about love for The Big Berkey here, and I would still recommend it to anyone. Tons of my friends have made the switch in the past couple of years and they all love it as well. Once you know exactly what you are drinking, you will wonder what took you so long!

Rice Cooker

We are a rice-eating family. (Dear Paleo, it’s not you, it’s me.) Taco night, red beans and rice, grilled fish bowls…my rice cooker gets a TON of use at dinner time, but before we go any further, I have to ask. Do you like rice? Are you still preparing it on the stovetop? MY FRIENDS, listen to the voice of reason here. Get thee a rice cooker – it makes absolutely perfect, fluffy rice every time without doing anything but measuring the rice, pouring it in the cooker with water, and pressing a button. Seriously, what are you waiting for. #thatsnotaquestion

There are a lot of rice cookers out there, but the reason I love this one by Aroma is that the insert is stainless steel. No Teflon or non-stick surfaces to be found, which is important to me since high temperatures are involved. If stainless steel is an option, I will choose it every time. (And don’t worry about a mess! I just pour a little water into the insert at clean-up and let it sit there for a few minutes before cleaning it out. Easy peasy.)

Large Dutch Oven

At least two times a week I make stews and/or soups and my 5.5 qt Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven is always simmering on the stove. In fact, it’s so dang pretty that even when it’s not in use, it always sits on the stove in plain view. I personally have the Caribbean (aqua blue) color and it’s just lovely.

If you’ve never used Le Creuset before, the enameled cast iron is such a treat to cook on. It heats so evenly and I love being about to saute veggies in the pot before adding in my liquids. So good for braising and slow-roasting too! It is worth every penny.

Electric Milk Frother and Warmer

It’s been about twenty years since I’ve consumed caffeine, so coffee is out of the picture, but I certainly love a caffeine-free tea latte! Well, I leveled up this past year when I purchased this Electric Milk Frother and Warmer and started creating my own. While steeping my tea, I just pour a little bit of this or this in my milk frother, and in less than a minute, I have the frothiest, warmest non-dairy milk in town. I normally use gluten-free Oat Milk but will use Almond Milk in a pinch.

Looking for other kitchen tools and gadgets to add to your arsenal? Be sure to check out these posts as well!

Suzi from Gurl Gone Green’s Favorite Kitchen Tools and Gadgets
Kate from Root & Revel’s Kitchen Essentials
Caroline from Olive You Whole
Lisa from This Organic Girl’s Favorite Kitchen Gadgets
Kristina from Love & Zest

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Odds and Ends

1. What’s your creative type? I loved taking this quiz and my result (The Maker) was SPOT ON.

2. People wearing their inner thoughts on their skin. Incredible project.

3. LEGO creations inspired by classical art pieces.

4. How patriarchy is spoiling America’s next election

5. This lady really didn’t want to pay the baggage fee.

6. Best everyday cotton panties. Can’t believe how inexpensive they are.

7. Loving Aunt Fannies cleaning products for my house. Get 30% off your purchase with code WHOORL.

8. Can you imagine if Instagram photos didn’t have likes?

9. What’s the deal with Daenerys in Game of Thrones this season? Caution: be sure you are caught up with the episodes before reading.

10. Fitglow just released their Spring collection and it’s gorgeous. Today’s the last day to enter my giveaway!

11. Studies show mothers of tweens are more depressed than mothers of babies. Do you agree?

12. Have you tried Counterman for the guy in your life? I’m eyeing the Exfoliating Cleanser.

13. Trump isn’t too happy he has fewer followers than Obama and he’s taking action. #megaeyeroll

Happy Friday! May is just around the corner!

image credit: tracie andrews

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Summer Means Clean Sunscreen: Part One

Welcome to the Summer Means Clean Sunscreen series! As we enter the warmer months, I’ve declared it my duty to keep you up-to-date on all of the best clean, non-toxic sunscreens. Whether they are new releases or old favorites, I will detail them all so you can make an educated decision on which sunscreens to purchase for you and your family!

Today, I want to introduce you to a line that was one of my first clean sunscreen purchases years back and continues to be a favorite, Suntegrity Skincare.

Suntegrity Skincare was created by Tricia Trimble, in memory of her mother who lost her life to skin cancer. After losing her mom to melanoma, Tricia became a big advocate of wearing sunscreen and after several years of research and investigation, decided to develop her own sun care line.

Suntegrity Face and Body SPF 30 products use only the best known physical block ingredient (non-nano size zinc oxide) to provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and super anti-oxidants and amino acids to enhance that protection and help with skin repair. Suntegrity was also awarded “Champion” Status by the Environmental Working Group.

MY FAVORITES

Impeccable Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $55 – I have to say that my favorite of all the Suntegrity products is the newest release called Impeccable Skin. Now, if you are familiar with Suntegrity you might know that they have carried a tinted facial sunscreen for years. This is a great product, but I always wanted a little bit more coverage.

