JoaS

I know it's been a minute, and I promise I am posting a ton of recipe ideas next week as promised. But I thought I'd pop in and write up a little something on my absolute favorite products I've been using these last few months. I find I need to use a product regularly and in conjunction with a few other products and in different climate conditions before I'm absolutely convinced it's worthy of the "tried and true" label. So you can trust that the following have been thoroughly vetted. 1. First up is this Hello Activated Charcoal Toothpaste . I posted a photo on Instagram earlier this week, but it deserves a good mention here on the blog. I seriously shuddered at the thought of putting charcoal in my mouth, but I am so happy to report that it tastes better than most toothpastes I've used over the years, with a subtle mint flavor--it's not even as aggressive as many of the popular drugstore brands. Also, it is not gritty. It is dark in color, ...

At the outset of this clean swap journey, I mentioned several of the Avalon products I was loving and using on Instagram and in previous blog posts. Today, I want to update you all on the products I have been using most recently. I have since found products that really work perfectly for my hair type (fine, medium thick, greasy roots, dry ends, but healthy-very lightly processed) and my budget (wooo!). Let's jump in. ACURE Vivacious Volume Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner : I love this stuff. Love it. I get it through Thrive Market  for under $7 each! I've also purchased through Amazon or at Whole Foods, and they now carry it at Target (though it is a limited selection). So it is quite accessible, and even the full retail price is only about ten bucks. I love that this particular brand is very clean, so I've purchased many of their skincare products, too. Publix even carries a handful of their facial products.  I like to add some sort of oil,...

First of all, I'd like to open by saying that I have never enjoyed wearing makeup so much. These new, clean products have made such a difference in the health and look of my skin. Even though I'm wearing less makeup than I have in years past, I feel more confident and think my skin looks better than ever. I'm so excited to share these products I've absolutely fallen in love with! Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular CC Cream : This has become a favorite foundation product. I love the consistency for my dry, sensitive skin, and I feel moisturized without feeling sticky or greasy. That could just be me. I would definitely consult an Ulta employee--or salesperson wherever you are shopping--but for dry or mature skin I think this is a winner. It's a very sheer coverage, buildable, but sheer. I am searching for a fuller coverage foundation for Winter and special occasions, so I will update when I find a great one. NYX Dark Circle Concealer : I was so surprised to lea...

I've always had pretty sensitive skin--in more recent years, very sensitive skin--and have been intentional in purchasing products geared for that and devoid of previously known irritants. Since becoming more knowledgeable and switching to predominantly EWG verified products, I have noticed such a difference in the look, feel, and health of my skin. I have had exactly one, light outbreak of hives that lasted only a couple days and was not nearly as aggressive as I would usually experience during our hot, humid Charleston summers. My skin is healing more quickly, but with less need to do so. It's been great. I will never go back. My main concerns when vetting new products are cancer and developmental toxicity. On top of that, though, products need to be easily accessible and budget friendly. I'm trying to set myself up for success. If I plan to stick with a new routine it needs to be super simple to implement and stick with. If products are too pricey, or too difficult to...

About a month into swapping out our old products for cleaner ones, I thought I'd share some of my finds that just did not measure up, unfortunately, to save someone else the heartache and headache. "Duds" may be too harsh a word, but I like the ring it has. I wanted to like these, and I'd had high hopes, but I just didn't find they delivered the results I desired or required--especially since cleaner products tend to be pricier than the very efficient, chemical-ridden ones. To be clear, most of these were not necessarily entirely ineffective, simply not a good option for me. Fortunately, it is a short list. First up, this Natural Family Co. Sensitive Toothpaste. This was the closest I could find to an EWG verified sensitive toothpaste, and I bought it on Amazon for about $12. That's a lot for a toothpaste, in my opinion. Full disclosure, it worked fine and I did not experience any increase in sensitivity. In fact, I found it was quite effective for ...

I have found a few more items I am pleased to add to the list of products we have switched out for clean options. I found a clean hairspray! I've heard a couple of women on Instagram recently calling for suggestions, as effective and clean hair styling products seem to be among the most difficult to find. I am pleased to announce that Carina Organics appears to have delivered in their Fast Drying Unscented hairspray . My only qualm is that I ordered through the company's website and shipping took a very long time and was not cheap. I will continue to look for an effective, clean hairspray that is easier to access, and I have my eye on the Free & Clear Firm Hold next. The Natural Family Co. Sensitive Toothpaste on Amazon I found a clean,sensitive toothpaste. My teeth/gums are very sensitive and the only toothpaste my dentist has ever recommended to me was the Colgate Sensitive paste. Unfortunately, this product is not clean. I was using Tom's Sen...

So, thanks to @annaliesemeyer on Instagram, I've recently discovered a little thing called the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database by the Environmental Working Group . I've been looking into some of the ingredients used to make products we just toss in the cart at the grocery store without a second thought, even the so called "natural" ones I make sure to buy for my sensitive skin. Needless to say, it's been quite the eye opening experience and a tad alarming to learn what passes for "clean" for many companies. (The irony is that it will probably be cell phone radiation that gets me, but if I can be the slightest bit preventative and intentional in my skincare and personal care choices, perhaps I can stave off some of those cancer concerns). Making the switch from tried and true favorites to new products that are EWG verified (or close*) can be daunting. I imagined it would be--it certainly doesn't happen overnight and it can get pricey if yo...