Well, Impeccable Skin is fantastic. It’s like skincare, sunscreen, and makeup all in one. It’s described as medium coverage, although I would call it light-to-medium. It’s really just that perfect amount to buff out the skin and give it a smooth, glowing appearance. Formulated without oils or silicones, this vitamin and peptide-rich technology visibly reduces the signs of aging while non-nano zinc oxide and melanin provide Broad Spectrum SPF 30 and blue light protection to help prevent any future damage.

wearing Impeccable Skin in the shade Buff

I love that this formula contains Vitamin C + E for brightening, as well as Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting hydration. It’s free of Silicones, Oils, Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oils, Synthetic Dyes, Sulfates, Paba, Nano-Particles & Chemical UV Absorbers. It’s Vegan and Reef Friendly too!

swatch of Impeccable Skin in Buff

The best thing for me is that it leaves a nice glow to the skin, but does not look greasy at all. Plus, it’s unscented for those of you who are sensitive to scents.

All in all, I deem this product #1 Overall in Tinted Facial Sunscreen. If you are looking for an all-in-one product (foundation + sunscreen), I highly recommend it!

Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body SPF 30, $36 – This sunscreen for my body has been in my bag for years. It soaks in quickly and leaves my skin feeling hydrated, not greasy. It has a great citrusy, bright scent and never irritates my skin. However, if scents aren’t your thing, it comes in an unscented version too.

Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30, $45 – Finally, this is my recommendation for my dry-skinned gals out there. This SPF 30 Face Sunscreen is a rich, non-greasy, “UV chemical-free” sunscreen that offers Broad Spectrum Protection against damaging UVA & UVB rays. Infused with youth promoting antioxidants, this 3 in 1 Suntegrity Skincare product functions as a face moisturizer, sunscreen and make-up primer all in one. Hyaluronic acid, astaxanthin, red algae, aloe vera, jojoba, sunflower, pomegranate, cucumber, and green tea help rejuvenate, moisturize and hydrate the skin while non-nano size zinc-oxide protects the skin from the damaging UVA and UVB rays, as well as reduces the appearance of redness.

It is super hydrating and would be perfect for ladies looking for more moisture without getting into greasy territory!

GREAT DEAL THIS WEEKEND

Since today is Earth Day, Citrine Natural Beauty Bar is doing the best promotion! Starting today April 19th through April 22nd, for every $100 spent, you will receive a $20 credit towards your next purchase after May 22nd. This can add up quickly, so take advantage of it for sure! Here are a few of my favorite products from Citrine to get you moving in the right direction. Phosphene Highlighter | The Problem Solver Mask | Maya Chia Supercritical Oil | Fitglow Lip Serums | Kosas Lipsticks | Vapour Deodorant | Tata Harper Clarifying Mask | Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

psst – Also, on April 20th Citrine is doing a Tata Harper Gift With Purchase. Spend $200 or more on Tata Harper, and you will get a FULL SIZE 50 ml Hydrating Floral Essence. This can be combined with the Earth Day offer, so you could really get some bang for your buck!

As always, let me know if you have any questions in the comment section!

 

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Odds and Ends

1. Fashionable outfits for working from home. I can relate.

2. Love this new Do Not Disturb iPhone update.

3. How to pretend you aren’t high. Focus, buddy!

4. YES, it’s still expensive BUT IT’S 65% OFF HOW FABULOUS IS THIS BAG. Also, I love this bag by Rag & Bone and it’s 40% off.

5. While we’re on the subject of bags, do people really wear belt bags in this position? COME ON.

6. I think this is how zombies begin.

7. Millennials are the therapy generation. Gen Xers need to get with the program.

8. Newsflash: self-care is not an indulgence, it’s a discipline.

9. In the wake of Notre Dame, millions have been donated to burned Louisiana churches. Love it.

10. If women completed work based on their percentage of wages compared to men.

11. When classical art and graffiti come together.

12. Funny fashion fails. I’m partial to #5, #11, and #13 because of the sense of humor of a 13-year-old boy.

Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend!

image credit: wicked good

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Best Clean Beauty Picks for Spring

Welcome to the #CleanOver40 Series! After MANY conversations about the unique challenges women over 40 experience in terms of beauty and wellness, my good friend Lisa from This Organic Girl and I are teaming up to bring you the most effective clean skincare, makeup, and lifestyle products for those of us fortysomethings. This series will publish the second Monday of every month so be sure to stop by for the latest. You can also search #CleanOver40 on our blogs to access the entire series. Be sure to tag #CleanOver40 on social with your favorite picks as well…we ladies of a certain age need to stick together!

wearing all the products listed below (except the exfoliator, of course)

Although these five products are great for just about anyone, my ladies over 40 will especially love them because they wear so well on the face. No creasing, no streaks…just honest to goodness glow! Here are my five must-haves for Spring.

Leahlani Honey Love Exfoliator – Look out, there’s a new (to me) exfoliator in town. Honey Love is a triple-threat 3-in-1 beauty, taking skin exfoliation to the next level. A potent blend of superfood maqui berry, tonifying hibiscus, anti-inflammatory noni fruit, stimulating clays, sweet Hawaiian nectars and microdermabrasion crystals, it gently yet effectively exfoliates the skin so good. Tone and texture are amazing after a go-round with this. And the scent, you guys? DELICIOUS.

Plus, I’m always a fan of Organic raw honey since it’s naturally antiseptic and antimicrobial, helping to thoroughly cleanse the skin and dissolve bacteria. A little Spring cleaning, if you will.

W3ll People Concealer in Light – I’ve loved this concealer for years. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and never looks patchy or cakey on my undereye area. The shade Light works very well on my light-to-medium complexion, especially in the warmer months. In fact, many days I blend it sparingly around my face and skip foundation all together.

Lily Lolo Bronzer in Honolulu – My favorite pressed bronzer! Honolulu gives me a lovely depth and the shade looks exactly like my skin when tan. Great for contouring as well –  not orange at all which is of the utmost importance. #nocheetoplease

RMS Champagne Rose Luminizer – This highlighter is so natural looking and doesn’t seep into the fine lines around my eyes. It’s the most subtle opalescent sheen on the face with just a hint of rose iridescence. Gorgeous.

Kari Gran Lip Whip in Cora Gold – I think I’ve talked about this shade 1,000 times in the past month, but it is so pretty! I’m not usually one to wear lip products in pots, but the color and texture are so unique, I am literally obsessed.

What products are you loving this Spring? Be sure to check out Lisa’s Spring picks too!

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Decorate To Sell Your Home – Brilliant Decor Or A Disaster?

Odds and Ends

1. If beauty YouTubers existed in 1999. This is THE BEST.

2. The 12 best cookbooks of Spring 2019.

3. Proof that cats are assholes.

4. If Elizabeth Holmes had wedding vows. (Anyone else still baffled by the whole Theranos thing?)

5. The key to decluttering your mind. A journal.

6. Kid coming from PE spends entire math class drenched in sweat. Hahaa, so good.

7. Being a mom to a middle schooler is one tough gig. Can you relate to this?

8. 15% off at Beautycounter right now. Buy this shampoo now and thank me later.

9. Parents of perfectionist children, this is a must-read.

10. The once-a-month lover. Interesting concept.

11. I love how Russell Brand interprets 12 Steps.

12. “Those of us who can buy a little novelty license plate with our name on it, and those of us who are fucked.” Haha, love this.

13. Shopbop sale! You know how I feel about this wondrous occasion! Many of my fave picks are still available.

14. How professional chefs organize their kitchens. This gets me hot. #organizationalporn

15. For my local OKC dwellers, this weather drama will make you chuckle. PREMATURE DECLARATION.

16. If you want to cry some serious tears today, read this.

17. We all know that The Great British Bakeoff is just full of happy happiness. Even off screen…how precious is this?!

18. Clouds in unexpected places.

19. Seriously, what IS Oklahoma’s geographical identity? I don’t even know what to say myself.

20. Okay, this Game of Thrones Oreo sequence is pretty cool. (Who is counting the minutes until next week?!)

21. Being selective about who you keep around is such a huge component of self-care.

22. Holy black hole!! p.s.- a woman is responsible for creating the algorithm to capture that shot. #womeninSTEM

23. I am obsessed with muscle tanks and these are my very favorite. Every color! LOVE.

24. What happens when women stop leading like men. The power of female grace, you all.

25. It took one massacre a month ago in New Zealand to change the gun laws. Come on, America.

26. Exercise makes you happier than money. Do we believe this?

27. Dad makes board game bedding so sick kids don’t get bored. Love.

28. This coffee and creamer gradient chart is taking over the internet.

29. Man, I love Dwayne Wade. A little misty over here.

30. The comments on this made my day. Can. You. Not. OKURRRRR

Happy Friday, y’all! Have a super weekend.

image credit: renee gouin

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My Top 5 Spring Finds

Indigo Linen Dress – I love this dress so much I almost don’t want to share. #selfish However, I’m pretty sure that if an article of clothing features both linen and the color indigo, I’m 100% in. This dress is so easy to wear and I am fully obsessed.

Everlane Anorak – Spring dog walking coming through with this jacket! Super lightweight and perfect for those chilly mornings or evenings. I wear this constantly and bonus, it comes in 4 colors.

Kari Gran Lip Whip in Cora Gold – If you haven’t experienced a Lip Whip by Kari Gran, what are you waiting for? The texture of this lip product is so silky and hydrating and it tastes like peppermint. I think this particular color (a gorgeous pinkish coral) is the best of her 10+ shades. So lovely.

Steven Greece Slides – I just throw these on and go. These slides look great with all of my eleventy billion spring dresses.

Madewell Medium Canvas Tote – I am so in love with this canvas tote, but I haven’t pulled the trigger because I can’t decide on a color. Which one?! (psst – 20% off orders over $100 and 30% off orders over $200 until Monday, April 8th! with code SPEND2SAVE, although the transport totes are excluded. #nofair)

What are your spring must-haves?

 

 

 

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Odds and Ends

1. Hey, I don’t care if people don’t like me, I just need a list of who and why not.

2. Do you think this hat will keep me shaded enough at the pool this summer? This one might be a touch more affordable, methinks.

3. Visas to visit Europe in 2021?

4. Hey! I’m a Contributing Editor for The Bleu. Check out my piece on embracing my grays here.

5. Social media during the teenage years freaks me out.

6. No one is using napkins anymore.

7. Once again, love Patagonia something fierce.

8. Bad diets are responsible for more deaths than smoking. Green is good, folks!

9. With all the dog walking, I’m getting serious about facial sunscreen. Might be hard to beat this one and this one, but I’m trying some other options that are being sent my way.

10. 7 ways to age well in 2019. A round-up of great ideas, if you’re into that kind of thing.

11. Canned wine. I guess I’m not totally against it…

Happy Friday! Spring has sprung and I AM HERE FOR IT.

image credit: ashley seil smith

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My Natural Hair Care Routine

Welcome to the #betterforyoucrew series! I’ve teamed up with my girls Lisa, Suzi, Kate, Kristina, and Caroline to highlight green, yet effective food, beauty and lifestyle products that are rocking our natural mama worlds. This series will publish the last week of every month so check back for the latest. You can also search #betterforyoucrew on our blogs and Instagram to access the entire series. Wanna join in? Tag #betterforyoucrew on social with your picks. We want to see your faves, too!

Finding a natural hair care routine wasn’t quite as easy as replacing my cosmetics and skincare with green alternatives. Being a slave to Oribe for years, I was pretty sure there wasn’t a ghost of a chance I’d be able to get that same hold and shine from natural products. I mean, I all too well remember the days of searching the local natural store’s personal care aisle, grabbing a random product and whispering a prayer to the hair gods. Make this one THE ONE…

I think we all know how 90% of those purchases turned out. Thumbs down, my friends.

However, after years of trial and error, I have found some incredible natural hair products that perform as well (if not even better) than conventional hair products and I’m here to share all of those with you today. And I’m not stopping there – I’m including my favorite styling tools, as well as a step-by-step video explanation of how I style my hair.

Let’s get down to business!

THE BASICS

I wash my hair and style it every 3-4 days. One of the reasons I believe my hair stays so shiny is the fact I don’t wash it or style it with heat tools daily. The way I curl my hair with my clipless curling wand allows the curl to slowly relax over the period of 3-4 days which I really like. I usually deep condition it every week or so, and use styling products minimally. I have my little arsenal of products for different needs, which I will detail for you.

PRODUCT LIST

Andalou Naturals Citrus Shine Shampoo and Conditioner – This is the shampoo and conditioner I use almost all the time. It actually leaves my hair feeling fully clean for several days which is almost unheard of in the green beauty space. (None of that icky nape-of-the-neck greasy feeling on day 2 and 3 PRAISE BE) Now, if you’ve tried a few natural shampoos, you know that many of them just don’t hack it. There have been some that actually made my hair feel greasier than before I washed it! How is that even possible, people?! You won’t have that problem with this shampoo, mark my words. The conditioner is lightweight and gives my normal-type hair just the right amount of hydration. The best part about all of this, though? These products are SO affordable. 8 bucks a pop!

True Botanicals Shampoo and Conditioner ($20 off your first order of $40+ with code WHOORLTRUE20) – As I mentioned, my hair is normal type, but in the cooler, drier months when it gets a bit drier, I use the True Botanicals shampoo. This is what I would definitely recommend for those of you with dry, damaged hair. It’s so lovely and manages to hydrate beautifully yet still leaving your hair fully clean-feeling.

psst – do you have a little one with super tangled hair? This shampoo and conditioner work wonders on fine hair that tends to tangle, whether young or old.

Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner – If my hair is feeling particularly dry or stressed, I will spray this leave-in conditioner after I towel dry my hair. I don’t do this every day – maybe a couple of times a week. Love Innersense products and the scents are too die for. So good!

Mo Mi Styling Jelly – Mo Mi is by far my favorite styling product line as a whole. The Styling Jelly is my most-used product for adding some flexible hold to my hair without making it seem heavy or crunchy and it’s what keeps my waves looking good over the course of a few days. I love this product AND the Mo Mi brand because the products are created in collaboration with Lotus Wei and contain essences of crystals and flowers. The scents are amazing.

Mo Mi Texture Mist – This is my pick-me-up spray of choice. If I feel my hair needs a little something-something, I’ll just mist this into my hair and tousle with my fingers.

Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Treatment – The Reverie line is lovely. I enjoy all aspects of this brand from their packaging to the beautiful blends of essential oils resulting in the best mild, herbal scents. This treatment is great for reducing frizz and smoothing.

Reverie RAKE Styling Balm – If I’m looking to add some texture post-drying and curling, I will run a small amount of this product through the ends of my hair.

Innersense I Create Waves – My hair is naturally wavy and although I rarely let it air-dry, when I do, I spritz this pink Himalayan sea salt spray to enhance my waves.

Rahua Omega 9 Hair Mask – Made completely from plant-derived Amazonian ingredients, this mask deeply penetrates the hair shaft and fortifies my hair. Love the scent of lavender and eucalyptus too – super relaxing.

STYLING TOOLS

L’ange Bijou Set – I purchased this particular set because it includes the hair dryer, flat iron, and the interchangeable clipless curling iron with the 25mm and the 32mm barrel. I’ve been using these tools for years and they are awesome.

L’ange Hairdryer
L’ange 25mm and 32mm Clipless Curling Wand – depending on how loose I want the wave

(BONUS – L’ange is offering my readers the above products for 50% off if you click the above links – discount will automatically be added at checkout. You can get the entire Bijou Set for $250!)

Ceramic Round Brush – I use this large round brush to smooth out my hair while blow-drying – it’s fantastic!

Mixed Boar Styler Brush – This inexpensive brush is the best I’ve found for styling my bangs.

Aquis Hair Turban – I use this every time I get out of the shower with wet hair. It absorbs tons of moisture which makes my blow dry much easier!

VIDEO TUTORIAL

Here’s a video tutorial of how I style my hair step-by-step using the 25mm clipless curling wand. As you will see, I mention some products I didn’t mention above, as I’ve made a few changes. (Oh! I also detail the foolproof way to dry bangs perfectly, even with crazy cowlicks. #trustmeiknow )

25MM WAVES

32MM WAVES – CURRENT STYLE

This photo is of my current length – I recently had many inches chopped off and now prefer to use the 32mm barrel for a more loose, lived-in look.

wearing my favorite red lipstick – looking for your perfect red? I swatch tons here!

That about covers it all! As always, if you have any questions, be sure to leave ’em in the comments and I’ll be more than happy to answer.

Maybe you haven’t gotten your hair fill yet? Check out my gals’ haircare routines here!

• Kate from Root & Revel’s Natural Hair Care Products
• Caroline from Olive You Whole’s Clean Beauty + Safe Hair Care Products That Are EWG Verified
• Lisa from This Organic Girl’s Natural Hair Care Routine
• Kristina from Love & Zest’s Best Natural Hair Products
• Suzi from Gurl Gone Green’s Natural Hair Care Routine

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Odds and Ends

1. People sum up their most inappropriate relationship in 6 words. This is pure gold.

2. Man angry his photo was used to prove all hipsters look alike – and then learns it wasn’t him. Hahaaaa

3. Motley Crue movie? I’m in.

4. Patriarchy chicken. When you refuse to move out of the way of men.

5. Luke Perry’s death hit all of us pretty hard. Why? Because Gen X is starting to die.

6. The letter your teenager can’t write to you. *little weepy over here*

7. How kids are using Google Docs to bully each other. Ugh.

8. Photoshop guy takes requests again! So funny.

9. Looking for the perfect everyday tinted lip balm? LOOK NO FURTHER.

10. The best morning routines by Enneagram type.

11. These teen girls are everything.

12. Claire’s makes me wanna puke, for real. Shut ’em down.

13. What no one tells women about what happens to their bodies after 40. I feel this so hard.

14. You need to teach your kids to fail. Here’s how.

Happy Friday! Hope you have a fabulous weekend.

image credit: realfunwow

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Vapour Runway Minis are Here!

The Vapour Beauty Runway Minis are here, the Vapour Beauty Runway Minis are here! You guys know I love my Vapour Aura Multi-Use Sticks. (Wait, you don’t? Let me get you up to speed here.) If you haven’t tried a Multi-Use Stick before, let me just say, they are the perfect mix of performance and ease. Gorgeous colors in stick form. I mean, come on, is there anything easier to use on your face than a stick, pray tell?

Described as “the essential tool in creating your naturally radiant look, from monochromatic elegance to a fresh pop of color, the Aura Multi-Stick imparts beautifully blendable color for lips, cheeks, and lids.” An Allure Best of Beauty Award winner too! Cruelty-free, suitable for all skin types, calms and balances, non-comedogenic, 70% Organic, made with renewable energy, inner & outer packaging recyclable…shall I continue?

On top of it all, it’s like Vapour came directly to me and asked which of the shades I would want as Runway Minis. These are my 5 favorite shades, for real.

Here’s the thing. Thinking about getting into cream blush? Wanting to try a Multi-Stick, but you’re not sure? GET A MINI. The price is right and there is so much product in these little sticks – at $22 a pop, you just can’t beat it! They also have a cool collection and a warm collection that both come with three minis and an adorable artisan pouch complete with little crystal.

Here I am wearing Courtesan on my cheeks.

And my favorite Spring and Summer shade, Spark.

You will fall in love with these little numbers, no doubt in my mind. Bonus – use the code WHOORL and get 15% off your purchase at Vapour Beauty! As always, leave me any questions you might have in the comments section.

Other Posts You Might Like:

My updated morning skincare routine

The ultimate green beauty cosmetics guide

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Odds and Ends

1. German firefighters attempt to save this pleasantly plump rodent.

2. What Disney princesses would do for careers.

3. The 8 yoga instructor archetypes. Spot on.

4. Wow, the parallels between Neverland and Abducted in Plain Sight are just too much.

5. OMG, The Babysitters Club is back.

6. Ditch your phone and regain your brain. Could you do this?

7. Ohhh, this right here is an excellent article on the intersection of self-help, spirituality, and white privilege.

8. Skipping college for trade school. I’m all about it…true trades(wo)men are a dime a dozen.

9. I want to hang with these dudes.

10. I posted my updated morning skincare routine.

11. They say you either love or hate Gwyneth. I’m indifferent, actually.

12. This brand of bags has really become a favorite. Pricey, but totally classic and shapes that won’t go out of style. Love.

13. This week’s Selfie podcast episode covers our favorite workouts, which may or may not be on DVDs. #oldschool

Happy Friday!

image credit: camilla frances

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Updated Morning Skincare Routine

Whenever I have a product change or addition to my green beauty skincare routine, it’s hard for me to keep quiet. Last week I shared my holy grail night-time product, this week it’s all about my new(ish) most-loved morning one. If you are looking for a hydrating serum that makes your skin totally quenched with hydration, super plump, and gives you a glow that lasts throughout the day, look no further.

Kypris Antioxidant Dew. You guys, why did it take me so long to start using this gorgeous product regularly?! Chock full of encapsulated antioxidants, nurturing amino acids, and an array of soothing botanicals, this lightweight hydrator is a lovely layering piece that makes my skin super plump and ready for makeup.

With 26 active ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Sea Algae Extracts, Waltheria Indica, and DPHP, my skin looks really radiant after applying this serum. And not just right after I apply it…since I’ve been using it daily over the past few months, I’ve noticed that the glow sticks around all day and creates this really nice lit-from-within glow under my makeup. That’s the one thing I notice when I don’t use the Kypris serum daily – my skin just doesn’t look as dewy and healthy. Also keeps my redness at bay which is huge. YUUUGE.

Another thing I love about the serum is the milky, featherweight texture. (You can see it in the vial in the below photo.) It’s so smooth and silky, and the scent is super light and neutral. I love the scent of Kypris products in general – very minimal yet so delicious…almost like the faintest scent of pumpkin or something. I can’t put my finger on it, but I just love it.

Lastly, I appreciate that there are no essential oils in this product. It’s a nice change and I would imagine fantastic for those of you with reactive skin. This serum would be especially beneficial for environmentally stressed, experienced, or imbalanced complexions.

Here’s the full ingredient list.

Water/Aqua, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Xylitylglucoside, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Algae, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Phospholipids, Phragmites Communis (Reed) Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Poria Cocos Extract, Xylitol, Anhydroxylitol, Waltheria Indica Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Calophyllum Inophylum (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Superoxide Dismutase, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mannitol, Dextrin, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Gluconate, Xanthan Gum

So! How am I using it daily? Here’s the routine I’ve followed almost every morning this year.

MY MORNING ROUTINE

1. Cleanse with One Love Organics Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser OR apply the True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask for five minutes and wash off with a warm washcloth. (I do the True Botanicals mask about 3 times a week.)

2. Spritz toner all over face and neck. My holy grail is MUN Anarose, but I am trying out some newer ones and will report back if I find a winner.

3. Apply 1-2 drops of the Kypris Antioxidant Dew all over face and neck while it’s still damp from the toner.

4. Apply 2-3 drops of the Maya Chia Supercritical Chia Oil over face and neck while it’s still slightly damp from the serum.

5. Spot treat any blemishes with Laurel Blemish Treatment. (Perimenopause, why you gotta be so rude with the hormonal acne?!)

I haven’t strayed from this routine this year and my skin is super happy. Previously I was using the Patyka Advanced Plumping Serum in place of the Antioxidant Dew. I still really like the Patyka and recommend it to those who prefer a gel texture over a milky one, but I do believe the Antioxidant Dew gives me more of a glow.

I’ve teamed up with Integrity Botanicals to offer you a sweet little deal if you are interested in trying the Antioxidant Dew. Make any purchase on their website and you will receive a free deluxe sample of the Antioxidant Dew (shown above on the right) with the code SARAHSDEW. Just enter the code in the comments section upon checkout to receive the sample. It’s enough to give it a good week’s try! Offer is good while supplies last. (psst – You can still use a discount code in the discount code field if you have one, but as a rule, Kypris doesn’t discount their products.)

As always, hit me up with any questions you might have in the comments!

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Odds and Ends

1. 5-year-old recreates photos of iconic women every day for Black History Month. So fantastic.

2. The new midlife crisis for women. Lengthy read, but definitely worth it.

3. What’s up with dudes who don’t wear coats in winter?

4. Love these portraits from the Oscars.

5. I am borderline obsessed with Dan Levy. Love Schitt’s Creek so much.

6. Spring Break is approaching – here’s how I packed for a week in London and Paris in a carry-on.

7. I have to say this is the way I’ve eaten most of my life and it works. Creating restrictions for myself usually backfires in the worst way.

8. Dude. People are so up in arms about Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s performance at the Oscars. Bottom line – it’s called acting on an awards show for ACTING.

9. Who misses spooling the cassette tape? I sure do.

10. Speaking of nostalgia, remember AOL dial-up? This dad has the right idea.

11. I absolutely believe in dressing for joy and confidence. Good TED Talk – this really addresses self-esteem at the deepest level.

12. I wrote about green beauty retinol earlier this week and the demand for the product was insane! Thrilled to report that the folks at African Botanics have offered a discount for those of you who might not have seen the info before the original deal sold out. For the next two days, 20% off any purchase with the code WHOORL20 at their website. Enjoy!

Happy Friday! OMG, IT IS MARCH.

image credit: the binding

 

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Green Beauty Retinol (And My #1 Pick!)

Retinol in green beauty…is that a thing? Does a “clean retinol” exist? And if so, does it work? I have been asked these questions so many times and as I’m settling into my mid-forties, I decided I needed to find out for myself. This post has been months and months in the making because I really wanted to get down to the nitty-gritty in terms of retinol products in the green beauty space.

First things first, what is retinol and why should we use it?

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT RETINOL

Retinol is one of those seemingly miracle products that clears up blemishes, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens the complexion.

Retinoids (which is the umbrella term for most topical vitamin A–based drugs) are the most studied anti-aging compounds, as I’m sure you’ve heard of Retin-A, which was the first retinoid. Originally used as an acne treatment in the 70s, researchers soon discovered that it also evened pigmentation, sped up the turnover of superficial skin cells, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

How, you ask? Well, retinoids increase the production of collagen, as well as stimulating the production of new blood vessels in the skin which improves the skin’s overall look. It usually takes about 3 months of regular use to see results, and the best results are usually seen between 6 and 12 months.

There are all different strengths and types of retinoids – prescription formulas usually contain retinoic acid, and nonprescription alternatives (such as retinol) need to be converted into retinoic acid by the skin at the cellular level. Retinol is more gentle than retinoic acid, but it’s important to note that the end results are usually the same…it just takes retinol longer to achieve the same results as retinoic acid. There are also weaker retinoids such as retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, and retinyl linoleate, which are the most gentle.

Bottom line – retinoic acid is the strongest and the most effective at reducing wrinkles, but also the most irritating. Retinol is in the middle – not as strong as retinoic acid, but still improves the appearance of skin and is less irritating in the process.  All can produce a similar result, it just takes the weaker ones longer.

BUT IS RETINOL SAFE?

Good question! We know it increases cell turnover and increases collagen (yay!), but retinoid toxicity could be a possibility. Honestly, it’s still up for discussion. I like to think you’d have to use a LOT O’ RETINOL for that to happen, but that’s just me.

The bigger issue is what’s accompanying retinol in conventional formulations. Parabens, fragrance, petrochemicals, and BHT, to name a few. A 2002 International Journal of Toxicology report linked short-term repeated exposure of BHT to toxic effects in the liver; when applied to skin, BHT has been associated with toxicity in lung tissue. The findings were serious enough that in 2015, General Mills made the decision to remove BHT from their cereals.

Annnd that’s where green beauty comes in!

GREEN BEAUTY RETINOL

The best part! Let’s talk retinol formulations in the green beauty space. Nowhere on these labels will you find BHT or any other nasties.

First, you have products that aren’t retinol per se, but mimic retinol’s activity, such as rosehip seed oil and fermented pumpkin enzymes. Let’s call it an “herbal alternative, ” shall we? Two products in this category that I like are Kypris Moonlight Catalyst and Tata Harper Retinoic Face Oil. These gently refine the skin and are a great start for the rejuvenation enthusiast.

However, if you want to dive right into real retinol, there are some great options as well. Marie Veronique makes a Gentle Retinol Night Serum and a Treatment Retinol Serum that both contain retinol, but at different concentrations. I would say out of all the above options, the Treatment Serum is definitely the strongest, as it was actually a bit too much for my skin.

However, drumroll please, I have found the holy grail of green beauty retinol and it’s the Resurrection Cell Recovery Serum by African Botanics. Oh wow, my friends. I’ve been using this at night for months and I’m completely enamored with the way it’s transformed my skin. Softer, less texture, less redness, less clogged pores…I can’t even express how much I love it.

MY #1 PICK

I found out about the Resurrection Cell Recovery Serum through my Boxwalla box last year. (Which was fantastic because the serum normally costs $160. WHY OH WHYYYY)

I knew very little about the African Botanics brand personally but was excited to give it a shot. Described as an anti-aging serum that lifts, firms, and brightens the complexion, the serum diminishes the damage caused by sun, time, and pollution while protecting the skin with rare ingredients harvested in South Africa. One look at the ingredients and you know that it’s something special. Besides retinol, it contains resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, and plant peptides to smooth lines and wrinkles. I mean, if that isn’t the holy grail of good skin ingredients, I don’t know what is.

Not to mention the Swiss Garden Cress Liposomes and green sea algae which minimizes dark spots by 67% (I can attest to this!), and the anti-inflammatory and calming African Aloe Ferox, Arnica, Gotu Kola, Cucumber and Cape Chamomile extracts.

The sheer, gel-like texture applies so beautifully and doesn’t leave a weird film or stickiness that many gels can. And it doesn’t congest or irritate my sensitive skin in the least which is huge for me. All I can say is that after using it nightly for a few months, my skin visibly looks different. My normal redness and texture around the nose is gone, my lines around my eyes have softened, and I just look brighter overall.

I. Am. Thrilled.

And look at these ingredients! Not a nasty in sight, as it’s formulated without silicones, mineral oils, parabens, allergens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, PEGs and SLSs.

Aqua (Water), Hamamelis Virginia (Witch Hazel) Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Arnica Cordifolia Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Sambucus Nigra (Elder Tree) Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy)* Extract, Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Pellitory)* Extract, Glycerin (Vegetable), Butylene Glycol (Sugarcane), Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract*, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hyaluronic Acid, Phytic Acid, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Linoleic Acid, Sorbitol, Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate (Vitamin C), Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract, Hydrocotyl (Centella Asiatica) Extract, Chamomile Martricaria Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris (Green Algae) Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Lepidium Sativum (Garden Cress) Sprout Extract, Lecithin, Myrothamnus Flabellifolius (Resurrection) Plant Extract, Resveratrol, Retinol (Vitamin A), Citrus Aurantium (Neroli)* Flower Extract, Eriocephalus Punctulatus (Cape Chamomile)* Flower Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula)** Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab)**, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract. *Organic and **Wild-Harvested Ingredients.

This serum now has a permanent spot in my nightly routine between toning and my oil/moisturizer. (Click here for my most recent skincare routine post.) I use about 1 1/2 pumps and apply over my face and neck.

Here’s the real kicker, though! Remember when I said I received this in a Boxwalla box last year? Well, it turns out they have a limited number that they are selling in a one-time box for $69.99. (One-time means you don’t have to commit to a subscription – one and done, baby.) I’m not sure how many they have left, but you simply can’t pass this up if finding a clean retinol is on your to-do list.

The only slightly terrible part? You are probably going to fall in love with it as much as I did, decide you can’t live without it, and then be forced to shell out the cash down the road. (It is so worth it, though!)

You can find the special price on the serum here. And not to be all, “you better hurry,” but YOU BETTER HURRY. (Would it be weird if I bought 4 at a time?)

As always, if you have any questions regarding green beauty retinol, feel free to leave ’em in the comments!

Other posts you might like:

2018 Best in Green Beauty

The Best Organic Masks for Your Skin Type

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The Shopbop Spring Event Is Here

Here ye here ye, my very favorite sale of the year is here! Spring is just around the corner and I always find a few stellar picks for Spring during the Shopbop event. Don’t forget to use the code GOBIG19 for 15% off orders of $200+, 20% off orders of $500+, and 25% off orders of $800+…including sale items! Sale runs until March 2.

Here are some of my favorites!

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